Wouldnt life be so much harder if we did not have Essays

Wouldn't life be so much harder if we did not have Essays Wouldn't life be so much harder if we did not have someone to count on when we needed it? Being able to confide in another person when things get tougher than usual, for most people, could make a significant difference in coping with those difficult times. Growing up with siblings in my life, was one of the things I am most grateful for. My brother, Ryan, has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. We share the same interests and hobbies, he supports me in my decisions, without judgement, and we live by a very similar set of values . One of the reasons Ryan is my best friend, and we get along so well, is because we share many of the same interests and hobbies . We both lis ten to the same types of music; one being classic rock and roll, and another being rap/hip hop. We also have a similar taste in fashion because we both like to wear preppy-styled clothing. During the winter season , we both enjoy going snowboarding. Another reason we are such good friends, is because he does not judge me, and he supports me in the decisions that I make. In the past I have made some poor choices, and some of the friends I thought I had, disappeared when things were not going as smoothly as they could be. Ryan always looked out for me, and never thought any less of me for my faults. He also stopped hanging out with those, so called "loyal" friends, which did not stick around for me when things got tough. Lastly, we both share very similar values in life, and because of this, we are such close friends. One of the most important things to Ryan is family. Of course this argument is obvious, being that we are both brothers, b ut even before each other, we both put our mother. He also believes that hard work and dedication pays off in the end, which is definitely a value that I live by. In conclusion, having Ryan in my life is such a blessing. We get along so well with each other due to so many different reasons. Sharing the same interests, supporting me through the good and the bad, without judgement, and having similar life values are only a select few of those reasons. In my opinion, e veryone should have a "Ryan" of their own, to be there for them, and to appreciate in life .

Top 6 Resume Template Resources to Refresh for the New Year

Top 6 Resume Template Resources to Refresh for the New Year New year, new you. It’s an annual tradition since our ancestors first overindulged over the holidays. And while you’re starting that hot new juice cleanse or renewing your gym membership, give some thought to your resume as well- especially if you’ll be looking for a new job this year. The great thing about revamping your resume is that there’s no need to reinvent the wheel- it’s a pretty standardized document by now, and there are many online resources that can help you get your skills and accomplishments into a format that virtually all employers have come to expect. Here are some websites to help you take that first step and download a template.HloomPossibly the Best in Show, Hloom offers more than 275 free resume templates which you can download. With such a huge selection, you can easily find a template that suits your style and your level of experience (for example, an entry-level resume should look different from the resume of someone with 20 years of experience). One thing to note is that this site is ad-supported, so you should be careful that you’re downloading the templates themselves and not clicking on third-party links.Google DocsIf you already have a Google or Gmail account, then you already have access to these templates. This program can import information from other docs (like Microsoft Word) and drop them into a template. This also has the added benefit of being available anywhere you have an internet connection- no need to save your resume on a USB drive or specific computer.Coverlettersandresume.comThis site offers downloadable templates for resumes, as well as pointers for how to flesh out each section of your resume.Resume2016.netThis site has templates with a more modern flair (format, fonts, etc.) and emphasizes different types of resumes. Functional, chronological, targeted, â€Å"mini-resume,† combination, and non-traditional resumes all have downloadable templates available.Super-resum e.comSuper-resume.com is a resume-builder, which means it’s an online app that helps you craft your resume by importing information into their existing templates, rather than having you download the template and go from there. Please note that this site requires a free account signup.LiveCareerLiveCareer offers full-service resume creation (including writing help from in-house experts). Many of LiveCareer’s services require a premium subscription, but the site does offer a free 7-day trial period for new users.So as you get ready to tackle the job market along with all those other resolutions, you’ll want to get your resume in the best fighting shape as possible- and these resources can help.And as with any online resources, you should be extra-careful about anything you’re downloading. Always double-check to make sure the download links are part of the site and not a third-party link disguised to look like download links. And before downloading any docum ent from a source you don’t know very well, make sure your anti-virus software is updated.

Event management planing for Playwright Media in Birmingam Essay

Event management planing for Playwright Media in Birmingam - Essay Example They also offer projects that are aimed at giving young people practical skills that they can utilize. Their C.O.M. Youthnity Project is a 6 week media program that gives students an introduction to basic film, photography and radio. They also take volunteers to help with these youth oriented programs and this helps since they are able to connect better with the students. Since its establishment in October 2009 Playwright Media has successfully worked with a number of Third sector organizations to promote and showcase their services. Through the success of smaller projects Playwright has managed to sustain lengthy contracts. In particular Playwright Media has played a key role in the growth and sustainability of several small organizations. PlayWright believes 'your goals are our goals' and their consultants work hard to achieve them, whether they be increasing profit or turnover, attracting and retaining customers or simply maintaining competitive advantage, PlayWright can always he lp. Right now, PlayWright is looking to create an event that will help push its client base when it comes to corporate events and reach out to its target audience. It also wants to make people aware of the youth centric programs it handles. Objectives: PlayWright Media has two specific objectives to plan this event. 1. To significantly increase their client base for their corporate services, with a focus on companies based in South Birmingham. 2. To significantly increase the awareness of their organization and its services to its target audience. Solution An event targeted at SMEs, that is, Small to Medium Enterprises that will help them realize that they are in fact the future of the nation, and how the right marketing will help them increase their productivity and give them better output. It has always been a misconception that media services are targeted mainly at large scale enterprises. This, due to the fact the most obvious and main stream of promotional media such as televis ion and newspaper advertisements are very expensive due to their wide coverage. Smaller agencies do not allow such expenses in their budget, one, because they do not need to reach out to such a wide audience and two, because spending on such activities seems nothing short of frivolous to them. They concentrate on servicing their immediate geographic area and bank on word of mouth to spread word of their services. Pettit and Singer (1985) state that SMEs normally operate in less concentrated markets, with greater competitive pressure. In the last three decades, the economy of Birmingham has gone through a tremendous change with manufacturing being replaced by the service sector as the principle source of employment. This is expected to create over 50,000 additional jobs in the city in the next decade. (birminghameconomy.org.uk) A new research has shown that only nine per cent of Birmingham’s SMEs have created over 50,000 jobs in the city in the last three years. (birminghampos t.net) Thus, we can say that SMEs are the future of Birmingham and to take them to a higher level, they must be given the right guidance, support and coverage. Event: â€Å"SMEs: Brightening Birmingham† The event will be a corporate style seminar followed by a group discussion revolving around Small and Medium Enterprises and the future prospects they have in Birmingham. The theme of the event will be â€Å"SMEs: Brightening Birmingham†. SMEs in the area of South Birmingham will be invited to this event. The idea is to make people

