Saturday, November 30, 2019

Short Time Recall As A Function Of Type Of Stimulus And Length Of Dela

Short Time Recall As A Function Of Type Of Stimulus And Length Of Delay Interval Abstract We were interested in examining patterns of short-term information recall. We used the Brown-Peterson distractor technique to investigate the effects of stimuli type and delay interval on recall for 17 Ss. Each S was tested under 4 conditions, combined of word triads or nonsense syllables triads, with a short (10-sec) or long (45-Sec) delay interval. S read aloud the visually presented stimulus items, and aurally recalled them after the delay interval, in which S was engaged in counting backwards in threes from a presented 3-digit number. Measures were taken only for recall proportion. Results suggest a significant difference in recall between words and nonsense syllables, with words significantly better recalled. For the delay interval, results show no significant effect, and thus differ from those obtained in previous research. This discrepancy is discussed in terms of technical differences in procedure. No other effect or interaction approached significance. Short-term Recall As a function of Type of Stimulus and Length of Delay Interval Short-term memory (STM) has been vastly studied and tested. One of the popular testing methods for STM has been the short-term recall, in which S is shortly presented with a single or multiple items, later to be recalled. Various researchers have focused their studies on different aspects, while attempting to identify those factors that most strongly influence short-term recall. A short-term memory model based upon a limited capacity to process information suggests that the recall of verbal material can be effected by the activity which consumes the retention interval, referred to as the interpolated activity. Diverse studies examine the significance of elements involved in the interpolated task. In general, researchers have attempted to prevent Ss from rehearsing, i.e., processing exposed stimuli by keeping the material within the short-term store through the use of rehearsal-preventing interpolated tasks. The most famous of these has been suggested in the Brown-Peterson technique (Peterson & Peterson, 1959) in the form of backwards counting. In the original Peterson studies (1959), Ss attempted to retain aurally presented consonants trigrams while counting backwards by three or four from a three-digit number. This interpolated activity was continued for some predetermined retention interval, immediately after which Ss were asked to recall the originally presented consonants. Using this technique, the Petersons demonstrated a very rapid decline in recall. The probability of recall decreased exponentially with duration of interpolated activity. Murdock (1960) investigated the effect of the stimulus type and the effect of varying the rate of interpolated activity. Similarly to the Petersons (1959) he found that in all cases forgetting, whether measured by accuracy or latency, increased with the duration of the interpolated activity. In addition, Murdock suggested little difference between the retention of three consonants and three words; consonant syllables and word triads were equally well recalled. Murdock (Tell, 1971) has shown that short-term recall is effected by whether the presentation is visual or auditory. According to Neisser (Tell, 1971) there is an auditory-storage system which results from auditory input and can function as a source of information in short-term recall. This temporary storage system is referred to as echoic memory. ?Echoic memory is passive, continuous, composed of sounds, and decays rapidly? (Tell, p. 150). However, auditory input may also function as auditory noise. Voiced recall, vocalized irrelevant interpolated activity, or certain types of presentation conditions can mask, erase, or overwrite information available in the echoic memory store. This assumption is especially important when considering the interpolated activity. Tell (1971) suggested that a verbal interpolated task, in addition to its role as a rehearsal-prevention activity, would also produce auditory feedback, which masks information from echoic memory. Tell and Ferguson (1974) further explored this issue of vocalization by examining the influences of active and passive vocalization on short-term recall. As distinguished by Crowder (Tell & Ferguson, 1974), active vocalization refers to presentation conditions where the to-be-remembered stimulus items are voiced aloud by S as they are visually presented. Under passive vocalization conditions, S listens to E read each stimulus item as it is visually presented. Tell & Ferguson suggested that active and passive vocalization differ mainly at the longer retention intervals, with recall much higher under the passive vocalization condition. This

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Taught To Teach Professor Ramos Blog

