Managing people and organization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Managing people and organization - Essay Example The specific gap has been identified by Kilduff, Elfenbein and Staw (2010); their article entitled as ‘The psychology of rivalry: A relationally dependent analysis of competition’ aims to offer adequate explanations on the relationship between rivalry and competition both regarding the individuals and the organizations. Through the above study, the following fact is revealed: competition among individuals has similarities with the competition developed between organizations. In this way, the following assumption can be made: the response of organizations to the pressures of their competitors is depended on the perceptions of their managers on rivalry; the latter is not just an element of human behavior; rather, it can be a cause for promoting competition among organizations – based on the fact that organizational decisions are made by individuals who are expected to use their own perceptions and experiences when having to develop various organizational plans. The article of Kilduff, Elfenbein and Staw (2010) has been critically reviewed in order to identify its strengths and weaknesses but also its contribution in the explanation of organizational behavior. It is concluded that the specific article is extremely valuable in terms not just of its subject but also of its structure and content. Article Importance The article of Kilduff, Elfenbein and Staw (2010) can be characterized as quite important helping to realize the role of rivalry for the development of various decisions. Especially in regard to the area of organizational behavior, the specific article helps to understand how the responses of firms to their competitors can be explained and evaluated. The value of the article for the particular field can be also identified at the following two points: a) existing studies regarding the role of rivalry in organizational competition are quite limited; in fact, up today, the relationship between the personal attitudes – as rivalry can be primarily characterized – and the organizational initiatives has not been explored; through the article under examination the dependency of organizational decisions on personal beliefs – referring to the beliefs of rivals when these persons have to participate in the development of a key organizational decision – is analytically explained; b) competition is a key part of organizational activities; however, the causes and the elements of competition have not been adequately examined in the past; the article under examination offers valuable information on a specific aspect/ cause of competition: the rivalry which can be related to the initiatives of both individuals and organizations. Article’s Critique In order to understand the value of the article under examination within the field of ‘organizational beh

Describe and analyze the Reconstruction of the American South between Essay

Describe and analyze the Reconstruction of the American South between 1863 abd 1877. What was its impact on the future of American society - Essay Example r original practical relations; and let all these questions then be discussed in common council†¦ that it would have been better as soon as the lamentable conflict was over, when the people of the south abandoned their cause and agreed to accept the issue, desiring as they do to resume their places for the future in the Union, and to look to the arena of reason and justice for the protection of their rights in the Union†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Plans for Reconstruction were already on the way even before the war ended. These plans and eventual legislations and proposals were mostly influenced by the powerful Republicans, which demand harsh policies for the Southern states. However, the moderates, such as then incumbent President Abraham Lincoln prevailed on restoring the Southerners back as fast as possible with as much leniency.1 However, admission to the union meant the Confederate states were to adhere to several terms and conditions without compromise otherwise they risk representation in the United States Congress. Although subjected to several historical debates in the past, the Reconstruction period is undeniably one of the most significant periods in the United States history. It would impress a lasting impact on two major aspects in the identity of American society. They are racial equality and economic activity. â€Å"The disintegration of slavery was one among several considerations that propelled the Lincoln administration down the road to emancipation†¦ Lack of military success, coupled with the anti-slavery agitation of abolitionists and Radical Republicans, convinced a significant part of the Northern public that the war could not be won without attacking slavery.† (Foner, Mahoney, p. 16) Thus, after their defeat, the Confederate states were forced to swear on abolishing slavery and eventually free their black slaves. The moderates and radicals among the Republicans agreed that it was essential in guaranteeing the perpetual union among the states. The

