Cultural Competency Assessment Essay

The Long Island Adolescent and Family Services or LIAFS is a social service organization that assists the young population in their needs and concerns. LIAFS first started as a support group for young people who were victims of crime and a haven for children who do not have anywhere to go. LIAFS does not operate for the purpose of generating profit. The organization is headstrong in providing support and assistance to adolescents or families who are experiencing difficulties and challenges in whatever aspect of their lives. (LIAFS, 2008) LIAFS obtains its resources to accomplish its goals and objectives from donations and contributions. People who want to help LIAFS further their aims are able to send their monetary assistance to the LIAFS’ office. As of now, the organization is publishing a wish list that contains what they need, such as computers, sports equipments, vehicles, and gifts that the organization will be able to give out to children during their birthdays. (LIAFS, 2008b) The organization is also in need of employees that are willing to work for the said cause, such as cooks, therapists, drivers, counselors, and psychologists. (LIAFS, 2008c) The involvement of the community or the neighborhood is much needed in running programs of the LIAFS. This is highly recommended, especially for non-profit organizations, if LIAFS wishes to sustain resources and take one step higher than what the organization has been attaining or has attained. This concept builds on cultural competency. Cultural competency means that a non-profit organization is able to become culturally aware and through it gain help from diverse groups in society in order to assist the organization is realizing its goals and objectives. (Alliance for Non-Profit Management, 2004) In general, cultural competency assists the organization in providing much-needed quality services to the youth and their families. The need for cultural competency requires LIAFS to employ the help of the community or the neighborhood in understanding a multitude of cultures in order to provide suitable and comprehensive services to cover for the needs and concerns of youth and families. Employing the help of community members requires the need to train them in cultural issues so they too can help in providing needs and concerns that the LIAFS originally provides the youth and their families. Involvement of the community or neighborhood should be on a regular basis because its members need to understand that the welfare of the youth and their families influence the conditions of the community and the neighborhood. Aside from cultural awareness to deal with people belonging to diverse cultural backgrounds and other groups or organizations that operate on a different cultural environment or situation, people from the community or the neighborhood should be able to be informed about the situations that the youth and their families are experiencing. It is important for them to discern that the adolescent population and their families who are experiencing difficulties and challenges need the help of other people for them to be able to improve their situation and way of life. Part of the contribution of communities and neighborhoods include being observant or vigilant about their surroundings. It is important to supervise events or situations in the neighborhood in order to perceive potential risks or harmful environments that might endanger children and their families. Keeping a watchful eye prevents difficult situations such as child abuse, for instance. It is also the role of the community and the neighborhood to protect the rights of the citizens. Once an incident happens, it is their responsibility to act against crime and other events that lead to difficulties and challenges. Another role that the community or neighborhood should play is to be involved in the fund-raising process most especially because LIAFS is a non-profit organization. Members of the community or neighborhood should be able to contribute to LIAFS’ programs and activities with whatever assistance they can extend to the organization, the children, and their families. Community volunteerism is something that should be practiced by members of the community or neighborhood. References Alliance for Non-Profit Management. (2004). â€Å"Cultural Competency Initiative. † Retrieved August 30, 2008, from Alliance for Non-Profit Management. Website: http://www. allianceonline. org/cci. ipage LIAFS. (2008). â€Å"About LIAFS. † Retrieved August 30, 2008, from LIAFS. Website: http://www. liafs. org/about. html LIAFS. (2008b). â€Å"Support and Donations. † Retrieved August 30, 2008, from LIAFS. Website: http://www. liafs. org/donation. html LIAFS. (2008c). â€Å"Employment Opportunities. † Retrieved August 30, 2008, from LIAFS. Website: http://www. liafs. org/employment. html

Against abortion essay

Against abortion * Every child is a precious and unique gift from God. We have no right to destroy this * Defenceless baby needs special protection since it cannot stand up for its own rights * The embryo is human from conception with its own DNA. Left alone, it will develop into a person * Children with physical or learning disabilities can lead full and rewarding lives. Aborting people because of disability is like telling disabled people that they are worthless * Abortion is murder – the deliberate taking of a human life * Doctors and nurses promised to save life, not destroy it.Abortion breaks the Hippocratic Oath * The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child says that children need protection both before and after birth * Unwanted babies could be adopted. Many childless couples are desperate to adopt * You are killing a human being. She/he may be unborn, but they are still a life and deserve to live that life, whether it is an inconvenience to you or not. * I f you are going to have an abortion and are already planning on keeping it a secret, that shows right there that you would feel bad if people knew you had done this deed.You will feel guilt and just like if you were to kill another person and no one found out, you yourself would know and feel guilt and shame about it. It would tear you apart * What if you were raped and got pregnant? That new life still should be able to live their life. It may be lived through adoption or in a different home, but even though you were wronged, you have no right to kill another person because of this wrong done to you. * My argument is always that there are so many couples that cannot have babies and are broken hearted because of it.So instead of aborting your baby give it up for adoption and to a loving family. It’s not fair to those people who all they want is a baby and then there are all these girls throwing away babies like they are nothing. * If you think you’re responsible enough to have sex and you do, and don’t use protection, then take care of your responsibility, don’t take the easy way out and kill your baby. Plain and simple! * Why would you kill a baby that God has gifted you with?A baby is a beautiful blessing it is a gift of life that you can raise teaches and be there for. Some people don't get that chance. * People use abortions as a quick fix rather than use contraception * Abortions r wrong because people can get rid of a perfectly healthy baby at between 18 and 22 wks at which age a baby can survive * Abortions can leave the person feeling guilty and sometimes even suicidal * If u don't want children use protections rather than killing a baby that has done nothing wrong and has not asked to be conceived.People also use it to get rid of perfectly healthy babies like if a baby has a cleft lip and pallet some people would rather get rid of the baby than deal with a baby that has to have operation. * Abortion is murder. You can alway s put the child up for adoption, but you can never take back that you killed your child you must have some love in your heart not to be a murder. * Why should an innocent new life be punished for someone else's wrong actions? * It's evil! You're killing a life inside you We shouldn’t be able to kill a baby because we can’t take care of it†¦. that’s why we have adoption agencies. * We wouldn’t have liked to be aborted. * Though they are babies they are human and have rights and choices. It’s only fair not to abort them! * Abortion is murder * Abortion puts an innocent child in excruciating pain and then they die. (Just look at pictures of abortion procedures and what the babies look like. They can feel pain. ) * Women die from it * Women become suicidal from it * Women have severe emotional and mental isorder from * It has become a form of birth control for a lot of women who simply don’t want to take birth control, or haven't figured ou t what a damn condom is! * People need to start taking responsibility for their actions (Don't have sex if you can't deal with, or are not financially or emotionally stable for the consequences!!! ) * I don't agree with abortions used for defects in the foetus (Down syndrome ect. ) That is just horrible to take a child's life because it isn't perfect, or will require more attention, boo effing hoo!!You take that risk also by getting pregnant; you have to keep your mind open for things like this!! * Cases I personally would agree with abortion on: If a woman gets raped and gets pregnant (obviously not her decision to lay down and have sex, and obviously not her fault for conception) * Children under 16 who’s parents choose for them to have an abortion because the â€Å"child†, (though they know perfectly well the difference between right and wrong, as well as what condoms and birth control are at this point), is most likely going to leave the baby for their parents to r aise.Thus, since it isn't the parent’s choice to have the baby, then I don't think the child should have it. (Although adoption again would be the right route to go with this) I would also beat the living HELL out of the â€Å"child† and lock them in a room somewhere (personal opinion) * It’s immoral, it’s basically murder!!! What did the baby do to deserve to die!!!!!

Port Authority Transit Corporation Strike Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Port Authority Transit Corporation Strike - Essay Example Before being getting the job, these workers knew that the job was critical for many lives depended on them.   Apart from being aware of how demanding the job is, they also knew that they were working under the US federal government thus; it was against the law for them to go on strike (Northrup, 1984).   Since these employees defied the law and went ahead with the strike, it, therefore, implies that they also went against the president of the US. This is because the employees worked under the federal government managed by the president.   Hence, in my opinion, this strike was not ethical.   Ã‚  Was it ethically acceptable for President Reagan to fire the striking air traffic controllers?   In my opinion, firing the air traffic controllers was an ethical thing to do. This is because not only did they put the lives of many citizens in danger but they also went against the president. One reason why the air controllers went on strike is that they had the perception that they we re highly dependable and by going on strike they thought that they would receive attention (McCartin, 2011).   The other reason why I believe President Reagan's decision to sack the controllers is because they declined his humble request that they return to work. By refusing to return to work, these workers went against the president hence giving him no other choice but to fire all of them before hiring retirees and military controllers to take over the jobs left vacant (Northrup, 1984).

