Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis, Treatment, And Lifestyle

Chronic Kidney Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Lifestyle Recommendations Janelle Giggey Nur6531 Walden University August 2, 2015 Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time (kidney.org, 2015). Renal failure is a complex and challenging health issue that demands the involvement of both specialists and primary care providers (Buttaro, Trybulski, Polgar, Bailey, Sandberg-Cook, 2013). In this paper I will discuss what chronic kidney disease is, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment options there are, as well as how potential patient factors can impact diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease. Diagnosis Chronic kidney disease can start slowly and worsen over time. Patients with a history of diabetes and hypertension are especially susceptible. According to the CDC, approximately 1 of 3 adults with diabetes and 1 of 5 adults with high blood pressure has chronic kidney disease. In addition to diabetes and high blood pressure, other conditions that increase the risk of kidney disease include heart disease, obesity, older age, high cholesterol, and a family history of chronic kidney disease (cdc.gov, 2015). The clinical presentation of CKD is often subtle and can go unnoticed with physical symptoms alone in those with mild CKD. Buttaro et. al., (2013) explains that symptoms are uncommon in those with a GFR above 35%. Once GFR falls below 35%, a variety of metabolic, psychiatric, hematologic,Show MoreRelatedRisk For Developing Kidney Disease1591 Words   |  7 Pagescome to the conclusion that she is at increased risk for developing kidney disease. C.N is a 32 years-old African American female with a current medical diagnosis of Hydronephrosis, UTI, and Left Ureteral Constriction. Unfortunately she also has an extensive family history of kidney disease. Healthy People 2020 points out that genetic determinants have a large influence on the development and progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and that although it is not possible to alter a person’s biologyRead MoreDiabetes Mellitus Type 2 Diabetes1628 Words   |  7 Pagesmellitus type 2, also know as type 2 Diabetes or noninsulin dependent diabetes, is a disease that effects the body systemically. Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which cells become resistant to insulin and can no longer bind it properly to reduce blood sugar. The result of this is elevated glucose levels in the circulating blood that leads to endothelial injury in all regions of the body. Primary damages occur in the kidneys, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. According to â€Å"Annual Number of New CasesRead MoreChronic Kidney Disease : Diabetes And High Blood Pressure938 Words   |  4 Pages1. Disease Description: Chronic Kidney Disease affects more than 10% of adults in the United States, and more than 20 million individuals may have this illness (National Chronic Kidney Disease Fact Sheet, 2014). Moreover, there are 26 million Americans beyond 20 years old with this ailment, which incorporates more than 940,000 adults in Michigan (Kidney Disease, 2105). Notwithstanding this, a combined populace of more than 600 million individuals in developing countries that can’t manage the costRead MoreHypertension : Symptoms And Symptoms Of Hypertension1141 Words   |  5 Pagesadults age 60, who have no chronic kidney disease or diabetes, is a goal blood pressure below 150/90. For all other adults, including those with chronic kidney disease and diabetes, the goal blood pressure is less than 140/90. Hypertension is exceedingly common in the United States and can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and eye disease. Given the importance of this condition, it is critical for patients to recognize its causes, diagnosis, and treatment. By the end of this articleRead MoreInfluence Of Risk Factors1538 Words   |  7 Pageson reducing NCDs. In many countries, the incidence and prevalence of chronic and NCDs has risen and this trend is expected to continue upward. The reason for this increase is the increased risk of these diseases in recent years. Lifestyle changes have increased the prevalence of some important risk factors - such as smoking, lack of physical activity, inappropriate diet, number of people with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, which is a warning sign for increased mortalities andRead MoreType 2 Diabetes : A Growing Epidemic1775 Words   |  8 Pagestypes of chronic diseases can have major tolls on individuals and their families. According to Merriam Webster, chronic is described as â€Å"Continuing or occurring again and again for a long time†. For many Americans chronic and acute diseases are a reality. As stated by Medicine.net, an acute disease is â€Å"Of abrupt onset, about a disease. Acute often also connotes an illness that is of short duration, rapidly progressive, and in need of urgent care.† Chronic disease is defined as â€Å"A disease that persistsRead MoreA Brief Note On Diabetes And Diabetes Mellitus1428 Words   |  6 Pages 1. Problems, Issues or Disease Progress of Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus refers to a chronic human health condition characterized by prolonged high sugar level in the blood. A group of metabolic disorders like, seizures, lethargy, and jaundice among others, which occur when chemical reactions abnormally alter the normalcy of the body’s metabolic processes, causes this condition. Diabetes occurs mainly because of two issues; due to inadequate production of insulin by the pancreas, and dueRead MoreMaine Nephrology Associates, An 11 Physician Specialty Practice Essay1937 Words   |  8 PagesI am pleased to share with you my mock strategic plan for Maine Nephrology Associates, an 11 physician specialty practice that specializes in the treatment of kidney disease and hypertension. With contributions from the National Kidney Foundation, patients, providers and staff, Maine Nephrology was given the opportunity to influence the direction of the practice over the next several years. This strategic plan represents a true consensus of the stakeholders of Maine Nephrology Associates. In theRead MoreSymptoms and Treatment of Diabetes: A Case Study1674 Words   |  7 Pagesaffects glucose tolerance through the bodys inability to use its insulin or lack thereof. Diabetes affects the body in other ways. It damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, eyes, or nervous s ystem. (Jacoby, Youngson, Marshall Cavendish Corporation.,  2005, p.  116) Damage in the vessels of the kidneys leads to kidney failure. Damage in the vessels of the nervous system lead to poor circulation and eventually, black appendages. Black appendages have little to no blood flow and must be amputatedRead MoreThe Problem Of Chronic Kidney Disease1490 Words   |  6 Pagesthe onslaught of chronic diseases that accompany the aging process. To combat this impending health care shift, health care is being transformed from the traditional hospital setting to more community based and long term, health care treatments/solutions. One of these diseases that plague older adults and impose a burden for the health care system is chronic kidney failure. Headley (2014), explains that chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves a progressive, irreversible loss of kidney function (p. 1107)

A Career in Dentistry Essay - 920 Words

A career in Dentistry is my main goal in life. I want to pursue a career in Dentistry for many reasons. Being a Dentist, you get to aid people and make them feel better about themselves. I have the personal qualities to be a Dentist and know that I would be great at the job. I would look forward to going to work every day. Dentistry contains many tools and oral practices that I am not familiar with. It would be awesome to get to be familiar with the lifestyle of a Dentist. Someday, I might even be able to live their lifestyle. Focusing in school is the main priority for all jobs. Dentistry also involves a diverse (longer) college route than most. This means that the academic requirements to be a Dentist are quite time consuming, but the†¦show more content†¦Dentistry involves a variety of guidelines and oral practices to help people maintain a good oral hygiene. This career is far more than just making your teeth pretty and clean. â€Å"Dentists in private practice manage t heir own offices. They may supervise other workers such as receptionists, bookkeepers, dental assistants, and dental hygienists. They may order equipment and supplies† (Dentists). This quote shows that Dentists have even more responsibilities than you might assume. Being a Dentist consists of practices you probably aren’t very familiar with at this point in your life. These quotes show a couple different practices that are used in this career. â€Å"Endodontists perform root-canal therapy, by which they remove the nerves and blood supply from injured or infected teeth† (Dentistry). â€Å"Oral and maxillofacial radiologists diagnose diseases in the head and neck through the use of imaging technologies† (Dentistry). â€Å"Dentists may fit dental appliances or provide preventive care† (America’s). All of this might sound quite challenging and stressful. To overcome the stress that comes with being a Dentist, you will have to be patient. Determin ation is also a great key to success. If you are patient, responsible, and determined while working as a Dentist, you will be very successful. Although the academic requirements to be a Dentist might seemShow MoreRelatedDentistry Career Paper : Dentistry1412 Words   |  6 PagesSeptember 2015 Dentistry Career Paper Dentistry is an ever-growing field in medicine that is very well paid and respected. It has nine specialties that can vary from one another in similar yet distinct ways. The general duties of a dentist usually consist of diagnosing and treating problems with teeth, filling cavities, removing decay, teaching patients the importance of oral health, and even administrative duties because they are usually the heads of their businesses. I chose this career field becauseRead MoreCareer in Dentistry1754 Words   |  8 PagesA Career in Dentistry Children are often sweet and adorable, but many times they may be eating too many sweets. According to the Channel Four News, it has been shown that the number one disease in children is the recurrence of caries, also known as cavities. Could it be too many sweets or could it be the lack of flossing and brushing teeth? For instance, many children go to bed or wake up without brushing their teeth and go throughout the day eating all sorts of food and candy. The result ofRead More Career in Dentistry Essay1728 Words   |  7 Pages A Career in Dentistry nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Children are often sweet and adorable, but many times they may be eating too many sweets. According to the Channel Four News, it has been shown that the number one disease in children is the reoccurrence of caries, also known as cavities. Could it be too many sweets or could it be the lack of flossing and brushing teeth? For instance, many children go to bed or wake up without brushing their teeth and go throughout the day eating all sorts of foodRead MoreDentistry : The Career I ve Chosen Is General Dentistry1672 Words   |  7 PagesDentistry The career I’ve chosen is General Dentistry. I’m interested in this career because I’d like to have my own practice, this is so I can be my own boss. I also am very interested with human anatomy and the skeletal system. Some things I’m going to cover about General Dentistry are the following: tools and things used by dentists, career requirements and qualifications, working conditions, salary, typical days, my interests in this career, and a personal interview. Tools and Things used byRead MoreEssay about A Career in Dentistry1775 Words   |  8 Pagesdentists were questioned about their decision to enter the medical field, one stated, â€Å"Dentistry has been a part of my family for many generations my father was a dentist his father was a dentist and now I can proudly say that I’m a dentist above all else I love helping and educating the general public.† (Fasbinder) The other responded, â€Å" Out of all the branches of medicine I could have entered, I chose dentistry for one reason: the patients, I love entering my practice daily and seeing new and oldRead MoreI Choose Dentistry as My Career724 Words   |  3 PagesIt all began when I was in high school and I still remember the day, which changed my life and gave me an opportunity to think about a career I would choose. During the days off from school, it was my routine to help my dad at his work and that day wasn’t any different except that incident which played an important role in my decision to choose dentistry as my career. As I was on my way to work I saw a wood carver working on a block of wood. As I approached him I was astonished to see that he wasRead MorePursuing Dentistry As A Prospective Career Field1329 Words   |  6 PagesMy initial desire in pursuing dentistry as a prospective career field began at the end of my orthodontic appointment for braces at the age of 12. As a young child, my front teeth were significantly crooked and large. I was bullied and made fun of everyday from the third grade up until my seventh grade year of school. My peers at school would call me all kinds of names like â€Å"Buck Tooth Becky,† â€Å"Scissor Mouth,† â€Å"Walrus Girl,† and many others. I can remember having a group of guys throw sticks at meRead MoreDentistry Is Not Just A Career Or A College Degree902 Words   |  4 Pages Dentistry is not just a career or a college degree to me, it’s the choice I have made in order to fulfill my passion. Since my childhood, I have been pass ionate and motivated to help the people in need. I believe that my feeling of helping others was mainly inspired by my parents who sway my enthusiasm; they were the driving force for me to become a dentist. I was raised in â€Å"upper Egypt† which is the poorest region in the country. I remember my childhood very clearly, it was a habit of mine to spendRead More Dentist Career Essay690 Words   |  3 PagesDentist Career Dentistry is a career in healthcare that works in the mouth. Dentists are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat various problems associated with teeth and mouth tissue. It is the job of the dentist to be fully aware of different types of dental problems and be able to recognize those problems through analyzing x-rays, as well as visual variation between individual mouths. The primary focus of dental care is to teach prevention to its patients of how to prevent gum disease, toothRead MoreMentoring Newly Qualified Dentists1801 Words   |  7 Pagesmajor and best ways of giving back to dentistry. The need for mentoring in this practice is necessitated by several factors including the dramatic increase in the size of the applicant pool over the past decade, which has contributed to significant challenges in the admissions process. Actually, the line of newly qualified dentists and desiring dentists has continued to grow and become quite long. Through mentoring, newly qualified profess ionals in dentistry receive timely help that result in success

