Pediatric Dengue Shock Syndrome Essay Example

Pediatric Dengue Shock Syndrome Essay Example Pediatric Dengue Shock Syndrome Essay Pediatric Dengue Shock Syndrome Essay Michelle de Vera,1 M. D. , and Marissa M. Alejandria,2 M. D. ABSTRACT Background: The cornerstone of therapy for dengue shock syndrome (DSS) remains to be the prompt and aggressive restoration of circulating plasma volume. Two common types of intravenous uids currently used in DSS are crystalloids and colloids. The debate is ongoing on whether one is superior to the other in critically ill patients. Objective: This systematic review aims to compare the therapeutic effects of colloids versus crystalloids in reducing the recurrence of shock, the requirement for rescue uids, the need for diuretics, the total volume of intravenous uids given, the hematocrit level and pulse rates, and mortality rates of children with DSS. Search strategy: We searched Medline 1966 to August 2008, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2008), and the Philippines Herdin database 1964 to 2008. Local journals were handsearched and reference lists were examined. Researchers and experts in the eld were contacted for unpublished or ongoing trials. Selection criteria: The studies included were randomized controlled trials comparing colloids versus crystalloids in children less than 18 years with a diagnosis of DSS. Data collection and analysis: Two reviewers independently did trial selection and assessment of methodologic quality using the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group criteria. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and analyzed it using Review Manager Version 5. Results: Of eight studies initially reviewed, four studies ful lled the selection criteria (N=694, colloids=410, crystalloids=284). Colloids and crystalloids did not differ signi cantly in decreasing the risk for recurrence of shock (RR 0. 92, 95% CI 0. 62 to 1. 38), the need for rescue uids (RR 0. 90, 95% CI 0. 70 to 1. 16), total volume of intravenous uids given (WMD 0. 80, 95% CI -1. 68 to 3. 28) and the need for diuretics (RR=1. 17, 95% CI 0. 84 to 1. 64). However, there were signi cant improvements from baseline in the hematocrit levels (WMD -3. 37, 95% CI -5. 94 to -0. 0) and pulse rates (WMD -3. 37, 95% CI -5. 94 to -0. 8) of patients who were given colloids. Tests for heterogeneity were not signi cant. Allergic type reactions were seen in patients given colloids. One child died in the colloid group. Conclusion: Colloids decreased the hematocrit and pulse rates of children with DSS after the rst two hours of uid resuscitation. However, no signi cant advantage was found over cr ystalloids in reducing the recurrence of shock, the need for rescue colloids, the total amount of uids, the need for diuretics, and in reducing mortality. KEYWORDS: Meta-analysis, Crystalloids, Colloids, Pediatric, Dengue shock syndrome Department of Pediatrics, The Medical City Department of Clinical Epidemiology, UP College of Medicine 1 2 *Best Paper, The Medical City Interdepartmental Research Forum, 2008 14 Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Vol. 39, Issue 1, January-June 2010 Colloids of lifesaving F luid resuscitation is oneshock thecritically ill cornerstones in managing in patients. Physicians have an array of intravenous uids to choose from, however, the debate continues on which type of uid would be most bene cial. One condition that would bene t most from smart uid choice is dengue shock syndrome (DSS). DSS is the most serious manifestation of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The burden of disease is greatest in Asia, where in many countries dengue is a leading cause of pediatric hospitalization. An estimated 500,000 patients with severe dengue require hospitalization each year, a large proportion of which are children. At least 2. 5% of patients die, although case fatality could be twice as high. 1 The major pathophysiological event seen in DSS is the acute increase in vascular permeability leading to the loss of plasma from the vascular compartment. Thus, the key to its management is the rapid restoration of the circulating intravenous blood volume. Two common types of intravenous uids currently used in DSS are crystalloids and colloids. Crystalloids are uids based on a solution of sterile water incorporated with electrolytes that are formulated to be hypertonic, hypotonic, or isotonic in com parison to the human plasma. The most common formulations include 0. 9% isotonic saline which is designed to approximate closely the human plasma, and lactated Ringer’s solution, almost similar to isotonic saline, but with the addition of lactate. Colloidal uids are also water- and electrolytecontaining solutions, but with the addition of a substance that does not easily diffuse through a semipermeable membrane owing to its high molecular weight. Albumin preparations contain human serum albumin, the largest component of colloid osmotic pressure in the human blood. The hetastarches, which are 6% hetastarch and 10% pentastarch, are derived from a polysaccharide that is incorporated in a uid with different molecular weights. Dextran solutions use synthetically derived dextran proteins. Gelatin solutions have true gelatin component designed to be biologically compatible. 3 The current guidelines in the management of DSS include administration of crystalloid intravenous uids at a rate of 10-20mL/kg over an hour upon presentation of unstable vital signs or manifestations of shock. Shifting to colloidal solution is warranted if there is evidence of hemoconcentration despite administration of about 1 liter of initial intravenous uids, as shown in Appendix 1. Once improvement is seen, colloids should be shifted back to crystalloids. The increased vascular permeability in DSS, combined with the capability of crystalloid uids to seep through easily, predisposes a patient to receive massive volumes until hemodynamic stability is achieved. This led to the belief that colloids, with their higher molecular weight and ability to maintain or improve the colloid osmotic pressure, will require less amount to achieve improvement, and can thus be a better alternative to crystalloids during the early resuscitative phase in DSS. The studies that have investigated the bene ts of colloids over crystalloids in patients with shock are limited. The large, multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial Saline vs Albumin Fluid Evaluation conducted in 2004 compared the colloid albumin and the crystalloid isotonic saline for uid resuscitation in 6,997 intensive care unit patients. In the said trial, albumin and saline were comparable in terms of 28-day all cause mortality. 4 Likewise, a systematic review of the use of colloids and crystalloids for uid resuscitation in critically ill patients found no evidence that colloids, compared with crystalloids, reduced the risk of dying. Despite the increasing numbers of patients with DSS who are mostly children, there are only a few studies that compared the use of colloids and crystalloids in these patients. 6-9 OBJECTIVES The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize the available data from clinical trials comparing colloids and crystalloids in resuscitating children with DSS. It aims to estimate the effects of colloids compared to crystalloids on the following param eters in children with DSS: Recurrence of shock. Requirement for rescue intravenous uids. Mortality. Total volume of intravenous uid given. 15 Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Vol. 39, Issue 1, January-June 2010 Colloids Need for diuretics. Change in hematocrit level. Change in pulse rate. This systematic review aims to compare the adverse effects associated with the administration of colloids versus crystalloids in children with DSS. experts, and researchers in the eld for additional information on unpublished and ongoing trials. There was no language restriction. Methods of the review: Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of potentially relevant trials based on the selection criteria. The reviewers independently assessed the methodologic quality of each trial using the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group criteria. Studies were assessed as â€Å"high quality† if randomization and allocation concealment were adequate, blinding maneuvers were performed, and intent-to-treat analysis was done. Studies were assessed as â€Å"fair quality† if any subtle biases were present: unclear allocation concealment; absence of blinding; and no intent-to-treat analysis. Studies were considered â€Å"low-quality† if any of the following biases was seen: inadequate randomization and allocation concealment and/or signi cant differences between the treatment group and control group in terms of known predictors of outcome; obvious differences in the general quality of care received by subjects in both groups; marked difference in drop-out rates; and outcome detection methods were different for both groups. Two reviewers independently abstracted data from the studies including baseline characteristics of patients, inclusion and exclusion criteria, types of intervention or study uids, and dosing regimen. The information on each outcome measure and the number of affected patients were also obtained. Data were analyzed using the Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5. 0. For dichotomous data, the risk ratio, or the probability that an event will occur, was determined for each comparison. The need for diuretics, need for rescue uid, and recurrence of shock were all considered dichotomous outcomes. For continuous data, the weighted mean differences were determined. The decrease in hematocrit and pulse rate from baseline and the total volume of intravenous uids administered were all analyzed as continuous data. Missing data such as standard deviations were derived using the 95% con dence intervals provided. SEARCH METHODOLOGY Criteria for considering studies for this review: Studies included in this review were randomized controlled trials in which children less than 18 years of age were given either colloid or crystalloid intravenous uid within the rst 2 hours after being diagnosed with DSS. The diagnosis of DSS was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, as shown in Appendix 2, which included hemoconcentration associated with the characteristic plasma leakage, presence of circulatory compromise as evidenced by narrowing of pulse pressure, hypotension, decreased perfusion, and decreased urine output. The primary outcome measures included the number of episodes of shock, the requirement for rescue intravenous uids, and mortality. The secondary outcome measures included the change from the baseline in pulse rate, the change from the baseline of hematocrit, the need for diuretics, the total volume of intravenous uid given, and adverse effects. Search strategy: We searched the following databases for relevant studies: Medline 1966 to June 2008; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2008); and the Herdin database of the Philippines 1964-2008. The search strategy combined the terms â€Å"pediatrics†, â€Å"child†, â€Å"children†, â€Å"dengue†, â€Å"dengue hemorrhagic fever†, â€Å"dengue shock†, and â€Å"intravenous uids† with the Cochrane Highly Sensitive Search Strategy phases one and two as contained in the Cochrane Reviewer’s Handbook, as shown in Appendix 3. Conference proceedings and local journals were handsearched for potentially relevant trials. The reference lists of articles were examined to identify additional relevant studies. We also searched institutional libraries, including libraries in universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. We contacted colleagues, 16 Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Vol. 39, Issue 1, January-June 2010 Colloids Study Flow Diagram Potentially relevant randomized controlled trials identified through Medline, Herdin, and CENTRAL searches (n=4) Trials excluded (n=2) Included patients with septic shock (n=1) Assessed difference between clinical and laboratory diagnosis of dengue (n=1) Articles obtained from colleagues (n=2) Trial excluded (n=1) Used both colloids and crystalloids in a single patient (n=1) Links to related articles and other references examined (n=2) Trial excluded (n=1) Compared colloid with blood plasma (n=1) Randomized controlled trials comparing colloids and crystalloids in pediatric dengue shock (n=4) The formula for grouping data and imputing group means and group standard deviations were obtained from the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews. 0 We assessed heterogeneity using the chi-square test for heterogeneity (P value 50% indicated moderate degree of heterogeneity; a value of 75% indicated large degree of heterogeneity across trials. For outcome measures with signi cant heterogeneity, the sources of heterogeneity were explored by doing sensitivity analysis according to methodologic quality. excluded two trials: one trial was on the assessment of the differences between the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of dengue, and the other trial included patients with septic shock. On review of the reference lists of relevant articles, two more trials were identi ed: one ful lled the selection criteria while the other was excluded since it used both colloids and crystalloids for each study participant. We obtained two additional studies from colleagues. One trial was excluded because it compared a colloid with blood plasma. Included studies: Four randomized controlled trials on the use of colloids and crystalloids in children with DSS were included with a combined sample size of 694 (colloids=410, crystalloids=284). -9 All the trials used WHO criteria for the diagnosis of DSS. 2 Participants: The patients were under 18 years old, with ages ranging from 1-15 years. All patients were Asians: 655 were Vietnamese and 39 were Indonesian. In all the studies, none of the patients received any intravenous uids prior to the study. 