Death Penalty Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Death Penalty - Research Paper Example The proponents of the penalty derive their arguments from the fact that is cheaper than holding convict for life, and acts as a deterrence to crime. However, the proponents are tasked with a heavy burden of proof assignment that has not been successful so far. This leads to the question whether the death penalty deters crime The paper seeks to answer the question through an argumentative approach. According to Amnesty International USA, the assertion that the death penalty reduces murder rates are flawed (Amnesty USA n.d). The fundamental basics to prove that it does not deter crimes are evident in the murder statistics difference between states that employ the death penalty and the states that do not use the penalty. According to the said statistics, it is seen that states that do not have the penalty have lower rates of capital crimes as compared to others. Consequently, the penalty is not popular among the public. The pie chart shows the public opinion about death penalty and its effect in deterrence of crime. Sources indicate that people who commit capital crimes are commonly under the effects of drugs and or alcohol. The claim implies that the persons are not conscious enough to reckon the repercussions of the crime they are committing. Death penalty is not part of their reasoning at the time when they are consumed by rage or fear. It follows that a crime will be committed, with or without death penalty laws. Thus, death penalty is not sufficient to deter crime in such incidents. Another reason that taints the deterrence assertion is that criminals do not expect to be nabbed after committing an atrocity. Suspects in murder cases do not consider the probability of being arrested and facing charges for the crime. Instead, they consider the possibility of walking free (Michigan State University 2000, p.3). In these cases, the fangs of the death penalty do not scare the criminals from their actions. The same implies that criminals do not weigh their

You Have read about HITECH Act,HIPAA,ARRA,and electronic Essay

You Have read about HITECH Act,HIPAA,ARRA,and electronic signatures.Summarize the intentof one of these laws and its impact on your practice - Essay Example Such HIT includes electronic health records and secure and private exchange of electronic health information (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2015). McGonigle and Mastrian (2015) outlines that, in subtitle D, the HITECH Act addresses and states the security and privacy concerns linked with the electronic transmission or diffusion of health information. In part, the Act has numerous provisions that reinforce the criminal and civil enforcement of the HIPAA rules. These provisions have a great impact on health provision and general healthcare. As a records nurse practitioner and officer, I am greatly influenced with the HITECH Act. I am involved in numerous exchanges of health care records and information. My work must be discrete and private to ensure security of healthcare information and patients’ health records. Through the Act, I now exercise more caution and care to ensure that the electronic health information and files do not land in wrong hands. In its section, there are penalties for violation of the Act. The regulations and penalties ensure that practitioners, particularly in health records, cautiously carry out their work diligently to ensure and enhance the safety and security of health information and patients’ health records (McGonigle & Mastrian,

The Van Hiele Theory Of Geometric Thinking

The Van Hiele Theory Of Geometric Thinking This chapter will provide a brief explanation of the theoretical framework on Van Hiele theory of geometric thinking. Consequently review and discuss on literature involving van Hiele theory and dynamic geometry software, follow by review of literature on teaching and learning of geometry by dynamic geometry software Cabri 3D as an instructional tool. Then chapter conclude by reviewing literature on designing learning activities. The Van Hiele Theory of Geometric Thinking The van Hiele model of geometric thinking is one theory that offers a model for explaining and describing geometric thinking. This theory resulted from the Dutch mathematics educator doctoral work of Dina van Hiele-Geldof and Pierre van Hiele at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands which completed in 1957. Pierre van Hiele formulated the five levels of thinking in geometry and discussed the role of insight in the learning of geometry in this doctoral thesis. Van Hiele reformulated the original five levels into three during the 1980s. Dina van Hiele-Geldorfs doctoral thesis, which was completed in 1957, focused on the role of instruction in the raising of a pupils thought levels. Her study centered on thinking of geometry and the role of instruction in assessing pupils to move though the levels. The following summary of Van Hiele theory history is taken from Hanscomb,Kerry, (2005, p.77): A convenient location for many primary sources on the Van Hiele model is Fuys et al. (1984).Other primary sources are van Hiele and Van Hiele-Geldof (1958) and Van Hiele (1986). Secondary sources for Van Hiele research are Mayberry (1983), who found that students may operate at different levels for different concepts; Mayson (1997),who claims that gifted students may skip van Hiele levels; and Clements and Battista (1992),who cite finding indicating that the van Hiele levels involve cognitive developmental factors as well as didactical factors. The van Hiele theory has been applied to clarify students difficulties with the higher order cognitive processes, which is necessary to success in high school geometry. In this theory if students do not taught at the proper Hiele level that they are at or ready for it, will face difficulties and they cannot understand geometry. The therapy that offered for students by this theory is that they should go through the sequence of levels in a specific way. (Usiskin, 1982b). It is possible to generalize the Van Hiele model to the other topics such as physics, science and arts. Because the main idea of this theory is the consequence of levels and believing that each level is built on