Saltman Engineering Co Ltd V Campbell Engineering Ltd2 Essay

Saltman Engineering Co Ltd V Campbell Engineering Ltd2 - Essay Example This essay discusses that where information has economic value, it can be treated like any form of consideration. This is because it has a worth which becomes the property of the original owner or holder of it. And as such, when the 'owner' of such information feels his rights have been breached, he can take legal action against any losses. This situation has led to the development of confidentiality laws. Cases involving the abuse of rights to information are handled under the category of breach of confidence. In the earliest cases of the 19th century, people who brought action for the breach of confidence were required to show proof of a contract that restrained the defendants from making economic use of information given to them. This means that the initial courts invoked a common law position which required plaintiffs to insert clauses in the contracts they signed which involved the transfer of information that could potentially be used to the advantage of defendants. However in Saltman Engineering Co Ltd V Campbell Engineering Ltd a significantly different ruling came to force. In this case, Saltman Engineering conceived a business idea. They asked Campbell Engineering to draw up the plan and put it on course for the commercialisation of the invention. Campbell instructed a third party company to proliferate the idea and put the final product on the marketplace as though it was Campbell Engineering's original invention. Saltman Engineering took the matter to court. ... The case was therefore decided in favour of Saltman Engineering. This case was decided on the basis of equity. In other words, the common law position which required plaintiffs to show proof that there was some kind of contract which restrained the defendant from giving off the information was sidelined and the court pursued fairness. This laid the precedence for courts to use the principles of equity to decide cases involving the breach of confidence. Equity and the Breach of Confidentiality The concept of the breach of confidence was to be decided on the basis of equity rather than common law after the Saltman case. From the way it emerged, the concept of confidentiality was to cut across four main aspects of interaction and communication: personal information3, government information, artistic/literary secrets and trade secrets4. However, there was an issue related to the invocation of equity in cases relating to confidentiality. This mainly has to do with the inherent nature of t he development of the principles of equity. By default, equity acts in personam and this therefore means that every case had to be examined according to the special facts and cases relating to it. This meant that the courts would always have to spend considerable time looking at the main elements of each case they receive, appraise it and take decisions where appropriate. This called for the need to build some hedges around the concept of the breach of contract and define the parameters of this legal concept. This finally came in the landmark case of Coco V AN Clark5 where Judge Megarry made the landmark ruling: 'I doubt whether equity would intervene unless the circumstances are of sufficient gravity: equity ought

Air Legislation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Air Legislation - Assignment Example This balance is what constitutes lateral balance and longitudinal balance and makes the center of gravity an important aspect in aircraft stability because the weight of the left is equal to the weight constituted on the right which could be upset by unbalanced lateral loading. Lateral unbalance will then result if the fuel load is mismanaged by supplying the engines unequally from tanks situated on one side of the airplane. Eventually, the airplane controls in an out-of-streamline condition, increasing drag and resulting in decreased operating efficiency (Ethirajan, 2013 p.35). the center of gravity position influences both the tip over and tip back susceptibility of the aircraft. The tip back situation is static on the ground during loading or dynamic during take-off acceleration with full thrust setting. The center of gravity’s horizontal position greatly affects the stability of the wing which results in the static stability of the entire aircraft. Suppose the center of gravity is sufficiently forward the aerodynamic center the aircraft becomes statically stable. If the center of the aircraft is moved towards the tail sufficiently, that is the neutral point, where the moment curve becomes horizontal the aircraft becomes neutrally stable. In any case the center of gravity is moved further back, the moment curve has a positive slope making the aircraft longitudinally stable. Similarly, when the center of gravity is forward toward the nose of the plane, the pilot is put at a place in which he does not the capability to generate the force that can he lp in achieving maximum coefficient of lift (Ethirajan , 2013 p.45). Take off is that point at which an aircraft leaves the ground and starts flying. Aircraft that is overloaded may not be able to take off but just in case it does, it could exhibit some airborne characteristics. Incidences of poor loading will always be witnessed during

Assignment1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assignment1 - Essay Example Marketing is about the customers and the values they seek for the products and services they want to buy. Levitt provides a broad definition of marketing that is not limited to the product or company alone. He expands his definition to include customers and the world they live in. In essence, he uses a systems theory approach to marketing, because he understands marketing as the sum of its parts. The most important part is not the product system or supply chain system, though they are evidently critical to the business systems of firms. The most critical part is the system where customers are found. This system includes all factors that affect the customers’ buying attitudes, values, and behaviors. Marketing is about knowing this system and producing and selling products that relate to the customers’ system. The customers’ world is marketing’s world. This paper also agrees that having a â€Å"visceral feel of greatness† (Levitt 20) is pertinent to survival in this highly competitive world. This greatness should emanate from the leaders and infect the workplace (Levitt 20). The main point is: â€Å"Management must think of itself not as producing products but as providing customer creating value satisfactions† and that â€Å"It must push this idea (and everything it means and requires) into every nook and cranny of the organization† (Levitt 21). Marketing supports business vision and goals. The vision is to respond to customers’ value satisfactions needs. Marketing specifically pushes its products/services to customers and the whole company should be part of the marketing effort. This makes sense because when a few employees go astray in the vision, they will think that they are marketing products only and that is wrong, because marketing revolves around consumers. Levitt provides a useful, though expansive,

Confession Room at a Catholic Church Personal Statement

Confession Room at a Catholic Church - Personal Statement Example The confession room inside the Catholic Church where me and my family attend mass every Sunday is nothing extraordinary. The room is barely two by two meter square very small in comparison to the huge chapel which can accommodate hundreds of people. The small space can be justified by the intimacy that it brings between the priest and the one confessing his sins. The four walls are painted pure white, the whitest white that I can remember. One of this carries the picture of Jesus Christ after He has risen up from death, smiling, and wide open arms. I don't know but this picture always gives me the assurance that whatever I am to confess will be understood by the Lord and that He in open-arms, He will forgive me and lovingly accept me amidst all my imperfections. The confession room is one of the simplest places I have ever been into. There is a single furnishing which is a wooden chair which serves as a seat for the one coming to confess. The sanctity of the confession is indicated by the single chair which accommodates only one person at a time. The wooden chair is remained without cushion yet I barely feel any discomfort when using it.

Future of Parole in the United States Research Paper

Future of Parole in the United States - Research Paper Example ing that early believers in the program thought offenders committed offenses through no fault of their own, forced into unfortunate circumstances, and therefore should be rehabilitated. The federal parole board increased to eight members in 1950, appointed by the President, with three of them assigned to youth corrections. By October of 1974 due to a pilot reorganization program the US Department of Justice had five regions with one member and five hearing examiners. Through the Parole Commission and Reorganization Act in 1976 the Board of Parole became known as the United States Parole Commission, independent of the DOJ (USDOJ: USPC: Our History). They adopted explicit parole guidelines, became affiliated with the Senate, disbanded from youth corrections, and created a Comprehensive Crime Control Act in 1984. The use of intermediate sentencing is the only sentencing that actually involves parole boards and they receive complete power in determining who is to be released. Intermediate sentencing does contain some positive factors and allows for full implementation of the rehabilitative ideal. It offers the highest and strictest level of protection from the more violent criminal offenders and also offers feasible alternatives to capital punishment. Parole decisions are also made with considerably more behavioral observation noted since the original trial and does not force corrections to release an inmate before they are ready to return to society. Negative factors involved with intermediate sentences are many with mostly criticism and onslaughts of impossibilities. Treatment is too expensive, training and rehabilitation not done, and even if treatment were honestly attempted by staffs, psychotherapy with involuntarily committed patients is generally considered difficult; indeterminate sentencing supplies only negative motivation, which will be insufficient for long-range results and the list continues. One of the most important factors I considered in this area

Homeland Security Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Homeland Security Management - Essay Example It should not be viewed as a linear process. Why Because each phase needs to be reviewed based on variations of evaluation results of all components of risk management on, before, or after the disaster occurs. A disaster will inflict major damages when the member of the community is unaware of its occurrence, and of the things that should be done. Preparedness phase involves rigorous planning. It is where countermeasures are properly designed. It is done by an emergency team usually composed of selected government officials, government agencies, volunteer groups, the representative from medical groups, representatives from the private sectors such as businesses and contractors, or from any interested member of the community. The emergency team is organized during this phase. To come up with good countermeasures, it involves a rigorous process of risk analysis where possible risk or hazards are to be studied. Conducting intensive reviews and revisions of the previous emergency plans, and inventory of resources that are needed to carry out the emergency operation successfully are also done at this phase. The next step is the formulation of well designed operational plans which will be operated during the onset, upon impact, and after the occurrence of the disaster. Conducting public awareness campaign (i.e drills, an introduction of alert systems) so that the people will know how to react promptly and effectively during emergency situations, and pieces of training for organized emergency teams that will respond directly during the emergency. Mitigation phase involves the application of some countermeasures to deflect the possible damages when a disaster occurs. This is usually done by construction of appropriate defense systems to locations where the possibility of the occurrence of a disaster is high. Some examples of mitigation approach are digging big canals and installation of a proper drainage system to places where floods are likely to occur. It also involv es strict implementations of laws and guidelines for acquiring permits to different construction companies to ensure the safety of the structures to be built (i.e checking the level of the structure's resistance to possible disaster). Response phase is the proper application of emergency operational plans designed in preparedness phase and deployment of the resources that suit the need in order to preserve life and property within the community during the impact of the disaster. It involves the provision of relief goods, medical assistance, providing shelter or evacuation sites, conducting search and rescue mission. The Emergency Management team should act responsibly to evaluate the amount of damage, conduct the inventory of resources from time to time, seek out mutual emergency aid when required, and should remain in contact with the victims to attain their needs. A composition of reports of the number of casualties affected, in terms of death, injured, and valid estimates of the actual cost of the damage caused. Recovery is the most crucial part, the bigger the damage, the harder the recovery will be, this is true in developing countries. Reconstruction of damaged structures, construction of new residential sites, repairs of damaged transportation facilities (i.e roads, bridges, railway systems.)

