Personal Narrative- Soccer State Championship Essay -- Personal Narrat

Individual Narrative-Soccer State Championship On February 28, 2005, I encountered one of the most energizing occasions that anybody would ever encounter †winning a State Championship. The day my soccer group impacted the world forever is a day I’ll always remember. Anyway it isn't only that day we won the title, yet the entire experience of the previous season that got us there. Through and through, my team’s 2004-2005 season instructed me that the saying is valid. You can do anything you set your focus on. From before the very first moment, every one of our brains were set. This was the year to win a State Championship. I can’t precisely clarify it, however directly from the beginning I realized we would do it. I was never so secure with anything in my life and I never questioned it once. However it was a quiet certainty, which I minded my own business. Despite the fact that every one of us was sure about winning state, we had a lot to work through before we made it there. The initial hardly any long stretches of training were brimming with awful perspectives and apathy. As a sophomore, I, alongside the other underclassman, kept my mouth shut and put exertion into rehearses. It was t...

Environment on Darfur After the Conflict Essay Example for Free

Condition on Darfur After the Conflict Essay The world has encountered a ton of contentions for a serious long time since forever. All the time there is a contention, the harms caused is generally recorded as far as what number of setbacks have been accounted for, and the effect it has caused on the economy. It is anyway uncommon to hear individuals chatting on the impacts these contentions can have on the common habitat or which steps have been taken to shield the regular habitat from such clashes. The common habitat for quite a while has been a quiet survivor of the contentions that happens either locally or universally leaving the repercussions to be felt for a long while. Much of the time, the effect the war and different clashes have been having on the earth has been commonly exceptionally destroying. There are numerous contaminations that are discharged in the earth during the war which can wind up influencing the characteristic assets. Then again, there are other regular assets that are exhausted during the contention leaving the earth at a more regrettable position. A significant issue is that a large portion of the present clashes are seen in the creating nations which don't have the financial ability to manage the natural issues thus causing a significant difficulty. Africa has had very long instances of common wars some which began during the pioneer time frame and as yet occurring to now. These nations have been generally been battling about the outskirts which were drawn by the frontier powers for their on advantages. The majority of the wars occurring in Africa are as a reason for battling for common assets, for example, prolific cultivating area or water. Because of the long history of these common wars in Africa, it is hard to know precisely what these contentions have caused to the earth. In any case, taking a gander at the pace of the loss of biodiversity in the influenced areas, it very well may be anything but difficult to acknowledge how genuine the circumstance has left the harm to the earth. Darfur Conflict and the Impact It Has Caused on the Environment Southern Sudan has seen along common war that has caused numerous countries through the United Nations body and the African solidarity to attempt to handle harmony in the locale and carry things to the ordinary circumstance. The contention that is being seen in the district right presently is considered as a war between the diverse ethnic and ancestral lines (IRIN, para 2). The sides that are for the most part clashing are the government’s military and the Janjaweed gathering. There are other radical gatherings that have additionally exacerbated things. The significant reason for the war in Sudan has been ascribed to battling for water between the Baggara travelers who moved toward the south, an area for the most part involved by the cultivating networks to look for water. This contention has prompted numerous losses being accounted for all through. Regardless of setting up a legislature of national solidarity, and expanding the nearness of the African Union Peace guardians, the circumstance has not improved at all (Borger, para 2). There have been numerous reasons given as a source to the Darfur strife, however the significant reasons have been refered to be the expanding populace which the present characteristic assets can not hold, consequently making these individuals to battle for the rare assets. Then again, there have been claims that the contention is because of the Arab dominants aim to clear out the dark Africans. This has even made the United States to allude to this as a type of massacre in the zone. Whichever the reason for the war, it has caused such a significant number of untold harms. The attention on this contention has consistently been the quantity of individuals who have kicked the bucket in the locale, or the quantity of those dislodged. It is significant that people’s life and government assistance is put first. This is the thing that has been the significant worry of numerous bodies, associations and different countries. Be that as it may, in the same way as other different clashes, little concern has put on what impact this contention is causing to nature (AP, para 6). As prior contended, the war in Sudan was activated by the ecological issues which prompted the networks to battle about rare assets. It is anyway a stressing pattern that the proceeded with strife is further jeopardizing the condition that should bolster the entire populace. Nature has been aggravated by this contention and made the land to get dreadful. This implies the pressure between the clashing networks gets the chance to be increasingly exceptional when it happens that the regular assets won't bolster every one of them true to form (Beyrer, Pizer pp 67). Natural corruption in Darfur has been on the ascent because of the proceeded with struggle. It implies that the contention that began because of the natural issues is being heightened by crushing the earth further. The issues in Sudan over the earth show how complex the natural issues can be in the making break harmony. This locale has seen the diminished instances of customary strategies for natural administration frameworks, and in certain spots being ignored totally. The contention over assets in Darfur was at a neighborhood level however extended to national level where political and monetary minimization was increased. Ethnic contrasts have added to exacerbating the issues to the circumstance. In this way, notwithstanding having the political and financial variables prompting the issues in Darfur, the significant issue encompasses common assets (de Montesquiou, para 8). The Sudanese Arabs moved toward the south to search for field for their creatures because of the drawn out dry spell that was knowledgeable about their locales. This prompted them clashing with the dark ranchers whose land the Arabs were brushing on. The brushing of the animals on the cultivating land exacerbated the circumstance as there was expanded soil disintegration which made land to be poor for cultivating. At the point when the dark ranchers understood that the Khartoum government was apathetic in unraveling the issue, they defied them. By revolting, the individuals began to battle devastating numerous artificial and characteristic assets that were in transit (Borger, para 7). At the point when the wanderers possessed the cultivating territories, they began to chop down the trees. To the ranchers, the cut trees were significant as they gave shade to their yields and holding together the dirt to evade disintegration. Because of the irreconcilable situation, these significant normal assets were obliterated as they were trapped in the middle of the battling. Without any trees spread, the issue of absence of precipitation turns out to be even uplifted, which is a major difficulty to both the ranchers and the travelers since they can't have the option to get downpour that is significant for the harvests and animals individually. Because of the uncovered land brought about by the cutting of the trees, it has gotten more diligently for the ranchers at the displaced person camps to return to their homes as they can not complete any significant exercises to such exposed terrains. With this sort of the circumstance, it gets hard to control human enduring moving forward without any more damage to the earth (HPN, para 3) Numerous individuals have been slaughtered in the contention while a huge number of others have been living in the camps in the wake of being left destitute. At the camps, the outcasts should be given their fundamental needs. Water is a significant ware that no people can manage without. Indeed as contended all through, the contention has been encompassing battling for water assets. Accordingly, while at the camps, the displaced people must be furnished with water. This has prompted the compassionate associations to burrow boreholes to enable the outcasts to get water. Taking into account that the land in Darfur is to a great extent overwhelmed by hard shakes, it implies that the downpours that fall in the short season for the most part wash away, consequently, the boreholes relies upon the underground holds. Considering the rate at which the stores are being utilized, it is hard to envision the results that anticipate the Darfur individuals when the stores will at long last be drained. The circumstance may prompt the displaced people being moved to another district that can bolster them. There are as of now a few territories that have detailed the evaporating of the boreholes. Aside from water, the exiles likewise need different assets for their day by day work. There have been numerous trees that have been cut by the displaced people close to the camps to give them kindling. The trees are additionally sliced and used to build and strengthen the temporary places of the displaced people. This infers trees are being utilized at a higher rate than they are being supplanted. There are a few outcasts who are engaged with some financial exercises. The basic monetary action that the displaced people are associated with is making mud blocks. The displaced people are associated with this action for the most part since it doesn't require gifted work, and the materials are promptly accessible. A great deal of water is typically utilized really taking shape of the blocks. A great deal of water is utilized thinking about the dryness on a large portion of the camp soils. Besides, since the displaced people need to rake in tons of cash, they attempt to make whatever number blocks as could reasonably be expected. The more work they do, the numerous materials are required. The zones that the dirt for making the blocks is burrowed for the most part leaves numerous openings demonstrating the rate at which the dirt is being exhausted. The development of a layer of soil takes numerous years, nonetheless, the displaced people exhausts numerous layers in a brief timeframe. It is extremely terrible to see that the ripe soils that can be utilized for rural creation is really utilized for the creation blocks. These dirts can not be renewed in the short run as it is being exhausted. In the zones that the exiles expel the dirts to make the blocks, they leave the tree attaches presented which adds to the shriveling of the trees (Homer-Dixon, pp 19). In this way, this despite everything includes the misfortunes the asylums as of now have. Besides, since to make the blocks requires a great deal of water, it implies that the displaced people need to contend on the most proficient method to utilize the water for the local work and the creation of the blocks. At long last,

