Public participation in Guelph landfill search process Essay

Public participation in Guelph landfill search process - Essay Example Anyone can play a role in rebuilding the environment† (par. 7). This sounds like a lovely idea, and a very creative way to turn what is essentially a controversial garbage dump into something more positive†¦something the public can enjoy and be proud of. The City’s choice not to relocate the landfill and go with a more environmentally sound decision was a wise one, helped enormously by public input. The Implication: Social Risk vs Economics The City of Guelph had for some time known it would have to deal with the issue of a needed landfill. In fact from 1987 discussions had been sporadically on-going with little progress, the reality being that no one wants a landfill in their backyard for all of the obvious reasons. In January of 1993 a proposed dump site north of Guelp was eliminated from further consideration after opponents managed to convince city council to throw out almost three years of work that had cost nearly $3 million. It was the beginning of a back and forth battle that would discourage county involvement and place the onus of burden on the city of Guelph. The search, beginning in 1994, would be controversial, intense and difficult. Based on records the intension of including public opinion and that and of others was, at least at first, well meaning. Ali (1999) in his study of the project writes, â€Å"In order to avoid the pitting of the public against the technical consultants that had occurred in a previously unsuccessful search, Guelph City Council wished to adopt a more inclusive process in which all members of the community could voluntarily participate† (p. 1). To this end the Landfill Search Group (LSG), a Community Advisory Subcommittee of varied professionals and the (CASC), or Neighbourhood Liaison Groups made up of volunteers from all walks of life from the community and ostensibly representing the public. It would seem that things would go smoothly, but that was not the case and the public, suspicious of how t he groups were selected and would perform, formed their own counter groups who, at the outset, were set against the landfill. After the LSG announcement of five potential sites, other neighbourhood groups were formed against the landfill for environmental reasons and surprisingly, on the basis that the sites which were being considered were all in lower economic areas. In essence, the latter complaints were â€Å"primarily on the basis of social equity† (Ali, 1999, p. 1) and the fact that the area was already home of a good share of the industry of the city. All of the groups came up with a list of 48 criteria on which the selection would be based, prioritized by the public which, in the end, promoted a site considerate of public health and the environment. From the beginning much of the controversy centered upon the components of priority ranking of the various aspects of the decision making process concern acceptable tradeoffs â€Å"between economic and environmental impac ts†¦to both the community and to the City† (Ali, 1999, p. 1). The business community favored sacrificing environmental concerns [groundwater contamination] for business interests, while other groups set on protecting the environment held fast. In the end, site selection was placed in the precarious position of a quid pro quo. As Ali (1999) quoting officials

Misunderstanding Within The Group Social Work Essay

Misunderstanding Within The Group Social Work Essay Abstract: Free riders are those who take the same credit of you without exerting efforts. They are present in many groups, but it depends whether they are known early or not. Also many guys tolerate with free riders if they were their friends, but work and friendship are separated things. Every group should have a communication way, where all the group members agree on. And no one says that I did not know or I did not get the message. And this is something we suffered from. And because there are many members in the group and everyone has his own business, everyone should be on time for the meeting. When any group want to choose their topic, they should choose it wisely because wrong choosing will cost them time and effort. Working like a team is better than working like a group, but team work requires discipline, which we lacked. The abilities within the group differ, but you should try to get the maximum from everyone. Interpersonal relationship is the social connection between the group memb ers which grow with time. Positive interpersonal relationship between group members leads the organization forward and to employees satisfaction. Organizations know interpersonal relationship effects, so they try to provide the appropriate working climate for it. The managers have influence on employees interpersonal relationship and he tries to make it positive of the benefits he can get from it. Group members working together at all times and seeking a common goal is working like a team. To have an effective team you need to work hard and combine the right people together. Team effectiveness is measured by the final outcome and employees satisfaction. Introduction: Group assignments provide postgraduate students with opportunities to improve their capabilities and demonstrate a professional behaviour. Personally, the group assignment is considered to be a valuable experiment that led me to write this reflective essay. The group assignment had a great impact on my skills as it had lot of benefits. I learned lot required behaviours from working with a diverse group. Group work differs from working individually as it involves an interaction with others that might result in conflict occurrence, misunderstanding and so on. There may be difficult times during group work, but a group member should be wise and help the group to pass those difficult times. I have relied on my diary notes captured after group meetings to write this essay to reflect reality. Although there is a distinction between friendship and work, I prefer to work with friends rather than people that I do not know. Effective cooperation among group members would be required at all tim es, so they can complete assigned work and deliver it in the best way with highest level of satisfaction. Free Riding: Free Riding is the absence of contribution and getting the benefit of that good. This view has been supported in the work of Marwell, Ames (1981). Before the module starts we knew that we had a group assignment and it must contain 4-6 individuals, so we were four friends knowing that we can make a group of friends only, but we have been thinking that if we entered two more participants it will be easier for us as everyone will write less and concentrate more on his points, and that will help us to concentrate on our other assignments also, but what we have been afraid of is that we may have two free riders who will make the work harder. From the first day that we have decided to meet at, we found that 3 of the group members were not there, so we were thinking about free riders and will we accept those free riders in our group because of the friendship we have. I and the present group members decided that this is work and we do not like to work hard and the free riders get the same cr edit. A personal experiment of being in a group with free riders made us insist of our situation that we do not want free riders in our group, as before the submission date they came with no work in their hand saying that we did not know what to do, so we have decided to work together all the time and to divide the work and everyone do his part, but we have a weekly meeting to ensure that there will be no one free riders. Discovering free riding before the grading is important, but detecting the free riding early is much better for the group to take the corrective action and to work all together and get those free riders involve in the work again (Free riding in group work Mechanisms and countermeasures, n.d.). Therefore, we decided to meet often so we can ensure that we are all walking on the right side. And we have asked the professor about the grading system and she said if you were the manager and you have free riders in your group, what you would do? And I was thinking of leav ing them behind as they will delay our work and make it harder, but if I must have them in my group I will give them specified tasks and ask them often about their progress with an evidence to ensure that they are really working and contributing with the group. Misunderstanding within the group: There was a misunderstanding regarding the time at the first meeting, as we have decided to meet at 11 am and then some of the group members changed the meeting time till 3 pm and they have said that we have sent a message on Facebook, but not all of the group members actually got the message, so we ended up blaming each other. I think that happened because we did not have that person who could take the responsibility to tell everyone about the exact time and if the time changed or there was any kind of change in plan, he would tell all the group members. Also, I think the existence of that kind of person in every group is important and will lead to a better performance and satisfaction from all the group members. Because of the misunderstanding, we have delayed our work for one more day as the members who came early had other plans to do at the time of the new group meeting appointment. Consequently, we have decided to have one communication channel for the group and it is doing a g roup chat on Facebook and everyone contributing in deciding the meeting time, so no one can have any kind of excuse of not attending the meeting. Meeting time: When we wanted to choose our meetings time, we were asking all the group members if that time was appropriate for them, because we wanted our meetings to be on time. The thing that happened was that I am there on time, but I had to wait at least an hour and half for the group meeting to start, because the members were always late. I waited and we did our meeting, but I was frustrated because of the late start. I have told them many times to choose the right time that they will be there and they have apologized for their lateness and promised to be on time for the next time. The same lateness behaviour had reoccurred as usual in which late members were acting normal, but the other group members were frustrated and complaining. The other group members had cool nerves and sometimes they have just waited others for an hour and a half to let us complete the work. I think this has affected our group performance, as if we were committed to the meeting time we would have done better in the g roup assignment. Improper Subject Selection: At the first we have choose Bloomberg as our subject because there was a Bloomberg guy who came and talked well about Bloomberg and we all found that the subject is very interesting, so we have decided to write about it. Therefore, we have decided on the points that we are going to talk about and that everyone would come back after 3 days with the information about Bloomberg. Apparently, no one has written a thing when the meeting day came and we were all complaining that there was not much available information. Therefore, our improper selection of the subject has led us to a waste some time. Team or Group?: I knew the difference between the team and the group from prof. Sally Sambrook, as she told us that working as group is discussing the points together, distributing the tasks and then everyone do the work individually. In the other hand, working as a team is doing everything together from discussing the points till the end of work. We tried to work as a team because it is more effective and creative than working individually, but the continuous absenteeism and lack of commitment of members in the meetings made it difficult, so we decided to work as a group. In addition, we decided to distribute the tasks in a way that please and satisfy everyone, so we wrote down the tasks and every one chose his favourite task that he would be interested to write about. Individual differences: There were individual differences in the abilities of the group members, as when we met to see and assess everyoneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s work we found that some members of the group have covered their tasks perfectly while other group members made it difficult because we had to modify their work. My point of view is that I do not consider them free riders because they have tried and I could feel that they made an effort on their tasks, but the abilities within the group are different. Moreover, I suppose that their aim is just to pass while other group members who wanted to have a good grade in the assignment. We found the module is interesting and easy, so there is nothing to prevent us from having A* while others saw it impossible, so there were different aims within the group. Members with high ambitions did not get disappointed from others and have worked very hard. These members with all honesty have gained my respect and gave me a lesson for life that I can do everything even if t he group members are reflecting discouragement and laziness. If you want anything and you work for it very hard, you will achieve it. Interpersonal relationship and team effectiveness: What is an interpersonal relationship? Interpersonal relationship is a strong social connection between two or more people. There are many types of interpersonal relationships, but what we care about is the organizational interpersonal relationship which is the relationship between individuals working together in the work place. They spend a lot of time in the work and for sure they want to talk and discuss their issues with others rather than working alone all the time and that is a natural part of the working environment. Also, there may be a previous relationship between the individuals before working together and this helps the relationship to expand. We as students knew each other before the group assignment, but within the group work we came closer and worked together for longer hours. I think that I have a stronger relationship with them now, after the group work. I would prefer working with them again rather than working with a new group members that I do not have any kind of relationship with them (Management stu dy guide, [online], n.d.). Do interpersonal relationships affect the performance of the individuals? There are many beneficial outcomes for individuals and organizations because of the positive interpersonal relationship at work. Employees can feel job satisfaction and commit to their work because of their positive interpersonal relationship within their workplace. In the other hand, a negative interpersonal relationship could affect the employees and make them upset, and that will lead to lack of commitment towards their work. Obviously, it depends on the individual himself whether he was a social person and like to communicate and interact with the others or he likes to work individually and isolated from the others. A positive interpersonal relationship within the organization will build a supportive and innovative working climate for the employees, which will lead to an increase in the organizational productivity and institutional participation, and that will lead to employees satisfaction (Dachner, 2011, Abstract). In our group work there was a positive interpersonal relationsh ip which have made the work easier and more interesting. Furthermore, we were friends and knew each other before the group work, so it helped us a lot. It is interesting to have friends working together and it would form a comfortable working climate which can help to improve the performance and encourage the members to work hard. In the other hand, friendship in the group can make the members lazy; as they know that if they do not do their work; their friends will not leave them behind and will do their work. Our group had agreed from the beginning to isolate friendship from group work because we did not want the group members to keep depending on the others to do their own work. In my opinion, working with group members that I have a positive interpersonal relationship with them is much easier than working with new groups. Also, from my previous experiment of working with members that I do not know, I can say that there is a risk of being in a group with members who do not care ab out the grades they get, so you find yourself obligated to do their work. How could the organization build a positive interpersonal relationship? The variety of the advantages of the positive interpersonal relationship within the organization has encouraged organizations to build, support, and try to form a strong positive interpersonal relationship. The organization attempts to make the coworkers to become friends, because coworkers with friendship help each other more than normal coworkers. Besides, the organization helps the workers to communicate and work together in groups or teams to build a positive interpersonal relationship in order to provide the appropriate working climate for the workers to communicate and interact with each other. Moreover, the theories propose that demographic characteristics affect social relationship between individuals (Dachner, 2011, Antecedents of Interpersonal Relationships at Work). Consequently, organization could form group works with individuals who share the same demographic characteristics. Our assignment group consists of people from India, China, and I am from Kuwait, but it was eas y to work with them because we all shared the same goal and were working for the same purpose. I think that it depends on the person himself if he wants to make friends with his group and try to help them with their work or he just want to do his part and leave. How the management could affect the interpersonal relationship? Managers want the employees to be friends, help each other, and work together so they can get the most of their performance. Managers could give them the opportunity to socialize and encourage them to be friendly with each other and become friends. There are two influences that managers could have on employees interpersonal relationship. The first is direct and it is forming groups and giving them the chance to work together and compete with other groups which can provide a healthy competition for the organization. The second is indirect and it is giving them appropriate working condition, and not to give them a lot of work that they do not have the time to interact with others (Department of Public Health Sciences, 2010) 2.1 interpersonal relationship at work. A Team in an organizational point of view: A team in an organizational setting is a group of individuals whose tasks are done by working together, who share outcomes responsibility, who consider themselves and are considered by others as a unit inside the organization, who work together at all the times, help each other, and correct each others mistakes to increase the efficiency and improve the quality of the teams outcome, because they are all sharing the responsibility of the final outcome (Cohen, Bailey, 1997). As individuals who worked together for the assignment, although we shared the responsibility for the final outcome, we were not working together at all the time. If we worked as a team, it would have been better than working as a group but the conditions hindered us from working together as a team. Team effectiveness: Teams with high performance need to be developed and nurtured, as they do not just appear without working hard on them. The development of these teams cannot be guaranteed even with visionary leaders. Because if you want to have a high performance team, you should combine visionary leaders and motivated team members. There are many characteristics that help to build a high performance team such as, having a clear plan and a common goal, utilizing teams resources, valuing the differences in the team and trying to get the best from each member, the willingness of the members to give their best for their teams, managing the meetings in the perfect way, and exerting the efforts to achieve the goals. Also there are other things that affect the high performance teams and it is the teams size, the abilities and the skills within the team, the way of communication, and the conflict resolution (Cliffs Notes, n.d.). I agree that high performance teams needs co-operative and hardworking members . Also it requires the commitment from the team members, especially in the meetings time, because we suffered a lot from the members who were always late on our meetings. Measuring the teams effectiveness: As the team members work together all the time with shared responsibility of the final outcome, it is hard to evaluate each members contribution to the work. The manager wants and sees the final outcome only regardless whoever contributed more to the work. The effectiveness of the team is measured by performance and personal outcomes. Measuring the final product, customer satisfaction, items sold, etc. are all kind of performance outcome measurement. While measuring team members commitment and satisfaction and their desire to work with the same team members again is kind of personal outcome measurement. Hence, the grade that we will get in the group essay is the performance outcome, while if I wish to work with the guys that I have worked with again is the personal outcome. In my opinion, our group works both the performance outcome and the personal outcome was excellent. Conclusion: In conclusion working in a group assignment has many advantages and make you learn a lot of things, but everyone should try to get the maximum benefits that he could get. I can say that the group work made me better prepared for the real practical world. Although I had many hard times during the group work, it was interesting and earned me some good friends for lifetime. It was exciting to work with my friends in a group assignment and to help each other trying to get the maximum grade. After reading a lot about the interpersonal relationship and team effectiveness, I realized its importance in the work place and it really affects any organisation, and that is why every organisation is keen on it. Working in a group is totally different from working individually, as working in a group imposes you to respect the group members and their opinions even if these opinions conflict your own opinions, but if you are working alone you are the decision maker. That is the difference that I knew from working in the group assignment and the individual assignment. Finally, working in a group has many benefits that contribute in refining the personality of the participants and often better than the individual work and this is what I had concluded from my personal experiment in the group work.

