Social Cognitive Theory free essay sample

Baptist, A. P. , Ross, J. A. , Yang, U. , Song, P. X. , Clark, N. M. (2013). A randomized controlled trial of a self-regulation intervention for older adults with asthma. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 61(5), 747-753. Doi:10. 1111/jgs. 12218 To evaluate an asthma self-regulation intervention for older adults, specifically observing the effects on asthma quality of life and asthma control. Participants were outpatients aged 65 and older with asthma who were currently taking daily medications to control their asthma. There were 70 patients enrolled. The average age was 73. 3 years old. Women made up 27% of the enrolled population. The mean number of years diagnoses with asthma was 27. 3 years. Caucasians made up 28% of the enrolled population. Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Patients assigned randomly to control or intervention group. Control group (n=35) participants received standard asthma education administered by a health educator. Topics included proper inhaler technique, asthma triggers, asthma control, and signs of exacerbation. Intervention group (n=35) participants received standard care and participated in a six-session program conducted over the telephone and group sessions. We will write a custom essay sample on Social Cognitive Theory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Participants selected an asthma-specific goal, identified problems, and addressed potential barriers. Outcomes were assessed at 1, 6, and 12 months and included the mini-Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mAQLQ), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), healthcare utilization, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide level (FENO), and percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%). The mean mAQLQ score was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group at 1, 6, and 12 months. Higher scores indicated greater quality of life. Mean ACQ score was significantly lower at 1 month for the intervention group than the control group and was lower at the 6 and 12-month time points as well. Lower scores indicated greater asthma control. Lung function was evaluated at 6 and 12 months. No difference was seen in FENO, but predicted FEV1% favored the intervention group. There was no significant difference found for hospitalizations or ED visits between the intervention and control groups, although both favored the intervention group. For a composite healthcare utilization index (hospitalization, ED, or unscheduled visit) the intervention group had significantly fewer visits than the control. A self-regulation intervention is effective for improving asthma quality of life, asthma control, and healthcare utilization in older adults. Byrne, J. , Khunti, K. , Stone, M. , Farooqi, A. , Carr, S. (2011). Feasibility of a structured group education session to improve self-management of blood pressure in people with chronic kidney disease: An open randomized pilot trial. BMJ Open, doi:10. 1136/bmjopen-2011-000381 To test a group educational intervention called Controlling Hypertension (HTN): Education and Empowerment Renal Study (CHEERS) to improve self-management of blood pressure in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Exploring the acceptability of the intervention. Patients with early CKD and HTN. There were 81 people enrolled in the study 30% of the 267 patients approached. Random controlled trial. Patients recruited from nephrology outpatient clinic. Control group received standard clinical management of HTN. Intervention group received routine standard care plus structured CHEERS patient education intervention. Measured: recruitment, retention, patient demographics, self-efficacy, and patient satisfaction. Lack of time 48% and lack of interest 44% were the main reasons for non-participation. 37. 5% of the intervention group failed to attend. These patients were older and had lower self-efficacy. The intervention was rated enjoyable and useful by 100% of participants. None of those who attended the education sessions accessed the additional support offered. Carr, L. J. , Dunsiger, S. I. , Lewis, B. , Ciccolo, J. T. , Hartman, S. , Bock, B. , Marcus, B. H. (2013). Randomized controlled trial testing an internet physical activity intervention for sedentary adults. Health Psychology, 32(3), 328-336. doi:10. 1037/a0028962 To test the efficacy of a newly enhanced internet (EI) intervention in relation to six standard internet (SI) intervention websites that are publicly available to promote physical activity (PA), for improving PA behavior in previously sedentary adults. Healthy sedentary (achieving less than 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week) men and women between ages 18 and 65 years of age. 66 participants were enrolled. 25 were randomly assigned to the EI group. 28 were randomly assigned to the SI group. More than half were college educated. More than 80% reported being non-Hispanic white. Both groups used an internet website to monitor and improve physical activity. Website use, physical activity, and patient satisfaction were measured. The EI included five SCT-influenced internet features including, physical activity tracking goal-setting calendar, regular peer activity updates, ask the expert QA forum, exercise videos, and geographic mapping function. At 3 months EI participants averaged 180. 4 weekly minutes of PA compared to 46. 3 minutes by SI participants. At 6 months EI participants averaged 171. 4 weekly minutes of PA compared to 121. 8 minutes by SI participants. The EI intervention facilitated quicker increases in PA behavior than the SI comparison group. An improvement in PA behavior was associated with improvements in various SCT constructs including social support, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-regulation. Dorough, A. E. , Winett, R. A. , Anderson, E. S. , Davy, B. M. , Martin, E. C. , Hedrick, V. (2012). DASH to Wellness: Emphasizing Self-Regulation Through E-Health in Adults With Prehypertension. Health Psychology, doi: 10. 1037/a0030483 To assess the initial efficacy of an electronically delivered, lifestyle intervention for treating prehypertension (PHT) by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, reducing dietary sodium through the adaption of the DASH eating plan, increasing physical activity, promoting use of home blood pressure monitoring, reducing weight, and decreasing BP thereby reducing risk of movement to stage I hypertension in middle-aged adults with PHT. 27 participants with a mean age of 54. 