7 Great Articles That Became Books

7 Great Articles That Became Books This is a guest post from Dan Toller. Dan runs The Electric Typewriter, a collection of the best articles and essays from around the internet. Follow him on Twitter @electric_type. _________________________ A horse that still can still inspire awe, centuries after its death (1). A wizard who uses numbers to battle the evils of superstition and defeat those held back by wilful blindness (2). A young who man heads off into the wilderness in search adventure, never to return (3). These are the stories that grab our imagination and won’t let go, the ones that are passed from one generation to the next, subtly shifting as they spread, becoming embellished and mutating with each retelling, until they become myths, leaping from mouth, to ear, to pen, to press, to the dazzling silver screen. And then there are the stories that hold the wisdom of centuries past, apocalyptic tales of empires destroyed by accidents of history (4), or parables that reveal the troubled heart of our relationship with the very soil that sustains us (5). Tales that show how the follies of generations past continue to haunt our present and will be repeated in the future; how we are destined to make the same mistakes as our parents before us, and the children who follow us (6). And then there are the stories we really can’t live without, the ones that remind us of our cruelty and our blindness to other people’s suffering (7). But surely those great stories belong to the distant past, a time of legends when great orators took the stage to speak of long-dead heroes, and we spent long winter nights telling tales of bygone days in hushed voices as we huddled round open fires? Or are those great narrators still among us, holding up a mirror to our world and captivating us with true stories more fabulous than any fiction? When The Electric Typewriter (8) isn’t busy putting together needlessly opaque reading lists, it spends its time collecting the best articles and essays from around the internet (9) for your reading pleasure. 1) Four Good Legs between Us by Laura Hillenbrand   2) The Trading Desk by Michael Lewis   3) Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer 4) Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond   5) 1491 by Charles C. Mann   6) How Not to Talk to Your Kids by Po Bronson   7) Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich   8) The Electric Typewriter 9) 150 Great Articles and Essays (with links to over 750 more!)   _________________________ Sign up for our newsletter to have the best of Book Riot delivered straight to your inbox every two weeks. No spam. We promise. To keep up with Book Riot on a daily basis, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook. So much bookish goodnessall day, every day.

Scientific Management and its Application at Microsoft - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 7 Words: 2162 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Management Essay Type Case study Did you like this example? Introduction The concept of scientific management, developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor, revolutionised many workplaces, increasing efficiency and control for employers while concurrently lowering costs (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011; Grachev and Rakitsky, 2013; Taylor, 2012). Taylors book The Principles of Scientific Management, has been identified as the most influential management book of the twentieth century (Bedeian and Wren, 2001). However, despite the benefits for employers, and popularity of the idea, implementation was often associated with poor outcomes for employees, including lowering job satisfaction, increased attrition, and low levels of motivation (Parker, 2014; Pettinger, 2010). Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Scientific Management and its Application at Microsoft" essay for you Create order However, despite the perceived negative effects, scientific management remains popular (The Economist, 2015; Parker, 2014; Vidal, 2013). This paper examines and evaluates the concept, and then applies it to a modern organisation; Microsoft. The Concept of Scientific Management The development of scientific management was based on previous ideas regarding workplace efficiency which emerged during the Industrial Revolution (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011). Prior to the Industrial Revolution, labour division was based on skills and knowledge, with craftsmen having a significant level of discretion regarding how a task was performed or job completed (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011). The Industrial Revolution changed workplace practices, with the division of labour, where individual employees are given responsibility for a predetermined portion of any task (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011). The economist Adam Smith credited this division of labour as creating the UKs wealth, developing the concept of economic man, believing workers primary motivation was money (Smith, 1904). Charles Babbage referred to this as The Great Principle of Economical Reproduction (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011; Smith, 1904). However, while this division of labour created efficiencies, Taylo r believed further efficiencies remained, and while workers still retaining performance discretion they could use it to their advantage (Grachev and Rakitsky, 2013; Taylor, 2012). Taylors approach improved efficiency was based on the standardisation of job design, breaking jobs down into component tasks, with performance requirements based on scientific studies identifying the most efficient workplace practices (Taylor, 2012). This approach increases the level of management control, reducing reliance on worker skills and discretion. By breaking jobs down into their smallest components, employers could hire and train cheaper, unskilled workers, replacing them as necessary (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011; Pettinger, 2010). Child (1972), referred to this process of job design as the 3 Ss, specialisation, standardisation, and simplification. The focus of job design was based on the task assessment, examining the best way any individual task could be performed (Grachev and Rakitsky, 2013; Taylor, 2012). This was seen at the Bethlehem Steel Works, where a study of the workers shovelling pig iron resulted in a job redesign reducing the number of workers required from 500, to 140, without productivity loss (Taylor, 2012). The workers that remained benefited from higher wages based on performance-related pay; wage increases of approximately 60% followed the implementation (Taylor, 2012). However, this did not mean his methods were welcomed by workers, in addition to creating redundancies, there was resistance to the change, also evidenced earlier at Midvale Steelworks (Grachev and Rakitsky, 2013). When Taylor first introduced scientific management approaches at Midvale, initially workers purposefully broke machines to resist work standardisation (Grachev and Rakitsky, 2013). Taylor overcame resistance by fining workers for broken machines, using an application Smiths economic man, which appeared to work, as resistance decreased as workers complied to avoid the fine s (Grachev and Rakitsky, 2013). Effectively, Taylor was treating workers as components of a production process, dehumanising them, considering only their labour input and labour output. The resistance seen at Midvale steelworks was not isolated. A significant factor in the uptake of scientific management was the implementation at Ford, resulting in productivity increasing exponentially (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011; Taylor, 2012). However, worker dissatisfaction also increased and attrition levels reached 400% (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011). Again, using the concept of economic man, Taylor overcame this problem by introducing a $5 day, paying workers $5 for each day worked (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011).The $5 day was successful, and workers remained, adopt an instrumental approach (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011). It may be hypothesised, that if the implementation at Ford had been less successful, the idea may not have gained such wide scale support. The concept of scientific m anagement has continued in the modern workplace, not only in traditional manufacturing sectors, but many new sectors, e.g. call centres and fast food outlets (The Economist, 2015; Buchanan Huczynski, 2011). If implemented, in line with the above findings and previous experience, it may be expected workers in these jobs would be dissatisfied, due to the dehumanisation processes demonstrated as present in scientific management techniques, such as Midvale and Ford. However, frequently dissatisfaction does not manifest. In research undertaken at the Vauxhall car manufacturing facility in Luton, Goldthorpe et al., (1980) found work conditions, based on scientific methods, were poor, with little opportunity for discretion, and a high level of disempowerment. However, with higher than average pay, the researchers found that workers remained motivated, adopting an instrumental approach, gaining satisfaction from utility provided by wages (Goldthorpe et al., 1980). It may also be argued, that although implemented in a fashion which appears dictatorial and dehumanised, that Taylor may not have intended this approach. When describing the concept of scientific management, Taylor argued that although governed by rules developed through experimental processes, there should not be an old-fashioned dictator (Taylor, 2012). Furthermore, he also believed workers and management should operate in hearty cooperation (Taylor, 2012). When examining modern implementations, additional knowledge and subsequent motivation research, facilitate implementation processes more aligned with Taylors idealistic cooperative concept, rather than rigid implementations. For example, under the human relations school of thought based on research of theorists such as Mayo, Maslow, and Herzberg, it was found social influences and desires impacted on motivation (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011; Herzberg, 1968; Maslow, 2014). Strategies satisfying these needs/desires, include work variety to induce i nterest, empowerment demonstrating trust, and other enrichment strategies (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2011). If social satisfaction strategies can be used to improve working conditions and worker motivation where scientific methods are utilised (The Economist, 2015). With a high level of potential value in terms of creating internal efficiency, as well as providing for consistent practices and standards, it is unsurprising that the practice still continues. However, in organisations that need to both operate on a massive scale, as well as support practices associated with innovation and change, not generally associated with scientific management, the question is whether or not this management concept is still relevant. Scientific Management and Microsoft Microsoft, founded in 1975, is a U.S.-based multinational technology organisation based in Washington. The basic operations include the development, manufacturing, licensing, and support of computer software, electronics, and the provision of computer services (Microsoft, 2015). The company, which is the worlds largest software organisation, offers a range of products and services to both the consumer and businesses, with the most well-known products and services including the Windows operating system and associated software, such as the Microsoft Office Suite, with additional interests technology and Internet-related businesses, including the acquisitions of Skype and Nokia, a presence in the game industry with the development of the Xbox (Microsoft, 2015). An initial consideration of the scope and range of products, and the pace at which they change, indicates the need for adaptability and innovation (Dodgson et al., 2008). Innovation may not inherently be associated with scienti fic management, the process requires those involved to undertake original thought, and non-standardised approaches towards identifying developing new ideas (Dodgson et al., 2008; Kontoghiorghes et al., 2005; Ziesak, 2009). In this context, applying the scientific management processes, as defined by Child (1980), would be a constraint on the potential development of new ideas, which would potentially hinder Microsoft as many of their competitive strategies are based on differentiation through first mover advantage (Nicholson, 2014). Therefore, in some areas it would appear that it is unlikely scientific management is taking place, especially in areas where there is a need for original thought innovation. However, it may be noted that in areas such as research and development, where innovation is important, there is the concept of specialisation, as the development teams conceive and undertake initial development only, with later development and manufacture undertaken elsewhere (Micro soft, 2015). However, while there is a need for the organisation to adapt to change, the organisation is also required to provide a high level of standardised products and services, where workers operate in the same manner, to provide the same output, a process which is highly associated with scientific management. Therefore, in some areas of the organisation scientific management will be applicable. For example, the company operates a number of call centres, and while a number are outsourced, there are also some provided in-house in the United States (Thibodeau, 2010). The processes utilised within call centres are invariably based on scientific management, where the components of dealing with customer issues are broken down into component parts, with various employees focusing on different issues, and providing advice only on specific areas, based primarily on scripts rather than their own knowledge, with comprehensive scripts developed by the company (Thibodeau, 2010). Unsurpr isingly, the approach adopted, with the provision of scripts to guide the customer support process, is based on the companys own customer care framework, a software solution designed for medium to large enterprises, facilitating dynamic scripting based on customer responses (Microsoft, 2015). Therefore, within these type of operations it is clear that scientific management processes may be used, although, based on the reviews of Microsoft as an employer on the job review site Glass Door, it also appears that the organisation adopts the concept with in a modern interpretation, with different elements of empowerment and support motivation, as job satisfaction does not appear to be low (Glass Door, 2015). The conditions in the outsourced sector also display the characteristics associated with scientific management, but with the lower labour costs, higher cost savings, and higher levels of attrition with in outsourced suppliers (Thibodeau, 2010), the implementation of scientific managem ent techniques are more likely to be based on the traditional rigid approach, rather than implementing the empowerment strategies, and embracing the concept of hearty cooperation. Similar arguments may be made for the presence of scientific management in many of the manufacturing processes, although notably these are outsourced to third-party offshore suppliers (Microsoft, 2014). Conclusion There is little doubt that scientific management is thrives in 21st-century, adopted by many organisations. The method of management may not be found across all areas of large organisations, it does appear to be a concept which is applicable Microsoft, particularly in the areas where there needs to be standardisation of products and/or services, such as the call centres. However, internally within the organisation, not at the outsourced suppliers, it is not the original rigid approach towards scientific management is implemented, but a softened with the provision of enrichment strategies. This is a version of scientific management in which employees are not seen as only motivated by economic interest, but also by social interest, effectively embracing the ideas of Mayo, Herzberg, and Maslow, as well as the ideas of Taylor. Therefore, scientific management may be seen as applicable at Microsoft, manifesting in different ways across different divisions. References Bedeian, A.G. and Wren, D.A. (2001), Most influential management books of the 20th Century, Organizational Dynamics, Vol. 29 No. 3, pp. 221-225. Buchanan, D. and Huczynski, A. (2011), Organisational Behaviour, FT/Prentice Hall, Harlow. Child, J. (1972), Organizational Structure, Environment and Performance: The Role of Strategic Choice, Sociology, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 1-22. Dodgson, M., Gann, D. and Salter, A. (2008), The Management of Technological Innovation: Strategy and Practice, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Glass Door, (2015), Microsoft, retrieved 13 October 2015 from https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Overview/Working-at-Microsoft-EI_IE1651.11,20.htm Goldthorpe, J.H., Llewellyn, C. and Payne, C. (1980), Social Mobility and Class Structure in Modern Britain, Clarendon Press, London. Grachev, M. and Rakitsky, B. (2013), Historic horizons of Frederick Taylors scientific management, Journal of Management History, Vol. 19 No. 4, pp. 512-527. Herzberg, F. (1968), One more time: how do you motivate employees?, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 46 No. 1, pp. 53-62. Kontoghiorghes, C., Awbrey, S.M. and Feurig, P.L. (2005), Examining the Relationship Between Learning Organization Characteristics and Change Adaptation, Innovation, and Organizational Performance, Human Resource Development Quarterly, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 185-211. Maslow, A. (2014), Toward A Psychology of Being, Sublime Books, London. Microsoft, (2015), retrieved 13 October 2015 from www.Microsoft.com Microsoft, (2014), annual report, retrieved 13 October 2015 from https://www.microsoft.com/investor/reports/ar14/index.html Nicholson, M. (2014), When Computing Got Personal: A history of the desktop computer, Matt Publishing, Chelmsford. Parker, S.K. (2014), Beyond motivation: job and work design for development, health, ambidexterity, and more, Annual Review of Psychology, Vol. 65 No. August, pp. 661-691. Pettinger, R. (2010), Organizational Behaviour, Routledge, Abingdo n. Smith, A. (1904), An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, Library of Economics and Liberty, available at: https://www.econlib.org/library/Smith/smWN.html Taylor, F.W. (2012), The Principles of Scientific Management, Dover Publications, Mineola, NY. The Economist, (2015), Digital Taylorism, The Economist, retrieved 13 October 2015 from https://www.economist.com/news/business/21664190-modern-version-scientific-management-threatens-dehumanise-workplace-digital Thibodeau, P, (2010), Microsoft Signed Outsourcing Packed with Indian Giant Infosys, Computerworld, retrieved 30 October 2015 from https://www.computerworld.com/article/2517205/it-outsourcing/microsoft-signs-outsourcing-pact-with-indian-giant-infosys.html Vidal, M. (2013), Low-autonomy work and bad jobs in postfordist capitalism, Human Relations, Vol. 66 No. 4, pp. 587-612. Ziesak, J. (2009), Wii Innovate How Nintendo Created a New Market Through the Strategic Innovation Wii, GRIN Ver lag, Munich.