Essay --

The story Jurassic Park, by Michael Crichton, starts off with Mike Bowman taking a vacation with his family on the coast of Costa Rica. As they cruise on their Land Rover, Tina, Bowman’s daughter, runs off after spotting three-toed bird tracks. Tina then encounters a big lizard that makes chirping sounds, and is attacked by it. She is later sent to the hospital, where Dr. Gutierrez is intrigued to find out about the lizard that bit her left arm. Gutierrez goes back to the beach where Tina was attacked, and finds the carcass of a brown-striped lizard. The carcass is sent to the Tropical Diseases Laboratory of Columbia University Medical Center, where it is examined and analyzed. Despite the efforts made, no one is able to identify the lizard’s species, so the carcass is later sent to the Museum of Natural History for further analysis. Meanwhile, Bob Morris, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, becomes suspicious of the Hammond Foundation, which has recently acquired advanced gene sequencing technology. This causes him to believe that InGen, John Hammond’s company located in Costa Rica on Isla Nublar, is part of a reckless genetic engineering experiment. The lizard’s corpse is inspected by Alan Grant, a famous paleontologist, who is shocked to see that it is the carcass of a dinosaur. John Hammond, who was a financial support of Grant’s fossil digs, calls Grant and invites him to Isla Nublar. However, recent reports indicate that there are more lizard attacks in Costa Rica. Because of this, Ingen tasks Donald Gennaro, Hammond’s lawyer, to investigate Isla Nublar along with Grant, Grant’s colleague named Ellie Sattler, and a mathematician named Ian Malcolm. Later, Grant and Sattler board the plane and meet Gennaro. Meanwhi... ... freezer. Since no one alive knows how to use a computer, the group relies on Tim to go to the control room to turn on the electrical fence in order to repel the raptors. As Grant distracts the raptors, Tim somehow manages to activate the electric fence just in time, this, repelling the raptors. As everyone settles down, Grant explains that the reason the dinosaurs were able to reproduce was because of the fact that they had frog DNA. Since certain species of frogs are able to change their gender, this meant that the dinosaurs were able to do this as well. Later, John Hammond is eventually killed by a group of small dinosaurs called compys, and Malcolm dies of his injuries. Eventually, a helicopter comes to rescue Grant, Sattler, and Gennaro with Muldoon and the kids already on board. As Grant looks back, he recalls seeing the island as a â€Å"diminishing bright spot†.

Checkpoint: Patient Self-Determination Act

CheckPoint: Patient Self-Determination Act Discuss, in 250 to 300 words, the effect of the Patient Self-Determination Act on health care delivery. Consider how you think records management procedures have had to respond to this piece of legislation. In accordance with Federal Law, the Patient Self- Determination Act provides every competent adult and emancipated minor to be informed that he or she has the right to make his or her own decisions, including the right to decide what medical care or treatment to accept, reject, or discontinue. The effect of the Patient Self-Determination Act has given each patient the right to choose what he or she believes what is best for him or her. Advance directives protect his or her right when making a decision. The act also protects the health care institutions when the agency has to decide what is best for the patient. Advance directives are: Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, in case the patient becomes mentally incapacitated. A draft for a durable power of attorney will be written. This is a document appointing an agent to act for an individual in the event of incompetence and take effect immediately. The agency can not make the decision for the patient unless he or is can not make the decision. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order, the patient request not to be given CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if the patient heart stop or stop breathing. Living Will, a legal document explaining the medical treatments or life support treatments he or she wants in case the patient becomes terminally ill. Organ or Tissue Donor, the patient has authorized the hospital to remove organs and tissues. Medical suitability for donation is determined at the time of death. The Law of Advance Directives Legal Documents Can Ease End-of-Life Decisions by Karen Markus http://www. scu. edu/ethics/publications/iie/v8n1/advancedirectives. html