My Mission of Peace Essay Example For Students

My Mission of Peace Essay The bags were packed, rooms were locked and the cab was waiting out, we were just about to leave, I rushed to room unlocked it, had my special box out, mean while I was in the surveillance of my brother Arjun. â€Å"What is in it? † he demanded. â€Å"Nothing as such, but a few refreshments for the journey†. â€Å"Boys where are you? † it was a call from my mom. Then we left after a petition for a peaceful journey. There was no room even for an apple to fall, in the ‘New Delhi’ station. The ‘Mumbai Express’ was twenty five minutes before time. We had 28, 29, 30 and 31 sleepers reserved for us in ‘Tatkaal Quota’. I rushed to my upper berth with the refreshment box, overwhelming with excitement and enthusiasm. Arjun bought some best sellers from the station. It was somewhere after the Jaipur station that I saw a crowd of protesting youth, that made me brood over the ‘BIG DAY’ of my life, twenty sixth of October 2009. The reign of religious leaders had dug their roots deep in the society from almost a year ago. There were many of them, different for every community. Komal baba for Hindus, Molana Azad for Muslims, Hari ji for Jains . Collectively I called them ‘Baba Brigands’, the devils, the demons, used to promote discrimination, disintegration, among public. Instilling poison and removing sweetness of relations in society. They all had the same philosophy ‘I am the messenger of God, the holy saint, I am here to enlighten you, you have lost your track, you’re here to serve the creator. It’s now or never, you need to wake up before it gets late, purify your souls, separate from rest and worship your master, my lord is lamenting at the fat headedness of his devotees. Be grateful to him, he is the one made you, so it is your duty to serve him, I am a messenger, I can guide the route but you are the one who need to follow it. ’ India was cracked into pieces and harmony was lost in society. I studied in a Convent school, being a Sikh boy I was ignored, my 150 horsepower speed was in vain, when I was not selected for the district level race. My dad was under much worse circumstances. Depressed, and upset I lost all my hope. 25 hours a day I used to sit against the idiot box watch movies, serials, and what not. Then I realsised the power of youth, I could no longer hold my horses anymore, it was high time for a revolt. A revolt for life, a revolt for us, a revolt for India. Then I got a silver box lying on my bed I opened it, it had a device, well I think, I will keep this secret from the world till last breath. But it was the thing I required, it supported me every time. Then I needed public support. I started from school assemblies to formal associations. It was the power of youth that ‘I’, rather ‘we’, could get the ‘Baba Brigands’ behind the bars, on twenty sixth. Even today they have their followers, but there are many enlightened today. We are still on a mission of national peace â€Å"Karn, Karn, look we have reached Mumbai, are you prepared for your speech† asked Arjun. â€Å"Of course† I replied. I kept something out of the refreshment box to my pocket. We had a room in ‘Oasis Palace’ then we had a taxi to ‘Andheri Auditorium’. There I had to deliver a speech on the occasion of Third National Peace Meeting. I started â€Å"Good morning, today I am here to catch your attention to national peace. Have you ever wondered what is a religion, it is a means to connect to god, to differentiate between the good and the bad. Each has their own rules and customs, but same philosophy- god is one and he is happy when all are happy, he doesn’t care for the customs he cares for the deeds. I find a religions to be very similar like mobile network companies, each of them has its own call rates, schemes, but same work. We have travelled metres but miles are more, we have attained temporary peace with regulations of laws, but for permanent peace, we need mind alleviation. .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 , .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 .postImageUrl , .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 , .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408:hover , .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408:visited , .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408:active { border:0!important; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408:active , .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408 .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u020be78723961a217e94ffb758202408:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: A Good Man Is Hard To Find EssayHave you ever wondered- why to fight just for religion? We all are born humans no one is born with this ideology, it is the society that teaches one to discriminate, I guess we need to forget our lessons and start with a chapter of equality and elation. I wish my India becomes a prototype of a packet of gems, all chocolates different in colour, but equal and untied, in the packet. Before all try to be human. The core of each chocolate is same, the same way all of us are humans. Follow humanism and spread peace, tranquility, equality and harmony. Raise your voice against unjust society.

Subculture Greasers free essay sample

Greasers originated in the early sasss increasingly popular toward the sasss. They originated in the young northeaster and southern united states street gangs and changed rapidly unto other type of individuals. Initially it arose from working class families that didnt have access to the greatest educational resources. They existed before gangs were dependent on violence and drugs. The greasers of the sass took their name from the Greaser Act which was a law created in California against Mexicans to protect Californians from Mexicans who were unarmed, but not peaceful or diet people.The name Greaser was given to the Mexicans that greased carts, in the mid-18005; this job was one Of the worst jobs that anyone could have, which made the name Greaser one of utmost disrespect. They adopted the name greased also from the greased back hairstyle they have which they associated with the idea of rebellion. We will write a custom essay sample on Subculture: Greasers or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Many believe that this rebellious attitude came from the fact that the sass was a time of suppressed libido (sexual desire or drive) , due to the recovery from the war (world war 2).A lot of stars also have a direct effects as icons in many greaser roofs on the subculture such as Elvis with his pompadour hair and attitude. The term greaser also reappeared in later decades as part of a revival of sass popular culture. Values: Greased slick back hair, usually combed back with wax, gel, creams, tonics, or other hair products. They take a lot of care for their hair and most carry combs. Fast pimped out cars/motorcycles with vinyl such as flames Rock Music such as Rock n roll,Rockabilly and Do-hop Tattoos (optional) Loyal to their friends Dancing was also important to greasers as they enjoyed it.Dance at the time was mostly swing based but some changes. Dance was often viewed as a form of rebellion. Some teens sought out African American sources for new steps. Theyd ask black classmates at school and dances (Hairspray). Behavior: Norms: When walking give a thumbs up instead of waving Act cool and tough in public bad boy act Grease your hair Like sports Know about cars TO stand out as different rather than submitting themselves to societies idea of correct ethical behavior They dislike hanging out with people outside their circle Mores: Rebellion to an extent A leather jacket Always help people out in need Slicked back hairLanguage: Boss-Great Radioactive- very popular Dig- to understand Razz my berries- excite or impress me Cruising for a bruising- Looking for trouble Backseat bingo- necking in a car Flap Jaw- a person who talks a lot Physical/Material: The guys outfit consists of: White or Black t-shirt with either a leather jacket or a Levi denim jacket; sometimes sleeves are rolled up to store cigarettes in them. Straight leg and cuffed Levi jeans, pockets often have bandannas hanging out of the wallet chains. Motorcycle boots, converse chuck Taylor, black leather boots often with exposed white socks.Aviator shades, tattoos, and cigarettes. The womens outfits consists of: T-shirts Jeans that went over their boots Bandannas Mascara Lots of black eyeliner in a cats eye. Neck scarves Boyfriends jackets,etc. The men typically walk in the confident manner with head held high and chests puffed out to appear tough. Material: Possessions that important to this subculture are pimped out cars/bikes, and the leather jackets that are worn. Mainstream Biases/Stereotypes: Reckless Dumb or uneducated They are poor Dangerous Rebellious juveniles Seen as often involved in criminal activityNeglected and misunderstood youths unique Challenges: Challenges greasers might face are getting jobs because they are seen as rebellious and reckless employers may think twice before hiring them. Another challenge they could face is being accepted by other peers and parents.

Writing Essays - Molecular Behavior, Everyday Joes, Corn Flakes

Writing Essays - Molecular Behavior, Everyday Joes, Corn Flakes Writing My writing is like a Christmas present from your grandmother: it?s a guaranteed surprise. No matter what I write, no matter what the topic, time or place, I?m never sure how something is going to turn out. Now, just because it?s a surprise doesn?t mean that it isn?t good. And, just because it?s a surprise doesn?t mean it isn?t an accident either. Weren?t Corn Flakes and Penicillin discovered by accident? All I?m trying to say is that every piece of my writing is an adventure: an unusual collection of thoughts and ideas thrown together, forming an interesting, original, yet sometimes unfocused opinion. Writing has not always been an enjoyable activity for me. Through my education, I?ve been taught to write for a specific group, not to a specific group. Recently, however, I?ve been lucky enough to have teachers who let me write for myself, not anyone else. With this newly found freedom, writing has become a way to express what I feel, not how I should or could feel. I use these opportunities to raise an eyebrow, instead of just completing an assignment. Now that we got the legal mumbo jumbo out of the way, we can get started. If you can?t already tell, I like to write with flare. I could write the world?s most detailed and thorough book on the molecular behavior of a Tetrachloride isotope. But, if I don?t catch a reader, don?t inspire a reader, or make a reader beg for more, all I have is a cheap door stop or welcome mat. Life?s too short to do boring things. You have to step out of your comfort zone, take chances, say the things you really want to say, do what you have to do. It makes for a pure, original masterpiece, which anyone can enjoy. Just be yourself. Let?s face it. Who in our society are we most fascinated by? Regular, everyday Joes or Janes? No way. Freaks, weirdoes, individuals, basketball players with colored hairthese are the people that receive all the attention. And why? Because they are truly themselves, not the zombies or clones that so many of us are. Right or wrong, they scream out ?I AM ME!? Think of it this way: if all we had on this planet were followers and conformists and ?normal people,? would there still be the Michael Jordans, Einsteins, Martin Luther Kings and Mother Theresas? Absolutely not. No person becomes successful by being ?normal? or ordinary. Now, I?m not saying if you write for yourself and be different that you will be famous and recognized and go down in the history books as a famous something. But it sure is a nice start. I love the idea of freedom in writing. Not just freedom of topics, but freedom of ideas, expression, and philosophies. Writing shouldn?t be constricted or narrow minded. It needs to be universal. Writing, whether public or personal, is incredibly difficult. No matter who the audience, topic or author, there will always be a critic. It?s a given in this world. Not only in writing or literature, but in every facet of life. You can?t make everybody happy. Know this, accept this, use this to your advantage. Write for yourself, and only yourself. Then, you will be pleased. Because, aren?t you the most important critic of all?