B. Du Bois Essay - 1447 Words

W.E.B. Du Bois was a major force in twentieth-century society, whose aim in life was to help define African-American social and political causes in the United States. History writes that W.E.B. Du Bois was a sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and Pan-Africanist. However, white people who feared him labeled him a trouble maker and some black people saw him as an outcast. No matter what Du Bois’s critics thought about him, Du Bois was the voice of African-American fight for equality. As a prolific writer and speaker he was regarded by many as a prophet. Historical record researched and documented revealed, Du Bois is mostly â€Å"known for his conflict with Booker T. Washington over the role of blacks in American society. In an essay on Booker T. Washington, Du Bois praised Washington for preaching Thrift, Patience, and Industrial trainee emasculation effects of caste distinctions, opposes to the higher training of young African-American minds†. My essay will focus on one of Du Bois’s most famous works â€Å"The Souls of Black Folk† written in (1903). Because the short story is so detailed I am going to focus on two of his most controversial concepts (veils and double-consciousness). The concepts that Du Bois used to describe the quintessential African-American experience and how white-American views defined them in the 20th century. I will use scenarios to explain how these concepts affected the identity of African-Americans. W.E.B. Du Bois â€Å"The Souls of BlackShow MoreRelatedB. Du Bois928 Words   |  4 Pagesthe greatest leaders in African American history was born. William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, better known as W.E.B. Du Bois is one of the greatest scholar, writer, editor, and civil rights activist. Many civil rights leaders and other important black leaders and role models see W.E.B Du Bois as the father of the Civil Rights Movement. W.E.B Du Bois paved the way for many African Americans in the country . 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Du Bois929 Words   |  4 Pagesphilosophies or contributions to society are fully realized. This is true of John Dewey, Paulo Freire, and W.E.B. Du Bois. They were beacons in the dark lighting the way for society. Each progressive during their generation. This first analysis paper will look at the lives, beliefs, ethics, perceptions of justice, and ideas on current educational practice of Dewey, Freire, and Du Bois. Individuals are effected by the lives they live. According to David Hansen in the book titled, Ethical Visions

Observing Argumentation Free Essays

Argumentation In the 21st century, people are very set in the stereotypical thoughts that society implants in their heads. Many people don’t like to step out of their comfort zone when it comes to values and stereotypes. In both stories, I personally think the theme is that everyone should step out of the thoughts that they are used to and be more open-minded about the world. We will write a custom essay sample on Observing Argumentation or any similar topic only for you Order Now In Fatima Merrill’s article â€Å"Digital Scheherazade; The Rise of Women as Key Players In the Arab Gulf Communication Strategies† she Is ring divert the attention of Spanish reporters away from the stereotypical mindset that the Arab world just consists of terrorism and women in veils. Merriness is trying to get the reporters to focus on the positives of the Arab world and give women the credit that they deserve. In Richard Rodriguez story â€Å"Family Values† the author is trying to emphasize what â€Å"family values† really means and the open-mindedness of having a gay family member. Within different cultures there are deferent standards, expectations and reactions, but In the end It Is all about acceptance and looking beyond the customs you are used to. Fatima Merriness uses facts and statistics to tell her story about how the digital revolution, called alfalfa racial, has been a big influence in the Arab states. Merriness tries to inform the reader on how ignorant the outside world is towards the reality of the Arab community. Some citizens look at the revolution as something to be worried about when their kids are sitting at home, watching videos that they don’t mind appropriate. All they want to do is find a way to ban it, when there are actually many upsides. Merriness uses real life examples, such as Maim Al-Kalmia, to emphasize how women are taking advantage of the advance in technology. She relates the story to her personal experience in Spain and how they didn’t have a TV that featured the usual channels she would watch at home. Merriness shows how the Spanish reporters are Ignorant to the reality of the Arab world because of stereotypes, but also because of lack of knowledge. In Richard Rodriguez story â€Å"Family values† he focuses on the meaning of â€Å"family values† and how it is different in every culture. He uses stories to be able to explain himself and get his point across. American culture is defined as being very independent in the way children are raised, Asian culture is described as the â€Å"whiz kids† and Hispanic culture is described as the people of family. There are stereotypes for every culture and that Is why Rodriguez explains that there Is not one set deflation for â€Å"family values†. When speaking of the gay culture, Rodriguez opens up bout his personal experiences and how gays are rejected in this world. He tries to explain the inner workings of each cultures â€Å"family values†, but ends with the statement that â€Å"family values† are acceptance. People need to step out of the stereotypes in the world and accept the change that is occurring around them. While both authors try to represent open-mindedness and acceptance throughout their stories, I believe that Merriness did a better Job getting her point across. Hill in Merriment’s story she uses her personal experience, statistics and facts to inform the reader of her argument. It was easier to understand what she was trying to convey with her piece. In my opinion it was more of a straight forward piece that doesn’t leave the reader thinking â€Å"what is she trying to say? â€Å". She started with the reporter’s stereotypical mindset of the Arab world, went on to describe the evolution of Arab women and ended with how the outside world needs to focus on the advancement in technology. Her argument is clear from beginning to end and there is never any confusion. How to cite Observing Argumentation, Papers