The legalization of drugs

Legalization of DrugsThe argument over the legalisation of drugs continues to upset society as clip progresses. All of us have in some manner or another, straight or indirectly, been affected by drugs, whether it be from a household member or the economic load on society. Morton. M. Kondracke, writer of the essay â€Å" Do n't Legalize Drugs, † begins by saying â€Å" the following clip you hear that a rummy driver had slammed into a school coach full of kids or that a hopped-up railway applied scientist killed 16 people in a train wreck, think about this: if advocators of legalisation have their manner, there will be more of this † ( Kondracke, 358 ) . Supporters of legalisation, on the other manus, frequently look towards the fiscal benefits and insist that drugs, peculiarly marihuana, be legalized and taxed ; hence, the authorities makes gross, and helps towards the economic system financially. Gore Vidal, protagonist of legalisation and writer of the essay â€Å" D rugs, † states that all drugs should be made available and sold at a cost ( Vidal, 355 ) . All of this may be true and helpful in a sense for a short piece, but looking towards the long tally many other facets besides need to be put into consideration. Aspects include additions in dependence rates, offense rates, every bit good as drug maltreatment. America is a consumer civilization which frequently abuses its freedoms. Knowing this important fact a decision can be reached that it excessively would mistreat drugs ensuing in lay waste toing outcomes. There is no a manner to halt drug usage realistically for there are those few that choose to disobey the jurisprudence, nevertheless it can be enforced, and legalising it is non the best option. If prohibited and enforced most people would fear the effects and would believe twice earlier utilizing an illegal substance. While the legalisation of drugs may sound reasonable and have some positive consequences, they are merely imperma nent and overall it is unlogical and merely leads to more corruptness, go forthing a negative impact on the American civilization. Today we live in a civilization where due to drugs, offenses and dependence rates have escalated. Drugs are related to offenses in assorted ways. It can be considered a offense to utilize, possess, industry, or administer drugs classified as holding a possible for maltreatment ( such as cocaine, diacetylmorphine, marihuana, and pep pills ) . Drugs are besides related to offense through the effects they have on a user ‘s behaviour and by bring forthing force and other illegal activity in connexion with drug trafficking ( Spiess, n.pag. ) . Persons who produce, sell, traffic, or utilize illegal drugs have already established themselves as people who will interrupt the jurisprudence, and are likely perpetrating other felonies, such as robbery, colza, and slaying. If such persons are in prison because of these felonies, they are non able to travel out and perpetrate other offenses ; nevertheless, if they are set free due to the legalisation of drugs who knows the result that would ensue. At a lower limit, they are at least off the streets, unable to bring more mayhem. Statisticss have shown that offense rates in states that have legalized drugs, such as Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland have skyrocketed. Switzerland, ended their experiment with decriminalisation after sing an unacceptable addition in usage, force, offense, wellness costs, and effects. Leting a metropolis park to be used as a â€Å" drug legalized † country of Zurich, the figure of nuts escalated from a few hundred to over 20,000 within several old ages ( Cohen, n.pag. ) . Take a minute and believe about this ; that was merely a park, conceive of the effects on a whole state. America is already known for its offense and drug rates. Imagine the effects of legalising drugs and what that would ensue in. Aboard offense rates, dependence rates for teens and grownups have shot up every bit good. Drugs can be closely related and compared to coffin nails and intoxicant for they have all resulted likewise in negative effects that have impacted the universe greatly. As Kondracke discusses in his statement towards drugs, 10 to fifteen per centum of all drinkers turn into alkies ( 10-17 million ) , bing the economic system an estimated $ 117 billion dollars. Similarly, harmonizing to Dr. David I. McDonald, Ronald Reagan ‘s drug maltreatment policy adviser, surveies indicate that marihuana is every bit addictive as intoxicant. They conclude that 6 million people will go potheads and 8.5 million will go coke nuts ( Kondracke, 360 ) . These are merely estimations, but the consequences could be much greater. When British doctors were allowed to order diacetylmorphine to certain nuts, the figure skyrocketed from 68 British nuts in the plan to an estimated 20,000 diacetylmorphine users in Lo ndon entirely ( Walters, A10 ) . We have already seen the affects and maltreatments of intoxicant and coffin nails from a day-to-day point of view than why would we promote or even think about adding and legalising any other substances. In a manner the point of drugs is to acquire a â€Å" high † or some kind of poisoning. Unlike intoxicant, which may take a piece to kick in or acquire a bombilation, marihuana and other substances are about instant. â€Å" Of the 115 million Americans who consume intoxicant, 85 per centum seldom become intoxicated ; with drugs, poisoning is the whole ideal † ( Kondracke, 359 ) . Based entirely from basic cognition one can without uncertainty recognize why legalisation of drugs would be an irrational action. Drug maltreatment plays a major function as a portion of this argument every bit good. Peoples take drugs, in comparing to alcohol, to certain extents ensuing in serious conditions to even deceases. Aside from illegal drugs, people are besides mistreating prescribed drugs every bit good, such as cold and cough medicines to trouble stand-ins. â€Å" Drug maltreatment entirely costs an estimated $ 55 billion in 1998 ( excepting condemnable justness costs ) , and deceases straight related to drug usage have more than doubled since 1980 † ( Walters, A10 ) . Though medicative drugs are made for a good cause they still are abused and have side effects that can ensue in a assortment of issues. Medical marihuana, for illustration, has documented possible side effects including insomnia, depression, facial tics and scrawny growing ( Katherine, 39A ) . â€Å" In 2006, 2.1 million teens abused prescription drugs † ( Alcohol and Drug Use, n.pag. ) . If teens are mistreating legal p rescribed drugs at this age conceive of what they would make if illegal drugs were legalized. To give present twenty-four hours examples we can take celebrated figures such as Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and Anna Nicole Smith who are merely a few illustrations of persons who have been involved with drug maltreatment ensuing in their deceases. â€Å" Michael Jackson ‘s flooring inadvertent decease in June was merely the latest in a twine of high-profile human deaths from the maltreatment of multiple prescription medicines. Actor Heath Ledger and the theoretical account and sex symbol Anna Nicole Smith died late in comparable fortunes â€Å" ( Clemmit, n.pag. ) . The above mentioned illustrations are merely a few of many to come if drugs are legalized. Supporters of legalisation have certain fortunes in which they argue can ensue in a positive impact if drugs were legalized and experience that drug issues originate due to the fact of them being illegal. These fortunes include legalising marihuana to do it a societal drug, and in bend would assist in profiting the authorities financially. Besides, legalisation would take to a lessening in offenses. So far this twelvemonth, about 4000 people have died in Mexico ‘s drug war – a horrifying toll. Most of the jobs stem non from drugs themselves, but from the fact that they are illegal. The obvious reply, so, is to do them legal ( Wilson, 32 ) . Supporters agree that if drugs are made legal like intoxicant and coffin nails society will accommodate and turn boring of it, seting it aside. It will be common and there wo n't be much ballyhoo about it. Harmonizing to Vidal, as stated before, all drugs should be made legal and sold at a cost ( Vidal, 355 ) . A huge sum of money is raised through authorities revenue enhancement from intoxicant and coffin nails. Supporters feel that the legalisation of drugs, chiefly marihuana, would make another point that could be taxed and can be good financially to the authorities. â€Å" Tax foreman Betty T. Yee, president of the State Board of Equalization, backs the program and says it could bring forth one-year revenue enhancement grosss of $ 1.4 billion. â€Å" I think the tide is get downing to turn in footings of marihuana being portion of the mainstream † ( Katel, 19 ) . They believe this can be a scheme to assist raise economic growing financially. As for the offenses, protagonists agree that since the drugs would be allowed, there would non be any issues of robbery or battles since the drug trusts would be ran out of concern. They argue that prohibition of drugs is what causes those offenses. â€Å" Prohibition as a policy has failed. Just expression at the US, where 100s of 1000s of people have been jail ed and, despite one million millions of lbs of support for Draconian policies, higher pureness drugs continue to deluge the market † ( Chand, n.pag. ) . These averments are valid to a certain extent, but overall fail and lead to more issues. In resistance to the averments made above, it can be argued that none of those fortunes would ensue in a positive impact. Marijuana would non go a societal drug, for the fact being that it would be adapted by many people. In add-on, though revenue enhancements could be charged, there would be other costs aside of it, and offenses would still go on to gyrate up. Marijuana would non go a societal drug because though many may acquire tired of it, the newer and newer coevalss would accommodate it and go on it as a tendency. Besides before it could melt off, there would be another drug. In add-on, to compare it with coffin nails and intoxicant, both of those are still alive and good abused today, so what ‘s the opportunity that marihuana would differ. The Indiana University Prevention Resource Center youth drug usage study shows pupils use intoxicant and other drugs more often and at younger ages. For the 3rd consecutive twelvemonth, marihuana usage increased among all pupils in classs 6-12 and in all steps of prevalence -lifetime, one-year, monthly and day-to-day usage ( Drug, intoxicant usage increases among Indiana pupils, 8 ) . Now imagine, that is merely one school out of 1000s across the US. Harder and harder drugs are being abused more earnestly as the ages addition and the consequences are lay waste toing. Prior research based on representative samples drawn from the general population suggests that people tend to follow a common developmental tract from usage of intoxicant as young persons through possible usage of marihuana as teens potentially taking to utilize of more serious substances as grownups ( Golub, 607 ) . As for the costs, they excessively would decidedly lift due to a necessity of new intervention installati ons and clinics. If legalising drugs save $ 30 billion now being spent on jurisprudence enforcement and offense, a doubling of usage and maltreatment agencies that other costs would lift to $ 140 billion or $ 210 billion † ( Kondracke, 360 ) . The money would come out of our pockets for the authorities would non be able to fund and supply for all of the installations and who knows how worse the economic system could acquire. Furthermore, while the legalisation of drugs may diminish offense rates in some countries, it will increase offense rates in others. Traffic misdemeanors and accidents are likely to increase. Besides, many people are incarcerated due to a offense that they have committed while intoxicated, so how will the legalisation of these substances assistance in anyone ‘s good behaviour? Legalization could ensue in an addition in offenses because the trusts would be idle and looking for retaliation. Aside from the trusts, many people while drunk may drive, or commit felonies that may ensue in hurts, or deceases which excessively are considered offenses. A recent illustration in July affecting a adult female intoxicated and under the influence killed eight including her girl and three nieces due to the fact that she had smoked marijuana right before driving. The toxicology trials revealed that Schuler had twice the legal bound of intoxicant in her blood watercourse and had smoked marihuana s shortly before the accident ( Tresniowski, 80 ) . These are merely a few of many illustrations of what legalisation of drugs could ensue in and go forthing a negative impact on America. While the legalisation of drugs may sound reasonable, it is full of mistakes which may greatly impact the society and those around it. Drug issues continue to promote and spread out, and legalising drugs will no farther consequence in a benefit. Legalizing drugs can take to an addition in dependence rates, offense rates, and maltreatment. These issues will go on and should be farther enforced. The argument on whether or non drugs should be legalized is everlasting, but this can be changed. Statistics every bit good as mundane illustrations have proven the affects drugs have on a society, than why farther promote them. Enforcing drugs and forbiding them will assist maintain a balance between those who have already been affected and those unaffected.Plants Citedâ€Å" Alcohol & A ; Drug Use. † CDC Online. 23 Mar. 2009. 11 Oct. 2009..Chand, Kailash â€Å" Should drugs be decriminalized? YES. ( Cover narrative ) . † BMJ: British Medical Journal 10 Nov. 2007: 966. Academic S earch Premier. EBSCO. Web. 13 Oct. 2009.Clemmitt, Marcia. â€Å" Medication Abuse. † CQ Researcher 19.35 ( 2009 ) : 837-860. CQ Researcher. Web. 13 Oct. 2009..Cohen, Roger. â€Å" Amid Turning Crime, Zurich Closes A Park It Reserved for Drug Addicts. † NY Times. 11 Feb. 1992: 10A. Web. 12 Oct. 2009.â€Å" Drug, intoxicant usage increases among Indiana pupils. † Nation ‘s Health 25.9 ( 1995 ) : 8. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 13 Oct. 2009.Golub, Andrew, and Bruce D. Johnson â€Å" The switching importance of intoxicant and marihuana as gateway substances among serious drug maltreaters. † Journal of Studies on Alcohol 55.5 ( 1994 ) : 607. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 13 Oct. 2009.Katel, Peter. â€Å" Legalizing Marijuana. † CQ Researcher 19.22 ( 2009 ) : 525-548. CQ Researcher. Web. 13 Oct. 2009..Katherine, Ellison â€Å" Medical Marijuana: No Longer Just for Adults. † New York Times 22 Nov. 2009: 39A. Academic Search Pre mier. EBSCO. Web. 23 Nov. 2009.Kondracke, Morton M. â€Å" Do n't Legalize Drugs † . Readings for Writers ( 13th Edition ) . Ed. Jo Ray McCuen-Metherell and Anthony C.Winkler. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2010. 358-362Spiess, Michele and Deborah Fallow. â€Å" Drug-Related Crime. † Mar. 2000. White House Drug Policy. 11 Oct. 2009.Tresniowski, Alex, et Al. â€Å" FAMILIES DESTROYED. † Peoples 72.8 ( 2009 ) : 80-84. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 13 Oct. 2009.Vidal, Gore. â€Å" Drugs † . Readings for Writers ( 13th Edition ) . Ed. Jo Ray McCuen-Metherell and Anthony C.Winkler. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2010. 355-356.Bruno walters, John P. â€Å" Do n't Legalize Drugs. â€Å" Wall Street Journal. 19Jul.2002, Eastern edition: ABI/INFORM Global, ProQuest. n.pag. Web. 13 Oct. 2009Wilson, Clare â€Å" Legalise drugs. ( Cover narrative ) . † New Scientist 203.2725 ( 2009 ) : 32-33. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 23 Nov. 2009.