Useful Stock Phrases for Your Business Emails

Useful Stock Phrases for Your Business Emails Useful Stock Phrases for Your Business Emails Useful Stock Phrases for Your Business Emails By Ali Hale When I wrote a post on email etiquette, one reader, Juan, left a comment to ask for some advice (I’ve changed his punctuation a bit for clarity’s sake): I just discovered your page and I love it. Please teach me before we sign off the mail with â€Å"warm regards† etc ,we also always using some phrasal sentences such as â€Å"please look into this matter† or â€Å"thank you in advance†, â€Å"I would be very appreciate on your help in this matter†, etc. Could you please write some more like those in different contents of mails? What Juan’s describing here are stock phrases. If you write a lot of emails, you’ll often find yourself facing the same sorts of situations again and again, and you’ll often see stock phrases used in business emails to convey a professional, helpful and friendly tone. I agree with Juan that it can definitely help to have some ready-crafted sentences on hand for including in your emails – either just keeping them in mind, or creating a document on your computer to hold them ready for copy-and-pasting. The trick is to make them heart-felt rather than copied-and-pasted. There are a few phrases which I see constantly in emails from huge technical support firms, government offices and similar organisations: used carelessly, they can feel distancing or insincere. I’ve listed some options below for different types of email situations, such as: When you’re initiating email contact with someone new When you’ve answered someone’s question When you’re asking the recipient to take some action When you need a response (but not necessarily any action taking) When you’ve heard nothing back and want to chase up a reply Unless your boss is particularly uptight, why not try going with the more informal ones? I work in a small technical support team who have a great reputation for being friendly, helpful and accessible – in part, because we use everyday language and remember that we’re writing to people, not just trying to knock another email out of the queue. Here’s some examples you might want to use, or modify, for your own email messages †¦ feel free to bookmark the page, or print it out for easy reference. When you’re initiating email contact with someone new Very formal â€Å"Might I take a moment of your time† (to begin the email) â€Å"Please may I introduce myself† (to begin the email) â€Å"Many thanks again for your time.† (to end the email) More informal/friendly â€Å"Im just emailing to ask† (to begin the email) â€Å"Im a friend of Bobs† (to begin the email) â€Å"Just let me know if you have any questions.† (to end the email) â€Å"Drop me an email, or give me a ring, if you want any more information.† (to end the email) When youve answered someones question(s) Very formal â€Å"I trust the above resolves your queries. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.† More informal/friendly â€Å"I know thats a lot to take in, so let me know if anything Ive said doesnt make sense.† â€Å"Hope the above helps, but email again if youre still having any difficulties.† When you’re asking the recipient to take some action Very formal â€Å"I would appreciate your help in this matter.† More informal/friendly â€Å"Could you look into this?† â€Å"Would you mind checking it out for me?† â€Å"Thanks in advance.† â€Å"Can you get back to me once youve had a chance to investigate?† â€Å"Id love to hear your advice on this one.† When you need a response (but not necessarily any action taking) Very formal â€Å"I await a response at your earliest convenience.† More informal/friendly â€Å"Can you drop me a quick word so I know youve received this?† â€Å"Look forward to hearing from you.† When you’ve heard nothing back and want to chase up a reply Very formal â€Å"In reference to my email of June 20th †¦Ã¢â‚¬  More informal/friendly â€Å"Just wondered if you got my email (June 20th)?† â€Å"When you get a moment, could you drop me a line about my last email?† Do you have any favourite stock phrases that you use in your work emails? Add yours in the comments! Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Business Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Program vs. Programme"Confused With" and "Confused About"Comment, Suggestion, and Feedback

Private Equity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Private Equity - Essay Example This process normally involves substantial borrowings and is therefore described as Leveraged buyouts (LBO). Another term which is normally used is â€Å"taken private† which relates to a buyout of a public company and in the process removing it from the stock exchange listing, and therefore transforming it into a private firm (Fraser-Sampson, 2007). Public companies are normally taken private because they have the potential of providing substantial cash flows to investors as the shares are currently undervalued on the stock market. The managers see the potential of â€Å"significantly boosting the firm’s value under private ownership† (Brigham and Ehrhardt 2005, p. 664). This means that companies taken private have the potential of enriching not only the managers who take part in the buyout but the public shareholders who are often offered prices higher than the going market price to sell their shares. Sometimes these shareholders resist but in the end they have to sell their shares because the buyers have enough of the company’s shares to sufficiently influence the takeover of the public company. A large number of public companies have been taken private over the years. A list of some of these companies is provided in Appendix 1 and 2. This list is by no means exhaustive but gives an indication as to the level of activities taking place as it relates to these types of transactions. Arguments for and against public to private transactions A number of arguments have been levelled against public to private transactions. However, there have also been several arguments in its favour. According to Becky (2002, Private vs. Public †¦) â€Å"†¦ in the 1980s a lot of public companies were taken private through a process called a leveraged buyout. That trend may have benefited the entire economy by making the companies a good deal more efficient.† Arguments against public to private transactions Opponents to public companies being taken over by private equity have levelled a number of criticisms against these types of transactions. They believe that some of these private equity managers actually buy public companies, reduce employees, strip the companies of assets and then sell them in secondary buy-out deals. Some also indicate that they are allowed to set off interest payments against income and in the process paying less tax. According to Wiley (2007, p.79) â€Å"some countries are pursuing tougher and tighter ‘thin equity’ tax rules under which it can be difficult to make loan interest fully deductible.† Adding value by increasing earnings multiple Some of the opponents of these types of transactions have indicated that there are many ways the managers of public companies could add value to the company instead of allowing them to go private. These include taking out loans instead of issuing more shares which would be favourable to shareholders as they would see their earnings per share increase. These companies would also pay less tax because the interest on these loans is tax deductible. Increasing the cash flow of the Company Cash flow can be improved through proper management of public companies. There is normally unpredictability in the levels of cash flow in public companies that have been taken private and which therefore need to make regular interest payments. Debt added to private company These purchases normally take place with the use of large amounts of debt, referred to as leveraged

Market monopoly and Oilygopoly market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Market monopoly and Oilygopoly market - Essay Example In market monopoly the producer is in a state to bargin with government and the customers. He can set his own arbitrary policies and everyone is bound to follow as there is no other option In market monopoly the producer spends very minimum amount on marketing and advertising In market monopoly the producer makes enough profit which can be further invested for the betterment of the company Disadvantages of Market monopoly Since the producer can set price according to his own wish as there is no competition, this can be harmful for the customers, they tend to pay high prices Exploitation of labor can take place in market monopoly In certain cases absence of competition leads to inefficiency and the company doesn’t progress much. There is not much variety available for the customers No substitutes available Oilygopoly market: Oligopoly is a common market form. In Oilygopoly market there are more than two producers who are manufacturing the same product with very less difference. There is cut throat competition in the market. Characteristics of Oilygopoly market Because there are more than two producers of the same product and there is cut throat competition, each producer keep notice of what other is doing. They are likely to aware of each other’s actions and that’s how they set their policies and market strategies for example, Company A launched a new advertisement campaign to promote their product. Now even Company B and Company C will launch some new market strategy or advertisement campaign to ensure that their sells don’t drop because of company’s a new advertisement campaign. The decision of one producer... Micro economics deal with individuals and how they earn their livelihood whereas macroeconomics deals with aggregate issues or the economy as a whole. Macroeconomics consists of concepts that can be applied to the entire world. according to Economic Glossary â€Å"Macroeconomics is derived from (from "macro(o)-" meaning "large" + "economics") is a branch of economics dealing with the performance, structure, behavior, and decision-making of the entire economy. This includes a national or global economy". In economics a financial market is a place which allows buying and selling activities, there are many manufacturers and consumers available in the market. There are many products available for the same type hence that raises competition in the market. There are different types of competition and different types of markets available in an economic sense. Let us discuss the different market structures in detail market monopoly: The word â€Å"monopoly† means one or â€Å"the only†. The monopolistic market is when there is only one producer and there is no one else who manufactures the same product. A market monopoly exists when the single firm/company is the only supplier or producer of a certain product. The monopolistic market is when there is only one producer and there is no one else who manufactures the same product whereas in Oligopoly market there are more than two producers who are manufacturing the same product with very less difference. In market monopoly the producer has the divine power and market share, he can set his own arbitrary policies.

Basketball and football Essay Example for Free

Basketball and football Essay In countries throughout the United States, most people enjoy high scoring sports with a great deal of physical contact. In my opinion, both Basketball and American Football are the two most popular sports here that fall under that category. In which as fans we can all appreciate and participate with our own friends and family members. Furthermore, not only can we watch these games at home, but we can be play them back at as well as a healthy alternative. There are a variety of differences and similarities between these two sports. Basketball and American Football can be broken down into three parts that will enable you to know visualize the major points: players, equipment and game style. First of all, there are noticeable differences between these two sports that hold different qualification for each player. In basketball it is necessary for players to use their lower body quickness in order to run down back and forth the basketball court as quickly as possible. In contrast, football players are required to use their upper body strength so that there able to make and take some hard hits during the game as a method of defense against the other team. Also both of these sports hold different physical qualities that are required in order to play the game efficiently. For example, basketball players who play the center position on average weigh roughly around 265 pounds with the physical stature being strong and a bigger player who can clog up the basket area. While in football, the wide receiver position is held by a player averaging in at 200 pounds. They too are built with a strong physique yet can run down the field rapidly as needed. Secondly, both of these sports have different equipment needs. As we know both basketball and football use different kind of balls. Basketball is played with orange shaped ball, as were in football they use a prolate spheroid shape ball. In addition, they both use completely different shoe gear. Seeing that basketball is played indoor on a wooden floor it requires players to use sneakers that come up a bit higher in order to protect the ankles. The sneakers are also designed differently as they are meant to allow them to have a good bounce in them, since that too is an important factor in basketball. On the other hand, football players use cleats since they play outdoors in the grass. They need have a good and secure grip on the ground beneath them in order for effective and optimum playing. The safety gear that both sports’ wear differ as well, in order to better protect and suit their needs. In both sports, they wear mouth guards. But in American Football, they also use helmets and shoulder pads. Finally, it comes down to the differing style of play. Basketball and football have decidedly different styles of play based on the rules. Basketball is viewed as a non-contact sport, in which by the rules that if any physical contact is made by a player it is a violation, resulting in a personal foul. Conversely, football is well known for its physical contact playing style. Knowingly that every play within the game will consist of some sort of tackling, aggressive play and head on collisions. Also basketball is more of a high scoring game than football. Simply because in basketball teams are given 2 or 3 points (depending where you’re shooting from) each time they make the ball in the basket. In contrast, football teams are only granted 6 points for a touchdown and 3 points for a kicked field goal, much more difficult than basketball because of the physical playing style. In conclusion, although their game styles are completely different, both receive numerous amounts truly dedicated fans. Not only just for the love of the sport, but toward particular teams as well as players in the league and coaches. In addition, their equipment provides protection that benefits each player. This protective gear prevents them from most devastating hits that may otherwise end their career with a nasty injury. Athletic players are seen in the eyes of each fan, whether in the stands or back at home, as role models and encouragement to engage in sports. Let face it, every fan wishes to live the life of an athletic player and be able to play its sport under the spotlight that is viewed by millions.

Writing an Admissions Essay :: College Admissions Essays

Writing an Admissions Essay The process of writing—and writing admissions essays in particular—invites a consciously-constructed performance of the self. What I mean by this is that a text—any text—inevitably conveys some persona; and when that text is known as an autobiography or representation of the self, the persona of the text is under even more scrutiny. Andy Warhol, with whom we could never be sure of where the performance ended and where the self started, once said, â€Å"When I did my self-portrait, I left all the pimples out because you always should. . . . Always omit the blemishes—they’re not part of the good picture you want.† * This statement has relevance for any act of self-representation, including admissions essays. Because the essay is an acknowledged representation of the self, the student tries to omit â€Å"blemishes† or whatever material she thinks will make her unattractive to the school. She consciously tries to frame her essay so that it will project the particular kind of persona she thinks the admissions officers want to see. However much they tell you, â€Å"Just be yourself,† that’s hardly possible when so much rides on how that self is presented. Even more challenging than the decision of how to frame this self-portrait is the anxiety-producing task of choosing a topic. For example, in a recent New York Times article, a student lamented the fact that no one had died in her family thus leaving her without anything moving to write about. Admissions essays are an unusual and peculiar exercise, one in which we know the student performs. But the school is performing, too. The University, in particular, is known for its quirky and surprising essay questions. This quirkiness itself is a performance of a kind that seeks to attract a certain type of student, perhaps the creative or quirky.

