Public relations (report) More info in the attachment Essay

Public relations (report) More info in the attachment - Essay Example The role of the proposed PR department would be more than merely creating images, and more than â€Å"just learning the labels that identify the parts of the disciplines within arts†. The department can be set the vision of transforming a passive consumption of art into a more engaging activity for the general public. This need not only apply to esoteric and exclusivist art forms identified as such. Even quotidian encounters with popular cultural artefacts can be illuminated through knowledge of the history and aesthetics behind dominant art forms. (Blewett, 2004) The Public Relations department will strive to replicate the successes met by similar institutions in the USA and Britain. A notable example is the formation of West End Community Council in 1965, which â€Å"sponsored a series of arts festivals as a way to bring whites and blacks together in a creative and social atmosphere. Likewise, in 1966 a group of young black artists, frustrated with their inability to crack into the local gallery scene, invited white and Asian American friends to help them start their own, calling it the Louisville Art Workshop.† (K'Meyer, 2001) The envisioned PR department can be an instrument of social integration and progress in the Australian context, by conceiving, promoting and organizing similar arts campaigns in the state. The applicability of American examples emerge from Australia’s own history of Aboriginal disenfranchisement and other forms of racial prejudice. (K'Meyer, 2001) The effectiveness of the Arts Council in the UK is in significant measure related to the well-thought out, aptly targeted public relations campaigns that it executed. (Sheehy, 2002) The proposed PR department will take the lead from the Arts Council and project cinema as a legitimate art form, as opposed to its current status as a means to entertainment. A sizeable portion of the PR department’s budget will be devoted to developing a strong patronage for cinema, es pecially of the art-house and independent streams, as it is here that critical engagement with public issues tend to occur. This way, it would align with the broader objectives of the State Government Department of Youth Arts. The PR department will act as a liaison between the government and the youth in the state by also promoting contemporary/emerging art forms. In this era of rapid technological advancement, fields like Web Design have evolved their own unique craftsmanship and aesthetics. The Web Design is a key part of the IT industry and employs thousands of youth – â€Å"non-tech businesses will always have a need for talented graphic artists†. ("The Arts Communications, 2002) Thus, integrating this field into the youth arts ambit will fulfil a key goal of the Australian state and national governments, namely that of job creation. For example, â€Å"companies are looking for creative people who understand a visual medium and are capable of keeping eyes glued t o the screen with dazzling graphics and good design. Many companies are eager to hire qualified people with art, art history, and design backgrounds.† (The Arts Communications, 2002) The added advantage here is the consolidation of commercial opportunity with the growth of arts. The proposed PR department will play a vital role in communicating this message to all

Consider the theme in Of mice and men Essay Example for Free

Consider the theme in Of mice and men Essay * The book Of Mice and Men was set in the time of the great depression of the 1930s in California in a place called Soledad. Men travelled around looking for any work they could find, they had to leave families and homes just to make money. Even firms and companies went bankrupt, these were depressing and desperate times, no hope and no future. * During this period of time there was a depression in America. Unemployment was high, so men moved from ranch to ranch looking for work, never staying in one place long enough to firm any real relationships, so this was a very lonely existence. * John Steinbecks inspiration from came from him at an earlier age working as a migrant farm worker and so he understood completely about the conditions and life around him so he could really create an atmospheric story. * It is based on two men, George and Lennie, who travelled from ranch to ranch. George is a small and fairly intelligent man while Lennie is a large man of very little intelligence. They had travelled together for a long time. * In my opinion, the most obvious point made throughout the book about the world of migrant workers is that it is lonely. George tells that guys like usare the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They dont belong no place. This is also shown when Slim comments that he hardly never seen two guys travel together Most migrant workers travel on their own and this is why George and Lennie face some fairly intrusive questions from their new boss when they first arrive at the ranch. This boss even finds it so unusual that he asks George, referring to Lennie, what stake you got in this guy?. He also again refers to this being unusual by saying I never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy. * They are many characters in the novel that are also lonely and this is due to sexism, ageism, but mainly racism. One perfect example is CrooksCrooks, the black stable buck is forever being picked on by the other men at the ranch, mostly because of his colour. In the time in which the book was set, black people in America were thought of as lower than white people. At the ranch, Crooks cannot live in the bunk house with all the other men, but he has to sleep in the harness room, at the back of the barn. Crooks is given no privacy, and gets quite cross because he is not allowed to enter the bunk-house but the other men can just walk into his room. In the book he says to Lennie, Youve no right to come into my room, nobody got any right in here but me. * Another reason is because of your age. Candy is lonely because he is old, and is different from the other hands. His only comfort is his old dog, which keeps him company and reminds him of days when he was young and whole.He has no relatives, and once his dog is killed is totally alone. He eagerly clutches at the idea of buying a farm with George and Lennie, but of course this all comes to nothing.Candys disappointment is expressed in the bitter words he utters to the body of Curleys wife, whom he blames for spoiling his dream. Paragraph 1 * George is a kind man. He travels with Lennie and helps him to survive although Lennie is more of a burden than a help, and creates many problems for him. He is also friendly, and almost immediately makes friends with Candy, Carlson, Slim, and the other ranch hands.He has matured a lot since the incident he relates to Slim where he made Lennie jump into a river just for fun. He realises that Lennie depends on him, and needs him to survive.George often insults Lennie and gives him hell, but he doesnt really mean it. Although he often talks about how well off he could be without Lennie he secretly doesnt want Lennie to leave, and when Lennie offers to do so in the first chapter, George virtually pleads with him to stay, Ive got you an youve got me. This is because George also depends on Lennie to a certain extent for his unconditional friendship. George is intelligent, as Slim points out in chapter three, but also modest in denying being smart. He expresses his desire to be different from other ranch hands who merely work for a month and then spend all of their money, but also realistically realises that his dream of owning a house with Lennie (or anyone else) is unlikely to ever come true. Overall, George is an intelligent and kind character. He is thoughtful enough to realise that the best thing for Lennie is to shoot him, for the alternatives are even worse, and compassionate enough to kill Lennie himself. * Lennie is a massive, extremely strong man, who has no living relatives. He travels about the country searching for work with his companion, George. Lennies Aunt Clara had asked George to take care of Lennie if she ever died. The most obvious feature of Lennies character is that he seems retarded. He is a man who has the mind of a child. Slim is one of the first characters to notice this, remarking that Lennie is Jes like a kid and Curleys wife also comments on how he is Jus like a big baby. Lennie doesnt know his own strength, and this is one of the things which lead to his eventual downfall. He realises that he is, strong as a bull, but he cant judge how much force to use for certain actions. That is why he kills his pets, when he only intends to pet them and play with them. It is this inability to judge his strength, combined with his desire to pet things and Curleys wifes desire to be petted and admired which leads to Lennies inevitable death. The ability to judge ones own strength is one of the first signs of maturity, and it is important that Lennie doesnt have this ability. Despite the major flaws in his character he is amiable and friendly , and doesnt do any of the bad things he does on purpose.He has a poor memory, and has to repeat things to himself many times to remember them. Even then, he still forgets them. He has a blind faith in George, trusting in him to protect and look after his welfare. For example, remember the incident George describes to Slim when he told Lennie to jump in the river and Lennie obeyed, without a thought to his own well being. This illustrates Lennies trust in George, and also his immaturity.However, it must be noted that Lennie can still be quite crafty, as when he cunningly persuades George to tell him the story about the rabbits by threatening to leave him. Paragraph 2 * Because of Lennies handicap George has established a personality around his companion to make it easier to live around him. George has found a way of coping with Lennie which is to shout at him. God a mighty, if I was alone I could live so easy. He supports him in the way he needs although when he is angry he does criticize him As dum as a horse. * George thinks of Lennie as a companion as he doesnt have any family. On the other hand he finds him as a pain. Lennie feel the same way to a certain extent but also fears George as he is in control and orders and protects Lennie. They travel together searching for work on ranches and so never settle, and so dont establish true friendships with others, but since they have each other they seem secure, but Lennie gets into a lot of trouble and so needs George so really George doesnt have time for himself, which is why they do almost everything together. * Others see this relationship as different:- Slim comments Aint many guys travel around toghther.Maybe everbody in the whole damn world is scared of each other. George and Lennie are different as Lennie says I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you * Dreams are significant when considering how these men as one of the ways in which the characters combat the loneliness and hopelessness of their existence. For example the dream farm, a dream shared at first only by George and Lennie, later spreads to include Candy and Crooks, as they are all desperate to escape their lonely lives Crooks reveals that it is the favourite dream of the itinerant ranch hands: Seems like ever guy got land in his head. It is a powerful dream, however, and even Crooks falls for this, for a short time.To Lennie, the dream is a cure for disappointment and loneliness, and he often asks George to recite the description of the farm to him. Paragraph 4 * Crooks is an even lonelier character than Candy, because not only is he old and a cripple, like Candy, but he is also black. Most of the men have a lot of prejudice against Crooks, referring to him with derogatory terms such as nigger. (Prejudice around slavery wasnt rare) * He lives in the shed at the other end of the ranch, isolated from the rest of the workers there. * Crooks is a victim. We are told by Candy that the Boss takes his anger out on Crooks, though Crooks does nothing wrong. * Crooks spends his time alone reading and is a fairly knowledgeable person, as he owns a copy of the California civil code for 1905 He also plays horseshoes until dark. This shows us that Crooks is interested in reading as is most likely one of the smartest of the crowd. This also suggests that he has found reading as an escape route from the terrible world around him. * Crooks reveals that it is the favourite dream of the itinerant ranch hands: * As a result of the discrimination against him, Crooks has become bitter and cynical. This is why when Lennie and Candy tell him about their plan to buy a house he reacts with scorn and disbelief. Seems like ever guy got land in his head. It is a powerful dream, however, and even the cynical Crooks falls under its spell for a short time. Paragraph 5 * Curleys wife is described as having full rouged lips and wide spaced eyes, heavily made up. Her fingernails painted and her hair hung in little rolled clusters. * Most of the ranch hands except for Slim brand Curleys wife as tart. In fact, she is portrayed as such whenever she appears, obviously playing up to and teasing the men. We can definitely say that she is lonely. John Steinbeck illustrates how lonely Curleys wife is when she says I never get to talk to nobody. I get awful lonely She says so several times, and that is to be expected since she is stuck on a ranch with men who dislike her and rarely talk to her, as they fear getting into any sort of trouble with her husband Curley, stay away from her. However, she attempts to overcome her loneliness in the wrong way. George immediately realises that she means trouble when she first turns up in the bunkhouse, and it is hardly surprising that her actions lead her new husband to be fiercely jealous. She is so cruel because of her unhappiness, her isolation and the failure of her dreams. She dreamt of being in the movies or even in a show. She is disappointed and marries Curley to spite her mother only to find out he aint a nice fella. She wishes she could have made something of her life. She walks around the ranch, dressed inappropriately and seductively. and she has only been married a couple of weeks. She admits to Lennie that she doesnt like her husband and regrets marrying him. She seems to be of limited intelligence, as this shows her how desperate she is to escape. It is partly her desire to be petted and admired which leads her to allow Lennie to stroke her hair, which in turn leads to her death at Lennies hands. She is only ever known as Curleys wife which indicates that the author viewed her as a possession of Curleys rather than a human being. I pity her as she made a mistake into leading herself into these problems with Curley and this is making her bored ill. Paragraph 6 * The next afternoon, Lennie is in the barn. All of the other men are outside playing a game of horseshoes, and Lennies only company is his dead puppy. Lennie had accidentally killed it. He fears that George will not let him tend and feed the rabbits if George knows that he killed the puppy. While Lennie wonders what to do, Curleys wife appears. She tries to get Lennie to talk to her, but Lennie is reluctant, since George had threatened to forbid him from tending his rabbits if Lennie ever did so. When she directs Lennies attention to his puppy, though, Lennie forgets about not talking to her. He explains everything to her. Curleys wife listens sympathetically, and she tells Lennie about her aspirations of being an actress, and how she believes her mother deliberately thwarted her plans. She becomes angered by Lennies continual references to rabbits, and asks him what his attraction to them is. Lennie explains that he likes to touch and pet soft things, like rabbit fur. * Curleys wife allows Lennie to stroke her hair, but panics when he wont let go. She begins to struggle and scream, and Lennie, also in a state of panic, shakes her to make her stop saying, I dont want you to yell. You gonna get me in trouble jus like George says you will, and he covered her rouged lipped mouth with his large palms. She continued to scream and struggle and now the fully nervous Lennie shouted angrily at her, Dont you go yellin , and shook her; and her body flopped like a fish he shakes her so violently that her neck broke and she died instantly. Lennie knows that he has done another bad thing and remembers that George told him to go and hide in the brush down by the river, so he quickly runs there. Sometime later, Candy enters the barn and discovers the body of Curleys wife. He runs and fetches George. George realises what has happened, and says that he has to tell the others. Candy protests, rightly pointing out that Curley would deliver no mercy to anyone who had killed his wife. Candy is in favour of letting Lennie escape. He asks George if it is still possible to buy the house, but his dreams are shattered when George says it isnt. When George tells the labourers the news, they all go into a frenzy, and seem affected by blood lust. Curley is furious and vows to kill Lennie. Carlson rushes off to get his gun, and even Whit wants to join in the hunt. Carlson reports that his gun has been stolen, and everyone thinks that Lennie is responsible. George begs Curley to have mercy on his companion, but Curley says he cant because Lennie has a gun. All of the men run off except for Candy, who lies down in despair. * The relationship between George, Lennie and Candy was now destroyed. * This relates to the theme of dreams as they couldnt get their own place and so their dream had crumbled as well. Paragraph 7 * Loneliness affects many of the characters, and Steinbeck seems to show that it is a natural and inevitable result of the kind of life they are forced to lead. The itinerant workers are caught in a trap of loneliness they never stay in one place long enough to form permanent relationships. Even if such relationships existed, they would probably be destroyed by the demands of the itinerant life. Candy is lonely because he is old, and is different from the other hands. His only comfort is his old dog, which keeps him company and reminds him of days when he was young and whole. He has no relatives, and once his dog is killed is totally alone. He eagerly clutches at the idea of buying a farm with George and Lennie, but of course this all comes to nothing. Candys disappointment is expressed in the bitter words he utters to the body of Curleys wife, whom he blames for spoiling his dream. George is also caught in the trap of loneliness. Just as Candy has his dog for company, George has Lennie (who is often described in animal-like terms). Continuing the parallel, George too is left completely alone when Lennie is killed. The dream farm is his idea, and he says Wed belong there no more runnin around the country. Another lonely character is Curleys wife. Newly married and in a strange place, she is forbidden by Curley to talk to anyone but him. To counter this, she constantly approaches the ranch hands on the excuse of looking for Curley. The only result is that the men regard her as a slut, and Curley becomes even more intensely jealous. Finally, her loneliness leads to her death as she makes the serious error of trying to overcome it by playing the tease with Lennie. Curley himself is lonely. His new wife hates him as do all the ranch hands who despise him for his cowardice. He has married in an attempt to overcome his loneliness, but has blindly chosen a wife totally inappropriate for the kind of life he leads. His feelings are all channelled into aggressive behaviour which further isolates his wife and leads to the incident with Lennie where his hand is crushed. Crooks is another who is isolated because he is different. He copes with it by keeping a distance between himself and the other hands. When he does allow himself to be drawn into the dream of working on George and Lennies dream farm, he is immediately shut out by Georges anger. * The conclusion, in my opinion is that people are brought together though loneliness and separated as they grow hostile (Crooks). It is like an endless game which has to be played by someone before someone gets eager and makes it worse by instigating. This is fatewhat will happen will happen. Just like a game .. someone always wins..and someone always loses..!

CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE CONTRIBUTION OF HERITAGE TO THE UK TOURISM

CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE CONTRIBUTION OF HERITAGE TO THE UK TOURISM In the growth of an economy there are those activities that contribute a lot to the growth; they act as the backbone of the economy. According to Boyd Timothy (2003) The UK has diversified such activities and tourism has contributed to huge earnings in the country that has gone ahead of other economic earning activities. Investing in heritage tourism has proved to pay dividends to the UK economy and has not disappointing since its inception. This paper critically evaluates the contribution of heritage to the UK tourism industry outlining the benefits that has come with it. Billions of pounds have been earned as income to the UK economy contributing a lot to the gross domestic products. It tackles the historical context of heritage, the value and role of heritage to tourism, the supply and demand of heritage and gives facts and figures on the issues. As explained by Davies Prentice (1995) numerous visitors have flocked to visitors the heritage sites such as museums to experience a taste of what UK has to offer. Heritage on the other hand consists of various types of tourism; these include events and festivals focused on heritage and traditions; physical attractions for instance museums and heritage centers; destinations that are associated with renowned people; holiday based packages e.g. tours to ancient sites; routes and journeys aligned to heritage place; themes in heritage; historic events; and traditional functions. The benefits that come along with tourism firstly include direct benefits such as businesses issuance of tourism products and services. According to the Deloitte Report (2008) there current contribution to the economy for direct benefits amount to  £52 billion which constitute 3.7% of the GDP. This figure has incorporated value addition to the tourism related products. There were also 1.36 million jobs in 2007 supported directly by tourism. These figures have risen to  £ 85 billion and  £86 billion in 2005 to 2007 (Deloitte Report, 2008). Secondly, is the contribution there is indirect benefits that include support given to tourism businesses. Thirdly there are spill over benefits that include retail, manufacturing and health and life services (Deloitte Report, 2008). In focus to the heritage tourism every tourist has his or her taste; this calls for various activities to tap every tourist to enjoy. The destinations, museums, tour operators have customized the heritage tourism to different levels which makes it possible for every tourist to be attracted in one way or the other. As stated in Light (1996) in Heritage Tourism and Historic Towns the development of tourist holidays where they are related to an aspect of tourism e.g. art history or historic railway development and touring heritage sites where tourists are guided to. Heritage tourism has been segmented in to three where the first are individuals who travel independently; groups who travel on shared heritage interests; and groups who travel together without a common interest in heritage (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2009). Developing ways to get attractions for these segments has played a significant role in the development of tourism since there are customized products developed to target each segment. Heritage has brought about various benefits and is very important to the economy of UK. Heritage tourism is a major attraction for tourists from other countries which provide jobs and earnings to locals (Nuryanti, 1996). It is also a major source of foreign currency. In addition it provides revenue that is used for various beneficial purposes such as conservation. It also enhances the image of the country making it a major tourist attraction for levelers. Heritage tourism is concentrated in London, historical sites such as the York, Lincoln, and Edinburgh; the Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare and Wordsworth Grasmere and other famous people; and famous sites e.g. Stonehenge (Davies, Prentice, 1995). The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has been involved in the development and investment of tourism in the UK. According to the HLF report released in 2010 heritage tourism had contributed to a massive  £20.6 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (The Heritage Lottery Fund report, 2009). This was higher than any other product or services industry such as advertising, filming, and car manufacturing in the UK. This highlights the need for increased investment so that there can be huge and better returns. It has also contributed to 195,000 full time equivalent jobs that has originated from historic buildings, the country side, parks, and museums (The Heritage Lottery Fund report, 2009). This means that the potential of heritage can be exploited to ensure the country grows and develops immensely from the earnings. Figure 1: heritage based visitor economy (Source: The Heritage Lottery Fund report, 2009) To critically analyze the earnings and activities in the industry there were more that 10 million trips made by tourists from foreign countries to the UK annually where 4 out of every 10 citing heritage as the key motivation behind the visits; this was more than any other single factor contributing to the trips. In addition, heritage tourism is worth  £12.4billion annually which is spent by the attracted visitors in heritage sites (The Heritage Lottery Fund report, 2009). This includes money spent in entrance fees to the heritage sites; and other purchases that are done connected to heritage products and motivation e.g. buying at curio shops, or restaurants and accommodation expenses for the tourists. Domestic tourism also known as staycation is also another source of income and part of the  £12.4billion earned (The Deloitte Report, 2008). An estimated 60% is obtained from domestic tourism where residents have supported their country grow though daily visits to such sites (The Deloitte Report, 2008). A whooping  £7.3billion has been spent in expenditure in the heritage industry where most of the money has gone to building, renovations and maintenances of heritage attractions, parks and museums. The GDP of the country has continued to benefit a lot from this investment where an estimated at  £7.4 billion annually has been earned as salaries and wages, profits ¸ and income by the tourism business community including hotels, curio shops, restaurants, and also the heritage sites included (The Deloitte Report, 2008). The addition of economic multipliers to the earnings such as proceeds earned by suppliers to the tourism dealings the annual total GDP contributed by heritage tour ism hits highs of  £20.6 billion annually. Figure 2: showing the sector contribution to the UK GDP (Source: The Heritage Lottery Fund report, 2009) It is with no doubt that these earning can be increased to higher figures in future through taping in to the high potential in heritage tourism. This means that the government in collaboration with the tourism departments must come up with more attractive policies that will ensure funding to tourism so that it has the framework that will support it have the best earnings (Nuryanti, 1996). In view of the fact that tourism is a fast growing industry and it can contribute maximally to those who invest in it; the unique part of heritage tourism should be advanced in the UK so that it becomes the leading figure in it. With such measures the countrys tourism sector will remain vibrant and sustainable presently and in future (The British Tourism Review, 2009). Heritage tourism is the 5th largest industry in the UK; this is contributed by the fact that the UK has a rich and vibrant heritage and very important not only to the numerous visitors who flock the country but also for the local, regional and national economies (Nuryanti, 1996). It has been revealed that a huge percentage of the visitors to the UK do so on the grounds of heritage, pageantry, history and culture. In tapping more to the potential of tourism through effective tourism weeks, marketing of the tourist sites and attractive holiday destinations the country stands to reap maximum benefits (The British Tourism Review, 2009). The HLF should enhance adaptability, welcome, place making, choice of goods and services, skills, quality, access, and information provision so as to ensure a successful industry (Nuryanti, 1996). The HLF should be driven by the fact that tourists spend on the basis of relative cost/bilateral exchange rates, destination attractiveness, overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP), consumer expenditure, and investment. There should also be effective management of factors such as security/safety, alternatives (availability/relative cost), taxation, globalization, incomes and inflation so that the visitors can have confidence in the trips to the country (VisitBritain, 2009). sSecurity is a major concern especially with the development of terrorism and many terror threats coming from terror groups that act as militia. Security may come as a threat in view of the London bombings and suicide bombings occurring globally targeted at developed countries. There must be more segmentation of tourist products to enable all people of different income levels are able to visit the sites; while taxation needs to be checked to ensure the participants in the heritage tourism industry are not affected negatively in their business. The HLF cannot do this alone but needs the help of all the stakeholders who must contribute to ensure an efficient tourism industry majoring on heritage as an asset. According to the Heritage Lottery Fund report, (2009) the HLF has the mandate to make this dream a reality because it remains very vicious and is achievable through proper mechanism. The most recent has been the investment of  £4.4 billion since 1994. The funding involved eight of the most attraction in England, twenty one of UKs world heritage sites and 14 national parks (The Heritage Lottery Fund report, 2009). Over the years there have been extensive studies on the progress of the investment where visitor surveys and economic impact studies. In the studies it has been found out that typical increase in the number of visitors by more than 50%; 88% of visitors rate the value for money of HLFs investment as either good or excellent; an estimated 32,000 jobs have been sustained in the tourism sector as a direct result of HLF funding; and every  £1million of HLF funding leads to an increase in tourism revenues for regional economies of  £4.2million over 10 years (The Heritage Lottery Fund report, 2009). The HLF focuses on enhancing heritage tourism through exploiting the potential in the strengths of the country which include natural/historical/cultural assets; the English language; accommodation; food and drink; and international connections (history and transport) (Boyd, Timothy, 2003). With these advantages on their side they are able to build a strong empire that contributes to vibrant growth in the economy and development of other vital sectors. There are weaknesses that make this exploitation a challenge which according to the The British Tourism Review, 2009 in the article Achieving The Full Potential Of The Visitor Economy include transport infrastructure; expense of visit not value for money (e.g. visitors pay the second highest amount of tax in the world); logistics (e.g. Visas) are expensive and complicated to attain compared with other countries; welcome and skills of people in the industry; and short summer seasons. In the Heritage Lottery Fund report (2009) it is estimated that 53% of people who make trips annually do so to experience what historic towns and cities have to offer; 42% make visits to the museums and galleries, translating to 40 million people annually visiting museums and galleries. 10 million trips are made to the historic parks, 1.2 billion visit the country side, 38 million visit historic buildings cathedrals and castles and an estimated 250 million visit the Britains inland natural features such as canals and waterways. Putting into consideration the high potential in the tourism sector can grow explicitly if developed; as cited by the HLF report Investing in success the tourism economy is estimated to grow by 2.6% annually between the years 2009 and 2018; this is a much higher estimate that the 0.8% estimated growth in retailing, manufacturing and construction sectors (The Heritage Lottery Fund report, 2009). In conclusion the potential in the heritage industry is immense and with the numerous gains there is need to ensure they are safeguarded from any destruction. More efforts are needed to make sure the full potential is achieved so that the economy can grow sustainable. Sustainable management should be key issues in the maintenance so that visitors can be encouraged to visit not just one time but numerously so as to increase income. The HLF has the challenge to make better policies that will ensure all the potential is exploited and also sustainable use of the resources. The UK government through HLF should make sure should develop policies that maximize on both volume and value; enhance adaptability, and support long term sustainable economic growth. A more efficient and effective heritage tourism industry should not only be the goal of the HLF and the government but also all stakeholders that benefit either directly or indirectly. There should also be very tactical measures that ensu re improved domestic heritage tourism which will not only make earnings but also teach the locals about their traditions and heritage.