17 RESULTS Search results: As shown in the study ow diagram, we identi ed four potentially relevant randomized controlled trials on the use o f colloids and crystalloids through Medline and CENTRAL searches. We Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Vol. 9, Issue 1, January-June 2010 Colloids Table 1. Characteristics of Included Studies Author, Year Nhan 2001 7 Study Population 230 Vietnamese children clinically diagnosed DHF DHF grade III = 222 DHF grade IV = 8 1-15 years old Intervention Study uids Lactated Ringer’s solution, isotonic saline, dextran, gelatin Fluid rate DHF grade III: 20mL/kg for 1 hr DHF grade IV: 20ml/kg for 15min, then 20mL/kg over the following hour Study uids Lactated Ringer’s solution, starch, dextran Fluid rate 15mL/kg for 1 hr, then 10mL/kg for the 2nd hr Outcomes Data presented are those of DHF grade III patients only: PPRT, reshock rate, time to 1st episode of reshock, change from baseline of hematocrit and pulse rate, volume of uid infused, requirement for rescue uid, volume of rescue uid used, requirement for diuretic, mortality Change from baseline of hematocrit; total volume of rescue uid used after initial resuscitation, total volume of uid given, requirement for further uid resuscitation, requirement for diuretic, mortality, length of hospital stay; depth of pleural effusion, new bleeding after study entry, clinical uid overload, volume of ascites Change from baseline of hematocrit, cardiac index, pulse rate and pulse pressure, requirement for further uid resuscitation, requirement for diuretic, duration of shock, episodes of reshock, mortality Change from the baseline of hematocrit, hemoglobin, pulse rate and pulse pressure; total volume of uid given, episodes of reshock, mortality Adverse Reactions None stated Wills 20056 51 2 Vietnamese children with clinical DSS Moderate shock = 383 Severe shock = 129 2-15 years old Allergic type reactions, transient high fever and rigors without cardio-respiratory compromise; urticarial rashes Dung 19998 50 Vietnamese children with clinical DSS 5-15 years old Study uids Lactated Ringer’s solution, isotonic saline, dextran, gelatin Fluid rate 20mL/kg for 1 hr, then 10mL/kg for the 2nd hr Study uids Lactated Ringer’s solution, gelatin Fluid rate 20mL/kg as initial volume of uid resuscitation None stated Prasetyo20089 39 Indonesian children with clinical DSS 1-13 years Adverse reactions in coagulation, liver and renal functions and acid-base equilibrium; severe allergic type reactions DHF: dengue hemorrhagic fever DSS: dengue shock syndrome PPRT: pulse pressure recovery time One study included both DHF grades III and IV patients9, while two studies presented data on DHF grade III patients only. 7-8 The study by Wills (2005) grouped patients into those with moderate and severe shock. The subset of patients with severe shock was not given the chance to receive crystalloid uids and was not included in this review. Children were excluded in the study if they had severe hemorrhagic manifestation for which transfusion was likely7, chronic disorders7, malnutrition9, and heart, renal, liver, and lung diseases. 9 Interventions: The colloids used were dextran 706-8, gelatin7-8, and hydroxyethyl starch. 6,9 The crystalloids used were lactated Ringer’s solution69 and isotonic saline. 7-8 In three studies6-8, the study uids were administered initially at 20mL/kg for 1 hr for DHF grade III patients and 20ml/kg for 15min. Subsequently, uids were given depending on each study’s protocol: 20mL/kg over the following hour for DHF grade IV patients7; 15mL/kg for 1 hour, then 10mL/kg for the 2nd hour6; and 20mL/kg for 1 hour, then 10mL/kg for the 2nd hour. The study by Prasetyo9 administered an initial volume of 20mL/kg to all patients. Table 2. Characteristics of Excluded Studies Author, Year Hung 2006 Martinez-Vega 2006 Tatura 2008 Upadhyay 2005 Reason for Exclusion The study used both colloids and crystalloids in all patients with DSS. The study did not compare colloids and crystalloids; it was based on the assessment of the difference between clinical and laboratory diagnosis of dengue. The study compared gelatin solution with blood plasma. The study participants were children with septic shock. 18 Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Vol. 39, Issue 1, January-June 2010 Colloids Table 3. Methodological Quality of Included Studies Author Year Dung 19998 Randomization Adequate Allocation Concealment Adequate-treatment pack numbers contained in opaque envelopes Adequate-treatment pack numbers contained in opaque envelopes Computer generated random numbers, treatment packs prepared by independent staff Not stated Blinding Double-blind each treatment bottle covered in black tape Double-blind Double-blind Intent-to-treat Analysis Not stated Nhan 20017 Wills 20056 Sequential randomization Adequate, strati ed by pulse pressure Random assignment, strati ed to DHF 3 or 4 Yes Yes Prasetyo 20089 Not stated Not stated Outcomes: The outcomes measured included the following: changes from baseline of hematocrit6-9 and pulse rate7-9; total volume of rescue uid used after initial resuscitation6,7 and requirement for further uid resuscitation6-8; total volume of intravenous uids given6,7,9; requirement for diuretics6-8; and number of patients with recurrences of shock. -9 Other parameters evaluated were the following: change in hemoglobin9, pulse pressure8,9 and pulse pressure recovery time7; cardiac index8; duration of shock8; time to rst episode of reshock7; length of hospital stay in days6; and mortality. 6-9 The study by Prasetyo further determined disorders of blood coagulation, liver and renal function parameters, and acid-base equilibrium. 9 The study by Wills reported depth of pleural effusion, new bleeding after study entry, clinical uid overload, and volume of ascites. 6 Two studies determined severe allergic type reactions after intravenous uid infusion. 6,9 The characteristics of the included studies are summarized in Table 1. Excluded studies: Trials that did not compare rystalloids and colloids or were not used on pediatric patients with DSS were excluded from this review. 11-14 The characteristics of the excluded studies are summarized in Table 2. Methodological quality of included studies: Two studies were assessed as â€Å"high quality. †6. 7 The study by Prasetyo had unclear alloc ation concealment and did not mention blinding or intent-to-treat analysis, as shown in Table 3. The study by Dung also did not state whether intent-to-treat analysis was done. Both were rated as fair quality. Despite randomization, the study of Nhan had unequal distribution of more severely ill patients: dextran group had fewer patients with very low pulse pressure, but had patients with lowest mean pulse rate at presentation. Primary outcomes: The meta-analysis of the trials showed no statistically signi cant difference in reducing the risk for recurrence of shock (3 trials, RR 0. 92, 95% CI 0. 62 to 1. 38) and the need for rescue colloids (2 trials, RR 0. 90, 95% CI 0. 70 to 1. 16) after the initial resuscitation. Test for heterogeneity was not signi cant for both outcomes, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1. Number of Patients Who Had Recurrence of Shock After the Initial Fluid Resuscitation Study or Subgroup Dung 1999 Nhan 2001 Prasetyo 2008 Total (95% CI) Colloid Crystalloid Risk Ratio Events Total Events Total Weight M-H, Fixed, 95% CI 2 31 1 25 111 19 155 2 32 3 25 5. 4% 111 86. 7% 20 7. 9% 156 100. 0% 1. 00 [0. 15, 6. 55] 0. 97 [0. 64, 1. 47] 0. 35 [0. 04, 3. 09] 0. 92 [0. 62, 1. 38] Risk Ratio M-H, Fixed, 95% CI Total events 34 37 Heterogeneity: Chi? = 0. 82, df = 2 (P = 0. 66); I? = 0% Test for overall effect: Z = 0. 40 (P = 0. 69) 0. 005 0. 1 1 10 200 Favours colloids Favours crystalloids Favours experimental Favours control 19 Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Vol. 39, Issue 1, January-June 2010 Colloids Figure 2. Number of Patients Who Needed Rescue Colloids After the Initial Fluid Resuscitation Study or Subgroup Nhan 2001 Wills 2005 Total (95% CI) colloid crystalloid Risk Ratio Events Total Events Total Weight M-H, Fixed, 95% CI 32 74 111 255 366 37 40 111 41. 0% 128 59. 0% 239 100. 0% 0. 86 [0. 58, 1. 28] 0. 93 [0. 7, 1. 28] 0. 90 [0. 70, 1. 16] Risk Ratio M-H, Fixed, 95% CI 77 Total events 106 Heterogeneity: Chi? = 0. 08, df = 1 (P = 0. 78); I? = 0% Test for overall effect: Z = 0. 81 (P = 0. 42) 0. 01 0. 1 1 10 100 Favours colloids Favours crystalloids Favours experimental Favours control All study participants recovered fully, ex cept for one child in the colloid group (starch) who died of profound shock and gastrointestinal bleeding. 6 Secondary outcomes: There was no signi cant difference between patients who received colloids and crystalloids in terms of the total volume of intravenous uids given during resuscitation (WMD 0. 80 ml/kg, 95% CI -1. 68 to 3. 8) and the need for diuretics (RR=1. 17, 95% CI 0. 84 to 1. 64). The test for heterogeneity was not signi cant, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Hemodynamic variables: On the other hand, there was a signi cant improvement in hematocrit levels from the baseline after the rst two hours of uid resuscitation (WMD -7. 87, 95% CI -8. 52 to 7. 22), but with a large degree of heterogeneity, as shown in Figure 5. Sensitivity analysis removing the study of Wills (2005), which used median instead of mean, removed the heterogeneity and a statistically signi cant reduction in hematocrit levels remained (WMD -3. 37, 95% CI -5. 94 to -0. 80), as shown in Figure 5a. The study of Wills (2005) also showed a signi cant reduction in the median hematocrit levels two hours after the initial resuscitation (25% for the dextran group versus 9% for the Ringer’s lactate group, p 35% Improvement IV therapy by crystalloid, successively reducing the ow from 10 to 6, 6 to 3ml/kg/hr Discontinue after 24-48 hrs Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Vol. 39, Issue 1, January-June 2010 25 Colloids Appendix 2. World Health Organization Criteria for the Diagnosis of Dengue Fever and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever DF/DHF DF Grade* Symptoms Fever with two or more of the following signs, headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia I Above signs plus positive tourniquet test Above signs plus spontaneous bleeding Laboratory Leukopenia occasionally. Thrombocytopenia, may be present, no evidence of plasma loss Thrombocytopenia 100,000, Hct rise 20% Thrombocytopenia 100,000, Hct rise 20% Thrombocytopenia 100,000, Hct rise 20% DHF DHF II DHF III Above signs plus circulatory failure (weak pulse, hypotension, restlessness) Profound shock with undetectable blood pressure and pulse DHF IV Thrombocytopenia 100,000, Hct rise 20% *DHF Grade III and IV are also called as Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) 26 Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Vol. 39, Issue 1, January-June 2010 Colloids Appendix 3. Search Strategy Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Vol. 39, Issue 1, January-June 2010 27