How does Compound Cone Crusher Work Essay

How does Compound Cone Crusher Work Essay How does Compound Cone Crusher Work Essay With advanced technical level and excellent performance, compound cone crusher is suitable for secondary or tertiary crushing purpose both in stationary and portable. As suitable for crushing all kinds of ores and rocks with hardness of medium or above, compound cone crusher is widely used in the industries of metallurgy, building material, road construction, chemical engineering and silicate. Compared with other crusher, compound cone crusher is more professional in reliable crushing, high productive, low total cost and easy maintenance.The compound cone crusher is mainly composed by driving device, main shaft, drum, upper cap and the foundation. The electric motor drives the main shaft to rotate with the help of the ladder-shaped triangle belt, and the main shaft is equipped with hammer. The materials go inside the machine from the upper material feeding mouth and fall down under gravity, and then the materials will be crushed under a series of impact of the hammer at high rotary r ate, and finally be discharged from the lower material discharging mouth.The compound cone crusher can be used for fine crushing limestone, clinker, coal and other kinds of ores and rocks in building material, mining, metallurgy and chemistry, and at the same time it can also be applied in fine crushing medium hard materials such as dolomite, flint clay, lead-zinc deposit, high slag, coal gangue, rock phosphate, especially suitable for hard limestone, dolomite, granite and basalt of artificial sand making and highway surface stone material processing and crushing.The Working Principle of Compound Cone

Research Paper Topics You Should Avoid in Future

Research Paper Topics You Should Avoid in Future Research Paper Topics to Avoid Choosing a topic for writing a research paper is usually quite hard, but there are some peculiarities which will help you to avoid bad research topics. While selecting your topic, youre focused on whether it is interesting for you and informative for an audience, however, some topics should be avoided. For instance: Personal information and stories Topics with a lack of approachable information Too narrow topics Too broad topics Controversial topics Personal information and stories You cannot write a research paper based on your own biography or stories from your life unless youre famous, or unless you have at least one book written about you. A research paper requires you to do a research, which means that there should be some sources available to use in order to do it properly. Topics with a lack of approachable information Just the same as with topics about yourself, you cannot write a topic without any available materials. If you choose something too specific (e.g. color of Albert Einsteins socks or what he ate for breakfast) you probably are going to be stuck because of lack or even non-existence of information Too narrow topics Still the same issue. You dont want to pick a topic which is hard or even impossible to write just because its too narrow. You can easily write about volcanoes as a future source of energy, but it will be much harder to write about how deep Vesuvius is and why it is so because it is way too specific. Too broad topics Sometimes, you are drowning in information about your subject, but cannot write anything. Familiar? Thats because there is too much information around, and its hard to distinguish the most important. Free-enterprise system would be a nice topic to pick as a counter to writing about economy in general. Economy is something general and includes a lot of different information and notions to write about. Controversial Topics Some topics can offend someones feelings, so you should be extremely accurate in picking the right one. For instance, college students are afraid to write about death penalty or abortions, because it may hurt somebody. Nevertheless, its okay to pick a controversial topic, if you are 100% sure that its not going to offend anybody. You cant just explain your points of view in your research paper, especially if they are controversial. Support your essay with some research and data and the reader would understand its value, even if their view doesnt match with one in a research paper.

ACT Scores, GPA

Texas A&M Acceptance Rate, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA Texas AMs main campus in College Station is a large, selective public university with a 67 percent acceptance rate. Dont let that relatively high number create a sense of false security: as the data below reveals, nearly all admitted students have grades and standardized test scores that are above average. Why Texas A&M? Location: College station, TexasCampus Features: Texas AMs massive 5,200-acre campus includes an 18-hole golf course, polo fields, and Kyle Field, the football stadium that seats over 102,000 fans.Student/Faculty Ratio: 21:1Athletics: The Texas AM Aggies compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference (SEC).Highlights: Undergraduates can choose from 128 degree programs spread across the universitys 19 schools and colleges. Programs in business, agriculture, and the biological and health sciences are particularly popular. Acceptance Rate For students entering Texas AM in the 2018-19 academic year, the university had a 67% acceptance rate. This means that for every 100 applicants, 67 were admitted and 33 received rejection letters. The admissions process is selective, and below average students will have a difficult time being admitted. Admissions Statistics (2018-19) Number of Applicants 36,423 Percent Admitted 67.2% Percent Admitted Who Enrolled 45.4% SAT Scores and Requirements Texas AMs main campus in College Station requires all students to submit either SAT scores or ACT scores, although students with very high grades and class rank may be able to get the test requirement waived. The SAT is more popular than the ACT- for students entering in the 2018-19 academic year, 61% of applicants submitted SAT scores. Texas A&M SAT Range (Admitted Students) Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile ERW 580 680 Math 590 700 ERW=Evidence-Based Reading and Writing When we compare these scores to national SAT data from the College Board, we can see that the great majority of students who attend Texas AM rank among the top third of all test-takers. For the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing exam, 50% of students scored between 580 and 680. The bottom 25% of students scored a 580 or lower, while the top 25% scored a 680 or higher. Scores on the Math exam are slightly higher. The middle 50% of students scored between a 590 and 700. This means that 25% of admitted students scored a 590 or lower, while the top quartile scored a 700 or higher. Students with a combined SAT score of 1380 or higher will be particularly competitive at Texas AM. That said, if you compare SAT scores for top Texas colleges and universities, youll see that there are many schools that are more selective than Texas AM. Requirements Texas AM does not require SAT Subject Tests, but the test are sometimes used for course placement. The university does require students to take the SAT with Essay although the essay score does not play much of a role in the admissions process other than as a validity check for the application essay. SAT scores must be no more than five years old, and the university does not super-score the SAT. The school will use your highest score from a single test date. ACT Scores and Requirements All student applying to Texas AM must submit either SAT or ACT scores, and the ACT is less popular than the SAT. 39% of students entering in the 2018-19 academic year submitted ACT scores. Texas A&M ACT Range (Admitted Students) Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile English 24 32 Math 24 30 Composite 25 31 An average ACT score is a 21, so you can see that nearly all Texas AM students have above-average scores. As national ACT data reveals, the great majority of Texas AM students placed in the top 25% of all ACT test-takers. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 25 and 31. This means 25% of admitted students had an ACT score of 25 or lower, and at the top end, 25% had scores of 31 or higher. Requirements Texas AM requires the ACT with Writing. The writing section of the exam is used primarily as a check on the validity of the main application essay. The university will not super-score the exam, so they will use your highest total score from a single test date for admission purposes. Students who take the ACT are not required to take any SAT Subject Tests. GPA Texas AM does not publish GPA data of accepted students, but the self-reported data in the graph below shows us that the great majority of admitted students have high school averages in the B range or higher. 63% of Texas AM students rank in the top 10% of their high school class, and 92% are in the top 25% of their class. Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph Texas AM Applicants Self-Reported GPA, SAT Score, and ACT Score Data. Data courtesy of Cappex   The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Texas AMs main campus in College Station. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account. ​Admissions Chances Texas AM is one of the top Texas colleges and universities, and applicants will need decent grades and test scores to be admitted. In the graph above, green and blue represent accepted students. Its important to realize that theres a lot of red (rejected students) hidden beneath the blue and green in the middle of the graph. Some students with scores and grades that are on target for Texas AM still get rejected. Note also that a number of students were accepted with test scores and grades a bit below the norm. These seeming discrepancies exist because Texas AM has holistic admissions. The admissions officers are considering qualitative as well as quantitative information. Students with exceptional talent (in, for example, athletics or music) will typically receive a closer look even if their numerical measures are a bit below the norm. Like all selective universities, Texas AM is trying to enroll students who will contribute to the campus culture in meaningful ways. Strong application essays, positive letters of recommendation, and interesting extracurricular activities are all important pieces of a successful application. Engineering applicants have an additional essay requirement. Keep in mind that high grades and standardized test scores are not a guarantee of admission. Some students with A averages and SAT/ACT scores that are well above average did not get in. This may seem strange since Texas AM has guaranteed admission for students who graduate in the top 10% of their class. This state policy, however, does have a couple restrictions. For one, students must be in the top 10% of a Texas school, so out-of-state applicants have no admissions guarantees. Also, Top 10% admits must have completed enough college preparatory classes to qualify. Finally, Texas AM recommends (but does not require) that prospective students visit campus, attend a prospective student session, and/or participate in an academic program for visiting students. All of these opportunities allow you to get to know the university, and they help demonstrate your interest in Texas AM. The university also recommends that applicants submit their applications as early as possible (you might want to consider the Early Action option). Sources: Graph from Cappex.com; other data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Texas AM Office of Admissions. admissionfrom the National Center for Educational Statistics