ART Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 14

ART - Essay Example Probably, this is to contrast the main carving from its environment with the intention of making it stand out and appear more visible. In addition, the man is extremely muscular with a clean-shaved head, which aligns well with his shining entire body. The illuminating light from the upper front prompts the man appear as if he is working during a sunny day, mostly evident from his shinny muscular physique. The image’s texture is supremely smooth besides the sculptor making the entire image appear tactile. This is evident from the shininess aspect of the entire carving from the clean-shaven head to the material he is working on with a chisel and hammer. This image is asymmetrical though the sculptor has utilized space well, which comprises it surroundings, hence emphasizing the aspect of proportionality. This is also evident in its scale, which is comparable with the base, hammer and the stone is hewing to produce the desired size or shape. From observation, the sculptor has carved this image intentionally to be a closed form; hence, its appearance does not lose the viewer’s attention or admiration. This is because eyes after observing at one point of the image tend to shift towards the central point where the man is focusing. The choice of carving’s color is also another sculptor’s technique to draw and hold the attention of the viewer. This is because it c ontrast’s with human’s ordinary skin color besides being more exaggerated than it ought to be so, that the image stands out well. By observing this image, I think the sculptor has put more exaggeration than necessary to draw his or her audiences’ attention and admiration. This is evident from the heavy black and shiny color on the entire carving. The sculptor has ignored the application of diverse shades meant to reveal certain distinct parts of the image like eyes, nose, hair, hammer and the stone he is hewing. Besides,