Understanding Oil and Gas Petroleum Products

Question: Describe about the Understanding Oil and Gas forSupply Chain of Petroleum Products. Answer: Introduction The oil and gas industry of the UK benefits the lives of citizen in various ways. The products are catered to the modern society, energy supply to power industry and transport fuel (Ruqaishi and Bashir 2013). By the help of extensive usage of supply chain, this sector employs numerous people to contribute in the UK economy relating to tax revenues, exports and technology. In this report, a description of the history and structure of the oil and gas industry will be presented. The difference between the supply chain of petroleum products and natural gas will be discussed along with a comparison to contrast the characteristics of National Oil Companies, International Oil Companies and Government-Sponsored Enterprises. Finally, a brief reflection will be provided in relation to self-career aspirations in the oil and gas industry. Oil and Gas Industry History In the year 1908, Newton Abbot discovered oil in the Persian Gulf and from there by the influence of Britain the oil and gas industry has transformed itself largely (Arapostathis et al. 2013). In the 17th Century, the owner of Kimmeridge oil shade started utilizing oil as fuel for boiling seawater and glass making (Pollitt and Haney 2013). After that, in the year 1848, Bituminous Shale Company started exploring and exporting oil, which helped in feeding 130 gas lamps in the UK street (Kern, Kuzemko and Mitchell 2014). From then, the importance of oil and gas industry started to grow over 3 million oil shale tons, which was further contributed in constructing the Heathfield Railway Station. In this way, the United Kingdom Oil and Gas (UKOG) Industry accelerated to serve for 250 operating wells in 120 onshore oil and gas sites. From late back, the UKOG industry produces 1.4 oil equivalent barrels of which 59% is oil or liquids (Ghandi and Lin 2014). Structure The Oil and Gas industry structure is composed of the following: Serial Number Structure Composition 1 Power generation Rivalry between power plants; regulation and deregulation. Access to distribution network and transmission as a necessity. 2 Transmission Networks 220 Kv and 400 Kv trunk network. Regulation requirements. Network Monopoly. Profitability determination. 3 Distribution 110 kv- owned by distributors. Regulation can be restructured if sales competition increases. 4 Trade Total competition allowed. Regulation necessity with each segment is interlinked. Table 1: Distributive Structure of Oil and Gas Industry in UK (Source: Tordo et al. 2013) The Oil and Gas structure for business is composed of electricity and natural gas, which can be simplified with the following diagram. Figure 1: Oil and Gas Industry Structure (Source: Shuen, Feiler and Teece 2014) From the above structure, it is evident that the UKOG industry supports the two most important sectors, which are electricity and natural gas. Natural gas is both stored and traded in other nations so that sustained economy is persistent in the UK. Supply Chain Petroleum products The supply chain of petroleum products consists of purchasing crude, crude storage and refining. Crude is purchased from top suppliers such as the UK Universal Group, Prax petroleum and Exxonmobil (Yusuf et al. 2014). After that, separate stakeholders ensure storage of the products. Distribution planning is the final stage after the manufacturing process of petroleum, which is distributed through the transport department to the respective countries. (Demski, Poortinga and Pidgeon 2014). The petroleum supply chain is consisted of four factors, which are: Exploration Geological, geophysical and seismic operation Production Engineering process through drilling, reservoir, production and facilities Refining Complex operation resulting to output for marketing Marketing Retail sale consisted of engine oil, gasoline and other refined products Table 2: Supply Chain Factors (Source: Yusuf et al. 2013) Figure 2: Supply Chain of Petroleum Products (Source: Yusuf et al. 2013) Natural Gas The natural gas supply chain consists of three stages, which are production and processing, transmission and storage and distribution. Serial Number Stages Underline processes 1 Production and processing 1. Well and drilling Completion. 2. Gathering lines. 3. Producing wells. 4. Gathering stations. 5. Gas processing plant. 2 Transmission and storage 6. Transmission Compressor Stations. 7. Pipeline Transmission. 8. Storage (Underground). 3 Distribution 9. Distribution Mains. 10. Regulators and meters. Table 3: Supply Chain Process of Natural Gas (Source: Yusuf et al. 2014) From the above table, it is understood that processing, transmission and distribution are the three stages, which are quite different from the petroleum products supply chain. Crude oil is purchased, stored and then refined in the petroleum industry, whereas in natural gas industry, oil is liquefied and then transmitted through the pipeline (Yusuf et al. 2014). There is no refining process in natural gas but only liquefying process, which is quite different from the petroleum industry. The supply chain process of natural gas is produced in Appendix 1, where it can be found that gas is produced from wells and are then processed in gas plants. On the contrary, in petroleum industry, crude is purchased and finally refined and only after that, it is transferred through road or tanker transportation (Logan et al. 2013). Natural gas is processed through liquefaction and then is transferred for marketing. Characteristics National Oil Companies (NOC) NOCs are the strong energy sector, which act as the net hydrocarbon exporter. High differences prevail in NOCs regarding their performance to achieve commercial and non-commercial objectives. NOCs are rapidly becoming commercial in nature. NOCs are operating to compete against each other to set a competitive benchmark. Such companies are trying to position operators and partners. Highly competitive in global business. They act as the partner of IOCs. Has to face a lot of issues related to environmental protections and transparency. Certainly impact on the operations of International Oil Companies (Fidler and Noble 2012). International Oil Companies (IOC) IOCs are pressurized by broad social and economic participations from the developing countries. Act as the part of upstream oil and gas companies. Consist of full cycle of operation including exploration, production, transport and storage and finally marketing and sales. Vertical Integration is the vital characteristic of IOC. Operation requires huge investment for new market entry, including gas-to-liquid and liquefied natural gas (LNG). IOCs are confronted by the turning down of their reserves substitution ratios from their accessible oil fields. Operations are highly risky and sensitive and therefore, investments are unstable. Production costs rise with the rise in risk. IOCs usually invest more in the RD category so that in-house investments are boosted (Cruz and Krausmann 2013). Government-Sponsored Enterprises Such companies are not highly competitive. Companies are mainly financial service corporation. Main function is to enhance credit flow to targeted economy sectors. Such companies reduce the risk of capital losses. These companies are quite different from oil companies and the operation is related to only the government bodies (Tang, Snowden and Hook 2013). Thus, from the discussion, it is sure that all the three sectors are quite different from each other in terms of operation and services. NOCs are competing with each other, whereas IOCs are facing challenges while operating in different countries (Dholakia et al. 2015). NOCs are facing competitive challenge and IOCs are facing financial challenges and investment risks. On the other hand, Government-Sponsored Enterprises are completely different in terms of operation and services, as they are linked with financial services (Merrill and Schizer 2013). Furthermore, it can be said that Government-Sponsored Agencies are providing financial services to the oil companies so that investment related considerations are made. Reflection Oil and gas companies are rapidly increasing their operation in the UK and in other international developing countries such as India (Bergh et al. 2014). Therefore, I find a huge prospect in establishing my career in the oil and gas industry. With the advancement of technology, natural gas has become the perfect energy resource in industry related to power generation. The Oil and Gas sector is wide range and highly sophisticated in numerous countries in the world (Mitchell and Mitchell 2014). Therefore, for me it will be the opportunity to experience wide range of domains and trainings from experts, which will be accompanied by pastures and better jobs along with wide range of workers. Finally, to be specific, for my career growth, I found that the following points would be highly promising: Ongoing education and training in the most advanced sector. Rapid opportunity to enhance my skill with the organization. A well trained management team for career growth of employees. Great opportunity to get mentored and monitored by industrial experts. Safety, health and insurance plans. Specialization and education support. Employee assistance programs which are multifaceted. Onsite fitness facilities. Conclusion While concluding, it can be said that the Oil and Gas industry is largely contributing in energy resource for a developed country like the United Kingdom. From its structure, it has been identified that power generation, transmission networks and distribution are the core operations. On the other hand, from the types of supply chain it is evident that refining and liquefaction are the distinguishing factors between petroleum industry and natural gas industry. While comparing and contrasting the characteristics of NOCs and IOCs, it has been found that one sector is trying to create competitive essence through benchmarking and the other sector is associated with risk determination in terms of investment. Finally, with the rapid expansion of Oil and Gas Industry, it is evident that the sector provides high career growth opportunities for candidates. Reference List Arapostathis, S., Carlsson-Hyslop, A., Pearson, P.J., Thornton, J., Gradillas, M., Laczay, S. and Wallis, S., 2013. Governing transitions: Cases and insights from two periods in the history of the UK gas industry.Energy Policy,52, pp.25-44. Bergh, L.I.V., Hinna, S., Leka, S. and Jain, A., 2014. Developing a performance indicator for psychosocial risk in the oil and gas industry.Safety science,62, pp.98-106. Cruz, A.M. and Krausmann, E., 2013. Vulnerability of the oil and gas sector to climate change and extreme weather events.Climatic change,121(1), pp.41-53. Demski, C., Poortinga, W. and Pidgeon, N., 2014. Exploring public perceptions of energy security risks in the UK.Energy Policy,66, pp.369-378. Dholakia, U.M., Mittal, V., Han, K. and Dayal, A., 2015. Results from the Oil Gas Services Sector: The 2015 Strategy and Corporate Performance in the Energy Industry (SCOPE) Study. SSRN, 43, pp.16-31. Fidler, C. and Noble, B., 2012. Advancing strategic environmental assessment in the offshore oil and gas sector: Lessons from Norway, Canada, and the United Kingdom.Environmental Impact Assessment Review,34, pp.12-21. Ghandi, A. and Lin, C.Y.C., 2014. Oil and gas service contracts around the world: a review.Energy Strategy Reviews,3, pp.63-71. Kern, F., Kuzemko, C. and Mitchell, C., 2014. Measuring and explaining policy paradigm change: the case of UK energy policy.Policy politics,42(4), pp.513-530. Logan, J., Lopez, A., Mai, T., Davidson, C., Bazilian, M. and Arent, D., 2013. Natural gas scenarios in the UK power sector.Energy Economics,40, pp.183-195. Merrill, T.W. and Schizer, D.M., 2013. The shale oil and gas revolution, hydraulic fracturing, and water contamination: a regulatory strategy.Columbia Law and Economics Working Paper, (440). Mitchell, J.V. and Mitchell, B., 2014. Structural crisis in the oil and gas industry.Energy Policy,64, pp.36-42. Pollitt, M.G. and Haney, A.B., 2013. Dismantling a competitive electricity sector: The UKs electricity market reform.The Electricity Journal,26(10), pp.8-15. Ruqaishi, M. and Bashir, H.A., 2013. Causes of delay in construction projects in the oil and gas industry in the gulf cooperation council countries: a case study.Journal of Management in Engineering,31(3), p.05014017. Shuen, A., Feiler, P.F. and Teece, D.J., 2014. Dynamic capabilities in the upstream oil and gas sector: Managing next generation competition.Energy Strategy Reviews,3, pp.5-13. Tang, X., Snowden, S. and Hk, M., 2013. Analysis of energy embodied in the international trade of UK.Energy Policy,57, pp.418-428. Tordo, S., Warner, M., Manzano, O. and Anouti, Y., 2013.Local content policies in the oil and gas sector. World Bank Publications. Yusuf, Y.Y., Gunasekaran, A., Musa, A., Dauda, M., El-Berishy, N.M. and Cang, S., 2014. A relational study of supply chain agility, competitiveness and business performance in the oil and gas industry.International Journal of Production Economics,147, pp.531-543. Yusuf, Y.Y., Gunasekaran, A., Musa, A., El-Berishy, N.M., Abubakar, T. and Ambursa, H.M., 2013. The UK oil and gas supply chains: An empirical analysis of adoption of sustainable measures and performance outcomes. International Journal of Production Economics,146(2), pp.501-514.