Movie analysing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Movie analysing - Essay Example Another important action, as depicted in the movie film is to claim the freedom of the people to ensure the sacredness of the space. This requires aggressive effort in order to establish the point that the church must be free from any other movements, including but not limited to those concerning application of political or economic authority, social injustice and more. The leaders, church members and the people are the ones whose actions could eventually help to make the space sacred once again. In the case of the movie film â€Å"Romero† it was the Archbishop who strengthened the people, give them courage and stood as voice of the multitude in order to restore the sanctity of the church. Church as institution An institution is aimed at achieving a high social order, even though there might be varying behaviors of a set of individuals. Church is an institution because it is supposed to be governed by and moving forward to a higher social order, it administers to everybody who might be good or bad. What it seeks to promote is only for the good of everyone, as it tries to establish a good community. Based on the movie, the church does not run the country in general, but it protects the people. Priests are shepherds, who administer the church, to help establish the church as an institution. Based on the movie, Romero addressed that the church must administer to everybody in order to maintain social order (Romero Full Movie). What is unique about the church as an institution is its foundation which is set on the love of Jesus Christ, in order to successfully promote social order. In the presence of this love for each other, collegiality is eventually developed, which based on the movie bishops were able to successfully show it when they condemned senseless violent killings. Although, some of them have been threatened to lose their lives as there were priests already killed in the chaotic situation in El Salvador. When Romero learned violence will never end up violence, he tried to place himself on the center stage, administering to everybody, and trying to understand both sides and everybody’s perspectives in order to uphold social order. At first, because of his being apolitical and complacent priest, he critiqued this as subversive act. Church as Sacrament A sacrament stands as both sign and instrument. In the case of the Church as a sacrament, it has become one with Christ, an instrument creating unity between God and all mankind. This model includes, Christ, God, and all mankind. Right after being saved by the redeeming blood of Jesus, all mankind, the Church, is in Christ, so that it would stand in unity with the Father in heaven. When there is sin, humanity needs salvation, so Jesus was offered to redeem the sin of the world. When mankind was redeemed, Christ is in the people, the Church, who must suppose to stand as the ones to represent what salvation consists in. This image of the Church was seen in the movie when Rome ro declared in front of the public that Christ must be seen in each and everyone, that the Church is the people and must suppose to stand as one body of Christ (Romero Full Movie). When there is disunity, this body cannot stand. By this, Romero must have implied Church as

Respond to 4 students with no more than 60 words with 2 references Coursework - 1

Respond to 4 students with no more than 60 words with 2 references each - Coursework Example This made it possible for the author to convince the reader on the merits and demerits associated with each kind of level of measurement (Manheim, Rich, Willnat, & Brians, 2008). With that, decision making for researchers became much easier when it comes to the selection of measurement of validity for individual researchers (Reynolds, 2007). A major shortfall that characterisitcally shows up with reference to the author’s work has to do with the fact that not much background was given to the various levels of measurement of validity, namely nominal level, ordinal level, interval level, and ratio level (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2008). This not withstanding, much work was done by the author in giving a generalized background to research situations where the need to measure validity is more useful and this was sighted as quantitative study (Garger, 2010). Garger, J. (2010). 4 levels of measurement in social science.Methodology. Retrieved September 23, 2012 from http://johngarger.com/articles/methodology/4-levels-of-measurement-in-social-science-research Clearly, the author was more emphatic on some of the levels, particularly, the nominal and ratio than others. As this was done, it would have been more appropriate if specific instances where researchers could best use these two levels were also discussed into detail. Though much detail was given on the merits of the nominal level (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2008), not much specification was done for researchers who would want to settle on this type measurement to test the validity of their works (Farcao,

Life Span Perspective Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Life Span Perspective Paper - Essay Example In a life-span perspective, ageing implies changes, which for its part, take many forms. For instance, we have the purely biological changes such as weakening of the muscle strength, shortness of breath, graying of the hair, wrinkling of the skin and so on. There is the incidence of human disease, particularly those of the elderly who at certain point may be diagnosed with more than one illness. Next we have the cognitive decline such as the benign forgetfulness or the onset of dementia. This also includes the changes in the social environment and thus the experiences arising from it. Bere Miesen and Gemma Jones (1997) write that a model of a life-span perspective may be characterized by type of change, individual characteristics, coping behavior, adjustment in adaptation and the experience of quality of life. (p. 32) Finally, the Darwinian concept is very important in this perspective. It banks on the idea that humans share important characteristics through heredity and this in turn becomes a variable in the whole life-span development process. For example, virtually all of us develop in similar ways at similar ages such as walking and talking at age 1. And so, the study of development from a life-span perspective is multidisciplinary involving both biological and social sciences. Human development falls into three broad domains, namely: physical development, cognitive development and psychological development. (Sugarman 2001, p. 14) There are some who include personal and social developments but the previous three roughly cover everything. Human development meanwhile is divided into 8 periods: infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, late childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood and late adulthood. (Sugarman, p. 56-60) Contemporary concerns regarding life-span development include the questions on the eight periods in

Classroom of the future Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 6

Classroom of the future - Essay Example This research tells that classroom is an important environment affecting students in many fields. Studies have proved that the there is a relationship between the student performance and the classroom facilities. Classroom facilities affect students’ attendance and academic performance, so taking care of classroom facilities improve the level of student performance in the classroom. Additionally, the classroom often reflects the correlation between the students and their teacher. It’s important to understand not only what’s coming next but also where it all started. Classrooms throughout history have passed much of the technological changes. So, the purpose of this paper is to describe those changes and then visualize the future changes in the classroom. The classroom has changed a lot in the past. There are three main periods from the early days that helped build the education system we have now. The colonial period was first from the 1600’s to the 1700â €™s, the next period would be from the American Revolution to the civil war which was approximately a 70 year period from 1791-1861.The Information age came next from the mid-1900s to the very early 2000s. In the colonial period, the classroom was very minimal only consisting of a one-room building most likely with log walls, a dirt floor, and wax windows. For chairs, they would split a log in half and attach branches to the bottom to create a chair. Educational supplies were very scarce and expensive, most were homemade consisting of quill pens and boil down bark to make ink. Between the American Revolution and the civil war, the classroom experience got a lot better because classrooms had blackboards, slates, and maps. The furniture and architecture were also greatly improved even though at first during this period many communities didn’t have school buildings because if the revolutionary war, instead they had large rooms until the building was able to be rebuilt.