Stem Cell Harvesting Awareness Essay Example for Free

Stem Cell Harvesting Awareness Essay A structured questionnaire was administrated to 360 youths and young adults across Malaysia. The questionnaires were given to the Malaysian youths from different age groups, gender and religion. Evaluation from a number of literatures is used and conclusions are drawn based on qualitative analysis of the secondary research data. Findings – The results of this research proves that the gender, race and family income has no direct relationship on stem cell harvesting awareness. It is surprisingly not a new term to the respondents. They are hardly gain deeper information regarding stem cell harvesting and its issue from newspaper as well as television. Although the respondents think that stem cell research is ethical, they are hardly to support scientists to harvest stem cell, however, they learnt the importance of storing stem cell and willing to pay for cryopreservation service for stem cell banking. Practical implications – The results of the study lend support to the future of medical science in developing stem cells harvesting technology in Malaysia. Young couples going to form a household who age between 22-35 years old are the potential influence to the society to increase the awareness of this advance technology. Keywords – Stem cell, Social Cognitive Theory, and Media Dependency Theory Paper type – Research paper About the author: Lim Yoke Theng is currently in her final year pursuing her Bachelor in Mass Communication (Hons) with INTI International University, Malaysia. The author can be reach by email ([emailprotected] com) Research on Stem cell awareness among Malaysians . 1 Introduction Stem cell research is relatively new in Malaysia (Ministry of Health Malaysia, 2008). Stem cells are cells capable of developing into other types of cells and tissues. According to former research, stem cell have been viewed and can be harvested within the context of the embryo because it is within these early stages that we see the dramatic transitions of stem cells forming a range of tissues and organ systems. Later on, it can be found in adult physical body and called as adult stem cell. It now seems that probably all tissues contain adult stem cells, however, in insignificant numbers. Scientists reflect that the cells remain dormant until activated by disease or injury to that tissue. Stem cell research can potentially assist in treating a range of medical problems (Experiment Resources, 2008). It could lead humanity closer to better treatment and possibly cure a number of diseases: * Parkinson’s Disease * Alzheimer’s Disease * Heart Diseases, Stroke and Diabetes (Type 1) * Birth Defects * Spinal Cord Injuries Replace or Repair Damaged Organs * Reduced Risk of Transplantation (You could possibly get a copy of your own heart in a heart-transplantation in the future) * Stem cells may play a major role in cancer Besides, this research may also be able to explain how stem cells can be harvested and where can we found the stem cells on human body, the method and means of harvesting. To make the picture clearer to the public, functions of stem cells need to be strengthened and emphasized in medical field instead of stem cell harvesting and storage service. If stem cell is indeed the appealing alternative to those patients who struggle to live or to die, it may increase the level of awareness among Malaysia society and affect the achievement of Malaysia Medical Science Field. Patients who suffer from Alzheimers, stem cell transplantation is an option for them to recover from that disease, it has no cure but a drug called ARICEPT has been used by millions of people to help their symptoms (New York Methodist Hospital, 2010).

Pharmacology Pharmacokinetics Pharmacodynamics History And Development Biology Essay