Cray SuperComputer :: essays research papers

The Cray X-MP/22 manufactured by Cray Research Incorporated (CRI) of Minneapolis, Minnesota was delivered and installed at the U of Toronto this September. The Cray is a well respected computer - mainly for its extremely fast rate of mathematical floating-point calculation. As the university states in its July/August computer magazine "ComputerNews", the Cray's "level of performance should enable researchers with large computational requirements at the university of Toronto and other Ontario universities to compete effectively against the best in the world in their respective fields." The Cray X-MP/22 has two Central Processing Units (CPUs) - the first '2' in the '22'. The Cray operates at a clock rate of 105 MHz (the regular, run-of-the-mill IBMPC has a clock rate of 4.77 MHz). By quick calculations, you would be led to believe the Cray is only about 20 times faster that the PC. Obviously, this is not the case. The Cray handles data considerably differently than the PC. The Cray's circuits permit an array of data (known as a 'vector') to be processes as a SINGLE entity. So, where the IBMPC may require several clock cycles to multiply two numbers, the Cray performs everything in one clock cycle. This power is measured in Millions of Floating Point Operations Per Second (MFLOPS) - which is to say the rate at which floating-point operations can be performed. The Cray MFLOPS vary as it does many activities, but a rate of up to 210 MFLOPS (per CPU) can be achieved. The second '2' in the X-MP/22 title refers to the two million 64-bit words (16Mb) of shared central memory. This can be expanded to four million words in the future if the need arises. But it doesn't stop there! The Cray can pipe information back and forth between the CPU memory and the Input/Output Subsystem (IOS). The IOS then takes it upon itself the store the information in any of the four storage devices: i) one of the four 1200 Mb disk drives (at a rate of 5.9Mb every second), ii) one of two standard 200ips 6250bpi tape drives, iii) a Solid State Storage Device (SSD) (which is much like a 128Mb RAM Disk!), or iv) through to a front-end computer (the U of T uses both the IBM4381 and a DEC VAX). These computers would be programmed (usually in FORTRAN) and the information passed onto the Cray. The results would then be transfered back to the front end computers.

The New Digital Era called “MP3 Technology”