Implementing Strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Implementing Strategy - Assignment Example That is also evident in the stock price after round eight in which Baldwin had $166.47, second after Digby’s 320.07 that was the best performance. As a business that values improvement in its products, we invested in research and development. The following represents the implementation strategy for research and development during the first four rounds of competition. For round 0, R&D was $0 for all the five products. That remained similar for the Baker and Bead products in round 1. However, Bid, Bold and Buddy products had $886, $ 778 and $ 892 in R&D, respectively, during round 1. During round 2, Baldwin spent $140 on R&D for Baker, $40 for Bead and $1000 for each Bid, Bold and Buddy. During round 3, R& D were $854 for Baker, $0 for Bead, $274 for Bid, $161 for Bold, $20 for Buddy and $952 for Bobo products. For round 4, R& D were $0 for Baker and Bead, $874 for Bid, $ 842 for Buddy and $820 for Bobo. In round 5, R& D will be $0 for Baker, $0 for Bead, $989 for Bid, $864 for Bold, $849 for Buddy and Ǚ for Bobo. In essence, research and development after the introduction of Bobo was higher. After all the eight rounds of co mpetition, product improvement was achievable due to high investment in research and development. Based on the financial historical summaries for Baldwin, the following were the financial performances. As the Baldwin team, the net income increased steadily throughout the eight rounds. Round one performance was $1, 061, 000 while round eight performance was $40, 427, 000. The cash flow from operations varied during the eight rounds. While, round one was $3,282, 000, round four was $1, 628, 000, round five was $34, 236, 000 and round eight was $ 47, 774, 000. Baldwin great performance in profitability after the eight rounds of competition. It had $ 40,427,031 in profit. Because of its exceptional marketing strategies, Baldwin realized 11.27% in traditional segment share after the eight rounds of competition. That was third

Mycobacterium Leprae and Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Essay

Mycobacterium Leprae and Mycobacterium Tuberculosis - Essay Example An estimate of 1.7 million deaths were reported by WHO caused by tuberculosis (TB) in the year 2004 (St Georgiev, 2009, p. 103). This highlights the destructive and intensely pathogenic nature of M. tuberculosis and the need to study it thoroughly. M. leprae, discovered in 1874, causes a chronic infectious disease leprosy which is found throughout the world. However, the highest prevalence rates are found in India, China and Africa. In India 3.2 million people are suffering from leprosy (Sehgal, 2004, p.5). The considerably higher estimates in the above mentioned states makes this pathogen quite intriguing and worth research. The devastating nature of the M. tuberculosis and M. leprae and the increasing frequency of the infectious diseases caused by them, necessitates further study and awareness about these pathogens. The paper will discuss general characteristics of mycobacterium and the following features of the specific pathogens in the given sequence- nutritional requirements, gr owth rate, general features of pathogen, transmission of disease, disease progression, skin testing, treatment and immunization. The general characteristics of Mycobacterium are applicable to all the members included in this genus. Mycobacteria are strictly aerobic acid-fast bacilli and are neither gram-negative nor gram positive. The reason for this property is the high lipid content in their cell walls. This unusual characteristic of their cell walls make them resistant to many disinfectants, drying and corrosive chemicals. However, they are not resistant to heat or ultraviolent radiation. They mostly cause diseases that lead to the formation of slowly progressing granulomatous lesions (Harvey et al 2007, p. 185; Levinson 2008, p. 161). The highly resistant nature of mycobacterium explains the easy transmission and difficult prevention of the infectious diseases. Mycobacterium tuberculosis The general features about the M. tuberculosis highlight the growth rate of the pathogen, nu tritional requirements, strains of the bacterium which are helpful in assessing the treatment plans and diagnostic therapies. M. tuberculosis grows at a very slow pace and it takes 18 hours to get doubled. Thus, in comparison to other bacteria it has a slower growth rate. As mentioned earlier, M. tuberculosis is an obligate aerobic, hence it requires oxygen majorly for its growth. The media used for its growth is Lowenstein-Jensen medium that uses complex nutrients to support its growth. These include egg yolk and some dyes like malachite green. The dyes are used to inhibit the growth of other bacteria present in the sputum samples (Levinson 2008, p. 161). Although the M. tuberculosis has a very slow doubling rate, it can be grown quite favorably in the laboratory environment by providing supporting nutrients. The important properties of M. tuberculosis include the appearance and dimensions, the virulent strains and the chemical compositions. M. tuberculosis appears as curved slende r rods that are 2 to 4 um long and 0.2to 0.5 um wide. The bacterium possesses a particular â€Å"cord factor† that causes its virulence. The virulent strains grow in a serpentine fashion while the avirulent strains lack this property. The high lipid content in cell wall constituting of mycolic acids and phosphatides are the factors for causing acid-fact property and caseation necrosis, respectively (Levinson 2008, p. 161; St Georgiev 2009, p.106). M. tuberculosis is

Implementing Strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Implementing Strategy - Assignment Example That is also evident in the stock price after round eight in which Baldwin had $166.47, second after Digby’s 320.07 that was the best performance. As a business that values improvement in its products, we invested in research and development. The following represents the implementation strategy for research and development during the first four rounds of competition. For round 0, R&D was $0 for all the five products. That remained similar for the Baker and Bead products in round 1. However, Bid, Bold and Buddy products had $886, $ 778 and $ 892 in R&D, respectively, during round 1. During round 2, Baldwin spent $140 on R&D for Baker, $40 for Bead and $1000 for each Bid, Bold and Buddy. During round 3, R& D were $854 for Baker, $0 for Bead, $274 for Bid, $161 for Bold, $20 for Buddy and $952 for Bobo products. For round 4, R& D were $0 for Baker and Bead, $874 for Bid, $ 842 for Buddy and $820 for Bobo. In round 5, R& D will be $0 for Baker, $0 for Bead, $989 for Bid, $864 for Bold, $849 for Buddy and Ǚ for Bobo. In essence, research and development after the introduction of Bobo was higher. After all the eight rounds of co mpetition, product improvement was achievable due to high investment in research and development. Based on the financial historical summaries for Baldwin, the following were the financial performances. As the Baldwin team, the net income increased steadily throughout the eight rounds. Round one performance was $1, 061, 000 while round eight performance was $40, 427, 000. The cash flow from operations varied during the eight rounds. While, round one was $3,282, 000, round four was $1, 628, 000, round five was $34, 236, 000 and round eight was $ 47, 774, 000. Baldwin great performance in profitability after the eight rounds of competition. It had $ 40,427,031 in profit. Because of its exceptional marketing strategies, Baldwin realized 11.27% in traditional segment share after the eight rounds of competition. That was third

British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) Research Paper

British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) - Research Paper Example An airevac programme has both a rotary and fixed wing aircraft for efficiency handles special cases. Sometimes BCAS covers other stations on the grounds of emergency and system loads (Llc 42). BCAS is an equal employer. It frequently hires emergency medical responders (EMR), primary care paramedics (PCP), critical care paramedics (CCP), advanced care Paramedics, infant transport team paramedics (IIT) and other management and casuals in accordance to the availability of the vacancy. Eligibility of the applicants has consideration on paperwork completion and more preference on those who have pre employment on the medical field. Formal employments are available to the applicants who are eligible immediately a vacancy is available. The eligibility list becomes active for a full year. The primary requirements for hiring at BCAS requires an individual to have a valid PCP, ITT, CPP, ACP, and EMR license which is issued by the Emergency Medical Assistant Licensing board. A valid driver’s license probably class one, two or 4 BC is mandatory. A legal work entitlement in Canada is also a need alongside A CPR level C certificate with one-year validity. The employee should also satisfy Criminal Record Review act and be of 19 year of age. Grade 12 graduate diploma or its equivalence is the minimal academic qualification. The recruiter gives several written exams as in addition to the first entry exam for eligibility test (David A. Boyes 87). BCAS employee should be of good morals and regular availability for ambulance duties. BCAS accepts applications and follows a given strategy for hiring. For one to be of consideration has to complete the application form for employment. Human resources department does choice of the working area and another clarification before the shortlisted candidate gets an interview invitation for further eligibility gauge. After success in