Taught To Teach Growing up as a middle child in a large family there was always something to do. Playing hide and seek with my younger siblings or getting dressed up with my older sister. But through all the fun there were also chores that needed to be done. With such a large family we needed to help each other so that Mom would not pull her hair out and ground us all. My big sister Kayla was left in charge and she looked to me for help or how I looked at it as bossing me around. She was the foreman on the construction site and I was just a grunt. As she sat on the couch giving me orders I thought to myself , â€Å" Someone should give her a bell.† I had to help my sisters and brothers get ready in the morning like a mother duck and her ducklings by making breakfast, making sure that they were fed, that their teeth were brushed. My job was to make sure they were ready for school and that I was as well. These moments, good and bad taught me to care for young children. These beginning tools set me on my way to become a teacher. As I continued through school and began to reach the end, the big important question of â€Å"What are you going to be ?† came up . Just like in kindergarten when the teacher asked if you wanted to be a police officer or a firefighter. There where so many options to choose from.The school passed out a test which would determine what you should be. This test gave you different options to choose from that your skills would match up well with. But so many questions and doubts ran through my head. â€Å" Am I going to be good at that?† Or â€Å" Will I be happy with my job choice?† My test results were in! They told me I should become an aero mechanic or a teacher. I left that day with so many thoughts, until I realized I was no good at math so aero mechanic would be out of the question. Teaching sounded like the best possibility especially with all the training I had acquired from my home life. With my new found knowledge of what I might be good at , I entered the mountain scholar program, which taught me how to manage money and how to properly dress for a job interview. This program would give me the skills to apply for my first real job as a teacher. Our advisor Mr Kevin who was a large man with a jolly laugh, kind of looked like a Santa wanna be, sat with a group of teenagers and asked us â€Å" What do you want be ?† Once again I was being asked this question. And without thinking I gave him a piece of my mind . â€Å" Hell if I know!† I responded. He went on to give me the big speech about you can be anything you want to be as long as you put your mind to it. But this made me think â€Å" I was great with children and with some schooling I could be a teacher.† After a long search I found an opening at the local Boys and Girls Club. I applied and was accepted! Mrs. Beckey, an old skinny woman was my boss and would show me around the center. About thirty kids from the local elementary school attended this after school program. I was told to manage the children and keep them on schedule, this meant I was to play and interact with the students while keeping everything running smoothly. â€Å" Easy !† I thought. I had done this millions of times while getting my siblings ready for school. However it was not at all what I expected . My day consisted of Johnny hitting Sara and Rachel wetting her pants. Oh yea she’s hungry too! Let’s just say the day did not go as planned and I left feeling a little low about myself. However on the worst first day of my young adult life I learned some valuable information. I learned not to allow myself to become overwhelmed, you need to step back once in a while and collect yourself. Also I realized that I needed to pay more attention to the students body language and social behavior. For example if I had noticed Rachel doing the potty dance in the corner I could have sent her to the restroom. Second, if I saw Johnny teasing Sara for losing a game of tetherball, it would have never escalated to hitting. Through one of the most difficult days of my job career I learned many valuable tools that I have taken with me throughout my career. A couple of years down the road I found myself at Kids Corner preschool as a teachers assistant. This is where I learned how the classroom processed. I was encouraged to enroll into college classes for my certification in early childhood education. Through these classes I have come to understand how a young child develops socially and cognitive. But the most valuable knowledge I have encountered was from being hands on in the classroom setting. Being able to interact with my students and staff members has helped me understand that nothing can prepare you for what could happen while working with young child. However with the skills and knowledge I gained at the Boys and Girls Club and my own family I feel confident in my skills as a teacher.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Data Definition and Examples of Data in Argument

