Perverse incentives Essays - Motivation, Disincentive,

Perverse Incentives 1)A: A company pays the workers for how many cars they can produce. Instead the workers made little toy cars to produce more to get paid a large sum of money. B: Any system of performance-related pay for corporate executives can induce unacceptable risk-taking, unless there are penalties for poor performance C: Government rebates for low gas consumption vehicles encourage people to buy those vehicles. People who own low gas consumption vehicles find that the cost of driving their cars has gone down, since the cars require less gas, and hence they will want to drive their cars more often. This could result in an increase in total gas consumption. D: No Child Left Behind Act-type laws require schools to show smooth improvement in their students' test scores. Thus, schools may benefit from having poorer performance one year in order to show 'improvement' the next. Alternatively, where tests are given near the end of high school, schools may benefit from not making efforts to discourage lower-achieving students from dropping out before these students are old enough to take the tests. 2) Disincentive: something that discourages or deters; deterrent: High interest rates and government regulations are disincentives to investment. A: The stock market crash B: Occupational Injury Pay Supplements: Many firms pay supplemental benefits to make up the difference between workers compensation benefits and regular earnings. C: Short-Term Disability: In some companies, disabled employees receive STD benefits in lieu of salary after six weeks. But the standard definition for disability may differ from workers comp, allowing an employee to collect both 3) Perverse incentive: is when you tell your company or workers if you do something or produce something you will get paid a larger amount. A Disincentive is when you have something that discourages someone from doing something because it is not what that person thinks is right.

Valley Fever Essays

Valley Fever Essays Valley Fever Essay Valley Fever Essay Essay Topic: The Long Valley Surgical Tech Valley Fever Joseph Ramoz Brookline College Monica Cervi-Instructor November 15, 2010 A disease also called coccidioidomycosis or (CM) due to a fungus called Coccidioides immitis. About 40% of people infected with this fungus develop symptoms. Most often they have an influenza-like illness with fever, cough, headaches, rash, and myalgias. Usually, those people with symptoms, 8% have severe lung disease requiring hospitalization and about 7% develop disseminated infection throughout the body. Valley fever is a lung infection. A fungus becomes airborne when dust around construction areas and agricultural areas is transported by the wind. When spores are inhaled, Valley Fever can result. Valley Fever is normally found in the Southwest part of the U. S. where temperatures are high and the soils are dry. Groups at high risk from the fungus include African-Americans and Asians, pregnant women in the third trimester, smokers, the elderly, diabetics and people with an impaired immune system. Severe disease tends particularly to strike in HIV-infected persons. The mortality is high in HIV-infected persons with diffuse lung disease. Coccidioidomycosis meningitis can lead permanent brain damage. The fungus is in the soil in semiarid areas primarily in the lower Sonoran life zone. This disease is endemic (constantly present) in the southwestern US and parts of Mexico and South America. Inhalation of airborne spores after disturbance of soil by people or natural disasters such as wind storms and earthquakes exposes people such as, construction or agricultural workers and archeologists to the dust containing the spores. A mask helps but does ot provide complete protection against the fungus. Valley Fever doesn’t seem to play favorites, with all kinds of people at equal risk. Once infected, however, certain groups seem to have more instances of it spreading to other parts of their bodies. As far as gender is concerned, men are more likely than women, and African Americans and Filipinos are more likely to get it when considering race. Also , people with problems with their immune systems are always at risk. Farm workers or others who spend time working in dirt and dust are most likely to get Valley Fever. You are also at higher risk if you are caught in dust storms, or if your recreation, such as biking or 4-wheeling, takes you to dusty areas. One thing you can do to minimize your risk of getting Valley Fever, like stated previously above, is to wear a mask if you have to be out in the blowing dust. It is estimated that about one third of the people in the lower desert areas of Arizona have had Valley Fever at some point. Your chances of getting Valley Fever are about 1 out of 33, but the longer you live in the desert southwest the higher your chances of infection. There are about 100,000 new cases of Valley Fever each year. You don’t have to live here to get it people visiting or traveling through the area has been infected, too. There is no vaccine at this time for Valley Fever. Most people are able to fight off Valley Fever on their own without treatment. Most people usually don’t get it again. For those that seek treatment, antifungal drugs not antibiotics are used. Although these treatments are often helpful, the disease may persist and years of treatment may be required. If a lung cavity ruptures surgery may be necessary. Yes, dogs can get it and might need long term medication. Horses, cattle, sheep and other animals can also get Valley Fever. No, you cannot get it from another person or from an animal. Less than 1% of the people who get Valley Fever die from it. Valley Fever can usually be treated with fungus-killing medicines. Valley Fever is diagnosed with a blood test or culture. About 60% of infected persons have no symptoms. The rest develop flu-like symptoms that can last for a month and tiredness that can sometimes last for longer tan a few weeks. A small percentage of infected persons can develop disease that spreads outside the lungs to the brain, bone, and skin called disseminated disease. Without proper treatment, Valley Fever can lead to severe pneumonia, meningitis, and even death. It is common for people relocating to the Valley of the Sun to be concerned about Valley Fever. While Valley Fever can affect some people, it is important to remember that it affects few people very seriously, and many people never even know that they have Valley Fever. Still, it is not to be considered or taken lightly. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the number of reported Valley Fever cases in Arizona hit a record high in 2006, with 5,535 cases. The number of reported cases in 2007 was 4,832.