3, mean weight of 87. 8 kg, mean BMI of 31. 5, were 69. 5% female, 95% Caucasian, 5% Mexican American, were well educated with 52% reporting 4-year or postgraduate degrees, and 60. 8% reported a household annual income above $60,000. Participants were randomly assigned a group. The standard-of-care condition, DASH 2 wellness (D2W) only, or the intervention-treatment group, DASH 2 wellness plus (D2WP). At baseline both groups completed a 4-day food intake record and a 7-day step log. Baseline height, weight, and BMI were also recorded. This data was gathered again after the 10-week intervention. D2W group was provided the DASH eating plan guide, walking and weight program, a scale, and a pedometer. D2WP group was provided everything listed above along with an automatic blood pressure monitor, weekly electronic feedback in planning, goal setting, and tracking of intake, weight, exercise, and self-monitored blood pressure readings. D2WP had a large increase in average daily steps 2,900 vs. 636. D2WP had a larger decrease in systolic BP 15. 14 mmHg vs. 4. 61 mmHg. D2WP had a larger decrease in weight 10. 54 lbs. vs. 3. 23 lbs. Outcomes suggest the primarily electronically delivered approach was more effective than the standard of care in changing some health behaviors related to nutrition and physical activity, reducing body weight, and systolic blood pressure. All D2WP participants moved from the PHT category to a normal, even optimal BP except for one. Fjeldsoe, B. S. , Miller, Y. D. , Marshall, A. L. (2013). Social cognitive mediators of the effect of the MobileMums intervention on physical activity. Health Psychology, 32(7), 729-738. Doi: 10. 1037/a0027548 To explore whether improvements in physical activity (PA) following the MobileMums intervention were facilitated by changes in Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs targeted in the intervention. Women less than 12-months postpartum were recruited from a database of women that agreed to be contacted for health-related research projects. Eligibility criteria included English comprehension, ownership of a mobile phone, engaged in less than five days per week of 30-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and intention to increase PA. 88 participants completed the baseline assessment and were randomized to either the intervention group, n=45, or control group, n=43. Seventy-seven percent of participants were reassessed at 6-weeks and 69% at 13-weeks. There were no meaningful or statistically significant differences between group demographic characteristics. Participants were randomly assigned to the control or intervention group. Control group participants received one face-to-face consultation with a behavioral counselor and given a PA information pack. MobileMum intervention group participants had two PA consultations with a behavioral counselor and one telephone consultation at 6-weeks. Counselor helped to set goals and plan exercise activities. Participants were also given weekly activity planning magnets to help self-monitor. Participants nominated a social support person. They also received 42 individualized phone messages providing strategies for behavior change and 11 goal check messages. Support person also received messages. Frequency of walking for exercise and the amount of moderate-to-vigorous PA was measured. Barrier self-efficacy, goal setting skills, outcome expectancy, social support, and perceived environmental opportunity were also measured. The MobileMum program increased the amount of walking for exercise and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among postnatal women. An increase in physical activity was mediated in the short-term (6-weeks), by improvements in barrier self-efficacy and goal setting skills. Social support did not significantly mediate the intervention effects on physical activity. The intervention did not have a significant impact on outcome expectancy or perceived environmental opportunities for PA. Pilutti, L. , Dlugonski, D. , Sandroff, B. , Klaren, R. , Motl, R. (2013). Randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention targeting symptoms and physical activity in multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, doi: 10. 1177/1352458513503391 To examine the efficacy of an internet delivered behavioral intervention for improving outcomes of fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain, sleep quality, and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in ambulatory persons with MS. This intervention has previously been tested to increase lifestyle physical activity among persons with MS. The second aim of this study is to replicate those results regarding change in physical activity. Sample consisted of 82 participants who were randomized into a control group, n=41, and an intervention group, n=41. Participant inclusion criteria: 18-64 years, diagnosis of MS, relapse-free for the past 30-days, internet access, ability to walk with or without an assistive device, physician approval, not maintaining 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a day for more than 2 days. Sample was primarily female (76%). The level of disability of the sample was moderate and most participants (74%) did not use an assistive device. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in demographic or clinical characteristics, physical activity, or symptomatic and HRQOL outcomes pre-trial. Random controlled trial. The intervention group was provided a study website with information about becoming more physically active based on principles of SCT, self-monitoring, and goal-setting using a pedometer and activity logs, and one-on-one video coaching sessions for 6 months. Data measures included physical activity, fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain, quality of sleep, HRQOL, and disability. These measures were recorded at baseline and 6 months post intervention. Participants in the intervention group participated in significantly more self-reported physical activity compared to control group. They also spent more time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to the control group although not a significant difference. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were significantly lower in the intervention group. There was a favorable effects of the intervention on symptoms of pain and sleep quality post-intervention. Participants in the intervention group reported greater quality of life compared to control participants, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Overall, it can be confirmed that a lifestyle intervention delivered through the internet can be effective for increasing everyday physical activity in persons with MS, and this had a positive effect on symptomatic outcomes. Amaya, M. , Petosa, R. (2012). An evaluation of a worksite exercise intervention using the social cognitive theory: A pilot study. Health Education Journal, 71(2), 133-143. Doi: 10. 1177/0017896911409731 To increase exercise adherence among insufficiently active adult employees. Employees (n=127) who did not meet current American College of Sports Medicine recommendations for exercise. Majority of subjects were female (83%). A majority of subjects had obtained a bachelor’s or post bachelor’s degree (61%). Nearly all subjects were married (77%). A majority of the study sample was Caucasian (84%). A quasi-experimental separate samples pre-test-post-test group design was used to compare treatment and comparison group. Intervention: An eight-week educational program targeting the social cognitive theory constructs. There were 6 one-hour classroom-based sessions and multiple meetings with a trainer. The intervention taught subjects self-regulation skills, including focusing on self-monitoring, goal setting, and time management. Taught self-efficacy skills, overcoming barriers and exercise preferences. Taught social support for exercise, outcome expectations and expectancies, reasons to exercise and its value. Measures: free-living exercise, self-regulation, self-efficacy, social support, and outcome expectations and expectancies. Measurements were taken at pre-test, post-test, one month and three months post-intervention. There was a significant difference between groups for moderate intensity exercise and vigorous intensity exercise at post-test and follow-up. There was a significant difference between groups for self-regulation at post-test and follow-up. There was not a significant difference between groups for self-efficacy or outcome expectancies. Family and friend social support group differences were non-significant at post-test and at one-month follow-up, but were significant at three-month follow-up. The educational intervention was effective in increasing the exercise rates of employees at the worksite. Social Cognitive Theory Framework Paper Framework Description, Components, and Synthesis Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) emerged primarily from the work of Albert Bandura. Social cognitive theory is a learning theory based on the idea that people learn by observing others. The theory is an expansion of the Social Learning Theory (SLT) originally proposed by Neal Miller and John Dollard and later expanded by Bandura himself. Social Learning Theory theorizes that people learn new behaviors by observing others, imitating their behavior, and then being reinforced by the observed outcomes. Bandura’s SCT differs from SLT by its emphasis on the role of self-efficacy and the concept of reciprocal triadic causation. Self-efficacy is a person’s confidence and desire to perform a behavior. It reflects not only a person’s actual know-how to perform a behavior, but also their skepticism or willingness in performing the behavior. Behavior is theorized in SCT to occur in a social context and influenced by the active shared interaction between the person, environment, and behavior, the reciprocal triadic causation. Never is a behavior not influence by all three. There are five key concepts that make up the Social Cognitive Theory, those concepts are knowledge, perceived self-efficacy, outcome expectation, goal formation, and sociostructural factors. Knowledge is often the starting point for most health promotion programs. Many people will obtain knowledge through observation, verbal or written description, video or audio recordings, and other forms of knowledge delivery (DiClemente, 2013). The DARE program is a good example of a program that delivers knowledge to kids about the risks of alcohol and drugs to hopefully prevent their use and abuse. However, behavior change after obtaining knowledge is often dependent on four inner-related processes involving attention, retention, production, and motivation. Regardless of having the knowledge there must be underlining drives to commit to a behavior change. Building off the last example if a kid were to be a valued member of a sports team they may be move motivated to abstain from alcohol and drugs to avoid a decline in performance. Since knowledge alone may not initiate a behavior change all of the study articles listed above provided education for all participants at baseline. The Baptist study provided asthma education on how to administer medication, asthma triggers, control, and signs of exacerbation. The Pilutti study provided online material on becoming more physically active and healthy. Perceived self-efficacy can be explained as a person’s inner confidence in performing a task. This inner confidence has been influenced by past performances, the observation and verbal persuasion of others, and their physiological state (Bandura, 2004). Low self-efficacy can be caused by fear and can defeat any effort to perform a given task. Having a high level of self-efficacy will increase a person’s initiation and drive for a particular task. There are four methods to improve self-efficacy; learn to reduce the fear and other negative emotions that may be associated with the task, verbal persuasion, watch others perform the task successfully, and be physically guided or coached through the task (DiClemente, 2013). Many of these methods were used in the study articles listed above. By providing education, participant knowledge is increased, which helps to improve self-efficacy. The Carr study provided online exercise videos. In the Fjeldsoe study participants were assigned a counselor and a support person to provide encouragement. Participants in the Amaya study met for one-hour classroom sessions and had group discussions discussing fears, barriers, and exercise technique. Outcome expectations are individual beliefs about what consequences are most likely to occur if a particular behavior is performed. People anticipate the consequences of their actions before engaging in a behavior, and these anticipated consequences could influence the successful completion of the behavior (Bandura, 2004). The benefit of the behavior is the driving force for action. Educators, trainers, and counselors