Foundations of Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Foundations of Psychology - Essay Example Through systematic observation of one's own conscious experience, subjects were exposed to different visual stimuli, optical illusions and auditory tones, and then made to analyze what they experienced ("Timeline," n.d.). Functionalism evolved as a reaction to structuralism. This school of thought was greatly influenced by the work of William James, the father of American psychology, and the evolutionary theory of Charles Darwin (Wagner, n.d.[b]). Functionalism was a more systematic and accurate method than structuralism in that the former focused on the purpose of consciousness and behavior while the latter focused on the elements of consciousness. Functionalism gave due consideration to individual differences, with a great deal of impact on education, supporting the view that "children should learn at a level for which they are developmentally prepared" (Wagner, n.d.[b]). According to behaviorism, all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, which happens through interaction with the environment, and behavior can be studied in a systematic, observable manner regardless of internal mental states (Wagner, n.d.[c]). There are two types of conditioning. Classical conditioning is a method whereby a naturally occurring stimulus is paired with a neutral stimulus so that eventually the latter evokes the same response as the former without the presence of the former. Operant conditioning uses rewards and punishments for behavior. Behaviorism does not consider free will or internal factors like moods, feelings and thoughts. The theory does not consider learning that does not use rewards and punishments. The adaptability of an individual in the face of new information is also not considered. Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, focused on the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior (Wagner, n.d.[a]). The six basic assumptions of the psychoanalytic theory are that unconscious mental processes exist, that all human behavior is motivated and purposeful, that past experiences influence current changes and reactions, that personality functioning is very complex and can be understood through the Id, Ego and Superego, that thinking processes involve energy, strength and force, and that human behavior is influenced by interaction with the environment ("Timeline," n.d.). Humanists like Carl Rogers consider people to be basically good or healthy and they see mental health as the normal progression of life; any distortion to this natural tendency is called self-actualization. According to Rogers, people naturally know what is good for them, and what leads them astray is the society with its conditions of worth, often leading to discontent when they do not reach the standards applied to them by others. This disparity between the real self and the ideal self is called incongruity (Boeree, 2003). A healthy individual involves the following qualities: openness to experience; living in the present; organismic trusting, doing what feels right and comes natural; freedom and taking responsibility for one's choices; and creativity. Gestalt psychology evolved in response to the

The capital structure decision and the cost of capital Research Paper - 1

The capital structure decision and the cost of capital - Research Paper Example Answer 1. Referring the balance sheet as on 5/1/2011, Source: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bs?s=NVDA+Balance+Sheet&annual (In thousands of US dollar) Total liabilities = 1,313,784 Short term liabilities = 942,682Â   Long term liabilities = 23,389 Total Equity = 3,181,462 Market capitalization = 10.92 Billion Hence debt ratio, total liability/ (total liability + total equity) =1,313,784/ (1,313,784+3,181,462) = 29.2% Debt to equity ratio, total liabilities/total equity = 1,313,784/ 3,181,462 = 41.29% Again, debt ratio based on short term liabilities 942,682Â  / 942,682Â  + 3,181,462 = 22.85% Again, debt ratio based on long term liabilities 23,389/ 23,389 + 3,181,462 = 0.72% Debt to equity ratio based on short term liabilities 942,682/ 3,181,462 = 29.6% Debt to equity ratio based on long term liabilities 23,389/ 3,181,462 = 0.735% Answer 2 Debt to equity ratio shows how well creditors are protected. From the calculated ratios, following inferences can be made. Debt/equity ratio based on long term liability is quite low and the company Nvidia is going quite safe so far long term liability is concerned. It can also be gauged from this ratio that the company is quite conservative in exploiting the long term debt for the growth of the company. Debt/equity ratio based on short term liability is within the limits of healthy company. ... ket conditions but as market conditions improve and the company is in a position to enter new growth trajectories, the Nvidia should use more debt to finance its expansion needs instead of equity. That will help company to enhance its equity valuation in the market. Answer 3. Two companies chosen are Intel and AMD, which are also competitors to Nvidia in certain product range. A. Intel Corporation Referring, http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bs?s=INTC+Balance+Sheet&annual (as on 25 Dec, 2010) (All numbers in thousands) Total liabilities = 13,756,000 Short term liabilities = 9,327,000 Long term liabilities = 4,929,000 (calculated by difference from total and short term liabilities) Total Equity = 49,430,000 Market capitalization = 119.30 Billion (as on 5/27/2011) Hence debt ratio, total liability/ (total liability + total equity) = 13,756,000/ (13,756,000+49,430,000) = 21.77% Debt to equity ratio, total liabilities/total equity = 13,756,000/49,430,000 = 27.82% B. AMD Referring, http://financ e.yahoo.com/q/bs?s=AMD+Balance+Sheet&annual (as on 25 Dec, 2010) (All numbers in thousands) Total liabilities = 3,951,000 Short term liabilities = 1,674,000 Long term liabilities = 2,277,000 (calculated by difference from total and short term liabilities) Total Equity = 1,013,000 Market capitalization = 5.83 Billion (as on 5/27/2011) Hence debt ratio, total liability/ (total liability + total equity) = 3,951,000/ (3,951,000+1,013,000) = 79.6% Debt to equity ratio, total liabilities/total equity = 3,951,000/1,013,000 = 390% Summing up, the debt-equity ratio of all the three companies are found to be as per the following. Nvidia – 29.60% Intel – 27.82% AMD – 390% It is seen that debt-equity ratio of Intel and Nvidia are more or less in the same range but AMD is operating on very high