properties of the previous level as many researches has done based on this theory on science education. Characteristics of Van Hiele level of geometric thought Van Hiele theory argues there are some misconstructions in teaching of school mathematics and geometry, which was existed for long time based on the formal axiomatic geometry and was created by Euclid more than two thousand years ago. Euclid logical construction is based on his axioms, definitions, theorems, and proofs. Therefore, the school geometry that is in a similar axiomatic fashion assumes that students think in a formal deductive level. However, it is not usually the case and the students have the lack of prerequisite understanding about geometry. Van Hiele discusses this lack creates a gap between their level of geometric thinking that they are, and the level of geometric thinking that they required for and they expected to learn. He supports Piagets points of view Giving no education is better than giving it at the wrong time. Teachers should provide teaching that is appropriate to the level of childrens thinking. Van Hiele theory suggests: It depends on the students level of geometric thinking the teacher can decide in which level the teaching should be begun.(Van Hiele, 1999) According to the van Hiele theory, a student moves sequentially from the initial level (Visualization) to the highest level (Rigor). Students cannot achieve one level of thinking successfully without having passed through the previous levels. Furthermore, Burger Shaughnessy (1986) and Mayberry (1983) have found that the level of thinking at an entry level is not the same in all areas of geometry. During last decades many researchers and investigators tried to support the Van Hiele model or disapprove of it and still some try to improve or adjust this model. Many of the researcher used Van Hiele level of geometric thought as a suitable and proper theory in their research using dynamic geometry software (Smart, 2008). The Van Hiele levels have certain properties specially for understanding the geometry. First of all, the stages have fixed sequence property. The five levels are hieratically, it means students must go through the levels in order. He/she cannot fit in level N without having gone through the previous level (N-1). Students cannot engage in geometry thinking at higher level without passing the lower levels. Second property is adjacency of the levels. At each level of thought what is essential in the previous level become extrinsic in the existing level. Individual understanding and reflection on geometric ideas are needed to move from one level to the next one, rather than biological maturation. Third each level has its own symbols and linguistic and relationships for connecting those symbols. This property is a distinction of the stages. For example when a teacher use a language for higher level of thinking than students level of thinking, students cannot understand the concepts and try to just memorizing the proofs and do the rote learning. In this case miscommunication emerge (Hong Lay, 2005). The next characteristic, clarifies two persons in different levels cannot understand each other. As each level of thinking has its own language and symbols so students in different levels cannot understand each other. Lastly, the Van Hiele theory emphasize on pedagogy and the importance of teacher instruction to assist students transition through one level to the next one. This characteristic indicates that appropriate activities which allow students to explore and discover geometric concepts in appropriate levels of their thinking are the best activities to advance students level of thinking. Phases of learning geometry Van Hiele theory defines five levels of learning geometry which students must pass in order to obtain an understanding of geometric concept. To progress from one level to next level should be involve these five levels as Usiskin argued: The learning process leading to complete understanding at the next higher level has five phases, approximately but not strictly sequential, entitled: Inquiry Directed orientation Explanation Free orientation Integration (p.6)(Usiskin, 1982a). These five level are very valuable in designing activities and design instructional phases. Phase one: Inquiry First phase of learning geometry starts with inquiry or information satge. In this stage students learn about the nature of the geometric objects.in order to design appropriate activities, Teacher identify students prior knowledge about new concept which need to be learnt. Then teacher design proper activities to encourage and encounter students with the new concept which is being taught. Phase two: Directed orientation During this phase while students doing their short activities with set of outcomes like: measuring, folding and unfolding, or geometry games, teacher provides appropriate activities base on students levels level of thinking to encourage them be more familiar with the concept being taught. Phase three: Explanation As the name of this phase demonstrates, in this stage students try to describe their learning of new concept in their own words. Students in this phase start to express their conclusions and finding with their other classmates and teacher in their own words. They communicate mathematically. The role of teacher in this stage is supplying relevant mathematical terminology and language in a proper manner, by using geometrical and mathematical language accurately and correctly. Phase four: Free orientation In this phase geometrical tasks that appeal to numerous ways is presented to the students. This is the students who decide how to go about accomplishing these tasks. As the way of solid geometry, they have learned to investigate more complex open-ended activities. Phase Five: Integration In this stage students summarize completed tasks and overview whatever they have learned to develop a new network of concepts. By completing this stage it is expected that students attained a new level of geometric thought. One of important properties of these phases of learning in Van Hiele theory is not linear in nature. Sometimes students need a cycle form of these phases by repeating more than one time to overcome certain geometrical concepts. The role of teaches