Assessment and Planning of Discharge Needs in Geriatrics Essay Example for Free

Assessment and Planning of Discharge Needs in Geriatrics Essay Elderly patients have unique discharge planning needs. As such, the hospital nurse and case management team may find themselves challenged to not only identify the needs of each patient, but to also address those needs when planning the patient’s discharge. In the case of Mr. Trosack, a 72-year-old widower being discharged following a total hip replacement (THR), careful assessment of his home situation needs to be completed prior to discharge to ensure his safety and continued recovery once home. Healthcare Issues  After reviewing the patient’s chart and performing interviews with the patient and his family, the case manager identifies three healthcare issues that need to be addressed on discharge.  ·The patient admits he has not seen a doctor in over 10 years prior to this hospitalization.  ·The patient has been diagnosed with two new health issues: hypertension and diabetes.  ·He has been prescribed new medications for each new diagnosis that he will need to continue taking after discharge.  ·The patient cannot identify pills he currently takes at home, stating simply that they are â€Å"vitamins† for â€Å"energy. Importance of Healthcare Issues Each of these issues needs to be addressed to ensure Mr. Trosack’s safety and continued recovery after discharge: The patient has not seen a doctor in over 10 years prior to this hospitalization. It is important for the case worker to find out why the patient has not seen any doctors, as it may be detrimental to his well-being. For example, did he have a bad experience with a previous provider and refuses to go back? Or, has he just not felt ill? Is his reasoning ability still sound? Or, is there some confusion? Is he in denial or facing fear that has kept him from seeing someone? If the patient is able to make sound decisions and simply has no concerns, he may do well at home. However, it may also be that he is unaware he should be seeing a physician, as â€Å"elderly patients may not report symptoms that they consider part of normal aging† (Besdine, 2009, para. 9). And, if he has had a bad experience in the past with a physician, it may have lead to a mistrust of the entire profession. If he has been refusing to see a doctor despite some concerns over the years, it could foreshadow similar situations in the future. He may not call when new problems or questions arise about is new medications. And, as evidenced by the cabinet of unused medications in the bathroom, he has a history of poor compliance, which could further impact his health. By discussing the reasons behind his lack of preventative care, the case manager will better understand the patient’s mindset and any concerns he may have. If a previous provider’s treatment or behavior has caused a mistrust of the profession, the case manager can recommend or introduce the patient to other providers, especially those that specialize in caring for geriatrics, as these providers have specialized training in caring for the elderly. If cost is a factor, the case manager can refer the patient to applicable programs such as food stamp programs, insurance and Medicare supplement policies, state-based programs, drug company assistance programs and more. If transportation is an issue, the case manager can refer to area agencies or senior citizen centers to utilize low-cost or volunteer-driven services that assist in transporting seniors. The patient has been newly diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. New medical diagnoses can be scary for any individual, but with elderly patients, it can often bring about a new level of uncertainty and anxiety. Like all patients, they have questions about the new diagnosis and prescribed medications. However, the elderly patients of today grew up in a time when medical problems were not openly discussed. And now, society often looks at senior citizens as â€Å"lesser† citizens—a source for humor and pity in the media, weaker, less productive and expected to retire as they age (Day, 2011). Because of the way in which they were raised and the beliefs of society today, elderly patients may not feel comfortable asking questions. Knowing this, the nurse will look for additional clues from the patient’s interview as to how Mr. Trosack is feeling about his new diagnoses. During his interview with the case manager, the patient seems reluctant to accept his new diagnoses. Stating he doesn’t need any â€Å"darn† medications and doesn’t like being â€Å"disabled,† the patient also shows frustration. When a patient expresses this level of frustration and denial, there is an increased risk for lack of compliance. The need for education is greatly increased in this elderly patient. Because he has no outward symptoms of his new diagnoses, the patient does not feel he needs the new medications. The nurse needs to help the patient understand that his medications need to be continued to help prevent future symptoms from occurring. In addition, the nurse needs to be aware of additional challenges the patient may incur. Since elderly patients have often lost several members of their family (parents, siblings, even children in some cases), they are very much aware of their own mortality. A new diagnosis can bring a new awareness of that mortality, sometimes leading to a depression. When planning other discharge needs, the case manager needs to include these factors into her plan. Home health nurses can assist by visiting the patient at home during the week to ensure proper medication administration as well as assessing the patient for signs of depression and worsening hypertension, diabetes or depression. The patient has two new medications to continue upon discharge and cannot identify pills he currently takes at home. With the patient’s new diagnoses, he has been prescribed new medications. He has already voiced opposition to the idea of continuing these new medications because he does not feel he needs them. Because he does not feel they are needed, he is likely to have poor compliance in taking the medications. The patient would benefit greatly from education about why the medications have been prescribed and thatwith appropriate compliancehe will be more likely to remain free of symptoms. The patient being unable to state which pills he does take on a daily basis is cause for concern. Without the name of the pills, there is no way to verify its overall safety. Furthermore, the nurse and case manager cannot be sure there are no contraindications to taking the newly prescribed medications with the pre-admission supplements. The patient’s inability to recall the name of the pills also reiterates the concerns above regarding the new medications he has been prescribed. The case manager needs to work with the patient’s nurse to ensure the patient understands the importance of maintaining a current medication list, including over-the-counter â€Å"vitamins† for â€Å"energy,† to avoid future problems when being seen for other medical concerns. The Interdisciplinary Team For the patient’s discharge to be a success, the case manager needs to incorporate appropriate members of the healthcare team to make a discharge plan. In the case of Mr. Trosack, this interdisciplinary team needs to include the patient’s nurse, physical and occupational therapy staff, a dietician, a pharmacist, and staff from the local home health agency or public health district. Each member of the team will bring to the discharge plan a unique vision for the patient’s recovery. The nurse is familiar with the patient’s medical history, as well as his feelings regarding his new diagnoses and medications. S/He has learned how best to communicate with the patient and worked to educate the patient on his new health problems and medications. In creating a discharge plan, the nurse will share this information with the home health nurse, include the medication and treatment regimens that are to be continued, and identify goals for the patient related to each. The physical therapist will instruct the team on the patient’s abilities and limitations in relation to the patient’s ambulation and transfers. He may visit the patient’s home to complete an evaluation of additional needs. And, he will create an exercise regimen for the patient to continue once home and make recommendations for assistive devices that the patient may be able to use. The occupational therapist will also identify assistive devices and continued therapy needs, however, these recommendations will be in relation to the patient’s activities of daily living (ADLs) rather than ambulation. She will watch the patient get completely dressed to identify any special needs and assess risk (can the patient tie his shoes or will the laces be a fall hazard? ). She will assess the patient’s ability to shower or bathe, looking for shortcomings or safety concerns. She may also visit the home to complete a home safety evaluation, watch the patient has he carries out his ADLs, and make recommendations for ways to alter his methods to ensure safety. The dietician will make nutritional recommendations based on the patient’s needs for adequate healing. In doing so, she will take into consideration his abilities and limitations identified by the physical and occupational therapists. The dietician may suggest menus for the patient to follow. And, her knowledge of nutrition will allow for suggestions on easy-to-carry foods, snacks or supplements that require no refrigeration and can be stored outside the kitchen, making it easier for the patient to obtain. The pharmacist will provide the other members of the team with information related to his medication regimen. He will alert the other team members to possible side effects, adverse reactions and interactions that may occur. This information will be helpful to the other members of the team as they make their own recommendations for needs after discharge. The dietician will nclude foods that have less chance of interacting with medications and the therapy staff will be alerted to side effects that may impact the patient’s safety. Because the patient will be homebound, he will likely be referred to home health. The staff from the home health agency or public health district will take the information from all of the team members in making their own plans for assignment and recommendations after discharge. They will perform safety evaluations of their own to identify risks for patient and staff alike. They will assign staff to the patient based on the recommendations from the nurse and therapists. They may sign the patient up for meals-on-wheels, or a similar program, based on the recommendations of the dietician and assessments of the patient’s ability to cook and clean up as needed. They will reiterate the teaching provided by the nurse and therapists while visiting the patient and look for side effects or adverse reactions while working with the patient. In short, they will develop a complete plan of care to incorporate all of the feedback from the interdisciplinary team. Safety Assessment There are several areas of concern in regards to safety at the patient’s residence. First, the patient requires a walker and lives on the second floor in a building with no elevator. This presents a safety issue, as well as a potential psychosocial problem. Not only will the patient be unable to safely enter his apartment without assistance; but, he will also not be able to safely leave. The patient, should he reach his apartment after discharge, would be isolated from friends and family and completely homebound. He would not be able to assist in the bakery located downstairs; instead, becoming dependant on his brother to maintain the business. Additionally, the family members interviewed by the case manager share concerns about the patient’s safety once inside his apartment, due to the small and cluttered environment. They worry that the apartment is too cluttered with memorabilia from World War II for him to safely ambulate with a walker. Per the safety assessment, there are also several rugs throughout the space. Each rug represents a trip hazard and should be removed from the environment prior to the patient’s discharge home. Additionally, there are no safety devices in the bathroom. While these devices can be installed, the patient is at risk until the installation is complete. And, until the devices are installed, the patient cannot be assessed by the occupational therapist to ensure safe use. With the safety issues present in his current apartment, it is unlikely the patient will continue to improve in this environment. Not only is he at a high risk for fall and injury in this apartment, but his mobility will also be greatly limited by the crowded environment, reducing his physical activity. Such limitation would reduce the patient’s physical improvement, which is vital in recovery from a total hip replacement. Discharge Planning Needs Per the family interview, there is a lack of support available to the patient. For any patient to recovery successfully after discharge from the inpatient setting, they must have adequate support from friends and family. Elderly patients are especially reliant on adequate support, as they are more likely to experience a functional decline from baseline in the two weeks following a hospital discharge (Naylor et al. , 1994). Mr. Trosack has a brother and a married middle-aged son. Mr. Trosack co-owns the bakery with his brother, who is now running the bakery on his own. His son is somewhat estranged due to a difference in religious beliefs, has a young family of his own, and works nearly 60 hours a week, as does his wife. None of the people closest to Mr. Trosack can make him a priority in their lives. During the family interview, the case manager learns that they were planning on taking turns assisting the patient in his home. However, their busy lifestyles leave little time for that and they do not want to bring in outside assistance. Further, the family does not seem to understand the importance of regular medication administration in addition to denying the two new medical conditions exist since the patient has shown no outward symptoms of being sick. Their answer to cleaning up the apartment is throwing away some of the patient’s most treasured items. Rather than asking for suggestions in making the apartment safer, the family would prefer to have Mr. Trosack dispose of his memorabilia from World War II. This, combined with the social isolation brought on by being homebound and unable to participate in his long-time business, would worsen his chances of developing depression. Should the patient develop depression, his recovery would be further impacted by lack of compliance with medications (Carney, Freedland, Eisen, Rich, Jaffe, 1995). Further, depression can lead to elderly patients becoming confused or forgetful, eating less, poor hygiene, and becoming further isolated from friends and family (A. D. A. M. Medical Encyclopedia, n. d. ), all of which would further delay a complete recovery. Social Isolation Psychological Factors With the patient’s physical limitations, if he were to discharge to his apartment, he would be isolated from the outside world. Because he still relies on a walker, he would be unable to climb or descend the stairs and unable to participate in his own bakery business. He would also rely on visitors for his groceries, trash removal as well as any social interaction. Despite the fact that family members are physically close to his apartment, the relationships are strained and their schedules do not allow for him to become a priority in their lives. When patients are socially isolated, they tend to do poorly. Not only do socially isolated people tend to become anxious and depressed, but they are also more likely to develop high blood pressure. Additionally, isolation has been significantly correlated both with an extended wound-healing time (Cacioppo Hawkley, 2003). Despite the length of time the patient has been in the hospital setting, he is still recovering and his body is still healing. The patient needs to be in an environment that promotes healing. Furthermore, isolation has also been shown to cause impaired vision and hearing, which could increase the likelihood of fall and injury in the patient’s cluttered apartment (Frintner, 2008) In addition to the health-related dangers of social isolation, there are emotional reactions to isolation that one should consider when planning Mr.  Trosack’s discharge. Isolation and loneliness not only affect the body’s immune and cardiovascular systems, but it can also lead to sleep disturbances and depression (Marano, 2003). Depression makes social interactions difficult and sometimes even stressful, causing the depressed person to withdraw from family and friends even more. And, with the patient being unable to fulfill his duties at his family-owned business, the likelihood of dev eloping depression increases, due to a reduced sense of purpose (Smith, Robinson, Segal, 2011). The patient’s risk for isolation upon discharge home indicates that the patient may do better in another setting. Recommendation Upon review of Mr. Trosack’s chart, interviews with the patient and family and the safety assessment performed, it is the recommendation of this writer that the patient not be discharged home. This recommendation would be different if the patient lived on a first-floor apartment or had access to an elevator. However, given the safety and isolation issues present in his home, the patient would be better served in an assisted living facility. Because the patient does not need skilled nursing care, and can perform his most of his ADLs, the patient does not require nursing home placement. An assisted living facility would allow the patient to have some independence in regards to his individual space and performing his ADLs while ensuring the patient a safe environment. An assisted living facility allows for monitoring of the patient overall wellness and general health and can coordinate medication administration and monitor compliance (Maryland State Bar Association, 1998). The services provided by the assisted living facility would help to ensure that the patient stays safe by keeping a watchful eye on the patient—routine safety checks are performed and fall risks are identified and corrected as needed. The facility can also monitor his overall health through the routine safety checks as well as monitor his medication compliance, ensuring the patient takes his medications as scheduled. Furthermore, several facilities offer social activities, which would increase the patient’s likelihood of continued physical activity and reduce the risk of depression and decline after discharge.

