Common law justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Common law justice - Essay Example It should be clear that if a ruler violates justice by enacting a legal edict or document, that edict cannot be properly called a law and this is because law aims for the common good" (Likhovski, 1991). This is often complicated however because what is good for some is bad for others. Because of its mutable nature and its ability to be questioned, the English system of law is sometimes, as in the case of England, challenged quite often, resulting in a highly litigious society, but also a progressive one. The Welsh, for example, are no longer sold openly at slave markets, because law has evolved to forbid this. When this perspective is taken externally and applied to international law and antiquity examples, it becomes measured more in terms of cost and risk, as international law differs from region to region and can become very time-consuming and expensive to those involved. In this environment, arbitration is considered to be better than litigation in almost all cases. Applied to common sense are also the principles of knowing about the law, and the history of the law, through representative cases which have established precedent, based on the concept of stare decisis. These cases are then applied to the facts of the current case in England and Wales, where English law is practiced in majority. In England and Wales, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the highest court, but there are a lot of other courts as well in a hierarchical relationship, from local to national levels. The highest court in the hierarchy "is binding on every other court in the hierarchy, and they will follow its directions. For example, there is no statute making murder illegal. It is a common law crime" (English, 2000). Parliament is in charge of common law, and can adjust the laws to suit the times. For example, there is no more death penalty. #2 It is important to think about, using relevant case law, how the European Court of Justice has maintained a uniform interpretation of community law across European States. A lot of this has to do with the interstices between the relatively recent formation of the EU and the valuation of law in society. Randomness and chaos rule both systems. "The rotation of the presidency entails a lack of continuity in the agenda-setting procedure; the Summit agendas are overloaded with gritty details and each presidency pursues more or less specific topics ('shopping lists'). This is why the Council currently fails to fulfill its original strategic purpose. Thus, the EU definitely needs a reform of its institutions" (Bilefsky, 2005). Other issues are also dividing European law in the present can be seen in the case example of subsidies, or government help, offered to agricultural interests. Recently, before the government of Brown, "The issue of farm subsidies has also divided the European Union i nto nations favoring more open markets and those who want to maintain protection for their domestic industries. Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain called the summit meeting Thursday in the hope of

Personal Training Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal Training - Research Paper Example People lack time to prepare meals and therefore consume junk food. The food is associated with health problems when consumed over time. Any individual who aims to correct the bad behavior has to train his or her mind to accept the changes in meals and have the determination (Baechle, 2004). Based on personal understanding a personal trainer is helpful in the achievement of future goals. The initial step in the training program is the creation of a future that one intends to achieve. It involves setting future goals by the trainee, and the trainer can understand what the trainee wants to achieve. The key issue in goal setting is having the right kind of goals â€Å"fitness encompasses more than achieving the perfect body† (McClaran, 2003). It is about having a body that is fit and healthy. Trainers play an important role in assisting trainees to set good goals such as being healthy rather than being thin (Earle et al, 2004) Research indicates that the second step is the formulation of a compelling future; it is considered as a requirement towards winning the â€Å"inner game† in the training. The creation of a compelling future includes the visualization of the goals desired and the beneficial outcomes of the training. The images obtained help the trainee to get inspired and moved towards the realization of the dreams. Visualization of the desired goals also helps the trainee develop an inner source of motivation. The diet of the trainee is also another issue considered by the trainer (McClaran, 2003). On personal understanding the trainer helps the student to understand that there is a difference between food and their body. The purpose of the food needs to be understood by the trainee and also how they are programmed towards food consumption. For example, some people live to eat instead of eating to live therefore they take food so as to enjoy themselves. From the sources, upon identifying