How effectively do the functional areas in Lex Transfleet work together Essay Example for Free

How effectively do the functional areas in Lex Transfleet work together Essay Marketing and sales function Purpose of the marketing function: the marketing function makes sure that they are getting the right product to the right people at the right price. Crucial to the success of Lex Transfleet or any business. One of the objectives of Lex Transfleet is to To carry out research to improve its products and services. Lex Transfleet should make sure of the following: Product – finding out and producing what the customer’s wants, for example what van or truck rental services the customers need. Lex Transfleet will carry out research to find out what the customers want and what demand there is for that service and they will try to fulfil that so that they have more customers who are interested in their services. Price – Fixing the price at which the customers will buy the product so that when the customers are interested in the products and different services they will want to know how much money they will be giving for this product or service and it will be easier for Lex Transfleet as they will know the price for this because they have already set it. Promotion Deciding how they are going to promote their product using advertising, publicity and special offers and when Lex Transfleet does this they will attract more customers and their company will get more famous. Place – This is where the sales function comes in, the sales function will help Lex Transfleet decide on where and how they are going to sell the product; whether it is locally, nationally, over the phone or the internet. I think they work quiet affectively together because they share an improvement which means they get each others opinions on how to change things to make them better. Sales is the last part of the marketing strategy which means to sell the product after the prices, promoting, places and products are all don’t and updated so the customers will be satisfied knowing that Lex Transfleet is giving them a good secure and safe product it is important that these things are accurate because they are the main reason the business is up and running without them there is no business. Products and the Customers Lex Transfleet will need to get to know their customer and what the customer wants for example a customer will want to hire out a truck but for that Lex Transfleet will need to know what kind of a truck or van that is an check if they do them type of trucks. A customer – a customer is a person who buys a product for e.g. someone comes to Lex Transfleet and hires out a truck the person who hires it is the customer. A consumer Is the person that uses the product for example if a truck is hired out for someone else to drive it he/she is then known as the consumer. Consumer types: The market is made up of different types of consumers as it has different segments trying to sell the product to everyone will not work for example selling expensive products to poor people. Consumers can be classified by: Age Gender Wealth and income Geographical area Lifestyle (fashion and taste) Lex Transfleet carries out a research into people, businesses and the governments to find out what type of vans, trucks and services they require. They link this with the finance function to get finance to carry out the research and advertising. They also link this with the Human resources to get the employees as they recruit and select people and researchers to carry out the research and get HR to train them for example induction training. The wages are paid by the finance function to pay for researchers and this means it is then auditable because it is recorded and so all the functional areas can work together to meet the aims and objectives effectively. Market research involves field (primary) and desk (secondary) research: Primary research – this involves communicating directly with the consumer to find out what they exactly it is that they need. Lex Transfleet carry out questionnaires and they invite customers to their business to interview them and this is what helps them with their research to meet there customers needs better. Lex Transfleet can also give loyalty cards which records every item bought by the customer. Secondary Research: Involves publish material for example reference books, statistics and marketing reports by specialist companies. This allows the marketing and sales department to find out information about consumers income and expenditure. Government publications also have information about spending, population changes, household information and family income. Pricing The price of the truck rental service needs to be fixed in Lex Transfleet and the reason for this is because Lex Transfleet wants to: Make profit – Lex Transfleet wants to cover the cost of it trucks so it does not make a loss in the business. Beating competition – Lex Transfleet will want other businesses to rent the trucks from them instead of competitors by keeping prices low and maximising sales which will attract more customers to come and buy trucks and other services from them. Providing a quality product or service – Lex Transfleet will need to make sure it is not undercharging for its services and products because customer will pay high prices for better products so this also means they will not have any loss in the profit. Lex Transfleet has also changed its name to RAC plc as it is branded and it will attract more customers. Promoting the product The Promotion Process involves the following which Lex Transfleet does: Advertising – informing the public or other businesses about Lex Transfleets products and services, e.g. they use the internet, newspapers. Branding – Lex Transfleet makes sure they create an image of the product or service in an attractive way Lex Transfleet has changed it name recently to ‘RAC’. Having a logo to and image to persuade customers to use them. Packaging – Lex Transfleet presents the product in an attractive way so the trucks have M.O.T and are safe and practical to use. Publicity – in the media which mean special promotions and sponsor which Lex Transfleet have on their website. Lex Transfleet have had good publicity in the news paper and press so get positive image. Give special offers to big companies who rent lots of trucks and for longer. They do have a website which they are on http://www.lvl.co.uk/vans/van_info/lex_transfleet.php giving promotion to subscribe to a van and light truck magazine. Place Involves selling the product for example selling the vans and truck rental services all over the U.K and they have a website which can attract customers. Lex Transfleet sell truck rental services directly to the customer which is safe. Lex Transfleet will give customers a quote through their internet using online bookings or emailing them and over the phone. Lex Transfleet uses telesales for selling to the customer over the phone so they will need call centre staff. Direct mail which Lex Transfleet uses to send their brochures out the businesses. E-commerce Lex Transfleet sell their services over the internet through their website you have to email them first to get a quote Lex Transfleet uses ICT in the marketing and sales function for: advertising and website, keeping customer’s profiles on the system, online marketing and also finding out research on their competitors by looking at the internet and other websites. Human Resources Function Purpose of the human resources function: Deals with hiring, firing and well being of the staff and all other functions for example sales and marketing, administration and finance ect. So it can run effectively. In Lex Transfleet they will need to deal with: Recruitment of staff which means that Lex Transfleet will need to be advertising vacancies liaise with finance for costs and payment, how many people to recruit. Disciplining and dismissing staff in other functions to run smoothly and to reduce costs. Training and development and promoting of staff which will liaise with finance for cost of training and other functional areas to check who needs training for example in Lex Transfleet induction and health and safety or other courses are taken place for this and if someone is in the sales and marketing function they will need training to do the job properly. Maintaining good working conditions of the staff and Health and safety in Lex Transfleet. Looking after employee and the business relationship and liaising with other functional areas like sales and marketing to find out how well the staff in Lex Transfleet are doing and rewarding staff by giving pay rises and liaise with finance about budget to give pay rises. Dealing with employee organisation for example the trade unions. The employees and the business have rights and responsibilities and Human Resources have to deal with this and make sure staff is aware of this in Lex Transfleet. Interest of employees protected by the trade union and by staff associations and also the rights of the employees protected by the employment laws liaise functional areas to make sure there is a safe working environment in Lex Transfleet. Everything is recorded so the employee will know if they have made any mistakes and need to improve or they have met their needs. Operations and management function Purpose of the management function: This function transforms the business resources into products and services for example operations which is the production of a goods or service. Land machinery – Lex Transfleet needs to find land, offices, call centres, machinery or equipment required and need to get information from other functions to get the right amount. Machinery equipment – Lex Transfleet has software, computers, photocopiers which the business needs. People who work there and for the business call centre staff, mangers, supervisors, operator’s consultants, accountants, specialists, solicitors. Materials and stock used by the business – trucks that are brought, truck parts, stationary, computers, software. Factors of production Land – the offices , buildings Labour- the people who work there Capital –the money invested into the business Enterprise –the input of the entrepreneur The resources used by Lex Transfleet will have to be paid for. This results on costs for the business for example wages, rent, rates, materials, stock, electricity, phone bills all of these have to be dealt with the finance department. When operations in Lex Transfleet are trying to produce a product or service it will have to look at its costs to manufacture that item or service and it will have to make sure that the sales department will cover the day to day costs and the greater the added value the greater the possible profit. So the more money they get from sales and they take away that from the running cost they get profit. Efficiency and productivity Efficiency means – making the most for the resources for example good productivity by the staff and also the number of sales made by staff in Lex Transfleet or the number of calls taken by the employee. Some employees paid a bonus for selling more services and also to motivate them to make more sales for Lex Transfleet. Quality assurance quality assurance is very important as it means more returns to the businesses. Quality control of a service or product is very important for feedback to the marketing department. Operation check with sales as they monitor the calls and make sure the quality of service is very good. Sales liaise with Human Resources to give training to customers in Lex Transfleet. Operations liaise with Human resources to give training operation staff. Operations also monitor number of complaint and reasons for complaint to minimise this and improve services better by liaising with sales team to find out what their customer views are as they are in the front line and dealing with customers on a regular basis. Operations liaise with marketing to get information about customer demand, competitor information and lots more. Operations also check with sales function to check which items/services are selling more to make decision about producing more or less of these goods or services and then contacting the marketing function to either advertise more or less. Operations will liaise with finance to buy more or less to expand and liaise with Hr to get more staff. Finance Function Purpose of the finance function: To control inflow and outflow of money in the business and is also closely involved in the production of goods or services and links in with other functions of the business and senior management. Finance department Other functional areas Sales of products have to be recorded Sales Cost relating to the production have to be recorded Money has to be raised for producing the services and products (sales staff, trucks, offices) Operations/production Bills have to be paid Administration Wages have to paid Human resources Accounts have to be kept to calculate profit and loss All departments above Financial planning reports have to prepared Senior management In Lex Transfleet the finance department looks like this the table below shows this as the finance director. Finance director Financial accounting Costing and budgeting Managing finance Payroll Recording transactions Keeping accounts Preparing reports for the senior management Working out the cost of the product and services. Interpreting past costs and income Setting targets for cost and income Working out what resources are needed Raising capital and loan to finance the resources Rescoring hours worked by employees Calculating pay and deducting tax Financial accounting All transactions have to be recorded. Sales of the products and services from the sales department so they are auditable as they are recorded. Purchases made for stock or material from the operations department again so it’s recorded. Each type of expense for example electricity, bill rent, and wages are from the administration department. Wages is the information collected from the Human resources function so employees are paid on time and correct. Debtors are people who owe the business money for example the customers who have brought a product and still haven’t given the money for it. Creditors are people whom the business owes money for example if Lex Transfleet has brought something from somewhere e.g. a truck then they owe the money to the suppliers if they haven’t yet paid for it. Accounting ICT used to records all the transaction and special accounting software used to records wages. Financial statement is produced for management and this shows profit and loss and also, helps management monitor the main aims and objectives of the business the information on financial statements are on computer databases and so computers prepare the accounts automatically Finance produce 2 main accounts: Profit and loss shows sales figures form the sales functions, expenses from all functions and then can calculate the profit. The balance sheet shows how much the business owns and owes. Costing and budgeting this is how the function works together: Operations tell the finance of the cost of raw material purchased, for example trucks, tyres, equipment purchased by Lex Transfleet. The cost of paying the wages for the employees working for Lex Transfleet which the human resources function will let them know about. Other expenses such as: Bills which are the costs from administrations function. Electricity, water, rates, stationary are also in the administrations function. Advertising , promoting the business – sales and marketing function and they communicate with administration function so the suppliers are paid on time. The Finance function has to liaise with other functional areas to calculate the costs for making the product and service to ensure that there is a sufficient finance to cover the costs and also the business is making the most of efficient use of its resources. Budgeting Finance has to set budgets there are two kinds of budgets, a sales budget I used to forecast the income of the business from sales, and a production budget which is used to plan for the cost for producing the service for example cost for buying trucks and hiring people. Both Budgets will monitor the actual figures with forecasted and if the figures do not match for examples sales figures then they will liaise sales function to change their forecast or with marketing to advertise and promote the services better. Raising finance are the Long term finance needs which are used for investing in premises, trucks, machinery, computers and lots more, and theirs short term needs which is like buying stock for example trucks, paying bills, and paying wages. Finance has to raise money for the other functions such as marketing, sales, operation and administration to finance their expenditure so that the activities can takes place to meet Lex Transfleets aims and objectives. Payroll Works out pay and deduction of tax and national insurance of its employees and it gets it information from the Human Resources function and it is done by computers in Lex Transfleet as it is a large Plc and also uses computer payroll programmes as they are faster and very accurate., so the employees are happy as they will be being paid properly and accurately. Administration Function Purpose of the administration function: Administration is making sure that the right resources are in the right place at the right time. The administration function makes the business run smoothly and makes sure that: Paper in the photocopiers Paper in the loo Premises are safe Telephone messages are passed on Administration and communication: Information and messages such as enquiries, orders, complaints from external sources. Callers with or without appointment will call in and different functions will communicate with each their for the day to day running of the business these methods include paper, documents, telephone, fact, internal email and meeting. If finance needs to meet with operation function to make decisions the administration function will arrange it for example if a customer wants a meeting with the sales team the administration function will arrange it. The marketing function is done by: Sales so that they get records of customers, finance so they get to process accounts and payroll. Opening and distributing post when it arrives to all other functions and collecting and stamping the post going out at the end if the day from all other functions. Operating and telephone switchboard which means transferring these calls to the relevant people in other functions. Dealing with callers to premises and directing them to the relevant functions. Designing and printing forms for all the different functions and also filling and database maintenance and making sure the premises are clean and secure: Cleaning can be outsourced in Lex Transfleet which means using external companies which come and carry this out so the place is clean and safe for employees and visitors.

