Managing Staff Essay Example for Free

Managing Staff Essay Health care managers have many different roles in any health care facility. According to Chapter 9 of Health Care Finance, â€Å"The manager is responsible for seeing that an employee is present and working for each position and for every shift required for that position’. Managers have a role to understand and know how to use staffing measurement known as the full-time equivalent (FTE). The role of health care managers can vary depending on their position as well as the size of the facility. The role of a health care manager consist of many different things such as staffing, budgeting, scheduling, marketing, accounting, and organizing decisions that will benefit the facility and ensure that everything is effective. â€Å"Group medical practice managers work with a group of medical doctors and handle the budgets, billing, personnel, and patients†, (Role of a Healthcare Manager, 2010). Another role of health care managers is to be available at all times. Comparing Productive and Nonproductive Time According to Chapter 9 of Health Care Finance, â€Å"Productive time actually equates to the employee’s net hours on duty when performing the functions in his or her job description†. Nonproductive time is paid-for time when the employee is not on duty: that is, not producing and therefore â€Å"nonproductive.† Some things that will consist of nonproductive time would be holidays, paid-for vacation days, personal leave days, and/or sick days. Some things that will consist of productive time would be an employee net time or days that they actually at worked on the job. Costs Tied to Staffing Costing is tied to staffing in a variety of ways, because the health care field is a 24-hour job. In the health care setting you have staffs employees working majority of the day. Some employee work sixteen hours shifts, but shift does change every eight to twelve hours in many facilities. The role of a manager is staffing, and employees normally work forty hours per week. If the facility consists of eight hour shifts then the staff would normally work eight hour shifts five days a week, and if it is a twelve hour shift the staff would work three in half days to get forty hours. The Difference between the Annualized Method and the Scheduled-Position Method There are two different approaches to use to compute the staff full-time equivalent (FTE). The Two approaches are the annualized method and the scheduled-position method. The role of a manager comes into place when concerning the annualized method, because the manager would take the productive days and the nonproductive days of each employee and account them in the formula used to complete the hours. The annualized method is a yearly thing and it is calculated with the time the employee has worked. The role of a manager comes into place when concerning the schedule-position method, because the productive days and nonproductive days are accounted for when filling a scheduled shift. The scheduled-position method is a weekly schedule thing. It is important to have a staffing plan in any health care facility. It is important to have enough staff present for the quality of the residents or patients. A staffing plan can help to determine what staffs are schedule and if more staffs are needed to work. Having a staffing plan helpful, because this way every employee time worked are accounted for when recording productive days and nonproductive days. Annualize Staffing Annualizing staff is important in any health care facility, because it is something that the staff have worked hard for and deserve what they have coming to them. Annualizing staff is important because the staffs will be get days off such as Christmas, New Years and etc., and still get paid for it depending on how long they have been employed, because the annualized method is hours accumulated on a yearly method. According to Chapter 9 of Health Care Finance, â€Å"Annualizing is necessary because each employee that is eligible for benefits (such as vacation days) will not be on duty for the  full number of hours paid for by the organization†. The Benefits of Recording Productive and Nonproductive Time There are many benefits of recording productive and nonproductive time in health care management. One benefit of recording productive and nonproductive time is that it improved productivity and decreased non-productivity. Some other benefits of recording productive and nonproductive time are to presence-to-performance ratio, to keep a time log, to make a checklist of recoverable time, and to sharpen the saw. It is important for managers to have a staffing plan available to manage staff and keep record of all staff hours to avoid miscommunication. References T Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational employment statistics. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113031.htm#ind Crainer, S., Dearlove, D. (Eds.) (2004). The Financial Times handbook of management. (3rd ed.) New York, NY: Pearson. Tina Su (2010) http://workawesome.com/productivity/full-engagement-at-work/

Role of Solar Energy for Sustainability