Personal Philosophy of Nursing Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Philosophy of Nursing - Personal Statement Example Additionally, I worked as a nurse as I studied. The experience gained through practice has made me recognize numerous programs that are essential in preparation of patients towards medication services. In addition to taught skills, I have acquired extra knowledge that has enhanced my nursing expertise. For instance, education and practice have equipped me with clinical leadership and professional research skills. These are vital skills in the nursing profession and healthcare provision (Sharon, 2003). I have also acquired exceptional abilities and skills in the design, organization, and implementation of goals and objectives in healthcare provision. These skills focus primarily on the provision of nursing services to patients. Furthermore, nursing profession has directed my scientific and artistic expertise towards qualitative and quantitative provision of healthcare. The expertise and experience acquired within the 20 year-period has broadened my knowledge in nursing practice. Howev er, it is vital for me to highlight my career objectives and mission in the nursing profession. Therefore, this essay aims to explain my future career objectives and mission in the nursing profession. Moreover, it aims to support my philosophical dispositions in primary healthcare provision. Harmlessness Essentially, it is crucial to note that there should never be harm in the provision of primary healthcare and nursing services. ... Therefore, it is my obligation as a nurse to exercise absolute care towards my clients’ well-being. Notably, the attitude towards the public and clients should be warm and caring. It is appropriate to assess the conditions of clients through the establishment of all issues that relate to human beings. For instance, it is vital to communicate with patients appropriately. This can only be achieved through proper channeling of messages to be communicated to patients (Sharon, 2003). Nurses are expected to conduct therapeutic procedures required to identify conditions that need stabilization. They are expected to examine the outcomes of therapeutic actions in order to accomplish the goals of enhancement of well-being of clients. Over the years of nursing practice, I have learnt that delivery of healthcare is in itself a cause of death in many countries. The delivery of healthcare services is sometimes enshrined with the possibility of human error that can result into death. Errors can result from both commission and omission because of loopholes in redress of conditions that can be treated and solved. Injuries and eventual deaths can occur because of such blunders (Philips and Bredder, 2002). Nosocomial infections are likely to occur in hospitals in cases where health practitioners do not disinfect and clean their hands before handling patients. Therefore, the safety of patients is essential in hospitals. The protection of patients requires maintenance of basic safety standards. Several researches have indicated that errors in the prescription of medication increase the number of fatalities in hospitals (Swanson, 1993). Data have shown