Characteristics of Money to Function Effectively

Characteristics of Money to Function Effectively Explain the characteristics required by money if it is to carry out its functions effectively. What is money? Money is primarily a current medium exchange, for a person to buy goods and services from other person in the form of coins and banknotes (Freeman, 2012). It is critical to have a clear definition between money and wealth. In general, people may tend to use the term â€Å"money† as a synonym for â€Å"wealth†, such as Warren Buffet has a lot of money. However, economists clarify that these two terms are not in fact synonymous. In the side of economics, â€Å"money† is specifically used to refer to the currency, but not an individual’s wealth or assets. Yet, technically anything can be served as money as long as it possesses the following four main functions (Beggs, 2014). First of all, it must have the primarily function of serving as a medium of exchange. People need an item that is able to act as money to undergo the activities of buying and selling goods and services. In other words, an item that considered as money must be widely being accepted as payments for goods and services (Beggs, 2014). Money has made the transactions easier as everyone is willing to trade money for goods and goods for money. However without money, the transactions must be conducted through the barter system where exchange can only happen if there is double coincidence of wants. This system will cause inconvenience to the people as they cannot buy what they want or need or the seller may hard to sell his goods unless double coincidence of wants happens. Hence, we can conclude that money has eliminated the inconvenience which was faced in barter transactions by eliminating the double coincidence when purchasing or selling goods and services (UPADHYAYA, 2012). People can buy what they need from the seller and inversely seller can sell all the goods and services to people who need. Besides that, money is able to create efficiency as it eliminates uncertainty regarding what is going to be accepted as payment by various businesses. With a generally accepted medium of exchange, trades are easier, more efficient, and resources can spend more time doing production (Money Functions, 2000-2014). Besides that, an item must work as unit of value or standard value in order to consider as money. Money is being used as the common benchmark to designate the prices of goods throughout the economy (Money Functions, 2000-2014). Money provides and measures various goods and services with different value that produced in the economy, in the terms of monetary unit. Without this function, money is extremely hard to identify since there is no value in between, and also hard to make a decision on how much volume of goods and services should be given in exchange of a given quantity of a commodity in a barter economy (UPADHYAYA, 2012). However, money has solved this problem by letting people to know the exact value or price of a good. It enables both the suppliers and buyers to make wise decisions about how much to supply for the goods and how much to purchase in exchange (Function of Money, 2013). Moreover, money must be able to hold its purchasing power over time to a reasonable degree so that people can store surplus purchasing power and use it whenever they want and need. If money could not store even for some period of time and still remain valuable in exchange, double coincidence in barter system would not solve and therefore would not adopted as a medium exchange. People will face a problem in buying whatever they want or needed (Function of Money, 2013). So, this feature adds to efficiency as it gives producers and consumers flexibility in the timing of purchases and sales (Beggs, 2014). Money can also be accumulated to provide a source of wealth. It may not be the best store of value in economy since it depreciates with inflation, but money is more liquid than others as it is readily accepted everywhere. Furthermore, money is an easily transported store of value that is available in a number of convenient denominations (Function of Money, 2013). The last main function of money is acting as a standard of deferred payment in an economy. It simply means that money is used for specifying future payments for current purchases. People who purchase some high value goods can pay off the payments in their future. This function may seem confusing or obliterate, but it is a direct result of the store of value and unit of account. However, for money to be deferred payment standard, it must retain its value and also store its value by anticipating future money values based on future inflation (Money Functions, 2000-2014). If money failed to do so, there would be a big different between the current price and future price that both creditors and debtors would stand to lose in this situation. The characteristics of what item can be served as money always depend somewhat on the degree of complexity in the society. A relatively simple economy, with relatively few goods and services, few producers and consumers, and few transactions, may be able to function with a form of money that would not work in a more complex society. Nowadays, it is impossible for a shell or furs working particularly well as money in Canada. However at an earlier time, it could and it did in a simpler economy (The Characteristics of Money, 2000). There are some general characteristics that money should possess where it is usually important for whatever serves as money in a modern society. First, money must be durable that needs to withstand every day wear and tore (Rouse, 2011). Money must have the ability to survive repeated usage over time by retaining the same shape, form, and substance. Money also must not be easily decomposed, deteriorated, degraded, or otherwise change form so that it can store its value a period of time. Durability is fundamental for money to perform the related functions of medium of exchange and store value. People who are willing to accept an item which act as money for the payment of goods, are due to the confidence and trusty on that item where it can serve as a medium of exchange for something value and also able to trade in future time for other goods. If an apple is acting as money and pay for everything in apples, problem will arise since apples will be rotten in few days and can’t store value although able to work as a medium of exchange. So when an item is able to work as a medium of exchange, it usually able to store value fr om one transaction to the next too. Somehow, it is also related to the function of standard of deferred payment that durability ensures that money can be survived over an extended period of time. Therefore, people are able to pay off their payments in their future (Money Characteristics, 2000-2014). Second, money must be divisible where has ability to be broken down into smaller units or smaller denominations for transactional purposes of varying values goods. People will only need as much money as is necessary for their purchases. For example, 100 cents is equal to RM1. If the money is in bigger units, then people will hard to pay their low price goods as division is too big and will cause inconvenience. For an item to function as the medium exchange, it must be divisible so that people can purchase goods with wide range of different values. It must have increments that allow to be traded for both high value goods and also low value too with everything in between. Unit of account can also be performed in this characteristic by providing a common measure of the goods and services’ value being exchanged. Therefore, it is necessary for money to be easily broken down for different types of transactions (Money Characteristics, 2000-2014). Third, money must be portability or transportability where it can be easily moved from place to place for transportation. Money must be portable that give an advantage to all people for transporting or transferring their money from a place to another place or one to another. To perform the medium of exchange, money should be light and easy enough to bring everywhere for purchasing goods and even bring it for travelling. However, if money is as heavy as an elephant, it is hard to bring it everywhere and cause inconvenient to people. Hence, money must be portable for medium of exchange. Fourth, money must be difficult in counterfeiting and limited in supply so that money is able to store its value. It simply means that money cannot be duplicated easily by everyone other than the government. It must be relatively hard to produce and obtain by people. If everyone is able to â€Å"print up† or â€Å"whip up† a batch of money at any time when they needed, the store value of the money will drop since they can produced easily without limit. Moreover, if money can be reproduced by people, price will highly likely be very high since everyone can obtain it easily and couldn’t control the supply. Hence people need a lot of that item in order to exchange goods. It will affect the store of value and somehow the medium of exchange too (The Characteristics of Money, 2000). Fifth, in terms of a form of currency being accepted within society, money must be accepted by everyone in the economy (Normanton). It simply means that money should be widely accepted as a means of payment that every country must agree to accept it as a medium of exchange. Everyone in an economy must be able to exchange for goods and services, and hence this acceptance is for the purpose of exchanging. Acceptability is important for money to perform the relatively functions of medium of exchange and standard of deferred payments. If a type of money is only accepted in certain areas and not others, it will be inconvenience for people to exchange goods and services outside the country. Moreover, it also related to the standard of deferred payments. The currency must be accepted by everyone so that the current purchases can be paid in future. Last but not least, money should maintain a relatively stable value which is stability or uniformity. Money must be worth the same over time or simply means always maintain the same value for a long period (Rouse, 2011). Money within that specific currency must look the same by depending on the various types of currency that are available (Normanton). If the money value is not stable every time, it will consider as useless money since money is the standard for people to measure accurately for the value of commodities (Studypoints, 2011). Stability helps to perform all functions of money in an economy. As the money is stable, people can exchange their goods and services with reasonable prices from each other. Other than that, money can be counted and measure accurately as the money is stability. By relating to the function of store of value, stability can provide people a source of wealth. If the money is not stable, people will get back less money than the money they have invested. S tability of money can also help to perform the function of standard of deferred payments by enabling people to pay in future time. If the money is not stable, people will tend to confuse on how much they need to pay for that good. In conclusion, the functions of the money are interrelated with the characteristics of money. If one of the functions or characteristics failed to do so, it will seriously affect the currency of the value in an economy. Hence, the money needs to be durable, portable, and divisible, be stable, difficult in counterfeiting and limited in supply, and also acceptable to all countries and people. However, the most essential attribute of anything that serves as money is acceptability that it must be readily accepted by people in the economy. Bibliography The Characteristics of Money. (2000). (Canadian Foundation for Economic Education, 1994) Retrieved March 14, 2014, from Money: Its Functions and Characteristics: http://www.moneyandyouth.cfee.org/en/resources/pdf/moneyfunct.pdf Money Characteristics. (2000-2014). Retrieved March 14, 2014, from AmosWeb: http://www.amosweb.com/cgi-bin/awb_nav.pl?s=wpdc=dspk=money+characteristics Money Functions. (2000-2014). Retrieved February 23, 2014, from AmosWEB: http://www.amosweb.com/cgi-bin/awb_nav.pl?s=wpdc=dspk=money+functions Function of Money. (2013). Retrieved March 08, 2013, from CliffsNotes: http://www.cliffsnotes.com/more-subjects/economics/money-and-banking/functions-of-money Beggs, J. (2014). What is Money? Retrieved February 23, 2014, from About.com: http://economics.about.com/od/money/a/What-Is-Money.htm Freeman, A. (2012, January 12). Economics and Liberty : What is Money? Retrieved February 23, 2014, from WordPress.com: http://economicsandliberty.wordpress.com/what-is-money/ Normanton, R. (n.d.). What Are The 6 Characteristics Of Money? Retrieved March 15, 2014, from Blurtit: http://travel.blurtit.com/1119605/what-are-the-6-characteristics-of-money Rouse. (2011, March 26). Functions and characteristics of money. Retrieved February 24, 2014, from Mr Rouse Online Classroom: http://mrrouse.com/2011/03/26/money/ Rouse, M. (2011, March 26). Mr Rouses Online Classroom. Retrieved March 14, 2014, from Functions and Characteristics of Money: http://mrrouse.com/2011/03/26/money/ Studypoints. (2011, November 21). What are the good qualities of money materials. Retrieved February 24, 2014, from Studypoints: http://studypoints.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-are-qualities-of-good-money_7256.html UPADHYAYA, K. (2012). 4 essential functions of Money. Retrieved January 23, 2014, from http://www.preservearticles.com/201104115268/4-essential-functions-of-money.html