Female Artistic Gymnasts Caloric And Nutrient Intake

Female Artistic Gymnasts Caloric And Nutrient Intake Proper caloric and macro and micro nutrients intake has a significant influence in athletic performance among female artistic gymnasts (Applegate, 2001). Appropriate nutrition is an important portion of a female artistic gymnasts training program because it provides the energy required by the body for optimizing performance during practice sessions and competitions (Achten et al., 2004). Following an adequate diet during the years gymnasts are engaged in extraneous exercise routines contributes for maintaining a healthy life after their athletic careers, delaying the effects of aging (Beals, 2002). Also, a balanced diet improves the immune system and enhances a persons ability to concentrate (Applegate, 2001). Although appropriate diet is extremely important for athletes, female artistic gymnasts are a group predominantly predisposed for engaging in unhealthy eating behaviors for weight management purposes (Benson Gillie, 2001). In addition to the typical social pressure placed on females in general to be thin seen in the Western culture, these athletes are part of an environment that focuses on their bodies appearance (Nutter, 2000). Factors such as pressure from coaches, comparison with teammates, performance demands, aesthetics concerns, and physique-revealing uniforms are positively related to an increase in weight control practices in the sport context that female artistic gymnasts are inserted in (Yoon, 2002). Also, different researchers support the idea that the sport setting may contribute to heighten anxiety related to maintain a perfect body image and promote pathogenic eating behaviors among female gymnasts (Beals, 2002; Soares Ribeiro, 2002). The most common weight control practices observed among female artistic gymnasts are fasting and extremely low calorie intake (Phillips, 2004). Other methods include self-induced vomiting and the use of diet pills, diuretics, and laxatives (Hassapidou Manstrantoni, 2001). Extremely low energy intake is associated with delayed puberty, growth problems, and amenorrhea, which has been shown to affect bone development among women (Beals, 2002). In spite of the unquestionable importance of a balanced diet in terms of energy requirements and macro and micro nutrients for female artistic gymnasts, various researchers have demonstrated that there is a substantial lack of information about sport nutrition among artistic gymnastic coaches and athletes (Ziegler, Jonnalagadda, Lawrence, 2001; Yoon, 2002). According to Beals (2002), it is not rare to find gymnasts with erroneous ideas about sport nutrition who engage in extremely low calorie diets in order to lose weight and modify their body composition and appearance (p.1934). The interest in analyzing the food intake of female artistic gymnasts is attributed to the fact that even with evidences proving the importance of proper nutrition for athletic performance, many gymnasts neglect following a balanced diet. Many times, inappropriate weight control methods are adopted because of the lack of information about sports nutrition and/or constant concern about reaching a specific body composition (Applegate, 2001). Therefore, an analysis of the eating habits of female artistic gymnasts should be conducted in order to determine if their diet contains the proper amounts of calories and macro and micro nutrients. 1.1 Statement of the Problem Appropriate nutrition is a key component on the athletic performance of female artistic gymnasts (Phillips, 2004). However, many athletes tend to adopt inadequate weight control practices that end up compromising their diet as a result of the constant concern with body composition and image (Burke, Gollan, Read, 2001). Therefore, the goal of this paper is to answer the following question: On average, do females artistic gymnasts have a proper caloric and macro and micro nutrient intake based on their nutritional needs? CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Artistic Gymnastics According to the International Federation of Gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, also known as Olympic gymnastics is a sport in which athletes perform a set of exercises in different events. The movements of the gymnasts must be elegant and demonstrate strength, agility, flexibility, coordination, balance and control of the body. The events present in womens artistic gymnastics are vault, uneven bars, balance beams, and floor. In 1881 the International Gymnastics Federation was founded and womens artistic gymnastics entered the Olympics as a team event in 1928. After that, the participation of womens teams in international gymnastics competitions gradually increased. 2.2 Body Composition Body composition measurements are used to describe fat, bone, and muscle percentages in the human body (Berger Shenkin, 2006). It is basically measured in terms of body fat percentage, which can influence athletic performance during competitions and training sessions (Applegate, 2001). Athletic performance in gymnastic is, to a large extent, dependent on the athletes ability to sustain power (both anaerobically and aerobically) and to overcome resistance. Both of these factors are interrelated with the athletes body composition (Burke et al., 2001). Gymnasts with a higher body fat percentage than the desirable may be more prone to injury when performing difficult skills than athletes with a more optimal body composition. Also, excessive body fat can reduce speed and increase the metabolic cost of an action (Nieman et al, 2001). A high lean body mass, which is the sum of the nonfat parts of the human body like muscle, organs, blood and water, may aid athletic performance by improving the strength-to-weight ratio. A higher percentage of lean mass facilitate power production (Jonnalagadda, Nelson, Lawrence, Bacick, 2002). A low body fat content also helps performance by lowering the resistance because the smaller the body profile, the less resistance the body is likely to produce. For example, a gymnast who weighs 110 pounds (50 kilograms) and is 5 feet (152 centimeters) tall with a body fat percentage of 15 percent will have a lower air resistance tumbling through the air than a gymnast with the same weight and height but with a body fat percentage of 20 percent (Burke et al., 2001). However, many gymnasts when attempting to achieve an optimal body composition use counterproductive methods (Economos, Bortz, Nelson, 2003). Diets and excessive training often result in such a severe energy deficit that, although total body mass may be reduced, the constituents of weight also change, commonly with a lower muscle and a relatively higher fat percentage (Singh, Evans, Gallagher, Deuster, 2003). The resulting higher body fat and lower muscle mass is associated with performance reduction that motivates the athlete to follow regimens that produce even greater energy deficits, which can place gymnasts at serious health risk (Nutter, 2000). 2.3 Macronutrients There are two types of essential nutrients, macronutrients and micronutrients.   Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are the three types of macronutrients (Burke et al., 2001). Macronutrients are the substrates required to maintain the different energy systems responsible for energy production in the body. Each macronutrient produces distinct amounts of energy and plays a unique role during extraneous physical activity (Baechle Earle, 2008). In general, in a balanced diet 55-75% of the total energy comes from carbohydrates, 12-15 % from proteins and 25-30 % from lipids (p.74). A diet should be adjusted to the specific needs of each gymnast. Many aspects should be considered when prescribing a diet to an athlete, such as weight, height, sex, body fat percentage, age, metabolism and the type, frequency, intensity, and duration of training (Nutter, 2000). 2.3.1 Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the most important source of energy for athletes because they provide adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for muscle contractions (Baechle Earle, 2008). Once ingested, carbohydrates are broken down into smaller sugars, such as glucose, that are absorbed by the body and utilized as energy (p.76). Glucose molecules that are not immediately needed, get stored in the muscles and liver in the form of glycogen. Glycogen forms an energy reserve that can be quickly mobilized to meet a sudden need for glucose (Phillips, 2004). In the liver cells, glycogen can compose up to 8% of the fresh weight (100-120  g in an adult) soon after a meal. Only the glycogen stored in the liver can be made accessible to other organs. In the muscle, glycogen is found in a much lower concentration (1% to 2% of the muscle mass), but the total amount exceeds that in the liver (Baerchle Earle, 2008). Since ATP and muscle glycogen are immediately accessible in the muscle, they are the main fuels utilized for short and intense bouts of exercise, such as the ones performed by gymnasts (p.90). A short duration and high intensity exercise period is classified as an anaerobic, which utilizes primarily anaerobic pathways for energy production (without oxygen). There are two types of anaerobic energy systems: ATP and creatine phosphate (phosphagen) system and anaerobic glycolysis (p.80). Creatine phosphate molecules, which quickly re-synthesize ATP in the muscle cells, are stored in very limited quantities (Ziegler et al., 2001). So, the phosphagen energy system can only provide fuel for the muscle for approximately thirty seconds. After that, energy will be primarily produced by the anaerobic glycolysis process (Singh et al., 2003). Anaerobic glycolysis exclusively uses glucose as a fuel in the absence of oxygen or more specifically, when ATP is needed at rates that exceed those provide d by aerobic metabolism (energy production with oxygen). The result of rapid glucose breakdown is the formation of lactate (Baerchle Earle, 2008). According to Singh et al (2003), glycogen has four main purposes in the body: functioning as a source of energy for muscles, sparing protein consumption, working as metabolic activator, and providing fuel for the brain (p.329). Muscular glycogen depletion leads to lower levels of blood glucose and liver glycogen (Singh et al., 2003). During prolonged physical activity, insulin secretion from the pancreas decreases, while glucagon and catecholamine concentrations in the blood increase. Catecholamine are hormones (adrenaline, noradrenalide and dopamine) released by the adrenal gland. Together with glucagon they stimulate the breakdown of liver glycogen, a process called glycogenolysis (Achten et al, 2004). When glycogen storages reach a very low level, energy is originated from gluconeogenesis, an energy production process in which amino acids, lactate, and glycerol are converted into ATP for muscle contraction (Baechle Earle, 2008). This process becomes an important source of energy during periods of prolonged exercise and low carbohydrate intake. In extreme condition, gluconeogenesis can cause a significant reduction in the lean body mass, which is associated with higher production of nitrogenous wastes (bi-products of protein breakdown) (Jonnalagadda et al., 2002). One way of classifying carbohydrates is based on the glycemic index (GI), which is a measure of the effect of a carbohydrate rich food on blood glucose levels relative to glucose. Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion, releasing glucose rapidly into the bloodstream, have a high GI; carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI (Singh et al, 2003). A lower glycemic response is associated to a smaller insulin demand. Glucose and white bread are used as reference foods and have a glycemic index of 100. The glycemic index is determined by measuring the postprandial glycemia (glucose levels after a meal) for a time interval of two hours after the ingestion of 50g of a specific food (Berger Shenkin). A glucose response curve is plotted depicting the relationship between blood glucose elevation and time. The area of the curve above the fasting level is measured and divided by the area of the curve of the sta ndard food (either glucose or white bread) and multiplied by 100 (Jonnalagadda, 2002). Up to two hours prior exercise, a meal that is rich in carbohydrates of low (milk and vegetables) or moderate GI (fruits) is preferred instead of one with a high GI. Foods with low to moderate GI will maintain the energy level balanced and avoid energy peaks by keeping the blood glucose and insulin levels low (Burke et al., 2001). In addition, these foods tend to be lower in fat and contain more vitamins, minerals and fiber than the ones with a high GI. Also, low to moderate IG foods promote glycogen storages, which will consequently improve performance during competition or practice session (Benson Gillie, 2001). Carbohydrate intake after physical activity is extremely important because it will replenish glycogen storages used during exercise (Burke et al, 2001). Also, after physical activity cells become more sensitivity to insulin, increasing glucose uptake by the tissues. After physical activity, muscle and liver glycogen is completely replenished in 24 hours. Therefore, adequate carbohydrate intake is extremely important for athletes (Nutter, 2000). According to Economos et al. (2003), 50 to 55% of the total caloric intake should come from carbohydrates. Other authors believe that the carbohydrate percentage in the diet of artistic gymnasts should vary from 55 to 75% of the total calories (p. 388). The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends a daily intake of 150 to 175 grams of carbohydrate for each 1000 calories consumed (Yoon ,2002). Lastly, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) suggests that more than 55% of the total calories should be in the form of carbohydrates (Be als, 2002). 