Data Definition and Examples of Data in Argument In the Toulmin model of argument, data is the evidence or specific information that supports a claim. The Toulmin model was introduced by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin in his book The Uses of Argument (Cambridge Univ. Press, 1958). What Toulmin calls data is sometimes referred to as evidence, reasons, or grounds. Examples and Observations: Challenged to defend our claim by a questioner who asks, What have you got to go on?, we appeal to the relevant facts at our disposal, which Toulmin calls our data (D). It may turn out to be necessary to establish the correctness of these facts in a preliminary argument. But their acceptance by the challenger, whether immediate or indirect, does not necessarily end the defense.(David Hitchcock and Bart Verheij, Introduction to Arguing on the Toulmin Model: New Essays in Argument Analysis and Evaluation. Springer, 2006) Three Types of Data In an argumentative analysis, a distinction is often made between three data types: data of the first, second and third order. First-order data are the convictions of the receiver; second-order data are claims by the source, and third-order data are the opinions of others as cited by the source. First-order data offer the best possibilities for convincing argumentation: the receiver is, after all, convinced of the data. Second-order data are dangerous when the credibility of the source is low; in that case, third-order data must be resorted to.  (Jan Renkema, Introduction to Discourse Studies. John Benjamins, 2004) The Three Elements in an Argument Toulmin suggested that every argument (if it deserves to be called an argument) must consist of three elements: data, warrant, and claim.The claim answers the question What are you trying to get me to believe?it is the ending belief. Consider the following unit of proof: Uninsured Americans are going without needed medical care because they are unable to afford it. Because access to health care is a basic human right, the United States should establish a system of national health insurance. The claim in this argument is that the United States should establish a system of national health insurance.Data (also sometimes called evidence) answers the question What have we got to go on?it is the beginning belief. In the foregoing example of a unit of proof, the data is the statement that uninsured Americans are going without needed medical care because they are unable to afford it. In the context of a debate round, a debater would be expected to offer statistics or an authoritative quotati on to establish the trustworthiness of this data. Warrant answers the question How does the data lead to the claim?it is the connector between the beginning belief and the ending belief. In the unit of proof about health care, the warrant is the statement that access to health care is a basic human right. A debater would be expected to offer some support for this warrant.  (R. E. Edwards, Competitive Debate: The Official Guide. Penguin, 2008) Data would be counted as premises under the standard analysis.  (J. B. Freeman, Dialectics and the Macrostructure of Arguments. Walter de Gruyter, 1991) Pronunciation: DAY-tuh or DAH-tuh Also Known As: grounds

Thursday, November 21, 2019

What Do People Do When They are Leading - Bob McDonald (Procter & Assignment

What Do People Do When They are Leading - Bob McDonald (Procter & Gamble) - Assignment Example He studied in the US Military Academy where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division for five years. When McDonald left the military, Procter & Gamble (P&G) asked him to join the company and served as the brand manager of one of its leading products. In 2009, the board appointed him as the CEO owing to his 29 years of service and substantial contribution to the international expansion of the company (Kane, 2012). At West Point, McDonald had learned much valuable insights on values-based leadership, which he imparted to his senior executives when he became the CEO at P&G. 2. Leadership Style and Philosophy Bob McDonald firmly believes in innovation, which is for him a driving force that can solve challenges for sustainability (Confino, 2012). The drive for innovation made P&G as one of the first companies to accentuate the importance of crowd sourcing and social media to generate new ideas and leverage change through networking with different groups of people. McDonald considers innova tion as the lifeblood of P&G given that it allocates about $2 billion annually on their research and development, which is approximately over 50% of its competitors combined (PwC 2010, as cited in Nagpal, 2013, p. 31). Considering the future of the company, McDonald also believes that leaders should build an innovative corporate culture, where a stream of ideas and innovation can be generated by more than 50,000 employees and millions of daily interaction with customers. Such approach, therefore, can facilitate the company in improving their processes, products, and customer experiences. McDonald’s leadership principles can also be attributed to his training at West Point, where he learned having a sense of purpose and character through, which he believed was the most significant trait or quality of a leader (Kane, 2012). 3. Personal and Organisational Values As the company’s CEO, Bob McDonald promotes a â€Å"value-based leadership† through which he advocates t he essential values of purpose and character (Hurley, 2012, p. 107). He defines purpose as the belief in the ethics and mission within an organisation while character, as he perceived, refers to an act carried out with personal responsibility and integrity. With his personal values-based leadership, McDonald is recognised both as an individual and global business leader anchored on his belief that outstanding companies and leaders should operate with consistent values and with a clear sense of purpose (Procter & Gamble, 2013a). With regard to organisational values, McDonald espouses a corporate innovation at P&G. Although he recognised the value of sales promotion that can boost the company’s growth, he believes that true innovation can provide a wide range of opportunities for the company to excel in their investments and strategic goals (Kuratko, 2012). Moreover, McDonald’s key points for leadership derived from his military experience can be characterised with stron g organisational and personal values in stimulating action in the workplace and promoting a sustainable competitive advantage (Yardley, Kakabadse, & Neal, 2012, p. 68). 4. How McDonald’s Values Influence Ethical Behaviour of the Organisation Ethical behaviour is the key ingredient of Procter & Gamble’s success, as noted by House and Rehbein (2004, p. 105). Its corporate values reflect their behaviour that influence the way they the company works and toward their business partners (Procter & Gamble, 2013b). In addition, employees at Procter & Gamble are obliged to act in the company’s best interests at all times and take prompt actions in resolving any conflicts of