Mercury :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As you may already know Mercury is the first planet . Which makes it the closest to the sun. It is 57,900,000km ( 36,000,000mi.) Because Mercury is so close to the sun it has extreme temperature differences. Mercury’s surface temperatures range from -180*C to 450*C (-290*F to 840*F). Temperatures that hot can melt iron, and other metals. The dramatic temperature difference on Mercury are not only because it is so close to the sun but, also by Mercury’s surface features. The places that are the coldest on Mercury and at the bottom of the craters and basins. The hottest are the places closest to the sun. The temperature of the side that is farthest away from the sun is allot warmer than scientists thought it would be. Not a whole side but parts of Mercury have never been in sunlight before. This is why scientists thought it would be colder than it really was.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mercury’s surface is much like the moon, they are very colse to being the same size. It has many craters, high multiple ring basins, and many lava flows. They have their similarities and differences. Mercury’s diameter is 4,900 miles wide. Mercury’s largest feature is the Caloris Basin. The Caloris basin is 1,300 Km (800 MI). in diameter. The Caloris Basins floor is full of cliffs and ridges. As you progress to the bottom the cliffs and ledges increase in size. The Caloris Basin was created when it was bombarded with meteorites. The Caloris basin was created by a meteorite that could of been up to 100 km. When the large meteorite hit Mercury it sent shocks through it which produced jumbled hills on the opposite side of Mercury. This process as known as The Caloris Impact. The lava flowed into craters and basins which filled holes and cracks that smoothed out their floors.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Like Earth, Mercury has 3 main layers. The Earth’s being the crust, mantle, and core. Earth’s core is made up of molten rock AKA lava. Liquid cores create a magnetic field. Mercury’s three layers are a rocky silicate crust, solid rocky silicate mantle, and a hot liquid iorn-nickle core. The core makes up 75% of its diameter. Scientists did not think that is was possible for the core to be liquid because over the years mercury’s rotation has slowed down dramatically. They thought that it would of been hardened by now. Planets that have a magnetic field that are generated by the rotation of a conductive molten core such as that of Earth and mercury are known as â€Å"The Dynamo Effect†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mercury’s rotation period is 59 earth days long. Mercury :: essays research papers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As you may already know Mercury is the first planet . Which makes it the closest to the sun. It is 57,900,000km ( 36,000,000mi.) Because Mercury is so close to the sun it has extreme temperature differences. Mercury’s surface temperatures range from -180*C to 450*C (-290*F to 840*F). Temperatures that hot can melt iron, and other metals. The dramatic temperature difference on Mercury are not only because it is so close to the sun but, also by Mercury’s surface features. The places that are the coldest on Mercury and at the bottom of the craters and basins. The hottest are the places closest to the sun. The temperature of the side that is farthest away from the sun is allot warmer than scientists thought it would be. Not a whole side but parts of Mercury have never been in sunlight before. This is why scientists thought it would be colder than it really was.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mercury’s surface is much like the moon, they are very colse to being the same size. It has many craters, high multiple ring basins, and many lava flows. They have their similarities and differences. Mercury’s diameter is 4,900 miles wide. Mercury’s largest feature is the Caloris Basin. The Caloris basin is 1,300 Km (800 MI). in diameter. The Caloris Basins floor is full of cliffs and ridges. As you progress to the bottom the cliffs and ledges increase in size. The Caloris Basin was created when it was bombarded with meteorites. The Caloris basin was created by a meteorite that could of been up to 100 km. When the large meteorite hit Mercury it sent shocks through it which produced jumbled hills on the opposite side of Mercury. This process as known as The Caloris Impact. The lava flowed into craters and basins which filled holes and cracks that smoothed out their floors.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Like Earth, Mercury has 3 main layers. The Earth’s being the crust, mantle, and core. Earth’s core is made up of molten rock AKA lava. Liquid cores create a magnetic field. Mercury’s three layers are a rocky silicate crust, solid rocky silicate mantle, and a hot liquid iorn-nickle core. The core makes up 75% of its diameter. Scientists did not think that is was possible for the core to be liquid because over the years mercury’s rotation has slowed down dramatically. They thought that it would of been hardened by now. Planets that have a magnetic field that are generated by the rotation of a conductive molten core such as that of Earth and mercury are known as â€Å"The Dynamo Effect†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mercury’s rotation period is 59 earth days long.