here is providing suitable activities based on these five phases to develop each level of van Hiele geometric thinking. The Van Hiele level of geometric thinking According to Van Hiele theory, the development of students geometric thinking considered regarding the increasingly sophisticated level of thinking. These levels are hierarchies and able to predict future students enactment in geometry(Usiskin, 1982a). This model consists of five levels in understanding, which numbered from 0 to 4. However, in this research we defined these levels from 1 to 5 to be able categorize students, who are not fitted in the model as level 0. Level 1, Visualization Level 2, Analysis Level 3, Informal deduction Level 4, deduction Level 5, rigor Level 1: Visualization The base stage of Van Hiele geometric thinking which is encountered with goals of mathematical domain is Level 1. The objectives of the first level are functions like the underpinning elements of everything that are going to be studied. Understanding at this stage includes visualizing base objects. At this level visualization defines as comprehension or seeing initial objects in students minds. For instance, a number line in this stage could be defined as real numbers in the domain of real numbers. Vectors and matrices can be seen as basic objects in the domain of leaner algebra. So perceiving vector as a directed segment or matrices as a rectangular table of numbers lies in level 1. Elementary teachers know that it takes a few years of school for pupils to master visualization level. For example, it takes long time for students to see real numbers in a number line format. Similarly, perception of an ordered list or array of numbers, or an ordered pair of points is not something that occurs to an untaught mind and eye. Hence, serious teaching effort and introduction needed to students achieve Level 1and it is not assumed the visualization of initial objects to be obvious or trivial for students. Geometry in Iran starts in elementary school and continues until level 8 with introducing geometry shapes like circles, squares, triangles, straight lines, etc. At the level 1 student learn to recognize geometric characteristics in objects that can be physically seen. At this stage student are assumed to be able to categorize geometric shapes by visual recognition, and know their names, for example, in solid geometry in level 1, if shown a picture of a polyhedron like a cube, students would be able to say that it is a cube because it looks like one for him or her. At this stage, it is not required to think of a cube, or any other geometric object, in terms of its properties, like saying a cube has 6 faces and 12 edges. With visual recognition a student would be able to make a copy, by drawing, plotting or using some sort of dynamic geometry software, of a shape or configuration of shapes if they could be shown or told what it is they were supposed to be copying. In this stage, the instruction should be based on the name the student has memorized for the object and not the objects properties. For instance, it could be draw a cube not draw a polygon with 12 equal edges that are perpendicular to the base and 6 equal faces. Level 2: Analysis Stage At analysis stage, students begin to analysis objects that were only visually perceived at pervious level, identifying their parts and relations among these parts. They focus on the properties of these objects. For example, focus on Real Numbers in this stage can be closure under operations. This property can be leading to distinguishing subsets of Real Numbers inside the set which are Integers and Rational Numbers. In solid geometry, the analysis stage is where students begin seeing the properties associated with the different shapes or configurations. A cube will now become a shape with 6 equal faces which opposite faces are parallel and 12 edges and adjacent angles right angles and having opposite faces equal, as well as having the diagonals intersect in their middle. However, at this stage, it is not assumed that students will be seeking logical relationships between properties such as knowing that it is enough for a Parallelepiped as a solid with parallel opposite faces and all the other properties follow. Neither is it assumed that students will think about a cuboid as a special type of Parallelepiped. Therefore, students will identify shapes and solids based on the wholeness of their properties. In other words, relationships between shapes and configurations remain merely on the list of properties they have. At this stage if a student were asked to describe a shape or solid, the description would be based on the objects properties. At the same time, if a student were asked to reproduce a shape or solid based on the list of properties, they would be capable of do so. Students would also be able to verify figures and solids hieratically by analyzing their properties. In this stage student can recognize the interrelation between figures and their properties. For example, knowing the property that the Parallelepiped the student would be able to deduce that cuboid is special kind of Parallelepiped. Level 3: Informal Deduction Stage Informal deduction is known as the third level of geometric thinking. Some of researchers name this level as abstract/Relation level too(Battista, 1999; Cabral, 2004). In this stage students can reason logically. This stage is achieved when a student can operate with the relation of figures and solids and is able to apply congruence of geometric figures to prove certain properties of a total geometric configuration of which congruent figures are a part. They become aware about sufficient and necessary condition for a concept. A student fit at this level after achieving pervious levels (visualization and analysis). At this level more attention given to relations among properties. In other words, in this stage focus is properties of sets of properties. In this level according to relationship between properties of objects students attempt to group these properties into subgroups. Students try to find out what are the minimum of properties that needed to describe of the initial base elements. They intend to categorize properties which are equivalent in certain situation. The mathematical relationships between properties