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Amendment of Management Systems & Financial Information for Decision Essay

Amendment of Management Systems & Financial Information for Decision Making - Essay Example Global competitors are learning to develop and manufacture products that can be introduced and marketed simultaneously in many countries. In doing so, they are sourcing technology, materials, and components from sites and suppliers located throughout the world.ï ¿ ½ Source: Frear, C.R., Metcalf, L.E., and Alguire, M.S., (1992), ï ¿ ½Offshore Sourcing: Its Nature and Scope,ï ¿ ½ International Journal of Purchasing and Materials Management, Summer The following structures are suggested: Structure 1: - introduction. - Multination enterprises. - Globalisation. - Evaluation of PESTLE/Key Dynamics. - Linking MNEs with porter and yip. - Conclusion. or Structure 2: 1. Introduction. 2. The global dynamics: A shift in economic power. 3. MNEs and total global strategy. 4. How the global dynamic influence MNEs to place their total global strategy, (globalisation, cost, market, government, competitive drivers). 5. conclusion. Can you do it in a very high quality paper to achieve the merit? Reply: I have done numerous projects on the given topic and most of my customers have received very high marks and they have also appreciated my work. I assure you that the paper will definitely be of high

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Diversity Organizations Worksheet Essay Example for Free

Diversity Organizations Worksheet Essay What has been the status of women in the United States throughout history? Throughout history women have been seen as less than to men. It has been rough on the women coming from minority groups because not only are they looked down on because of the group they are associated with but they are also women. For example, in the black community during the civil rights movement when blacks could not vote, and when they finally were allowed to vote, the women still could not. There has also been situations within the workforce when women could do a â€Å"manly job† but according to society they were not capable. †¢What is the status of women in the U.S. today? The status of women in the U.S. today has improved a lot. According to The State of Women in America, â€Å"women made up only about one-third of the workforce in 1969, women today make up almost half of all workers in the United States. Women are also stepping up to lead the country; a record number of women ran for public office in 2012, and a record-high percentage of women are serving in Congress.† Women today feel more apart, rather than an outcast. It is also clear to see that America is going to start to see changes with leaders of the country. Women are also paid equally to men according to their qualifications for the nature of the job. †¢What are some examples of concepts or constructions of masculinity and femininity that you see in society and in media? With media today, masculine males are seen as military men, or law enforcement officers, also most athletic figures. Men are shown to not to have emotion or care about women’s feelings.men are also portrayed to not care that much about their physical appearance. A man sitting back watching his favorite sports team and drinking beer on his favorite couch, while his wife is in the kitchen cooking and cleaning , as well as taking care of the children. Feminine in the media today is coming off as a petite, big breasted, and a fit body.it is seen on the famous lingerie commercials as well in movies associated with tough guys and fast cars. These commercials and movies give society a view that women should be a certain size and carry themselves a specific way. †¢Historically, what has been the social status of GLBT people? Historically, the social status of GLBT people has been very rough. It was hard for these individuals come out of the closet and be who they really are in front of the public eye. GLBT people have been discriminated against almost as much as African Americans. For example men who had a more feminine side could not show that because they feared that they may be beaten, or set aside from the rest of the men. These individuals believe because they live the way they choose they are unable to find jobs because companies would be ashamed to have them working for their company unless the owner is gay themselves. There has been a lot of changes throughout history to ensure that all Americans are being treated equal. †¢What is the status of GLBT people in the U.S. today? GLBT people in the U.S. today are beginning to experience a lot more equality. What this means is they are now starting to be allowed to marry one another. They are receiving a lot more protection in places like prisons, or jails. The overall awareness for these individuals has increased. Media has allowed for them to tell their stories, and there are some television shows about their lifestyles as well. Media has probably the largest impact in today’s society, so the fact that media is now coming around to promote the awareness is definitely a plus for GLBT people. †¢What are some social and political issues relevant to women and GLBT people in the U.S.? The social and political issues that surround this is that the women are becoming more lavish in today’s politics, and they are very tough within our political system. Hilary Clinton is a strong female in politics and has made a name for herself. There are many other women that have strong traits and similarities in politics just as Mrs. Clinton does and these women are just as valuable as the men are. GLBT people have also made a very recognizable name for themselves by using as many avenues as possible to strengthen their movement for equality. The media has been a big influence for these individuals and it is constantly on the rise. Gay marriage has been a big update on news channels all across America and is spreading like a rapid fire. This has given them the ability to come out and be who they are and not worry too much about what others have to say about them. There is still along path ahead of both women and the GLBT community but they are well on their way.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