Basics of Astronomy essays

Basics of Astronomy essays #1) (A) Issac Newtons Law of Universal Gravitation is: Two bodies attracted to each other with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that the further apart these two attracting bodies are from each other, the less the gravitational force between them is. The force of gravity depends on the product of the mass of the two attracting bodies. If the distance between the two bodies doubles, the force between them becomes one quarter of the force it was before. The Law of Universal Gravitation is vital because it mathematically proves Keplers Three Laws of Planetary Motion. The Planets follow the same laws of motion as objects on the surface of the earth. (B) Newton discovered other types of orbits that have circular of elliptical paths. However, if the velocity of an orbiting body were increased, its orbital path would change to a parabola or hyperbola and it would escape the gravitational pull of the sun. It would then leave the solar system. Parabolas are the orbital paths of objects in the form of an open curve. If one cuts out an angle in a circular cone, it would follow this path parallel to the sides of the cone. Hyperbolas occur when a plane cuts across two parallels half-cones. Keplers laws applies to any situation where two bodies in the universe orbit each other due to their mutual gravitational attraction, not just two planets. For example: Moons that orbit planets, such as the four Galilean Moons that orbit Jupiter. #2)(A) The reflecting telescope, which uses a mirror to attract light was perfected by Isaac Newton in 1668 although it was developed by John Gregory in 1663. The refracting telescope, which uses a lens to attract light was developed by a Dutch optician in 1608 named Hans Lippershey. Two other inventors were Zacharias Jannssen and Jacob Metius. However, Galil...

African Americans in Vietnam W essays

African Americans in Vietnam W essays Fighting on Two Fronts: African Americans and the Vietnam War, begins by briefly looking at how previous wars such as the American Revolution, WWI, WWII, and the Korean War dealt with race relations in comparison to the Vietnam War. Earlier wars had a segregated system that limited the contact between white and black soldiers, and it was not until the Vietnam War when soldiers were fully integrated. In a chronological order beginning with the draft and ending with the soldiers returning home, Westheider examined how full integration brought about many problems for the US military. Prior to writing about racial discrimination in the Vietnam War, Westheider collected enormous amounts of data that ranged from official government documents to journal entries from soldiers. Over nine hundred personal interviews from white and black soldiers of varying ranks helped ensure the accuracy of his reports. The extent of racial conflicts depended on many things including the setting, the per sonnel, and the timing of military events. Despite the sensitivity of racial issues Westheider remained objective and allowed the reader to form their own opinions about the US military and their handling of racism against African Americans in the Vietnam War. Beginning with the draft, the reader is overwhelmed by the enormous amount of statistical data. Westheider discusses in a chapter what could have been best explained with a series of graphs. Earlier chapters focus on numbers while later chapters add a human element to the Vietnam experience. The draft and recruitment requirements were said to favor the middle and upper class which meant, African Americans were being drafted in disproportionately high numbers because of their lower social and economic standing. It would be useful if the reader knew what percent of Americans were eligible for service, which would put the number of black recruits in perspective. Westheider assumes...

The Progressive Value System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

The Progressive Value System - Essay Example The Enlightenment Value System was limited to the fact that humans are good, not evil-beings, and their conscience is a major determinant of their actions. The effective functioning of the individual within the society should be assisted by the government, which was viewed not merely as an autocratic power, but as facilitator of social progress. establishment the accompanying belief in technology has become a value of its own† (Waldo, 1978, p.43). The major contemporary principles of this system are following: 1) sustainable progress; 2) shared responsibility; 3) effective government; 4) constant prosperity. Effective government is an important component of just society, and the government should create effective infrastructures and services, which cannot be provided by private sector of services. Moreover, government provides a judicial system that determines effective functioning of our society in terms of equitability and righteousness. †Government provides coordinated planning and incentives that help businesses adjust to changing circumstances.   Government provides the means of coordinating actions with other countries† (Hays, 1959, p.139).   Prosperity and shared responsibility are important contributors to individual and social happiness, since they provide high quality of life as well as social conscience and identity. In order to succeed, people should take the responsibility at least for their own lives and behaviors, which helps them rely on themselves without blaming others in their own faults and shortcomings. In addition, I would like to mention the results of my research, related to the implementation of Progressive Value System inmanagement and governing. First of all , I would like to refer to several writers, who explored this area and to my own methods, which combined content- and context-analysis of those writings and the researches that were conducted in

HRM AND TRANSFORMATION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

HRM AND TRANSFORMATION - Essay Example is the first step in effective human-resource management as it involves forecasting the human-resource needs of the organization and planning certain useful and important steps that the organization must take in order to meet those human resource needs that will contribute a high percentage for its overall success as human-resource planning should be connected to the organization’s strategic objectives and mission. (Butensky and Harari, 1983) It can be said that human-resource planning is a challenge because the needs of the organization are constantly changing and sometimes do not converge and such challenge can be greater if the recruitment pool is limited or if the people in charge of human-resource management have not been trained to forecast the organization’s needs to maintain and achieve success in all areas of concern. (Butensky and Harari, 1983) In determining a certain range of importance in regaining factual information regarding as to what extent does human resource planning contributes to the overall success of the organization then, it is important to take in consideration some of its planning issues that may affect positively and or negatively to the success of such organization thus, it is crucial to identify and determine these planning issues as it enumerated below. (Craft, 1980) RetailCo, implements the employment of part time staff and this has provided them some benefits. There is some evidence from a number of sources to indicate a much broader potential for part-time work than its current reputation suggests. Employer benefits complement the increased work flexibility that such programs provide for the suppliers of labor. First, part-time work need not be limited to jobs in the low-pay sales and service sectors where they tend to cluster. Individual examples of New Concept reduced-hour jobs, often among professional librarians, teachers, editors, nurses and others, function well. Some public-sector employing agencies have