Critique epidemiologic research articles Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Critique epidemiologic articles - Research Paper Example The control group included people selected randomly in the Boston area who filled the questionnaires with their dietary intake for 2 weeks. The group is appropriate because they have different lifestyle from the health professionals and their knowledge of the healthy diets and cancer differs from that of health professionals, in short they are complete opposites. B. Was the method of classification or of measurement consistent for all the subjects relevant to the objectives of the investigation? Are there possible biases in measurement? If so, what provisions were made to deal with them? The methods of measurement were different for the study group as well as the control group. The researchers administered the diet questionnaires to the control group which were strict n the amount of calories on each specific diet record on a weekly basis for the 2 weeks but none of that was done to the control group. This was made through carrying out a follow-up to the study group after every two years. The observations of the study group are reproducible as the research team carried out a follow-up of its study group for 6 years and hence in the end they achieved their conclusive results. They can also be said to be valid as they were carried out in a scientific manner. On whether they are reliable or not, the subject is up for discussion because of the lack of a control group to compare results with for the 6 years. Yes the data requires statistical analysis because they involve quantity in numbers of fat and energy. The analysis used is multivariate which is appropriate considering there are several sets of data being analyzed. The analysis and interpretation even though longer is correct. The conclusion justified is that which supports the hypothesis. The conclusion about red meat absorption and the acid content has not been analyzed in the data and hence is not appropriate to be made without research. The first