The Passive and Pitiful Ethan Frome Essay -- Ethan Frome Essays

The Passive and Pitiful Ethan Frome   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ethan Frome is a man torn between what he wants to do, and what he should do.   Life in a rural town can be tough, but when faced with complications, it can be almost unbearable.   When Ethan decides to marry his distant cousin, Zeena, his life turns down a long and lonesome road.   Ethan's lack of assertiveness and decisive action only worsens his already lonesome and stressful life.         Ã‚  Ã‚   Though too intelligent for rural life, Ethan finds himself stuck in an average man's shoes. Leaving any opportunity he had to become someone in life, Ethan moves back to Starkfield to take care of his ailing mother and attend to their farm(Wharton 29).   Rather than living a lonesome life after his mother passes away, Ethan asks Zeena to stay with him, which turns out to be his first mistake (Wharton, 29). As soon as his mother passed away, Ethan should have asked Zeena to leave and sold his farm.   His love for learning and keenness for engineering could have led Ethan to a much better life.   Unfortunately, he feels obligated to stay with Zeena, thus ending all hope   for a better life.         Ã‚  Ã‚   Zeena's ailments were nothing more than a way to gain attention from Ethan and everyone else in Starkfield.   Zeena wastes valuable money to buy an electric battery to help her overcome her "sickness", but never figures out how to use it(Wharton, 26); She spends too much money buying useless medicine when she knows money is hard to come by.   Being the man of the house, Ethan should have expressed the fact that her ailments were a factor of them being poor.   Instead Ethan goes by day by day doing what he needs to do, and what Zeena tells him.   Unfortunately for Ethan,... ...controllable circumstances brought him back home, it was he who chose to stay and risk losing all hope for the life he had dreamed for.   Ethan's decision to be with Zeena did nothing but make his already dreadful life worse.   When Mattie finally arrives, it's almost like a small burden has been lifted from Ethan's shoulders and he is almost allowed to live again. Lacking the ability to make decisions, Ethan worsens his life by letting things just slide by; and by not standing up to Zeena, the outcome leaves Ethan more desperate and lonelier than he was before.    Works Cited and Consulted: Bell, Millicent. The Cambridge Companion to Edith Wharton. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1995.   Springer, Marlene. Ethan Frome: A Nightmare of Need. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1993. Wharton, Edith. Ethan Frome. New York: Penguin Group, 1993.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Violence in the Workplace Essay