Nuclear Plant Safety Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Nuclear Plant Safety - Research Paper Example There are different reasons for the use of nuclear power as energy sources but there are more reasons to stop their operation, if not, reduce their use. This paper will provide a background on the history of the use of nuclear power in the United States. Some incidents that display the disadvantages of nuclear power plants will also be presented. In the end, a conclusion will be provided. The History of Nuclear Power in the United States Oil, natural gas and coal were traditionally used as sources of electricity but the scarcity of these resources has led people to search for other sources. One of the main concerns of the government then was that these scarce resources have become expensive. Furthermore, the use of coal, fossil fuel and oil were reported to emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide, which is a substantial greenhouse gas. Nuclear power was primarily used for weapon production. The atomic bomb was the prime weapon, which makes use of nuclear power. The atomic bomb is integrated in a hydrogen bomb. The hydrogen bomb functions in three distinct stages: first, the atomic bomb explodes through a fission reaction; a second bomb, which is composed of lithium and deuterium undergoes a fusion reaction; then, a third explosion occurs when the uranium component undergoes a fission reaction (Caldicott, 2006). The first casualties of hydrogen bombs were the Japanese. In the Second World War, the United Stated deployed two atomic bombs – one in Hiroshima and the other in Nagasaki. The bombs were reported to have caused the death of more than 200,000 Japanese people (Caldicott, 2006). After the Second World War, other countries were able to produce nuclear bombs. In the end however, countries signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in the hope of disarming all nuclear weapons; whereas nations without nuclear weapons would not be able to develop such weapons (Caldicott, 2006). The treaty is an important agreement to hinder the detrimental and destructive effects of nuclear bombs. Due to the treaty, the use of nuclear power went into a limbo until it was used as a source of electricity. This energy source was believed to be cheaper than other sources such as coal and fossil fuel as it produces higher wattages of electricity. From then on, constructions of reactors continued until 1978. To this day, there are about 112 nuclear plants built within the United States (Greenwald, 1991). Some of these plants have already encountered certain malfunctions. Disadvantages of Nuclear Power Plants In March 28, 1979, the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear plant in Pennsylvania experienced a near meltdown. This was the worst nuclear accident experienced by the United States. â€Å"Scientists determined that a jammed valve had caused cooling water to drain from the reactor core† (Presutti, 2011). As a result, the fuel core became uncovered and then it overheated, causing a partial meltdown. About 120,000 people were evacuated. Fortu nately, only a small amount of radiation was able to escape from the facility. The Reactor that almost resulted to a meltdown was permanently shutdown though a part of TMI nuclear plant is still operating. This incident allowed for a more serious review of the nuclear policies in the United States and also halted the approval of establishments of more nuclear plants (Presutti, 2011). The TMI incident was attributed to lack of training of staff,