Importance of Recycling at the University Essay example -- Environment

Importance of Recycling at the University I remember my first semester here at the University and the dark halls of the Bates House Residence Hall. Many a party was concluded with an idea for what to do with the endless piles of cans that had congregated on the floor. One idea, I remember, was to wall someone into his room and another was to see how many we could stand on end without toppling. But, we usually just ended up throwing them in the trashcans in our refuse room. Sometimes out of the five trashcans in the room set aside for trash disposal, three or four would be completely filled with hundreds of cans of various beverages. Upon further contemplation, I can also remember the small, blue bucket that was thrown haphazardly on my bed that first day. Even though it was quite clear that this basket was for the purpose of recycling, because of the triple arrow symbol that was so prominently placed on the front, I perceived it as a great trash can, since I had forgotten to bring one. Over the course of that sem ester it is hard to say just how many cans I threw out or saw inadvertently strewn around the parking lot like a million glittering coins in the afternoon sunshine. However, one thing I can say is that with the proper methods the University could inspire students like me to help keep clean the environment as well as make the money back that is needed to keep the project successful. The University should reconsider the methods by which its current recycling program can be improved. With the proper improvements the University can increase student awareness about the problems with pollution, increase the amount of income that is reimbursed through the system, and keep its impact on the overall environment... ... known and easily accessible, such as in the study areas of each hall, the idea will appeal to many more people than if the bins are only placed on the ground level. Even though some people may not contribute very much or at all, the number of students who jump on the idea to have a free party or other rewarding prize will make the number of dissenters obsolete. This is my plan for the continued and, ultimately, future success of the recycling program here at USC. As a freshman, I jump on every opportunity to get something free that I come across, and if it were as easy as throwing the can down my hall as opposed to on my floor I would be all for it. Who can deny that my fellow freshmen do not feel the same? The long lines at the numerous tables in front of Russell House serve as an example that when offered a free carrot, a smart bunny cannot decline.

Divine Comedy: Dante Puts the Hell in Hellenism Essay -- Divine Comedy

Divine Comedy: Dante Puts the Hell in Hellenism    Ever since they were created Greek heroes and their stories have found a perpetual home in the minds and imagination of everyday people.   There they grow to new height through art and literature.   Dante Alighieri includes famous Greek characters throughout the first book of his Divine Comedy: Hell.   From the famed philosophers and personages who fill Limbo to the very last circles of Hell where the giants inhabit, Dante uses as images of different sins, and punishment for individuals sins famous Greek monsters, lovers, and heroes. Throughout history monsters and hideous beasts have been used to terrify men.   Dante uses beasts not only to terrify, but to be images of individual sins as well as tormentors of these sins. "Most of the monstrous organisms by which the functions of Hell are discharged are taken from Greek and Roman mythology.   They are neither devils nor damned souls, but the images of perverted appetites, presiding over the circles appropriate to their natures"   (Dante 89).   The Furies, images of empty remorse that never repents, serve as guards to Circles V and VI.   In classical mythology they eternally pursued the guilty, haunting him wherever he journeys and therefore driving him insan... ..., the popular hero who returned to his wife after ten years of wandering, in the Inferno with the Counselors of Fraud. Dante places him here because he is responsible for the theft of the great Palladium, the ancient image of Pallas Athena, an idol that, as long as it remained in Troy, prevented the city from being taken.   Dante shows the reader that it matters not how great one is on earth, the price of one's sins must be paid.   Dante uses as icons of different sins, and punishment for these sins Greek monsters, lovers, and heroes.    Work Cited Alighieri, Dante. Divine Comedy: The Inferno. Viking Penguin. October 1983.

Promote good practice in the support of individuals Essay

1. Understand how the different and evolving theories about autism reflect the complexity of autistic spectrum conditions Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours. Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language. Some people live with autism for their entire life without ever getting a formal diagnosis. Often this is simply because autism wasn’t widely known or understood when they were growing up. For adults, a diagnosis of autism can help to explain why they have always found certain things difficult. For children, it can mean that the right support is put in place from an early age. Autism has been described as a ‘hidden’ or ‘invisible’ disability. Although historically associated with intellectual disability, it is now thought that most people with ASC will be within the normal range of IQ. Whatever the label used, the complexity of the autistic spectrum often renders it easier to misunderstand than it is to recognise. These difficulties, which can make access to services problematic, are further complicated by the generic nature of many service s and the fragmented way they view and respond to ASC. As a setting we deal with many CYP with ASC, we accommodate these CYP as due to the high level of violence and behaviour difficulties they display ASC units or Schools for CYP with Specific Learning Difficulties cannot or will not accommodate them. We support our CYP on the ASD spectrum and Asperger’s syndrome to help them achieve their full potential. This is because we have a very highly experienced and motivated team. As a staff team we have  outside agencies such as the National Autistic Society and NEAS. We also have involvement from the local authority learning support staff that has worked closely with the CYP with autistic spectrum condition prior to them coming to us, these then come into our setting to give us the big picture on these CYP coming to our setting. These support staff are able to give us a clear picture of the needs and the history of these CYP before they reach our setting. This enables us the meet there needs, and make the transition from others schools and settings run smoothly. We also visit the CYP in their own environment as this gives them an opportunity to meet us in a setting in which they know and feel comfortable in. One of the most important points to understand about autistic spectru m conditions is that each CYP on the autism spectrum is an individual with their own unique characteristics. CYP with autistic spectrum conditions vary enormously in their abilities, needs, strengths, gifts, preferences and interests. No two individuals with a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum condition are the same, so it is essential not to make any assumptions about them. Autistic assignment causes and theories. Many causes of autism have been proposed, but understanding of the theory of causation of autism and the other autism spectrum disorders is incomplete. The heritability of autism is complex and it is typically unclear which genes are responsible. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Many other causes have been proposed, such as childhood immunizations, but numerous clinical studies have shown no scientific evidence supporting any link between vaccinations and autism. Autism spectrum conditions are present from birth or very early in life. They include childhood autism, Asperger’s syndrome, a typical autism and PDD unspecified. In practice many of these conditions may overlap with other disorders such as ADHD and affecting more boys than girls. Within my setting most CYP on the ASC spectrum have other conditions many quite complex. Other conditions are such as ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, speech and language difficulties and Tourette’s syndrome. In practice although the prevalence in girls is said to be underestimated, these conditions are characterised by significant impairments in instinctive social behaviour, communication and a  restricted or repetitive repertoire of behaviours and interests. These ‘core’ features will affect the person’s ability to anticipate the thoughts and actions of others and predict day-to-day outcomes on the basis of normally occurring social cues. This lack of ability to anticipate and predict leads to high levels of stress within our CYP and they have difficulties in relating to others. Such difficulties may be accompanied by other neurological or psychiatric conditions that impact on behaviour and functioning and also on access to services and support. Such conditions include, disorders affecting sensory processing, anxiety, depression and mood, seizures and other medical problems. Autism has a range of diagnostic criteria. This was described by Wing and Gould (1979) as the Triad of Impairments. The triad consists of: Problems with social interactions Difficulties understanding and using non-verbal communications Stands to close to people Unaware of different ways to interact with people Difficulties initiating and maintaining conversations Inappropriate touching Problems with communication Asks repetitive questions. Absence of a desire to communicate. Communicates for own needs, rather than social engagement Own interest based. May be non-verbal, or delayed speech. Problems with imagination Does not understand other people’s thoughts or feelings – lack of Theory of Mind Does not like change in routines. Special or focussed interests. Literal thinking. In additional to the three areas of the triad there are also associated difficulties. These include: Sensory difficulties This may include hypersensitivities (over-sensitive) or hypersensitivities (under-sensitive). Mood disturbances – linked to the triad: Anxiety Aggression Depression As there is an array of criteria within the impairments and associated difficulties the disorder is considered a spectrum condition. For individuals considered on the â€Å"higher† end of the spectrum the individual may have better, learnt social communication and interaction skills, whereas those on the â€Å"lower† end of the spectrum may have significantly delayed communication skills, including a lack of language. As discussed above, sensory and perceptual difficulties are highly common amongst individuals with ASC. These include both hyper- and hypo-sensitivities. See table 1.1 2 .Be able to promote to others positive communication strategies for individuals with an autistic spectrum condition. Autism is a varied and complex disorder which can affect individuals in a number of ways. ASC affects not only the individual with the diagnosis, but their whole family – parents, siblings and others close to them. Below are examples of how ASC can affect different people: Individual diagnosed with ASC. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition’s lives are affected by a wide range of factors including: difficulties with communication, social interactions, sensory difficulties, flexibility. This impacts significantly on everyday functioning, whereby an individual may not be able to communicate their needs effectively, may have difficulty in social situations, may find everyday sensory input distressing , and changes in everyday life difficult to deal with, which then increases there anxiety level. As a setting we set out an action plan directed to every CYP’s individual needs, both in the school setting and residential setting. Each class/staff team have a copy of the plan and this helps us to deal with the individual needs of each CYP. This enables us to prevent the CYP getting too anxious or distressed in situations. In the case of one of our CYP with communication difficulties, and also has autistic spectrum condition the action plan is a key concept in the day to day education and understanding for the young person involved, and also professionals and peers . If the CYP  is not understood because of language barriers he becomes extremely frustrated and this has a detrimental effect on his behaviour. He will then display very disruptive and dangerous behaviour. We also use things like feelings cards so that the individual can express how they feel, rather than them get frustrated or get to a point and then become anxious. When looking at how an individual on the autism spectrum are impacted within their lives it is important to look at the impact of factors such as gender, ethnicity, social, cultural and religious influences. For example, those from an Indian culture are very nurturing with family members with disabilities and autism. This means that the individuals’ need are met however there is not necessarily any progression or development. In another example, those from an Orthodox Jewish religious background can feel that having a person with autism in the family is shameful and as a result the individual is â€Å"hidden† from the wider community, this results in a lack of development with the individual with ASC. What further compounds difficulties for those with ASC are stereotyped views, discrimination and lack of understanding about the autism spectrum condition. The media play a major role in promoting these misunderstandings. For example: There is a misunderstanding around the challenging behaviour associated with autism due to the communication and sensory difficulties in autism. In younger children it is often just seen as â€Å"bad behaviour† which should be â€Å"controlled† by the parents and the underlying causes are not fully understood. Due to the Film ‘Rain Man’ featuring Dustin Hoffman as an autistic man, many people who have seen the film have the perception that he is a typical person on the autism spectrum and that this is a true reflection. Although Dustin Hoffman’s character does have autism he also has savant syndrome which does not necessarily come hand-in-hand with autism (although 50% of savants also have ASC). Parents of individuals on the autism spectrum have their lives highly impacted upon due to their CYP’s condition, to ensure that a high level of observation is maintained to ensure their child’s safety, which can put huge strain and demand on them. Siblings of those with ASC can also be affected in their everyday lives due to the need of their siblings. Due to parents having to â€Å"focus† on the sibling with ASC, siblings can often feel jealous or â€Å"left out† due to not having much attention. They may also feel  restricted due to the changes required to meet the needs of their ASC sibling. Others close to those on the autism spectrum can have their everyday lives affected due to the changes required for the individual with ASC. This may be aunts and uncles or grandparents, whom try to give parents a break by looking after the CYP with autism or giving time and attention to siblings of the affected CYP. * Focus on children – there is an over emphasis on children on the autism spectrum leading to a belief that the condition is child orientated and not a life-long disorder. This disadvantages those adults on the spectrum due to a lack of general understanding or awareness of the condition in adults on the autism spectrum. In supporting understanding about the condition, it is important to ensure that all involved are aware and understand the autism spectrum condition. It is important to assess the level of comprehension and cognition of the individual with ASC and then focus the information sharing about ASC at individuals’ level of understanding. It is important to ensure that parents, carers and siblings are well informed about their children’s/sibling’s condition. After any review meeting or 6 weekly reviews we inform parents and carers of any progress made or any extra support that needs to be put in to place for our CYP. This is in order to ensure that they are aware of the support needs and intervention strategies to help develop an ASC individual. Further, it is very important to ensure that if an individual with ASC is within a care setting to keep parents and family informed of development so they can support this. Without the ongoing knowledge of the CYP’s progression they will still view their child as being at the same stage of development as they were when they went into the residential setting and as such not be able to support the ongoing development. 654 ~/