Pharmacology Pharmacokinetics Pharmacodynamics History And Development Biology Essay The hemp plant cannabis sativa, versatile plant named by Swedish botanist Linaeus in 1735 originated in Central Asia has been widely distributed around the world. The earliest use of the drug has been known to be in existence since 700 BC in Assyrian tablets drug finding its place even in the British Pharmaceutical Codex, as late as 1949(G. Geoffrey, W. Brain and R. Philip;2004). Cannabis is an annual dioecious developing from seed, fast growing plant which reaches the maturity in 60 days. It has a lance shaped leaflets with saw tooth edge with woody angular hairy stem with a height of 50 ft or more. Cannabis indica is smaller subspecies it a height of 4 feet other varieties are obtained by crossing cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. Cannabis is used as psychoactive drug. Around 20 million people in USA and Europe and many other part of world use cannabis on a regular basis although consumption is illegal in most of the countries. The psychoactive ingredient of cannabis is delta-9-tetra hydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis is also known by the names like marijuana, hashish, charas, bhang, ganga and sinsemilla among this hashish and charas are most potent with THC content 10 20%. High concentration of THC can be found in the fine droplets of sticky resin produced by glands at the base of the fine hairs that coats leaves and flower heads (J. Robert,A primer of Drug Action; 1998). Fig 1 Cannabis sativa (http://ja.treknature.com) Fig 2 Cannabis tincture (http://www.medicalmarijuanacure.com) History and Development of Cannabis Fig 3 (M.D. Vincenzo; 2006) Chemistry of THC: Chemical structure of THC was elucidated in 1964; thereafter many chemical analogues have been synthesized and tested. Phenolic hydroxyl group(C-1) is for cannabiniol activity, side chain(C-9) is important as potency can be increased by increase in chain length, also methyl group substitution at side chain carbon adjacent to aromatic ring and northern aliphatic hydroxyl group enhances the activity of THC.THC was isolated during the world war II from red oil fraction of cannabis and other optically active component isolated was cannabidiol. ( G. Geoffrey, W. Brain and R. Philip;2004) Fig 4 Structures of delta-9-tetra hydrocannabinol(THC) IUPAC Name: (à ¢Ãƒâ€¹Ã¢â‚¬  )-(6aR,10aR)-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-1-ol Molecular weight: 314.45 daltons. Formula: C21H30O2 Pharmacology (Cannabiniod receptor): First cannabinoid receptor was identified in 1990 which lead to further studies. In central nervous system cannabinoid receptor are found in G-proteins with seven transmembrane spanning segments which are strongly expressed in basal ganglia, cerebellum and hippocampus, at higher concentration expressed on afferent spinal cord regions and at lower concentrations at brain stem it has a chain of 473 amino acids with a hydrophobic domain (B. David, P. Gareth, G. Gavin, and T. Alan; 2003).Second receptor (CB2) is expressed by leucocytes and in haemopoeitic development. Endocannabiniods have cannabinoid receptor binding activity and function of the endocannabinoid system is to regulate synaptic neurotransmission. First endocannabiniod was observed in 1992 by Devan and co-workers from porcine brain which was anandamide it showed behavioural, hypothermic, and analgesic effects similar to that of cannabinoids many other are found in central nervous system (CNS) but exact physiological roles a re not yet know ( L.A.Matsuda, S.J. Brownstein, et al;1990). Fig 5 CB expression on brain. (B. David, P. Gareth, G. Gavin, and T. Alan; 2003) Pharmacodynamics: Effects of THC on CNS studies shows impairment in learning, psychomotor performance and associative processes. Heavy users showed impairment in attention and à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"amotivationalà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚  syndrome with chronic use of marijuana(R.I. Block, R. Fairnpour, and K.Braverman;1998). Commonly seen physiological effects on cardiovascular system are increased blood pressure, heart rate with dry mouth, dizziness and slight nausea(H.G.Pope and D.Yurgelun-Todd;1996). Long-term use leads to immunosuppression of immune system, also Cannabiniod receptors inhibit intracellular adenylate cyclase second-messenger system resulting into decrease spleen cell liberation on immune response and increase the susceptibility of infections or disease. Chronic use results into reduction in fertility and sexual potency in the individual.( P.A. Fried;1995). THC readily passes through placenta and affects the new born with visual perception, language comprehension and frequent me mory loss. ( M.A. Huestis, A.H. Sampson, B.J. Holicky, et al;1992) Pharmacokinetics: Most commonly cannabis is taken by smoking which is through inhalation followed by rapid absorption from lungs into the bloodstream though bioavailability is less (10-27%).Oral administration has plasma levels much lower compared to Intra-venous infusions and inhalation this is due to first pass metabolism in the liver resulting in to poor bioavailability. Bioavailability is higher by sublingual and rectal administration. Cannabinoids are lipophilic in nature (log Kow=7.4) and gets widely distributed in brain, kidney, liver and fat with steady release in the blood,90% of cannabinoids are bound to plasma proteins and 10% to red blood cells( M. Wahlqvist, M.I. Nilsson, F. Sandberg, S;1970). Phase I