Edgar Germain Hilaire Degas’ “Waiting”

Among the most interesting work of modern art on display in the J. Paul Getty Museum is Edgar Germain Hilaire Degas’ â€Å"Waiting,† a pastel painting done around 1882. In this work, Degas captures the picture of a young ballerina and an older woman sitting on a bench, apparently waiting for something to happen or someone to arrive. The painting is a study of the sharp contrast between youth and old age, which is illustrated in the play of colors, light, and shadows that the painter carefully preserved in his work.The young ballerina is painted in soft colors of gold, blue, and cream which reflect the light while the older woman is garbed in black. In the same manner, the younger subject is painted to suggest motion, energy and restlessness; here she is massaging her feet, apparently waiting for a performance to begin. The woman, on the other hand, is immobile, devoid of light movement and comes across to be waiting for the action to end so she can rest.Degas’ â €Å"Waiting† is displayed in a small dark room located on the left side of the museum entrance. Exhibited along with it are German painter Joseph Vivien’s â€Å"Portrait of a Man† and Swiss painter Jean-Étienne Liotard’s â€Å"Maria Frederike van Reede-Athlone at Seven.† The darkness of the room brings out the sharp contrast in colors and the use of light in the pastels. Likewise, its small size is clearly meant to convey a sense of intimacy wherein the viewer feels a sense of privilege at catching a glimpse of so personal a thing as an individual’s portrait.The arrangement of the paintings depicts the various influences of artists according to their respective periods. In particular, the works show the progression of portraiture and the use of pastel as a medium since Vivien’s â€Å"Portrait of a Man† in 1725 to Degas’ â€Å"Waiting† a century and a half later. It is clear that Degas’ work is a huge de parture from the conventional concept of painting people’s portraits. Vivien’s portrait is carefully composed according to the artistic conventions of balance and color; its subject is self-consciously positioned at the center of the canvass, capturing the face, and his figure appears to come out of the shadows.Vivien’s colors are austere and sombre, which reflects the prevailing style at that time. Liotard’s â€Å"Maria Frederike van Reede-Athlone,† on the other hand, reflects a subtle change in the painter’s pallet from Vivien’s dark, muted colors to bold, albeit cold tones. However, the same rule is applied regarding the subject’s position. Hence, Degas’ â€Å"Waiting† stands out in sharp contrast to the two paintings.First, he clearly circumvents the prevailing concept of portraiture by showing two subjects who assume positions that are not usually accepted in portraiture: the young girl is shown massaging her feet, which makes her face unseen by the audience, while the woman’s face is half-covered by her hat. Degas also draws his subjects from a very different angle and perspective; he is obviously not as interested in showing their facial countenances as in showing their characters through body language. He also abandons the dark tones in favor of bold, bright, and warm colors to create dramatic contrasts in his work.â€Å"Waiting† illustrates Degas’ affinity with the impressionist movement, although he apparently abhorred being called one because of major ideological rifts with prominent impressionist painters. He particularly criticized his self-confessed impressionist contemporaries for their practice of painting in â€Å"plein-air† as he believed that it was tantamount to copying which interfered with the artist’s imagination. (Smith 58) Nevertheless, Degas’ work clearly shares the same impressionist characteristics as shown in his style an d choice of events and people of everyday life as subjects.Like the works of most impressionist painters such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Berthe Morisot, Jean Frederic Bazille, and Camille Pissarro, Degas’ â€Å"Waiting† reflected the belief that â€Å"art should relate to the real world and reflect modern life† as opposed to painting religious and mythological figures that was traditionally favored by connosieurs of high art. (Snider) Its choice of subject, a ballerina and her companion in the process of waiting, captures an aspect of modern French life. Its style undoubtedly mirrors the impressionists’ fascination with capturing light in the most realistic manner, and its colors also carry the impressionist preference for warm, vibrant tones that suggest movement and life.Although Degas’ works and his obsession with the figures of women, particularly dancers, in his paintings have often invited varied int erpretation from art critics and academicians, it is clear that his middle-class background and upbringing has tremendous influence in shaping his choice of subjects. (Theodore 145) Reff Theodore infers that Degas’ passion for painting movement arose from his early exposure to the ballet which was â€Å"a familiar part of the contemporary scene† in nineteenth century Paris. (145)The impact of Degas’ background is also seen in his being â€Å"deeply concerned with truth for its own sake, in probing life beneath the crust of good manners† (Nicolson 172) in his depiction of Parisian modern life. In â€Å"Waiting,† Degas honestly portrays the differences between his subjects, in effect making a statement about the sad truth that the young ballerina, with all her vibrancy and beauty, will soon pass into the life of her companion, drained and weary of the world.It is suggested that Degas’ and other impressionists’ ideas were largely influen ced by the rapid technological and social developments of their time. Indeed, impressionism drew much of its ideas from innovations, techniques, and concepts in photography. (Snider) Clearly, Degas and his contemporaries were so impressed by the ability of photographs to capture the exact effect of light on its subjects that they sought to recreate this ability in their paintings. Other painters, like Monet, even tried to copy the photographic effects of varying shutter speeds in his work. (Snider)Degas’ background as an artist produced and molded by extraordinary and tumultous changes in his time that was brought about by the rapid industrialization of France and all of Europe, his pastel work â€Å"Waiting† could be displayed in another gallery together with Claude Monet’s â€Å"Gare Saint-Lazare,† a painting which shows the Saint-Lazare train station. This painting would give a contemporary audience an idea of â€Å"Waiting’s† background as the train is a ubiquitous symbol of the industrial revolution which gripped not only the economic but also cultural life of Europe in Degas’ time. Hence, Monet’s work sets the mood for Degas’ curious study of youth and old age in the age of modernity, where everything passes quickly.Other works that could be exhibited alongside Degas’ â€Å"Waiting† is Auguste Renoir’s painting â€Å"The Dance at the Moulin Delagalette† and Degas’ own work â€Å"The Millinery Shop† which shows the social activities of the French middle class and the activities of working-class women, respectively. The two paintings would also highlight the contrast that Degas sought to portray in his subjects, wherein Renoir’s middle-class subjects, painted as they socialize in a party, is compared with a lone woman while making hats that are ostensibly worn by those who can afford it. Likewise, Andy Warhol’s â€Å"Campbell Soup Cansâ⠂¬  would also be a fitting touch to the gallery as it signifies the advent of mass production. Although Warhol’s work is at odds with the impressionist theme of Degas’ work, it nevertheless echoes the â€Å"ordinariness† and repetitive pattern of modern life that Degas captures in his painting.Works Cited:Nicolson, Benedict. â€Å"Degas’ Monotypes.† The Burlington Magazine 100.662 (May 1958):172-175Reff, Theodore. â€Å"Edgar Degas and the Dance.† Arts Magazine 53.3(November 1978):145-149.Smith, George E. â€Å"James, Degas, and the Modern View.† NOVEL: A Forum on Fiction 21.1 (Autumn 1987): 56-72Snider, Lindsay. â€Å"A Lasting Impression: French Painters Revolutionize the Art World.† The History Teacher, 25.1(November 2001). 5 May 2008. http://historycooperative.org/