The Adventure In The Context Of Tourism Tourism Essay

The Adventure In The Context Of Tourism Tourism Essay Adventure Tourism has known a rapid popularity during these last past decades. This rise and sudden popularity was partially thanks to a progression in the commercialization of outdoor recreation (Buckley, 2000, 2004a; Travel Industry Association, 2005) in (Buckley, 2007). Adventure travel existed since a long time; it began with early settler and has amplified increasingly since this period. The first adventure travelers were early explorers in quest of discovery, in the hunt for new resources, lands and looking for unknown places. Columbus, Cook, Da Gama, Magellan and Raleigh are among the well known early explorers in quest of adventure (Swarbrooke et al, 2003: 41). Mercenaries were also characterized as early adventurers having as main interest money, risk seeking while some others like Pilgrims were looking for spiritual knowledge (Swarbrooke et al, 2003). Adventure tourism is currently receiving a lot of attention and is the fastest and fashionable growing sector of the tourism industry. It is perceived as being a niche segment and take in land, air and sea-based activities. Adventure travel is becoming well-liked and individuals are now striving to find equilibrium between work and leisure. Adventure travel has recently created a center of attention for the older people most precisely the baby boomers (Patterson and Pan, 2007). This new cohort born between 1946 and 1964 are getting engaged in new adventure activities. This tendency is principally due to a change in lifestyle, being financially secured than previous cohorts and having more time now that their children have left home. Baby boomers are pushed and pulled by different motives to engage in Adventure tourism. One can have the wish for new experiences, escape from the daily routine, baby boomers in todays world no longer want to sit in a bus going for sightseeing they want t o experience in the activity. Baby boomers can be soft adventurers in pursuit of easy-doing activities containing low level of risk like bird watching, horse riding or hard adventurers in quest of thrills, challenge and adrenaline. Therefore, to better exploit the subject, research has been undertaken to explore and analyze what really motivate this generation to engage in adventure tourism, identify the different motivational factors, the types of activities they are more likely to participate in and their profile characteristics. Lot of research has been done on Adventure Tourism (Vester, 1987; Hill, 1995; Sung, 1997, 2000, 2004; Ewert and Jamieson, 2003; Beedie and Hudson, 2003; Gyimothy and Mykletun, 2004; Kane and Tucker, 2004; Weir, 2004; Flucker, 2005; Williams and Soutar, 2005; Cater, 2006; Page et al, 2006; Buckley, 2000, 2006, 2007; Patterson and Pan, 2007; Schott, 2007; Dimmock, 2009; Reynolds, 2012). Moreover there are some books of particular relevance to adventure tourism. These include Miles and Priest (1999) on adventure programming in outdoor recreation; Swarbrooke et al, 2003 on Adventure Tourism: The new frontier; Buckley (2006) on the structure of adventure tourism products and Patterson (20 06) on Growing older, tourism and leisure behavior of older adults. 1.1. Problem Statement Several studies have been written on adventure tourism, however no other studies apart from Patterson and Pan (2007) has been found on the motivation of baby boomers in adventure tourism. Most of the existing studies focus on adventure tourism from a general point of view (Vester, 1987; Buckley, 2006; Whiriskey and McCarthy, 2006) or look at different perspective such as Mountaineering and Adventure Tourism (Beedie and Hudson, 2003; Pomfret, 2006). Though, there is relatively little research neither on the motivation of people to engage in adventure nor on baby boomers. Ewert and Hollenhorst (1989) focused on adventure travel and its wilderness. Sung, Morrison and OLeary (2004) investigate on the segmentation of adventure market by activities while Dimmock (2009) explored on the comfort in adventure and Reynolds (2012) studied on the motivation and lifestyle of surfing as an adventure travel. Thus adventure tourism has been studied but through diverse perspectives and none apart from Patterson and Pan (2006) has focused on the motivation of Baby Boomers in Adventure. Subsequently to compensate this gap, this research will go deeper to assess those motivations that indulge baby boomers to participate in adventure tourism. 1.2. Aim and Objectives Aim The main aim of this study is to assess what motivate baby boomers to engage in adventure tourism. Objectives Assess the socio-demographic characteristics of baby boomers. To evaluate the trip arrangement factors of baby boomers To differentiate between hard and soft adventure and identify in which type of adventure activities baby boomers are more engaged in. Examine the push and pull factors that influence baby boomers in their choice. Outline of Study This study consists of five sections: the introduction, the literature review, methodology, results and discussion and conclusion and possible recommendations. Chapter 1: The study starts with a brief description on the field of research. This includes an introduction on the expansion of the tourism industry, the emergence of adventure tourism in todays world. It also includes the problem statement, aims and objectives of the research. Chapter 2: The literature review is divided into two parts which is chapter 2 and chapter 3. Chapter 2 is the first part of the literature review. This entails the theoretical background; starting with brief definition of different terms namely adventure Tourism, baby boomers, the types of adventure tourism. Chapter 3: The second part of the literature review lays great emphasis on the motivational theories; this chapter goes deeper onto the different motives that influence individuals in their choice for adventure. Chapter 4: This comprises of the methodology, this explains how research was conducted, the questionnaire design, method used to collect the data, sampling techniques, the data analysis and limitations of the study. Chapter5: This includes the results and discussions of the results Chapter 6: The last chapter reviews all of what have been discussed in the research and ends with some possible recommendations Chapter 2 2.0. Introduction This chapter consists of the literature review; the literature review sets the theoretical framework of this study. Before coming to the definition of adventure tourism, the term adventure is first explained, entailing its core characteristics. This is followed by an explanation on the term adventure tourism and baby boomers, types of adventure tourism as well as a the different types of activities involved in adventure tourism. 2.1. Adventure Adventure is all about action (Kane and Tucker, 2004). The term Adventure does not have a single definition. Adventure could mean different things to different people. What is Adventure for one can be routine for another (Weir, 2004). It varies from a vacation experience to a daily work life of an individual. In order to better understand the term adventure, it is crucial to pass on to its core characteristics; this is demonstrated in the figure below. Figure 1: The core characteristics of Adventure Source: Swarbrooke et al. (2003) These characteristics effectively go over the main points of adventure. Swarbrooke et al. (2003) affirm that these characteristics are mutually dependent since one element can develop the stimuli of another. For instance, novelty may lead to new exploration and discovery, escape from daily life, a look for challenge, danger and risk and develop contrasting emotions. 2.3. Adventure in the context of Tourism Tourists in todays world are not the same as it was in previous years. In this day and age, tourists are desperately in pursuing momentous and unique experiences. They want active rather than passive participation, seek new sensation and change from their ordinary life (Moeran, 1983:17). Adventure tourism is the new emergent and niche sector of the tourism industry. This sector count up 15% of all leisure travel and this rate is going to enlarge in the coming future (Hawkins, 1994; Loverseed, 1997; Fluker and Turner, 2000). Researchers has defined adventure tourism through diverse interpretation (Buckley, 2000; Bentley and Page, 2001; Hudson, 2002; Swarbrooke et al. 2003; Page et al. 2005). Amodeo (2004: 84) define adventure tourism as travel to places that require a certain degree of effort and commitment to get and are about the experience and the journey rather than just a list of places visited or the level of luxury. On the contrary, Muller and Cleaver (2000, p.156) define adventure tourism as physically bracing, adrenalin-driven, somewhat risky, with moments of exhilaration punctuated by many opportunities to assess and reassess what has been done or accomplished. As compared to Amodeo (2004), Muller and Cleaver (2000) definition of the term is mostly inter-related to the two constructs of perceived risk and perceived performance, where high physical ability and risk sensation is mended for it to be extreme and dynamic. Nevertheless, Weir (2004) argue that Adventure do not necessarily contain high level of danger, since there exist adventure with no element of risk or hazard. In the tourism industry, this is normally termed as soft adventure. On the contrary of the definition provided by the researchers, Swarbrooke et al (2003) state that Adventure tourism is not defined according to specific activities that are undertaken, but more by the state of mind and approach of the participant. This means that it is the personal interpretation and perception of individuals towards Adventure that will more clearly define the term. Six major dimensions of adventure tourism have been developed by Sung, Morrison and OLeary (1997) and these are namely activity, experience, environment, motivation, risk and performance. These components can be seen as major essentials for people to go for adventure travel. The activity and environment will consist of the physical location of the adventure travel, and this can be the natural environment. The experience will be the outcome to gain at the end, this can be self-achievement. Moreover, the motivation is all about the interest of the individual and endeavors to engage in adventure while risk and performance is a look for challenge and competence to do the activity. Adventure tourism takes in a range of activities and this includes air, sea and land-based activities (Hall, 1992; Fennel, 1999; Page et al. 2003; Pomfret, 2004; Gajda, 2008).This is illustrated in table 1. Table 1: Conventional and contemporary adventure tourism activities Land based Water based Air based Mixed (land/water/air) Abseiling Body boarding Ballooning Adventure racing Backpacking Canoeing Bungee jumping Charity challenges Bicycle Canyoning Cliff jumping Conservation expeditions Caving Cruise expeditions Gliding Cultural experiences Climbing Kayaking Hang-gliding Gap your travel Dog sledding