Overview of Animal Cruelty

Overview of Animal Cruelty The term animal cruelty gets thrown around a lot, but an animal activists definition of animal cruelty may be very different from that of a hunter, a vivisector or a farmer. There is also a legal definition of animal cruelty that varies by state in the U.S., to confuse things further. Essentially, though, animal cruelty boils down to inhumane acts against animals of all walks of life, including starving domesticated pets, torturing any creatures and excessive killing of animals for sport. Animal Cruelty Law in the United States In the United States, there is no federal animal cruelty law. While some federal laws, like the Animal Welfare Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act or the Endangered Species Act restrict when or how certain animals in certain situations may be harmed or killed, these federal laws do not cover the more typical case, such as the person who intentionally kills the neighbors dog. Every state has an animal cruelty statute, and some offer stronger protections than others. Hence, the legal definition of animal cruelty will vary according to which state you are in, and some places have very large exemptions. For example, most states have exemptions for wildlife, animals in laboratories, and common agricultural practices, such as debeaking or castration. Some states exempt rodeos, zoos, circuses and pest control. However, some states may also have separate laws banning practices like cockfighting, dog fighting or horse slaughter - activities observed as inhumane by the majority of Americans. Where the legal definition is lacking, at least for animal rights activists, is in protecting all creatures from unnecessary suffering at the hands of mankind.   In any case, if someone is found guilty of animal cruelty, penalties also vary by state. Most states provide for the seizure of the animal victims and reimbursement for expenses for the animals care, and while some allow counseling or community service as part of the sentencing, twenty-three states have felony penalties of over a year in prison for animal cruelty. For more information, the Animal Legal and Historic Center provides an excellent, detailed overview of animal cruelty statutes in the U.S. To find your states animal cruelty statute, go to the Centers site and choose your state from the drop-down menu on the left. The Common Understanding Animal cruelty cases make headlines around the country every day, whether its the person who kills the neighbors cat, the hoarder of sick and dying animals, or the family whose starving, freezing dog is tied up outside in the middle of winter. These acts would likely constitute animal cruelty under any states animal cruelty statute, and would also fit with the publics common understanding of the term. However, when it comes to animals other than cats and dogs, peoples concept of the term animal cruelty varies greatly. Most animal activists would say that traditional agricultural practices such as debeaking, tail docking, castration, and confinement on factory farms are animal cruelty. Although some people do agree, as evidenced by the passage of Prop 2 in California, factory farmers and most other states animal cruelty laws havent yet adopted these same values. While some might base their definition of animal cruelty on how much the animal suffers or feels pain during death, the amount of suffering is not relevant for animal rights activists because the animals are deprived of their right to live and exist free of human use and abuse. Some may also base their definition on which type of animal is involved or how intelligent they perceive that animal to be. The slaughter of dogs, horses or whales for meat may be the epitome of animal cruelty to some, while the killing of cows, pigs, and chickens are acceptable to those same individuals. Similarly, to some, the killing of animals for fur or cosmetics testing may constitute unacceptable animal cruelty while the killing of animals for food is acceptable. Among the general public, the more culturally beloved the animal is and the more unusual the harm is, the more likely they are to be outraged and label the harm to that animal as animal cruelty. To animal activists, a much wider range of harms is called animal cruelty. Animal rights activists would argue that cruelty is cruelty, regardless of how common or legal the harm is.