Role of Solar Energy for Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Introduction This paper is based on the environmental sustainability and the role of solar energy in environmental sustainability. Maintaining the qualities such as human life, clean water and suitable climate that are valued in the atmosphere is termed as environmental sustainability. There are various resources and factors, which contribute directly or indirectly in maintaining the quality of environment. The various aspects of environment that produce renewable resources are water, solar energy and timber. In this present scenario, most people want to maintain the capabilities inherent in the natural environment to sustain the conditions of living and the beauty of environment (What is Environmental Sustainability, 2006). Thesis Statement: Eminent role of solar energy towards the establishment of environmental sustainability. Argument Solar energy plays a significant role in sustaining the environment, as it is the most valuable and environmental friendly source of energy. It is the utilization of radiant energy from the sun. Solar distillation and disinfection are the most common techniques used for the purpose of producing potable water. It also supplies energy for cooking, drying and pasteurization. Solar energy is an effective technique, which maintains the quality of environment by different mechanisms such as solar thermal, solar lightening, agriculture horticulture and architecture urban planning. It uses secondary sources of energy along with solar radiation such as wind and wave power, biomass and hydroelectricity, which produce renewable energy (Environmental Sustainability, 2008). Thermal mass is primarily used for the purpose of conserving the heat of the sun. It is the increasingly used source of energy generation because of its economic feasibility. Apart from this, solar energy has various advantag es such as it is environmental friendly and more easily accessible technique in comparison to other techniques of energy generation. It provides various technologies for heat generation and collection, which proves its importance in environmental sustainability (What is Solar Energy, 2005). Support to the argument Solar energy is the most effective source of producning energy and plays an important role in environmental sustaining. This can be explained by the help of five elements: Economoicall feasibility: It is a more feasible economic source in copmrison to other sources of energy producing, as it is cost effective(in the case of greenhouse) and technologically advanced( in the case of solar lighting ). Environmental friendly: It is an envrinmental friendly source as most of the solar electricirty generated vehicles produce no emissions. In this way, they are non pollutant and safe for the people. Non cosumptive source: The radiation of sun is a limitless resource of energy, so it does not require any destrucive process, which is another advantage of this technique. Security and distribution: The prices of solar electricity, which is produced through photovaltaic cells does not flactuate with the supply pattrens, so it is the best source of energy generation. The distribution cost is less in case of solar electricity, which is produced by the technology of solar energy. This is another positive approach of using solar enegry in environmental sustainability. Save energy and other resources: Solar energy also assists the people in saving energy and other valuabl resources by solar lighting and thermal mass. Thus, it helps in maintaining environmental sustainability. Apart from the above mentioned elements, many other arguments favoring it describe that solar energy is the vital source of producing energy for millions of people through the utilization of different technologies. Solar technologies are widely used in day to day practices and also offer various benefits, which in turn assist in sustaining the environment. Architecture and urban planning: Solar energy assists the architectures in designing of building, as it includes many aspects such as thermal mass, shading and sun orientation. Apart from this, it is also helpful in effective urban planning (Vlek Steg, 2007). Solar lighting: Solar energy implements the concept of day lighting in the interiors of many buildings, which reduces the need for artificial lighting. Hybrid solar lighting is another concept, which is used to provide illumination. /a> Source: New York Times Heating cooling and ventilation: Solar energy reduces the use of artificial methods involved in heating, cooling and ventilation by implementing the use of thermal mass. Solar chimneys are increasingly used to offset the significant part of energy used by other methods. Solar disinfection and distillation: Solar disinfection is used to produce water purifier and considered to be as the viable and safe source of household treatment. Solar distillation is the mechanism of producing potable water from the saline water through the help of solar energy and is considered the most economical source of producing water (Stipanuk, 2006). Agriculture and horticulture: Solar energy technologies assist in growing fruit walls and vegetables in an effective manner by using the solar energy. The concept of greenhouse is also used increasingly as it saves the solar heat. Water heating: This system is used to heat water by using sunlight and considerd as an effective method as it is an eco-friendly system. Counter Argument Solar energy offers various advantages of using it at broad level but there are some limitations of using it, which reject the concept of using solar energy in the energy production. Expensive source: Solar energy is useful when the sun shines but in the course of night these expensive solar equipemnts are useless. It is the drawback of using the solar energy for generating electricity and heat. Location: It is another disadvantage of using solar nergy in electricity generation, as solar equipements require large