Sailing Micro-lighting Hedonistic experiences Hiking Scuba diving Paragliding Spiritual enlightenment Hunting Snorkeling Parachuting Wildlife watching Horseback riding Surfing Skydiving Jungle exploring Water skiing Motorcycling White water rafting Mountain biking Wind surfing Mountaineering Orienteering Quad biking Scrambling Skiing Snow boarding Snow mobiling Snow shoeing Via Ferrata* Wilderness experiences* â‚ ¬Ã‚ ªBackpacking, climbing, hiking, mountaineering, skiing, via ferrata and wilderness experiences are all mountaineering-related activities Sources: Hall 1992, Page et al. 2003, Pomfret 2004 2.4. Types of Adventure Tourism Adventure tourism is composed of diverse types of activities which can fit to the need of different adventure traveler (CBI, 2011). Types of Adventure tourism can be categorized in two section which is hard and soft Adventure. The categorization of the Adventure tourism aspects diverge between researchers (Hill, 1995; Cloke and Perkins, 1998; Sung, Morrison and OLeary, 2000; Ewert and Jamieson, 2003; Ryan and Trauer, 2004) in (Schott, 2007). For example, Sung, Morrison and OLeary (2000) categorized the types of activities into six groupings including soft nature, risk equipped, question marks, hard challenge, rugged nature and winter snow (Beedie and Hudson, 2003). Several studieswere categorized in terms of activities and principally between hard and soft adventure and the researchers study will follow this trend (Hill, 1995; Millington and Locke, 2001; Ewert and Jamieson, 2003:69; Miller, 2003:2; Adventure Travel Society, 2003; Patterson and Pan, 2007). Table 2 present some example s of soft and hard adventure tourism. Table 2: Examples of soft and hard adventure tourism Soft adventure Hard adventure Wilderness jeep safaris Climbing and mountaineering Supervised and escorted trekking Long distance back country trekking Cycling holidays Downhill mountain biking Sailing holidays Paragliding Learning to surf and to windsurf Heli-skiing holidays Camping Canoeing and kayaking Source: Sung et al. 2000 2.4.1. Soft Adventure Soft adventure can be defined as adventure activities that require low level of risk, low physical effort and obligation. These are activities usually undertaken by novice adventurers or people who want passive activities level, accompanied with experienced guides (Hill, 1995) in (Schott, 2007). On the other hand, Goodnow (2005) described Soft adventure journeys as travel to new and exotic locations with low force activities. Some major examples of soft adventure activities are horse-riding, biking, hiking, canoeing, snorkeling, and animal watching, walking in natural areas, safari (Beedie and Hudson, 2003; Swarbrooke et al, 2003; Williams and Soutar, 2005; Patterson and Pan, 2006; CBI, 2011) Generally, novice adventures engaged in soft activities due to the fact that they lack some experience, it can be misperceiving risk and their competence and perhaps choose soft activities because of a sensation of fear and hesitant and thus want to be on safe in a secured environment (Priest, 1999, p.160, cited in Miles and Priest; Pomfret, 2004). 2.4.2 Hard Adventure Hill (1995) labeled hard adventure as activities requiring high level of risk, extreme commitment and superior and sometimes specialized skills. Hill also point out that hard adventures necessitate good skills in risky and dangerous situations. Risk and competence are two major aspects involve in hard adventure activities. Those engage in hard adventure are generally in quest of challenge, adrenaline rush and risk(Peterson, 1989; Rubin, 1989; Mallett, 1992) in (Williams and Soutar, 2005). People have a desire to seek new sensations (Zuckerman, 1979), and are motivated by challenge and mastery (Ewert, 1985). These people are commonly known to be brave, skilled and having good physical intensity (Pomfret, 2004) Some examples of hard activities are mountain climbing, bungee jumping, canyoning, caving, ballooning, parasailing, surfing and so forth. 2.5. Baby Boomers Baby boomers can be defined as a cohort of young-old people who were born between 1946 and 1964. They are now aged between 48 and 66 years old in 2012, (Gillon, 2004) in (Patterson, 2006, p.15). The history of baby boomers dated from the period of the Second World War. Baby Boomer develops its name due to a growth in birthrate during the years 1946 and 1964  [1]  . During this century, soldiers came back home from war and wanted to start a new life, build up a family, which show this sudden rise in birthrate (Ohio History Central, 2005). Statistics recorded 79 million births during this period1 Another synonym for baby boomers can be Lucky Generation (Mackay, 1997, p.60) in (Hamilton, M and Hamilton, C., 2006). The term Lucky was used to describe them because they have grown up in the first generation enjoying a reasonably prosperous and serene society. Additionally, Hamilton (2006) point out that during retirement baby boomers will definitely have more money to spend after long years of hardworking and savings from pension plans. Baby boomers enjoy a better health than in the past; they are taking special care to their diet, though living longer and happier and more importantly being physically active by engaging in various types of leisure activities (Cochran, 2005; Sperazza and Banerjee, 2011). Baby boomers are seeking new change and novelty; they no longer want to rely on repeat leisure program like bingo party, voluntary actions or mere leisure interests. These activities are getting outdated and this is not going to be in the interest of the baby boomers in retirement. As a result, Experts will definitely have to look at new leisure products, or programs that will attractenthusiastic, energetic participants rather than passive participant (Cochran, Rothschadl and Rudick, 2009). 2.6. Adventure Tourism and Baby Boomers Adventure Tourism has become very popular during these last past decades. Adventure Tourism is considered as an alternative form of tourism. In todays world, people no longer want to enjoy basic activities; they want to surpass the mass activities, being deeply in the thrill and excitement of the adventures. The aging process has also altered intensely during these past years. According to Xola Adventure (2006), old people aged between 41-to-60 years old represent the greatest participating age category in adventure travel at a rate of 42.2 percent. This has emerged and is going to develop more in the future. When talking and thinking about aging process our first impression was an inexorable slide into illness, impotence and immobility (Kraus, 2001). Nowadays, this image of the baby boomers is no more present. Patterson (2006) also shares his opinion on this change. She argues that this is a time of new experiences and feelings. Baby boomers need to feel they are free to do what they want or what they have always dreamed of and which were not fulfilled years before (MacNeil and Teague, 1987; Leitner, 1996; McGuire et al., 2004). Adventure is not reserve for younger people, nowadays lots of people aged between 42 and 64 are being engaged in adventurous activities. Gone are those days where older people used to spend their leisure time in sedentary and socially based activities like watching movies, listening to the radio (Lawton, 1993) in (Patterson, 2006: 7). Research has demonstrate that we are moving through an era where things are changing, habits of older people from previous generation differs from that of the present generation. Baby boomers see their retirement as being the time to refresh, experience novelty and new sensation. They acquire a feeling of freedom and harmony, do what they want, things that was impossible for them to accomplish perhaps due to overload of work, looking and caring for their children (MacNeil and Teague, 1987; Leitner 1996; McGuire et al., 2004). Being more financially secure, in good health and physical condition, and also well-educated encourage baby boomers to engage in outdoor recreation activities. This enables them to feel at one with nature, physically fit and more importantly a way to feel they are still young. Lipscombe (1995) in his research find out that lots of older adults are at present requesting activities that engage physical defy, not purposely danger but travel that have at least journeys, intellectual challenge, and involving the exploration of new places and cultures (Gibson and Singleton, 2012). It is to be noted that baby boomers are not seeking for simple and easy-done activity; they are looking for a certain degree of challenge and risk. They want to have fun, seek thrill, these can be a principle motive because they were too focus on their career years before, striving hard to cater for the needs of the family. All this was such a big responsibility that they now want to relax and enjoy, do something for themselves while children had grown up and get away in the routine they had imprisoned themselves for years. Chris Doyle, vice president of ATTA point out from an interview with Airoldi (2008) that the50-plus traveler is a major market for adventure sector; especially because they are among those who travel more frequently since they have the financial ability to do so. Muller and OCass (2001) explore the different motive of older men and women in engaging in adventure activities. He note down that young at heart older men were more interested to take part in activities such as white-water rafting, glacier hiking, rock climbing, caving and hot air-ballooning. On the contrary to the young at heart older men, the young at heart older women has a preference for mountain hiking, rainwater treks, bird-watching and walking for inner journeys while being on travel holiday. It is then observed that men prefer hard adventure activity as compared to women who enjoyed generally soft ones. A Marketing to women report (2000) sustain such statement by arguing that women aged between 55 and 75 are more likely to engage in soft activities like safaris, hikes and trips to striking locations. They further point out to favor being in a secure environment with professional adventure providers, and with company of others having similar ages. Adventure can be classified in certain words, Play, Freedom and Reality (Kane and Tucker, 2004). The authors basically described adventure as a game played by participants in tourism; being free to engage in any particular activities and experiencing the reality of it. Moreover Kane and Tucker interpret the term play, as being a game for the adults, reliving their childhood and though enjoying this freedom to play like a child again. Hence, this fresh cohort of retirees is hungry to get off the beaten path (Symonds, 1998). 2.7. Summary From this chapter, the researcher has been able to gain a theoretical knowledge of the basic theories on adventure tourism and baby boomers. The different types of adventure tourism was examined, which is hard and soft adventure. The baby boomers generation was also defined, where proper information was gathered in regards to their lifestyle and their interaction in leisure and adventure tourism