The Davids of the World :: essays papers

The David's of the World Sometime soon after the year 1430, a bronze statue of David stood in the courtyard of the house of the Medici. The work was commissioned of Donatello by Cosimo d'Medici himself, the founding father of the Republic of Florence. It was the first free-standing, life sized nude since classical victorious athletes of Greece and Rome. But soft, and some how oddly unheroic. And the incongruity of the heads: of hair and shaded by a laurel-crowned peasant's hat; Goliath's tragic, contorted expression, made sharper by the pentagonal helmet and coarse, disheveled beard. Innocence and evil. The weak triumphing over the strong. The city of Florence triumphing over the aggressive dukes of Milan? "David" as a civic-public monument. In the year 1469, Ser Piero from the Tuscan town of Vinci moved to Florence to become a notary. He rented a house on the Piazza San Firenze, not far from the Palazzo Vecchio. His son, who was a mere 17 years old upon their arrival, began and apprenticeship in the Florentine studio of the well known artist, Andrea Verrocchio. At this time, Veracchio was at work on a bronze sculpture of the young David. Might the head of this fine piece be a portrait of the young Leonardo da Vinci? For many years a block of marble lay untouched, tossed aside as unusable, irretrievable evidence of a botched attempt to carve a human form. It was eighteen feet high. A young sculptor, 26 years old, riding high after the enormous success of his figure of the Virgin Mary holding the dead Christ, decided to ask for the piece. The wardens of the city in charge of such things let the artist have it. What did they have to lose? Getting anything out of it was better than nothing. So this young sculptor named Michelangelo measured and calculated. He mad a wax model of David with a sling in his hand. And he worked on his David continuously for some three years, until, a man named Vasari tells us, he brought it to perfect completion. Without letting anyone see it. A century later, a young sculptor, 25 years old, stares into a mirror at his steeled jaw and determined brow. A contemporary source tells us that on this day, perhaps, the mirror is being held by Cardinal Maffeo Berberini while Bernini transfers what he sees in himself to the face of his David.