Workplace violence includes threatening behaviors, verbal abuse and physical assault. In any given week about 20 workers are murdered in the United States (Bruce& Nowlin, 2011). This can include the harming of an employee or client/customer of an organization by another employee, client/customer, or member of the general public. Many internal and external factors, including socioeconomic conditions, problems related to drug and alcohol abuse, layoffs, dictatorial workplaces, stress over job security, and domestic problems, are leading causes of workplace violence. Organizations have to deal with human productivity and economic costs from incidents of workplace violence. For example, employees and customers or clients can be seriously injured or killed. In addition, a loss of productivity generally occurs during the incident because the business may be closed or on reduced hours pending investigation and employees may fear that another incident could occur within days or months. Some employees also may quit as a result of fear of another incident or dissatisfaction with the employer for failing to prevent or properly respond to the incident. Physical injuries or emotional difficulties that result from the violent incident may cause increases in workers’ compensation claims. Organizations with policies on workplace violence are more likely to implement practices that can reduce the potential for workplace violence. The managers in these organizations indicated that counseling for potentially violent employees, investigating unfairness in the workplace, disciplining/arresting people responsible for violent acts, mandating fair treatment for terminated employees, using mediation to resolve disputes that have the potential for becoming violent, and intervening in problems between employees were part of their workplace violence policies. These elements are further evidence that organizations that initiate formal policies for workplace violence are more likely to consider ways to be proactive, rather than reactive. Organizations must take steps to ensure that employees feel safe and secure. While organizations are unable to anticipate all situations, basic preventive measures can deter some violence in the workplace. While every employee with the potential for workplace violence cannot be pre-identified at the point of hire, organizations should have a variety of pre-employment assessments in place to ensure selection of individuals whose credentials, work experience, personality, and life experiences appropriately correspond to organizational needs and values. At the pre-incident strategy stage, the organization should create a zero tolerance policy. The organization should document all forms of aggression that have occurred against people and property associated with their organization. Employees should be encouraged to report incidents of which they are aware. Furthermore, for a second strategy, pre-employment screening should include psychological testing, background checks to validate an applicant’s resume, reference checking, employment history verification, or even integrity interviewing. Training should include interpersonal communication, conflict resolution techniques and hostage survival skills to ensure that employees are prepared for any violence that should occur in the workplace.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Did the Global Capital Markets Fail Mexico?

If the Mexican economy had not been overly dependent on investments from the United States, it might have saved itself from crashing when the U. S. economy went through dramatic changes. Then again, Mexico was not adept at marketing its investments in any case. Perfect markets rely on perfect information while imperfect information is a form of market failure. Of course, Mexico had not provided sufficient information about long-term investment to American investors. As the example of the United States’ current account deficit reveals, Mexico was not hurt by its current account deficit alone.Rather, the country should have worked to perfect its market for long-term investments to save itself from the crash. In fact, Mexico is entitled to long-term investments from countries besides the United States, too, if it seeks to provide perfect information to foreign investors. With the advent of the Internet, this has become relatively simple. It was not the global capital markets that failed Mexico. Rather, Mexico failed itself. One of the reasons for investors pulling out their capital from Mexico was political upheaval in the country.Mexico did not only need to provide perfect information about long-term investments to foreign investors, but also knowledge about managing the political risks faced by investors at the time. Hedging is a way to manage such political risks. As an example, a foreign investor may obtain insurance from the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency of the World Bank. The insurance may provide covers against civil disturbance, war, expropriation, in addition to currency transfers.National insurance companies – run by the government – may similarly be approached by a foreign investor to obtain cover for risks that arise from non-payment (Frenkel, Karmann, & Scholtens, 2004, p. 20). The Mexican government should have promoted such insurance companies at the time. In fact, information about hedging as a political risk managem ent tool should have been considered a part of perfect information for a perfect market of investments. What is more, perfecting a market thus should have been considered a major step toward further development of Mexico.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Response 1 Example