Cognitive Approach to Psychology

Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology Shane Galvin Class: 061/AT Applied Psychology Teacher: Carol Neenan Title: Psychological Perspective Word count: 3121 The Cognitive Approach to Psychology Contents Page 1 – Contents Page 2 – Introduction Page 3 – History Page 4 – Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science Page 6- Research methods i) iii) v) Reaction time Studies Eye Tracking Studies Psychophysics ii) iv) vi) Priming Studies Lateralisation Studies Single-Cell Studies Page 8 – Memory Storage and Models Page 10 – Therapeutic Applications Page 11 – Evaluation Page 12 – Bibliography Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology The Cognitive Approach to Psychology What is Cognitive Psychology? Literally, ‘Cognition’ means knowing, but in the greater framework of Psychology, Cognition is thinking, perceiving information, understanding, construction and presentation of an answer to a question. Essentially, cognition is a ter m for the use of our mental processes. â€Å"Cognitive Psychology is the study of higher mental processes such as attention, language use, memory, perception, problem solving, and thinking. † (Gerrig & Zimbardo. 2002) Cognitive Psychology uses scientific methods and scrutiny to develop a deeper understanding of the human mind, rather than the brain, a methodology perhaps adapted from Behaviourism, in which modern Cognitive Psychology holds its roots. Yet, unlike behaviourism, which only focuses on observable behaviour, Cognitive Psychology is also concerned with internal mental states. 2 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology History In 1932, Behaviourist Edward Tolman published his book â€Å"Purposive Behaviour in Animals and Men† In his works Tolman studied rats in a maze, in which food was placed at the end of the maze.In the initial phase of a test, the rat would not be hungry while first entering the maze; this would allow the rat to learn where the food would be and to associate a certain location with the prospect of food. Of course, being armed with such a primal survival instinct would influence the rat to learn and adapt quickly. The rat would move in the general direction of the food as opposed to a specific pathway and Tolman observed that the rats were able to use untrained routes towards the food.This meant that rats had an ability to learn, beyond mere survival instinct and presented a problem for radical behaviourism. Whether Tolman knew it or not, both he and his rats were laying down the groundwork for modern cognitive psychology. Tolman theorized that the animal had developed an image of its environment that it later used as a reference when finding its food. This is called a â€Å"Cognitive Map† i. e. , the rats showed use of their cognitive map by reaching a goal (food) from a number of different starting points.The rats had no instinctive information of the maze and no stimuli that would condition it to have knowledg e of the maze, in other words; the rats learned about their environment and stored the information. This helped to establish some basis for memory storage, learned behaviour and analytical methodology for Cognitive Psychology and would help Psychologists prepare for the â€Å"Cognitive Revolution† of the 1950’s where Cognitive Psychology and its principle areas of research begin to become defined. 3 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied PsychologyThe Term â€Å"Cognitive Psychology† came into use in 1967 in the book Cognitive Psychology by Neisser. â€Å"†¦ the term cognition refers to all processes by which the sensory input is transformed , reduced, elaborated, stored, recovered and used†¦ it is apparent that cognition is involved in everything a human being might possibly do; that every psychological phenomena is a cognitive phenomena† (Neisser, 1967) Perhaps it was the invention of the computer that gave Cognitive Psychology the most credibility.For t he first time in history, mankind had something to which it could compare with the human brain or mind, and gave the cognitive approach its terminology. By being able to study a simpler artificial construct, psychologists now had the opportunity to learn more about cognitive processes. â€Å"Cognitive psychology focuses on the way humans process information, looking at how we treat information that comes in to the person (what behaviorists would call stimuli), and how this treatment leads to responses. In other words, they are interested in the variables that mediate between stimulus/input and response/output. (McLeod, 2007) Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science Part of the effect that the cognitive revolution had on its approach is the amalgamation of techniques and ideology’s from other distinct areas of research and study such as linguistics, computer science, developmental psychology and cognitive psychology. It seems as though it is a reaction to the ‘stimulu s-response’ methodology and mode of interpretation espoused by behavioural scientists. Noam Chomsky theorised that the brain had a centre for language acquisition that went beyond what could be explained by behavioural psychology.Jean Piaget had laid out stages of cognitive development that children go through which again could not be explained within the framework of Behaviourism. Computer scientists provided a new way of comparably examining the brain by using computer processing as a method to conceptualise brain processing. â€Å"These scientists maintained their own distinct methodologies†¦ but they held together and remained united in their interest in cognition and in their goal to bring the scientific study of these processes to light. This scientific collective became known as cognitive science† (Solso, et al. 2008) In modern times cognitive science relies on computer science, philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics and anthropology. Cognitive s cience is heavily influenced by computer science; in computer modelling it is possible to construct and test cognitive models, in the form of artificial intelligence (AI) which has leaked into popular use in the form of interactive technology such as video gaming. 4 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology But it is of particular benefit to psychologists because they can test certain, although limited, cognitive models and theories based on computer models.Cognitive Psychology uses a combination of techniques adapted from other areas of research in order to research its own theories, thus we have an intrinsic relationship between cognitive psychology and other methodologies as illustrated in Gardner’s Hexagon. The diverse range of methodologies in the cognitive approach allows researchers and clinical psychologists to approach problems, issues and hypotheses from a multitude of different backgrounds and allow a wider range of scrutiny to verify their findings in keeping with sc ientific inquiry.Ultimately this allows the cognitive scientist/psychologist to create models of predictive capability that are reproducible which, in Psychology, allows for a greater understanding of the human mind and its mechanisms. 5 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology Research Method’s The research methods of cognitive psychology observe and record how we take in information from the physical world, the response time of reactions and how we process this information to perceive it. â€Å"The method’s of cognitive psychology stem from those used by early German researchers studying memory, association and processes.These tools became a mainstay of experimental psychology. As cognitive psychology began to form and become interdisciplinary, methods from other research fields were borrowed and modified for use in the study of cognitive processes. Research methods are the tools by which we come to know and understand, as well as test ideas and develop new ones. â₠¬  (Solso, et al. , 2008) i) Reaction Time Studies: Reaction time studies are used to study cognitive processes and seem to be a defining methodology in the cognitive approach.An example is Donder’s complication studies, in which a subject’s response speed to a white light being turned on was recorded and compared to a yellow light being turned on. Researchers believed early on that the time difference between the two responses could have been attributed to additional processing that it took to differentiate the yellow from the white light. â€Å"Reaction time studies fundamentally rely on the assumption that cognitive activity takes time and that one stage is completed before the other starts. † (Solso, et al. , 2008) ii) Priming studies:Priming studies have been used by psychologists for quite some time. With the invention of computer technology, specifically brain imaging technology, priming studies are becoming more popular. â€Å"In priming studies a stim ulus is briefly presented (a prime) and then, after a delay, a second stimulus is presented and a participant is asked to make some judgement regarding the second stimulus, such as, â€Å"Is the second stimulus the ‘same’ as the first? † (Solso, et al. , 2008) There are two types of priming effects. The Semantic priming Effect and the Object priming effect.The Semantic priming effect is that by activating one item, the acceptability of the second item is enhanced. The Object priming effect is typically in two stages. The first stage is the presentation of an object. This is followed by an interval that may be as short as a millisecond or as long as several months. In the second stage an object similar to the first object is presented, it could be changed, degraded or rotated etc. The participants’ accuracy in remembering the first object is then measured and sometimes the reaction time is measured as well. Tulving & Schacter, 1990) 6 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Ap plied Psychology iii) Eye-Tracking studies: A large portion of the brain is used for interpreting and processing visual sensory information. Researchers have developed techniques to track the movement of eyes in order to determine where a person’s eye is fixed which in particular helps to study people reading, what sentence they are looking at and where they look next. Eye-tracking studies have helped researchers to discover that people who have dyslexia have different eye movements to people who do not have dyslexia. v) Lateralisation Studies Lateralisation studies developed from the idea that the two sides of the brain are responsible for different cognitive functions, in an effort to localise functions within the brain, Broca and Wernicke’s area’s ( centres that are responsible for speech and language) are located on one side of the brain, the left side, this implies that the brain has localised area’s for different functions, these studies were partic ularly important in the area of memory study and studies of amnesiac patients, through the methodology used in lateralisation studies, i. e. riming type tests, and brain imaging we know that the hippocampus is responsible for memory, although there are two hippocampi. There are also more invasive techniques used in lateralisation studies using patients with extreme epilepsy undergoing preventative surgery whereby the corpus collosum, the fibre’s which connect the hemispheres of the brain, are cut. v) Psychophysics Psychophysics is the scientific study of the relationship between stimuli and the sensations and perceptions evoked by these stimuli. (Solso, et al. , 2008) Psychophysicists are interested in perceptual thresholds.For example in Weber’s study of perceptual threshold’s he tested a person’s ability to detect weight. If a person was holding a weighted object, how much weight could be added before the person could detect and perceive the difference in weight. vi) Single-cell Studies Single-cell studies are typically conducted in animals as opposed to humans because of their invasive nature. Hubel & Wiesel, who were awarded a Nobel Prize for their 1959 research, mapped the visual cortex of cats. This research involved the opening of the skull of the subject.They had theorised that because single cells communicate with each other via electrical impulses then it would be possible to probe these single cells with a an extremely fine meter to measure the amount of electrical activity in a cell without damaging it, thereby allowing them to evaluate perceptual experience at a cellular level. Hubel & Wiesel basically restrained a cat , opened its skull, probed it’s brain and then showed the cat 7 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology moving images and kept probing until they could record the level of cellular electrical activity.This gave us an insight into how we visual perceive the world and the physical action that takes pl ace in the brain. (Solso, et al. , 2008) Memory, Storage and Models Cognitive Psychology is viewed as a pure science, its accepted theories on memory, for example, are based on laboratory experiments with demonstrable results as well as solid work in case studies. For example the Multi store Model (MSM) by Atkinson & Shiffrin (1968, 1971) cited by (McLeod, 2007) attempted to explain how information is transferred from Short Term Memory to Long Term Memory.This model views sensory memory, STM and LTM as â€Å"permanent structural components† and suggests that memory is made up of a series of stores. MSM likens memory as information flowing through a system. Information is detected by the sense organs and enters the sensory memory. If attended to this information enters the short term memory. Information from the STM is transferred to the long-term memory only if that information is rehearsed. If rehearsal does not occur, then information is forgotten, lost from short term memo ry through the processes of displacement or decay. McLeod, 2007) This model has influenced the study and research of memory and is supported and informed by studies of retrograde and anterograde amnesia. The Working Model of Memory (Baddely & Hitch, 1974), shows that short term memory is more than one store and consists of different components. Similarly, in long term memory different kinds of memory such as addition/subtraction, how to play chess or what we did yesterday are not stored in one ‘hard-drive’ type long term memory store. There are different types of memory, episodic (memory of events), procedural (memory of how to do 8 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology hings) and semantic (general knowledge). This model of memory espouses that rehearsal is the process whereby by we transfer information into Long term memory but that it is not necessary to rehearse in some cases. . We know, now, that the part of the brain that deals with memory is the hippocampus; it i s part of the limbic system and deals with short term memory and long term memory, as well as spatial functions, the hippocampus is shown in this diagram. As we can see, there are hippocampi; there is a hippocampus in both sides of the brain. The hippocampus is part of the cerebral cortex and is located in the medial temporal lobe.Damage to the hippocampus can result in a person being unable to store new memories and is quite devastating to a person’s quality of life. In the case of Clive Wearing, based on Baddely, 1990; Blakemore 1988 as cited in (Gross, 2010), who suffered from anterograde amnesia, we can see the effects of damage to the hippocampus, in this case caused by a rare brain infection caused by the cold sore virus (Herpes Simplex). Mr. Wearing lives almost as if he is frozen in time, constantly believing he has just woken from years of unconscious sleep. He retains developed skills, for example he was the chorus master of the London Sinfonietta.Unfortunately for Mr. Wearing his ability to recall memories from earlier in his life is extremely patchy, at best. Atkinson and Schiffrin regard the kind of memory Deficits displayed by Clive Wearing as ‘perhaps the single most convincing demonstration of a dichotomy in the memory system’ (Gross, 2010) 9 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology Therapeutic Applications Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is based on how our thoughts, feelings and behaviour all interact with each other; our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviour.CBT helps the client to develop alternate ways of thinking and behaving in order to reduce psychological distress. Through reflective processes and tasks such as homework, the client’s maladaptive thought process and behaviour is challenged. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a blanket term for different therapeutic interventions that share similar characteristics. Two therapies which form the basis of CBT are Rational Emot ive Behaviour Therapy, developed by Albert Ellis in the 1950s, and Cognitive Therapy, developed by Aaron T.Beck in the 1960’s. Beck puts forward the argument that our emotional reactions are essentially a function of how we construe the world. â€Å"Depressed people see themselves as victims, and Beck sees them as victims of their own illogical self-judgements. Beck’s central idea is that depressed individuals feel as they do because their thinking is dominated by negative schemas. † (Gross, 2010) Beck essentially implies that we interpret our reality by using our cognitive processes and our perception.If our perceptions are skewed because our cognitive processes are maladaptive or our methods of reasoning are incorrect then our emotions and behaviour become distorted from reality. In order to correct emotional or psychological disturbances then we must seek to examine the root of the problem, viewing this through the lens of cognition means that we must correct our thought process in order to correct the symptomatic behavioural and emotional disorder. Beck uses method’s to treat a disorder depending on the disorder that the client suffers from. He stresses the importance of the quality of the relationship between the client and therapist.Beck also places particular emphasis on the client discovering misconceptions for themselves. (McLeod, 2008) Albert Ellis’ Rational Emotional Behavioural Therapy is quite contrasting to Becks method. Ellis Proposes that the therapist should be a teacher and that a warm personal relationship is unnecessary. REBT can also be highly directive, persuasive and confrontational. REBT also uses different methods of approach to a client’s issue depending on the client’s personality. Human cognition can be held responsible for the individual’s successes and accomplishments, according to CBT cognition can also be held responsible for our problems. You are responsible for the outcom e of the situation’ It emphasises control over one’s behaviour and emotions through correcting thought processes. The nature of Cognitive 10 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology Psychology/Science allow cognitive theories to be tested in a variety of situations, for example Rimm & Litvak’s 1969 (McLeod, 2008) study shows that When experimental subjects are manipulated into adopting unpleasant assumptions or thought they became more anxious and depressed.Moreover, many people with diagnosed psychological disorders such as anxiety and sexual disorders have been found to display maladaptive thoughts and assumptions, making a case for the effectiveness of CBT. Aaron Beck’s work in researching depression and order disorders in clinical as well as laboratory settings and testing memory and other cognitive functions, and in particular his outcome studies have shown that CBT can be highly effective. CBT is also used in the treatment of drug abuse, bipolar disor der and in patients with cancer, HIV, OCD, PTSD and schizophrenia.It has also been theoretically applied in the treatment of psychopathy. Evaluation/Personal Learning Upon examining the field of Cognitive Psychology, I have learned that cognitive Psychology is adaptive. It evolves with the times and incorporates new technologies, but also has a serious grounding in scientific methodology in order to correctly examine and understand the human mind. Cognitive Psychology is informed by the greater umbrella that is cognitive science. For example it uses information from computer science and neuroscience in order to better understand the cognitive processes that exist in the human brain.Given that the ‘mind’ is not a physical entity; this style of scientific inquiry may be the best approach in understanding it. There is a good scientific framework underlying Cognitive psychology which then allows the Psychologist to move forward and deal with issues presented by the mind. As we can see in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the therapist approaches the abstract nature of the mind by focusing on the underlying mental hierarchy. That being, Cognition, Emotion, Behaviour, in order to treat symptomatic issues, the therapist using this approach must deal with the thought processes that create these symptoms.The most important lesson that I have learned is that, while the mind is an abstract construct and is quite difficult to quantify, quantifiable information about physical constructs such as the brain and general human biology and chemistry and its influences informs the understanding of the human mind. 11 Shane Galvin-061 AT-Applied Psychology Bibliography Baddely, A. & Hitch, G. , 1974. Working Memory. In: G. Bower, ed. The Psychology of Learning and Motivation: Advances in Research and Theory. New York: Academic Press, pp. 47-89.Gerrig, R. J. & Zimbardo. , &. P. G. , 2002. Glossary. [Online] Available at: http://www. apa. org/research/action/glossary. aspx [Accessed 14 November 2012]. Gross, R. , 2010. Psychology The Science of Mind and Behaviour. 6th ed. London: HodderArnold. McLeod, S. , 2007. Atkinson and Shiffrin | Multi Store Model of Memory.. [Online] Available at: http://www. simplypsychology. org/multi-store. html [Accessed 16 November 2012]. McLeod, S. , 2007. http://www. simplypsychology. org/cognitive. html. [Online] Available at: fromhttp://www. implypsychology. org/cognitive-therapy. html [Accessed 10 November 2012]. McLeod, S. , 2008. Simply Psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. [Online] Available at: http://www. simplypsychology. org/cognitive-therapy. html [Accessed 12 November 2012]. Neisser, U. , 1967. Cognitive Psychology. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. Solso, R. L. , Maclin, O. H. & Maclin, M. K. , 2008. Cognitive Psychology. 8th ed. Boston: Pearson. Tulving, E. & Schacter, D. L. , 1990. Priming and Human Memory Systems. Science, Volume 247, pp. 301-306. 12