Importance of Communication Research

Importance of Communication Research 1.1 Introduction Communication is an important area of study in today’s world. We gather information depending on others to develop relationships. The effectiveness of our communication is related to our capabilities to interpret the world. Communication Research is conducted to clarify the communication process and help us to understand the importance of communication in our everyday life. It guides us to identify and explore many interrelated elements that make the communication process complete, and help us to develop strategies for using communication more effectively and appropriately. The primary purpose of Communication Research is to special search or investigate and help people understand communication phenomena and direct their communication towards accomplishing individual and organizational goals. Communication is not a new area of research. It has been studied for centuries. The earliest study of communication can be traced back to the fifth century B.C., during the classical period of communication inquiry. Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle studied the public-speaking strategies of Greek orators. Later during the Roman empire, statesmen like Cicero and Quintillion studied the role of public communication in Roman society. Communication Research is influenced by two basic scholarly research processes, viz., behaviourism and phenomenology. Behaviourism is based on the belief that objective knowledge is obtained through the careful and systematic observation and measurement of what people do. Behavioural research method relies on operationalism, transforming abstract concept into behaviours that can precisely be quantified. The goal of behavioural research is to identify and test laws that can explain, predict and lead to the control of behaviour. Phenomenology is based on the belief that what people do depends on what they perceive is what goes on in their mind. Phenomenologists thus focus on how internal, psychological meaning guides behaviour. Phenomenological methods of research rely on discovering how individuals construct meaning and believing that objective observation is not sufficient. The goal of Phenomenological research is to describe how people understand their lived experience. Both behaviourism and phenomenology form the study of communication. Communication certainly is a behaviour that can be studied using behavioural methods in an individualistic or an integrated manner. 1.2  Role of Communication Research The use of a scientific reason for the establishment of speech as a separate department had important implications for the growth of Communication Research. Speech scientists pursue the more recognized human sciences, such as Psychology and Sociology, which had follow such physical sciences as Biology and Physics. Speech scientists take up their research methodologies, as well as many interdisciplinary concepts and perspectives for studying communication phenomena, from the physical and other human sciences. Communication Research has widen its traditional focus on presentational communication, to exploring such communication events and processes as the relationship between communication and attitude formation; communication and relationship development, communication and group decision making, and communication flow within organizations. This broadening of communication research led to changing the name of the professional association from the National Association of Academic Teachers of Public Speaking to the Speech Association of America and, more recently, to the Speech Communication Association. The human scientific perspective of speech expanded from focusing on the areas of public speaking and rhetoric to exploring the broader study of communication in all walks of life. 1.3 Need for Communication Research Communication Research is conducted to help people understand complex and challenging communication phenomena as well as the mundane and apparently simple everyday routines like ordinary conversation. Many areas of communication research demonstrate the complex, multifaceted nature of communication. Further, the centrality of communication in modern life makes knowledge about communication processes crucially important. Systematic and rigorous research means that researchers study worthwhile topics, ask relevant questions, build on previous theory and research, design and conduct careful research, analyze data appropriately, and discuss the significance of the findings. Systematic communication inquiry adds to the body of communication knowledge by providing meaningful descriptions and trustworthy explanations about complex communication phenomena. Research about communication is thus needed for two reasons: to extend the growth of the Communication discipline and to apply what we know. 1.4 Scope of Communication Research Communication Research undertakes the scientific study of communication process. Being scientific it is objective and deterministic. It is interdisciplinary in nature as it borrows heavily both in terms of theory and methods from social and other sciences. In essence it involves application of social behavioural and scientific method to the study of communication issues and problems. It has got a wide scope because it helps in building relations which eventually leads us to the process and path of progress development, otherwise we will be self centered, self contained which will ultimately lead us nowhere. The exchange of idea motivates us to brainstorm, leading to research in related aspect. 1.4.1 Message Analysis: A message is not only about the advertising slogan or a marketing line; a message is an easy and clear idea that describes about the entire project as a whole. It should function as a guiding standard for every type of communications, from the contents of leaflets, brochures and websites and also for media interviews or conversations with important people. The main point is that messages must be simple and steady across all kinds of communications. Without clear and simple messages, a communication agenda requires clarity and focus and hence the agenda is at risk of becoming weak. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨ Analyzing Messages provides a complete and easy guide to carry out content analysis research. It set up a formal definition of quantitative content analysis; which provides gradual instructions on designing a content analysis study; and explores in depth research questions that recur in content analysis, in areas of measurement, sampling, reliability, data analysis, validity, and technology. 1.4.2  Channel Analysis: A channel analysis is an evaluation of how and where a product should be sold. It starts with an assessment of the options for getting a specific product or service into the hands of the end user. 1.4.3  Audience Analysis: Audience analysis is about gathering and analysing information about the receivers of oral, written, or visual communication. There are many methods that a communication researcher can use to conduct the analysis. Because the task of completing an audience analysis is huge, therefore using a multi-pronged approach to conduct the analysis is recommended by most of the researchers, often resulting in improved precision and efficiency. Michael Albers suggests that, â€Å"An analysis uses several independent dimensions that work together, such as readers’ knowledge of the topic and readers cognitive ability.