work well to help people recognize the possible positive outcomes. The Baptist, Amaya, and Fjeldsoe studies all used a person as part of their intervention to help participants visualize the possible outcomes of their efforts. Outcome expectations can also include negative perceptions or costs. For example a person thinking about going back to school may see the benefit in an advanced degree and pay raise or the negative outcome of tuition costs and time spent. Goal setting is an important aspect of SCT. Setting small achievable goals that progress to the final goal is an effective way to keep focused and maintain spirit throughout the process. With the attainment of small sub goals self-efficacy perceptions are likely to increase and the experience of positive outcomes will increase and improve change efforts (DiClemente, 2013). Further, goals are an important prerequisite for self-regulation because they provide objectives to strive towards and are levels against which to judge progress (Bandura, 2004). Participants of the Fjeldsoe study carried mobile devices that monitored progress and sent individualized messages with strategies to meet goals. Those participants also receive goal check messages and depending on participant responses they either received more advice or applause and encouragement to keep up the good work. Lastly, sociostructural factors are important as they can strongly impact self-efficacy and consequently behavior. Sociostructural factors are any actual or perceived external factor that influences for better or for worse the likelihood of a behavior (DiClemente, 2013). For example, a positive sociostructural factor for an individual trying to loose weight and eat healthy would be a number of local gym options. A negative factor may be the lack of grocery stores that offer organic food options. The Carr study, which investigated the effectiveness of an Internet site to improve physical activity, had a geographic mapping function to help participants locate resources and plan outdoor activity. Major Research and Practice Areas Based on the journal articles above much of the research is on the effectiveness of interventions that target the patient SCT constructs to improve illness management and physical activity. These interventions mostly focus on all five of the SCT concepts. The programs typically provided education, group, online, technical, and personal support, help with goal formation and strategic planning, and also coaching and counseling. The research is looking for interventions to improve self-management, quality of life, and the increase of health promoting behaviors such as blood pressure monitoring, eating healthy, and being physical activity. Social Cognitive Theory interventions can be used in practice to improve the management of chronic illnesses such as asthma, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension. It can be used to improve health-promoting behaviors such as increasing exercise, dieting and weight loss, and monitoring blood pressure or blood sugars. Framework Population The populations of the studies found above using SCT involved older adults over the age of 65, patients with multiple diagnoses, adults with borderline diagnoses, sedentary adults, postpartum women, and adults managing disability related to an illness. All of the listed populations are at risk for low levels of self-efficacy, which can inhibit change. Therefore, these populations may require extra support and motivation, which can be provided by interventions using SCT to support change. Framework and Risk Factor In the Dorough study the population of focus was adults with prehypertension and their risk factor was physical inactivity and poor diet and nutrition. The study aimed to use an intervention influenced by SCT to promote physical activity and reduce hypertension. Features of the intervention that were SCT based were the nutrition and exercise education, the nutrition guide an outlined exercise program, and lastly the electronic resource provided for logging progress, goal setting, and goal attainment advice. The results of the intervention included a significant increase in daily steps, decrease in blood pressure, and weight loss. All but one participant moved from prehypertension to normal even optimal blood pressure. Application of Framework Stroke survivors can have a low perceived level of self-efficacy and this puts them at an increased risk for not meeting their rehabilitation goals for recovery. Stroke survivors want to return to the varied roles they had before their stroke. However, commonly these survivors become victim to themselves as they begin to lose interest, become unmotivated, and become difficult to get going. Depression and apathy are common consequences of stroke with the sudden loss of independence and self-reliance. An intervention that aims to change patient SCT constructs to improve physical activity in rehab may work to improve the patient’s self-efficacy and their progression in rehabilitation. The desired outcome is increased participation in physical rehabilitation. The factor that is limiting that outcome is the patient’s low level of perceived self-efficacy. One study revealed that the functional level at 6 months post stroke could predict long-term survival and disability (Jones, 2010). Therefore, an intervention that promotes a positive spirit, provides support, and creates an environment that facilitates goal attainment is absolutely necessary for these patients to increase their functional ability and decrease their level of dependency, which is of utmost importance. An ideal SCT intervention for this population would begin with an educational session on stroke covering topics such as common side effects, medications, needs and goals of rehabilitation. The recovery process is long and therefore multiple small goals should be set weekly to help maintain motivation and recognize progression however small. Therapy should be conducted in groups to allow patients to motivate each other, witness each other’s progression, and support one another through the recovery process. Nurses, and physical, speech, and occupational therapist should help the patients monitor and log their progress, coach exercises, and motivate. To measure the effectiveness of the program therapy participations may be measure based on time, patient exertion and attitude. The level of self-efficacy before and after would be a good measure along with patient’s outlook on current progression and further progress.