areas for installation, hence if the area is limited, it will create problems (Disadvantages of Solar Energy, 2008). Dilution: As solar energy is diluted, it requires a lot of solar collectors for the purpose of storing solar energy effectively. Solar collectors are expensive and need a heavy mainatanance for proper functioning. So, the return on investment is also maximum in comprison to other resources, which generate electricity for environmental sustainability. So these are the disadvantages of using solar energy in generating electricity and these forms the basis of not using it as the source of energy, as in the shortage of energy resources, it becomes price competitive source in comparison to other sourecs (Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy, 2008). Conclusion On the basis of above discussion on the role of solar energy in environmantal sustainability, it is concluded that it is worthy enough to implement the concept of solar energy in electricity generation. Solar energy is an important source of electricity generation, as it saves the cost included in other sources of electricity generation. It is an evironmental friendly technique, as the solar vehicles are eco-friendly and do not emmit pollutant substances in the atmosphere. It is also an economically viable source, as it uses technological advanced insturments in electricity generation. It is also an cost effective source, as there is no distribution cost involved in its distribution. Water heating through the use of solar energy teachnology is also an effective method because it saves the environment from pollution. All of these statements with regard to solar energy prove its increasing use in present scenario. Hence, solar enegry is useful in environmental sustainability in an effe ctive manner. References Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy. (2008). Retrieved July 25, 2008 http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-solar-energy.html Disadvantages of Solar Energy. (2008). Retrieved July 25, 2008 from http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/articles/disadvantages_of_solar_energy.html Environmental Sustainability. (2008). Retrieved July 25, 2008 from http://www.cgg.wa.gov.au/Council/Consultation/Plan_for_the_Future/Environmental_Sustainability.asp Stipanuk, D.M. (2006). Hospitility Facilities Managemnet And Design (3rd edition). Texas: Culinary and Hospitality Industry Publications Services. Vlek, C. Steg, L. (2007). Human Behavior and Environmental Sustainability. USA: Blackwell Publishing. What is Environmental Sustainability. (2006). Retrieved July 25, 2008 from http://www.ces.vic.gov.au/CES/wcmn301.nsf/childdocs/-441BB07721D61152CA256F250028C5FB?open What is Solar Energy. (2005). Retrieved July 25, 2008 from http://www.prometheus.org/research/whatissolar

Plato :: essays research papers

Plato was a philosopher who was born in Athens (470- 390 BCE), and was also a student of Socrates. He felt that intelligence and one’s perception belonged to completely independent realms or realties. He believed that general concepts of knowledge were predestined, or placed in the soul before birth even occurred in living things. Plato believed that the cosmos was intelligible, and that the universe was mathematically understandable. He believed that mathematical objects could be seen as perfect forms. Forms, a doctoral of Plato, can be understood as an everyday object or idea, which does not exist in the everyday realm, but merely are existent in the hypothetical realm or reality. Plato believed that truths existed outside the boundaries of our realm, interestingly enough. He was highly influenced by Socrates, and inherited the idea of absolute truths and standards of knowledge. Geometric shapes correspond to the mental world, a universe that exists co-temporarily with the material universe. Material objects are copies of mathematical knowledge and our mind gives us knowledge of ideas. In addition, our sensory gives us knowledge of the material world, what we can feel see or smell. Regarding the sensible world, one that is perceptible by the senses or by the mind, is in direct relation with his doctoral of dualism. Dualism can be seen as the view that the world consists of as two fundamental entities, such as mind and matter, physics and nature. In the intelligible world, things fundamentally consist of as being apprehended by the intellect alone. Regarding sensory objects, he believed that they were in constant change and furthermore were a phenomenon of the physical world; hence they cannot be identified with knowledge.

Computerized Library System Essay

Chromosomal aberrations are disruptions in the normal chromosomal content of a cell and are a major cause of genetic conditions in humans, such as Down syndrome, although most aberrations have little to no effect. Some chromosome abnormalities do not cause disease in carriers, such as translocations, or chromosomal inversions, although they may lead to a higher chance of bearing a child with a chromosome disorder. Abnormal numbers of chromosomes or chromosome sets, called aneuploidy, may be lethal or may give rise to genetic disorders. Genetic counseling is offered for families that may carry a chromosome rearrangement. The gain or loss of DNA from chromosomes can lead to a variety of genetic disorders. Human examples include: * Cri du chat, which is caused by the deletion of part of the short arm of chromosome 5. â€Å"Cri du chat† means â€Å"cry of the cat† in French; the condition was so-named because affected babies make high-pitched cries that sound like those of a cat. Affected individuals have wide-set eyes, a small head and jaw, moderate to severe mental health issues, and are very short. * Down syndrome, the most common trisomy, usually caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). Characteristics include decreased muscle tone, stockier build, asymmetrical skull, slanting eyes and mild to moderate developmental disability.