Downloading of music has been a long time subject of piracy. In the 1920’s, radio stations played records that are not tracked. It is a not-so obvious manner of piracy but did impact writers who were losing money due to public performance of their works without proper accountability. No one was making money through this procedure but only radio stations via their sponsors. (Wicknick, par. 1) With this, the performance rights societies including ASCAP and BMI worked with the Congress and the FCC to change legislation to ensure that radio stations will track airplay and pay blanket licenses that were given to writers based on airplay. (Wicknick, par. 1) It is impossible to copy a record before the invention of blank tape. Its either you bought it or borrow a copy and played it until the needle lost its tip. (Wicknick, par. 3) In the mid 1960’s, even after the invention of blank tapes, copying a record is sill a clunky process. (Wicknick, par. 3) In the advent of cassette tape, people learned to do dubbing. But marketing of these tapes are low because it is still evident that it is dub due to sonic integrity has been compromised. ASCAP and BMI, together with the FCC, they began to collect blanket license fees on the sale of blank media and give them to writers and publisher members. (Wicknick, par. 4) In 1982, in the faà §ade of CD in Europe, Japan and in the United States by 1983, it was read-only. Burning to a CD is impossible before. But advancement in technology made it possible. In the year of 2003, you can burn CD from mp3 and sources like iTunes. However, MP3 and iTunes do charge for licensing, worked out deals and propose duplication allowances. (Wicknick, par. 5) The onslaught of the digital wave in 1999 started with the newly created MP3 file sharing software called Napster, stated Catherine Edwards, in her article â€Å"The Napster Challenger.†Ã‚   Lee Bockhorn, in his article â€Å"MP3 and Me: How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love Online Music File Sharing (sort of)† stated that on one side of the wave is the estimated 60 million MP3 Internet users that enjoy the advantages of ala carte collection choice, downloading these selections for free and testing music before purchasing. On the other side are the artists and recording companies making strong claims for illegal sharing of copyrighted material states John Healey and Jeff Leeds in their article â€Å"Tone Deaf to the Moral Dilemma?†Ã‚   The new MP3 file sharing technology has brought to us into a new digital age madness designed for music lovers.   Claiming violation of copyright laws, the greedy recording companies and music artists do not wish to give up the present business structure and refuse to embrace the exploding expansion of digital technology that will allow ‘ala carte purchases’. The start of this digital age software began with a 19-year-old freshman at Northeastern University in Boston in 1999.   His name is Shawn Fanning.   He revolutionized the music industry, developing a software program called Napster.   Napster allows music fans to share and download music files via the Internet for free.   Shawn received $15 million to start the corporation and is now a famous CEO (Edwards 160). Then, one and a half years later, in 2001, 2 famous bands, Metallica and Dr. Dre, sued Napster. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) sued as well, claiming Napster violated record label copyrights.   This case is still on appeal.   Since this time, Napster has joined with BMG Entertainment (a $50 million dollar deal) offering a new fee-based system (Edwards) The RIAA has been taking drastic measures to limit piracy. Consumers of music sees file-sharing or downloading as the wave of the future and legal in their own right. The lawsuits include a twelve year old for downloading contents online and an 80 year-old grandfather who were sued for his computer activity wherein he claimed that he don’t even know how to turn a computer on. Many of the grandparents bought computer for their grandchild as a treat whenever they come to visit their place. But a twelve year old may be well aware on the usage of the computer technology as well as a graduate student but doesn’t know or understand the violations of what they have done. (Wicknick, par. 2) The next approach for RIAA is to target college students and parents with further lawsuits alleging copyright violations.   â€Å"One goal is to persuade parents to crack down on their children’s file sharing before an entire generation comes to expect music to be free† (Healey and Leeds 175).   This may prove to be a futile effort with the millions of Internet users copying music for free on the new sites that have popped up, such as Kazaa or Limewire.   Also, many parents condone students’ downloading even though it’s unethical.   RIAA lawsuits will attempt to target the Internet account that is used to share the file (Healey and Leeds 177).   These lawsuits may change the attitudes of 12-22 year-olds, that when surveyed said that 70% of them would stop if at risk of a fine or jail (Healey and Leeds 178). According to the Pew Internet Project’s national survey of adult Internet users conducted last January-February 2005 resulted that about 7 million adults downloaded files from someone’s iPod or MP3 player. (Madden and Lee par. 2) Approximately, 10 million people get their music and video files through email and instant messages. But there are people who use both the same sources. Other alternative sources of downloading include music and movie websites, blogs and online reviews. There is also a legislation being pushed in Congress by the record companies.   If approved, it would use software to flood peer-to-peer sharing with dummy files, search public folders for illegally copies music and block users from downloading.   Even though it’s difficult to empathize with rich artists and greedy record companies, it is still, according to law, an illegal practice to share and download copyrighted music online.   Millions of people through MP3 technology are sharing files, making the concept of ‘fair use’ ridiculous (Bockhorn 163). Further in his article, Bockhorn writes of his personal exposure to the Napster era.   At the start of the Napster take-off he felt that it just wasn’t right to not pay an artist for his/her music.   He explains that his first temptation came after attending a Norah Jones concert.   He later downloaded her performance of the ‘Tennessee Waltz’ thru I-Tunes. His justification was that he had paid to see the concert and had bought previous albums (Bockhorn 162).   In a forum done by eight graders, some students thought that the music industries have huge incomes and it would not hurt if they will get a song or two from an album through the internet. A student said that the artist will still have an income because they are still buying T-shirts and watch their concerts. (Hafner, par. 13) Curiosities about MP3 file sharing, lead to Bockhorn’s downloading of Limewire, a successor to Napster.   He agrees that it is unquestionably, great technology, without paying a fee.   Drawbacks to MP3 are availability of music, modem connection speed, and the guilt of acquiring music without paying.   â€Å"If I want to download My Cherie Amour, Stevie Wonder should get a cut of whatever price a true market . . . determines the song is worth . . .† (Bockhorn 162). Currently, Bockhorn’s primary concern is that MP3 technology has definitely warped the minds of users copying illegal files to build their music collection.   But, why does the music lover continue to partake?   Number one because of choice and number two because it’s free (Bockhorn 163).   Most people will agree that it’s illegal but will continue to do it.   â€Å"Like countless millions, Miriam Philips felt no guilt in downloading music from a shared campus folder† (Healey and Leeds 175).   Philips offers no sympathy for the artist and the record company, â€Å"They’re rich, they can deal with it†, (Philips via Healey and Leeds 175). According to a 13-year old girl, if you wanted a song or two in a certain album, it is not a big deal.(Hafner, par. 3) However, when someone consistently downloaded an artist whole CD, it might be the right time to call them thieves. Almost all of the houses here in the US have Internet-connected computers in their homes. A student even asked that if downloading of music is really illegal, why do PCs were sold with CD burners? (Hafner, par. 18) Downloading of music through CD burning is very convenient especially to students who were mostly doing it.   Just a few clicks away, they will be able to have the songs they wanted. (Hafner, par. 9) Though some of these people knew that they are violating the law, but they can’t afford to give up convenience and less expensive or the free copies of the recordings of their own choice. On the other hand, there are some advantages to the downloading frenzy.   This technology has prompted some users to purchase CD's based on a new interest in a particular type of music.   It is able to give a taste of a certain type of music or unknown band before purchasing an entire CD.   Users will find that if they’re downloading more than 2-3 songs they will probably go out and buy the entire album. Internet users will also argue that it is difficult at times to locate a particular piece of music that they’re looking for.   Also, this activity is for personal use, not resale (Healey and Leeds 176).   There is also no evidence that MP3 file sharing has dramatically hurt CD sales.   In 2001, sales dropped 10% and in 2002 sales dropped 7% (Bockhorn 163). There are news and write ups on lawsuits for music-downloading like the Napsters and Metallica lawsuits but possible loss of revenue for recording industry were not perceived. Music-downloading is hurting the businesses of music retailers. While downloaders are getting music for free through downloading it from internet or MP3s, it is a loss of income for massive music retail outlets. (Bestul, par. 5) People resigned from buying or purchasing music and switch over to downloading it from the computer instead. What they haven’t thought about is the income that music retailers or outlets will lose every time they download the music for free from computer or MP3 instead of buying a CD from retail outlets. In attempting to defend this illegal behavior, consumers will argue that corrupt record companies refuse to embrace technology that will allow ‘ala carte’ purchases.   Consumers wish to purchase the one or two songs from an album that are worthy of purchase.   This choice could lead to the extinction of great albums such as the Beatles’ Sgt. Peppers album (Bockhorn 163).   Bockhorn believes that people want to do the right thing, and hopes that record companies will provide us options for subscription or ala carte, but thus far they have been very reluctant.   If record companies would join the new technology, all of us could rest easier know that the artist got his/her share (Bockhorn 164). It is believe to be impossible to stop the downloading of music because it is the fad as of this era. Aside from the fact that many people are music lovers, the technology that we have today is unstoppable. Advancement in technology might be the reason why people can come up in this kind of technique in getting what they want for free or at a lesser cost with much ease. Maybe in the future, we might have other ways or means of downloading music or files in a more convenient way based on how technology progress on every generation. Future growth of MP3 digital technology is yet to be determined, with many changes to come.   Millions of Internet users each day have access to use of this technology, either through free or paid Internet sites.   Consumers do have a choice, the questions remains to be, how many will lean toward their obligation of legal choice.   Future enforcement of the free technology won’t be effective unless the music industry offers a legal alternative to file sharing. References Bestul, Michael J. (11 December 2003). â€Å"Lost in the controversy.† Blogcritics.com Retrieved last October 19, 2006. Websites: http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/12/11/082220.php Bockhorn, Lee.   â€Å"MP3 and Me: How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love Online Music File-Sharing (sort of).† The Weekly Standard 16 October 2002 Edwards, Catherine. â€Å"The Napster Challenge.† Insight on the News January 2001 Hafner, Katie (19 September 2003). â€Å"Is it wrong to share your music? (Discuss).† The New York Times Retrieved last October 19, 2006. Website: http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/featured_articles/20030919friday.html Healey, John, and Jeff Leeds. â€Å"Tone Deaf to the Moral Dilemma?† The Los Angeles Times 2 September 2003 Madden, Mary and Rainie, Lee (25 March 2005). â€Å"Music and Video Downloading Moves Beyond P2P.† Pew Internet and American Life Project Retrieved last October 19, 2006. W Website: http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/153/report_display.asp Wicknick, Darcie-Nicole. â€Å"The RIAA Muic Downloading Controversy: Both Sides of the Record.† MusicBizAdvice.com Retrieved last October 19, 2006. Websites: http://www.musicbizadvice.com/a_little_history_on_music_piracy%20.htm http://www.musicbizadvice.com/the_music_downloaders_point_of_view.htm http://www.musicbizadvice.com/RIAA_Music_Downloading_Controversy.htm ; ; ; ;

That vs. Which

That vs. Which That vs. Which That vs. Which By Ali Hale One of our readers, Justin, recently wrote to ask: When proofreading a peers article on the solar system, I realized that she, and I, are unsure of the proper use of that and which in a sentence. Below is [SIC] two examples of the same sentence, one using that and the other which. To our knowledge, it is the only body in the solar system which currently sustains life, although several other bodies are under investigation. To our knowledge, it is the only body in the solar system that currently sustains life, although several other bodies are under investigation. Which is the correct sentence, and what is the general rule of thumb? Justin, Ill give you the answer now, rather than making you read to the end of the whole article: the second version of that sentence, using that is correct. When To Use That and When To Use Which Before I come on to the that/which rule, just a reminder that â€Å"who† should always be used when referring to people. The boy who threw the ball. This is the woman who always wears a black shawl. When referring to objects, though, the rule for using â€Å"that† and â€Å"which† correctly is simple: THAT should be used to introduce a restrictive clause. WHICH should be used to introduce a non-restrictive or parenthetical clause. If that leaves you more confused than when you began this article, read on A restrictive clause is one which is essential to the meaning of a sentence – if it’s removed, the meaning of the sentence will change. For example: Chairs that don’t have cushions are uncomfortable to sit on. Card games that involve betting money should not be played in school. To our knowledge, it is the only body in the solar system that currently sustains life A non-restrictive clause can be left out without changing the meaning of a sentence. Non-restrictive clauses are either in brackets or have a comma before and after them (or only before them if they come at the end of a sentence): Chairs, which are found in many places of work, are often uncomfortable to sit on. I sat on an uncomfortable chair, which was in my office. Why You Need to Use That or Which Correctly Changing that to which or vice versa can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Consider the following examples: My car that is blue goes very fast. My car, which is blue, goes very fast. The first sentence uses that – suggesting I own more than one car (and even implying my other cars might not be so fast). This is what happens if we leave out the clause and write: My car that is blue goes very fast. My car goes very fast. The sentence’s meaning has changed: the reader does not know which one of my cars goes very fast. However, the sentence using which simply informs the reader that my car is blue. We can take the clause out without losing any essential information: My car, which is blue, goes very fast. My car goes very fast. That and Which in Common Usage It is common today for which to be used with both non-restrictive and restrictive clauses, especially in informal contexts: Who ate the cake that I bought this morning? Who ate the cake which I bought this morning? The clause â€Å"that I bought this morning† is essential to the meaning – I’m not asking about a cake which I bought yesterday, or this afternoon. Therefore, the first example using â€Å"that† is the correct one, but many people would not consider the second ungrammatical. It is, however, incorrect even in informal contexts to use that for a non-restrictive or parenthical clause. For example, these sentences would be considered incorrect: This computer, that I have never liked, is very slow. The blue desk, that my father gave me. An easy way to watch out for these is to look for instances where you have a comma followed by the word that. If Id know this years ago, it would have saved me a lot of frustration with Microsoft Word! Even though the usage of which has been relaxed to some extent, it is still better to keep your writing as clear as possible by using which for only non-restrictive clauses, and that for restrictive ones. So, to return to Justins example: To our knowledge, it is the only body in the solar system which currently sustains life, although several other bodies are under investigation. To our knowledge, it is the only body in the solar system that currently sustains life, although several other bodies are under investigation. The second sentence, using that is correct, but many people would consider the first sentence permissible too. In a formal context such as a scientific paper, it is better to use that for total clarity. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Slang Terms for MoneyDo you "orient" yourself, or "orientate" yourself?Neither... or?