† 1.5 Stages of Communication Research The communication research process can be divided into five interrelated phases of research activity: 1.5.1  Conceptualization: Conceptualization is the first phase of communication research. In this phase the researcher invites formulation of an idea about what needs to be studied. The researcher begins communication inquiry by engaging in such conceptualizing activities as identifying a topic worth studying, defining the primary concepts relevant to the topic and reviewing the literature to learn what is already known about the topic, and phrasing the topic as a formal research problem. 1.5.2  Planning and Designing: Moving from the conceptualization stage to planning and to designing research demands that the researcher transforms abstract concepts into operational or measurable terms. Operationalization involves determining the observable attributes, or characteristics of the concepts of interest. In this stage researcher must develop strategies for measuring those observable concepts. Communication researchers usually rely on three general techniques for measuring research concepts: questionnaire, interviews and observations. These three measurement techniques produce different types of information. Planning and designing communication research involves number of ethical decisions. Ethics affects each stage of the research process: how researcher chooses the research topic and frames questions; how the literature is reviewed and how research is designed and conducted; how the data is analyzed and how the findings are interpreted and used. 1.5.3  Methodology: Once the topic has been chosen and the research questions have been determined and the review of literature has been conducted and research has been designed, then the researchers are ready to conduct their studies. Conducting research carefully demands understanding and adhering to the specific assumption and requirements of the methodology chosen. These methods guide the researchers to what evidence to look for and how to look for it. 1.5.4  Analyzing and Interpreting Data: Once data or evidence has been gathered through the use of the methodology, it needs to be analyzed and interpreted. For methods like experimental, survey and sometimes textual analysis it means processing quantitative data through the use of appropriate statistical procedures. 1.5.5  Reconceptualizing: In this stage the researcher rethinks on the topic of enquiry. As a result of the systematic process associated with conceptualization, planning and designing of research, using methodology to conduct research, and analyzing the data acquired through research. Once data has been collected and analyzed, the findings need to be interpretated within the broader context of the research process. Reconceptualization involves explaining the significance of the findings. In this stage the researcher explains how the findings answer the research questions posed, and confirm or disconfirm the predictions made and, support or refute previous theory and research. Researchers are also able to identify the problem with the research and how these problems may limit the validity and usage of the findings. 1.6  Implications in Research Communication research studies the message behaviour which leads to the following important implications in conduct of communication research: Communication researchers realize that it is just as important to examine meanings attributed to messages as it is to study the nature of the message themselves. Studying the meaning is often necessary so that communication researchers use self-report measures. Communication researchers must select particular communication variables that they wish to examine, since they cannot possibly explore all pertinent elements of any communication event. They are aware, of multifaceted nature of communication and the fact that their research temporarily frames communication behaviour. Acknowledging the nature of communication encourages communication researchers to engage in longitudinal research rather than cross sectional research. Traditionally communication researchers have focused on messages intentionally designed. Some however also assess how people construct internal messages about others unintentional behaviour thereby rendering it communicative. Communication researchers recognize that although verbal and non-verbal message systems may be studied separately however both these message systems are interdependent. Non-verbal cues always accompany and influence the interpretation of verbal messages. Because of connotative characteristic of language, communication researchers usually develop questionnaires and interview guides that carefully avoid using ambiguous terms or term that have strong distracting implications for certain respondents. Because of the differences in the way individuals understand message and create meaning of the messages, communication researchers take great care when generalizing findings from one set of persons to another. Communication researchers realize that although the content and relationship dimensions of message may be studied separately, in practice they interact to influence message exchange and personal relationships. Communication researchers consider the effects of the context in communication. They recognize the ‘embedded’ nature of communication where different social rules apply in different environments. In the final analysis, communication is not just one thing. It is a complex process by which people manage messages and create messages. ________________________________________________________________________________ Self-Check Questions â€Å"Communication Research has got a wide scope because it helps in building relations which eventually leads us to the process and path of progress development.† Is the statement true or false? In ______________________ stage, the researcher rethinks on the topic of enquiry as a result of the systematic process associated with conceptualization. ________________________ is the first phase of communication research. In this phase the researcher invites formulation of an idea about what needs to be studied. ________________________________________________________________________________ 1.7 Summing Up The lesson elucidated the importance of Communication Research. It discussed the role, need and scope of Communication Research. It also discussed various stages of Communication Research. 1.8 Assignments Class Assignments What are the stages of Communication Research? Comment on the scope of Communication Research. Home Assignments What is the need of Communication Research? Comment on the role of Communication Research. Possible answers to Self-Check questions True Reconceptualization Conceptualization Terminal Questions Comment on the role, need and scope of Communication Research. Describe the implications of Communication Research. 1.11  Suggested Further Readings 1. C.R. Kothari, Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques, Vishwa Parkashan, New Delhi 2. S.R. Sharma Anil Chaturvedi, Research in Mass Media, Radha Publications, New Delhi 3. G.R. Basotia K.K. Sharma, Research Methodology, Mangal Deep Publications 1.12  Keywords Interdisciplinary: Relating to more than one branch of knowledge. Systematic: Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical. Conceptualization: Inventing or contriving an idea or explanation and formulating it mentally. Methodology: A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.