[51] * Edwards syndrome, or trisomy-18, the second-most-common trisomy.[citation needed]Symptoms include motor retardation, developmental disability and numerous congenital anomalies causing serious health problems. Ninety percent of those affected die in infancy. They have characteristic clenched hands and overlapping fingers. * Isodicentric 15, also called idic(15), partial tetrasomy 15q, or inverted duplication 15 (inv dup 15). * Jacobsen syndrome, which is very rare. It is also called the terminal 11q deletion disorder.[52] Those affected have normal intelligence or mild developmental disability, with poor expressive language skills. Most have a bleeding disorder called Paris-Trousseau syndrome. * Klinefelter’s syndrome (XXY). Men with Klinefelter syndrome are usually sterile, and tend to be taller and have longer arms and legs than their peers. Boys with the syndrome are often shy and quiet, and have a higher incidence of speech delay and dyslexia. Without testosterone treatment, some may develop gynecomastia during puberty. * Patau Syndrome, also called D-Syndrome or trisomy-13. Symptoms are somewhat similar to those of trisomy-18, without the characteristic folded hand. * Small supernumerary marker chromosome. This means there is an extra, abnormal chromosome. Features depend on the origin of the extra genetic material. Cat-eye syndrome and isodicentric chromosome 15 syndrome (or Idic15) are both caused by a supernumerary marker chromosome, as is Pallister-Killian syndrome. * Triple-X syndrome (XXX). XXX girls tend to be tall and thin and have a higher incidence of dyslexia. * Turner syndrome (X instead of XX or XY). In Turner syndrome, female sexual characteristics are present but underdeveloped. Females with Turner syndrome often have a short stature, low hairline, abnormal eye features and bone development and a â€Å"caved-in† appearance to the chest. * XYY syndrome. XYY boys are usually taller than their siblings. Like XXY boys and XXX girls, they are more likely to have learning difficulties. * Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, which is caused by partial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 4. It is characterized by severe growth retardation and severe to profound mental health issues. Cri du chat syndrome, also known as chromosome 5p deletion syndrome, 5p minus syndrome or Lejeune’s syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder due to a missing part ofchromosome 5. Its name is a French term (cat-cry or call of the cat) referring to the characteristic cat-like cry of affected children. It was first described by Jà ©rà ´me Lejeune in 1963.[1] The condition affects an estimated 1 in 50,000 live births, strikes all ethnicities, and is more common in females by a 4:3 ratio. Signs and symptoms The syndrome gets its name from the characteristic cry of affected infants, which is similar to that of a meowing kitten, due to problems with the larynx and nervous system. About 1/3 of children lose the cry by age 2. Other symptoms of cri du chat syndrome may include: * feeding problems because of difficulty swallowing and sucking. * low birth weight and poor growth. * severe cognitive, speech, and motor delays. * behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, aggression, tantrums, and repetitive movements. * unusual facial features which may change over time. * excessive drooling. * constipation. ————————————————- Genetics Cri du chat syndrome is due to a partial deletion of the short arm of chromosome number 5, also called â€Å"5p monosomy†. Approximately 90% of cases results from a sporadic, or randomly-occurring, de novo deletion. The remaining 10-15% are due to unequal segregation of a parental balanced translocation where the 5p monosomy is often accompanied by a trisomic portion of the genome. These individuals may have more severe disease than those with isolated monosomy of 5p. Most cases involve total loss of the most distant 20-10% of the material on the short arm. Fewer than 10% of cases have other rare cytogenetic aberrations (e.g., interstitial deletions, mosaicisms, rings and de novo translocations). The deleted chromosome 5 is paternal in origin in about 80% of de novo cases. Loss of a small region in band 5p15.2 (cri du chat critical region) correlates with all the clinical features of the syndrome with the exception of the catlike cry, which maps to band 5p15.3 (catlike critical region). The results suggest that 2 noncontiguous critical regions contain genes involved in this condition’s etiology. Two genes in these regions, Semaphorine F (SEMA5A) and delta catenin(CTNND2), are potentially involved in cerebral development. The deletion of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene localized in 5p15.33 may contribute to the phenotypic changes in cri du chat syndrome as well. people with cri du chat syndrome Down syndrome (DS) or Down’s syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is achromosomal condition caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy ofchromosome 21.[1] Down syndrome is the most common chromosome abnormality in humans.