How Many People Get a 34, 35, 36 on the ACT Score Breakdown

How Many People Get a 34, 35, 36 on the ACT Score Breakdown SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips We know that 36 is the best possible score on the ACT and that any score in the 30s is considered very good. But how good is a top score of 34, 35, or 36? And how many students earn these scores every year? In this post, we break down just how rare those top scores are and how many students get them each year. Learn how you can stand out in the application process with a top score- and how to raise your ACT score to get there. How Many Test Takers Get Top 1% ACT Scores? To do this analysis, we use the latest report from ACT, Inc., for the class of 2018, who took the ACT as sophomores, juniors, and seniors. If you want to read more ACT score statistics,you can check out the report yourself. In the class of 2018, 1,914,817 students took the ACT.The average composite score was 20.8 out of 36(for more onhow the ACT is scored,read our article). This means that a score of 21 or higher puts you above average. But if we consider 21 and up good scores (since they’re above average), what would qualify as an amazing score? To find out, let's look at ACT percentiles- the rankings tied to composite scores. For example, a 90thpercentile score means you scored higher than 90% of test takers. On the ACT, 34 and up is the 99th percentile. So if you score 34 or higher, you’re in the top 1% of test takers! But exactly how many students earned a 33, 34, 35, or 36 in 2018? And which score is the rarest? Let's take a look: Score # of Students Percentage of All Test Takers 36 3,741 0.195% 35 14,928 0.780% 34 21,836 1.140% 33 26,930 1.406% Source:ACT.org Unsurprisingly, a perfect 36 is the rarest score of all- just 0.195% of all test takers earned a perfect ACT score. Roughly four times more students earned the next-highest score of 35. However, it’s still a very rare score that just 0.780% of test takers earned. Note that about six times more students earned a 34 than they did a 36. You can now see why 36 is so impressive- even among top scorers, such a score really sets students apart, particularly for the most competitive schools. How Many Test Takers Get Top 10% ACT Scores? From our article on ACT percentiles, you can learn that getting a 29 or higher means you are in the top 10% of scorers. So if 22 and up is good, and 33 and up is incredible, a score of 29 or higher would qualify as a great score. The breakdowns for ACT scores between 29 and 32 are as follows: Score # of Students Percentile 32 31,625 98 31 37,150 97 30 43,824 94 29 47,187 91 Source: ACT.org Note that, just like with the very top scores, the higher your ACT score gets, the rarer it is.You can probably see why raising your ACT score by just a few points can have such a big impact on your admission chances! Because admissions is all about comparing you with other applicants, the more unique you can make yourself, the better your chances of getting in will be. And the higher your ACT score is, the rarer it is! By How Much Should You Improve Your ACT Score? We know just how impressive top 10% ACT scores are, and how rare top 1% scores are. But what kind of score should you aim for? Should everyone go for a 36? By far the best way to figure out what ACT score to shoot for is to consider the average scores of admitted applicants to the schools you're applying to.Do this, and you'll be able to see exactly how high of an ACT score you'll need to get to help you stand apart from the crowd. Check out our in-depth guide for more tips on how to set an ACT goal score. That said, there are some general guidelines you should follow. Of course, you can always aim for perfection, but these goals are manageable and give all students a competitive ACT score. Here's what we recommend: If you have a score in the teens,work to get your score to at least 22. This will put you in the top half of test takers and really give a boost to your college applications. If you have a score in the low to mid-20s (22-27), although you're above average, retake the ACT and try to get 29.Getting to the top 10% of scorers canopen up a lot of scholarship opportunities. It'll also make your college applications that much more impressive, opening doors at selective colleges. If you have 29 or higher, raising your score by even just 2 or 3 points can give a huge boost to your percentile ranking. For example, going from just 29 to 31 takes you from the 91st to the 97thpercentile. Likewise, going from 30 to 33 takes you from the 94th to the 99th percentile- or from the top 6% to the top 1% of test takers! Once you get to 33 and up, you're inIvy League and competitive college territory.Again, a gain of just a few points on the ACT can make a big difference in your admission chances! But how feasible are these score increases? The truth is, it’s definitely possible to raise your ACT composite, as long as you study regularly and focus on your weak areas.Do this, and you could very well go from 17 to 25, 20 to 28, or even 25 to 35. For example, say you really struggled with plane geometry on your first round of the ACT and didn’t get any of these questions correct. Since plane geometry accounts for around 20% of all math problems, it has a big impact on your score. Don't let these types of questions keep you from getting a high score! (You can take official ACT practice testsif you want to see the kinds of questions the ACT asks, by the way.) Now, imagine your Math score was 23. If you work on plane geometry to fill in your content gap, even if you got just five more questions right, you could get a final Math score of 26. If you get all the plane geometry questions right this time and everything else stays the same, you could get a 28 on ACT Math! This says nothing of how your score could improve if you work on other content weaknesses, your pacing, and your test-taking strategies, too. If you can identify your weaknesses and work on fixing them, it’s not hard at all to improve your ACT composite score by several points! 4 Tips for Raising Your ACT Score Since you now have a clear idea as to the number of points you need in order to reach your ACT goal score, let's go over some helpful tips to help you raise your score. #1: Focus On Your Weaknesses As we discussed briefly above, focusing on your biggest content weaknesses and skills should be one of your top priorities as you prep for the ACT. To fix your weak points, you'll need to do the following: Attack more practice problems in your areas of weakness. Having ample quality materials with which to practice will give you more opportunities to hone your skills. Devote more time to your weak spots than you do to the skills and question types you're already comfortable with. This way you won't waste time going over the concepts you already know. Analyze your mistakesas well as any patterns in your mistakes. One good way to do this is to keep an errors journal in which you note all the errors you made on practice questions, what the right answers were, and how you were supposed to solve them. Do all of this and you'll not only figure out what you're weak in but also how you can shift your approach toward these types of ACT problems to help you score more points. #2: Practice Pacing Yourself Don't expect to raise your score if you don't know how to properly pace yourself. Learning how to use your time wisely is a major part of doing well on the ACT. As you likely already know, each section is timed differently; thus, the time you'll get per question willvary depending on the section. Here is an overview of the time you'll have per section and per question on the ACT: Section # of Questions Time per Section Time per Question English 75 45 minutes 36 seconds Math 60 60 minutes 60 seconds Reading 40 35 minutes 52.5 seconds Science 40 35 minutes 52.5 seconds Writing (Optional) 1 essay 40 minutes 40 minutes You'll have the longest amount of time per question on the Math section, and the shortest amount of time per question on the English section. Typically, you don't want to spend more than this average time per question on any one question. However, if you're not aiming for a perfect score, you should be able to guess on at least a few questions in each section without it heavily affecting your score. #3: Learn Key Test-Taking Strategies There are tons of strategies you should know before you take the ACT. These tips teach you things such as the following: How to approach and understand questions fast How to effectively use the information you're given How to guess on a question to give yourself the best chance of getting it right Our guide to the top ACT test-taking strategies goes over some of the most helpful tips to know for test day. Briefly, though, here are a few of the most important ones: How to use the process of elimination When to plug in answers and plug in numbers on Math problems How to read passages on Reading, English, and Science #4: Take Full-Length Practice Tests If you're not taking full-length ACT practice tests, get to it. ACT, Inc., offers five free practice tests you can download as PDFs.I suggest sticking mainly with official tests as these are guaranteedto give you a highly realistic test-taking experience. What's more, they're all free! In terms of prep, try to space out your practice tests throughout your ACT study plan. Take one at the beginning of your study schedule to get your baseline score (the score you start with before engaging in any prep), and then take the others intermittently throughout your study plan. You'll essentiallyuse practice tests to determine your weaknesses and strengths. Make sure to take each test in a quiet room to give you a realistic experience. Also, time yourself in accordance with the official ACT time limits described above; doing this will raise your stamina so that you don't run out of energy on the actual test! What’s Next? Learn more about how the ACT is scored so you can develop target raw scores for whatever your scoring goal is. Want to get a perfect score yourself? Get tips from our ACT 36 full scorer on studying.Even if you're not aiming for a perfect 36, this article will give you the skills you need to raise your score. Read more about the highest possible ACT score of 36 and just how rare it is. Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