The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline - Questions

'The Orphan Train' by Christina Baker Kline - Questions The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline moves back and forth between two stories that of a young orphan girl in the early twentieth century and that of a teenager in the modern-day foster care system. As such, book clubs that read this book have the opportunity to discuss American history, foster care issues or the relationships between characters in this particular novel. Choose among these discussion questions as you decide which threads are most interesting for your group to discuss more deeply. Spoiler Warning: Some of these questions reveal details from the end of the novel. Finish the book before reading on. Questions AboutThe Orphan Train The prolog gives away many of the details of Vivians life, such as when her parents died and the fact that her true love would die when she was 23. Did you remember these details as you read the novel? Do you think the prolog adds something important to the story?In many ways, the main story in this book is Vivians; however, the novels opening and closing chapters are in Spring Harbor in 2011 and contain Mollys story. Why do you think the author chose to frame the novel with Mollys experience?Were you more connected to one thread of the story the past or present, Vivians or Mollys? Do you think moving back and forth between time and the two stories added something to the novel that would have been missing if it was one linear story? Or do you think it detracted from the main narrative?Had you heard of the orphan trains before reading this novel? Do you think there were benefits to the system? What were the downsides that the novel highlighted?Compare and contrast Vivians experiences with Mollys. What are some ways that the current foster care system still needs to improve? Do you think any system could deal with the hole provided when a child loses his or her parents (either through death or neglect)? Molly and Vivian each held on to a necklace linking them to their cultural heritage even though their early experiences within those cultures were not entirely positive. Discuss why you think heritage is (or is not) important to personal identity.Does molly complete a portage project for school answering the questions, What did you choose to bring with you to the next place? What did you leave behind? What insights did you gain about whats important? (131). Take some time as a group to share your own experiences moving and how you would answer these questions personally.Did you think Vivian and Mollys relationship was believable?Why do you think Vivian chose to give up her baby? Vivian says of herself, I was a coward. I was selfish and afraid (251). Do you think thats true?Why do you think Vivian eventually takes Molly up on her offer to help her reconnect with her daughter? Do you think that learning the truth about Maisie had an impact on her decision?Why do you think Vivians story helps Molly experience more peace and closure with her own? Rate The Orphan Train on a scale of 1 to 5. The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline was published in April 2013Publisher: William Morrow288 Pages

Using the Different Forms of Pronouns

Using the Different Forms of Pronouns One of the basic parts of speech, a pronoun ​takes the place of a noun, often serving as a subject or an object in a sentence. Personal pronouns are important devices for making our writing both concise and coherent. A pronoun can be effective if we use an appropriate form (or case). Otherwise, it may distract or puzzle the reader. There are three common pronoun forms: subject pronouns, object pronouns, and possessive pronouns. We should try to be careful not to confuse one pronoun form with another. Subject Pronouns (Subjective Case) Subject pronouns are used as subjects of sentences and of subordinate clauses. The subject pronouns are italicized in the sentences below. I live for the summer. You remind me of a gray day in winter. He (or She or It) is heading for a fall. We are ready to spring into action. They never last longer than a season. Object Pronouns (Objective Case) Object pronouns are used as objects of verbs or of prepositions. The object pronouns are italicized in the sentences below. The sun never shines on me.Someday a planet will be named after you.Mona gave him (or her or it) a gold ribbon.She showed us the ring around the moon.The Coast Guard rescued them at dawn. Possessive Pronouns (Possessive Case) Possessive pronouns show who or what owns something. The possessive pronouns are italicized in the sentences below. My old guitar is in the pawn shop, but the drum set is still mine.* Your song was hard to understand, but I still enjoyed yours more than anyone elses. His (or Her or Its) music is too sweet, so we played hers (or his) instead. Our music may be old fashioned, but its still ours.The Simpsons left their children in the garage, but the McGraths took theirs home. Notice that you dont use an apostrophe with a possessive pronoun.  * Some grammarians make a distinction between possessive determiners (such as my in My old guitar) and possessive pronouns (such as mine in the drum set is still mine. Practice in Using Correct Pronoun Forms These exercises will give you practice in using the different forms of pronouns clearly and correctly: Using the Different Forms of Pronouns: Practice Exercise 1Pronoun Exercise: Recasting a Paragraph With Pronouns

Analysis of the Case Filed against Birth Choices, Inc Study

Analysis of the Filed against Birth Choices, Inc - Case Study Example While it is true that the First Amendment provides freedom for everyone to speak up what they feel or what they deem is right, the freedom of speech is not absolute. Freedom of speech will not clothe anyone, or any group, who, in a public place will use language or words that are likely to cause a â€Å"breach of the peace.† These include statements that contain profane, libelous, defamatory, lewd, profane, or insulting word that is most likely to provoke violent reactions at their very utterance.  In this case, the acts of the members of Christian for Life in yelling out â€Å"Murderers!† and of splashing ketchup to the members of the Birth Choices, Inc., are defamatory and tends to invite a violent reaction by the latter group. Thus, the speech and the act were not a healthy exercise of freedom of speech and are not protected under the First Amendment. Being the facts, the motion to dismiss should be denied and the case should be set for trial. The issue is whether or not the corporate logo of the Birth Choices, Inc. hung on the entrance of the city center is obscene and should be taken down. The US Supreme Court defined in numerous decided cases an obscene material as those that deal with sex in a manner appealing to prurient interest. It further defines material appealing to prurient interest as â€Å"material having a tendency to excite lustful thoughts,† and defined prurient interest as a â€Å"shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, or excretion. It further stressed that only â€Å"hardcore† materials are not protected under the First Amendment. â€Å"Hardcore† materials include those â€Å"patently offensive representations or descriptions of ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated.†Ã‚   In this case, since the contested logo is in the form of a silhouette, it cannot be considered as a hardcore material. There is no patent representation of a sexual act between a man and a woman sin ce a silhouette can be interpreted in many ways.

The Muslim and Hebrew Holy Books Show That These Religions Have More Essay

The Muslim and Hebrew Holy Books Show That These Religions Have More in Commom than in Discord - Essay Example But, when we come to study and analyze these two religions from their very roots and basics, we realize that these two religions have more things in common than any other religions. comparing these two religions with each other and then with the other religions of the world, more similarities have been found in between these two religions than in any other religions of world. To start with the most basic and important thing, the followers of both these religions believe in ONE GOD. Both the religions have rejected the existence of more than one God and have advised their followers to worship the one and only true God who is the creator of this whole universe. The Islam and Judaism are supposed to guide their followers towards a life which is full of harmony, peace and divinity. Both these religions share much in common when it comes living everyday life. Islam and Judaism guide their followers towards prosperity. When it comes towards laws, the followers of both the religions tend to live their lives according to the laws handed down by their God and stick to the way of life defined by their religions. Both the Islamic and Hebrew laws (Shria’ and Halakhah) guide their followers in living everyday life, in family matter, in their personal behavior towards others and in their jobs. Both these religions tend to guide their followers more in following what is ordered by the God than following personal attitude and what the world has to say. The followers of both Islam and Judaism live their lives as defined by the God and the messengers sent by the God: Muhammad and Abraham. (Rosen 2003) Islam and Judaism both have stressed on a day of judgment when one will have to answer about all the things he did in his life. He will be rewarded for what he did good and will be punished for his sins. The idea of the life here after and the rewards in it are praised by both the religions. if we look into the Holy books of these religions i.e. The Quran and The Torah, we f ind many similarities, not only in the messages sent down by the God but also in the instances that have been described in these Holy books narrating the history of God’s Messengers and their lives. For example the instance of Abraham and His Wife Sarah about Sarah being too old to have a child are narrated almost similarly in both the books. â€Å"Abraham and Sarah were very old, and Sarah had stopped having her monthly periods. So Sarah laughed to herself. Then the Lord asked Abraham, Why Sarah laughed and said, 'Can I really have a child when I am so old?' Is anything too hard for the Lord?† (The Torah) The same instance is described in The Quran like this: â€Å"And his wife (Sarah) was standing by; she laughed, therefore We gave her the glad tidings of Isaac, and after Isaac, of Jacob. She said, 'Woe is me! Shall I bear, being an old woman? This assuredly is a strange thing.’ They said, 'What, dost thou marvel at God's command? The mercy of God and His ble ssings be upon you, O people of the House! Sure He is All-laudable, All-glorious.’† (The Quran) The description of these two instances proves the similarity even in the Holy books of the two religions. Moreover, the Holy books of these two religions have delivered the message of the God through His messengers. The followers of both the religions have faith in God, His messengers and the Day of Judgment. The followers of both the religions believe that there are much similarities in these religions as they are all the descendants of Abraham and also according to the ritual of Abraham the males of both the societies are circumsized (Rosen 2003).

Incident Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Incident - Essay Example In this experience the poet smiles at another boy when their eyes meet. In response the boy insults the poet and regards him as nigger. The author states that out of all his memories of Baltimore, this incident always remained in his memory. The poem is one of the best poems that I have come across regarding the issue of racism in United States. This poem reinstates the idea that racism is deeply embedded amongst every individual. This is because all individuals are brought up to be racist. This poem helps in identifying the main cause of racism which is the values that a child receives from his/her parents. The poem titled as Incident has been authored by Countee Cullen and in this poem the poet focuses on an event of racism that he experienced in the region of Baltimore. The poet states that one of the main causes of racism in America is the values that are transferred by parents to their children and children become racist at a very tender