Women of the Medieval Period

Women during Medieval Times: Imagine living your life as a women during the Medieval times. No personal or legal freedom, you can not do anything with out having permission from a male in your family. In this paper I am going to talk about what life was like for the women who lived through the medieval period compared to women living today in the 20th century. Living life during the medieval period was much different than the life we live today for many reasons, but especially being a women. Women during the medieval period were below men, they were ruled by the males in their families, or once married by their husbands. They were to obey and serve the male family members. Girls that did not respect and do what the men said, were beaten, and not obeying the men was considered a religious crime. But women with a lot of land were considered equal to men and had the same rights a men. If the wives husband dies, the wife would be responsible for taking care of the large estate. At this time it was believed that the purpose for women was the be servants for the males, do as they say, take care of the house, and have to children and take care of them. Marriage at this time was much different than what we think of marriage today. During this time, you did not mary because you were in love with someone. The reasoning for marriage during medieval period was just the opposite. Most of the time you did not get to choose who you were going to be marrying, it was arranged by the families, depending on wealth. The law said that the males had full rights over his wife, once you were married, your husband owned you. The wife was the husbands property. Duties of wives during this time were to take care of the house and have children. A married women would usually have anywhere from four to eight children, and normally one will die. Women on average would live to about fourty years of age. Marie de France, a noble French women, was the first female writer from France. She wrote the story, Laustic which is a story of two knights and their wives and the love scandal they have going on between their homes. In this story, the wife of one of the knights is in love with a knight that lives in the house next to her and her husbands. This knight is also in love with her. Every night the women gets out of bed with her husband and goes to her bedroom window which looks at the knights house, and they look at each other and talk. The women's husband begins to notice her out of bed and at the window ever night. He asked her the reasoning for this and she says that she is listening to a bird, because it brings her much joy. Her husband gets angry at this and tell his servants to kill the bird. They do so and bring it to him, where he kills it with his bare hands. He then throws the dead bird at his wife. She is very upset that he would do such a thing, but the woman can not do anything about this. She can not disobey her husband, or let him know that she is in love with another man. She has no choice but to stay with him and do as he says. In todays world, sadly if you are married and are not happy, or are in love with someone else you get a divorce, and its over, you move on. During the medieval time never would you ever hear of a women not happy with her husband so she left him. Today women have every right that men do. You can say and do pretty much anything you want. Women today can get the same education that men can, but during medieval times, most women did not get any education.

Modern Orthodox Judaism

Judaism (from the Latin Iudaismus, derived from the Greek Ioudaismos, and ultimately from the Hebrew , Yehudah, â€Å"Judah†;[1][2] in Hebrew: , Yahadut, the distinctive characteristics of the Judean ethnos)[3] is the religion, philosophy and way of life of the Jewish people. [4] A monotheistic religion originating in the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Tanakh) and explored in later texts such as the Talmud, Judaism is considered by religious Jews to be the expression of the covenantal relationship God established with the Children of Israel. 5] Rabbinic Judaism holds that God revealed his laws and commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai in the form of both the Written and Oral Torah. [6] Historically, this assertion was challenged by various groups such as the Sadducees and Hellenistic Judaism during the Second Temple period; the Karaites and Sabbateans during the early and later medieval period;[7] and among segments of the modern reform movements. Liberal movements in modern times such as Humanistic Judaism may be nontheistic. 8] Judaism claims a historical continuity spanning more than 3,000 years. Of the major world religions, Judaism is considered one of the oldest monotheistic religions. [9][10] The Hebrews / Israelites were already referred to as â€Å"Jews† in later books of the Tanakh such as the Book of Esther, with the term Jews replacing the title â€Å"Children of Israel†. [11] Judaism's texts, traditions and values strongly influenced later Abrahamic religions, including Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith. 12][13] Many aspects of Judaism have also directly or indirectly influenced secular Western ethics and civil law. [14] Jews are an ethnoreligious group[15] and include those born Jewish and converts to Judaism. In 2010, the world Jewish population was estimated at 13. 4 million, or roughly 0. 2% of the total world population. About 42% of all Jews reside in Israel and about 42% reside in the United States and Canada, w ith most of the remainder living in Europe. 16] The largest Jewish religious movements are Orthodox Judaism (Haredi Judaism and Modern Orthodox Judaism), Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism. A major source of difference between these groups is their approach to Jewish law. [17] Orthodox Judaism maintains that the Torah and Jewish law are divine in origin, eternal and unalterable, and that they should be strictly followed. Conservative and Reform Judaism are more liberal, with Conservative Judaism generally promoting a more â€Å"traditional† interpretation ofJudaism's requirements than Reform Judaism. A typical Reform position is that Jewish law should be viewed as a set of general guidelines rather than as a set of restrictions and obligations whose observance is required of all Jews. [18][19] Historically, special courts enforced Jewish law; today, these courts still exist but the practice of Judaism is mostly voluntary. [20] Authority on theological and legal matters i s not vested in any one person or organization, but in the sacred texts and rabbis and scholars who interpret them. [21]