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The Art and Craft of Rap Music - Essay Example Then, the four most infuential rap albums of all time are discussed, chosen primarily based upon their influence in redefining the genre as it existed prior to the album. Some of the largest names in the rap music business are discussed and analyzed with particular respect to their technical and artistic merits, as well as their social impact upon the world. Since its conception in the early seventies, rap music has been more than just a genre of music. It has become a street culture with elements that promote self expression and participation. Whether you call it rap or hip hop, it is the medium for urban-based creativity and expression of culture. This paper discusses the history and influence of rap, offering insight into a genre that is highly publicized on a global level but often ignored. The beginning of hip hop has often been discussed and debated among those in the music scene. On one hand, it seems to be widely accepted that the birth date of rap was 1979, when Sugar Hill Gang released Rappers Delight, but the hip hop scene more likely began to form in the Bronx in 1971. The founder of hip-hop was rapper and first break-beat deejay Kool Herc. Sugar Hill Gang seem to be used as a starting point as they hold the title for the introduction of rap music on vinyl, the youth cult for rap music had established itself many years prior to 1979. Soon after the conception of rap as an idea, Grandmaster Flash invented scratching; spinning a record back and forth creating a scratching sound. These innovations made by Kool Herc, Grand Wizard Theodore, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa and other like- minded DJs of the era were the spearhead of an underground cultural movement that is now recognized as hip-hop. Hip hop quickly became recognized as a form of urban based creativity and expression of culture, the turntables enabled artists to be creative with musical sounds. The turntable is an instrument that gives artists control over mainstream music, by proffering a "simple tool to make their art," (Byi, 1998) constituting a sense of rebellion through scratching and distorting a track. Not only does deejaying give artists a sense of upheaval, but also liberation and freedom, the DJ, Q-Bert explained this phenomenon in an interview, "the art of scratching is like a miracle- how you grab any recorded sound and manipulate it to say whatever you wantI wanted to speak the universal language of music, so I chose the musical instrument of the future: the turntable" (Byi, 1998) In the beginning, hip-hop was mainly seen at parties where a DJ would loop samples from records and allow people to battle over these tracks; from here hip-hop culture grew. Deejays often used a microphone to engage the crowd. Over time, individuals other than the Deejay joined in, delivering a message in a catchy rhyme form. By drawing attention not only to the message itself, but also how the message was conveyed, these individuals became performers in their own right, taking a place alongside Deejays and B-Boys; the emcee was born. People were rapping on the streets, and battles could be seen in warehouses on a Saturday night where budding rappers would get on the stage and rap against each other in a knock out style competition. It was the lack of financial resources that prevented this music from being

A Retrospect of the Hong Kong Handover Essay Example for Free

A Retrospect of the Hong Kong Handover Essay Slide 2 Hong Kong’s handover to the Chinese government after 150 years of British colonial rule is a major historical event My paper analyzes whether or not China handled Hong Kong well 10 years after the Handover occurred. It also aims to look at the changes that have taken place since the Handover, and how they have affected the situation in Hong Kong. Important questions regarding this issue are:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After 10 years, did China handle Hong Kong well?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Has China fulfilled its promise to maintain Hong Kongs status quo as a leader in Asian economy?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Have the policies and changes that the Handover has brought been beneficial to the people of Hong Kong? My position is that China did a good job in the sense that they did not do harm to Hong Kong and was able to preserve the liberal economic and political spirit of the place. My conclusions are based on the following parameters: One, the economic situation of the territory, and two, the political situation of the territory. Slide 3 Background of the Issue Why was the Handover a source of anxiety to Hong Kong citizens?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Hong Kong way of life is different than that of Mainland Chinas   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   China is under a Communist System while Hong Kong adopts a free market economy The Impact of the Hong Kong handover can be brought to light with the following facts: Geography Hong Kong is a small piece of coastal island below Mainland China. Its strategic location made it an important port for the trading of goods and is regarded as an ideal base for military and tactical operations. When it comes to its economy, Hong Kong is a force to contend with. Hong Kong: Is one the modern world’s most important financial hubs Enjoys one of the world’s highest gross domestic products Provides jobs to millions in Mainland China as well as in neighboring countries Slide 4 Aftermath of the Handover Accounts of life in Hong Kong right after the Handover were promising. Generally, it was â€Å"life as usual†. The general consensus is that the Handover did not cause the major political and economic upheavals that many feared it would. While there was a slowing down in the economy, it was not at the level expected. The changes were milder and subtler than expected The reaction of the business community to the Handover reflects the reaction of the locals: Businesses were able to ride the change without much difficulty. Multinational companies based in Hong Kong have been loyal, and were able to transcend political upheavals. Slide 5 The most important policies implemented after the Handover included â€Å"One country, two policies† and â€Å"Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong†. China also increased public spending and reduced tax. These policies have allowed Hong Kong’s Special Administrative Region (SAR) government a free hand to implement decisions with respect to Hong Kong’s political and economic environment. Such a moves also proved to be effective because it kept businesses in Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s Performance under China’s rule has been on the large part, successful. The following are evidence of China’s good handling of the Hong Kong Handover: Hong Kong was one of the least affected during the Asian economic depressions Hong Kong was one of the first to bounce back from the depression. Hong Kong survived the health problems of SARS, bird flu and mad cow disease.

Society’s Treatment of Women Revealed in The Yellow Wallpaper

Society’s Treatment of Women Revealed in The Yellow Wallpaper      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Charlotte Perkins Gilman had problems. Most of those problems resulted from her nervous condition that was previously termed â€Å"melancholia.† She did not give in – Gilman was a fighter. Instead of bowing to the disease, she wrote â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper,† a story intended to help other women suffering from a similar fate. Although this explanation reveals why Gilman wrote the book, it does not reveal the true intention of the story. This is not merely the tale of an insane woman. The narrator’s insanity is a symbol for Gilman’s commentary on the evils of social conformity with relevance to the role of women in society. The narrator comes to realize the inhumanity in society’s treatment of women, and, as a result of her awakening, she cannot help but visualize her own torment brought on by the old yellow wallpaper that hangs around her, a faded cage. The narrator’s name is left a mystery in order to give her u niversal appeal. The narrator could be and is every wife, every mother, every daughter, every woman. Gilman uses imagery and literary devices to convey her moral of the mistreatment of women in the 19th century.      The first striking image that readers of "The Yellow Wallpaper" are presented with is not that of a room, it is not of the house, but of the character of John, the husband. John is described as a man of a "practical and ext... ...21-530. King, Jeanette, and Pam Morris. "On Not Reading Between the Lines: Models of Reading in 'The Yellow Wallpaper.'" Studies in Short Fiction 26.1 (Winter 1989): 23-32. Knight, Denise D. "The Reincarnation of Jane: 'Through This' - Gilman's Companion to 'The Yellow Wallpaper.'" Women's Studies 20 (1992): 287-302. Rigney, Barbara Hill. Madness and Sexual Politics in the Feminist Novel: Studies in Bronte, Woolf, Lessing, and Atwood. Madison, WI: The University of Wisconsin Press, 1978. Russell, Denise. Women, Madness and Medicine. Cambridge, MA: Polity Press, 1995. Showalter, Elaine. The Female Malady: Women, Madness, and English Culture, 1830-1980. New York: Pantheon Books, 1985.   