Rhinoceros :: English Literature Essays

Rhinoceros The human race has advanced over many years, and during this time, moral standards have developed. These moral standards, distinctively different from the laws of nature, are standards set specifically for humans. The play Rhinoceros, written by playwright Eugene Ionesco, associates this difference in moral standards and laws of nature. Ionesco uses Jean, a French businessman, to display the differences between these two ways of life. In Act I, Jean believes in the values of the society, moral standards, but as he changes into a beastly rhinoceros in Act II, his beliefs begin to change; the dramatic transformation of Jean displays the difference in the laws of man and the laws of beast. The laws of man contain society values such as manners and friendship. In Act I, Jean abides these values absolutely, and this is reflected in his personality and physical qualities such as his way of dress. Jean enters the first scene, â€Å"fastidiously dressed in a brown suit, red tie, stiff collar and a brown hat†¦his shoes are yellow and well polished. He wears gloves and carries a cane† (6). Jean, in this case, is a typical example of today’s society and how people care too much about his/her appearance. Appearance determines class, and Jean follows these society values to show that he has class. In addition to this, he attempts to show that he has class and is manly by persistently explaining that â€Å"[he is] strong,† and â€Å"[he is] strong for several reasons. In the first place [he is] strong because [he is] naturally strong – and secondly†¦because [he has] moral strength† (23). Once more Jean displays a belief in moral standards, the belief that strength is an attribute that determines the difference between a deserving or undeserving person. These beliefs, on the other hand, are incredibly different from those of nature. In the world of Mother Nature’s, animals do not follow moral standards, but believe in the survival of the fittest. Amazingly, Jean begins to completely alter his beliefs as he changes into a rhinoceros. In Act I, Jean enjoyed his success in society and his position to criticize and label others less stable than he. I n Act II, however, Jean shows animal-like characteristics more than this. As the second act begins, the audience notices that Jean is still in bed, untidy, instead of at the office where he should be. This immediately shows that Jean is not the same man who used to believe that â€Å"the superior man is the man who fulfills his duty† (9).

History of Psychological Profiling Essay

In the early 19th century, when astronomers timed the passage of stars overhead, they noticed that they all came up with different results. They chalked these individual differences up to differences in what they called the â€Å"personality† of the eye. Even as far back as the mid-1800’s, distinguished scholars were championing the whole person as a unit of study. From that point forward, individual psychologists began to conceptualize personality and behavior differently. Sir Fancis Galton (1822-1911) Sir Francis Galton (1822-1911) may properly be called the first practitioner of psychological testing. It has been said that he originated mental tests, and assumed that intelligence could be measured in terms of a person’s level of sensory capacity-the higher the intelligence, the higher the level of sensory discrimination. Galton also began a long line of research on mental imagery, much of which included the first extensive use of the psychological questionnaire. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) For Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), founder of the psychoanalytic movement, personality consisted of; the ID, the Ego and the Superego, all of which he believed guide our behavior to an extent. During the 1920’s, psychoanalysis developed as a theoretical system for understanding all of human motivation and personality, not just a treatment for the mentally disturbed. William James (1842-1910) William James (1842-1910), often considered the greatest American psychologist, argued that human behavior was the result of hereditary, habits and/or instincts. Still considered a major contribution to psychology, The Principles of Psychology was published in 1890, to both acclaim and condemnation, yet remains one of the most widely read books in the field. James Mckeen Cattell (1860-1944) A contemporary of William James, James McKeen Cattell (1860-1944) is credited with influencing the movement in American psychology toward a more practical, test-oriented approach to the study of mental processes. The theme of all his research was the problem of individual difference. Alfred Binet (1857-1911) Although it was Cattell who coined the term â€Å"mental test,† it was Alfred Binet (1857-1911) who developed the first truly psychological test of mental ability in 1905 to predict school performance. That test is still in use today as the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale. John b. Watson (1878-1958) At the same time, John B. Watson (1878-1958) was founding a new trend in psychology-the behaviorist movement. Although he began his career with the study of animal behavior, he ended it by studying consumer-buying behavior. Watson exerted a major impact on advertising in the U.S. through the application of behaviorist principles, which can still be easily seen and heard in commercials and ads today. Carl Jung (1875-1961) Although once heralded by Freud as the heir apparent to the psychoanalytic movement, Carl Jung (1875-1961) came to differ with Freud on the direction of the forces that influence the human personality. Jung believed that our behavior was not exclusively shaped by our past childhood experiences, but by our future hopes, goals and aspirations as well. B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) Behaviorist B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) argued that all behavior, except verbal behavior, was merely the correlation between a stimulus and a response. He developed a program for behavioral control of societies, and more than anyone else is responsible for the large-scale use of teaching machines and techniques of behavior modification. Prior to World War I only limited attempts had been made to measure personality. For example, in the late 19th century, a German psychiatrist had used what he called a â€Å"free-association† test, in which patients responded to stimulus words with the first word that came to mind. During World War I, the U.S. army wanted to know which of its recruits were highly neurotic. Psychologist Robert Woodworth constructed the â€Å"Personal Data Sheet,† a self-report instrument that asked recruits to indicate the neurotic that traits applied to them. Although the Personal Data Sheet saw little use during the war, it was the prototype for much of the personality profiling currently in use. Raymond b. Cattell (1905-1998) Then in 1950, Raymond B. Cattell (1905-1998) suggested that the central problem in personality psychology was the prediction of behavior. Cattell argued that traits were the central variables in personality and could be divided into three general categories; dynamic traits-those that set an individual into action to accomplish a goal; ability traits-which concern the individual’s effectiveness in reaching a goal; and temperament traits-which were the stylistic aspects, like dispositions, moods, and emotions. Ground breaking work was done during the 1960’s by Dr. Robert Guion in the field of personality testing within the workplace, much of which is reflected in his book Personnel Testing (McGraw-Hill 1965). Dr. Guion focused on testing candidates for employment as a basis for predicting their probable â€Å"fit† in the workplace. During the 1970’s personality testing became increasingly accepted as an invaluable resource to many employers when selecting employees for hire or promotion. Unfortunately, due to the costs typically associated with these instruments and their administration, the use of personality testing instruments was limited to larger organizations and usually only for upper management or key positions. David p. Pearson 1927-present In 1978 Dr. David Pearson became one of the first in his field to produce a software program that could perform a behavioral evaluation of an individual, without requiring the administration by or assistance of a psychologist or behavioral scientist. Since their development, evaluations of this type have proven to be invaluable to thousands of organizations world wide when selecting employees for hire or promotion. Today, everyone from psychologists, counselors, teachers and human resource managers in government, education and industry, uses psychological or educational evaluations. There is scarcely a person over the age of ten who has not taken at least one such test in their lifetime, whether it was an achievement test, an IQ test, a personality evaluation, or a measure of aptitude in a particular field. The key reason for the increase in test use over the last 75 years is that ethically correct tests are more reliable and accurate than subjective judgments, which often function as filters when we assess and observe others. This very human habit was considered by William James back in 1860, in a frequently quoted passage from The Principles of Psychology. â€Å"You see the little lines of cleavage running through the character, the tricks of thought, the prejudices, the ways of the â€Å"shop,† in a word, from which the man can by-and-by no more escape than his coat-sleeve can suddenly fall into a new set of folds† (pg. 79). Even the best interviewer can fall prey to unconscious biases, personal beliefs, stereotypes and other distractions that leave objectivity subject to error. Well-developed tests can help even the most experienced and knowledgeable hiring professional construct a fairer and more accurate picture of an individual, increasing the likelihood that they will hire the right person for the job. But testing should never be used in a vacuum. As Robert Guion says, â€Å"Testing should not be the instrument of decision. It should be used as a flag that either agrees with or contradicts your impression about a person.† At MindData we agree that tests can never replace professional judgment entirely. Rather, they should serve as one source of information to assist in making accurate and fair decisions when hiring and promoting.