[2] It is typically associated with a delay in cognitive ability (mental retardation, or MR) and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.[1] The average IQ of young adults with Down syndrome is around 50, compared to children without the condition with an IQ of 100.[1][3] (MR has historically been defined as an IQ below 70.) A large proportion of individuals with Down syndrome have a severe degree of intellectual disability. Genetics Karyotype for trisomy Down syndrome. Notice the three copies of chromosome 21 Down syndrome disorders are based on having too many copies of the genes located on chromosome 21. In general, this leads to an overexpression of the genes.[54] Understanding the genes involved may help to target medical treatment to individuals with Down syndrome. It is estimated that chromosome 21 contains 200 to 250 genes.[55] Recent research has identified a region of the chromosome that contains the main genes responsible for the pathogenesis of Down syndrome.[56] The extra chromosomal material can come about in several distinct ways. A typical human karyotype is designated as 46,XX or 46,XY, indicating 46 chromosomes with an XX arrangement typical of females and 46 chromosomes with an XY arrangement typical of males.[57] In 1–2% of the observed Down syndromes.[58] some of the cells in the body are normal and other cells have trisomy 21, this is called mosaic Down syndrome (46,XX/47,XX,+21).[59] [60] Trisomy 21 Trisomy 21 (47,XX,+21) is caused by a meiotic nondisjunction event. With nondisjunction, agamete (i.e., a sperm or egg cell) is produced with an extra copy of chromosome 21; the gamete thus has 24 chromosomes. When combined with a normal gamete from the other parent, the embryo now has 47 chromosomes, with three copies of chromosome 21. Trisomy 21 is the cause of approximately 95% of observed Down syndromes, with 88% coming from nondisjunction in the maternal gamete and 8% coming from nondisjunction in the paternal gamete.[58] The actual Down syndrome â€Å"critical region† encompasses chromosome bands 21q22.1-q22.3.[61] Edwards syndrome (also known as Trisomy 18 (T18) or Trisomy E) is a genetic disordercaused by the presence of all or part of an extra 18th chromosome. It is named after John H. Edwards, who first described the syndrome in 1960.[1] It is the second most commonautosomal trisomy, after Down syndrome, that carries to term. Edwards syndrome occurs in around one in 6,000 live births and around 80 percent of those affected are female.[2] The majority of fetuses with the syndrome die before birth.[2]The incidence increases as the mother’s age increases. The syndrome has a very low rate of survival, resulting from heart abnormalities, kidney malformations, and other internal organ disorders. Signs and symptoms Children born with Edwards syndrome may have some or all of the following characteristics: kidney malformations, structural heart defects at birth (i.e., ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus), intestines protruding outside the body (omphalocele), esophageal atresia, mental retardation, developmental delays, growth deficiency, feeding difficulties, breathing difficulties, and arthrogryposis (a muscle disorder that causes multiple joint contractures at birth).[3][4] Some physical malformations associated with Edwards syndrome include small head (microcephaly) accompanied by a prominent back portion of the head (occiput); low-set, malformed ears; abnormally small jaw (micrognathia); cleft lip/cleft palate; upturned nose; narrow eyelid folds (palpebral fissures); widely spaced eyes (ocular hypertelorism); drooping of the upper eyelids (ptosis); a short breast bone; clenched hands; choroid plexus cysts; underdeveloped thumbs and or nails,absent radius, webbing of the second and third toes; clubfoot or Rocker bottom feet; and in males, undescended testicles. of choroid plexus cysts, which are pockets of fluid on the brain. These are not problematic in themselves, but their presence may be a marker for trisomy Genetics Edwards syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality characterized by the presence of an extra copy of genetic material on the 18th chromosome, either in whole (trisomy 18) or in part (such as due to translocations). The additional chromosome usually occurs beforeconception. The effects of the extra copy vary greatly, depending on the extent of the extra copy, genetic history, and chance. Edwards syndrome occurs in all human populations but is more prevalent in female offspring.[7] A healthy egg and/or sperm cell contains individual chromosomes, each of which contributes to the 23 pairs of chromosomes needed to form a normal cell with a typical human karyotype of 46 chromosomes. Numerical errors can arise at either of the two meiotic divisions and cause the failure of a chromosome to segregate into the daughter cells (nondisjunction). This results in an extra chromosome, making the haploid number 24 rather than 23. Fertilization of eggs or insemination by sperm that contain an extra chromosome results in trisomy, or three copies of a chromosome rather than two.