“Same-Sex Marriage Should Not Be Legalized”

PONTICIFICA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA MDRE Y MAESTRA. RECINTO SANTO TOMAS DE AQUINO. Academic Writing ILE-322 Student Name: Leslie Herrera. ID Number: 2009-5699 Teacher: Emilia Gracia Final Draft: Essay 3. â€Å"Same-Sex Marriage Should Not Be Legalized†. July 18th 2012. Same-Sex Marriage Should Not Be Legalized. As we know, same-sex marriage has been discussed and argued for a long time. Within the controversial topic of gay rights, there’s no area more controversial than same-sex marriage. And all of us ask ourselves if same-sex marriage should be legal or not. But the fact is that we have to start thinking about it as a moral and religious topic.The government shouldn’t legalize the same-sex marriage because the legal definition of marriage is the civil union between a man and a woman, marriage is a religious rite, and also those couples will be able to adopt children if they are given the right to marry. Same-sex marriage is also known as gay marriage. Same-sex ma rriage is between two people of the same gender. The Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001; in the United States of America, the first state to legalize same-sex marriage was Massachusetts, on May 17, 2004. According to ProCon. rg (2011), as of May 10, 2012, same-sex marriage has been legalized in eight states such as: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Lowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Washington, Maryland, and the District of Columbia which will be effective on January 1, 2013. This has become an even more controversial topic since these current legalizations of same-sex marriage. One argument against same-sex marriage is that the legal definition of marriage is the civil union between a man and a woman. â€Å"The institution of marriage has traditionally been defined as between a man and a woman† (ProCon. rg, 2011, Con Gay Marriage,  ¶1). Further, if any government gives the right to marry same-sex couples this traditional institution of marriage will weaken. â€Å"Marriage runs contrary to two of the primary goals of the lesbian and gay movement: the affirmation of gay identity and culture and the validation of many forms of relationships† (ProCon. org, 2011, Con Gay Marriage,  ¶8). Therefore, same-sex marriage is totally the opposite of the traditional institution of marriage; those are two things that cannot have the same rights, and actually God made us to be heterosexual no homosexual.In addition, marriage is a religious rite. â€Å"Gay marriage is not compatible with the beliefs, sacred texts, and traditions of many religious groups† (ProCon. org, 2011, Con Gay Marriage,  ¶4). In fact, we know that most of the religions are opposing same-sex marriage, because they are always guided by the Bible and God’s commandments and his teachings. â€Å"Marriage was established by the Creator with its own nature, essential properties and purpose. No ideology can erase from the human spirit the certainty that marriage exists solely between a man and a woman† (ProCon. org, 2011, Con Gay Marriage,  ¶12).If same-sex is legalized, churches and other religious institutions would be forced to change their rules in order to marry same-sex marriage couples. Furthermore, one of the biggest problems for society and probably the most important for new generations is that same-sex marriage would be that those couples will be able to adopt children if they are given the right to marry. â€Å"The institution of marriage as a union of man and woman, uniquely involving the procreation and rearing of children within a family, is as old as the book of Genesis† (ProCon. org, 2011, Con Gay Marriage,  ¶1).Children need both a mother and a father, because they learn a lot from each of them. â€Å"Girls who are raised apart from their fathers are reportedly at higher risk for early sexual activity and teenage pregnancy. Children without a mother are deprived of the emotional s ecurity and unique advice that mothers provide† (ProCon. org, 2011, Con Gay Marriage,  ¶6). Besides, same-sex marriage will intensify to the assimilation of homosexuals into a heterosexual culture. And probably that one of the facts that can affects the society the most, because if that happened our moral and religious values would be lost.The supporters and people who are for the same-sex marriage argue that they should have the right to civil marriage because of same marriage benefits, such as: health insurance and public acceptance which heterosexual couples have. Nevertheless, that argument of the supporters is irrelevant, because each person can have his or her own health insurance that provides their workplace, so they don’t need a family or spouse health insurance to have the same benefits as traditional marriage. On other hand, if the government were to legalize same-sex marriage the public acceptance is not guaranteed.Because people are that decided in what t hey are going to believe, maybe some people will accept this and a larger group of people disagrees. Therefore, the government don’t have to legalized the same-sex marriage in order to people accept homosexual family or marriage or to receive health insurance. Hence, no government should legalize same-sex marriage for all the facts that this action may involve, for example, those couples will be able to adopt children and also because of moral and religious values.Accordingly about what we have read, the legalization of same-sex marriage is an unmoral and unreligious action. I think that promoting homosexuality with government-backed same-sex marriage it would hurt our children, the generations that are growing, the country, and also the entire world. If a homosexual man or woman wants to get married, the only thing they need to do is choose not to be homosexual and marry someone of the opposite sex. Reference Pro. Con. org. (2011, January 9). Should gay marriage be legal?. G ay Marriage. Retrieved from http://www. gaymariage. procon. org