Amber Inn & Suites Case Study

Work Environment Amber Inn & Suites, Inc., formed in 1979, operates 200 Amber Inn properties and 50 Amber Inn & Suites properties located in 10 states throughout the Rocky Mountain and western states. On Average, each location has approximately 120 individual guest and suite-style rooms. Under a new president and CEO, the goal is for Amber Inn & Suites to reach profitability within two years after five consecutive years of unprofitability. This company is positioned as a limited-service hotel which does not have the amenities such as a restaurant, lounge, or meeting rooms. This type of hotel is classified under a midscale hotel with food and beverage, such as Holiday Inn and Ramada Inn. CompetitionDirect competition to Amber includes other mid-scale hotels in the western and Rocky Mountain states, specifically hotels that are in the same class as Amber which do not possess the extravagant amenities of an on-site restaurant or meeting rooms. For Amber to make its hotel stand out among st the others is a very difficult task with so many other companies present in this industry. The next level of competition would fall to recreation vehicle parks and camping sites. For the price-conscious individual, this may pose as an easier solution, but does not give someone the comfort of a traditional bed and amenities like television. Also, with a presence in the rocky mountain and western area, weather plays a contributing factor into this scenario.The indirect competition to Amber Inn & Suites is potential company cutbacks and layoffs. This not only affects their business traveler base, but also could affect if individuals have the luxury to travel and stay in a hotel opposed to a relative or friends residence.StrengthsLocation is a key factor to the success of Amber, because the company avoids the downtown areas and has chosen to only be located on sites close to major highways close to suburban areas, airports, and large regional shopping centers. This shows that all of its locations are at a convenient location  with easy access to and from their sites. Even though profitability has not been able to be reached, the company has still been able to produce three consecutive years of growing revenues. The average occupancy rate is higher than the industry average for the respective class the hotel is in, and Amber has a significant standing amongst business travelers. WeaknessesThe glaring fact of being unprofitable for five consecutive years is definitely the major weakness of this organization. Lodging revenues are rising, but the expenses correlated with these revenues are increasing at a much faster rate. Other weaknesses are the lack of amenities that Amber Inn & Suites offers travelers, which creates a lack thereof to differentiate from other hotels with the same presence. Another item that could be a weakness is a lack of differentiation between the Amber Inn and AmberInn & Suites. OpportunitiesBy having noticeable differences between the two , this could allow for different price structures and allow Amber Inn to enter a new target market giving the organization the ability to expand its chain. Also, with a dominant business traveler occupancy rate, Amber Inn & Suites could start forming frequent visitor relationships with organizations, so those companies refer their business travelers to stay in these sites.ThreatsWith having so many consecutive years of unprofitability, the thought of bankruptcy or closing of the organization is always a present factor. A company can only go so long of losing money year after year before it is required to throw in the towel. Government regulations on requirements of hotels could also be an imposing factor, because certain regulations could raise general expenses that are required to keep the hotel up to code and to the industry standards.ProblemWith the new CEO wanting to produce profitability within two years, the current problem is how to re-position the organization’s strat egy and define which customer base to focus on. By starting with which type of customer to target, the organization can be more focused on its tactics.Alternatives1. Do nothing. There is not much of a pro to this solution, because by doing no sort of action will either result in the business failing and closing down, or that could cost the marketing senior vice president her position.2. Reward Program for businesses. By instituting a reward program with businesses, it will allow business travelers to stay at the hotel for a discounted price for Sunday through Thursday lodging through his or her place of employment. Instead of attempting to find the best rate. The company knows that when an employee goes to this city, he or she will stay at the Amber Inn and the company books it for the employee. This will increase the business traveler base, which is already predominant. However, this will decrease the overall revenues for the organization.3. Increase weekend prices. By increasing l odging prices on the weekends, it will not harm the business traveler base, and increase profits for the personal and vacation/pleasure areas. This could adversely affect the number of guests staying at the hotel on the weekends and drive the weekend revenue stream down.4. Increase average daily room rate to be more toward industry average. Since the survey says that only 36.6% stayed at the hotel based on price and the fact that majority of business travelers had the rooms paid for by the business, this will increase overall profits. The negative to this option would be the potential loss of that customer base.5. Increase business traveler advertising. By capitalizing on the best strength of customer base, the hotel has the ability to make its focus be solely on the business traveler, which is where the most occupancy is coming from. If the company decides to shift its focus toward the business traveler it will have to cut advertising cost elsewhere, but could in-turn create a bett er strategy for the organization. This will decrease costs because of a more finite focus but also keep the greatest customer base that the hotel already possesses.6. Decrease employee base. By doing this the company will save in SG&A expenses, which will allow the budget to be decreased creating a better profit. However, decreasing the employee base per site, could result in a negative effect on the hotel because it could reduce response time to cleaning rooms and getting each one available for the next guests. Decision PackageIf the company can effectively increase the advertising for the business  traveler and increase the hotel’s overall average daily room rate, it will be able to capitalize on the area of customers that visit the hotel the most and also increase the revenue per room. By shifting the focus to the business traveler, the company can save advertising costs elsewhere because this will limit the areas that are needed to be advertised to. If the overall adver tising budget is decreased and the business traveler rate can increase, then the company is able to capitalize on the most profitable target market available.Plan of ActionDevelop a new budget for advertising with a special emphasis on the business traveler. Attempting which channels are spent on the everyday consumer will help decrease those costs and effectively increase sales. The price increase can happen in gradual stages on a quarterly basis. Given the time from of two years, the organization should structure itself at 75% of the industry average on room rate, which would give Amber Inn a $20 increase per room average. This would allow for a $2.50 increase per quarter.Overall room occupancy rate may decrease without the personal and leisure guest presence, but the increase in profit and business segment will help adjust those figures. If the occupancy rate decreases slightly, but the revenue is increasing, this will decrease the variable costs associated with maintaining those extra rooms which will allow for less expenses.

Indian Ocean Raid in World War II

Indian Ocean Raid in World War II Indian Ocean Raid - Conflict Dates: The Indian Ocean Raid was conducted March 31 to April 10, 1942, during World War II (1939-1945). Forces Commanders Allies Vice Admiral Sir James Somerville3 carriers, 5 battleships, 7 cruisers, 15 destroyers Japanese Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo6 carriers, 4 battleships, 7 cruisers, 19 destroyers Indian Ocean Raid - Background: Following the Japanese attack on the American fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and the start of World War II in the Pacific, the British position in the region quickly began to unravel. Beginning with the loss of Force Z off Malaysia on December 10, British forces surrendered Hong Kong on Christmas before losing the Battle of Singapore on February 15, 1942. Twelve days later, the Allied naval position in Dutch East Indies collapsed when the Japanese soundly defeated American-British-Dutch-Australian forces at the Battle of the Java Sea. In an effort reestablish a naval presence, the Royal Navy dispatched Vice Admiral Sir James Somerville to the Indian Ocean as Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Fleet in March 1942. To support the defense of Burma and India, Somerville received the carriers HMS Indomitable, HMS Formidable, and HMS Hermes as well as five battleships, two heavy cruisers, five light cruisers, and sixteen destroyers. Best known for his reluctant attack on the French at Mers el Kebir in 1940, Somerville arrived on Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and quickly found the Royal Navys principal base at Trincomalee to be poorly defended and vulnerable. Concerned, he directed that a new forward base be constructed on Addu Atoll six hundred miles to the southwest in the Maldives. Alerted to the British naval build up, the Japanese Combined Fleet directed Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo to enter the Indian Ocean with the carriers Akagi, Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku, and Ryujo and eliminate Somervilles forces while also supporting operations in Burma. Departing Celebes on March 26, Nagumos carriers were supported by a variety of surface vessels as well as submarines. Indian Ocean Raid - Nagumo Approaches: Warned of Nagumos intentions by American radio intercepts, Somerville elected to withdraw the Eastern Fleet to Addu. Entering the Indian Ocean, Nagumo detached Vice Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa with Ryujo and ordered him to strike British shipping in the Bay of Bengal. Attacking on March 31, Ozawas aircraft sank 23 ships. Japanese submarines claimed five more along the Indian coast. These actions led Somerville to believe that Ceylon would be struck on April 1 or 2. When no attack materialized, he decided to dispatch the older Hermes back to Trincomalee for repairs. The cruisers HMS Cornwall and HMS Dorsetshire as well as the destroyer HMAS Vampire sailed as escorts. On April 4, a British PBY Catalina succeeded in locating Nagumos fleet. Reporting its position, the Catalina, flown by Squadron Leader Leonard Birchall, was soon downed by six A6M Zeros from Hiryu. Indian Ocean Raid - Easter Sunday: The next morning, which was Easter Sunday, Nagumo launched a large raid against Ceylon. Making landfall at Galle, the Japanese planes moved up the coast to strike at Colombo. Despite the warning the previous day and sightings of the enemy aircraft, the British on the island were effectively taken by surprise. As a result, the Hawker Hurricanes based at Ratmalana were caught on the ground. Conversely, the Japanese, who were unaware of the new base at Addu, were equally taken aback to find that Somervilles ships were not present. Striking the available targets, they sank the auxiliary cruiser HMS Hector and the old destroyer HMS Tenedos as well as destroyed twenty-seven British aircraft. Later in the day, the Japanese located Cornwall and Dorsetshire which were en route back to Addu. Launching a second wave, the Japanese succeeded in sinking both cruisers and killing 424 British sailors. Putting out from Addu, Somerville sought to intercept Nagumo. Late on April 5, two Royal Navy Albacores spotted the Japanese carrier force. One aircraft was quickly downed while the other was damaged before it could radio an accurate spotting report. Frustrated, Somerville continued to search through the night in the hopes of a mounting an attack in the dark using his radar-equipped Albacores. These efforts ultimately proved fruitless. The next day, Japanese surface forces sank five Allied merchant vessels while aircraft destroyed the sloop HMIS Indus. On April 9, Nagumo again moved to strike Ceylon and mounted a large raid against Trincomalee. Having been alerted that an attack was imminent, Hermes departed with Vampire on the night of April 8/9. Indian Ocean Raid - Trincomalee Batticaloa: Hitting Trincomalee at 7:00 AM, the Japanese struck targets around the harbor and one aircraft conducted a suicide attack into a tank farm. The resulting fire lasted a week. Around 8:55 AM, Hermes and its escorts were spotted by scout plane flying from the battleship Haruna. Intercepting this report, Somerville directed the ships to return to port and attempts were made to provide fighter cover. Shortly thereafter, Japanese bombers appeared and commenced attacking the British ships. Effectively unarmed as its aircraft had been landed at Trincomalee, Hermes was hit around forty times before sinking. Its escorts also fell victim to the Japanese pilots. Moving north, Nagumos planes sank the corvette HMS Hollyhock and three merchant ships. The hospital ship Vita later arrived to pick up survivors. Indian Ocean Raid - Aftermath: In the wake of the attacks, Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton, Commander-in-Chief, Ceylon feared that the island would be the target of invasion. This proved not to be the case as the Japanese lacked the resources for a major amphibious operation against Ceylon. Instead, the Indian Ocean Raid accomplished its goals of demonstrating Japanese naval superiority and forcing Somerville to withdraw west to East Africa. In the course of the campaign, the British lost an aircraft carrier, two heavy cruisers, two destroyers, a corvette, an auxiliary cruiser, a sloop, as well as over forty aircraft. Japanese losses were limited to around twenty aircraft. Returning to the Pacific, Nagumos carriers began preparing for the campaigns that would culminate with the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway. Selected Sources World War II Database: Indian Ocean RaidCombined Fleet: Raids into the Indian Ocean Defense Media Network: Nagumos Indian Ocean Raid

American Beautys Comments on Society essays

American Beauty's Comments on Society essays What Comments is American Beauty Making About Modern Society? American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes, is simply a study of a dysfunctional American Family which reveals the nature of modern suburbia with wit, precision, and invention. Allan Balls script continually explores ideas about what constitutes ordinariness in our lives and what beauty truly is, and why people who have everything, live lives of desperation. Far more importantly, though, is what the film has to say about the American Dream or rather the American Nightmare. American modern society (not too different from New Zealands own society), is constructed around the notion that happiness is found through material success: a lucrative job, a nice house in a quiet neighbourhood, fancy cars etc. American Beauty doesnt expose this lie it shows how hideous this lie could be. Screenwriter Alan Ball, says On of the movies themes is how we have preconceived notions of things, but the truth often turns out to be something we never even considered where you find beauty might be in the place you least expect it. Kevin Spacey (Lester) and Annette Benning (Carolyn) play a couple who, on the surface, seem to have it all. A Perky real estate agent, Benning drives around in a Mercedes, and clips their rose garden using sequesters that match her shoes which Lester comments is no mistake. Lester pulls in sixty grand a year working in marketing, and the couple have a seemingly harmless, typically disaffected teen, Jane, played by Thora Birch. Lester, is a typical suburban husband whose life seems to have slipped into a rut. He tells us, In less than a year Ill be dead. Of course, I dont know that yet. In a way, Im dead already. He says ...