Air France Flight 447 Crash 2009 Engineering Essay

Air France Flight 447 Crash 2009 Engineering Essay On May 31, 2009, Air Frances flight AF447 left Rio de Janeiro to take its 228 passengers to Paris. After sending the last message to Brazil ATC three hours after the flight took off, the aircraft suddenly disappeared while passing through the equatorial ITCZ. The aircraft computer system managed to transmit 24 fault messages indicating speed sensor problems to the Air Frances Paris Centre before it went missing. In the early morning hours of June 1, 2009, the aircraft dived into the Atlantic Ocean killing all passengers onboard. The investigation positively identified the main cause of the disaster as the pitot tube or the speed and temperature sensor malfunction located underneath the aircrafts cockpit. The cause of the pitot tube malfunctioning was determined to be due to the accumulation of ice crystals around it. Consequently, the aircrafts computerized navigational system was affected resulting in failure of different flight control systems. However, the physical evidences recov ered from the crash site suggest that the main pilot was not in the cockpit during the critical moments of the flight. Moreover, bodies of passengers and crew were found scattered in the crash indicating the possibility that they were not prepared for a crash landing. The analysis of the incident points to the possibility that the control of the aircraft during its final hour was left in the hands of a less experienced third officer. In general, the weather condition in the area where flight AF447 flew is the main causal factor that caused the pitot tube to malfunction. Another is Air France continuous use of a particular pitot tube that was implicated in a number of aircraft incidents in the past. Human error is also a contributing factor when the pilot made a very bad decision of flying through a known danger zone while others were diverting their route to avoid it. Another is the possibility that the captain was never in the cockpit during the critical hour as evidenced by the un prepared crew and passengers. Human error was involved in the safety design of the aircrafts computerized navigational system as evidenced by the sudden shut-down of the flight computers during the most critical moments of the incident. Finally, the worlds aviation industry and associated organizations are considered causal factors for their failure to set proper guidelines and standards for pitot tubes and travel across ITC zones. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 4 The Crash of Air France Flight 447 5 2.1 Background 5 2.2 Weather Condition 7 2.3 The Air Traffic Controllers 10 2.4 The Passengers of Flight AF447 11 2.5 The Aircraft and its Navigational Computer Systems 12 2.6 The Flight Crew and Human Errors 18 2.7 The World Aviation and other Organizations 23 Discussion and Conclusion 25 References 29 Appendices 32 Introduction On May 31, 2009 at 19:03 Brazilian local time, Air Frances flight AF447 was on its way to Paris from Rio de Janeiro carrying 228 passengers and crew when it encountered some technical problem. The A330 Airbus flew over the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where it encountered numerous thunderstorms and on the morning of June 1, 2009, the plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean killing all passengers and crew. The rescuers found small pieces of the aircraft indicating that it had landed like a flat hand into the waters with the nose slightly pointing upwards. The results of the investigation suggest that the cause of the incident was a malfunctioning pitot tube that was gradually covered by ice crystals during the flight. The pitot tube failed to send speed data to the aircrafts computerized navigation system resulting in a chain of problems and eventual loss of control. Four minutes before the aircraft finally hit the Atlantic Ocean, the computer system sent 24 messages informing the Air France Paris centre of the occurring failures. The last message sent by the pilot to Brazil and Senegal ATC was the one informing them that the aircraft reached high level 350 three hours after takeoff. The ATC never heard from the aircraft again and there was no way to monitor since the aircraft was out of the radar range. The investigation of the incident reveals some surprising details such as the absence of the pilot from the cockpit during the final hour of flight AF447 and dead bodies of passengers and cabin crew that seemed unprepared for an emergency landing. Moreover, the aircrafts position when it hit the water appears it had lost track of its altitude while the pilot was struggling to bring the nose up. The weather condition in the ITCZ area is undoubtedly the causal factor in flight AF447 crash since the extreme weather condition rendered the pitot tube useless. However, it could have been a successful flight if the pitot tube was designed to withstand such weather conditions or if the pilot took a diversion avoiding passing through a dangerous area. To summarize in a nutshell, three major causal factors are involved in flight AF447 disaster namely weather, pitot tube, and human error. The following sections discuss the details of the incident including background information before the disaster, the causal factors that may have contributed to the disaster, graphs and other details, discussion, and conclusion. The Crash of Air France Flight 447 Background The A330-200 Airbus, Air Frances flight AF447, was on its way to Paris from Rio de Jenario when in the early hours of that ill-fated day of June 1, 2009 something terrible and unexpected happened. Brazilian ATC got the last message from the AF447 and then all contact was lost. The plane was carrying 228 passengers and crew when it suddenly disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean. This set the background for one of the worst catastrophe in the aviation history, which killed 228 people. After hours of search and inquiry about the lost aircraft, the Air France officials did a detailed investigation of the messages transmitted from the plane before the accident. Except for some printout data indicating problems measuring air speed and difficulty in the in-flight computer control systems, the Brazilian and Senegalese air traffic controller reported that the plane never sent any distress signals. After about five days of the incident, the wreckage of the aircraft was found floating on the Atla ntic. About a month later, several pieces of the aircraft and some bodies were recovered but the flight data recorder or the black box was never recovered due to the extreme depth of the ocean (Kilner 2010, p.121). Sudden disappearance of flight AF447 causing a terrible air disaster and its discovery couple of days later, completely wrecked in pieces in the Atlantic Ocean, raises a lot of questions as to what went wrong. Various theories are given as well as various opinions. To unravel the mystery of AF447 air crash, a number of elements need to be evaluated. Since the black box was never found, people have no way of telling the actual cause of the crash. It may be because of the problem reported in the last message or some other problems after that. However, since there was no distress signal sent to the ATC except for some flight data printout of problems in air speed and computer control systems resulting in technical failures, the aircrafts flight control system would top the list. Second most prominent element that was evaluated in the investigation was the human error; the crew and particularly the pilots who were supposed to contact the ATC in case of any emergency. There were also some speculations about an explosion before the aircraft hit the water due to the presence of a long oil slick near the crash site (CNN World 2009, p.1). However, the constituting elements in this type of an accident is not limited to the people directly involved in the flight or terrorism, but extends to the prevailing weather, the control agencies, and other people who are responsible for commercial aviation (Kilner 2010, p.121). Weather Condition Meteorological analysis on the weather condition on AF447 crash doom day revealed its role in the cascade of events that occurred. There is substantial evidence that the thunderstorm and lightening resulted in raging turbulence, which affected the plane. The first thunderstorm encountered by AF447 was near Sao Luis in Brazil, followed by a dense cluster of thunderstorm and lightening in the Fernando de Noronha area, which comes in the ITCZ, the low pressure belt area at the equator. Such thunderstorms can create updrafts, which can reach up to 100 mph pooled up with downdrafts caused by cool air and vertical dry air mixing, which can lead to severe turbulence to aircraft. Other flights that were scheduled to fly the same night on the same route took a diversion of about 90 miles to avoid the storm zone, which encompassed about 50,000 feet of altitude. Then what prompted the experienced pilot and crew members of AF447, even after knowing the trouble, to enter the trouble zone? Would any pilot opt to fly in such a bad storm? This needed a serious thought and on investigating this matter it was observed that due to the small thunderstorm that the aircraft faced in the Sao Louis area before entering the huge thunderstorm front, the flights weather radar system may have got confused and thus the pilot and the crew were not aware of the big storm that was coming towards them. This reasoning is possible as aircraft radar system works on radio echoing principle. The tilt of the radar antenna beam helps the aircraft to detect the weather forecast. If by any means the tilt of the radar is set to a different angle then it is possible that the weather that might affect the aircraft ahead be missed (Ian Gilbert, 2005). This revelation about the weather condition and the radar operation raises another question as to when the weather condition was dangerous why AF447 did not try to avoid the storm and go around it. The satellite images obtained during the investigation showed that flying through the storm was inevitable for the Air France flight, as the storm covered approximately 400 miles and was in the route of the destination, making it impossible for the aircraft to go over or around the storm; unless they flew back. In such a situation, the only source to rely on for the pilot and the cabin crew would have been the onboard weather radar to navigate through, but the radar can only detect rain and not the turbulent wind shear. It is quite possible that these tempestuous weather conditions may have led to structural or electrical failure that was reported by the automated computer communications between the AF447 and Air France Paris headquarters. It is generally accepted that the weather in the route where flight AF447 was flying is very bad as evidenced by a number of accidents occurring particularly in that part of the equator. The weather forecast on that day was bad and it was up to the pilot to avoid the heavy thunderstorms they would encounter en-route to their destination. According to the analysis conducted on the incident, two engine planes like the A330 Airbus can withstand such conditions and flexible enough to go around any heavy thunderstorm. However, the weather condition on this situation may be too severe and created some unexpected problems for the aircraft (Kilner 2010, p.122). According to the analysis of the Baringer et al. (2010, p.182), there are evidences to suggest that the weather was an influencing factor in the crash of flight AF447. The report points to the large warm pool directly underneath the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ which was very active during that year. The Air Frances commercial flight that started its trip on the night of May 31 flew over the ITCZ passing an area of strong cumulus towers overnight. Equatorial weather data for the whole year of 2009 suggest that rainfall over the equator and tropical Pacific is 150% above normal (See satellite images in Figure A-1, p.32 and Figure A-2, p 33 in Appendix A). Aside from the ITCZ, there were also speculations about the occurrence of a microburst, a weather phenomenon that was implicated to a number of aircraft crashes like the Continental flight 3407 in New York and Delta Flight 191 in 1985 which killed 135 people (see Figure A-3, p.33 in Appendix A). According to McCormick et al. (2003, p.165), weather can play a role in accidents particularly in air transports. For instance, some of the most common affect of weather is reduced visibility, turbulence and gusting conditions, wind shear, ice and rain water on runways, and microburst conditions. In the annual review of aircraft accidents in 1995 conducted by the U.S. National Safety Board, weather contributes to 39 percent of fatal accidents while the majority at 87 percent is pilot error. The chart provided by U.S. National Safety Board shows the most usual initiating events of aircraft accidents and the most likely contributing factors. (See figure B-1 and B-2, p.34 in Appendix B) The Air Traffic Controllers In context to AF447 crash, ATC data becomes the prominent evidence in understanding the most probable reason behind the crash. The ATC details showed that the last contact made by the crew was with Brazilian ATC at 01:33 UTC, as the aircraft approached the Brazil Atlantic radar surveillance edge. After this routine message, the only information received was the 24 automated error messages received detailing flight problems and warnings, which was about 40 minutes after the last contact made at the Brazilian ATC. The last automated error message transmitted was at 2:14 UTC which mentioned about the cabin depressurization after which nothing was heard about the Air France 447. On deeper analysis of the ATC communication data that transpired during the flight, it shows that between 21:40 hr and 23:18 hr, there was successful communication between the crew and ATC. At 1 h 35 min 46 sec, the controller reported the aircraft to maintain an altitude of FL350 and to give TASIL estimate. Between 1 h 35 min 53 sec and 1 h 36 min 14 sec, the ATLANTICO checked with the crew on the estimate time of their reaching the TASIL point, which went unanswered. (BEA 2009, p.33). All these details point towards a strong possibility that the crew of flight AF447 was trying to contact the ATC before the incident but due to distance and bad weather conditions, the crew failed to get through. The ATC on the other hand had no radar coverage of that area and no weather data to warn the crew before it took off (Kilner 2010, p.122). The transcript of the investigation clearly stated that the pilot of flight AF447 reported flight level 350 which means the plane had reached its proper altitude after 3 hours. This is the last communication sent by AF447 with the ATC. In case there was a single message asking ATC for help then there might be some reason to implicate ATC on the incident, but there was none (Traufetter 2010, p.6). At this point, even the investigation conducted after the crash did not mention anything linking the Brazilian and Senegalian ATC to the incident except that they have a limited capability. The Passengers of Flight AF447 Aside from the angle of terrorism, the passengers seem an irrelevant factor contributing to the incident particularly when there was no indication of explosion in the recovered aircraft parts. However, one cannot eliminate the possibility that someone disabled the pilots and ditched the plane into the ocean. The possibility of terrorism is narrow and it cannot be eliminated completely but since there were actual distress messages from the aircraft before the crash, the possibility is irrelevant to consider. For instance, there were indeed data to prove that the aircrafts navigational system was failing minutes