Reasons For Choosing Corporate Human Resources

The grounds for taking Corporate HR – NCC are because NCC is the Norfolk local authorization where a broad scope of information and cognition is transmitted and managed every twenty-four hours. In add-on, Corporate HR is a squad that supports the bringing of Council services by pull offing, back uping and developing NCC ‘s employees. Therefore, it is convenient to happen out how people interact and learn from each other. Furthermore, the fact that Corporate HR – NCC are willing assistants facilitated the execution of survey in this administration. The visit to NCC was carried out on Thursday, 4 March 2010.Scope of Study ( what will you analyze, what will you cover and non cover )Since NCC is a big administration with different sections responsible for a assortment of services, it is impossible to detect and cover all activities of it. As a effect, this study simply concentrates on the cognition direction patterns within one unit of NCC – Corporate HR. The c ountries of cognition direction in NCC studied in this paper are knowledge types, acquisition degrees, cognition making and sharing, and cognition storing.Methodology of Study ( how you studied it and why )Methodologies used in this survey are detecting how Corporate HR Team communicate and learn from each other in their workplace, questioning an HR officer of Placements – Ms. Sarah Holloway and utilizing secondary informations from NCC web site and the available literature on cognition direction. After analyzing all collected primary and secondary informations, findings and recommendations are presented.Literature ReviewDefinition of KnowledgeKnowledge has become a concern of doctrine since the ancient Greek. However, there remains a deficiency of consensus about the nature of cognition. Harmonizing to traditional epistemic Western philosophers, cognition was described as ‘justified true belief ‘ whose indispensable property is truthfulness ( Alexander et al. , 1 991 ; Nonaka & A ; Takeuchi, 1995, p.21 ) . However, this position appears to be obscure and headlong since things people believe to be true may non be true cognition. Furthermore, it is difficult to warrant cognition claims because no 1 can gauge accurately how much grounds is sufficient to vouch the truth of a cognition claim ( Firestone & A ; McElroy, 2003 ) . Another school of idea defined cognition by separating it from information, and informations. ‘Data is a set of distinct, nonsubjective facts about events ‘ ( Davenport & A ; Prusak, 2000 ) . Information is meaningful informations that have been processed and organised to accomplish a peculiar intent ( Davis & A ; Botkin, 1994 ; Firestone & A ; McElroy, 2003 ) . Knowledge, likewise, is an collection of organizational information and expertness ( Firestone & A ; McElroy, 2003 ) ; accordingly, it can be stored, manipulated and applied ( Zack, 1999 ) . Again, this apprehension could non comprehensively explicate the significance of ‘knowledge ‘ as cognition and information do non chiefly differ in the content, construction or truth but in the location. As stated by Alavi & A ; Leidner ( 2001, p.109 ) , ‘knowledge is information possessed in the head of persons: it is personalized information ‘ . Furthermore, cognition is broader and deeper than inform ation ; it is besides created due to the impacts of external stimulations. As a consequence, towards a clearer working definition of cognition, this paper agrees that: Knowledge is a unstable mix of framed experience, values, contextual information, and expert insight that provides a model for measuring and integrating new experiences and information. It originates and is applied in the heads of apprehenders. In administrations it frequently becomes embedded non merely in paperss or depositories but besides in organizational modus operandis, procedures, patterns, and norms. ( Davenport & A ; Prusak, 2000, p.5 )Knowledge Types and Oganisational Knowledge CreationDifferent attacks result in assorted categorization of cognition. Harmonizing to Garud ( 1997 ) , there are three types of cognition, consisting of know-what, know-how and know-why. Know-what refers to minimal apprehension of the facts such as cognition of targeted clients of a merchandise ( Neef et al. , 1998 ) . Such sort of cognition is generated by a procedure of ‘learning by utilizing ‘ , largely through interaction between manufacturers and users, Sellerss and clients. Know-how relates to accomplishments and accrued practical experience ; it is the consequence of ‘learning by making ‘ procedure and exists in persons, organizational modus operandis and fabrication patterns ( Garud, 1997 ) . Know-why, on the other manus, involves ‘scientific cognition of rules and Torahs of gesture in nature, in the human head, and in society ‘ ( Neef et al. , 1998, p.116 ) . It is deep cognition found in persons and acquired through ‘learning by analyzing ‘ . Polanyi ( 1967 ) and Nonaka & A ; Takeuchi ( 1995 ) , in contrast, argued that there are fundamentally two types of cognition: explicit and tacit. Explicit or codified cognition refers to knowledge that is easy to pass on, transportation and express in text signifier ( Ahmed et al. , 2002 ) . Tacit cognition, on the other manus, is embedded in human head through practical accomplishments and experiences, hence, is hard to be articulated. It is considered work-related know-how that is merely transferred among people through a long procedure of apprenticeship ( Polanyi, 1967 ) . Nonaka ( 1994, 1995 ) argued that cognition in an administration is created by persons through the interaction of tacit and expressed cognition in four transition procedures, get downing from socialization ( tacit/tacit ) , externalization ( tacit/explicit ) , combination ( explicit/explicit ) to internalization ( explicit/tacit ) . However, as argued by Gourlay ( 2006 ) , this position seemed to be flimsy since the categorization ignored the fact that cognition, in some instances, may non be wholly silent. In other words, whether there is such thing as silent cognition or merely cognition which is silent. Furthermore, the mechanism does non reflect how new ideals are created or how deepness of understanding develops. It is ill-defined why cognition transition has to get down with socialization instead than others ( Gourlay, 2006 ) and besides diffident whether silent cognition is wholly and accurately transmitted from a individual to another by merely observation, repeat and pattern s. Hence, it is said to be barely a representation of cognition creative activity.Degrees of LearningAs argued by Argyris & A ; Schon, there exist two degrees of acquisition in the administration: single-loop acquisition and double-loop acquisition. Single-loop acquisition is lower degree of larning which concentrates on problem-solving, chiefly detects and corrects mistake, and as a effect, consequences in incremental betterments. Double-loop acquisition is the higher degree one which emphasises on uninterrupted self-reflection and scrutiny of ways the administration defines and solves jobs ( Ahmed et al. , 2002 ) . Consequently, it frequently leads to transformative betterments which are critical to the success of the administration, particularly during times of rapid alteration.Knowledge CodificationKnowledge codification, as defined by Cowan & A ; Foray ( 1997 ) , is ‘the procedure of transition of cognition into messages which can so be processed as information ‘ . In the epoch of cognition economic system, as cognition residing in the human heads can greatly lend to the sustainability and development of administrations, the codification of cognition, viz. the transition of silent cognition to explicit cognition in a functional signifier, is truly indispensable.Knowledge ManagementKnowledge direction as presented by Huczynski & A ; Buchanan ( 2007 ) is the transition of single tacit cognition into expressed cognition in order to be shared among people in the administration. It is the procedure of identifying, pull outing and capturing the cognition assets of the house so that they can be to the full exploited and protected as a beginning of competitory advantage. In order to better the productiveness of cognition direction, it is necessary for the administration to use information engineering to increase the single and group ability of cognition creative activity and storage every bit good as to beef up the linkages among persons and between g roups ( Alavi & A ; Leidner, 2001 ) .Knowledge Management in Corporate HR – NCCA Typical Day at Corporate HR – NCCCorporate HR are responsible for all kinds of HR issues, embracing HR scheme and Policy, Learning and Development, Health & A ; Safety and the Employee Services Centre. Their purpose is to back up the bringing of Council services by pull offing, back uping and developing the people who work for NCC. A normal twenty-four hours at Corporate HR begins at around 8.00 am when people come to the office and look into all latest electronic mails they received. They answer the electronic mails and if there is any affair that they do non cognize, they email or ask their co-workers for information or their ain HR senior director for advice. Besides, they check assignments in their computing machines, answer the phones, talk to each other about work and how to cover with the undertakings. They besides complete their ain electronic flexitime sheet with the clip when they start working and go forthing. The employees here are encouraged to self pull off their working hours. However, they must non be absent from work during nucleus clip – between 10.00 am and 4.00 autopsy and must work for at least 37 hours a hebdomad. In add-on, HR staff have to go to the scheduled meetings with the whole Corporate HR squad or with people involved in their ain undertakings, or with the directors to info rm about the undertaking processs and advancement, other facets of work and show their feelings at work. During my visit, there was a meeting between HR officer, Corporate HR between Ms. Glenda Bennett – Corporate HR Manager, Ms. Jane Hanrahan – HR and Organisational Development Manager of Learning – Adult Social Services Department and Ms. Sarah Holloway, HR Officer of Placements about Apprenticeships at 10.00 am. After the meeting, Ms. Holloway came back and wrote carefully in her computing machine what she took note while other people continued working at their desk until 4.00 to 4.30 autopsy.Knowledge Types and cognition CreationAfter one-day detecting how employees work and interact with each other, I recognise that cognition transmitted in Corporate HR is the combination of both expressed and silent cognition. It is clearly illustrated when the HR staff and her senior director discussed how to reply a inquiry she received via electronic mail, when the staf f showed an learner how to utilize a photocopier and asked her to show utilizing the photocopier to her, and particularly through the meeting between Ms. Holloway and other two directors about Apprenticeships undertaking. In the meeting, the tacit cognition was externalised into expressed cognition when Ms. Hanrahan explained the content of the Apprenticeships undertaking to Ms. Bennett and Ms. Holloway. Then, the combination procedure occured when Ms. Hanrahan gave them a cusp incorporating some activities of Apprenticeships programme and when Ms. Holloway wrote down the information and apprehension about the undertaking in her notebook. After that, the explicit cognition once more was converted into silent cognition as Ms. Bennett and Ms. Holloway repeated some contents of the undertaking Ms. Hanrahan has merely said to guarantee they understood right and exhaustively. From the world of Corporate HR, it could be said that Nonaka ( 1994 ) was right when asseverating the duologue be tween tacit and expressed cognition is uninterrupted and dynamic. Nevertheless, in this instance, the cognition making procedure did non purely follow the theoretical account of Nonaka since cognition is produced from the externalization procedure non stiffly from the socialization. This, once more, has strengthened the aforesaid unfavorable judgment of Gourlay ( 2006 ) toward the theoretical account of Nonaka and Takeuchi. Besides silent and expressed, cognition in Corporate HR besides includes know-what, know-how and know-why. Know-what and know-why are generated largely through different preparation classs designed by Corporate HR. For illustration, Corporate HR have cooperated with member co-workers such as UEA and City Colleges in Norwich to supply HR practicians with necessary HR formal makings – CPP ( Certificate in Personnel Practice – degree 3 ) and CIPD ( Postgraduate Certificate in Personnel and Development – degree 7 ) . Additionally, they have developed Learning Hub, a website offering e-courses such as informations protection and client services, and organised seminars and conferences sing some peculiar subjects to assist any NCC staff to better cognition at work. Know-how, conversely, is acquired through ‘learning by making ‘ . Namely, when an employee of a section has grudge and it can non be sorted out by his ain HR section, it will be passed to Corporat e HR to work out. After settling the grudge, HR staff will enter it as ‘a instance jurisprudence ‘ for them to work out similar jobs if go oning.Knowledge SharingPeoples in Corporate HR use legion ways to interact with each other and with other sections, from face-to-face treatments and meetings, electronic mail, telephone, facsimile to formal authorship. However, the most widely used manner is to portion knowledge electronically via PeopleNet. PeopleNet is an intranet site designed, updated and monitored on a regular basis to supply clear, concise HR information and cognition to all NCC staff. This site holds all HR related information from processs, policies to signifiers and often asked inquiries so that employees can happen the replies for their inquiries as a first point of contact. Furthermore, Corporate HR besides tailored an electronical newssheet called HR Matters. It is produced monthly and emailed to HR community to inform them about impending statute law, ass orted undertaking updates and messages from the Head of Human Resource & A ; Organisational Development. With other organisations and public, the squad chiefly interacts by utilizing electronic mail, telephone, meetings and presentation, seting information on the Press or Website ( extranet ) for enrolling or set uping work experience.Information and Knowledge StoringAll information and codified cognition of HR are stored in three systems – electronic filing system, paper filing system including papers booklets, books and transcripts, etc. and Outlook Calendar incorporating information of meetings, seminars and conferences. Storing information and cognition is really indispensable for any HR staff to recover if necessary and do it go their cognition indispensable at work.Knowledge LearningBased on the interview with Ms. Holloway, I found that most of larning activities in Corporate HR is merely single-loop acquisition. It is because Corporate HR is merely a unit within NCC. M ost of work and undertakings they handle are given by Senior Management in NCC or come from the authorities. Cardinal authorities develops enterprises and as a portion of local authorization, Corporate HR has duty to develop the enterprises that are relevant to them such as Apprenticeships. During the execution procedure of undertakings, if HR staff gain some arising jobs, they will speak to their directors about that. The directors can propose a solution or organize a squad meeting to discourse. Other members, so, will lend their sentiments and recommendations to work out the jobs or develop and hone thoughts of the undertaking. Furthermore, the acquisition activities, different from the theory of Agyris, are still ongoing even when there are no errors and no alterations made to the undertakings. As Ms. Holloway said, the employees continue lending their thoughts and sharing them to other squad members in order to better the quality of the undertakings even when the undertakings ar e in advancement. This reveals a spread in the theoretical account of Argyris and recommends that larning is a dynamic procedure and should be defined in footings of procedure itself.Summary and ConclusionDrumheadThis paper is about how Corporate HR – NCC pull off their cognition. The chief literature reappraisal chiefly refers to knowledge types, cognition creative activity, degrees of acquisition, cognition codification, and knowledge direction. The objects of observation and interview mostly concentrate on the nature of cognition shared, how cognition is created, managed and transmitted and the information system that supports it, how HR staff interact and learn from each other, and how they store information and cognition. Weaknesses in the organizational cognition creative activity theory of Nonaka and Takeuchi every bit good as in larning theoretical account of Argyris and Schon are pointed out and proved by the operations of Corporate HR.DecisionDue to the clip bound o n observation and interview, all aspects of cognition direction in Corporate HR – NCC could non be wholly discovered and discussed within the range of this paper. Given the fact that the NCC is a big administration with different sections, farther survey could concentrates on happening out more inside informations of cognition making and sharing procedure ; NCC ‘s norms, values, and modus operandis which are affected by the cognition direction as Davenport & A ; Prusak ( 1998 ) suggested about administration cognition ; every bit good as the larning procedure of the Corporate HR in peculiar and the NCC in general.