Electron Transport Chain and Energy Production

Electron Transport Chain and Energy Production In cellular biology, the electron transport chain is one of the steps in your cells processes that make energy from the foods you eat.   It is the third step of aerobic cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the term for how your bodys cells make energy from food consumed. The electron transport chain is where most of the energy cells need to operate is generated. This chain is actually a series of protein complexes and electron carrier molecules within the inner membrane of cell mitochondria, also known as the cells powerhouse. Oxygen is required for  aerobic respiration  as the chain terminates with the donation of electrons to oxygen.   Key Takeaways: Electron Transport Chain The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes and electron carrier molecules within the inner membrane of mitochondria that generate ATP for energy.Electrons are passed along the chain from protein complex to protein complex until they are donated to oxygen. During the passage of electrons, protons are pumped out of the mitochondrial matrix across the inner membrane and into the intermembrane space.The accumulation of protons in the intermembrane space creates an electrochemical gradient that causes protons to flow down the gradient and back into the matrix through ATP synthase. This movement of protons provides the energy for the production of ATP.The electron  transport chain is the third step of aerobic cellular respiration. Glycolysis and the Krebs cycle are the first two steps of cellular respiration. How Energy Is Made As electrons move along a chain, the movement or momentum is used to create  adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the main source of energy for many cellular processes including muscle contraction and cell division. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a organic chemical that provides energy for cell. ttsz / iStock / Getty Images Plus Energy is released during cell metabolism when ATP is hydrolyzed. This happens when electrons are passed along the chain from protein complex to protein complex until they are donated to oxygen forming water.  ATP chemically decomposes to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) by reacting with water. ADP is in turn used to synthesize ATP. In more detail, as electrons are passed along a chain from protein complex to protein complex, energy is released and hydrogen ions (H) are pumped out of the mitochondrial matrix (compartment within the inner  membrane) and into the intermembrane space (compartment between the inner and outer membranes). All this activity creates both a chemical gradient (difference in solution concentration) and an electrical gradient (difference in charge) across the inner membrane. As more H  ions are pumped into the intermembrane space, the higher concentration of  hydrogen atoms  will build up and flow back to the matrix simultaneously powering the production of ATP by the protein complex ATP synthase. ATP synthase uses the energy generated from the movement of H  ions into the matrix for the conversion of ADP to ATP. This process of oxidizing molecules to generate energy for the production of ATP is called oxidative phosphorylation. The First Steps of Cellular Respiration Cellular respiration is a set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products. normaals / iStock / Getty Images Plus The first step of cellular respiration is glycolysis. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and involves the splitting of one molecule of glucose into two molecules of the chemical compound pyruvate. In all, two molecules of ATP and two molecules of NADH (high energy, electron carrying molecule) are generated. The second step, called the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle, is when pyruvate is transported across the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes into the mitochondrial matrix. Pyruvate is further oxidized in the Krebs cycle producing two more molecules of ATP, as well as NADH and FADH 2 molecules. Electrons from NADH and FADH2 are transferred to the third step of cellular respiration, the electron transport chain. Protein Complexes in the Chain There are four protein complexes  that are part of the electron transport chain that functions to pass electrons down the chain. A fifth protein complex serves to transport hydrogen ions back into the matrix. These complexes are embedded within the inner mitochondrial membrane.   Illustration of electron transport chain with oxidative phosphorylation. extender01 / iStock / Getty Images Plus Complex I NADH transfers two electrons to Complex I resulting in four H ions being pumped across the inner membrane. NADH is oxidized to NAD, which is recycled back into the Krebs cycle. Electrons are transferred from Complex I to a carrier molecule ubiquinone (Q), which is reduced to ubiquinol (QH2). Ubiquinol carries the electrons to Complex III. Complex II FADH2 transfers electrons to Complex II and the electrons are passed along to ubiquinone (Q). Q is reduced to ubiquinol (QH2), which carries the electrons to Complex III. No H ions are transported to the intermembrane space in this process. Complex III The passage of electrons to Complex III drives the transport of four more H ions across the inner membrane. QH2 is oxidized and electrons are passed to another electron carrier protein cytochrome C. Complex IV Cytochrome C passes electrons to the final protein complex in the chain, Complex IV. Two H ions are pumped across the inner membrane. The electrons are then passed from Complex IV to an oxygen (O2) molecule, causing the molecule to split. The resulting oxygen atoms quickly grab H ions to form two molecules of water. ATP Synthase ATP synthase moves H ions that were pumped out of the matrix by the electron transport chain back into the matrix. The energy from the influx of protons into the matrix is used to generate ATP by the phosphorylation (addition of a phosphate) of ADP. The movement of ions across the selectively permeable mitochondrial membrane and down their electrochemical gradient is called chemiosmosis. NADH generates more ATP than FADH2. For every NADH molecule that is oxidized, 10 H ions are pumped into the intermembrane space. This yields about three ATP molecules. Because FADH2 enters the chain at a later stage (Complex II), only six H ions are transferred to the intermembrane space. This accounts for about two ATP molecules. A total of 32 ATP molecules are generated in electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. Sources Electron Transport in the Energy Cycle of the Cell. HyperPhysics, hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Biology/etrans.html.Lodish, Harvey, et al. Electron Transport and Oxidative Phosphorylation. Molecular Cell Biology. 4th Edition., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2000, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21528/.

Modern Society is too Dependent on Technology Essay - 1

Modern Society is too Dependent on Technology - Essay Example uestion or occurrences, interviews, the growth rate of the technology and the efforts the modern society is doing to ensure that they keep in track in with the advancing technology. The position of supporting the topic is generated from obvious assumptions that the modern society cannot exist without technology. This assumption can be shared by a majority of the population living in the modern society (Morton, 2003). Homesteads and offices have been turned in to technology hubs. The position has also been influence by what goes on in my daily life; the life which highly depends on technology. In supporting my position, the modern society provides all the support. The society we live in has been exposed to technology which has made them dependent on it. According to Bauchspies, Croissant & Restivo (2005) the depth of which the society has been attached to technology cannot be reversed. Technology has impacted the society at all angles. For instance, walking into a modern office the number of electronics cannot be compared to that of paper stationeries. A modern office would have less effectiveness if they failed to use technology. The use of technology in the modern business has been termed as the best way of gaining a larger competitive advantage. According to Bauchspies, Croissant & Restivo (2005) the modern market is best accessible through the use of technology. This includes use of social sites for advertisement. Social sites provide about 30 percent the whole market in the corporate. Minus the social sites, it is visible how the corporate world would be affected. A look in both medical and scholarly institutions the scenario is the same. The operations in these institutions have been transformed to only be supported by technology. This eases the mode of operations in institutions. Computers have replaced the ancient process of records management and issuance of credit services. In proving these claims, the observing method would provide extensive answers.

Analysis of Digital Mapping Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Analysis of Digital Mapping - Assignment Example This method of cylindrical projection was invented in order to overcome the shortcomings of the Mercator projection method. the Peters Gall method was developed by German historian Dr. Arno Peters and British clergyman James Gall in 1973. This method was developed particularly in order to rectify the errors in area representation of countries. this method makes use of the equal-area map concept which shows areas more precisely. as compared to the Mercator projection, the area between the latitudes lines near the poles does not increase in the Peter gall projection method. this assists in decreasing the area distortion of the Mercator projection method. this projection method developed by Peter and gall received many recommendations from various organizations involved in the development of third world countries as it helped them inefficient resource allocation based on areas. however, in spite of its improvements as compared to the Mercator projection method, peter gall method also ha s significant drawbacks. the projection is unable to accurately show the shape of continents and the shapes of continents are distorted as longer or thinner in the peter gall projections. also, the peter gall projection method suffered from extreme distortions in the pole regions which was normal for any cylindrical projection method. as a result of these shortcomings, the method was not used widely in maps.   in equal in size to  Brazil, which  is 5 times larger than Alaska.      Peters Gall Projection This method of cylindrical projection was invented in order to overcome the shortcomings of the Mercator projection method. the Peters Gall method was developed by German historian Dr. Arno Peters and British clergyman James Gall in 1973. This method was developed particularly in order to rectify the errors in area representation of countries. this method makes use of the equal-area map concept which shows areas more precisely. as compared to the Mercator projection, the area between the latitudes lines near the poles does not increase in the Peter gall projection method.   this assists in decreasing the area distortion of the  Mercator  projection method. this projection method developed by Peter and gall received many recommendations from various  organizations  involved in the development of  third  world  countries as it helped them inefficient  resource alloca tion based on areas.  however,  in spite  of its improvements as compared to the  Mercator  projection method, peter gall method also has  significant  drawbacks.  Ã‚  

Phone Message Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Phone Message Questions - Essay Example will allow me to pull up the patient file which will give me an idea of what kind of illness the patient is calling about and what her business with the doctor might be. If I am lucky, the patient record will also have a contact number for the patient in case the call gets dropped. After securing what I consider to be the two most important questions to be asked of a patient, I will then ask for a contact number and the reason for the call. The contact number should come in as the 3rd bit of information to be provided to me because I need a callback number just in case our conversation gets cut. Having completed the phone verification process, I will now be able to get down to the other matters concerning the call provided the call has not been dropped yet. I will then ask about the reason for the call or how I might be able to help the patient. If need be, I will confirm that the patient is using a cellular phone before I patch her through to her physician. I will give her a warning that if her call is disconnected, I will call her back and reconnect her since I have her current contact number on hand. Otherwise, I will be more than happy to forward her message to her physician once he becomes

Managing Challenges of Cross Cultural Differences in International Essay

Managing Challenges of Cross Cultural Differences in International Business - Essay Example Overview of National Culture & Cross Cultural Differences Culture is a key factor in gaining an insight in to how people behave in different countries, their preferences, attitudes, values and beliefs (Cundiff & Hilger 1988). Their can be implicit and explicit elements of culture embodied in rituals, symbols, gestures, traditions and mannerisms which results in diversity in communication and interaction process within a cross cultural setting (Trompenaar, F. & Hamden-Turner, C. 1998). It is therefore important to understand the underlying national cultures which shape each nation’s interrelations including business dealings (Ohmae, K. 1982). As per Hofstede, culture is â€Å"collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human group from another† (Hofstede, G. 1984. Page 21). While there are various models and theories, which attempts to explain cross cultural differences, some well established explanations of national culture can be found in Fons Trompenaar & Charles Hampden-Turner’s model of Seven Dimensions of Culture; Geert Hofstede’s Indices of Work Related Values and The theory of Silent Languages of Culture proposed by Hall. 3. Overview of the Countries in Context United States Of America As a forerunner in business and trade, political affairs and social change, United States of America is a country which has a diverse and multicultural social environment.Driven by cultural values such as innovation, independence and individualism, (Hill 2003) American society allowes for social mobility depicted by the â€Å"American Dream.† ... Analysis of Cross Cultural Similarities & Differences While there may exist certain cultural similarities between nations, the implications it carries for business may vary. The analysis focuses on identifying cultural similarities and differences, which exists between USA, Japan and India. 4.1 Treatment of Agreements and Legal process This can be assessed within the dimension of Universalism vs. Particularism, where universalism places greater importance upon the rules in the society while the particularism focus on the circumstances involved when making decisions about what is right and wrong (Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner 1998). USA, which is a highly universalistic culture, places greater emphasis upon business contracts, rules and regulations but in contrast, Japan and India which are more particularistic cultures considers circumstances and relationships more in making decisions. Halls language of friendship can also be used in assessing this cross-cultural aspect. The Americans tend to make friends easily and quickly but these are of transient nature. The Japanese tend to take time in forming relationships but their commitment to the relationship is high. Even if disputes arise, Japanese try reconciliation process while Americans resort quickly to litigation process (Weiss 2001). Indians too choose more in formal means of resolving issues than litigation but are generally quick in establishing relationships.