Public Awareness of Diabetes

Public Awareness of Diabetes Lynn A. Bailey HCA/240 August 21, 2011 Dr. Monica Reed, PhD, MPH Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people every year, and in most cases, this is a disease that is preventable. Increasing public awareness regarding risk factors and how this debilitating disease can be controlled and prevented may reduce the number of cases diagnosed each year. Throughout the years, scientists have developed a variety of treatment options and medications that are available for individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Future treatments for diabetes may include an artificial pancreas and stem cell therapy (Yoffee, 2009). Along with community support through awareness programs and advances in technology and treatment options, this disease is controllable and in some cases, may even be prevented. Diabetes and who it Affects Most Diabetes mellitus (DM), more commonly known as diabetes, is the result of insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to respond to insulin (Forth & Jude, 2011). Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses blood glucose, or blood sugar. Blood glucose is vital to health because it is an essential source of energy for cells of the muscles and other tissues as well as the brain’s fuel (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Individuals that suffer from diabetes have difficulty regulating and maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. If an individual is diagnosed with diabetes, no matter type, he or she has too much glucose. Some genetic factors do play a role in an individual’s risk for developing diabetes along with other factors such as race, but lifestyle is to blame for most diagnosed cases of diabetes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2011). Anyone who is 45 years or older should consider testing for diabetes, especially if he or she is overweight or has a family history of this disease. Race may also play a role in the development of this disease. Individuals who are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino should also consider prescreening (CDC, 2011). Another group of people that are more susceptible to DM2 are lower income groups, especially women (Lega, Ross, Zhong, & Dasgupta, 2011). Diabetes affects the whole body including the most important hormonal system, the endocrine system. The Body System Affected by Diabetes and its Causes The endocrine system is a group of organs or glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, which can affect the entire body. Glands of the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal, testes, and the ovaries. The glands of the endocrine system release hormones into the bloodstream. The pancreas is the organ of the endocrine system, and when it is not functioning properly, the result is diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas malfunctions. One of the pancreas’s functions is to control the glucose level in the blood (Mulvihill, Zelman, Holdaway, Tompary, & Raymond, 2006). The pancreas secretes two hormones known as glucagon and insulin, which raise and lower glucose levels in the blood (Mulvihill et al. 2006). When insulin is secreted, blood glucose levels rise, and when glucagon is released, blood glucose levels decrease. If an individual is diagnosed with diabetes, his or her pancreas is not secreting enough insulin or target cells are not responding to the insulin that is being secreted (Mulvihill et al. , 2006). This malfunction of the pancreas results in either Type One (DM1) or Type Two (DM2) diabetes. DM1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin, and DM2 diabetes occurs when the pancreatic islets fail to secrete enough insulin or when target cells ignore the insulin (American Diabetes Association, 2011). The most common cause of diabetes is obesity, but other risk factors are involved as well. Risk Factors Some common risk factors for DM1 include genetics from both parents, environmental factors such as cold climates, viruses, race, and early dietary factors such as low vitamin D or exposure to cow’s milk (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Risk factors for DM2 consist of obesity, high or low birth weight, rapid weight gain in childhood, sedentary lifestyle, fetal exposure to gestational diabetes, family history, and race (Schub & Caple, 2010). Some of these risk factors may be controlled, whereas others cannot e controlled. Risk factors that are controllable include dietary needs and lifestyle choices. Obesity is the number one cause of DM2 among children and adolescents, and is commonly describes as body mass index, or BMI, which is a measurement of body fat that is based on height and weight (Schub & Caple, 2010). Obesity is a risk factor that is modifiable and may decrease an individualà ¢â‚¬â„¢s risk for developing DM2, and it may either prevent or reduce the onset. Obesity is a risk factor of DM1 as well. Although it may not prevent DM1, healthy lifestyle choices may help manage this type of diabetes as well. Other factors that cannot be controlled include genetics, fetal exposure to gestational diabetes, low birth rate, some environmental factors, and race. In today’s world, advances in medicine and technology have increased the availability of treatment options for patients diagnosed with diabetes compared to the past. Evolution of Treatment Options Over past several years, the list of medications used to treat diabetes has increased creating more options for patients and healthcare providers (Davis, 2011). In the past, insulin was the only treatment available for diabetes, and medications were limited. Metformin is an oral drug that has been used for many years as a treatment for DM2, but it is not always effective because of side effects such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea (Davis, 2011). With new advances in technology, this drug is now available in an extended-release formula, which reduces its side effects and makes is much more tolerable for many patients, and it is also available in a generic version, which is much less expensive for numerous individuals suffering from DM2 (Davis, 2011). Advances in treatment options have also led to the availability of drugs such as Byetta, Januvia, Onglyza, Tradjenta, and Symlin (CDC, 2011). Januvia, Onglyza, and Tradjenta are drugs that work with natural enzymes and the body’s own insulin to control blood glucose, Symlin is a synthetic hormone that helps lower blood glucose after meals, and Byetta is an injectable drug that assaults high blood sugar and diminishes one’s appetite (Davis, 2010). Diagnosis and treatments depend on which type of diabetes and individual may have. A healthcare professional will conduct different types of medical tests and procedures to determine the proper diagnosis. Current Treatment Methods When a patient suspects that he or she may have diabetes, the first thing they should do is see their doctor. The physician can perform tests and procedures that will determine whether or not he or she has diabetes, and if so, which type they have. These tests may include a fasting blood glucose level test, random (non-fasting) blood glucose level test, oral glucose tolerance test, hemoglobin A1c test, or a ketone test, which is used to diagnose DM1 (Right Health, 2010). A fasting blood glucose level test is a test that indicates a patient’s blood glucose level after a period of eight hours of fasting. At the doctor’s office, a medical professional will take a sample of blood from the vein in the inner bend of the elbow. The fasting blood glucose level should be below 99mg/dl, which is considered normal. Results that indicate levels of 100 to 125 are indications of pre-diabetes and 126 or higher indicate diabetes (CDC, 2011). Another test is random blood glucose level. Random blood glucose level test is a blood glucose test conducted on a patient that has not been fasting. Normal levels in and average adult are 70 to 130 mg/dl (CDC, 2011). If an individual’s test results reflect a level of 130 to 200, this may be an indication of pre-diabetes, and a patient with a level above 200 is considered a diabetic (CDC, 2011). A glucose tolerance test may also be used to diagnose diabetes. A glucose tolerance test is in which the patient, who has been fasting for about 10 hours, drinks a solution of glucose. After the patient drinks the solution, his or her blood and urine is sample are taken and analyzed over a period of three hours (Mulvihill, et al. , 2006). The urine test shows the presence or absence of glucose in the urine, or ketones (Mulvihill, et al. 2006). The A1c test is a test used for diabetics as well. An A1c is a test which indicates blood sugar levels over a period of three months (Medicine Net, 2011). This is a test that benefits the patient and the physician by giving an indication of how well a medication may be working. Normal range is 4-5. 9%, a level of 8% or more is an indication of poorly controlle d diabetes (Medicine Net, 2009). With advancing technology and medicine, the future holds more treatment options. Future Treatment Options Advancement in technology is making new treatment options available for many diabetic patients. Research has indicated new treatments such as an artificial pancreas and pancreatic cell transplantation (Yoffee, 2009). Medtronic, a medical device company, is combining glucose monitoring systems with insulin pumps to recreate the delivery system of insulin in the body (Yoffee, 2009). Scientists are also working on transferring pancreatic cells from pigs into humans (Yoffee, 2009). Even though advances in technology are allowing scientists and other professionals to invent new and exciting treatments for diabetes, prevention is the best defense against this disease. Evaluation of an Existing Educational Program One educational program that has made great strides to combat the growing threat of diabetes among children and adolescents is the Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) Unit of the Georgia Division of Public Health. They have helped fund 30 Teen Center Programs in 28 counties in the state of Georgia (Georgia Division of Public Health, 2011). One of these programs is the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (DPCP), which was established to reduce the burden of diabetes on the communities of Georgia. This program provides communication to increase awareness, improve quality of care, increase screening, and reduce costs (Georgia Division of Public Health, 2011). This program has made some impact on communities, but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. The DPCP was recognized by the CDC for achievement in A1c screening and improving the well-being of people affected by diabetes. Scholarships have been awarded to 374 medical professionals that help them pay for the Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE) exam. These are great accomplishments, but it is not enough. More needs to be done to reach out to the communities that are hardest hit by this disease. In addition to the A1c screening, a lifestyle initiative should be added. Adding a lifestyle initiative that would include local restaurants and other businesses to come out into their communities and get involved. Six annual picnics that included A1c screening, lunch, activities, and educational materials would be beneficial for many communities throughout Georgia. Local businesses could ban together and donated good to raffle off, which would draw families and community members to the event. The event could be held at a different area parks around the state. The hardest hit areas would be the first on the list. People need to be educated about the risks, causes, and prevention of diabetes, and our communities must come together in order to combat the onset of diabetes in our children and adolescents. An Effective way of Spreading the News No program will be successful without the proper advertising or spokesperson. In today’s world children and adolescents are drawn to Sponge Bob. If he were the spokesperson for healthy eating and exercise, children would react with enthusiasm and excitement. His picture on fliers that promote a healthy lifestyle could be mailed to surrounding area residents alerting them of the upcoming events. Children could come to the event and get their picture taken with Sponge Bob. Sponge Bob could lead a relay race for children and adolescents. An ad in the local newspaper would benefit the event as well. A website could be created for this event with links to Facebook and Twitter. With the help of Sponge Bob and the community, education on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle would reach a greater number of people, and help promote the prevention of diabetes. Conclusion Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people. In some cases, this disease can be prevented by teaching and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Over the years, many treatment options have changed, and with increasing advances in technology and medicine, there will be more changes in the future. The key to the prevention and treatment of many cases of diabetes is to provide sufficient public awareness. References American Diabetes Association. (2011). Type I. Retrieved from http://www. diabetes. org/diabetes-basics/type-1/. American Diabetes Association. (2011). Type 2. Retrieved from http://www. diabetes. org/diabetes-basics/type-2/. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). National diabetes fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www. cdc. gov/diabetes/. Davis, J. L. (2011). New Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Options. Retrieved from http://www. webMD. com/diabetes/. Forth, R. , & Jude, E. (2011). Diabetes: complications, prevention and treatment. British Journal of Healthcare Management, 17(1), 30-35. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Georgia Division of Public Health. (2011). Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD). Retrieved from http://health. state. a. us/programs/adolescent/. Lega, I. , Ross, N. , Zhong, L. , & Dasgupta, K. (2011). Gestational Diabetes Histoy May Signal Deprivation in Women with Type 2 Diabetes. Journal of Women’t Health (15409996), 20(4), 625-629. doi:10. 1089/jwh. 2010. 2273. Mayo Clinic. (2011). Diabetes. Retrieved from http://www. mayclinic. com/health/diabetes/DS01121/. Medicine Net. (2011). Hemoglobin A1c Test. Re trieved from http://www. medicinenet. com/hemoglobin-a1c-test/articl. htm. Mulvihill, M. L. , Zelman, M. , Holdaway, P. , Tompary, E. , & Raymond, J. (2006). Human Diseases: A systemic approach. (6th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Right Health. (2010). Diabetes. Retrieved from http://www. righthealth. com/diabetes/. Schub, T. , & Caple, C. (2010). Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2: Prevention in Children and Adolescents. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Yoffee, L. (2009). The Future of Diabetes Treatment. Retrieved from http://www. EverydayHealth. com/. Zhang, X. , Luo, H. , Gregg, E. , Mukhtar, Q. , Rivera, M. , Barker, L. , & Albright, A. (2010). Obesity prevention and diabetes screening at local health departments. American Journal of Public Health, 100(8), 1434-1441. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Digital Fortress Chapter 16