[8] Trisomy 18 (47,XX,+18) is caused by a meiotic nondisjunction event. With nondisjunction, a gamete (i.e., a sperm or egg cell) is produced with an extra copy of chromosome 18; the gamete thus has 24 chromosomes. When combined with a normal gamete from the other parent, the embryo has 47 chromosomes, with three copies of chromosome 18. with edwards syndrome Isodicentric 15, also called idic(15), partial tetrasomy 15q, or inverted duplication 15 (inv dup 15), is a chromosome abnormalityin which a child is born with extra genetic material from chromosome 15. People with idic(15) are typically born with 47 chromosomes in their body cells, instead of the normal 46. The extra chromosome is made up of a piece of chromosome 15 that has been duplicated end-to-end like a mirror image. It is the presence of this extra genetic material that is thought to account for the symptoms seen in some people with idic(15). Individuals with idic(15) have a total of four copies of this chromosome 15 region instead of the usual two copies (1 copy each on the maternal and paternal chromosomes). The extra chromosome is rarely found in mosaic state, i.e. some of the cells carry the marker chromosome. However, mostly because of the marker’s instability and tendency to be lost during cell division (mitosis), some cells are completely normal with 46 chromosomes. Occasionally, cells may have more than one idic(15), resulting in 48 or 49 chromosomes in all or some of their cells. A similar clinical picture albeit to a milder degree could be expected in individuals that have the extra chromosome 15 material as an interstitial duplication; not as a marker chromosome; thus having 46 chromosomes.[1][2] Signs and symptoms Individuals with idic(15) have delays in language development and motor skills such as walking or sitting up. Other traits may include low muscle tone (hypotonia), seizures, short stature, and mental retardation. Distinctive facial features associated with idic(15) may include epicanthal folds (skin folds at the inner corners of the eyes), a flattened nasal bridge, button nose, and a high arched palate (roof of the mouth). Some individuals with idic(15) also have features of autism, such as problems with communication, social interactions, and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors (e.g., lining up toys, playing with a toy in the same manner over and over again, hand flapping, rocking back and forth). These are some mild features but with a severe person there may be more such as inability to talk at all. Genetics Generally, idic(15) is not inherited; it is said to appear de novo; in one member of the family, by chance. In most cases, the abnormal chromosome is generated in the mother’s germ cells; oocytes. This finding is due to ascertainment bias; i.e. cases with maternally derived idic(15) usually have clinical findings and attract attention but those with paternally derived idic(15) usually do not. Thus, established cases are usually patients with maternally inherited idic (15).[4] . The smallest markers appear to be harmless and they may go undetected. However, if they are large enough to contain a number of important genes, they may result in â€Å"idic(15) syndrome† which is characterized by mental retardation, autism and other neurological symptoms.[5] One of the regions responsible for the symptoms of idic(15)syndrome is the critical PWS/AS-region named after the Prader-Willi and/or Angelman syndromes. Jacobsen Syndrome, also known as 11q deletion disorder, is a rare congenital disorder resulting from deletion of a terminal region of chromosome 11 that includes band 11q24.1. It can cause intellectual disabilities, a distinctive facial appearance, and a variety of physical problems including heart defects and a bleeding disorder. The syndrome was first identified by Danish physician Petra Jacobsen,[1] and is believed to occur in approximately 1 out of every 100,000 births. Possible characteristics * Heart defects * Mild to severe intellectual disabilities * Low-platelets (thrombocytopenia) * Facial/skeletal (dysplasia) * Wide-set eyes caused by trigonocephaly * Folding of the skin near the eye (epicanthus) * Short, upturned nose (anteverted nostrils) * Thin lips that curve inward * Displaced receding chin (retrognathia) * Low-set, misshapen ears * Permanent upward curvature of the pinkie and ring fingers (camptodactyly) * Large great toes/Hammer toes Klinefelter’s syndrome, 47, XXY, or XXY syndrome is a condition in which a human has an extra X chromosome. While females have an XX chromosomal makeup, and males an XY, affected individuals have at least two X chromosomes and at least one Y chromosome.[1] Because of the extra chromosome, individuals with the condition are usually referred to as â€Å"XXY Males†, or â€Å"47, XXY Males†.[2] This chromosome constitution (karyotype) exists in roughly between 1:500 to 1:1000 live male births[3][4] but many of these people may not show symptoms. The physical traits of the syndrome become more apparent after the onset of puberty, if at all.[5] In humans, 47,XXY is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy in males[6] and the second most common condition caused by the presence of extra chromosomes. Other mammals also have the XXY syndrome, including mice. Patau syndrome, also known as trisomy 13 and trisomy D, is a chromosomalabnormality, a syndrome in which a patient has an additional chromosome 13 due to anondisjunction of chromosomes during meiosis. Some are caused by Robertsonian translocations, while others are caused by mosaic Patau syndrome. The extra chromosome 13 disrupts the normal course of development, causing heart and kidney defects, amongst other features characteristic of Patau syndrome.[vague] Like allnondisjunction conditions (such as Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome), the risk of this syndrome in the offspring increases with maternal age at pregnancy, with about 31 years being the average.[1] Patau syndrome affects somewhere between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 21,700 live births.