Favorite thing to do with your family Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Favorite thing to do with your family - Essay Example I enjoy typical everyday fun time activities like board games, watching television and gardening when done together as a family. Not only are they inexpensive, but are also home based. Studies have shown that such activities are in direct proportions to a family’s cohesion. Flower gardening is fun because it exhibits joint efforts by each family member in beautifying a home. We even enjoy a fresh vegetable meal from the produce of a home vegetable garden. There is a marked increase in appetite when the food we serve has been picked by the family from the garden. Board games present direct challenges between individuals taking turns, and they have a fun way of sharpening intellect. Time we spend together watching quality television, excluding explicit content, is educating and gives interesting topics to discuss later when it is not television time. Having dinner with the whole family at the table is enjoyable. This has also been proven through research to be beneficial to the youth. Those that regularly have dinner with the whole family present, including parents, are at a lesser danger of engaging in substance abuse . Outside the home, picnic activities in the local parks and camping sites provide for great fun. They offer a different environment to appreciate family company. The younger children enjoy flying homemade kites on windy days. The kites are always made with their contribution in coloring and decorating. For teens and adults, there are other activities including volleyball, racquet games like badminton, and more muscular events like tug of war. The participation for the sake of fun and not who wins or loses makes it all the more enjoyable. There is nothing to compete for other than liking the fact that you are making a family member happy. An added advantage is the fact that children who spent time away from home participating in sporting activities with their parents have been known to have better academic performances that their peers who d o not (Zabriskie & McCormick 283). Preparing snacks and lunch on such picnics is also an enjoyable activity on its own. Everyone has their pre defined roles to play and, within a short while each person is serving out paper plates of whatever they prepared. Each member ends up having a bite from everyone else. The day at the park is always energy draining for a good cause and ends with snacks and juices accompanied by relaxing music played from the car stereo. Another favorite is visiting my grandparents in the country side during school holidays. The fun starts right from packing the bags. Our parents help us choose what to carry along. At that time, I realize even the attire to be worn in the country side differs from what we wear in the cities. The journey through the city traffic is hectic as we head out of town. Excitement runs high with everyone eager for when we will arrive. Driving through the woods in the peaceful countryside has a relaxing effect and a difference in the ai r can already be felt. Dad and mom explain all the changes we see on the way since the last time we went visiting. Finally, arriving at the entrance to the farm, we all jump out at the gate with the exception of Dad who has to drive all the way. We all enjoy smelling and picking flowers along the driveway. Climbing apple trees has never been more fun than in the countryside. We already have half our fun of the day even before meeting our grandparents. One of the happiest moments in life

Young Peoples Use of Mobile and Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Young Peoples Use of Mobile and Internet - Essay Example Qualitative research method is based on observation and no scientific methods are applicable on it. There are two types of observations first is to simply observe and draw a conclusion and second is to ask questions from the other person and draw a conclusion. Observational method consists of observation of an individual by a trained observer can take place in a natural setting (watching a child interact with classmate) in an experimental situation. Observing a student, when he is trying to complete a test deliberately, designed to be too difficult to finish in the allotted time. Second type of research method is quantitative research method, which consists of systematic and scientific research method. In this method, the first step is to examine hypothesis and systematically further steps are followed. In this presentation, qualitative research method is followed. There are two ways of data collection in qualitative research method, primary data collection and secondary data collect ion. In the primary data collection, data has to be collect from the direct source and in the secondary data collection data is collected from the surroundings and not from the direct source. According to the BBC, behaviors of the people have remarkably changed due to the heavy exposure of media. In addition, the people have now especially the children totally rely on media and they have started to forget their real culture, norms and values. According to the BBC, people use media for fulfilling their two basic.

Managing Challenges of Cross Cultural Differences in International Essay

Managing Challenges of Cross Cultural Differences in International Business - Essay Example Overview of National Culture & Cross Cultural Differences Culture is a key factor in gaining an insight in to how people behave in different countries, their preferences, attitudes, values and beliefs (Cundiff & Hilger 1988). Their can be implicit and explicit elements of culture embodied in rituals, symbols, gestures, traditions and mannerisms which results in diversity in communication and interaction process within a cross cultural setting (Trompenaar, F. & Hamden-Turner, C. 1998). It is therefore important to understand the underlying national cultures which shape each nation’s interrelations including business dealings (Ohmae, K. 1982). As per Hofstede, culture is â€Å"collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human group from another† (Hofstede, G. 1984. Page 21). While there are various models and theories, which attempts to explain cross cultural differences, some well established explanations of national culture can be found in Fons Trompenaar & Charles Hampden-Turner’s model of Seven Dimensions of Culture; Geert Hofstede’s Indices of Work Related Values and The theory of Silent Languages of Culture proposed by Hall. 3. Overview of the Countries in Context United States Of America As a forerunner in business and trade, political affairs and social change, United States of America is a country which has a diverse and multicultural social environment.Driven by cultural values such as innovation, independence and individualism, (Hill 2003) American society allowes for social mobility depicted by the â€Å"American Dream.† ... Analysis of Cross Cultural Similarities & Differences While there may exist certain cultural similarities between nations, the implications it carries for business may vary. The analysis focuses on identifying cultural similarities and differences, which exists between USA, Japan and India. 4.1 Treatment of Agreements and Legal process This can be assessed within the dimension of Universalism vs. Particularism, where universalism places greater importance upon the rules in the society while the particularism focus on the circumstances involved when making decisions about what is right and wrong (Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner 1998). USA, which is a highly universalistic culture, places greater emphasis upon business contracts, rules and regulations but in contrast, Japan and India which are more particularistic cultures considers circumstances and relationships more in making decisions. Halls language of friendship can also be used in assessing this cross-cultural aspect. The Americans tend to make friends easily and quickly but these are of transient nature. The Japanese tend to take time in forming relationships but their commitment to the relationship is high. Even if disputes arise, Japanese try reconciliation process while Americans resort quickly to litigation process (Weiss 2001). Indians too choose more in formal means of resolving issues than litigation but are generally quick in establishing relationships.

Young Peoples Use of Mobile and Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Young Peoples Use of Mobile and Internet - Essay Example Qualitative research method is based on observation and no scientific methods are applicable on it. There are two types of observations first is to simply observe and draw a conclusion and second is to ask questions from the other person and draw a conclusion. Observational method consists of observation of an individual by a trained observer can take place in a natural setting (watching a child interact with classmate) in an experimental situation. Observing a student, when he is trying to complete a test deliberately, designed to be too difficult to finish in the allotted time. Second type of research method is quantitative research method, which consists of systematic and scientific research method. In this method, the first step is to examine hypothesis and systematically further steps are followed. In this presentation, qualitative research method is followed. There are two ways of data collection in qualitative research method, primary data collection and secondary data collect ion. In the primary data collection, data has to be collect from the direct source and in the secondary data collection data is collected from the surroundings and not from the direct source. According to the BBC, behaviors of the people have remarkably changed due to the heavy exposure of media. In addition, the people have now especially the children totally rely on media and they have started to forget their real culture, norms and values. According to the BBC, people use media for fulfilling their two basic.

Influencs of Western Culture on Indian Youth Essay Example for Free

Influencs of Western Culture on Indian Youth Essay Western culture is neither homogeneous nor unchanging. As with all other cultures it has evolved and gradually changed over time. All generalities about it have their exceptions at some time and place. Globalism has spread western ideas so widely that almost all modern countries or cultures are to some extent influenced by aspects of western culture which they have absorbed. In the later 20th to early 21st century, with the advent of increasing globalism, it has become more difficult to determine which individuals fit into which category. How there is head and tail for a coin, there is both positive and negative impact of western culture on the world and especially on todays young generation , On one side we enjoy our so-called rich culture and really admire it. The ways of living has been greatly enhanced by the western culture which is good for success and growth of a country and helpful for it in heading towards super success. But on the other side; this culture mainly adopted by us has given rise to Individualization. Individualization has broken up many cultural systems, paving way for the youth to fall prey to drug addictionand many other ill practices. This stage is the most vulnerable period of life where the youth need guidance, counseling, education and care by parents. Culture† and â€Å"Tradition† are more significant in a country like India which has always been cherishing its rich culture and heritage and it’s quite well known for it worldwide. But these things are now just on paper and are slowly losing their sheen. Why? The younger generation are the representatives of India in a true sense of the word. We are the sole cherishers of India’s pride and its heritage which actually lies in its culture, its diversity, its uniqueness. In such a scenario, where the point of a rich cultured country like India is facing the problem of losing its culture, are we, the youth; the Indian youth not Actually Responsible For This? Are we not putting our own self image, our self respect, our mother India’s pride at stake by doing so? Just think about it my dear friends. I would suggest, There is no problem as such when we follow the western culture to some extent. The problem is we are forgetting our culture to a greater extent. Why should we do so? as 21st century youth doesn’t mean forgetting the motherland and following or in short adopting western lifestyle in totality. Every culture has its own pros and cons. We individuals should be strong enough to take the good and throw off the bad. We are easily influenced by western culture. Right from our clothing, till the music, the films, our attitude, our lifestyle, in short every aspect of our life has totally changed. I just want to say that â€Å"Change doesn’t happen on its own; it’s we who bring about the change. But by this change, our mother India has lost its sheen and beauty; its place; its uniqueness in the world. The things mentioned above does not only imply to India. There are many countries in the world where todays youths have adopted westernization. For eg in many countries like Japan , Bangladesh , etc are greatly prone to westernization. At the end I would just like to convey a message that- Almost all the countries in the world have become independent and we the younger generation are the representatives of the future . o we must realize that true beauty of a country lies in its culture, its heritage and every country has its uniquiness. So we must understand thae our country must be our own. And as for india many great western people like Mark Twain  have said- India is the cradle of human race, the birth place of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and greatgrandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and instructive materials in the history of man are treasure up in India only.