schooling should not be compulsory

I believe that schooling should not be compulsory. Making school education voluntary would actually educate people who want to learn in a better manner, increase high school safety, and be less of a detriment to our rights. First of all, making a child goto school for about six hours a day, 180 days a year, for about ten years, is a violation of his or her liberties. Keep in mind that the child has to attend until the legal age (16 in many states), whether or not the child learns anything or could learn it faster or better somewhere else. The government says it has a "compelling interest" in the education of children. This might be true, but that doesnt give them the right to make it compulsory. If something like public schooling was compulsory for adults, there would be public uproar. While parents do have alternatives to government run schools, such as private schools and homeschooling, these alternatives are implausible for most parents. In any case, the parent really doesnt get to decide whether to send their child to school, they just get to decide which government approved schooling method to send their kids to. This goes back to one principle given the chance, governments think noth! ing of telling parents how to raise their children. Forced attendance also has the effect of letting children who do not want to be in school disrupt those who do. Children vary widely. It is not fair for both people who want to be in school and people who dont. Overall, this has had a negative impact on both the education given by schools and the safety of the schools. When compulsory attendance laws were first instituted, there was no objection that such laws would endanger the safety and even the lives of teachers and of students who wanted to be in school. Things have changed. Forcing a person who does not want to learn to be present in school anyway may do little for the student, as evidenced by the fact that many...

The Royal Prerogative is a feature of the UK Constitution in need of Essay

The Royal Prerogative is a feature of the UK Constitution in need of radical reform - Essay Example Analysis The exercise of the royal prerogative powers has been curtailed. These days, there has been clear demarcation of powers that has been have been delegated to both the prime minister and the crown, though much of these powers are exercisable by the prime minster. However, leaving bit of these powers in the hands of the crown has little or no effect, to such an extent that it does not make sense having these powers vested in the crown1. It is important for the people of the United Kingdom to realize that times have changed, and circumstances are different. The needs that led to bestowing such powers to the crown have now become non-existent. This leaves the royalty as a toothless bulldog that can no longer bite. In order for the United Kingdom to fully deliberate itself from the shackles of history, the royalty’s expansive powers should be fully relegated to parliament and only act as a ceremonial organ2. The monarch’s constitutional presence should no longer be a reason for debate among the intellectuals. The independence of the judiciary is achieved by ensuring that the judiciary does not act as a mouth piece of the executive. In the past, the exercise of such powers has failed to reflect the wishes of the larger interest of the people of United Kingdom, rather has been used as a tool for the monarchy to meet its personal ends3. The judiciary, on the other hand was ripped off its independences it could not question the exercise of such powers of the royalty. These tainted and undermined the performance of the judiciary. Thus, the judiciary should be guaranteed protection from the crown in order to be act without fear or favour4. The power to deal in matters of foreign affairs should be retrieved from the hands of the crown and be left with the legislature , who are in a better position to enact laws that protects the sovereignty of the united kingdom and its people and to also promote the good neighbourliness with other countries. It also advocates for better and efficient interdependence, in cases where the countries involved come in to form a major economic block5. Historically, the legislature was also at the hands of the crown and has not fully barred the monarch from exercising these powers as she still has the sole mandate to appoint the prime minster6. This greatly affects the powers and functions of the prime minster, as he or she has to act in bias, of the crown who appointed him. The prime minister then becomes a puppet for the monarch to act according to the whims of the monarch. The result is that the entire legislature is tailored to meet the desires of the crown at the expense of the interest of the citizens of the United Kingdom7. The legislature should therefore be freed from the chains of the crown, and equipping it through laws, to be able to run its affairs and make its appointment without any interference from the monarch. The bills that also come before parliament will be focusing on the larger i nterest of the people of the United Kingdom rather than a smaller minority which is the crown8. The ancient practice invoking the United Kingdom to be ruled according to divine rights of kings has caused the United Kingdom to lag behind from attaining democracy for its people. The prerogative power of the monarch has often been

Employment Policies and Practices Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Employment Policies and Practices - Assignment Example Once the applicant clears this initial test, the organization goes into the selection process. This selection process, the organization usually comes into the direct contact with the applicants. The organization works on the resume of the applicants, try to get some background information of the applicants, verify their prior qualification, their past experience etc. After this, usually members of human resource (HR) department, takes the interviews of the applicants of the applicants in which they want to look the aptitude of the applicants, their presentation styles, confidence etc. In most of the organizations, interview is the last process, but in some organization e.g. arm forces, there are physical tests conducted to determine the physical and mental abilities and strengths. Once the applicants pass through of these procedures, they are selected as employees in the organization. One important activity that the organization must perform is to check the applicants past record. This task is not only to check the background information of the applicant, but to check other useful information as well, such as the employee's past report in previous organizations, i.e. is to check weather or not, the employee was fired from the any previous organization on the bases of poor performance, dishonesty or fraud etc. The references of the employees are verified. In most of the government organization, a