metabolism of cannabinoids is catalysed by cytochrome P450 in liver with oxidase system. Majority of THC metabolites are excreted in faeces (65%) and rest in urine through glucuronide conjugates (M. Bornheim and A. Correia;1989). Tolerance and dependence: The long known use of the drug has not really given a clear scientifically proven picture that the drug or the derivatives of the plant are beneficial for therapeutic purposes (A. Duffy and R. Milin; 1996). Although there are no severe dependency problems, on the hind side, the toxic nature of Cannabinoids, has also seen increased heart rate, lowering of blood pressure, euphoric intoxication and toxic psychosis resulting from a loss of cognitive performance. Extensive clinical trials over the years have seen the drug being classified into lesser harmful categories, classified into Schedules from 1 to 3, with 3 being of least harm (C. P. OBrein; 1995). Funded by Medical Research Council, the research includes testing on 660 patients over a time period of 3 years. Another research involves 400 patients who would be treated with different forms of cannabis plant and compared with conventional analgestics. The trails are supported by nations like UK, USA, Switzerland, Germany with each country supplying the distinct Cannabis extracts. Another trial in UK is for treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders and use a sub-lingual spray as the method of drug delivery. Each of the manufactured extract needs to comply with the Good Manufacturing Practice(s) that oversees selection of plant material, solvent used, and the entire processing itself. (C. P. OBrein; 1995). Analytical Methods: Initial screening of drug of abuse is generally carried out by immunoassay and confirmation of the results is done using chromatographic methods. Radioimmunoassay is generally used for detection cannabinoids in the biological samples. Gas chromatography (GC) is most frequently used analytical method to analyse product but due to decarboxylation during the analysis in neutral forms determination of acidic cannabinoids is not possible. High speed liquid chromatography (HPLC) method used for determination of composition of cannabinoids is one of the efficient and the simplest way to elucidate major cannabinoids but overlapping of peaks is a concern (Y. Ruiqin, X. Wenlin;2006). Though combination of mass spectroscopy and HPLC rectifies errors due to overlapping of peaks and combination of HPLC/GC can produce effective analysis. (B. Benjamin, D. Benjamin, L.Pierre, T.Laetitia, D.Nathalie, D.Lies, V. Alain, H. Philippe, C.Corinne,Innovative; 2009). Fig 6 GC chromatogram of a standard solution of D9-THCA-A analysed (F.E. Dussy et al; 1996) Fig 7 HPLC chromatogram of THC recorded at 220nm (F.E. Dussy et al; 1996) Small amount of sample can be reused with simple operation using solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) to study cannabinoids followed by GC/MS for target molecule confirmation and determination presence of THC in saliva and hair using SPME-GC/MS can be determined (F.E. Dussy et al;1996).LC-IT/MS is used for quantification and conformation of various cannabinoids in a single method though this method is cost effective so use is limited.(A.A.M. Stolker, J. van Schoonhoven, A.J. de Vries, I. Bobeldijk-Pastorova, W.H.J. Vaes, R. van den Berg;2004) Legalization: The legal position held on this drug is still in a state of confusion with no conclusive evidence on the actual therapeutic effects it has. Many countries have softened their stand on the punishment for possession of cannabis, with Netherlands going to the extent of decriminalizing soft drugs in 1976. Belgium followed suit, with the clause that it should not lead to social nuisance, risks and problematic consumption. The USA took a U turn to prohibit the drug due to not enough evidence after certain states allowed the use of the drug for medicinal purposes. Canadian law allows the usage of drug for exceptional cases of patients with prior support from the medical practitioner. Due to its activity on the nervous system, the drug has primarily been used in medicinal treatment of muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, rheumatism, tetanus convulsions, rabies and epilepsy with the current day applications being witnessed in treatment of anorexia, bronchial asthma, epilepsy, glaucoma, hypertension, muscle spasticity, nausea, vomiting and pain. But these applications have just fetched two licensed cannabinoids for medicinal purpose THC (Marinol) and Nabilone, both of which are synthetic (A.C.Moffat; 2006). Conclusion: The Cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa.) is used as recreational drug with a long history and is a part of traditional medicine from the past. The relatively recent discovery of cannabinoid receptors and the human endocannabinoid system has opened up a new and exciting field of research. Bioavailability is obtained by rectal and sublingual administration and rapid absorption takes place with intra-venous and inhalation. But despite the potential, cannabis is categorized as a narcotic drug it is prevented to develop into modern medicine. Dependence and addiction to this drug is quite rare. Psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has received great attention, and much is known about its biological effects and mechanisms of action, analytical methods, pharmacokinetics, and structure-activity relationships, it will be a challenge to see cannabis as a routine medicine for various disorders.