Order, Search, and Sort MySQL Data

Order, Search, and Sort MySQL Data When you query a MySQL database, you can sort the results by any field in an ascending or descending order just by adding ORDER BY at the end of your query. You use ORDER BY field_name ASC for an ascending sort (which is the default) or ORDER BY field_name DESC for a descending sort. You can use an ORDER BY clause in a SELECT statement, SELECT LIMIT or DELETE LIMIT statement. For example: SELECT * FROM addressORDER BY name ASC; The code above retrieves data from an address book and sorts the results by the persons name in an ascending fashion. SELECT email FROM addressORDER BY email DESC; This code selects only the email addresses  and lists them in descending order. Note: If you dont use an ASC or DESC modifier in the ORDER BY clause, the data is sorted by expression in ascending order, which is the same as specifying ORDER BY expression ASC.

Building Services & Sustainable Engineering--Plant & Maintenance Essay

Building Services & Sustainable Engineering--Plant & Maintenance - Essay Example As for expected learning outcomes, we will be able to size heating and cooling plant; also, it will be possible to predict summertime temperature and design systems to reduce overheating risks; furthermore, it is needed to estimate the preheating period required and annual energy use and carbon emmission; finally, we would prepare effective preventive maintenance schedule, considering innovative systems. Building Renovation Case Study Initially, we need to represent client's requirements, task, and marking criteria. Accordingly, as for the client's reauirments, the amount of outdoor air is required to the first and second floors of the given building which needs renovation. (Temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and wind direction are given properly in the Climate Record Data table.) Additionally, concerning the task, it is strongly recommended to review building regulation, suggesting some constructions which will meet building regulations for the room; then, it is needed to e stimate the operative temperature which is likely to occur in each of the rooms, calculating the cooling and heating loads for the building to keep the room operative temperature at a comfortable level; moreover, we have to select a heating and cooling plant capacity based on the design loads, showing the processes on psychometric charts for the summer season and proposing a maintenance procedure with estimation of a life cycle cost for the building owner to keep the system running. Therefore, to solve Problems 1 and 2 as they were represented by Figures 1 and 2, we might firstly state the most relevant points of the assignment: we have a task to reconstruct one of the two-storey buildings, which has a flat roof; running four production lines and having the width and length of respectively 150 and 100 metres, this first floor is shown in Figure 1; from the other perspective, as for the second floor, it has 60% of walls facing toward the South and East, being triple glazed with 6.4 m m air space, along with each window dimension as being estimated like 1.5x1x0.15 (respectively, its width, height, and thick); hovewer, the annual electricity supply fee to run the building is $20 per kilowatt, and the energy price is expected to increase 10% per year. So, due to the very hot temperature in the apartments during the summertime, it was suggested by the management that the building needs renovation concerning walls, windows, and ceiling: certainly, it must have been done according to Building Regulations' requirements. To conclude with, we are asked to estimate the capacities of the heating and cooling (see Appendix 1), keeping in view the sustainability and CO2 emmision issues. Review Building Regulation and Suggest the Constructions Which Will Meet Building Regulations for the Room We will start this sub-chapter with room conditions, then, will be analyzing current building regulations, being finally able to answer why the management wishes to renovate the building by reconstructing the walls, windows, and ceilings accordingly to the current building regulations, keeping in view the sustainability and CO2 emission issues. As we know, task is to reconstruct on

MIDTERM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

MIDTERM - Essay Example The third types are pragmatists who are neither completely dependant nor neither fully critical thinkers. The fourth types are those who do not participate actively in organization and neither work for their self interest. The last type of followers are regarded as exemplary who take full part in organization and critical thinking. 2. Employee empowerment is a term used to refer to the process transfer of responsibility to delegates to carry out certain kind of work along with authority so that the employee can easily carry out a particular task (Callaway 37). Issues with empowerment include the inability and insufficient training of particular employee to handle the task on his own. Another issue is that managers believe that they will lose control if the empower employees. Certain decisions that may be acceptable to one employee may be unacceptable to another. 3. Extrinsic rewards are rewards that are physical in nature and can be easily seen, these rewards are awarded to employees for high performance (Bowditch 18) . These rewards may include increased pay and promotion. Intrinsic rewards are internal drives and motives due to which an employee might participate in working extra for the organization as he may feel that it is his responsibility to help the organization. For example; an employee taking on an assignment which was not assigned to him. 4. Herzberg stated that the factors that lead to employee satisfaction are different from factors that lead to employee dissatisfaction and this led to the creation of two factor theory (Sapru 222). These factors are recognized as motivational factors and hygiene factors. He further asserted that hygienic factors include those factors that can lead to unpleasant working condition if ignored by the organization and can lead to dissatisfaction among employees. Motivational factors are factors related to an individual’s requirement of growing further and these factors can lead to employee

Language Acquisition and Various Influences on Student Learning Essay

Language Acquisition and Various Influences on Student Learning - Essay Example This essay declares that children invent the learning rules through making initial mistakes and correcting themselves as they develop. Various aspects of language acquisition have been identified by theorists that make it a biologically controlled process. Two of these aspects are significant for language educators in creating an environment that promotes learning among students. Firstly, it has to be stressed that language acquisition is innate and it is not generated by external events. However, its development requires a rich environment that exposes the learner more to the language. Secondly, it is also noted that direct teaching and intensive practice do not have significant positive effects on the language acquisition process. These aspects imply that a proper language acquisition will then be enhanced through creation of some classroom environment that favors interaction between the students themselves. This paper discusses that developing such a climate will involve examination different factors affecting learning and their mutual relations. The influence of social and emotional factors on the learning process can no longer be ignored. Such negligence results in the development of some instructional gap and the students attempt to fill this gap in their devised mechanisms that do not support the learning process. Some degree of mutual relationship occurs among intellectual, social, and emotional processes as they affect the learning process. ... The learning process occurs in some social context that is dynamic in nature so that an individual with complex cognition will be able to learn and adapt to the changing needs of the social contexts of learning as opposed to the less complex individuals (Love & Love, 1996). Aspects of the social setup such as the culture of a community may affect a student’s beliefs, attitudes, or motivations towards the learning process. These are detrimental to the learning process if carried into the classroom environment. On the other hand, the individuals with complex cognition have better skills of understanding the perspectives of other people. This implies that good cognition can help students adapt to new social settings, which is essential for learning. The relationship between cognition and the social process is also evident in classroom discussions. A good proportion of learning in students occurs in the classroom discussions, where students share their experiences that they feel t he other individuals need to learn. Through the discussions, a student is able to learn more of the concept or determine if it is well understood Emotions also have effects on the learning and development processes in students since the feeling states, and thinking states cannot be separated easily (Love & Love, 1996). The emotional and rational minds of an individual often act in a balanced manner to guide the individual through life decisions. While emotions will strive to inform and guide the rational operations, rational mind will try to refine the input from emotional mind before initiating an operation (Love & Love, 1996). Negative emotions such as depression, when carried into the classroom, will suppress the learning process. The students will not be able to

Nursing Research Utilization Project Proposal Essay

Nursing Research Utilization Project Proposal - Essay Example 5). ESRD and ESRF is diagnosed when the patient loses 85% to 90% of kidney function, which necessitates dialysis, because kidneys can no longer remove toxins from the blood. Dialysis circulates blood on one side of a semipermeable membrane, while the other side circulates dialysis fluid. (Answers.com). Patients on dialysis have to spend four hours, three times a week, which makes dialysis treatment very demanding for the patient (Sonnier, 2000, p. 5). ... Information reinforcement techniques worked in the Barnett (2007) study - after 26 weeks, this group reduced their average IDWG from 2.64 kg to 2.21 kg, and the rate of fluid adherence increased from 47% to 71.5% (Barnett et al. pp. 304-305). Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven effective in the research – for instance, a study conducted by Christensen et al. (2002). In this study the intervention group received a protocol of 9 steps. In this protocol, the patients were taught about self-monitoring, setting goals, coping, reinforcement, and evaluation (Christensen et al., 2002, p. 393).   Their study proved to be effective after 8 weeks – the control group gained around 3.3 pounds, while the intervention group lost around 3 pounds (Christensen, et al., 2002, p. 396).  Ã‚   Behavioural modification is another model that has been studied with regards to dialysis patients and compliance with protocols and regimens. For instance, a study by Hegel et al. (1992) found that the reinforcement produced the greatest drop in IDWG, and that this drop in IDWG was persistent over time – the IDWG continued to be lowered two months after the intervention, even though, during this period of time, the patients only received information about graphing and monitoring (Hegel et al., 1992, p. 326). It is feasible to implement into a work setting, as there is not a need for special equipment. There is a need for special training, but the methods are easy to learn and implement. Because of this, it would be consistent with community culture and resources, because it would not be overly taxing for resources. Introduction When patients have certain diseases, such as hypertension or diabetes, they