social security check of the employee is conducted to weather the employee has any criminal record against him or not. If the person is has a clean past record, only then he should be selected. Post Employment Checks: Post employment checks are as important as pre employment checks. These checks include the noticeable change in the lifestyles of the employees, their important financial statements such as income statements, drug usage etc. The organization should make sure that the employees are punctual and giving to their best productivity level. The organization should keep an eye on the activities of the employees, on and off the work. Acquiring help from third party can be useful in these situations and these checks must be perform from time to time. Post employment check is one of the most important part of organization's risk management. If any employee found guilty in any of these checks, the organization must deal the matter seriously and treat the employee according to degree of activity. Monitoring of Employees: Monitoring of subordinates or employees is considered to be as sensitive issue. Monitoring of employees involves ethnicity. It is the right of the managers to supervise their subordinates, but on the other hand, most of the employees complain that they are monitored secretly. There are several ways of monitoring. On of the most common monitoring method is seeing the actions of your employees through surveillance cameras. But this monitoring need constant viewing and is mostly used

History and Impact of Additive Manufacturing

History and Impact of Additive Manufacturing In the recent years, technology has been evolving at an exponential rate, due to important breakthroughs in research and development of new ways to produce efficient materials and structures. One of the most important technological step forward was the implementation of the extended use of Additive Manufacturing Machines, also known as 3D Printers. This revolutionary concept of Additive Manufacturing (AM) describes the technologies that build 3D objects by adding layer-upon-layer of material, whether the material is plastic, metal, concrete or maybe one dayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. human tissue? The history of AM Manufacturing: The first additive manufacturing equipment and materials were developed by Charles Hull in the early 1980s, and he called the process stereolithography, (Jane Bird 2012). Hull, who has a bachelors degree in engineering physics, was working on making plastic objects from photopolymers at the company Ultra Violet Products in California. Stereolithography uses an .stl file format to interpret the data in a CAD file, allowing these instructions to be communicated electronically to the 3D printer. Along with shape, the instructions in the .stl file may also include information such as the color, texture, and thickness of the object to be printed.( Gross BC, Erkal JL, Lockwood SY, Chen C, Spence DM -2014) By the early 2010s, the terms 3D printing and additive manufacturing evolved senses in which they were alternate umbrella terms for AM technologies, one being used in popular vernacular by consumer maker communities and the media, and the other used officially by industrial AM end use p art producers, AM machine manufacturers, and global technical standards organizations.(Ishengoma, Fredrick R.; Mtaho, Adam B.-2014) Many other companies have since developed 3D printers for commercial applications. Hulls work, as well as advances made by other researchers, has revolutionized manufacturing, and is poised to do the same in many other fields-including medicine. (Gross BC, Erkal JL, Lockwood SY, Chen C, Spence DM -2014) 2. The types of AM Processes Although the term 3D Printing is used as a synonym for all Additive Manufacturing processes, there are actually lots of individual processes which vary in their method of layer manufacturing. Individual processes will differ depending on the material and machine technology used. Hence, in 2010, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) group ASTM F42 Additive Manufacturing, formulated a set of standards that classify the range of Additive Manufacturing processes into 7 categories (Standard Terminology for Additive Manufacturing Technologies -2012). These categories are: VAT Photopolymerisation which refers to using a vat of liquid photopolymer resin, out of which the model is constructed layer by layer; Material Jetting, which is used to create objects in a similar method to a two-dimensional ink jet printer. Material is jetted onto a build platform using either a continuous or Drop on Demand approach; Binder Jetting, which uses two materials; a powder based material and a binder. The binder is usually in liquid form and the build material in powder form. A print head moves horizontally along the x and y axes of the machine and deposits alternating layers of the build material and the binding material. Material Extrusion; Fuse deposition modelling is a common material extrusion process. Material is drawn through a nozzle, where it is heated and is then deposited layer by layer. The nozzle can move horizontally and a platform moves up and down vertically after each new layer is deposited. Inkjet Printing is a noncontact technique that uses thermal, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric technology to deposit tiny droplets of ink (actual ink or other materials) onto a substrate according to digital instructions. Sheet Lamination processes that include ultrasonic additive manufacturing and laminated object manufacturing. Directed Energy Deposition which covers a range of terminology: Laser engineered net shaping, directed light fabrication, direct metal de position, 3D laser cladding It is a more complex printing process commonly used to repair or add additional material to existing components. 3. Description of the way Thermal Inkjet Printing AM Machines work As mentioned above, TIJ printers use a technique that uses thermal, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric technology to deposit tiny droplets of ink (actual ink or other materials) onto a substrate according to digital instructions. In inkjet printing, droplet deposition is usually done by using heat or mechanical compression to eject the ink drops. In TIJ printers, heating the print head creates small air bubbles that collapse, creating pressure pulses that eject ink drops from nozzles in volumes as small as 10 to 150 picolitres. Droplet size can be varied by adjusting the applied temperature gradient, pulse frequency, and ink viscosity. TIJ printers are particularly promising for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Because of their digital precision, control, versatility, and benign effect on mammalian cells, this technology is already being applied to print simple 2D and 3D tissues and organs (also known as bioprinting). (Cui X, Boland T, DLima DD, Lotz MK -2012) 4. The benefits of AM Machines in Medical