The reproductive system Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The reproductive system - Essay Example The penis consists of three columns of erectile tissue wrapped in connective tissue covered with skin. The penis has a root, body (shaft), and glans penis. The corpus spongiosum expands at the distal end to form the glans penis. The urethra extends throughout the length of the corpus spongiosum and opens through the external urethral orifice at the tip of the glans penis. A loose fold of skin, called the prepuce, or foreskin, covers the penis (Young et al, 2000). The male sexual response includes erection and orgasm accompanied by ejaculation of semen. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates spermatogenesis; luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates the production of testosterone; and testosterone stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics and spermatogenesis (Young et al, 2000). A womans reproductive cycles last from menarche to menopause. The female reproductive organs include the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, accessory glands, and external genital organs. The organs of the female reproductive system create and maintain the female egg cells (ova). It transports the ova to be fertilized by sperm, provides a location for the developing fetus and moves the fetus out at the end of the development period as well as producing female sex hormones (Young et al, 2000). Ovaries, the primary female reproductive organs, are solid structures about the size and shape of an almond located in shallow depressions, ovarian fossae, one on each side of the uterus, in the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity (Young et al, 2000). Two uterine tubes, Fallopian tubes, are connected with each ovary. Once inside the Fallopian tube, the oocyte is moved along by the rhythmic beating of cilia on the epithelial lining and by peristaltic action of the smooth muscle in the wall of the tube. The passage through the Fallopian tube takes about seven days and because the oocyte is fertile for only 24 to 48

What was Harper Lees affect on American Literature Term Paper

What was Harper Lees affect on American Literature - Term Paper Example Nelle Harper Lee is one of the greatest American authors of the contemporary literature world. She rose to fame when her novel â€Å"To Kill a Mockingbird† selected for the 1960 Pulitzer Prize. The major theme of this novel is her childhood memories about racism. Apart from Pulitzer Prize, â€Å"She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tuesday November 6, 2007 for her services to literature by President George W. Bush at the White House in Washington D.C. She was also awarded the 2010 National Medal of the Arts for her services to literature† (Biography for Harper Lee). This paper analyses the biography and contributions of Harper Lee to American literature. Nelle Harper Lee was born on April 28, 1926, to Amasa Coleman Lee and Frances Cunningham Finch Lee. Harper Lee grew up in the small southwestern Alabama town of Monroeville. Her father, a former newspaper editor and proprietor, was a lawyer who also served on the state legislature (1926-38) (Biography of Harper Lee (1926-)) Harper Lee showed immense interest in reading literature even from her childhood. She was very much interested in establishing friendship with others and was eager to learn more and more things from her friends. She was very much sensitive and was eager to analyze or learn more about the incidents happening around her during her childhood. â€Å"Lee was only five years old in when, in April 1931 in the small Alabama town of Scottsboro, the first trials began with regard to the purported rapes of two white women by nine young black men† (Biography of Harper Lee (1926-)). ... After graduating in 1944, she went to the all-female Huntingdon College in Montgomery. Lee stood apart from the other students—she could have cared less about fashion, makeup, or dating. Instead, she focused on her studies and on her writing. Lee was a member of the literary honor society and the glee club (Harper Lee Biography) â€Å"Harper Lee graduated from Monroeville High School in her hometown in Alabama in 1943. She then attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, where she completed most of her core classes from 1944 to 1945† (Benson). â€Å"She studied law at the University of Alabama, and spent a year studying as an exchange student at Oxford. She never completed law school, and moved to New York to pursue a career as a writer† (Southern Writers Tour - Harper Lee). Lee’s law studies happened during the period of 1945-49. â€Å"During the 1950s, she worked as an airline reservation clerk with Eastern Air Lines and British Overseas Airways †((Nelle) Harper Lee (1926-)). In fact Lee studied law with an intention to help the black community as much as possible. However, she realized that as an advocate she has limitations in providing enough social justice to the black community. The above realization forced her to stop her Law studies and to concentrate more on writing articles. In 1957 Miss Lee submitted the manuscript of her novel to the J. B. Lippincott Company. She was told that her novel consisted of a series of short stories strung together, and she was urged to rewrite it. For the next two and a half years she reworked the manuscript with the help of her editor, Tay Hohoff, and in 1960 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD was published (Harper Lee Bio) To Kill a Mockingbird was Lee's first and last novel. â€Å"Lee