Gender Differences in the Use of Technology Essay

At the center of 21st century culture is computer technology which presence and use just decades ago, were limited for the government and some institutions. Today, computer technology steps out from such isolation pervading all institutions, industries, commerce and other areas of life at what appears to be logarithmic speed, making its mastery or at least working knowledge an essential requisite if one is to keep pace with time. The ubiquity of technology, continuous rise in the demands for technologically-advanced workforce combined with the application of basic economic principles make one think whether the study on gender differences as it relates to technology is really a matter worthy of anyone’s attention. Statistics say it is. Generally, in a technological workplace, women are still underrepresented: only five percent of computer programmers, ten percent of system analysts and ten percent of electronic technicians are females (Statistics: Women in Technology, 2008). In major companies in Silicon Valley, only 5-6% is led by females (Statistics: Women in Technology, 2008). There has been a decline in the number of females pursuing careers related to science and technology. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of women who earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science has decreased from 37% to 28. 4% from 1984 to 1995 (Statistics: Women in Technology, 2008). Female students who took the advanced placement computer examination comprised only 17% (Statistics: Women in Technology, 2008). From these statistics, one may speculate that females’ future career choices still fall along traditional paths. This was confirmed by a study done by Lupart and Cannon (2002) on students’ perceptions on desirable career characteristics and career choices. With the rising demand for high-tech jobs (Statistics: Women and Technology, 2008), knowledge and use of technology become an essential condition to improve women’s participation in the workforce and to enable them to pursue higher status and better-paying jobs in the future. However, the general belief is that not only are women underrepresented in the technology-related industry; they are also considered to be less interested, less confident and less skilled in this area. These three factors affect their usage of technology. Still, underneath these factors, women’s computer usage can be traced on socialization and upbringing. Boys and girls do not play the same games during childhood. While boys are usually made to play video games or games that promote problem-solving, hands-on skills and spatial-relationship skills, girls play with dolls, which tend to develop their value of relationships (Milgram, 2007). Problem-solving, hands-on and spatial-relationship skills are critical to the study of computer and technology-related subjects. As a result of this discrepancy in development, males become more interested in technology and become better-equipped with the necessary skills as they reach adulthood (Milgram, 2007). The males’ generally higher interest in technology, however, does not affect the possibility of improving females’ perception and attitude towards technology. The effect of ubiquitous computing on gender differences was examined in a study done in 2006. Here, the participants were given access 24-hour access to a laptop. Gender differences were observed in behavioral attitude towards future use of computers before the laptop program. Prior to the laptop program, males were more inclined to use computers. This changed after the laptop program. No significant difference was observed in the attitude towards the use of computers after the program (Kay, 2006). Before the program, males were observed to be more skillful in computer abilities compared to females. No significant difference was observed in computer abilities between males and females after the program, except for the skill in programming (Kay, 2006). In central Georgia middle school, the study on 8th grade students showed a statistically significant difference between achievements of males and females. In this experiment, the participants were instructed and given an exam both written and applied on two modules, information and broadcasting. A greater improvement was seen in females for the information module while the males showed greater improvement in the broadcasting module. This study partially debunks earlier findings that males generally show higher achievements compared to males, in the study of computer technology (Hale, 2005). These studies suggest that females’ do not have an inherently unfavorable computer skill, interest, and attitude which affect computer use. Provided with the right tools and knowledge, females may do as well or even better than males (Milgram, 2007). The comparatively lower use of technology by females can be attributed to the differences in perceptions on technology between genders. While the females see technology through its social function, the males’ perspective is more focused on the hardware itself (Brunner, 1997). Males, therefore, are more likely to study more on the intricacies and technicalities of the use of technology compared to females which in effect allows them to maximize its use. Meanwhile, the females’ perspective of technology limits their use to only a number of functions.. According to Milgram (2007), â€Å"[females] are much less likely to retain interest if they feel they are incapable of mastering the material. † Also, males tend to exaggerate their accomplishments while females tend to feel less comfortable even when they do well in tests (Milgram, 2007). The females’ initial lack of skill in technology affects their confidence and perception towards its use. However, like interest and attitude, these may be changed upon exposure. Nicolino, et. al. (2006) measured the confidence gain of male and female respondents in the frequency of use of computers at home and at work. No significant difference in computer use was observed between males and females. Significant differences were observed in the only in the applications used by the two genders. The possible change in perceptions and confidence which may affect usage is evidenced by the study by Wong and Hanafi in 2007. In this study, the attitudes of male and female student teachers in Malaysia towards exposure and use of Information Technology were measured in terms of usefulness, confidence and aversion. No significant differences were seen between the two genders were observed during the pre- and post IT course. Both genders showed improvement in their appreciation of IT usage after the IT course. Females exhibited greater confidence in IT usage after the course compared to their male counterparts (Wong and Hanafi, 2007). Given the males’ higher degree of confidence towards technology, the question now is whether such confidence really translates to increased use of technology. In a study on some 6,800 fourth and eighth grade students, it was reported that males significantly increase their use of technology with age while no such significant increase was seen in females (Barker and Aspray, 2006). It has been established that the males have a more positive attitude and higher degree of confidence towards technology. These, however, are not solely gender-based but more importantly, based on their differences in upbringing, with males having more background in problem-solving and spatial-relationship. Based on the general principles derived from studies on gender-gap in technology, strategies can be employed to address such gap, improve computer attitude, increase computer use and create a culture where everyone can participate and take advantage of the benefits of technology, regardless of gender. Milgram (2007) lists some of such strategies targeting the middle school where attitudes in computer use start to emerge. These strategies include the creation of same-sex groups in classrooms, the integrated and meaningful use of technology, the improvement of teachers’ computer skills, the use of gender neutral softwares, simulation games for all genders, and the discouragement of using technology and computers as a reward. Common among these strategies is their focus on building the confidence of females who often have less experience than males. Simulation games, for example, ensure that not only males are given the opportunity to develop problem-solving and spatial relationship skills. Simulation games also promote hands-on proficiency which is necessary in developing technological skills and use. The creation of same-sex groups in classrooms and the discouragement of using technology and computers as reward minimize the males’ aggressive, assertive and self-assured behavior which stem from their confidence in their skills. In sum, it is by simulating the environment that contributed to the development of males’ skills that the gender gap in the use of technology can be significantly reduced. The fact that females respond to technology more positively if given the right building blocks, as shown by previous studies support this. Works Cited Barker LJ and Aspray W. (2006). The state of research on girls and IT. In J. M. Cohoon and W Aspray (eds. ), Women and information technology (pp. 3-54). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Brunner C. (1997). Technology and gender: Differences in masculine and feminine views. NASSP Bulletin, 81(592), 46-51. Hale, KV. (2005). Gender differences in computer technology achievement. Meridian, 8(1). Kay R. (2006). Addressing gender differences in computer ability, attitudes and use: The laptop effect. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 34(2), 187-211. Lupart J and Cannon E. Computers and career choices: gender differences in grades 7 and 10 students. Gender, Technology and Development, 6(2), 233-248. Milgram D. (2007). Gender differences in learning style specific to science, technology, engineering and math. SelfGrowth. com. Retrieved 27 April 2008 from http://www. selfgrowth. com/articles/Gender_Differences_in_Learning_Style_Specific_to_Science_Technology_Engineering_and_Math_STEM. html. Nicolino, P. , Fitzgerald, B. , Maser, K. & Morote, E. (2006). Gender Differences in Confidence about Using Technology: An Introductory Course. In C. Crawford et al. (Eds. ), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference 2006 (pp. 3544-3549). Chesapeake, VA: AACE. Statistics: Women in Technology. (2008). DeVry University Website. Retrieved 27 April 2008 from http://www. phx. devry. edu/outreach/her_world_stats. asp. Wong, S. L. , & Hanafi, A. (2007). Gender Differences in Attitudes towards