Analysis of Nursing Ideologies: Leg Ulcers and COPD Case

Analysis of Nursing Ideologies: Leg Ulcers and COPD Case Professional Studies Essay The aim of this essay is to address various professional nursing ideologies and how they can be applied to nursing practice. This will be undertaken in order to assess the author’s knowledge and understanding of the various themes of the Professional Studies module. In order to assess knowledge and understanding this essay will answer three questions, each pertaining to particular strands of professional studies. These include factors that can influence the promotion of evidence-based care, the philosophy of caring and managing the delivery of care. Examples of practice used in this assignment will be from published research. The answers given will be supported by research pertaining to the treatment of venous leg ulcers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is suggested that evidence-based practice (EBP) or evidence-based care is a high point on political and professional agendas (Wright, 2001, p198) having gained popularity in health care following concerns over the continued use of practices based on tradition or habit, rather than evidence of their efficacy (Flaherty, 2001, p4). EBP contrasts with this in that it intends to promote treatment and care that is based on systematic evaluation of the evidence of the effectiveness of interventions. It is suggested that the Department of Health (1998, p17) has adopted the principles of EBP, changing the focus from individual staff seeking to identify the best course of action in given clinical situations to national initiatives to minimize variations in healthcare provision across regions, developing national standards of health care and debatably determining what is deemed the most effective use of finite NHS resources. However, it is argued that the implementation of the national stand ards of health care which are in the form of guidelines issued by organisations such as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) are often delayed (Shannon, 2003, p1368). Debatably, this is a result of various factors such as lack of finances, time, inclination to change and lack of conviction that change will be beneficial. Having said that, it is important that nurses understand what theoretical knowledge is needed in accessing and selecting evidence for use in supporting practice. It is recommended that nurses, who employ evidence-based care, recognize the distinction between EBP and research-based practice. EBP acknowledges that even where there is an absence of empirical research, evidence in the form of case studies or expert opinion might exist that can inform practice (Hewitt-Taylor, 2003b, p43). In addition, arguably not all research is of high quality, and practices may be described as â€Å"researched-based†, even where the research upon which they are based is not of a good standard, or not intended to be applied in a particular setting. Theoretically, EBP is concerned with gathering all the available evidence, evaluating the evidence and deciding what would constitute the best approach to a particular aspect of care in a given clinical situation (Hewitt-Taylor, 2003b, p44). The evidence that can be used includes research, consensus expert opinion, cost and patient preferences (NICE 2003, p3). It is suggested that as well as taking into account a variety of sources of evidence, the use of EBP with health care involves the ability to evaluate the quality of all these forms of evidence and there application to certain clinical circumstances. Therefore, it is proposed that nurses need to be able to critically analyse all of the proposed evidence that is to be used before employing evidence-based care to practice. It is also suggested that nurses need to have knowledge of the individual component skills of evidence based-practice. These include research and information technology skills, awareness of major information types and sources, as already mentioned, the ability to analyse critically evidence against set standards, dissemination of new ideas about care to colleagues and the ability to review own practice (Cranston, 2002, p39). As previously mentioned, nurses need to have the knowledge and skills to be able to identify and analyse which evidence is most appropriate for a given clinical situation. Therefore when implementing EPB in a care situation it is important to understand that research evidence is only one part of the picture when considering clinical decision making. For instance, at present there is good quality research evidence which indicates that the most effective treatment for uncomplicated venous leg ulcers is the application of compression bandaging (RCN Institute, 1998, p7). It is suggested however that research evidence cannot yet point to the best type and method of bandaging to apply. Therefore, individual nurse clinical experience and the patient’s preference in terms of comfort of bandaging will come into play when making a decision about the best way to treat the leg ulcer. It is debated that it is essential for nurses to understand that arguably very few treatment interventions or nursing practices have a purely research evidence base from which to direct practice (Cranston, 2002, p40). Therefore, it is argued that nurses must also be able to draw on all aspects of evidence, including patients’ and families’ perspectives, the results of research, and their own and colleagues’ expertise to reach the best holistic, person-centred care for each patient (Howitt Armstrong, 1999, p1324). Apart from the importance of holistic care and person-centred care, the theory of caring is also a key issue relevant to the advancement of nursing. It is proposed that in recent years several issues pertaining to the development of nursing knowledge have been addressed. Debatably, these include uncovering phenomena considered central to nursing and nursing theories and models that have emanated from them (Chinn Kramer, 1995, p24). One important concept within nursing that is gaining increasing attention in nursing literature is that of caring (Kyle 1995, p506). A range of theories have been presented in nursing literature that have caring as a central concept and are based on a human science perspective. One of these theories is that of Simone Roach’s (1992) theory on caring. In her writings she discusses the uniqueness of caring, arguing that caring is not unique to nursing but it is unique in nursing. Furthermore, she presents the idea that this one concept includes the â€Å"essential characteristics of nursing as a helping discipline† (Roach, 1992, p12). The main concepts of this theory are the attributes of c aring, or the five Cs. Roach perceived the five Cs as â€Å"a broad framework suggesting categories of human behaviour within which professional caring may be expressed† (Roach, 1992, p69). The five Cs are defined as compassion, competence, confidence, conscience and commitment (Roach, 1992, p19). It is acknowledged that it has been difficult to find any practical examples of Roach’s work. This could be due to the fact that it is not formally considered a theory for nursing. Debatably, while the five Cs including are essential to caring within nursing, it is proposed that the third C, confidence is required to enable the nurse to deliver holistic care. (Roach, 1992, p63) defines confidence as â€Å"the quality which fosters trusting relationships†. In Roach’s writings she accentuates the need for a ‘caring confidence’ between the nurse and patient that promotes a trusting, truthful, equitable and respectful relationship that happens without any attached conditions, misrepresentations, anxiety or subjection (Roach, 1992, p64). In a practice setting, it is suggested that if patients cannot feel that the staff are being truthful and candid in their contact with them they will not trust or believe in them. Debatably, at the center of patients’ making informed choices is that nurses are honest and give truthful information, therefore, if they do not perceive honesty the patients’ cannot be sure they are making the right decisions. It is essential that nurses trust in their own abilities and they need to possess confidence in their own skills and judgements and as well as knowing their limitations (Fry, 1989, p9, Pusari, 1998, p6). With this in mind it is proposed that nurses could use the Johns’ Model of Structured Reflection (1994, pp71-75). Arguably, this model can help the nurse reflect on the above factors that constitute confidence in caring. The model asks questions that allow nurses to reflect on their abilities, actions and what they tried to achieve in a given clinical setting. It helps nurses to reflect on how they responded as they did in a care setting and if they could have dealt better with the situation. On reflection the model might help nurses to have the confidence to care in a holistic, person-centred, knowledgeable and reflective manner. It is suggested that in order to manage the delivery of holistic, patient-centred care, that care needs to be of high quality and performed within current policy guidelines. Delivery of healthcare can be undertaken on three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary care (Royal College of Physicians (RCP), 2001, p292). It is proposed that the delivery of COPD care can be undertaken at all levels of care; however, it is argued that COPD care is normally managed within primary and secondary care settings. Patients suffering from COPD can access primary care from there General Practitioner (GP). Some GPs might have an interest and an expertise in the management of COPD and therefore could provide specialist nurse-led clinics within their surgeries. Secondary care for COPD sufferers is normally a hospital-based service whereby patients have accessed this level of care either from a referral from their GP of through Accident and Emergency. It is proposed that most district general hospitals have a highly trained respiratory medicine team (RCP, 2001, 292). One example of managing the delivery of COPD within primary care is that of the introduction of Quality Outcome Framework (QOF) practitioners. Arguably, this is a major incentive to improve primary care COPD management and the QOF for COPD became part of the General medical Services Contract (Booker, 2005, p33). Debatably, the QOF targets can form the basis of good COPD management as in most cases; evidence-based rationales were used for the inclusion of particular targets such as smoking cessation advice. However, it appears that in some areas the QOF and the NICE guidelines disagree on the management of COPD care. The NICE guideline suggests that reversibility testing is not routinely necessary for initial diagnosis (NCCCC, 2004, p1), but the QOF requires spirometry testing plus reversibility testing as a premise for diagnosis. Evidence suggests that reversibility testing to a single, â€Å"acute† dose of bronchodilator is not reproducible and can be misleading. It is sugges ted that the majority of COPD cases can be accurately diagnosed from the clinical history and then confirmed with spirometry testing (Calverley, 2003, p659). Debatably, despite the disagreements between NICE guidelines and QOF, the QOF scheme is a good starting point and arguably, has served to increase the profile of COPD in primary care. Nurses need to understand and become knowledgeable about professional nursing theories and ideologies. Person-centred holistic care is often based on clinical evidence and research. It is important therefore that nurses can appreciate the usefulness of evidence but also be conscious of the relevance of the evidence in everyday practice. Nurses need to be able to critically analyse any evidence-based research or guidelines for its effectiveness in practice. Knowledge of the theories of nursing can help enhance practice by understanding key concepts pertaining to care and delivery of care. Reflection as a concept within care is important for developing safe, quality, holistic, patient-centred care. In contemporary nursing managing the delivery of care is often guided by current policy. Nurses need to be aware of the current care guidelines that plan their care actions. It is important to note that clinical care guidelines can enhance patient care by providing rules on ethical, safe and quality care. However, it is important to note that guidelines are there for the safety of the healthcare profession as well as the patients. References Booker R (2005) COPD, NICE and GMS: getting quality from QOF, Primary Care, 15, 9, 33-36 Calverley PMA (2003) Bronchodilator reversibility testing in COPD, Thorax, 58, 8, 659-664 Chinn PL Kramer MK (1995) Theory and Nursing: A Systematic Approach, 4th edn, St Louis, Mosby year Book Press Cranston M (2002) Clinical effectiveness and evidence based practice, Nursing Standard, 16, 24, 39-43 Department of Health (1998) A First Class Service: Quality in the new NHS, London, HMSO Flaherty R (2001) Medical Myths: today’s perspectives, Patient Care, 15 September: 4–10 Fry ST (1989) Toward a theory of nursing ethics, Advances in Nursing Science, 11, 4, 9-22 Hewitt-Taylor J (2003b) Reviewing evidence, Intensive Critical Care Nursing, 19, 43-9 Howitt A Armstrong D (1999) Implementing evidence based medicine in general practice: audit and qualitative study of antithrombotic treatment for arterial fibrillation, British Medical Journal, 318, 7194, 1324-1327 Johns C (1994) Clinical notes: nuances of reflection, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 3, 2, 71-75 Kyle TV (1995) The concept of caring: a review of the literature, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 21, 506-514 NCCCC (2004) Chronic obstructive disease: NICE Guideline for management of COPD in adults in primary care, Thorax, 1, 1-232 NICE (2003) Factsheet: General Information About Clinical Guidelines, NICE, London Pusari N (1998) Eight ‘Cs’ of caring: a holistic framework for nursing terminally ill patients. Contemporary Nurse, 7, 3, 156-160 RCN Institute (1998) The Management of Patients with Venous leg Ulcers, London, RCN Publishing Roach S (1992) The Human Act of Caring, Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Hospital Association Press Royal College of Physicians (2001) Consultants physicians working for patients, 2nd edition, London, RCP Shannon C (2003) Money must be available for NICE guidance, minister says, British Medical Journal, 327, 1368 Wright SM (2001) Contribution of a lecturer-practitioner in implementing evidence-based health care, Accident Emergency Nursing, 9, 3, 198-203