Terrorism :: Terrorist

Terrorism The Good, the Bad, the Terrorist? Terrorism by nature is difficult to define. Acts of terrorism conjure emotional responses in the victims as well as in the practitioners. No two writers agree on what is terrorism. Even the U.S. government cannot agree on one single definition. The old adage, "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" is still alive and well today ("Terrorism Research Center: Definitions" 1). Although many people believe that terrorism is evil, it is merely misunderstood because there is no set definition. Terrorists are responsible to most of the freedom movements in every country. Terrorists have used violence to get their point across to the public. These acts are often necessary for the success of the movement or cause. The use of this violence can be justified in several ways. You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs has been used by terrorist to describe their actions.

Richard Feynman :: biography biographies bio

Early Years * Richard Phillips Feynman was born May 11, 1918 to Melville and Lucille Feynman. His sister, Joan, followed later, March 31, 1928. * Richard's life was charted for science before he was even born. Melville decided while the child was still in the womb that if the baby was a boy he would grow up to be a scientist. Richard, in fact, was a boy and his precocious young mind caught on quickly to his father's earliest scientific teaching. His father's practice of teaching Richard to ask investigative questions began a lifetime devoted to the wonder and mystery of the universe. * It was this process, learned early in life, of questioning and observing, the classic scientific method, that Richard credited his discoveries by. As he stated in an address to science teachers in 1966, " I think it is very important--at least it was to me--that if you are going to teach people to make observations, you should show that something wonderful can come from them. I learned then what science was about: it was patience. If you looked, and you watched, and you paid attention, you got a great reward from it--although possibly not every time. As a result, when I became a more mature man, I would painstakingly, hour after hour, for years, work on problems--sometimes many years, sometimes shorter times; many of them failing, lots of stuff going into the wastebasket--but every once in a while there was the gold of a new understanding that I had learned to expect when I was a kid, the result of observation. For I did not learn that observation was not worthwhile (What Is Sc ience?)." * In high school, Richard's aptitude for learning was most evident. He excelled at math, building a solid foundation for his physics career ahead. In fact, he won first prize in the New York University math competition in his final year in Far Rockaway high school (Wikipedia). * After high school, Richard continued his education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduating with a degree in physics in 1939 as well as receiving the pretigious Putnam Fellow reward (Wikipedia). As an undergraduate, Feynman took every physics course offered at the university. He then continued his education, moving on to Princeton to study for his Ph.D. Once again, Feynman showed his facility with all things mathematical, receiving a perfect score on the mathematical and physics portion of the Princeton entrance exam.