Response 1 Example Response 1 – Article Example Analysis In Misa’s Chapter, Long discusses how Leonardo Da Vinci struggled with his career to initiate long-term developments thatthe later centuries witnessed in the arts and architecture (Misa 1). The author highlights that the vision that the modern-day innovators embody has been inherent through human civilizations. Although Leonardo began his career as an architect and a military engineer, he was similarly successful in scientific invention and painting. The text analyzes Leonardo’s technological career within the context of a complimenting culture and politics. The author argues that Leonardo’s innovations were a reaction to the given his problems that his community was facing.This explains why most thinkers and artists such as Leonardo were close to the then governments. The governments who were participating in expanding and maintaining their gained territories required inventors to design tools for winning wars. In this sense, the thinkers were at the me rcy of the political decisions made by their leaders. The arts and scientific innovation were essential in cementing the legacy of reigns. Although the scientists were doing the principal activities, they lacked the political immensity that the ruling classes enjoyed (Findon and Groves 102). Political privileges could only be conferred the innovators and thinkers that the given administrations favored. The designs of courts and cities formed the basis upon which modern architecture developed. Although the political class used the innovators, the thinkers developed innovations that traversed generations. In addition, in spite of the common perception of technology as cumulative, several technologies that individuals use today possess traces in the medieval ages. This is demonstrable at Leonardo’s attempt at making an airplane out of a bat’s design (Moon 41). Works citedFindon, Joanne, and Marsha Groves. Science and technology in the middle ages. New York, NY: Crabtree P ublishing Company, 2005. Print.Long, Pamela O. â€Å"Power, patronage, and the authorship of ars: from mechanical know-how to mechanical knowledge in the last scribal age,† Isis, 88.1 (1997):1-41.Misa, Thomas. Leonardo to the internet: technology and culture from the renaissance to the present. New York, NY: JHU Press, 2004. Print. Moon, Francis. The machines of Leonardo Da Vinci and Franz Reuleaux: kinematics of machines from the renaissance to the 20th century. Dordrecht, NRT: Springer, 2007. Print.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Shark Facts