The Dead Child

Significant Lines1. â€Å"Why, oh why, did the memory of that dead child seek me out today in the very midst of the summer that sang?†2. â€Å"I glanced again at that astonishing splash of pink in the melancholy landscape.†3. â€Å"I studied the silent little face. A child who had loved books, solemnity, and decorous attire.†4. â€Å"I realized suddenly that it was a mass of wild roses. In June they open in great sheets all over Manitoba, growing from the poorest soil.†5. â€Å"A scent I have not much liked since the long ago June when I went to that poorest of villages-to acquire, as they say, experience.† Insightful Comments6. Each flower/rose holds a precious memory.7. Life is full of harsh moments. However the simple, yet precious things in life make up for the murky moments.8. The flowers signify the hope, found in a place surrounded by darkness. ( The light at the end of the tunnel)9. The value of a child’s memory is worth more than all the riches in the world.10. Yolande, a rose grown from the poorest soil. A brilliant, pure, and innocent rose. The theme of â€Å"The Dead Child† by Gabrielle Roy is about how a simple action can have a massive impact on our surroundings. In other words never underestimate the power of a simple action. In the story we are introduced to a group of Mà ©tis students, who are under privileged and are taught in poor working environments. Already we can see that these students do not have very much – money wise-. Despite their lack of necessities they were still able to give the gift of kindness, respect and love to their close friend Yolande.Their simple act of kindness not only changed their perspective on death but it also opened their hearts and allowed them to connect with their teacher throughout their moments of grief. By simply visiting Yolande before her burial helped the students cope with their misery and lift all the emotional weights from their tiny shoulders. Not only did they show others that Yolande was not alone but they also proved to themselves that they were strong enough to understand death. As they are picking the flowers they are reminded of the hope among them and that everything will be okay. I think the reason why this theme was used in the story is to allow readers to take the time to think about their actions and how it can affect themselves and their surroundings no matter how diminutive  the action may be- like many people say actions always speak louder than words.The face in my image is Yolande. The ribbons of colors caressing Yolande’s face represent all the feelings that were present throughout the story. Blue symbolizing sadness, white symbolizing purity, yellow symbolizes the imperfections in life and pink represents hope. The black background is the soil in which the roses grow out of and the same soil that will hold Yolande’s body where she too will become a rose. The large stream of rose petals r epresents the innocent and simple actions of the children. If you picture a stream they are usually calm and quiet but if you look closer streams are also abundant filled with life just like the students in the story.The tiny bits of roses represent all the memories the children had with Yolande; each rose petal builds a larger rose. At the end of the story the children form a circle around Yolande and console themselves by telling one another â€Å"She must have got to heaven by this time.† Or â€Å"She must be happy now.† For a child to experience such a mature feeling is not only incredible but at the same time fascinating, and so all of these emotions have engraved their names onto the rose signifying an important moment in their lives, the moment when they learnt how to cope with grief and death.As a result of their simple acts of kindness each child’s memory, feelings and actions make them a beautiful rose. All these relate back to the theme because they i llustrate all the wondrous things the children and the teacher were able to experience and achieve through a simple action despite all the emotional, and mental struggles each character went through.