Morality is timeless Essay

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird highlights examples of heroism and courage in a small Alabama town plagued with racism and poverty. The novel focuses on the experiences of the Finch family which consists of Atticus, Jem, and Scout. Scout serves as the narrator of the book; her story is based on her recollections of the events leading up to, during, and after her father’s defense of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping Mayell Ewell, a white woman. To Kill a Mockingbird is not only a critique of racism, but teaches valuable life lessons about moral courage and standing up for what is right. The protagonist, Atticus, displays both moral and physical courage throughout the novel. He is committed to instilling in his children the importance of living an ethical lifestyle regardless of the circumstances. For example, he explains to Scout that he accepted the Tom Robinson case because it is a moral obligation for equal representation. Specifically, he clarifies to Scout that the primary reason is † if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again† (Lee 83). Atticus believes that it is only fair to judge one in terms of that individual’s moral caliber not by the color of their skin. Furthermore, he does not condone retaliation. Even though Mrs. Dubose, a morphine addict, is prejudice and unkind, Atticus reprimands Jem for behaving heartlessly towards her. Atticus never loses his composure even when Bob Ewell maliciously spits in his face. He rationally explains, â€Å"He had to take it out on somebody and I’d rather it be me than that houseful of children out there. You understand? † (Lee 218). Harper Lee’s lesson is that a person’s morals should not be affected by other’s behaviors or beliefs. Honor Above All 1 Steiner 2 Harper Lee creates the narrator, Scout, to demonstrate that morality is not necessarily instinctive but can be taught. As the novel progresses, Scout realizes that moral courage is more difficult to carry out than physical courage. No one in the community wants to associate with Boo Radley; however, Scout comes to recognize his compassion and returns it with civility. Although initially fearful, Scout welcomes Boo’s gifts and embraces his differences. Again, Scout demonstrates that morality can be learned when a potentially violent situation arises at playground with another classmate; she refrains from using force. Her calmer nature proves effective at the courthouse. She harmlessly inquires about Mr. Cunningham’s family, â€Å"Hey Mr. Cunningham. I know your son, Walter he is a nice kid. We go to school together†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Lee 81). Her kindness results in the scattering of the angry townspeople. Scout witnesses that kindness is effective tool to avert violence. The minor characters of Calpurnia, Tom Robinson, and Boo Radley are symbols of decency and respect regardless of their backgrounds. Calpurnia chastises Scout for mocking Walter’s unsophisticated eating habits. â€Å"Hush your mouth! Don’t matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house’s yo’ comp’ny, and don’t you let me catch you remarkin’ on their ways like you was so high and mighty†¦! † (Lee 33). Calpurnia is a maternal figure for the Finch children as she too, similarly to Atticus, helps them to differentiate right from wrong. Tom Robinson exhibits courage when he volunteers to help Mayella Ewell with household chores even though he is aware of his inferior social standing. His decision to speak only the truth in court by stating, â€Å"I felt right sorry for her; she seemed to try more’n the rest of ’em. ,†(Lee 197) further demonstrates his caring demeanor and commitment to behave courteously. Lee includes the character of Boo to Honor Above All 2 Steiner 3 depict another type of prejudice: social discrimination. Despite his social alienation, Boo courageously abandons the safety of his home to help ‘his kids. ’ Boo is guided by his sense of what is right and puts aside society’s rejection. Calpurnia, Tom Robinson, and Boo are guided by morality. Courage can be defined as the ability to face fear, pain, uncertainty, and the unknown. Harper Lee effectively uses her characters to demonstrate moral and immoral choices and consequences. Atticus and Scout respond to the town’s racism with a resolute sense of purpose. Through her father’s and Calpurnia’s guidance she becomes more refined and tolerant. She averts physical confrontations at school and understands that morality should not change with each situation. The character of Tom Robinson symbolizes what it truly means to be a caring human being. Regardless of the racism that he endures, he is honest and compassionate. While racism plays a significant role in Lee’s novel; the importance of moral courage cannot be understated. As Atticus profoundly advises, â€Å"You’ll never know really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view†¦ † (Lee 65). Harper Lee conveys that since justice is blind to race, gender, and differences a moral code is the only hope for equality. Unfortunately, as exhibited in the novel, adhering to one’s moral code does not always guarantee the desired or just outcome. Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. London: Vintage Classics, 2007. Print. Honor Above All 3.