Shark Facts There are several hundred species of sharks, ranging in size from less than eight inches to over 65 feet, and native to every marine environment around the world. These amazing animals have a fierce reputation and fascinating biology. Fast Facts: Sharks Scientific Name: ElasmobranchiiCommon Name: SharksBasic Animal Group: FishSize: 8 inches to 65 feetWeight: Up to 11 tonsLifespan: 20–150 yearsDiet:  CarnivoreHabitat: Marine, coastal and oceanic habitats worldwideConservation Status: 32% are Threatened, with 6% as Endangered and 26% as Vulnerable on a global basis; 24% are Near Threatened Description A  cartilaginous fish  has a body structure formed of cartilage, instead of bone. Unlike the fins of bony fishes, the fins of cartilaginous fish cannot change shape or fold alongside their body. Even though sharks dont have a bony skeleton like many other fish, they are still categorized with other vertebrates in the Phylum Chordata, Subphylum Vertebrata, and Class Elasmobranchii. This class is made up of about 1,000 species of sharks, skates, and rays. Sharks teeth don’t have roots, so they usually fall out after about a week. However, sharks have replacements arranged in rows and a new one can move in within one day to take the old one’s place. Sharks have between five and 15 rows of teeth in each jaw, with most having five rows. A shark has tough skin that is covered by dermal denticles, which are small plates covered with enamel, similar to that found on our teeth. Stephen Frink/Iconica/Getty Images Species Sharks come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and even colors. The largest shark and the largest fish in the world is the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), which is believed to reach a maximum length of 65 feet. The smallest shark is thought to be the dwarf lantern shark (Etmopterus perryi), a rare deep-sea species which is about 6 to 8 inches long. Habitat and Range Sharks are found from shallow to deep sea environments, in coastal, marine and oceanic environments the world over. Some species inhabit shallow, coastal regions, while others live in deep waters, on the ocean floor and in the open ocean. A few species, such as the bull shark, move easily through salt, fresh and brackish waters. Diet and Behavior Sharks are carnivores, and they primarily hunt and eat fish, sea mammals like dolphins and seals, and other sharks. Some species prefer or include turtles and seagulls, crustaceans and mollusks, and plankton and krill in their diets. Sharks have a lateral line system along their sides which detects water movements. This helps the shark find prey and navigate around other objects at night or when water visibility is poor. The lateral line system is made up of a network of fluid-filled canals beneath the shark’s skin. Pressure waves in the ocean water around the shark vibrate this liquid. This, in turn, is transmitted to jelly in the system, which transmits to the shark’s nerve endings and the message is relayed to the brain. Sharks need to keep water moving over their gills to receive necessary oxygen. Not all sharks need to move constantly, though. Some sharks have spiracles, a small opening behind their eyes, that force water across the shark’s gills so the shark can be still when it rests. Sharks that do need to swim constantly have active and restful periods rather than undergoing deep sleep like we do. They seem to be â€Å"sleep swimming,† with parts of their brain appearing less active while they remain swimming. David Jenkins/Robert Harding World Imagery/Getty Images Reproduction and Offspring Some shark species are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Others are viviparous and give birth to live young. Within these live-bearing species, some have a placenta just like human babies do, and others do not. In those cases, the shark embryos get their nutrition from a yolk sac or unfertilized egg capsules filled with yolk. With the sand tiger shark, things are pretty competitive. The two largest embryos consume the other embryos of the litter.   While nobody seems to know for certain, it has been estimated that the whale shark, the largest shark species, can live up to 150 years, and many of the smaller sharks can live between 20 and 30 years. Some sharks actually lay eggs while others give birth. Cludio Policarpo / EyeEm  / Getty Images   Sharks and Humans Bad publicity around a few shark species has doomed sharks in general to the misconception that they are vicious man-eaters. In fact, only 10 out of all the shark species are considered dangerous to humans. All sharks should be treated with respect, though, as they are predators, often with sharp teeth that could inflict wounds (especially if the shark is provoked or feels threatened). Threats Humans are a greater threat to sharks than sharks are to us. Many shark species are threatened by fishing or bycatch, which lead  to the deaths of millions of sharks each year. Compare that to shark attack statistics- while a shark attack is a horrifying thing, there are only about 10 fatalities worldwide each year due to sharks. Since they are long-lived species and only have a few young at once, sharks are vulnerable to overfishing. Many are caught incidentally in fisheries targeting tunas and billfishes, and a growing market for shark fins and meat for restaurants is also impacting different species. One threat is the wasteful practice of shark-finning, a cruel practice in which the sharks fins are cut off while the rest of the shark is thrown back in the sea.   The shark fin trade is one of the threats humans pose towards sharks.   IN2 Focus Media/Getty Images   Conservation Status The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed over 60 species of pelagic sharks and rays. About 24 percent are classed as Near Threatened, 26 percent are Vulnerable, and 6 percent Endangered on a global basis. About 10 are classed Critically Endangered. Sources Camhi, Merry D. et al. The Conservation Status of Pelagic Sharks and Rays: Report of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group Pelagic Shark Red List Workshop, Oxford, IUCN, 2007.Kyne, P.M., S.A. Sherrill-Mix, and G. H. Burgess. Somniosus microcephalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T60213A12321694, 2006.Leandro, L. Etmopterus perryi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T60240A12332635, 2006.Pierce, S.J. and B. Norman. Rhincodon typus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T19488A2365291, 2016.Shark Facts. World Wildlife Fund.Simpfendorfer, C. Burgess, G.H. Carcharhinus leucas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T39372A10187195, 2009.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Introduction to Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Introduction to Operations Management - Essay Example Management of the Zoo has arranged the facilities and services for about 10000 visitors. But this year, more than 10,000 people visited the Zoo at the occasion of August Bank Holidays. Moreover on the World Animal Day, the number of visitors exceeded 18,000 visitors, about an average of 4000 visitors at a time. There were many problems faced by the management; food ran short, there was no space for free walk in the Zoo, no staff member was there in front of the visitors and there all were queues in the Zoo. The management of the London Zoo can use some other ways of collecting data on their required information about the service quality. They can use the group focusing technique to gather the information. The groups visiting the Zoo can be requested to answer few of their questions. This style of activities can be done in quite attractive way announcing some gift hampers for the groups answering their questions and recommending some suggestions for the improvement. Interviewing technique is also a useful way to gather the data. But this technique might be not much useful or beneficial here. An interview requires mental preparation of the respondent which can not be adopted here as people come to the place for relaxation and enjoyment, they would not like this way. The above are the categories upon which information were gathered. The rating was asked from 1 to 5 with 3 as an average. The figures from the Appendices 3 and 4, it is observed that the customers rank the Zoo as an average service provider as the average of the ranking is 2.90 ~ 3. This value shows that the customers feel that the Zoo is providing entertainment of an average level. The management seems to be more dedicated towards the improvement of the progress of the services’ quality. The management realizes its responsibility that they have not only to provide amusement but the Zoo symbolizes the care of wild life. This care is reflected through the