Social Work Practice

Social Work Practice A Summary of my Understanding of Critical Reflection with Social Work Practice INTRODUCTION Reflective social work practice is a key learning and development process in social work courses which enable social work trainees to apply theories and models in critical and challenging situations in practice to enhance professional developments (Scragg and Knott, 2007). Great emphasis is placed on developing skills of critical reflection about, in and on practice and this has developed over many years in social work. Reflecting about, in and on your practice is not only important during practice learning and education to become a social worker, but it is considered a key to continued professional development. Social work is a profession that acknowledges life-long learning as a way of keeping up to date, ensuring that research informs practice and striving continually to improve skills and values for practice (Parker, 2004). Contemporary social work educators and practitioners are increasingly emphasizing the value of reflective practice as a rich source of social work theories an d skill development that conceptualize formal learning theory (DCruz et al, 2007). This essay will explore my understanding of reflective social work practice and the application of key theories and models of reflection to promote best social work practice. Schon(1993) considers critical reflective practice to involve thoughtfully considering ones own experiences in applying knowledge to practice while being coached by professionals in the discipline (Ferraro, 2000). In order to put this into perspective, I will begin this essay by looking at the development and nature of critical reflective practice followed by my understanding of critical reflection and its application within social work. Also I will look at the merits and demerits of critical reflective practice in social work. The next section will involve a critical account of my development of reflective practice in my practice learning opportunity (PLO). Zhao (2003) defines reflective practice asan ability to reflect on experiences, to employ conceptual frameworks, and to relate these to similar and dissimilar contexts so as to inform and improve future practice. Kondrat (1992) explained that reflection on practice in social work has been associated with attempts by practitioners to distance themselves from their experiences and thereby achieve a more objective view of their practice (cited in DCruz et al 2007). However according to Fook (2002) critical reflection places more emphasis and importance on understanding how a reflective stance uncovers power relations, and how structures of domination are created and maintained (www.courses.hull.ac.uk/modules/MA PLO inductionsession.html) [accessed on 22/09/2009]. Also critical reflection, as an approach to practice and the generation of knowledge, values the practice wisdom of practitioners and seeks to generate theory from practice experience inductively (DCruz et al 2007). As a practice skill, critical reflection has been developed as a process that is taught to practitioners and students to enable them to enhance and research their practice (Fook, 1999, 2002). DEVELOPMENT OF REFLECTIVE PRACTICE A review of development of reflective practice in contemporary times indicates a substantial knowledge base. The thinking about critical reflection and reflective practice has evolved over many years, through carefully constructed theories, research and application. Dewey (1938) suggested that people only begin to reflect when they identify an issue as a problem to be overcome and recognize that this can create an air of uncertainty about the outcome (Parker, 2004). Schon (1987) is widely credited with the extensive development of reflective practice and thereby increasing the popularity of reflective practice in social work practice. His work was built on the ideas proposed by John Dewey, where he describes the process of change and understanding in professional learning and development from a technical- rational approach to an approach based on reflection-in-action (www.learningmatters.co.uk/sampleChapters/) [accessed 20/09/2009]. He asks social work practitioners to engage in a re flective conversation where they could blend theoretical knowledge with their own personal experience to gain a greater understanding of a specific situation. Schà ¶n is of the notion that real life practice situations could be messy, involve uncertainty, and may challenge our preconceptions and beliefs. It is clear that Schà ¶ns idea of a reflective practitioner requires honesty and openness to engage in a critical reflective conversation to improve social work practice. However, he admits that this level of openness may occasionally be problematic if students are required to share their reflections with supervisors or fellow students due to power imbalances within the practice (www.learningmatters.co.uk/sampleChapters) [accessed 20/09/2009]. Schà ¶n (1984) and Kolb (1983) separate works have given critical reflective practice the credibility in contemporary social work practice, where they have employed basic principle of reflecting on experience to improve action and professional practice (Saltiel 2006). In recent years the concepts of reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action have become widely influential, in professional educa tion and training where a wide range of teaching methods have been developed to encouraged students to reflect on their practice and integrate theory with action ( Saltiel, 2006). Schon (1983) realising the risk reflection-in-action could create in the future as it become habitual and routinised, advocated for a much more formalised methods of reflection known as reflection-on-action. This is a reflection after an event has occurred by revisiting previous judgements in a more analytical way designed to make tacit knowledge explicit (Taylor, 2006).   WHY CRITICAL REFLECTION FOR LEARNING IN SOIAL WORK PRACTICE? Reflective practice is split into two interrelated components, practice and reflection, which are clearly not just as simple as doing and thinking. Practice, is an event which is usually, but not always, observable, which Michael Eraut (1994) calls practice performance. It includes cognitive and affective aspects as well as the behavioural. On the hand reflection, implies a number of processes which are largely linked to the practice event (www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/000000468.htm) [accessed 19/09/2009]. Calderhead (1989) defined reflection broadly; as an acquisition of attitudes and skills in thinking. It is a process of becoming aware of the influence of societal and ideological assumptions, especially ethical and moral beliefs, behind professional practice. The two components are clearly not discrete since good practice will, for example, consist of the practitioner eliciting the clients or service users reflections on the practice. The various processes of reflection as outlined particularly by Schon (1987) can be summarised as the analysis, synthesis, evaluation and feeling. However, critical reflection transforms practice by challenging existing social, political and cultural conditions (Clift et al., 1990). It involves ethical and moral criticism and judgements (www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/000000468.htm) [accessed 19/09/2009]. My practice learning experience at Age concern has challenge my knowledge and values in working with my supervisors, colleagues and service users and more importantly my experience acquired from FASU in my PLO1.   At Age Concern the environment was quite friendly but intimidating and the workload was demanding as much was expected of me.   However, by deploying reflective techniques such as self and peer assessment, reflective conversation, engaging in collaborative discussions with my team members and critically reflecting on my practice and professional development I got grip with the practice. I always engage in a reflective conversation with my supervisors and peers where I blend my theoretical knowledge acquired from formal learning with my own personal experience to gain a greater understanding of situations. Schà ¶n (1987) is of the view that real life practice situations can be messy, involve uncertainty, and may challenge our preconceptions and beliefs. It is clear from Schà ¶ns idea that a reflective practitioner requires honesty and openness to engage in a critical reflective conversation. However, this level of openness may occasionally be problematic if students are required to share their reflections with supervisors or fellow students (www.learningmatters.co.uk/sampleChapters/) [accessed 20/09/2009]. Working with service users who are fifty years and above and experiencing social inequalities and deprivation in different circumstances was very challenging. My openness and honest attitude towards my service users helped me to record events in the right perspectives. Thereafter by critically reflecting on the actions taken during practice transforms my understanding of the theories and models and how to improve my social work practice. According to Fook (2002) critical reflection places emphasis and importance on an understanding of how a reflective stance uncovers power relations, and how structures of domination are created and maintained (www.courses.hull.ac.uk/modules/MA PLO induction session.html) [accessed on 22/09/2009]. My understanding of critical reflection coupled with a supportive learning environment at Age Concern, made me to appreciate better how theoretical knowledge and skills are vital to best social work practice. It seems to me that critical reflective practice offers a highly challenging paradigm of learning. It is more of inductive learning than a deductive learning as the case may be in formal learning contexts such as Higher Education Institutions. MERITS AND DEMERITS OF CRITICAL REFLECTICE PRACTICE Under appropriate environmental conditions, critical reflective practice can help individual social workers and students to enhance their personal and professional development in practice. Appropriate conditions include: a supportive environment, social workers readiness to undergo self-reflection, individual space for individual workers to undergo critical reflective practice, workers own reflective practice and awareness of ones limits and breaking point (Yip, 2006). A supportive environment does not only imply a supportive organizational context, including colleagues and supervisors but how it encourages empathic rapport that is crucial for constructive self-reflection in reflective practice (Calderhead, 1989). It is obvious that mutual support and open sharing among colleagues is the best breeding ground for constructive critical self-reflection. Notwithstanding the supportive environment, the individual social workers open-mindedness is critical for spontaneous and critical self -reflection in reflective practice (Atkins and Murphy, 1993). Moreover, according to Fisher (1997) critical reflective practice is learning tool for social work students that provide solutions to a wide range of practice theories and models available and enables practitioner-learners to theorise their practice drawing on knowledge embedded in practice. The technique of critically reflecting on previous practice aim to promote the development of practitioners abilities to generate understanding of their practice, their theories of action and the values they hold. Another attraction of reflective practice is the hope that it seems to hold out for personal professional development and transfer of learning from one setting to another (Yip, 2006). Martyn (2001) argues that reflection can help people to make sense of the circumstances presented to social workers in complex situations, relating them to agency requirements (Payne, 2001). Critical reflective practice can be a rewarding experience resulting in self-enhancement in both personal and profes sional development. Contrarily, unsupportive setting can mostly be destructive to many social work students self and professional development. Such unsupportive conditions include an oppressive social environment, highly demanding working environment, social workers unresolved past experiences from previous learning placements as well as supervisors- students relationships. An oppressive environment implies a setting where there is an imbalance of power that is oppressive to the individual worker and discouraging professional development (Miehls and Moffatt, 2000). Sometimes it may be a highly critical supervisor, apathetic colleagues, a working team full of oppressive politics and dynamics, or insecurity and uncertainty in the social workers employment. In an oppressive environment, social workers may be obliged to disclose their weaknesses and shortcomings or their unpleasant practice experiences to supervisors within the agency; such disclosure may then be used against the worker as an excuse to abus e, to exploit, to undermine and even to dismiss them (Yip, 2006). Secondly, critical self-reflection in reflective practice demands that social workers subject their inner space and autonomy to self-analysis and self-evaluation (Boyd and Fales, 1983). Self-observation and self-dialogue also demand reflective distance that originates from the social workers own initiative and readiness (Voegelin, 2000 cited in Yip, 2006). However, a demanding workload in terms of a many caseloads, diversity of work, challenging clients may cause exhaustion and stress. This makes critical self-reflection in such settings a real nightmare and may be more of an additional burden rather than to assist the social worker or student. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this essay is an attempt to summarise my understanding of critical reflective social work practice and how it impact on my professional development as a social worker. My practice learning at Age Concern shows that related parties, such as supervisors, agency administrators, social work colleagues or social workers need to create appropriate conditions and relationships for social workers in training to develop their skills and knowledge on critical reflective practice. When social work students critically reflect on challenging issues in their placement, they develop the requisite skills and knowledge which could impact positively on the lives of service users. In reflective practice, social work students are to be encouraged to undergo self-reflection to develop models and theories that would enhance their social work practice. On the other hand, related parties should also be careful to avoid inappropriate conditions that may create possible limitations to the professional and self-development of social workers. Moreover, other researches emphasize on how different conditions affect the self-reflection process of social work students in reflective social work practice. In summary under appropriate conditions, social workers critical self-reflection can be very constructive, resulting in self-enhancement, leading to improvement in social work practice and enables students to plan and focus on what they need to do to improve social imbalance in society. REFERENCES Atkins S. and Murphy, K. (1993) Reflection: a review of literature Journal of Advanced Nursing, 18, pp. 1188-1192. Boyd E. M. and Fales, A. W. (1983) Reflective learning: key to learning from experience, Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 23(2), pp. 99-117. Calderhead, J. (1989) Reflective teaching and teacher education Teaching and Teacher Education, 5(1), pp. 43-51. Clift, R., Houston, J. and Pugh, M. (1990) Encouraging Reflective Practice in Education, London, Teachers College Press. Dewey, J (1933) How We Think. Boston: D.C. Heath Co Dempsey, M., Halton, C. and Murphy, M (2001) Reflective Learning in Social Work DCruz, H., Gilligham, P. and Melendes S (2007) Reflexivity, its Meaning and Relevance for social work: A critical review of the literature, British Journal of Social Work 3(1) pp. 73-90 Education: Scalffolding the Process, Social Work Education, 21(5), pp.585-595 Evans, D. (1991) Assessing Students Competence to Practise. London. CCETSW. Ferraro, J. M (2000) Reflective Practice and Professional Development, Eric ClearingHouse Teacher Education, Washington DC Fisher, T (1997) Learning about child protection, Social Work Education, vol16 pp. 93-111 Gould, N. (1989) Reflective learning for social work practice, Social Work Education,8(2), pp. 9-19. Kolb, D. A. (1984) Experiential Learning. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Prentice Hall PTR. Miehls, D. and Moffatt, K. (2000) Constructing social work identity based on reflexive self, British Journal of Social Work, 30, pp. 339-348.Own Practice, Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann. Ruch, G. (2000) Self and social work: towards and integrate model of learning, Journal of Social Work Practice, 14(2), pp. 99-112. Schà ¶n, D. (1983) The Reflective Practitioner, New York, Basic Books. Schà ¶n, D. (1987) Educating the Reflective Practitioner, San Franciso, Jossey Books. Schà ¶n, D. (1993) Reflective Inquiry in Social Work Practice, Hong Kong, Centre for the Study of Social Work Practice. Sheppard, J. (2000) Learning from personal experience: reflections on social work practice with mother and child and family care, Journal of Social Work Practice, 14(1), pp. 38-50. Taylor, C. and White, S. (2001) Knowledge, truth and reflexivity: the problem of judgement in social work, Journal of Social Work, 1(1), pp. 37-59. Voegelin, E. (2000) In Search of Order, St Louis, University of Missouri Press. Yip, K (2006) Self-reflection in Reflective Practice: A note of caution. British Journal of Social Work, vol. l36 pp.777-788 Zhao, F. (2003) Enhancing the Effectiveness of Research and Research Supervision through Reflective Practice Walker., McCarthy, P., Morgan, W., Timms, N. (1995) In Pursuit of Quality: Improving Practice Teaching in Social Work. Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Relate Centre for Family Studies. www.courses.hull.ac.uk/modules/MA PLO induction session.html www.learningmatters.co.uk/sampleChapters/ www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/000000468.htm www.courses.hull.ac.uk/modules/