Industry The strengths of Additive Manufacturing lie in those areas where conventional manufacturing reaches its limitations. The technology is of interest where a new approach to design and manufacturing is required so as to come up with solutions to complex and complicated situations. It enables a design-driven manufacturing process where design determines production and not the other way around. What is more, AM allows for highly complex structures which can still be extremely light and stable, which is a particularly important characteristic for medical bio-engineering. It provides a high degree of design freedom, the optimization and integration of functional features, the manufacture of small batch sizes at reasonable unit costs and a high degree of product customization even in serial production, thus providing the possibility of adapting every AM designed apparatus to every patient needs. (S.V Murphy, A. Atala -2014) For example, 3D printing has been considered as a method of implant ing stem cells capable of generating new tissues and organs in living humans. With their ability to transform into any other kind of cell in the human body, stem cells offer huge potential in 3D bio-printing. (3D Masterminds 7 Ways 3D Printing Is Disrupting the Medical Industry-2015) Many medical devices, such as hearing aids, dental crowns, and surgical implants are relatively small in size and therefore suitable for the production available through common AM systems. According to a new research report from Albany, NY based Transparency Market Research, the global market for 3D printing in medical application was valued $354.5 million in 2012 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4 percent from 2013 to 2019 to reach $965.5 million by 2019. (Wohlers Associates 2014) 5. Conclusion 3D printing has become a useful and potentially transformative tool in a number of different fields, including medicine. As printer performance, resolution, and available materials have increased, so have the applications. Researchers continue to improve existing medical applications that use 3D printing technology and to explore new ones. The medical advances that have been made using 3D printing are already significant and exciting, but some of the more revolutionary applications, such as organ printing, will need time to evolve, but still, taking into account the way technology evolves today, this kind of application may soon be accessible. 6. References -Jane Bird (2012-08-08). Exploring the 3D printing opportunity. The Financial Times.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   https://www.ft.com/content/6dc11070-d763-11e1-a378-00144feabdc0#axzz24gFn5Cal/ Gross BC, Erkal JL, Lockwood SY, et al. Evaluation of 3D printing and its potential impact on biotechnology and the chemical sciences. Anal Chem. 2014;86(7):3240-3253 https://all3dp.com/types-of-3d-printer-technology-explained/ -Ishengoma, Fredrick R.; Mtaho, Adam B. (2014-10-18). 3D Printing: Developing Countries Perspectives. International Journal of Computer Applications. 104 (11): 30-34. arXiv:1410.5349Freely accessible. doi:10.5120/18249-9329. ISSN 0975-8887. -Cui X, Boland T, DLima DD, Lotz MK Recent Pat Drug Deliv Formul. 2012 Aug; 6(2):149-55. -3D bioprinting of tissues and organs Sean V Murphy Anthony Atala  © 2014 Nature America -3D Masterminds 7 Ways 3D Printing Is Disrupting the Medical Industry-2015: http://3dmasterminds.com/7-ways-3d-printing-is-disrupting-the-medical-industry/ Wohlers Associates Report 2014 https://wohlersassociates.com/2014report.htm

Thomas Jefferson Essays -- essays research papers

Thomas Jefferson is remembered in history not only for the offices he held, but also for his belief in the natural rights of man as expressed in the Declaration of Independence and his faith in the people’s ability to govern themselves. Through his political career, Thomas Jefferson advocated democratic principles and adhered to his liberal ideology. However, as a president he found it difficult to maintain these policies in the noisy arena of politics. Consequently, circumstances forced him to reverse himself in some degree on these concepts. When he was voted into the presidency, Jefferson devoted a major section of his inaugural address to the "’the essential principles of our government, and consequently those which ought to shape it’s administration’" (Cunningham). Here he reiterated his basic political principles and the leading policies that he had professed as a candidate, which he now restated as the guiding pillars of his administration. He began by affirming "’equal and exact justice to all his men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political.’" Next, Jefferson proclaimed, "Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." He then went on to affirm his commitment to the rights of the states and the preservation of the central government. Continuing to intermingle general principles and specific policies, that new president declared that he favored reliance for defense on a "militia rather than an army, a small navy" (Cunningham) and prosperity through "economy, the payment of debts, and the encouragement of agriculture and commerce as its handmaid." He also emphasized basic rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and impartially selected juries. "These principles," Jefferson concluded, "form the brightest constellation, which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation†¦ They should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civic instruction, the touchstone by which we try the services of those we trust." Unfortunately for Jefferson, marinating this creed would not be easy during this period of history. Jefferson maintained his governing principles throughout the most part of his presidency.... ...elpless American ship was thereupon forced to surrender four of its men. One was a British deserter, but three were Americans. Many Americans wanted to go to war against Britain over this incident. However, Jefferson was determined to avoid war, feeling he could bring Britain to terms by applying economic pressure. In December 1807, the Congress passed the Embargo Act. American ships were forbidden to sail from American ports to any European port. Jefferson believed that England and France could not survive without American trade. However, he had greatly underestimated the effect of the embargo on the United States itself. All parts of the country were affected, especially the industrial and commercial North. In order to avoid war, Jefferson was forced to act against two of his principles by risking American commerce and terminating friendly relationships with other nations. Despite the unavoidable circumstances that caused his actions, Jefferson still proved to be one of the most valued presidents. His ideas, firmly established in the Declaration of Independence, are the foundation of modern society. Current politicians and citizens value many of his principles as well.