Princess Catherine Ann B. Gaviola Essays - Education, Psychology

Princess Catherine Ann B. Gaviola Essays - Education, Psychology Princess Catherine Ann B. Gaviola MAEd- Social Studies LEARNING THEORIES As a teacher we have to equipped ourselves with learning theories in order to be efficient and also we have to anchor ourselves with a firm, adequate and effective theories so that we can be a caliber teacher of the 20th century. Personally I choose these three educational theories that I believe that can help me attain my goal and they are Behaviorism, Cognitivism , Connectivism. Behaviorism a learning theory that only focuses on objectively observable behaviors and discounts any independent activities of the mind. Behavior theorists define learning as nothing more than the acquisition of new behavior based on environmental conditions. Behaviorism is a worldview that assumes a learner is essentially passive, responding to environmental stimuli. The learner starts off as a clean slate (i.e. tabula rasa) and behavior is shaped through positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement. Both positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement increase the probability that the antecedent behavior will happen again. In contrast, punishment (both positive and negative) decreases the likelihood that the antecedent behavior will happen again. Positive indicates the application of a stimulus; Negative indicates the withholding of a stimulus. Learning is therefore defined as a change in behavior in the learner. Lots of (early) behaviorist work was done with animals (e.g. Pavlov's dogs) and generalized to humans. This theory can be applied during class discussion if the student misbehaves in class. The teacher will reprimand him and thus he will realize his mistake and if he will repeat his actions it will be dealt with the same manner but if he behaves himself and participate during class discussion the student will receive a reward such as praise from his teacher. Thus he will noticed that certain actions will elicit a response from his teacher. Cognitivism is the study in psychology that focuses on mental processes, including how people perceive, think, remember, learn, solve problems, and direct their attention to one stimulus rather than another. Psychologists working from a cognitivist perspective, then, seek to understand cognition. Rooted in Gestalt psychology and the work of Jean Piaget, cognitivism has been prominent in psychology since the 1960s; it contrasts with behaviorism, where psychologists concentrate their studies on observable behavior. Cognitivism focuses on the inner mental activities - opening the "black box" of the human mind is valuable and necessary for understanding how people learn. Mental processes such as thinking, memory, knowing, and problem-solving need to be explored. Knowledge can be seen as schema or symbolic mental constructions. This is the reason why we let our students during class discussion especially if the subject is Araling Panlipunan memorizes dates, events for it is used as the foundation of building rationale among the students and if the topic is all about the different time zone. The student learn to compute and analyze the effect of having different time. Connectivism is a hypothesis of learning which emphasizes the role of social and cultural context. In this sense, Connectivism proposes to see knowledge's structure as a network and learning as a process of pattern recognition. Connectivism is often associated with and proposes a perspective similar to Vygotsky's 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD), an idea later transposed into Engestrom's (2001) Activity theory . The relationship between work experience, learning, and knowledge, as expressed in the concept of connectivity, is central to C onnectivism, motivating the theory's name. It is somewhat similar to Bandura's Social Learning Theory that proposes that people le arn through contact. What sets C onnectivism apart from theories such as constructivism is the view that "learning (defined as actionable knowledge) can reside outside of ourselves (within an organization or a database), is focused on connecting specialized information se ts, and the connections that enable us to learn more are more important than our current state of knowing". The phrase "a learning theory for the digital age" indicates the emphasis that C onnectivism gives to technology's effect on how people live, communicate and learn. This are the principles of Connectivism: Learning and knowledge rests in diversity of opinions. Learning is a process of connecting specialized nodes or information sources. Learning may reside in non-human appliances. Learning is more critical than knowing. Maintaining and nurturing connections is needed to facilitate