Psychology and the Bipolar Disorder Essay

Abstract Bipolar Disorder is a serious psychiatric condition that manifests usually in the late teens and affects about one in fifty people. Afflicted individuals experience heightened and extreme states of mania or elation to severe depression, with one in six sufferers inclined to commit suicide. Researchers have discovered biological and genetic links to this illness. Environmental factors such as stressful situations and even diet have been revealed to trigger its onset to those who are biologically inclined to have it, or aggravate its symptoms to those who are already diagnosed with BPD. Bipolar Disorder is a psychiatric condition previously known as manic depression. It is a mental illness that influences how a person acts, feels and thinks. Generally, people with bipolar disorder experience a cycle of mood swings that range from elation to depression. The degrees of these mood swings likewise vary from mild to extreme. The experience of extreme elation is also known as mania. Studies have shown an estimated one percent of the population develop bipolar disorder. Symptoms usually manifest itself in early adulthood. For many people with bipolar disorder, this condition usually lasts throughout their lives. The effects of bipolar disorder also extend to social and occupational aspects. Sufferers may withdraw from family and friends, and sometimes find themselves unable to work. There is a tendency for bipolar disorder to occur in sporadic episodes. Between episodes, the individual may experience no symptoms and function normally. About a third of them however may continue to experience mood difficulties or problems socially or with work between bipolar occurrences. People who have bipolar disorder often are not fully conscious of their condition. Those who fail to receive treatment may experience an average of four episodes in ten years. A minority of people with bipolar disorder (15%) may have many episodes in a year. Bipolar disorder is brought about by both biological (brain chemistry) and genetic (history of the disorder in the family) factors, as well as lifestyle (stressors and diet) and environmental (mania in spring, depression in winter) factors. In other words, both â€Å"nature† and â€Å"nurture† influence the occurrence of bipolar disorder in people. This paper will examine the inter-relationship between the various â€Å"nature† and â€Å"nurture† factors, in giving rise to the onset of bipolar disorder in people (The Australian Psychological Society, 2008). It is estimated that more than two million Americans have it. Men and women are equally affected. Onset of the condition is usually during late teens. It is also estimated that an additional one million children and pre-teens are suffering from the early stages of bipolar disorder. Detection and diagnosis are at most times delayed. Often people suffer for a decade before condition is diagnosed (Time Magazine – Young and Bipolar, 2002). In the United Kingdom, about half a million people are estimated to have bipolar disorder (University of Edinburgh, 2007). Bipolar disorder is a major psychiatric illness. According to a study in Australia, bipolar disorder affects around one in fifty people, and one in every six people with bipolar disorder will commit suicide (University of New South Wales, 2006). Biological Causes of Bipolar Disorder In the Seventh International Conference on Bipolar Disorder in June 2007, two studies have linked the brain as containing vital clues or markers for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Dr. Husseini Manji, chief of the laboratory of Molecular Pathophysiology at the National Institute of Mental Health suggested that bipolar disorder occurs as a result of abnormalities in neuronal plasticity cascades. This is the complex machinery inside new cells which regulates various processes in the human body. Disruptions in these pathways were discovered to lead to many of the primary symptoms of bipolar disorder. Dr. Mary Phillips, Director of Functional Neuroimaging in Emotional Disorders at the Western Psychiatric Institute and the Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, has discovered patterns of abnormalities in the neural systems that bring about emotional processing and cognitive control uniquely attributed to the bipolar brain (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 2007). In Time Magazine’s interview with Dr. Wayne Drevets of the National Institute of Mental Health, five parts of the human brain were described to have abnormal activities in the bipolar brain. The Ventral Striatum is that which helps the brain process rewards. In the bipolar brain, this Ventral Striatum is over-active, with about 30% less gray matter in this region. The resulting behavior is a loss in judgment for certain behaviors such as overspending or being indiscriminate. The Prefrontal Cortex, or parts of it, regulates emotion. It is also vital in processing motivation and rewards. In the bipolar brain, braches that supposedly connect neurons are lost, leading to a 20-40% reduction of gray matter. The Amygdala is one of the brain’s emotional centers. It helps in the identification of facial expressions and tones of voice. When a person is emotionally stimulated, neural transmissions increase. When a person is repeatedly exposed to the same stimulating images or experiences, habituation or reduced response occurs. In the bipolar brain, habituation the repeated stimuli occurs slowly, thus the brain remains reactive even beyond the usual response period. The Hippocampus is one of the brain’s centers of memory. The subiculum, a layer of the hippocampus, helps recognize circumstances that represent reward or danger. In the bipolar brain, the branches that connect neurons are lost. Thus leading to a constant state of anxiety since the person can no longer identify situations that are safe. The nucleus in the brain stem contains the serotonin cell bodies. These create and disperse the neurotransmitter to various sections of the brain. In a bipolar brain, there is 40% less serotonin receptor in the nucleus. The resulting atrophy of neurons usually lead to depression (Kluger & Song, 2002). People with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have been discovered to have overactive protein kinase C (PKC) enzymes. This enzyme impairs higher brain functions, according to a study of Yale University in 2004. This study tested the effects of increased PKC activity in the prefrontal cortex of animals that performed working memory tasks. The regulation of thoughts, behaviors and feelings all takes places in the prefrontal cortex region of the brain. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia renders the prefrontal cortex dysfunctional. Direct or indirect activation of PKC in animals dramatically impaired functions of the prefrontal cortex. PKC triggers the cognitive symptoms as a response to stress. When the chemical norepinephrine, the stress-sensitive messenger, binds to cell membrane receptors in the prefrontal cortex, the PKC is activated through a cascade of events. The PKC enzyme thus travels out to the cell membrance, opens the ion channels which heighten the cell’s excitability, and strokes the protein machinery which propels neurotransmitters into the synapse. Inhibition of PKC on the other hand, protected the prefrontal cortical function. For cognitive tasks that did not rely on the prefrontal cortex, no changes in performance were observed (NIH/NIHM, 2004; Yale University, 2004). This particular research results contributes to the mounting evidence of that excessive activity of the PKC may cause distractibility, impulsivity, disturbed thinking and impaired judgment seen in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (Yale University, 2004). In Australia in 2006 scientists at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the University of New South Wales discovered the first risk gene specifically associated with bipolar disorder. People with this particular form of gene are twice as likely to develop the disease. Studies with families, unrelated patients and therapeutic drug mouse models led to the discovery of this gene called FAT – a gene related to the connection of brain cells. The research’s initial findings pointed that the popular lithium treatment for bipolar disorder exerts a therapeutic effect by altering FAT gene expression and also alters the expression of genes encoding FAT’s protein partners. This particular research on the FAT gene continues to discover further how it functions, to be able to develop better diagnostic tests and treatment (University of New South Wales, 2006). Genetic factors of Bipolar Disorder It is unlikely that scientists will expect genes to tell the whole story about major psychiatric diseases. However, the persistent frequency of mental illness in one percent of the international human population, across ethnic and cultural differences, and its tendency to manifest itself in families point to a strong genetic link (Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 2003). Scientists have reason to believe in that bipolar disorder can be passed on to next generations of families genetically. In â€Å"gene penetrance,† families susceptible to certain illnesses develop it differently throughout generations. It is more common-place that later generations suffer worse than previous generations due to a genetic mechanism known as â€Å"trinucleotide repeat expansion.