The Battle of Algiers (1966): Movie Review

[Author] [Course Code] [Instructor] [Date] The Battle of Algiers (1966): Movie Review On the 1st of November 1954, FLN guerillas attacked civilian and military installations in several parts of Algeria. The FLN hierarchy called on the Muslims in Algeria to restore the dignity and independence of the Algerian state. It was a bad opportunity to negotiate for independence.Just a few months ago, the French government had liquidated its claims in Indochina. On the 12th of November, the French National Assembly voted for the partial militarization of Algeria.The FLN were comprised of nationalist groups which asserted for the independence of Algeria. The FLN was a ‘sick’ organization, as one European observer noted. It was ruthless, subjective, and idealistic. It coerced students, farmers, and the masses to join in the independence movement. It also garnered support from both Communists and right-wing nationalists, without due consideration of repercussions. The movie begins wi th a short narrative of captured guerillas.The civil war between the Muslim Algerians and the Europeans had become a regional conflict. The French government ordered the deployment of French paratroopers to destroy the National Liberation Front. The paratroopers successfully hunted down members of the FLN. Indeed, many of its leaders were either assassinated or illegally detained. The film portrays France as the victor. However, the film ends with a short sequel portraying massive civil unrest and demonstrations against French rule in Algeria.The ruthlessness of the French Army had fueled the anger of the Algerian people. Although France won the Battle of Algiers, it had clearly lost the war. The movie is filmed in black and white. Its visual sense approaches that of a documentary, or rather the movie ‘The Desert Fox’ (1950). The apparent purpose is to create an atmosphere of despair and anxiety – to provoke the viewer to take sides and assert for interpretive au tonomy. Music and sound are important elements of imagery.The director uses classical motifs to highlight important events in the film and to heighten its emotional appeal. This is also done to evoke image parallelism – the elegance of music as representation of mass murder and torture. Indigenous Algerian music is added to emphasize the ‘danger of nationalistic terrorism’ or rather to symbolize the quest for independence. The FLN insurgents used guerilla warfare to wear the French down. But unlike in Vietnam, the French were able to contain FLN attacks.The reason is obvious. Guerilla warfare was not suited in Algerian geography. FLN guerrilla warfare was directed to top French military and political officials. The idea was to destroy the French hierarchy and replace it with a more palpable political organization. French counterinsurgency program was divided into two phases: liquidate the FLN in rural areas, and contain FLN threat in urban areas. Both strategies failed because the FLN were massively supported by the civilian population.

PE Ratios & Profit Performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

PE Ratios & Profit Performance - Essay Example As said by Flamholtz (1986, p655), "The price-earnings (P-E) ratio measures the relationship of the market price of a firm's common stock to its earnings per share", the P/E ratio is a measure of analysing a company's market position and investors trust that is reflected in the market price of its shares. The higher the price-earnings ratio, the higher the growth potential the company has in the view of its investors. It reveals the market worth of a company's shares and explains how expensive the shares are in relation to the earnings obtained on the shares. For instance, two different companies have the same level of net profit but one company has a lower Price-earnings ratio, it would reflect that its shares are cheaper than the other company. From the above chart also, the P/E ratios of five companies can easily be spotted. All these companies are from the same industry and are among the most popular companies in the retail sector. As reflected by above price-earning ratios, these companies have a varying range of ratios as at February 8, 2006. The price-earning ratio is calculated by dividing a company's market price with the earnings per share and therefore, the price-earning ratio of a company depends upon several factors that are responsible to keep it at a lower or higher level. The determinants of a company's P/E ratio force the company's market price to fluctuate, which is followed by a fluctuation in the ratio. Some of the major determinants causing variation in different companies' price-earnings ratios are discussed below: Growth Potential Brealey and Meyers (1984) suggest that a company's high price-earning ratio reflects that the investors have more confidence in the company's future growth potential. It shows that the expectation of a company's future growth also has a great impact on its price-earning ratio. It is true that investors do have a keen eye on various companies' financial position and performance so that they can also benefit with a company who is climbing the high ladders of growth and profitability. If the company is growing, it will have more profit to be forwarded to the shareholders. Therefore when the investors believe in a company's future performance, they will be willing to invest more in the company's shares leading to a significant rise in the stock value followed by an increase in the P/E ratio. The chart displaying the price-earning ratios of the companies from same industry reveals that the company with a high P/E ratio i.e., Morrison plc with a P/E ratio of 47.2, has more future growth prospects in the eyes of its investors and shareholders than the other companies in the industry i.e., Boots, Tesco, Marks and Spencer and JB Sports plc. This is because the investors mostly look for benchmarking a company's performance and potential with the other companies in industry standing at the same level and once they find a company with better prospects, they invest more of their funds in the company's shares. Hence, it can be said that the element of growth potential is one of the major causes underlying the differences between the above companies' price-earning ratios. Net Profit Smith and Skousen (1987) suggest that an increase or decrease in a company's price-earning ratio is the resultant of its profitability. It indicates that more a company is profitable;