Personal Computers Essay

Background. The Personal Computers at their advent were simple machines with less number of parts and limited capabilities. Less power was required to operate the computers and computer heating was never a major problem. However with the development in microprocessor and solid state technologies there was a revolution in how people used computers. The computers today can be configured according to ones needs and many add on components like graphics cards, Modems, USB devices etc. can be fitted on computers . Motherboards today also come with an increased number of components. However with the increase in components a new problem of heating has surfaced in computers. Problems and Motivation Although these components have increased the functionality of computers tremendously it has raised a serious problem of heating. With the increase in number of components the demand for power supply has increased. The components consume more energy and generate large amount heat. Electronic devices perform inefficiently or even get damaged as a result of excessive heat. Hence new challenges to protect these components from getting damaged by proper cooling of heat has emerged. Though the components have increased in numbers the size of PCs has kept reducing. People today prefer smaller PCs for space constraints and aesthetics. In order to keep in line with the reducing sizes the Power supply and the cooling system should also go transformation in sizes. One needs to design cooling systems with greater performances yet at a reduced scale. As the power supply and cooling are the components of PC case there is a need to renovate these cases to protect computer components from getting overheated and damaged. At the same time the it should be scaled down and match the aesthetics of other parts such as monitors, keyboards etc which come in designer shapes today. Research Aims and Objectives With reference to the above discussed problem there is a need to develop PC cases which are responsible for computer cooling. The aim of the project is to create simulation in order to find a better solution over the existing PC Cases and prevent spreading of heat to other components. The project will achieve three main objectives The initial objective would be to understand the principle of fluid dynamics and apply it to the PC Case problem. Secondly we will design a model to convert humid air by applying Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) The final objective would be to provide recommendations for the PC Case. Literature Review The preliminary literature was done on the existing problems in PC Cases and the sources of heat in computer system . The current methodologies implemented for cooling were also studied. Basic literature on application of fluid dynamics and use of Computational Fluid Dynamics to solve problems was also reviewed Methodology The Research will be experimental in nature. simulation model of the existing PC Cases will be developed in CFD. The models will be simulated again with modification for the proposed air cooling. The comparison between the two simulation will help in developing the cooling system and designing of the PC Cases. The results obtained will be experimental in nature and the problem is achievable theoretically with the help of CFD. As the project intends to suggest changes over the existing models the use of Simulation is justified to obtain outcomes as the existing systems are already simulated for cooling by making use of CFD. Triangulation: Mathematical models for the fluid dynamics of air can be constructed and solved for various conditions and the outcomes of these can be cross examined with the that of computer simulations. An experimental set-up can be created to check the prototype of cooling system and the results can be compared. Reliability : The prototype and the simulated models can be tested over a number of systems/components from different manufacturers and checked for reliability. Ethics: The project will adhere to all the guidelines and protocols of electronic manufacturing devices in terms of manufacturing, quality and safety. Environment : The proposed PC cases will be environment friendly. It may be manufactured from environmental friendly recycled materials to reducing global warming. Noise reduction will be achieved considerably with the improved change in design. Analysis The outcomes of the project will help in analyzing the reduction achieved in heat generated and the prevention of components. It will also analyze the cost of implementation and its economic feasibility. Conclusion With correct implementation of fluid dynamics modification in the existing PC cases can be achieved to cool heat efficiently and prevent components from overheating. Although the project is experimental in nature and relies mainly on simulation there may be a variation in its actual implementations. Whether the PC Cases behave as recommended can only be judged only by their practical application the project can be a strong foundation to extend this future scope.