† Each time genes are inherited, defective sequences of these genes grow longer. This results in descendants coming down with the illness. Trinucleotide repeat expansion has been associated with Huntington’s disease, and evidence is currently mounting to this genetic condition increases the risk of having bipolar disorder as well. The National Institute of Mental Health has worked with eight research centers around the United States to study genomes of 500 families with a history of bipolar disorder to examine what genetic quirks are shared. Ten out of forty-six human chromosomes were discovered to show irregularities that may be linked with bipolar disorder. Chromosome 22 is the most interesting of which. This same chromosome has also been associated with schizophrenia, and velo-cardio-facial syndrome. All these disorders are related by patients’ experience of delusions (Kluger & Song, 2002). Environmental triggers of Bipolar Disorder Environmental factors in itself are not believed to singularly cause bipolar disorder in people. Dr. Michael Gitlin, Head of the Mood Disorders Clinic at the University of California in Los Angeles says that most doctors and scientists do not think environmental stress causes bipolar disorder. But these factors can trigger the condition in people who are already vulnerable (Kluger & Song, 2002). Like many latent emotional disorders such as alcoholism, anxiety conditions, depression, bipolar disorder can also be triggered by major life events such as death, divorce, losing one’s job, or rights of passage such as moving out to start college, marriage, birth of a child. These and other situations that cause stress and anxiety are believed to trigger bipolar disorder (Kluger & Song, 2002). The Yale University study has also revealed thatt mild stress can activate PKC, and thus contribute to the worsening of symptoms in patients already with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The link between outside stress as stimulating the PKC can thus be used to explain deterioration of higher brain function, and why bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients are most susceptible to dysfunctions that are stress-induced (Yale University, 2004). Dietary factors and ingested substances as triggers to Bipolar Disorder What a person eats and drinks are also believed to trigger bipolar disorder. Caffeine triggers mania for those with bipolar disorder. Teens are thus advised to stay away from coffee and tea. Children already diagnosed with bipolar disorder must avoid caffeinated foods such as chocolate and sodas. Teens and adolescents must avoid alcohol and drugs. The risks for addiction to these substances by bipolars is substantially higher, and treatment for bipolar disorder will be much more difficult since the patient’s mind is already clouded by these recreational chemicals (Kluger & Song, 2002). Lead poisoning was discovered to have links with distractibility and impulsivity that are evident in children with bipolar disorder. Even low levels of lead can activate the PKC enzyme, thus impairing the individual’s self regulation of his/her behavior. (Yale University, 2004). Lizzie Simon has bipolar disorder. She has written a book about her condition entitled â€Å"Detour,† which even inspired an MTV Special entitled â€Å"True Life: I’m Bipolar.† Time Magazine featured excerpts of her book, describing the first significant onset of bipolar disorder symptoms when she was seventeen years old, and her particular circumstances during this time. She was in Paris on her senior year abroad. She was having a wonderful time, and remembered thinking that she had never been this happy for this long in her entire life. She then received a letter of early admission to Columbia University. Early the next morning, after such a perfect day prior, she felt insane. She experienced an uncomfortable light fuzz building up in her head. She described the feeling as if her jeans were too tight and her shoes were too big, but in her head. She remembered her place ride home for Christmas, and getting intoxicated with a guy in the last row. At that point for Lizzie, things started to fade. Between Christmas and New Year, she felt drifting and drowning. Her walls swooned. She documented in her journals thoughts of suicide attempts, experiences of being broken- hearted, sadness and other dark experiences. After receiving an initial treatment of Paxil, an anti-depressant, Lizzie returned to Paris and brought her pills with her. In Paris, Lizzie was in a manic state. She remembers sitting in a cafà © on a sunny day, then standing up and announcing loudly that she was going to walk until she got laid. Lizzie experienced many more psychotic episodes from manic to depressive during this period – sitting in her bedroom and thinking that there were microphones everyone, expecting killers to enter her room, feeling that the Mona Lisa was smiling at her, thinking she was a cat infested with bugs. She even bit her hand until she broke her own skin. At one time, she was about to jump off a terrace, only to be disrupted by the ringing of her phone. She remembered the caller being a woman who sounded like her mother. But she then thought then it was the CIA. She sought treatment at the American Hospital in Paris. She was advised to stop taking Paxil, and was diagnosed to have bipolar disorder. She flew home and later on, started taking Lithium (Simon, 2002). It is interesting to note that Lizzie Simon’s grandfather had bipolar disorder. Since her family kept it a secret, Lizzy had no idea of this particular aspect of her family history until after she was diagnosed, and after the symptoms developed into more severe forms. He was diagnosed the year she was born. Lizzie was diagnosed the year her grandfather died (Simon, 2002). This is not an issue of nature versus nurture. What the evidence points out is more of a â€Å"nurture enhancing nature† inter-relationship. Although numerous studies have shown that there are people who are predisposed biologically and genetically to bipolar disorder, external factors such as events, stress and even diet can not only trigger bipolar disorder. These factors can also worsen the symptoms of already diagnosed bipolar patients. Lizzie Simon’s story is just one of thousands of incidents of people inheriting the genes that lay the foundation of bipolar disorder, the prominent symptoms of which are triggered by emotional and stressful external events and circumstances. In the same manner, people with bipolar disorder, or those who are most inclined to develop this condition (having parents or grandparents with bipolar disorder) can prevent its occurrences, or at least lessen the severity of its symptoms, depending on how they personally manage stressful situations in their lives. The principle of external and environmental factors as triggering the onset, or worsening the symptoms of bipolar disorder is already widely accepted internationally. But studies to better understand the details of these inter-relationships of â€Å"nature† and â€Å"nurture,† particularly to develop better diagnostic tests and treatments are on-going. References Australian Psychological Society (2008) What is Bipolar Disorder? Retrieved January 1, 2008 from http://www.psychology.org.au/community/bipolar/ Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (2003, April 1). Families With Severe Form Of Bipolar Disorder Help Scientists Narrow The Search For Disease Genes. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/April%20Santos/Desktop/Essay/4%20Bipolar%20Disorder%20$40/Families%20With%20Severe%20Form%20Of%20Bipolar%20Disorder%20Help%20Scientists%20Narrow%20The%20Search%20For%20Disease%20Genes.htm Kluger, J. & Song, S. (2002) Young and Bipolar. Time Magazine. Retrieved January 1, 2008 from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101020819-336003,00.html NIH/National Institute Of Mental Health (2004, November 3). Stress Impairs Thinking Via Mania-Linked Enzyme. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/April%20Santos/Desktop/Essay/4%20Bipolar%20Disorder%20$40/Stress%20Impairs%20Thinking%20Via%20Mania-Linked%20Enzyme.htm Simon, L. (2002). Everything was perfect†¦and then I went insane. Time Magazine. Retrieved January 1, 2008 from http://www.time.com/time/cov ers/1101020819/detour.html University of Edinburgh (2007, July 21). Manic Depression Linked With Brain Tissue Loss. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/April%20Santos/Desktop/Essay/4%20Bipolar%20Disorder%20$40/Manic%20Depression%20Linked%20With%20Brain%20Tissue%20Loss.htm University of New South Wales (2006, January 13). FAT Chance Of Becoming Manic-depressive. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/April%20Santos/Desktop/Essay/4%20Bipolar%20Disorder%20$40/FAT%20Chance%20Of%20Becoming%20Manic-depressive.htm University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2007, June 9). Brain Holds Clues To Bipolar Disorder. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/April%20Santos/Desktop/Essay/4%20Bipolar%20Disorder%20$40/Brain%20Holds%20Clues%20To%20Bipolar%20Disorder.htm Yale University (2004, November 5). Enzyme Linked To Mania And Schizophrenia Impairs Higher Brain Func tions. ScienceDaily. 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