Song analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Song analysis - Essay Example The song in question, written and produced by a group known as â€Å"Aviation† and entitled â€Å"You were my Everything† will be the focus of this particular analysis. It is the hope of this author that the reader will gain a more informed understanding with relation to the ideas and core levels of understanding/emotions that the songwriter attempted to convey; rather than merely a cursory level of understanding with respect to the fact that a simple love song has been represented. In much the same way that a literary critique seeks to focus a level of discussion and analysis upon the mechanisms that the writer uses, the core themes that are leveraged, and the use of language as a means of promoting understanding; the following analysis will engage in much the same manner of consideration with regards to this particular song. Firstly, the song itself starts with a brief introit that is spoken rather than sung. Although this may not seem as an important aspect of analyzing the particular song, it serves a vital function as it helps to set the stage with respect to the information that will be presented, the tone, and the ultimate understanding that can be drawn from the contents of the song. Beginning by stating that the singer has lost something that is dear to him, the listener is instantly engage with the understanding that love loss and the hope of gaining at once again will come to be represented within the song itself. However, another element that is presented directly before the singing commences has to do with the frustration and inability of the singer/songwriter to express his emotions in any other way. Out of exasperation, the singer finally says â€Å"it’s just†¦I don’t even know – just listen†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . This level of hopelessness with regards to seeking to expl ain the position that the singer/songwriter understands only all too well but is probably quite difficult for anyone else to engage helps to foreshadow the angst and

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

Racing - Essay Example Hence, only those with an unyielding attitude are found willing to accept struggles and unceasingly proceed with the race. Though it typically pertains to a sport in which racers compete for speed and strategizing at the maximum speed to emerge as the first on the finish line, people in general form varying connotations about ‘racing’. Often times, racing is valued for the idea that life is only lived once so one should seize every opportunity that comes his way. It becomes worthwhile as well to consider that racing may represent people who are optimistic enough to not lose heart with their depressed conditions and keep the race with life instead, positively hoping for recovery no matter what it takes. To others, racing is a means to demonstrate potentials of being tough amidst crises or in contending against an opponent who wishes to maintain a tight competition, hence, only those with an unyielding attitude are found willing to accept struggles and unceasingly proceed with the race.Perhaps it is through the ambiguity of the term ‘racing’ that the world has been led to further inclination and fondness of a racing sport in view of its associated principles which are applicable to a person’s life. As it turns out, the fascination to reach a goal or beat the rest who go after the same goal creates the basic idea about racing which eventually serves as a guide for a racer to live a life of purpose regardless of the type of field or endeavor chosen.

Song analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Song analysis - Essay Example The song in question, written and produced by a group known as â€Å"Aviation† and entitled â€Å"You were my Everything† will be the focus of this particular analysis. It is the hope of this author that the reader will gain a more informed understanding with relation to the ideas and core levels of understanding/emotions that the songwriter attempted to convey; rather than merely a cursory level of understanding with respect to the fact that a simple love song has been represented. In much the same way that a literary critique seeks to focus a level of discussion and analysis upon the mechanisms that the writer uses, the core themes that are leveraged, and the use of language as a means of promoting understanding; the following analysis will engage in much the same manner of consideration with regards to this particular song. Firstly, the song itself starts with a brief introit that is spoken rather than sung. Although this may not seem as an important aspect of analyzing the particular song, it serves a vital function as it helps to set the stage with respect to the information that will be presented, the tone, and the ultimate understanding that can be drawn from the contents of the song. Beginning by stating that the singer has lost something that is dear to him, the listener is instantly engage with the understanding that love loss and the hope of gaining at once again will come to be represented within the song itself. However, another element that is presented directly before the singing commences has to do with the frustration and inability of the singer/songwriter to express his emotions in any other way. Out of exasperation, the singer finally says â€Å"it’s just†¦I don’t even know – just listen†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . This level of hopelessness with regards to seeking to expl ain the position that the singer/songwriter understands only all too well but is probably quite difficult for anyone else to engage helps to foreshadow the angst and

Verification vs Validation Essay Example for Free

Verification vs Validation Essay Verification ensures that the system (software, hardware, documentation, and personnel) complies with an organization’s standards and processes, relying on review of non-executable methods. Validation physically ensures that the system operates according to plan by executing the system functions through a series of tests that can be observed and evaluated. Verification answers the question, â€Å"Did we build the right system?† while validation addresses, â€Å"Did we build the system right?† Verification requires several types of reviews, including requirements reviews, design reviews, code walkthroughs, code inspections, and test reviews. The system user should be involved in these reviews to find defects before they are built into the system. In the case of purchased systems, user input is needed to assure that the supplier makes the appropriate tests to eliminate defects. Validation is accomplished simply by executing a real-life function. This includes unit testing, integration testing, system testing and user acceptance testing. In this rigorous testing is conducted to validate if the system meets the functional requirement. The three most important skills that a system analysis should have are the same for any company. They should first and foremost have people skills. You have to be able to work with a variety of people and be able to work in teams. You should be an assertive person also. A good systems analysis should be able to take initiative and do things without being told. Also this person should have good reasoning and problem solving skills. These are all things that should be within the person naturally along with the actual computer skills necessary to analyze systems for a client. -are ability to work well with others, -good communication skills, -the ability to ask the right questions Bidder Responsibility Determination: To be determined responsible, a bidder must be successfully evaluated against the 7 following criteria: 1. Financial Resources. The bidder must have adequate financial resources to perform the contract, or the ability to obtain them (see FAR 9.104-3(a)—Ability to Obtain Resources). 2. Performance Schedule. The bidder must be able to comply with the performance schedule, required or proposed delivery, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments. 3. Performance Record. The bidder must have have a satisfactory performance history, if any (see FAR 9.104-3(b)—Satisfactory Performance Record and Experience Certificate). Nevertheless, a prospective contractor shall not be determined responsible or non-responsible solely because of a lack of relevant performance history, except when specified in a standard for special acquisitions. 4. Integrity and Ethics. The bidder must have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics including satisfactory compliance with laws related to taxes, labor and employment, environment, antitrust, and consumer protection (see FAR 9.406-2—Causes for debarment and FAR 9.407-2—Causes for suspension). 5. Organization and Skills. The bidder must have the necessary organization and skills, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them (see FAR 9.104-3(a)—Ability to Obtain Resources). 6. Equipment and Facilities. The bidder must have the necessary technical equipment and facilities for production or construction, or ability to obtain them (see FAR 9.104-3(a)—Ability to Obtain Resources); and 7. Other Qualification. The bidder must be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations. Systems Engineering V Model The system life cycle The system life cycle has seven phases: (1) discovering system requirements, (2) investigating alternatives, (3) full-scale engineering design, (4) implementation, (5) integration and test, (6) operation, maintenance and evaluation and (7) retirement, disposal and replacement. However, the system life cycle is different for different industries, products and customers. State the problem The problem statement starts with a description of the top-level function that the system must perform or the deficiency that must be ameliorated. It includes system requirements stated in terms of what must be done, not how to do it. It might be composed in words or as a model. Inputs come from end users, operators, bill payers, owners, regulatory agencies, victims, sponsors, Marketing, Manufacturing, etc. These are called stakeholders. In a modern business environment, the problem statement starts with a reason for change followed by vision and mission statements for the company. Understand customer needs Customers seldom know what they want or need. Systems Engineers must enter the customers environment and find out how the customer will use the system. Talking to your customers customer and your suppliers supplier can be very useful. Frameworks, such as the Zachman framework or the DoDAF, are useful for seeing how the system fits into the customers enterprise. Discover system requirements There are two types of system requirements: mandatory and tradeoff Mandatory requirements insure that the system satisfies the customers operational need, and must be passed or failed, there is no middle ground. The tradeoff requirements are evaluated to determine the preferred designs, and should state conditions that would make the customer happier. Verify and validate requirements Investigate alternatives Alternative designs are evaluated based on performance, cost, schedule and risk criteria. This analysis should be redone whenever more data are available. Define quantitative measures Performance and cost criteria show how well the system satisfies its requirements, e.g., In this test the car accelerated from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds. Technical performance measures (TPMs) are made during the design and manufacturing process to evaluate the likelihood of satisfying the system requirements. Model the system Models will be developed for most alternative designs. Many types of system models are used, such as block diagrams, functional flow diagrams, object-oriented models, computer simulations. Design the system The overall system must be partitioned into subsystems, subsystems must be partitioned into assemblies, etc. Reusability should be considered in creating subsystems. For new designs, subsystems should be created so that they can be reused in future products. For redesign, subsystems should be created to maximize the use of existing, particularly commercially available, products. Systems engineers must also decide whether to make or buy the subsystems, first trying to use commercially available subsystems. If nothing satisfies all the requirements, then modification of an existing subsystem should be considered. If this proves unsatisfactory, then some subsystems will have to be designed in-house. Flexibility is more important than optimality. Hardware, software and bioware must be considered. Bioware (or wetware) means humans and other biological organisms that are a part of the system. For example, in designing a race track the horses or dogs are a part of the bioware. Create sequence diagrams Define system architecture Some choices that have to be made: (1) object-oriented design, structured analysis, or functional decomposition, (2) distributed or centralized computing, (3) commercial off the shelf (CoTS) or custom designed. Functional analysis Systems engineers do functional analysis on new systems (1) to map functions to physical components, thereby ensuring that each function has an acknowledged owner, (2) to map functions to system requirements, and (3) to ensure that all necessary tasks are listed and that no unnecessary tasks are requested. This list becomes the basis for the work breakdown structure. A work breakdown structure (WBS) breaks a project into smaller, more manageable components. Sensitivity analyses Sensitivity analyses can be used to point out the requirements and parameters that have the biggest effects on cost, schedule and performance. They are used to help allocate resources. Assess and manage risk There are two types of risk: risk of project failure (due to cost overruns, time overruns or failure to meet performance specifications) and risk of harm (usually called personnel safety). A failure modes and effects analysis and risk mitigation must be performed. Project risk can be reduced by supervising quality and timely delivery of purchased items. Reliability analysis Major failure modes must be analyzed for probability of occurrence and severity of occurrence. Integrate system components Integration means bringing things together so they work as a whole. System integration means bringing subsystems together to produce the desired result and ensure that the subsystems will interact to satisfy the customers needs. End users and engineers need to be taught to use the system with courses, manuals and training on the prototypes. Design and manage interfaces Interfaces between subsystems and interfaces between the main system and the external world must be designed. Well-designed subsystems send finished products to other subsystems. When designing subsystems and their interfaces be sure to consider reuse. Launch the system Launching the system means doing what the system was intended to do, e.g. running the system and producing outputs. Configuration management Configuration management (also called modification management) ensures that any changes in requirements, design or implementation are controlled, carefully identified, and accurately recorded. All stakeholders should have an opportunity to comment on proposed changes. Decisions to adopt a change must be captured in a baseline database. Baselines can only be changed at specified points in the life cycle. The phrase requirements tracking is now being used for an important subset of configuration management. Project management Project management is the planning, organizing, directing, and controlling of company resources to meet specific goals and objectives within time, within cost and at the desired performance level. Project management creates the work breakdown structure, which provides structure for guiding team assignments and cost and tracking control. Documentation All of these Systems Engineering activities must be documented in a common repository, often called the Engineering Notebook. The stored information should be location, platform, and display independent: which means any person on any computer using any tool should be able to operate on the fundamental data. Assumptions, results of tradeoff studies and the reasons for making critical decisions should be recorded. These documents should be alive and growing. For example, at the end of the system life cycle there should be an accurate model of the existing system to help with retirement. Lead teams Complex systems cannot be designed by one person. Consequently engineers work on Integrated Product Development Teams (IPDTs). These teams are interdisciplinary with members from Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, Testing, etc. IPDTs are often led by Systems Engineers. Assess Performance During the operation and maintenance phase of the system life cycle the performance of the system must be measured. Initially these measurements will be used to verify that the system is in compliance with its requirements. Later they will be used to detect deterioration and initiate maintenance. Prescribe tests Early in the system life cycle Systems Engineering should describe the tests that will be used to prove compliance of the final system with its requirements. However, most testing should be performed by built-in self-test equipment. These self-tests should be used for initial testing, post-installation testing, power-up diagnostics, field service and depot repair. The recipient of each test result and the action to be taken if the system passes or fails each test must be stated. Conduct reviews Systems Engineering should ensure that the appropriate reviews are conducted and documented. The following set is common: Mission Concept Review, System Requirements Review (SRR), System Definition Review, Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Production Readiness Review (PRR), and System Test. Full-scale engineering design begins after the Preliminary Design Review. Manufacturing begins after the Critical Design Review. Total system test The system that is finally built must be tested to see (1) that it satisfies the mandatory requirements, and (2) how well it satisfies the tradeoff requirements. Re-evaluation Re-evaluation is arguably the most important task of Systems Engineering. For centuries engineers have used feedback to control systems and improve performance. It is one of the most fundamental engineering tools. Re-evaluation means observing outputs and using this information to modify the system inputs, the product or the process. Re-evaluation should be a continual process with many parallel loops. Everyone should continually re-evaluate the system looking for ways to improve quality. Tools used in this process include basic systems engineering, and the quality engineering techniques presented by, for example, Deming and Taguchi. Deming (1982); Bicknell and Bicknell (1994); Latzko and Saunders (1995). Near the end of the project, engineers should write a Lessons Learned document. These lessons learned should not be edited by management, because management could trivialize what they do not understand or omit management mistakes. Categories of Systems Engineers Many companies divide their Systems Engineers into three categories according to their major workflows: requirements definition, architectural design and testing and verification. Creating Systems Engineers The traditional method of creating Systems Engineers was to select well-organized engineers with lots of common sense and let them acquire 30 years of diverse engineering experience. But recently these traditional Systems Engineers have written books and standards that explain what they do and how they do it. So now that the tools, concepts and procedures have been formalized, in four years of undergraduate education we can teach Systems Engineers who will have performance levels 50% that of traditional Senior Systems Engineers. Ten years of systems engineering experience will improve performance to 80% and another ten years will increase it to 100%.

Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Identification

Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Identification Middle cerebral artery is a very common site for aneurysm formation. MCA aneurysms represent 18-40 of all intracranial aneurysms. MCAAS are commonly divided into three groups: proximal (M1As), bifurcation (MbifAs), or distal (MdistAs) aneurysms. Each group presents with distinct anatomic features that have an impact on their management. Assigning MCAAs into a particular group can sometimes be difficult since the length and caliber of the M1 segment often varies and there may be two or more major branching sites along its course. This has led to fallacies in sub-grouping of MCAAs with resultant high variability in the reported frequencies of the different subgroups: M1As (2 61%) and MbifAs (39 90%), of all MCAAs [2, 3, 5-8]. Preoperative identification of MCA aneurysm origin either at the main MCA bifurcation (Mbif) or at another branching point has a great implication on surgical planning as different groups of MCAAs pose different challenges to the neurosurgeon requiring different surgical strategies. In this report, we present our technique for accurate identification of the MCA main bifurcation from other branching points along MCA as a key for a more accurate classification of MCA aneurysms. Furthermore we suggest an extension to the classic MCA classification. Also, we present the distribution of 1309 MCA aneurysms as a part of the largest CTA anatomic study, so far, for MCA aneurysms. Our aim is to help recognize the branching pattern of MCA with special emphasis on the exact characterization of MCA main bifurcation. Patients and methods Patients and radiological data: Data were retrieved from a prospectively collected database that sequentially encompassed all patients with intracranial aneurysms admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery at Helsinki University Central Hospital (catchment area, 1.8 million people). We identified 1124 consecutive patients with MCA aneurysms diagnosed between 2000 and 2009. We excluded 115 patients from the study due to lack of adequate CTA (98 cases) or having non-saccular MCAAs (17 cases). The remaining 1009 patients with a total of 1309 saccular MCA aneurysms had adequate cerebral CTAs. The routine use of CTA (GE Lightspeed QX/i; GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI) started in the year 2000 and has been the primary imaging modality for cerebral aneurysms at our institution ever since. CTA is rapid, safe, readily available and can provide 3D reconstruction of vessels and bony structures. Each patient`s radiological images were stored in the hospitals central digital archiving system (PACS; AGFA, IMPAX, version 4.5), launched in 1998, from which all of the relevant diagnostic images were recalled. Nomenclature: For each patient, pretreatment CTA images were evaluated and measured on screen (AGFA, IMPAX DS 3000). The MCA aneurysms were identified in each patient and classified according to the location of aneurysm neck in relation to the main MCA bifurcation (fig.6). MCA aneurysms were grouped into three groups: M1As, aneurysms on the main trunk (M1) of the MCA, between the bifurcation of internal carotid artery (ICA) and the main MCA bifurcation; MbifAs, aneurysms at the main MCA bifurcation; MdistAs, aneurysms distal to main MCA bifurcation on M2, M3 or M4 segments. Then M1As were sub-grouped into 2 groups: M1-ECBAs, aneurysms arising at the origin of early cortical branches; M1-LSAAs, aneurysms arising at the origin of Lenticulostriate arteries. The M1-ECBAs comprised aneurysms arising at the origin of early frontal branches (M1-EFBAs) and aneurysms arising at the origin of early temporal branches (M1-ETBAs). CTA for precise recognition of MCA main bifurcation For localization of Mbif, we simply examine the MCA branches in sagittal views of CTA at the insular level and detect the insular trunks from direction and course then follow these trunks till their essential meeting at the Mbif. This pilot examination must be correlated with examination of axial and coronal views for accurate confirmation. In some cases with difficult branching and looping patterns, 3D reconstruction is necessary. CTA for accurate classification of aneurysms along MCA: (figures 2-6) We examine the direction and course of the branches originating at the neck of the aneurysm in sagittal views to know whether these branches are cortical or insular. Correlation with axial and coronal views and sometimes 3D reconstructions is necessary. Then we check the relation of this branching point to the MCA main bifurcation (the primary meeting point of insular trunks) for correct sorting of the aneurysm. Results: Demographics: The mean age at diagnosis in our patient population was 54 years (range 13-89 y). The number of women 690 (68%) doubled that of men 319 (32%). Aneurysms were more common on the Rt. MCA 732 aneurysms (56%) than on the lt. MCA 577 aneurysms (44%). In 466 (46%) Patients, there were one or more additional aneurysms totaling 1761 aneurysms. Classification of MCA aneurysms: Table 1 shows the distribution of 1309 aneurysms along MCA. The number of aneurysms arising at the MCA main bifurcation (MbifAs) 829 (63%) doubled the total number of all aneurysms arising along M1 segment (M1As) 406 (31%). The distal MCA aneurysms (MdistAs) were the least frequent group only 74 (6%). Around three quarters (77%) of ruptured MCA aneurysms and 57% of unruptured MCA aneurysms were located at the MCA bifurcation. Types of M1As: Aneurysms arising along the main trunk of MCA (M1As) were grouped into 2 groups according the nature of the branches taking off at the base of the aneurysms. Among the 406 M1As, 242 (60%) aneurysms arose at the origin of early cortical branches from M1 segment (M1-ECBAs) while the remaining 164 (40%) M1As were not associated with early cortical branches but LSAs (M1-LSAAs). The aneurysms at the origin of early cortical branches (M1-ECBAs) comprised 178 aneurysms at the origin early frontal branches (M1-EFBAs) and 64 aneurysms at the origin of early temporal branches (M1-ETBAs). Discussion: The high variability in the reported frequencies of different groups of MCA aneurysms (M1As, 2-61%; MbifAs, 39-90%)[2, 3, 5-8] could be attributed to falsies in classification of these aneurysms and / or obtaining such incidences from small statistically unreliable series. In a trial to resolve this issue in a large statistically reliable non-selected group of MCAAs, We performed a retrospective anatomical study of CTAs for consecutive 1009 patients with 1309 saccular MCAAs aneurysms. We tried to find and follow the objective characteristics of branching points along MCA to be more precise when classifying MCA aneurysms. In our previous MCA publications [1-4, 9]we have followed the classic classification of MCA aneurysms. Recognizing the importance and the deceptive appearance of the early cortical branches, we have added an extension to the traditional classification by subdividing M1 aneurysms into M1-ECBAs and M1-LSAAs. This proofed helpful to keep attention to this previously und erestimated group of aneurysms arising at the origin of early cortical branches (M1-ECBAs). Preoperative identification of MCA aneurysm origin either at the main bifurcation or at another branching point has an implication on surgical planning especially for ruptured MCAAs as different type of MCAAs poses different challenges to the neurosurgeon requiring different surgical strategy[1-3]. Also when selecting the recipient vessel for bypass surgery if indicated to compensate for an inevitable vascular compromise during securing the aneurysm. MCA is classically subdivided into 4 segments: the sphenoidal (M1) segment extending from ICA bifurcation to the main MCA bifurcation where insular trunks (M2) begins and course over the insula till the peri-insular sulci where the opercualar (M3) segments start and course till the lateral surface of the brain in the sylvian fissure then continue as parasylvian (M4) segments whose distal extensions are sometimes called the terminal (M5) segments [10-13]. Although Yasargil used the main MCA bifurcation as the demarcation point between M1 and M2 segments, Rhoton used the MCA genu at the limen insulae as the demarcation point between M1 and M2 segments, hence he had prebifuration M1 and post bifurcation M1[8, 14]. Aneurysms along MCA are classically divided into three groups: proximal (M1As), bifurcation (MbifAs), or distal (MdistAs) aneurysms. It is evident that the identification of the MCA main bifurcation is the key for accurate classification and grouping of these aneurysms. Although MCA anatomy has been widely described in standard anatomy, neuroradiology, and neurosurgery textbooks[8, 15-17], it is still not uncommon to mistaken the identification of the main MCA bifurcation from other branching points along the main trunk of MCA particularly those associated with a large-caliber cortical branch. This misconception led to wide range of the reported length of MCA main trunk (0 -30 mm) and large differences in the reported relative frequency of M1As (2 61%) and MbifAs (39 90%) between authers[2, 3, 5-8]. Accurate identification of the MCA main bifurcation: Crompton named the cortical branches arising from M1 segment proximal to MCA bifurcation as early branches. Yasargil and colleagues defined the origin of the large cortical branches arising proximal to the most lateral LSAs as (false early bifurcation) and declared that aneurysms arising at this region of M1 could be mistakenly diagnosed as MCA bifurcation aneurysms. They stressed the importance of the LSAs in defining the site of the main bifurcation as the main bifurcation is usually located distal to the origin of LSAs [8, 12, 13]. These early cortical branches are found in nearly 85 to 90% of hemispheres [14]. In the anatomical study for the early branches of MCA, Rhoton and colleagues found that the early branches arising on the proximal half of the main trunk of MCA resembled postbifurcation trunks of M1 in some aspects with possibility of being misinterpreted as postbifurcation trunks of the M1 leading to false localization of the main bifurcation. They could identify LSAs on M1 segment distal to the origin of these early branches. MCA main bifurcation was identified proximal to the genu in 82%, at the level of genu in 8%, and distal to the genu in 10% of hemispheres [14]. It is obvious that the exact identification of MCA main bifurcation is the key for correct sorting of aneurysms along the MCA. It is popular to subjectively accept a branching point close to MCA genu giving rise to the largest branches as the MCA main bifurcation. It is also not uncommon to feel more internal confidence when such a branching point holds an aneurysm to consider it as MCA main bifurcation. This might be correct in the majority of cases but unfortunately it would be misleading in some cases. The idea for identification of the main MCA bifurcation (Mbif) accurately is to find a constant criterion for Mbif which can be used as a hallmark for identification of Mbif from other branching points along the MCA with high certainity. Keeping into mind that Mbif might share some characteristics (like size of out-coming branches, location in relation to MCA genu and relation to LSAs) with other branching points along MCA preclude accepting any of these characteristics as a hallmark for Mbif. The fact that all insular trunks (M2s) authentically originate from one point that is the MCA main bifurcation, means that the primary meeting point of all insular trunks (M2s) can be considered as a hallmark for Mbif. So, simply by identifying the insular trunks and following them proximally till their original meeting into one point, the Mbif can be localized accurately and with certainty. Insular (M2) trunks cannot be identified by being the largest branches as early cortical branches are sometimes of the same caliber or even larger than the actual M2 trunks. M2 trunks run along the insula from the limen insula for a variable distance taking the superior and posterior directions. So by observing the direction and course of each of the branches originating from the MCA trunk in sagittal, coronal and axial CTA views, it will be easy to identify the insular trunks and to follow them proximally till their authentic meeting at the Mbif. In fewer words, considering that the main MCA bifurcation is not always distal to the origin of LSAs or always proximal or at the genu, but it always gives insular trunks (M2s) means that identification of the primary starting point of these insular trunks will guide to the main MCA bifurcation. These insular trunks should be recognized by their course over the insula for variable distance not by their size as some early cortical branches might be of similar or even larger size. Among all the aneurysms arising along MCA, those aneurysms arising from M1 segment at the origin of early cortical branches (ECB) are more likely to be misdiagnosed as a bifurcation aneurysm especially when the cortical branch is large and arises close to the MCA genu. The fact that early temporal branch becomes smaller as it arises closer to genu[14]means that it would not be common to misinterpret an aneurysm arising at the origin of an early temporal branch as a bifurcation aneurysm even if it is close to genu. There is no relation between the size of EFB and its distance from the genu. In angiograms, such large frontal branches look very similar to post bifurcation M2 trunks. This shows clearly how some aneurysms arising at the origin of large early frontal branches (EFB) could be, if enough attention was not paid, misclassified as MCA bifurcation aneurysm especially when close to the MCA genu. Ulm et al.[7] unexpectedly found, in their anatomical retrospective study of MCAAs with special emphasis on those aneurysms arising from M1 at the origin of early cortical branches, that M1As arising at the neck of EFB were more common than MbifAs and they claimed that many of EFB aneurysms were misclassified as early MbifAs reasoning why MbifAs were reported in previous pubilcations to be the most common location for MCAAs. This was contrary to our and general experience of Mbif being the most common location for MCAAs [1-5, 13, 18]. During this study, it was easy to sort some aneurysms along MCA, such as a small aneurysm at the origin of LSAs close to ICA bifurcation or a small aneurysm along M4 segment, precisely from the first look. Unfortunately, the biggest percentage of MCA aneurysms arose close to the MCA genu at some branching points which included early cortical branches, MCA main bifurcation and early furcation of M2 branches. This necessitated a lot of work to discriminate between these branches for precise sorting of MCA aneurysms. Moreover, some morphological characteristics of the aneurysms, such as large aneurysm size and complex projections, added to the difficulty for proper distinguishing of these branches. The task was more difficult for ruptured MCA aneurysms especially when associated with large ICH distorting the anatomy. On the other hand the availability of the 3D reconstructions, which made it possible to examine the aneurysms and MCA branches from different angles, together with the clas sic CTA views paved the way to accomplish our goal for sorting MCA aneurysms accurately with high degree of certainty. The present work shows, in harmony with our previous publications (table 3), that MCA bifurcation is the most common location for aneurysms along the MCA. The number of MbifAs 829 (63%) doubled the total number of all M1As 406 (31%) including those aneurysms arising at the origin of LSAs and those at the origin of ECBs. MCA bifurcation aneurysms comprised 77% of ruptured MCA aneurysms and 57% of unruptured MCA aneurysms. Among the 406 M1As, 178 (44%) aneurysms arose at the origin of early frontal branches (M1-EFBAs). The diameter of the associated early frontal branch was à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ half the diameter of M1 in 106 (60%) cases. We assume that such aneurysms, without careful examination, might be misclassified as MbifAs especially when the associated large EFB is close to the genu of MCA. Early temporal branches were associated with 64 (16%) aneurysms (M1-ETBAs). The remaining 164 (40%) M1As were not associated with early cortical branches but with LSAs (M1-LSAAs). (Table 2) At the end of this study we realized that many M1 aneurysms arising at the origin of large early cortical branches especially EFB could be sometimes misclassified as MbifAs, but Mbif is still the most common location for aneurysms along MCA. We agree with Ulm et al [7] for the possibility to mistaken EFB aneurysms as bifurcation aneurysms if much care was not paid, but we assume that their surprising results of EFB being the most common location for MCAAs came from the small number of the cases included in their study. (Table 4) Conclusion: Careful objective analysis of MCA branching pattern from preoperative CTA is very important to understand patient-specific vascular anatomy which aids the surgeon to successfully exclude MCAAs from the circulation while preserving the surrounding vasculature. Although many M1 aneurysms arising at the origin of large early cortical branches especially EFB could have been misclassified as MbifAs in previous reports, Mbif is still the most common location for aneurysms along MCA. Figures legends: Fig. 1: Identification of MCA main bifurcation CTA images (A: sagittal, B: coronal C: axial D: 3D reconstruction) demonstrating an early cortical branch aneurysm (white arrow) arising at the origin of an early frontal branch (green arrow) proximal to the main MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) which gives frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) M2 trunks. The MCA main bifurcation (yellow arrow) is located at the genu. The accompanying diagrams (E, F G) display how to accurately identify the main MCA bifurcation from other branching points along MCA just by following the insular branches back towards their primary meeting at one point that is the MCA main bifurcation. We are used to start the check in sagittal views then to confirm by rechecking the axial and coronal CTA views. 3D reconstructions are sometimes needed. Fig. 2 CTA images (A: axial, B: coronal, C: sagittal the corresponding 3D reconstruction views (D, E F respectively) demonstrating an early cortical branch aneurysm (white arrows) arising at the origin of a large early frontal cortical branch (green arrow) just proximal to the right MCA genu. Such an aneurysm can be subjectively misclassified as an MCA bifurcation aneurysm especially in coronal views, but in sagittal and axial views, the frontal branch (green arrow) is seen running anteriorly and superiorly away from the insula. Also, the right MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) is clearly seen distal to the genu giving frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) insular trunks. Fig. 3 CTA images (A: axial, B: coronal, C: sagittal D: 3D reconstruction) demonstrating an aneurysm (white arrow) arising at the main MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) which gives frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) M2 trunks. Notice the frontal cortical branch (green arrow) arising from the frontal M2 trunk (red arrow). The MCA main bifurcation (yellow arrow) is located proximal to genu. Fig. 4 CTA images (A: axial, B: coronal C: sagittal) demonstrating an early cortical branch aneurysm (white arrow) arising at the origin of an early frontal branch (green arrow) proximal to the main MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) which gives frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) M2 trunks. The MCA main bifurcation (yellow arrow) is located proximal to genu. Fig. 5 CTA images (A: axial, B: coronal, C: sagittal D: 3D reconstruction) demonstrating an early cortical branch aneurysm (white arrow) arising at the origin of an early temporal branch (green arrow) proximal to the main MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) which gives frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) M2 trunks. The MCA main bifurcation (yellow arrow) is located at genu. Fig. 6 CTA images (A: axial, B: coronal C: sagittal) demonstrating a distal MCA aneurysm (white arrow) arising at the takeoff of a frontal cortical branch (green arrow) from the left frontal M2 trunk (red arrow) distal to the main MCA bifurcation (yellow arrow) which gives frontal (red arrow) and temporal (blue arrow) M2 trunks. The MCA main bifurcation (yellow arrow) is located proximal to genu.