Standpoint Theory Paper Essays

Standpoint Theory Paper Essays Standpoint Theory Paper Essay Standpoint Theory Paper Essay Standpoint Theory Paper Racism is defined as the systematic subordination of certain racial groups by those groups in power . As a society, we must first eradicate ignorance in order to defeat racism. We must acknowledge that people have different ways of viewing the world and that even though someone may have a different opinion than you, it is not necessarily wrong. The idea that people have different ways of viewing the world stems from standpoint theory. Standpoint theory is based on the concept that people view the world differently depending on their social standing . A central theme of tandpoint theory is that a persons racial and or ethnic background deeply impacts how they view and interact with the world . Racial location and racial standpoints are both key elements of standpoint theory. A racial location is defined as the racial or ethnic groups to which a person belongs . Everyone has a racial location because everyone identifies with at least one or more races. Having a racial location does not necessarily mean that one has a racial standpoint. A racial standpoint refers to a racial location accompanied by a deep and oppositional understanding that our xperiences are influenced by societal and political climates . The way we behave and the way we think is a product of our environment and is a direct result of our childhood. As we grow up our beliefs and opinions are shaped by our experiences and the example set forth by our parents. My greatest influences on my views of race have been my parents. My parents emigrated from Nigeria to the United States in the early 1980s. My parents have always been open-minded about different races and cultures but they tend to be guarded when interacting with people of Caucasian issent, indicating to me that they have had past negative experiences causing them to react this way. Ann Arbor, MI is very diverse and cultured city. Growing up in Ann Arbor meant that I was exposed to people of different races, lifestyles and creeds. My childhood best friends were of different races then me, one being Polish and the other being Indian. I was a very inquisitive child and would often ask my parents about why people were different. They always took the time to explain different cultures to me. My parents have always taught me to be cautious when I interact with people of Caucasian dissent. They have never expressed any racism towards people of the Caucasian race but have always reminded me to be on my guard and that not everyone I meet has good intentions. I have noticed that this cautiousness has been a recurring theme in the Nigerian community that I am a part of. This message has been relayed to me by aunts, uncles and even my Nigerian friends. The idea that I should have to be cautious around specific races has always bothered me. I know that this mistrust of the Caucasian races isnt completely unfounded. History has shown us that given the opportunity, some people will try and suppress ou. I am of the mind that not everyone is out to suppress me and bring me down. My parents will often tell me that I ignore the racism that is rampant in this country. I understand that racism exists and that there are people who will go out of their way racism everywhere we go. Many instances of racism occur because people are ignorant of other cultures and allow their prejudices to blind them. Living in Ann Arbor means that I interact with people of different races and cultures on a daily basis. Many of my closest friends are from different ethnic groups: my roommate is Caucasian, another friends is Caucasian and my best friends is part Mexican. Whenever I interact with a person from a different race or ethnic group I look at it as an opportunity to learn something about a different culture or way of thinking. Even though I try to look at every interracial/interethnic interaction as a positive one, there have been times where these interactions have turned into negative ones. One of the earliest incidences of ignorance and racism I experienced was in middle school. I remember being in Geography class learning about the continent of Africa, pecifically the country of Niger. We were watching a movie about a boy who lived in a hut and had to herd cattle across a river as a rite of passage. Since everyone in class knew I was Nigerian, everyone in class assume that I had gone through this ritual. They then used this as an opportunity to ask me ridiculous questions like: do you run with lions? Do you swing from tree to tree and do you live in a hut? Naturally I was very upset because this view of Africans that my classmates presented was not what my parents had taught me. Besides, I was born in the United States and grew p there Just like many of my other classmates. The worst part of that situation was that my teacher didnt even correct my classmates. To me, that entire situation is a perfect example of how ignorance leads to racism. Another negative racial experience that I will never forget occurred while I was in my sophomore year of high school. I had gone down to Atlanta to visit my God-family. My God sister Tara, who is also African-American and I drove around town looking for a barbershop so that I could get a haircut. We stopped at a place that appear to be open and proceeded to open the door. As soon as we opened the door, we both sensed that something awkward was about to happen. Before we even had time to cross the threshold everything going on inside the shop came to a grinding halt, it felt like being in a movie scene. Barbers turned off their clippers, people abruptly stopped their conversations and everyone Just stared at us. At this point we understood that we were not welcome and walked right back out. Throughout this entire interaction not a single word was uttered. Orbe, Mark P and Tina M Harris. Interacial Communication: Theory into Practice. 2nd . Losa Angeles: Sage Publications, Inc. , 2008.