before the crash. Moreover, the rescue team sent to the crash site found considerable evidence that show that the crash occurred so suddenly that the bodies of passengers were not prepared for an emergency landing. The stewardess was also not sitting in the emergency seat and the life jackets were not used. From an ordinary passenger who may have been travelling through a commercial airline number of times, it is easy to visualize how crew members assigned in the cabin would prepare passengers in an emergency situation. If the imminent crash is known beforehand, passengers will be prepared for emergency landing and will be found almost in the same position and location during the rescue. Apparently, the report says that they were scattered everywhere indicating that cabin crew and passengers were not informed and wearing no seatbelts (Faith 2010, p.6). This surprising fact is linked to the man in control of the aircraft minutes before the crash. If the captain is the one maneuvering the plane, was he as an experienced and responsible person would not order or inform his cabin crew to prepare for an emergency? The passengers and even the cabin crew were mere victims and not in any way connected or contributed to the crash. The Aircraft and its Navigational Computer Systems The Airbus A330 is a modern aircraft and most commercial aircrafts are generally well-maintained. However, this aircraft model had been previously reported in one or two cases involving air speed measurement problems like the incident involving A340 flight from Tokyo to Paris, several months before the AF447 incident. Going by the investigation details, a day before the accident, the captain of AF447 had complained about some problem with the VHF1 selection key on RMP1, which was looked into. The routine Type A checks that were done on this aircraft type also did not identify any anomalies. These facts clearly indicate the otherwise good condition of the aircraft before the tragic flight. Measuring and maintaining the required air speed of the aircraft especially at high altitudes is very relevant. When air speed is not measured correctly, the pilot has a hard time controlling the plane particularly while flying in a very bad weather condition. In air transport, the most dreaded challenge faced by the pilots when things go out of control at high altitudes is the coffin corner, the area where the margin of error becomes very narrow. AF447 may also have faced the same fate with no chance of escape. On close speculation of the events that happened on 1st June, 2009 at 3 AM BST time, two main events surface. The A330 airbus reported that it has encountered bad weather and severe turbulence and ten minutes later the autopilot got disengaged as per the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS). The succession of these two events indicate that flying the 233 ton heavy aircraft and managing the internal condition was becoming tough for the crew at the advent of storm battering the aircraft from all sides. Reviewing the error messages that were received at the Air France Paris headquarters, it was evident that the three Air Data Inertial Reference Unit (ADIRU) computers were showing different information. This information is the compilation of the data received from the pitot tubes that is then transferred to aircraft computers. Speed is a crucial factor in aerodynamics. At high altitudes, speed alteration can be treacherous. As the air becomes thinner at higher altitudes, the more speed is required to push the plane forward and to maintain its lift. If the speed is less, the plane will start stalling. At the same time, if speed becomes too much then because of passage of more air above the wings the center tends to move backwards pushing the nose of the plane down resulting in nosedive. As reported from the ACARS, it got 24 error messages from the autopilot before losing the connection. It becomes very clear from this fact that the crew members of AF447 were unaware of the actual speed and various equipments were showing inconsistent speeds. A big issue that comes up here is whether it was a complete system failure that occurred? The fact that during the vigorous attempts to save the aircraft and the passengers the plane was sending data to the maintenance facility gives a clear evidence that there was some electricity in the plane, which is impossible in case of 100% system failure. So that aspect can be completely eliminated. Investigating the automated error messages, it included 19 warnings and 5 failure messages. The equipment failure messages included the failure of cabin pressure control, autopilot, and flight controls. The warning messages were about the disengaged autopilot and disagreement between the air data systems, also warning about the cabin vertical speed. These messages and data strongly point towards speed discrepancies that happened in the aircraft due to equipment failure. From this standpoint, pitot tube is also being implicated as the most likely cause of the disaster as Pitot tube is a component of the aircraft maintenance computer or the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS). The system transmit messages via satellite to ground stations which were the same messages received by the ATC before the AF447 incident. Going by reports, based on Air France Airbus earlier incidents, it was identified that the existing Pitot tubes had a high probability of malfunctioning in cold and icy conditions. The problems that were highlighted at that time due to Pitot tube malfunctioning were fluctuating and wrong speed indications, automatic switch off of the autopilot, and even a false warning under extreme conditions. On 1st June, 2009 before AF447 vanished into the Atlantic, the first automatic error message that ATC reported was that the aircraft was fluctuating badly, which followed by automatics switch off of fly-by-wire system. On comparing both the reports and facts of the incident, the vulnerability of the pitot tubes that were attached to the aircrafts cockpit comes out more distinctly, which in turn decided the fate of the aircraft and its passengers on the doom day. A330-200 Airbus had three pitot probes fitted to its aircraft, so it seems like all the three pitot tubes got iced up simultaneously. Most probably, all three of them were unable to tolerate the extreme conditions faced by AF447. According to BEA investigation report, it was identified that the present pitot tubes are certified only to handle temperatures of -40C. From the meteorological details and satellite images obtained on crash day in and around the ITCZ area, it is very obvious that the aircraft was in the bulk of the cloud fields for a significant amount of time due to the heavy thunderstorms and the super-cooled water in the clouds may have blocked and disabled all the three pitot tubes. Pitot tubes malfunction had caused several incidents in 2008 and generated similar messages or print out data that preceded the flight AF447 crash in June 1, 2009. According to Hichri (2009, p.5), unlike other commercial airlines which upgraded their pitot tubes, Air France did nothing about the problem. Examining the initial physical evidence found on the scene and the information sent by flight AF447 before it crashed, investigators said that the aircraft went through a heavy turbulence without a fully functioning flight control system. The flattened and crushed nose cone of the aircraft tells the story of its high speed impaction with the water. Consequently, the pilot may have struggled to revive their flight management computers while the aircraft was breaking up due to excessive speed (Aviation Human Factors 2009, p.2). Failure of in-flight computer systems is not a novel issue. In fact, it was the mostly considered causal factor in previous aviation incidents. For instance, the causal factor in the shutdown of the busy Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in April 19, 2006 was caused by software malfunction. The communication failure between FAA Air Traffic Control Center and the aircraft in September 14, 2004 at the Los Angeles International Airport was due to the sudden and unexpected computer shut-down. The crash of Korean Air Flight 801 was also partly caused by malfunctioning Minimum Safe Altitude Warning system or MSAW and the failure of FAA to adequately manage the system. Another is the crash of American Airlines Flight 965, where errors in navigational computer programming are the leading cause of the incident. Similarly, the onboard automating reporting system in Air Frances Flight AF447 sent a total of 24 error messages while the computerized navigational systems failed throu ghout the aircraft (Wong et al., 2009, p.1-8).. After several months of investigation, the scenario depicting the final hour of Flight AF447 was constructed. (See figure C-1, p 35 in Appendix C). This scenario suggests that the horrific disaster was caused by a very small technical failure a false reading from the temperature sensor covered by ice crystals (Traufetter 2010, p.1). Since there was no more airspeed to gather and display, the autopilot and the automatic throttle system also malfunctioned and the computer automatically entered the emergency control mode. At this point, the pilot could no longer control the aircraft as it sped towards the ocean at 2, 500 feet per minute. As a natural reaction, it can be expected that the pilot tried every second to regain control of the aircraft by restarting the flight computer, but evidence suggests that he failed. The disaster in this scenario took place in a matter of four minutes after the pilot lost control of the navigational system due to failure of the temperature probe. Another causal factor suggested by Anleitner (2010, p.123) is the material used in the wiring of this type of aircraft. Kapton an insulating material used in the wiring of most modern aircraft has been shown to decay over time. The same material was one of the suspected causal factors in Swiss Air Flight 111 incident in 1998, TWA 800 disaster, and being considered as a potential contributing factor in the crash of Air France Flight 447 in the Atlantic. When completely decayed, this type of material contributes to short circuit or strong electrical arcing which can ignite fuel vapor. Computers have been blamed for several disasters including the death of 22 American servicemen due to faults in the Blackhawk helicopters computer-based fly-by-wire system. Similarly, an Iraqi Scud missile penetrated the U.S. military barracks due to the failure of the computerized Patriot missile defense system. The failure of the Hubble space telescope was also associated with programming error that shut down the onboard computer unexpectedly. Much worse is the downing of the Korean Air Lines flight 007, sinking of the HMS Sheffield in the Falklands, and the Nepalese A320 disaster caused by faulty software running a computerized fly-by-wire system (Forester Morrison 1994, p.3). The Flight Crew and Human Errors The flight crew of flight AF447 was very experienced but according to Kilner (2010, p.122), too much experience can make some people overconfident. There is, therefore, a possibility that the pilot of flight AF447 overestimated his capability and underestimated the danger ahead. The fact that the pilot decided to fly despite bad weather forecast is an indication of extreme confidence, which novice pilots would never do in such a situation. A less experienced person would probably delay the flight, re-route, or make an emergency stopover in an airport somewhere before the ocean. There is indeed a possibility of a pilot error or errors contributed by one of the crew. For instance, the first officer and the navigator are all working inside the cockpit and their functions if not performed correctly can lead to unimaginable disaster. The first officer is in charge of communication between the plane and the ATC and any mistake can put the plane in a critical situation. The first officer is also in charge of assisting the captain and can put the aircraft in or out of the automated mode, which if done out of procedure or if the captain is not aware can result in sudden or severe dive. Similarly, any wrong input of the navigator in the flight computer can result in wrong flight directions which are very dangerous (McCormick et al. 2003, p.120). In Air Frances flight AF447, the computer system had warned the pilot and the crew of faults very early in the flight. In fact, 24 error messages reached the Air France centre in Paris before the crash. The pilot could have heeded the warnings and turned back, but he never did and in fact took the chances maneuvering over numerous thunderstorms in the ITCZ area. Human error not only exists in inputs or confusions over a navigational chart and communication but does exist in ignorance of warnings also. According to Faith (1997, p.164), pilots are trained individuals that would likely follow set procedures precisely. However, these trainings and familiarity with procedures can sometimes create problems particularly when independent thinking is required. For instance, a certain pilot for Ariana Afghan Airlines Flight 701 flying from Frankfurt to London suffered the most fatal pilot problems a pilot could have indecisiveness. Having years of experience and training, the pilot was considered perfectly competent, but with a tendency to go by with routine procedures regardless of circumstances. Heathrow Airport was clear and most pilots decided to land on it rather than in the foggy area of Gatwick; however, the Ariana Afghan flight 701 pilot decided to land on Gatwick and while nearing the airport, thinking of something else, the pilot was surprised by a thick fog and tried to pull the aircraft nose up but it was too late. Consequently, a second pause killed 43 passengers and all the o ccupants of the house swept by the aircraft. Apparently, the pilot had a second thought on landing the aircraft at the Gatwick airport He was actually hesitating and this may be the reason why he was not concentrating and paused a moment during the approach. The possibility of human error in flight AF447 is great. Although, the weather is the major contributing factor that caused the instability of the aircraft, the warnings from the weather forecast and those released by the computer system could have saved all 228 passengers and crew, if the pilot listened to them and made emergency landing to the nearest available airport. Clearly, the pilot decided to depart from Brazil despite the bad weather on his route and while experiencing tremendous pressure from the ITCZ area, he never decided to return. Confusion inside the cockpit happens, and in an aircraft accident in Dulles International Airport in 1975, confusion over the approach chart and the air traffic controller instructions brought a descending aircraft to a ridge (Johnson Palanque (2004, p.20). According to Forester Morrison (1994, p.2), regardless if the problem is directly associated with computers, the cause of failure is eventually human error. This is because they were designed by humans and the software running them are also produced by humans. Another problem is human input which in many occasions is the cause of computer glitches. For instance, when an American Airlines jet crashed in Colombia, the investigators found out that the pilot missed one letter of the computer command. This very small error sent the plane crashing into the mountain and killed 163 innocent people. The pilot, the investigator reported, entered the coordinated for Cali, their actual destination was coordinates, but made a mistake in one letter of the code which sent the aircraft to the opposite direction towards Bogota (Pfleeger Atlee 2009, p.43). Incidents like these are good example how humans, regardless of advanced computer systems can take erroneous actions res