The History of Llamas and Alpacas in South America

The History of Llamas and Alpacas in South America The largest domesticated animals in South America are the camelids, quadruped animals which played a central role in the economic, social, and ritual lives of past Andean hunter-gatherers, herders, and farmers. Like domesticated quadrupeds in Europe and Asia, South American camelids were first hunted as prey before being domesticated. Unlike most of those domesticated quadrupeds, however, those wild ancestors are still living today. Four Camelids Four camels, or more precisely camelids, are recognized in South America today, two wild and two domesticated. The two wild forms, the larger guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and the daintier vicuà ±a (Vicugna vicugna) diverged from a common ancestor some two million years ago, an event unrelated to domestication. Genetic research indicates that the smaller alpaca (Lama pacos L.), is the domesticated version of the smaller wild form, the vicuà ±a; while the larger llama (Lama glama L) is the domesticated form of the larger guanaco. Physically, the line between llama and alpaca has been blurred as a result of deliberate hybridization between the two species over the last 35 years or so, but that hasnt stopped researchers from getting to the heart of the matter. All four of the camelids are grazers or browser-grazers, although they have different geographic distributions today and in the past. Historically and in the present, the camelids were all used for meat and fuel, as well as wool for clothing and a source of string for making  quipu and baskets. The Quechua (the state language of the Inca) word for dried camelid meat is charki, Spanish charqui, and the etymological progenitor of the English term jerky. Llama and Alpaca Domestication The earliest evidence for domestication of both llama and alpaca comes from archaeological sites located in the Puna region of the Peruvian Andes, at between ~4000–4900 meters (13,000–14,500 feet) above sea level. At Telarmachay Rockshelter, located 170 kilometers (105 miles) northeast of Lima, faunal evidence from the long-occupied site traces an evolution of human subsistence related to the camelids. The first hunters in the region (~9000–7200 years ago), lived on generalized hunting of guanaco, vicuà ±a and huemul deer. Between 7200–6000 years ago, they switched to specialized hunting of guanaco and vicuà ±a. Control of domesticated alpacas and llamas was in effect by 6000–5500 years ago, and a predominant herding economy based on llama and alpaca was established at Telarmachay by 5500 years ago. Evidence for domestication of llama and alpaca accepted by scholars include changes in dental morphology, the presence of fetal and neonatal camelids in archaeological deposits, and an increasing reliance on camelids indicated by the frequency of camelid remains in deposits. Wheeler has estimated that by 3800 years ago, the people at Telarmachay based 73% of their diet on camelids. Llama (Lama glama, Linnaeus 1758) The llama is the larger of the domestic camelids and resembles the guanaco in almost all aspects of behavior and morphology. Llama is the Quechua term for L. glama, which is known as qawra by Aymara speakers. Domesticated from the guanaco in the Peruvian Andes some 6000–7000 years ago, the llama was moved into lower elevations by 3,800 years ago, and by 1,400 years ago, they were kept in herds on the northern coasts of Peru and Ecuador. In particular, the Inca used llamas to move their imperial pack trains into southern Colombia and central Chile. Llamas range in height from 109–119 centimeters (43–47 inches) at the withers, and in weight from 130–180 kilograms (285–400 pounds). In the past, llamas were used as beasts of burden, as well as for meat, hides, and fuel from their dung. Llamas have upright ears, a leaner body, and less wooly legs than the alpacas. According to Spanish records, the Inca had a hereditary caste of herding specialists, who bred animals with specific colored pelts for sacrificing to different deities. Information on flock size and colors are believed to have been kept using the quipu. Herds were both individually-owned and communal. Alpaca (Lama pacos Linnaeus 1758) The alpaca is considerably smaller than the llama, and it most resembles the vicuà ±a in aspects of social organization and appearance. Alpacas range from 94–104 cm (37–41 in) in height and about 55–85 kg (120–190 lb) in weight. Archaeological evidence suggests that, like llamas, alpacas were domesticated first in the Puna highlands of central Peru about 6,000–7,000 years ago. Alpacas were first brought to lower elevations about 3,800 years ago and are in evidence at coastal locales by 900–1000 years ago. Their smaller size rules out their use as beasts of burden, but they have a fine fleece that is prized throughout the world for its delicate, light-weight, cashmere-like wool that comes in a range of colors from white, through fawn, brown, gray, and black. Ceremonial Role in South American Cultures Archaeological evidence suggests that both llamas and alpacas were part of a sacrificial rite in Chiribaya culture sites such as El Yaral, where naturally mummified animals were found buried beneath house floors. Evidence for their use in Chavà ­n culture sites such as Chavà ­n de Huntar is somewhat equivocal but seems likely. Archaeologist Nicolas Goepfert found that, among the Mochica at least, only domestic animals were part of sacrificial ceremonies. Kelly Knudson and colleagues studied camelid bones from Inca feasts at Tiwanaku in Bolivia and identified evidence that camelids consumed in the feasts were just as often from outside the Lake Titicaca region as local. Evidence that llama and alpaca were what made the extensive trade along the huge Inca road network possible has been known from historical references. Archaeologist Emma Pomeroy investigated the robusticity of human limb bones dated between 500–1450 CE from the site of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile and used that to identify traders involved in those camelid caravans, particularly after the collapse of Tiwanaku. Modern Alpaca and Llama Herds Quechua and Aymara-speaking herders today subdivide their herds into llama-like (llamawari or waritu) and alpaca-like (pacowari or wayki) animals, depending on physical appearance. Crossbreeding of the two has been attempted to increase the amount of alpaca fiber (higher quality), and fleece weight (a llama characteristics). The upshot has been to decrease the quality of alpaca fiber from a pre-conquest weight similar to cashmere to a thicker weight which fetches lower prices in international markets. Sources Chepstow-Lusty, Alex J. Agro-Pastoralism and Social Change in the Cuzco Heartland of Peru: A Brief History Using Environmental Proxies. Antiquity 85.328 (2011): 570–82. Print.Fehrens-Schmitz, Lars, et al. Climate Change Underlies Global Demographic, Genetic, and Cultural Transitions in Pre-Columbian Southern Peru. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 111.26 (2014): 9443–8. Print.Garcà ­a, Marà ­a Elena. The Taste of Conquest: Colonialism, Cosmopolitics, and the Dark Side of Perus Gastronomic Boom. The Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology 18.3 (2013): 505–24. Print.Goepfert, Nicolas. The Llama and the Deer: Dietary and Symbolic Dualism in the Central Andes. Anthropozoologica 45.1 (2010): 25–45. Print.Grant, Jennifer. Of Hunting and Herding: Isotopic Evidence in Wild and Domesticated Camelids from the Southern Argentine Puna (2120–420 years BP). Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 11 (2017): 29–37. Print.Knud son, Kelly J., Kristin R. Gardella, and Jason Yaeger. Provisioning Inka Feasts at Tiwanaku, Bolivia: The Geographic Origins of Camelids in the Pumapunku Complex. Journal of Archaeological Science 39.2 (2012): 479–91. Print. Lopez, Gabriel E. J., and Federico Restifo. Middle Holocene Intensification and Domestication of Camelids in North Argentina, as Tracked by Zooarchaeology and Lithics. Antiquity 86.334 (2012): 1041–54. Print.Marà ­n, J. C., et al. Y-Chromosome and Mtdna Variation Confirms Independent Domestications and Directional Hybridization in South American Camelids. Animal Genetics 48.5 (2017): 591–95. Print.Pomeroy, Emma. Biomechanical Insights into Activity and Long Distance Trade in the South-Central Andes (AD  500–1450). Journal of Archaeological Science 40.8 (2013): 3129–40. Print.Russell, Grant. Determining South American Camelid Domestication through Skeletal Morphology. Rutgers University, 2017. Print.Smith, Scott C., and Maribel Pà ©rez Arias. From Bodies to Bones: Death and Mobility in the Lake Titicaca Basin, Bolivia. Antiquity 89.343 (2015): 106–21. Print.Valverde, Guido, et al. Ancient DNA Analysis Suggests Negligible Impact of the Wari Empire Expansion in Peru’s Central Coast During the Middle Horizon. PLoS ONE (2016). Print. Yacobaccio, Hugo D., and Bibiana L. Vil. A Model for Llama (Lama Glama Linnaeus, 1758) Domestication in the Southern Andes. Anthropozoologica 51.1 (2016): 5–13. Print.

Data analysis2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Data analysis2 - Essay Example It came to be known that dropouts can happen mainly on account of two issues. Someone gets burdened with personal workload like getting married or becoming pregnant as was the case for Assia and Meriem. Another prominent reason for dropout was the mismatch of expectation. Anna found the course curriculum comprised of historical research in the field of childhood whereas she wanted to learn more about dealing with children. Marwan’s interest in electronics and creativity prompted him to go for a course in multimedia, but soon turned into boredom as he was not satisfied by the course. Smain had found his interest in English and registered for a course which turned out to be relating to British history. This disappointed him to quit studies and concentrate on his family business. The essence of the analysis reveals important feedback for the authorities monitoring education in the country. All the students interviewed are enrolled in the famous London Metropolitan University. Those who had to shoulder family responsibilities like marriage and bearing a child were found to be interested in completing the journey of acquiring knowledge sometime in future. One of the noticeable finding from the analysis has been the fact that most of the dropouts occurred because the corresponding students did not find the subjects to be as interesting and enriching as they had perceived before enrolling themselves. This made them to break in the midst of the course. But they also had a tacit desire to make up for it sometime in future by enrolling at a better place and complete the journey. In some cases, the student found earning money to be more challenging and thus decided to take care of the family business. This leads to an important conclusion. Universities and education al institutes need to review the course curriculum so that it remains updated and contemporary. A course should be designed with the view of enriching a student with practical