Biography of Joseph Louis Lagrange, Mathematician

Biography of Joseph Louis Lagrange, Mathematician Joseph Louis Lagrange (1736–1813) is considered to be one of the greatest mathematicians in history. Born in Italy, he made his home in France before, during, and after the French Revolution. His most important contributions to modern mathematics related to number theory and celestial mechanics, and analytic mechanics; his 1788 book Analytic Mechanics is the foundation for all later work in the field. Fast Facts: Joseph-Louis Lagrange Known For: Major contributions to mathematicsAlso Known As: Giuseppe Lodovico LagrangiaBorn: January 25, 1736 in Turin,  Piedmont-Sardinia (present-day Italy)Parents: Giuseppe Francesco Lodovico Lagrangia, Maria Teresa GrossoDied: April 10, 1813 in Paris,  FranceEducation: University of TurinPublished Works:  Letter to Giulio Carlo da Fagnano, Analytical Mechanics, Miscellany of Philosophy and Mathematics, Mà ©langes de Philosophie et de Mathà ©matique, Essai sur le Problà ¨me des Trois CorpsAwards and Honors:  Member of the Berlin Academy, Fellow of the  Royal Society of Edinburgh, foreign member of the  Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Grand Officer of Napoleons  Legion of Honour  and a  Count of the Empire, Grand Croix of the  Ordre Impà ©rial de la Rà ©union, 1764 prize of the  French Academy of Sciences  for his memoir on the  libration  of the Moon, commemorated on a plaque in the  Eiffel Tower, namesake for the  lunar crater  LagrangeSp ouse(s): Vittoria Conti, Renà ©e-Franà §oise-Adà ©laà ¯de Le MonnierNotable Quote: I will deduce the complete mechanics of solid and fluid bodies using the principle of least action. Early Life Joseph Louis Lagrange was born in Turin, the capital of the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, to a well-to-do family on January 25, 1736. His father was treasurer of the Office of Public Works and Fortifications in Turin, but he lost his fortune as a result of bad investments. Young Joseph was intended to be a lawyer and attended the University of Turin with that goal; it wasnt until the age of 17 that he became interested in mathematics. His interest was piqued by a paper he came across by the astronomer Edmond Halley, and, entirely on his own, Lagrange dove into mathematics. In just a year, his course of self-study was so successful that he was appointed to be an assistant professor of mathematics at the Royal Military Academy. There, he taught courses in calculus and mechanics until it became clear that he was a poor educator (though a highly talented theorist). At the age of 19, Lagrange wrote to Leonhard Euler, the worlds greatest mathematician, describing his new ideas for calculus. Euler was so impressed that he recommended Lagrange for membership in the Berlin Academy at the extraordinarily young age of 20. Euler and Lagrange continued their correspondence and, as a result, the two collaborated on developing the calculus of variations. Before leaving Turin, Lagrange and friends founded the Turin Private Society, an organization intended to support pure research. The Society soon began publishing its own journal and, in 1783, it became the Turin Royal Academy of Sciences. During his time at the Society, Lagrange began applying his new ideas to several areas of mathematics: The theory of sound propagation.The theory and notation of the calculus of variations, solutions to dynamics problems, and deduction of the principle of least action.Solutions to dynamics problems such as the motion of three bodies mutually attracted by gravity. Work in Berlin Leaving Turin in 1766, Lagrange went to Berlin to fill a position recently vacated by Euler. The invitation came from Frederick the Great, who believed Lagrange to be the greatest mathematician in Europe. Lagrange spent 20 years living and working in Berlin. Though his health was sometimes precarious, he was extremely prolific. During this time he developed new theories about the three-body problem in astronomy, differential equations, probability, mechanics, and the stability of the solar system. His groundbreaking 1770 publication, Reflections on the Algebraic Resolution of Equations† launched a new branch of algebra. Work in Paris When his wife passed away and his patron Frederick the Great died, Lagrange accepted an invitation to Paris extended by Louis XVI. The invitation included luxurious rooms at the Louvre as well as every type of financial and professional support. Depressed because of his wifes death, he soon found himself married again to a much younger woman who found the gentle mathematician fascinating. While in Paris, LaGrange published Analytical Mechanics, an astonishing treatise and a still-classic mathematics text, which synthesized 100 years of research in mechanics since Newton, and led to the Lagrangian equations, which detailed and defined the differences between kinetic and potential energies. Lagrange was in Paris when the French Revolution began in 1789. Four years later, he became the head of the revolutionary weights and measures commission and helped establish the metric system. While Lagrange continued as a successful mathematician, the chemist Lavoisier (who had worked on the same commission) was guillotined. As the revolution came to a close, Lagrange became a professor of mathematics at the École Centrale des Travaux Publics (later renamed the  Ãƒâ€°cole Polytechnique), where he continued his theoretical work on calculus. When Napoleon came into power, he, too honored Lagrange. Before his death, the mathematician became a senator and count of the empire. Contributions Most Significant Contributions and Publications Lagranges most important publication was The Mà ©canique Analytique, his monumental work in pure math.His most prominent influence was his contribution to the metric system and his addition of a decimal base, which is in place largely due to his plan. Some refer to Lagrange as the founder of the Metric System.Lagrange is also known for doing a great deal of work on planetary motion. He was responsible for developing the groundwork for an alternate method of writing Newtons Equations of Motion, referred to as Lagrangian Mechanics. In 1772, he described the Lagrangian points, the points in the plane of two objects in orbit around their common center of gravity at which the combined gravitational forces are zero and where a third particle of negligible mass can remain at rest. This is why Lagrange is referred to as an astronomer/mathematician.The Lagrangian Polynomial is the easiest way to find a curve through points. Death Lagrange died in Paris in 1813 during the process of revising Analytical Mechanics. He was buried in the Panthà ©on in Paris.   Legacy Lagrange left behind an incredible array of mathematical tools, discoveries, and ideas which have had a profound impact on modern theoretical and applied calculus, algebra, mechanics, physics, and astronomy. Sources . Joseph Louis Lagrange | A Short Account of the History of MathematicsUniversity of South Florida.Joseph-Louis Lagrange. Famous Scientists.Joseph-Louis Lagrange. Stetson.edu.Struik, Dirk Jan. â€Å"Joseph-Louis Lagrange, Comte De LEmpire.†Ã‚  Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, 18 Apr. 2019.

Written Business Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Written Business Plan - Assignment Example The target are the home owners in in the city of Philadelphia. The marketing plan would include promotion, pricing, product, and placement. Spretics Designer’s competitive advantage first comes from the pricing position. This system gives the company a competitive edge, especially in a society that has an idea about interior designers. The segmented pricing would be useful in penetrating the market effectively. The marketing. All the operations in the firm would be documented. The firm would use customer feedback to improve its quality of services and products. In the same way, newly recruited employees would undergo training so as improve their job performance and skills. The major risk of the business is that one may use obsolete technology due to rapid changes in the design industry. Therefore, the exit strategy for the business would include merging the business or selling it to interested investors. However, in the next 3 years, the sales are projected to grow to over $90 0,000. Due to the rapid technological advancements, the design industry has also developed. More businesses and people need interior design services for either commercial or personal use. Spritecs Designers would be strategically located to take advantage of the fifth-most populous city in the U.S. The target market for Spritecs Designers are the business community, local community, and learning institutions. There are currently very few professional designers in Market Street, Philadelphia giving a great opportunity for more to enter. In the same way, implementing a suitable pricing system and effectiveness of the marketing strategy are the main driver for the success of the company and to achieve profits in the future. Through extensive research in the Philadelphia, accountable information had been gathered to adequately be used to approach the targeted customers and the best service they are looking for and how much do they pay for it. The existing companies charges

Job Satisfaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Job Satisfaction - Essay Example (1) Job satisfaction of the employees, and retaining them has become a growing concern in business organizations with the need to be more competitive, as a result of the growing globalization being witnessed. This stems from the belief that satisfied employees tend to be more productive, creative, and committed to the organization. There is evidence from the field of healthcare that job satisfaction among employees tend to make the healthcare organization more competitive in a market noted for its high rate of competitiveness. This competitiveness is through the improvement in quality and cost-effectiveness of satisfied employees. (2) Any discussion on job satisfaction needs to take into consideration the positive and negative factors of job satisfaction. According to Hezberg et al 1959, the positive factors known as motivators are achievement, recognition, the job responsibilities itself, and advancement opportunities. Negative factors known as hygiene factors include supervisors, fellow workers, company policy, workplace environment, and personal life. These findings of Hezberg et al were supported by studies conducted at the workplace, where workers were asked to present their perspectives of critical incidents that had occurred, but this remained the only manner in which the theory was supported. Wall et al in 1971, on the basis of confidentially collected data from workers, found that ego-defensive processes were responsible for the findings of Hezberg et al. These processes led to good events being the result of one’s own achievements, and bad events the due to the failings as a result of others. Thi s led to the general discarding of the Hezberg et al theory. However a subsequent study conducted in 1971, and as reported by Argyle, found relevance in the theory of Hezberg et al. This research on joy in workers found that while achievement was important, relationships