2.3.2 Proteins Proteins are composed of one or more amino acids. A typical protein contains 200-300 amino acids but some are much smaller (the smallest are often called peptides) (Beals, 2002). More than 300 different types of amino acids are found in nature but only 20 exist in the human body. Among these 20 amino acids, eight are essential, which means that they cannot be synthesized by the body. The others are called non-essential amino acids, since they are produced by the organism (Phillips, 2004). When the body does not have enough carbohydrate, protein is broken down to produce glucose for energy (Baerchle Earle, 2008). Adequate carbohydrate intake helps prevent protein from being used as energy. Because the primary role of protein is to function as the building blocks for muscles, bone, skin, hair, and other tissues, relying on protein for energy (by failing to take in adequate carbohydrate) can limit the athletes ability to build and maintain tissues. Additionally, utilizing protein as an energy source stresses the kidneys because they have to work harder to eliminate the byproducts of protein breakdown (Soares Ribeiro, 2002). In the body, proteins play other important roles such as functioning as hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters, participating in the process of energy production, and regulating several metabolic pathways important during physical activity. Amino acids also have a small participation in energy production during extenuating physical activities (Economos et al., 2003). Whereas carbohydrates provide more than 80% of the fuel utilized in the metabolic pathways, amino acids contribute for only 5 to 10% in physical activities of long duration (Jonnalagadda et al., 2002). The recommended protein intake for gymnasts is around 1.1 grams/kg of body weight or 12 to 15% of the total caloric intake (Burke et al., 2001). 2.3.3 Lipids The main lipids in the human body are triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids, and lipoproteins. Triglycerides, which are composed by one glycerol molecule and three molecules of fatty acids, are the most common lipids in the diet and are stored by the body (Nieman, 2001). During a prolonged exercise period, such as a long gymnastic practice, stored triglycerides in the adipose tissue are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol by the enzyme lipase (Economos, 2003). Adrenaline and glucagon secreted in response to low levels of blood glucose stimulate the release of triglycerides from the adipose tissue. High levels of insulin and blood glucose have the opposite effect, since it is associated with the deposit of triglycerides in the adipose tissue (Singh et al, 2003). Glycerol is phosphorylated in the liver into glucose-6-fosfate, resulting in substrate for the formation of glucose (glyconeogenesis) (Baerchle Earle, 2008). The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends that 30% of the total caloric intake should come from lipids. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) suggests a lipid intake of 25-30% of the total caloric intake. 2.4 Micronutrients Vitamins and minerals play an important role in regulating energetic pathways, contracting and building muscles, functioning as antioxidants, and participating in the immunologic system (Economos, 2003). 2.4.1 Minerals Minerals represent 4% of total body weight. The two most important minerals in the diet of athletes are iron and calcium because the body concentrations of these are more likely to be affected by intense training periods. Also, they play significant roles in athletic performance (Singh et al., 2003). Calcium plays an important role in muscle contraction. It is stored in the sarcoplasmatic reticulum of muscles and released when muscles fibers are stimulated, forming actine-miosine bridges and causing the muscle to contract (Yoon, 2002). Besides, according to Phillips (2004), there is a correlation between a poor diet in calcium and the occurrence of stress fractures. Low calcium levels in the diet of female athletes are also related to the incidence of earlier osteoporosis than in the average women after menopause (Nutter, 2000). Athletes should have a daily intake of calcium equal to 1.2 grams (Achten et al., 2004). Besides calcium, iron is also significant in the diet of athletes. Since iron is found in the hemoglobin and myoglobin, lack of this mineral directly affects oxygen transport in the blood and to muscles (Beals, 2002). Iron deficits in the body can cause anemia, condition in which hemoglobin is reduced in the blood and red blood cells become small and pale (Berger Shenkin, 2006). Common symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia are: slow recover after physical activity, irritability, tiredness, depression, insomnia, and consequently a decrease in athletic performance (Beals, 2002). For female athletes the recommended dietary intake of iron is 18mg/day (Baerchle Earle, 2008). 2.4.2 Vitamins Vitamins A, D, E, and K are denominated lipossoluble and vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin (B12), pantotenic acid, and vitamin C are called hydrosoluble (Willmore Costill, 2001). Vitamins from the B complex function as co-factors and coenzymes in reactions related to the energetic metabolism, such as glycosis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and beta oxidation of fatty acids (Singh et al., 2003). Vitamin C is important for iron absorption and plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen, carnitine, epinephrine, and serotonin (Yoon, 2002). Vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene (precursor of vitamin A) function as antioxidant, protecting the organism against infections and preventing any harm that free radicals (toxic substances released during physical activity) may cause to tendons and ligaments (Nutter, 2000). Therefore, a proper intake of beta-carotene and vitamin C and E are important in the diet of athletes, since they will help in the elimination of free radicals. Lack of vitamin C may cause muscular weakness, decrease lipid breakdown, and increase occurrence of injuries (Applegate, 2001). Restrictions in energy and nutrient intake in the diet of gymnasts may cause lack of vitamins in the body (Mullinix, Jonnalagadda, Rosenbloom, Thompson, Kicklighter, 2003). 2.5 Caloric Intake Energetic expenditure is determined by the thermic effects of food (5-10%), basal metabolic rate (60-65%) and intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity (25-35%). The thermic effect of food is the energy required to process and store nutrients for use. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy spent by the body at rest to maintain in the vital organs functioning. A low body fat percentage and a high muscle mass increase BMR (Baerchle Earle, 2008). Female artistic gymnasts should have a caloric intake adequated to their energy expenditure in order to maximize proper performance, body composition, and health (Phillips, 2004). A low energy intake or an inadequate diet in terms of macro and micro nutrients may result in improper intake of important nutrients for the energetic metabolism and muscle tissue regeneration (Ziegler et al., 2001). Female artistic gymnasts usually practice for long periods (5 to 6 hours a day), which results in high energy expenditure, so they should have a caloric intake of 40-45 kilocalories/kilogram of body weight (Economos et al., 2003). Excessive concern with body image and weight control may affect caloric intake among female artistic gymnasts (Ziegler et al., 2001). Inadequate energetic consumption and eating disorders are frequently seen among athletes who participate in sports in which performance is associate to low body weight, such as ice skating and gymnastics (Ziegler et al, 2001; Yoon, 2002). Soares Ribeiro (2002) reported that 75% of gymnasts who have been told to be overweight from their coaches adopted strong measures in order to loose weight. Therefore, coaches play important roles in avoiding extreme weight control measures and consequently excessive low calorie diets among gymnasts. Also, female artistic gymnasts should consult with sports dietitian in order to minimize this type of problem (Hassapidou Manstrantoni, 2001). 2.6 Eating Behavior: Benson and Gillie (2001) evaluated the eating habits of 32 female artistic gymnasts (20 to 24 years old) from six different gymnastics schools in Canada based on their food intake of three distinct days in which they had normal practice schedules. The average caloric intake (1,838 calories (kcal)/day) was relatively low compared with the energetic recommendation for female artistic gymnasts. Besides, 40% of the athletes had diets that were low in calcium, folic acid, vitamin E, and pyridoxine and 53% showed a low iron intake. On average, the diet of athletes was constitued of 15% of proteins, 36% of lipids, and 49% of carbohydrates (p.83). Mullinix et al. (2003) analyzed the dietary intake of 13 members of two different collegiate womens artistic gymnastic teams (19 to 25 years old) based on the dietary intake of six days collected during 2 weeks. The average caloric intake was equal to 1,845kcal/day and athletes presented a lower caloric intake inferior to the recommendation, like the previous study. Fifty-five percent of athletes consumed less than 50% of the recommended intake for pyridoxine, folic acid, calcium, and iron (p.590). Yoon (2002) also studied the eating habits of ten collegiate athletes using the food intake and activity level of three days. It was estimated on average the daily energy expenditure was 2,855kcal/day. However, the caloric intake was, on average, only 1,357kcal/day, representing a deficit of 1,498 calories per day. More than 50% of the gymnasts had a low intake of calcium, iron, and vitamin A (p.1553) In a study conducted by Ziegler et al. (2001), twenty American gymnasts (22 years old on average) recorded their food intake during three days in which they had training. After analysis, it was possible to conclude that, on average, there was a lack of vitamins A, D, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. One fourth of the athletes were taking vitamin supplements. The average caloric intake was equal to 1,771kcal/day (56g of proteins, 75g of lipids, and 218g of carbohydrates) (p.106). In a study conducted by Soares and Ribeiro (2002), the food intake of 20 Brazilian gymasts was evaluated (18-20 years old). In order to analyze the eating behavior of athletes, the authors recorded their food intake for three days and asked participants to do a 24 hour food recall. The average caloric intake was equal to 1,521kcal/day. The carbohydrate content in their diet ranged from 50% to 58% and the protein intake from 15% to 19%. On average, there was a deficit of calcium (45% below the recommendation), magnesium, iron, and zinc (p.350). Hassapidou Manstrantoni (2001) compared chances in the diet of 25 Greek female artistic gymnastics between competitive and non-competitive stages of training. Authors reported that there was no variation in the diet among these two different periods. In both stages, there was a negative energy balance in the diet of 68% of athletes, which was below the recommended caloric intake for gymnasts. Protein intake and micronutrient intakes were, on average, within the recommendation for athletes. Adequate micronutrient intake was attributed to the high consumption of vegetables and fruits, which is a characteristic of the Mediterranean diet (p.395). 3. CONCLUSION In order to achieve a good performance, female artistic gymnasts should adopt a balanced and adequate diet. Athletes should have a varied diet that provides them with proper caloric and macro and micronutrients intake. Factors, such as pressure from coaches to keep a perfect body composition lead many gymnasts to adopt inappropriate weight control methods. In the last decade, eating behavior of gymnasts has caught the attention of many researchers in the field of sports nutrition and exercise science. Recent studies have indicated a constant anxiety related to weight control among many gymnasts, which frequently results in inappropriate eating habits and extremely low calorie diets compared to the recommendations. The studies presented showed that, on average, gymnasts follow low calorie diets, which are below the recommended caloric intake and do not provide athletes with the proper amounts of macronutrients. Besides, also according to the studies there appears to be a low mineral and vitamin intake in the athletes diet. As a result, performance is very likely to be compromised since appropriate nutrition is essential for optimal functioning of the body and health. The only exception was the study conducted by Hassapidou Manstrantoni (2001), in which Greek gymnasts had an adequate intake of micronutrients. This can be attributed to the fact that athletes were probably eating according to the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits and vegetables. In conclusion, the analysis of the studies showed that, on average, the eating behavior of female artistic gymnasts does not follow the nutritional recommendations and adequate intake of calories and macro and micro nutrients. For future studies, in order to improve their eating behavior and mindset about body image, the food intake of athletes should be evaluated after exposure to psychological counseling and nutritional reeducation for a reasonable period of time.