â€Å"A ring?† Susan looked doubtful. â€Å"Tankado's missing a ring?† â€Å"Yes. We're lucky David caught it. It was a real heads-up play.† â€Å"But you're after a pass-key, not jewelry.† â€Å"I know,† Strathmore said, â€Å"but I think they might be one and the same.† Susan looked lost. â€Å"It's a long story.† She motioned to the tracer on her screen. â€Å"I'm not going anywhere.† Strathmore sighed heavily and began pacing. â€Å"Apparently, there were witnesses to Tankado's death. According to the officer at the morgue, a Canadian tourist called the Guardia this morning in a panic-he said a Japanese man was having a heart attack in the park. When the officer arrived, he found Tankado dead and the Canadian there with him, so he radioed the paramedics. While the paramedics took Tankado's body to the morgue, the officer tried to get the Canadian to tell him what happened. All the old guy did was babble about some ring Tankado had given away right before he died.† Susan eyed him skeptically. â€Å"Tankado gave away a ring?† â€Å"Yeah. Apparently he forced it in this old guy's face-like he was begging him to take it. Sounds like the old guy got a close look at it.† Strathmore stopped pacing and turned. â€Å"He said the ring was engraved-with some sort of lettering.† â€Å"Lettering?† â€Å"Yes, and according to him, it wasn't English.† Strathmore raised his eyebrows expectantly. â€Å"Japanese?† Strathmore shook his head. â€Å"My first thought too. But get this-the Canadian complained that the letters didn't spell anything. Japanese characters could never be confused with our Roman lettering. He said the engraving looked like a cat had gotten loose on a typewriter.† Susan laughed. â€Å"Commander, you don't really think-â€Å" Strathmore cut her off. â€Å"Susan, it's crystal clear. Tankado engraved the Digital Fortress pass-key on his ring. Gold is durable. Whether he's sleeping, showering, eating-the pass-key would always be with him, ready at a moment's notice for instant publication.† Susan looked dubious. â€Å"On his finger? In the open like that?† â€Å"Why not? Spain isn't exactly the encryption capital of the world. Nobody would have any idea what the letters meant. Besides, if the key is a standard sixty-four-bit-even in broad daylight, nobody could possibly read and memorize all sixty-four characters.† Susan looked perplexed. â€Å"And Tankado gave this ring to a total stranger moments before he died? Why?† Strathmore's gaze narrowed. â€Å"Why do you think?† It took Susan only a moment before it clicked. Her eyes widened. Strathmore nodded. â€Å"Tankado was trying to get rid of it. He thought we'd killed him. He felt himself dying and logically assumed we were responsible. The timing was too coincidental. He figured we'd gotten to him, poison or something, a slow-acting cardiac arrestor. He knew the only way we'd dare kill him is if we'd found North Dakota.† Susan felt a chill. â€Å"Of course,† she whispered. â€Å"Tankado thought that we neutralized his insurance policy so we could remove him too.† It was all coming clear to Susan. The timing of the heart attack was so fortunate for the NSA that Tankado had assumed the NSA was responsible. His final instinct was revenge. Ensei gave away his ring as a last-ditch effort to publish the pass-key. Now, incredibly, some unsuspecting Canadian tourist held the key to the most powerful encryption algorithm in history. Susan sucked in a deep breath and asked the inevitable question. â€Å"So where is the Canadian now?† Strathmore frowned. â€Å"That's the problem.† â€Å"The officer doesn't know where he is?† â€Å"No. The Canadian's story was so absurd that the officer figured he was either in shock or senile. So he put the old guy on the back of his motorcycle to take him back to his hotel. But the Canadian didn't know enough to hang on; he fell off before they'd gone three feet-cracked his head and broke his wrist.† â€Å"What!† Susan choked. â€Å"The officer wanted to take him to a hospital, but the Canadian was furious-said he'd walk back to Canada before he'd get on the motorcycle again. So all the officer could do was walk him to a small public clinic near the park. He left him there to get checked out.† Susan frowned. â€Å"I assume there's no need to ask where David is headed.†