Standards of Rating Hotels in Russia

Intro  : â€Å"There are no international unified standards for awarding stars to hotels,† said Sergei Korneyev, director for the northwest at the Russian Tourism Industry Union. * Each country has its own system, and it is very inconvenient for tourists, since, for example, Egyptian stars differ from European ones. There have been many misunderstandings.WHAT IS :An hotel ranking is a system, taking into account a full range of factors including quality of accommodation, range of amenities, standards of service, atmosphere and prices as well as customers experience, and feedback in order to classify hotels There are currently about 30 national systems of hotel classification around the world. * Among them are the letters system used in Greece and the crowns system used in the U. K. , though the most widespread system is the star classification * While all hotels in Moscow claim a specific number of stars, there is no reliable, universal system of classification in operation. This can often lead to unrealistic expectations, disappointment, and it may be hard to know what to expect from your hotel in terms of standards, services, and amenities as a first-time travelers to Russia. Suchi Hotels first and then the entire country of Russia * Since July 2010 Sochi hotels were obliged to classify themselves by the demands of the International Olympic Committee (classification as the country gears up to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games). The Governor of Krasnodar region decided to first expand this requirement to the whole region and now to the whole country.As new legislation passes, starting this summer season of 2012 only star-rated hotels were able to accommodate tourists. A little bit of History: * The first attempts to introduce classification standards in Russia were made in the Soviet era. In 1984, a document was drawn up dividing hotels into seven categories. The regulation existed until 1994 and was followed by three more certification documents. Fin ally, in 2005, a new system of state classification of hotels and guesthouses was launched, taking into account European experience. Previously, Russian hotels obtained star-category classification on a voluntary basis, but obtaining certification became obligatory after an order signed in June 2010.* There are 471 officially certified hotels in Russia — about 10 percent of the total number of 4,500 hotels, according to data from the Federal Tourism Agency. From Yesterday to Today: Review of the principal changes * It appears that often ‘stars' in Russia were given after considering formalities and did not reflect real comfort and service level. The main difference between the new and old classification systems is that, now, the expert appraisal and assignment of a Hotel to a particular category will be carried out by special organizations accredited by government agencies * Prior the classification of Hotels in Russia was carried out under a voluntary classification sy stem that was approved by the Federal Agency for Tourism (Rosturizm) in 2005 and largely based on standards and rules that were set back in the 1990s * Many hotels that are located in old buildings will need to invest a lot in engineering infrastructure and additional facilities to get the necessary number of points to obtain the certification and get the stars they want.Hotel Assesment Criteria: Each hotel will be awarded a number of points depending on the number of rooms and the services offered. * The requirements, relate to various aspects of Hotel operations: layout, condition of rooms, range and quality of services offered, etc. * For example: -A standard single room in a â€Å"five-star† hotel must be at least 14 m? in area, and the Hotel must also have a conference room with the relevant equipment. The waiting time for an elevator in four- and five-star hotels should be no more than 30 seconds, or 45 seconds in a three-star hotel. * The classification will be a paid procedure, and mandatory certification is expected to cost less than voluntary classification about ( today $1,500 for three- to four-star hotels with less than 100 rooms) * Hotels that fail to declare their status under the new rules will pay a fine, * Hotels without certification won’t have the right to use their unofficial rating in advertisements, and furthermore, limits may be applied to the activity of such hotels * ————————————————-Certificates will be issued for five years, but hotels will have to reaffirm their status twice a year. Just a few more things to remind: (only on the power point) Luxury Hotels * world-class 5-star hotels * Either  Historic Moscow Hotels  or Moscow branches of well-known international brands at the very top of the hotel market. Deluxe Hotels * executive standard 4-star or 5-star hotels * Must be centrally situated. Superior Ho tels * International 4-star ratings. * If  Superior Hotels  are not centrally located, then they must have good transport links to the city. Standard Hotels * International 3-star standards, including many new or fully renovated Russian hotels.   Standard Hotels are rarely central Tourist Class Hotels * Often built in the Soviet period, hotels of this class may not be fully renovated. * Representing the cheapest accommodation widely available in Russia *International 2-star standards * Situated in modern buildings in the suburbs. Budget Hotels * low-cost accommodation * No services are guaranteed. Conclusion: Classifications under the new system: mandatory or voluntary? * At present, the new classification system is applicable to all Hotels, but is mandatory only for Hotels offering the relevant services within the municipality of the city/resort of Sochi. * We note that the changes to he Hotel classification rules and the mandatory classification procedure for certain Hotels is without any doubt related to the XXII Olympic Winter Games being held in Russia.* We believe that the overall trend for the introduction of international standards in many sectors in Russia is connected with the ambition to join the World Trade Organization. For the Future: What’s next? * The World Hotel Rating (WHR) project, aims at setting international classification standards and rating criteria along the lines of a world star-rating system. * This project will establish an information platform on the hotel industry which will be multilingual and multicultural. * WHR intends to play a key role in the development of quality hotel services