Current Health Care Situation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Current Health Care Situation - Essay Example This applies to all nations with America not left out of the list. The system of healthcare provision to the American people is a problem, which was replicated over past generations of the American history and requires the attention of the involved parties. The United States healthcare system is broken down and no one has the idea of how to fix it. Although the country is an economic giant and a superpower, the situation in the health sector is wanting. A fortunate portion of the American population has insurance cover mostly from their employment that covers their healthcare related costs (Liberty, 2012). However, most of the American people are not lucky enough to have healthcare coverage and as a result, they tend to suffer as they lack the essential access to the services. It is this situation that created questions such as â€Å"why do we keep using the health care system if it does not work?† â€Å"Do we need a universal health care system to act as a single payer and c over the American people in their attempts to get health care services?† These concerns facilitated the drafting of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) a United States federal statue that was signed into law on March 23, 2010 by President Barrack Obama. The act commonly referred to as Obamacare or the Affordable care Act (ACA) is the most significant overhaul of the regulations of the system of healthcare of the country since the Medicaid passing in 1965.the ACA established minimum standards in the policies of health insurance (Pipes, 2013). The guaranteed issue in the act the denial of coverage to individuals by insurers based on pre-existing conditions. This means all applicants with the same age and in the same geographical location offer the same insurance premium prices. The act mandates every individual without insurance cover that is from the employer, public or Medicaid sponsored to secure a private-insurance cover unless the individual is in financi al constraints or is a member of a religious denomination that is recognized and does believe in insurance covers. Failure to comply makes a person liable to a fine. Health insurance exchanges that will serve as an online marketplace for small businesses and individuals to compare and buy policies should commence operations in every state according to the act. The exchanges will provide subsidies on a sliding scale from the federal government for families and individuals with low-incomes ranging from 100% to 400% of poverty level created by the federal government (Liberty, 2012). The act also expanded the eligibility for Medicaid to individuals and families with incomes going up to 133% of the federal poverty level with the inclusion of a 5% income disregard. The employer mandate subjects employers who do not provide health care insurance to at least 50 employees to a tax penalty if there are provisions of subsidies in health care for full-time employees through tax deductions by th e government. The reforms in the system of Medicare payment aim at promoting efficiency in the delivery system of health care through restructuring reimbursements of Medicare to bundled payments and not fee-to-service (Pipes, 2013). It seeks to provide access to Americans to affordable health insurance of high quality while reducing the ever-growing health care bill of the American

Digital Media Report on Management of Innovation Essay

Digital Media Report on Management of Innovation - Essay Example The company is co-owned by Amargi Investments and UK Safety Company with the former owning 90%, while the latter being in possession of the remaining share. The initial idea was first developed at the end of year 2002 by Leigh Dowie, while in Woodside’s LNG IV Project. Being an engineer and experiencing complications in keeping the workplace accident free, he saw it as an opportunity to improve on the existing safety systems. In 2003, research was started on the existing safety systems and the problems realized in the systems prompted the embracing of technology in new designs of the security systems. Leigh Dowie went on to design new safety systems, carrying out the planning excellently and executing IP strategy, which will be explained in details in the subsequent sections. In 2005, with the design ready, Dowie approached the authorities in order to be handed a license and did promotion on the first prototype that was released in the course of the year. Comprehensive prototy ping then followed in the year 2006 with the final design being achieved in the following year. Additionally, license negotiation was carried out in 2007. Lots of efforts were put into the design in 2008 and 2009 with Dowie achieving to establish a license, trial production being run and also validation testing being done and completed. In the year 2010 early commercials trials were done on the design and the design acquired standard certification in the same year. The systems were now ready for the market by 2011 and commenced first distributor sales with Exclusive Rights being cancelled the same year. In 2012 the company has now focused on raising the capital and initiating distributor networks and direct sales Establishing an environment for innovation IP Strategies IP is the abbreviation of Intellectual Property rights, which are the rights accorded to an inventor of a design by the government so as to avoid exploitation of the inventor and also avoid a situation in which someon e else would use the design without consent from the design owner1. There are different kinds of IP rights, which chiefly depend on the kind of property being granted the right of ownership. In cases where a new design is developed or an existing design modified a patent is given to the inventor to prevent his/her work from being used by others without the inventor benefitting2. The process of maturing and sustaining an efficient IP strategy is quite cumbersome, but is very necessary before a new product is taken to the market for sales. In order to mature an IP strategy the following steps are used as guidelines: study more on the IP strategies, find more about the freedom acquired when using IP strategies, approach relevant authorities and lastly develop an inclusive IP strategy and operation plan Leigh being so much aware of the risk his innovation faced developed a competitive IP strategy making a very smart move, which should be emulated by other innovators. He patented his des ign of the two independent spools joined by a locking mechanism hence put on clear line between his invention and those that preceded his design. New Zealand, Canada and Australia all granted him safeguard for his invention from parties, which could take advantage and use the design for personal interests. Managing organizational knowledge and innovation strategies Leign is very innovative and creative, which is evident in him coming up with a very good design of a safety system