are the main focus in this stage. Understanding and finding these relationships is a kind of informal deduction. For example, in this stage students would start to improve the idea that some operations in real numbers follows from other sets like natural numbers. Then they would start making an approach understanding the Real Numbers axiom as a systematic commutative field. But they cannot make proofs for such informal observation. Just in the next stage student would be able to produce proofs and deductions. That is where using the tools like Cabri 3D as a dynamic geometry software play very important roles. For most of the students jump to the third level, informal deduction, is not easy. Now they can group the properties and identify the minimum amount of the needed properties. For example a cube, which might have had at level 2 the properties of six equal square faces, twelve equal edges with equal diagonal, parallel edges, perpendicular Adjacent edges, now would describe with the smaller amount of the properties such as shape composed of six equal squares. As it is seen, students in this level start formulation definitions for classes of objects and figures. For instance, a right triangle can be defined as a special kind of triangle that has two perpendicular sides or a right angle. As in this stage parallelogram and rectangle are not independent shapes, cube and cuboid also would be a special model of Parallelepiped. In this level students could give informal arguments to prove geometric results. They start deductively thinking about geometry and it is one of important aspects of the present stage. Some simple rules may be using here, because students follow just simple logics. For example, if A=B and B=C then A=c. Most of fitted students in the informal deduction level would able to justify arguments that they presented before with informal logic relationships. Therefore, at this level they can give informal logical relationships and use them about earlier identified properties. All in all, students now start to recognize the significance of the deduction and logic in the Geometry. Level 4: Deduction Deduction is the fourth level of Van Hiele theory of geometric thinking. In this level students start to construct rather than just memorize the proofs. They are able to find differences between the same proofs. The goal of the previous level was discovering the relations among properties of the bases element by the students. At level 4 those relations are used to deduce theorems about base elements based on laws of deductive logic. The main purpose of level 4 is the organization of the statements about relations from level 2 and 3 into deductive proofs. Discussing to the real number example, at this level, it is expected of the students to prove, for real numbers if. Students are ready to accept a system of axioms, theorem, and definitions. They can create the proofs form the axioms and just using the models or diagrams to support their arguments. Thus, students are able to formally prove what they had proved previously in level 3 using diagrams and informal arguments. They also start to distinguish the need for undefined terms in Geometry, which is very hard concept to understand in purely logical system. Another point in this stage is that, students begin to become aware, understand and identify the differences between contrapositive, converse, and a theorem. They can also prove or disprove any of those relationships. In this level students become aware of relationships and connections between theorems and group them correspondingly. These level is the stage at which high school students are taught in Iran. Mesal 3d Level 5: Rigor In level fifth which named rigor, traditionally students hyper analysed the deductive proofs from level 4. They are looking to find the relationships between proves. This level looks to identified organizations of pervious level. For example, at this level the questions of are the proofs consistent with each other, how strong of a relationship is described in the proof and how do they compare with other proofs would be asked. The level of Rigor involves a deep questioning of all of the assumptions that have come before. This type of questioning also involves a comparison to other mathematical systems of similar qualities. For example, in Level 5if we considered Real Numbers we would begin to compare them as a field to other fields in general. It is fair to say that this level is usually only undertaken by professional mathematicians.(Smart, 2008) At Level 5 of van Hiele theory students can work in non-Euclidean of geometric system. So this level does not met by the high school students and it is usually assigned to college or university students in higher education. At non-Euclidean geometry constructing visual models for recognition is not easy and useful, so the focus is more on abstract concepts. So, most of geometry which is done in this level is based on abstract and proof-oriented. Students in this stage are capable to compare axioms systems such as Euclidean and Non-Euclidean. Most of the students who have fitted in this level become professionals in geometricians and geometry so they are able to carefully develop the theorems in different axiomatic geometric systems. Therefore as smart (2008) emphasis, this level usually is the work of professional mathematicians and their students in higher education that conduct research in other areas of the geometry. The Van Hiele started his research after he found that most of the students have difficulty with learning geometry. He observed that these students struggled with geometry, although they easily understood other mathematics topics. The results of their study showed, most of the High school students are taught at level 3and 4. Then van Hiele deduced most of the students had difficulty in learning geometry at level 3 and 4, because they could not understand geometry at level 2 to be able to move onto grasping level. Therefore, for melting this problem more focus is needed at second stage, analysis level and more emphasis on third stage, informal deduction. Then it can be expected that they are able to success at the deduction level.(Battista, 1999) Van hiele noted that students should pass through lower levels of geometric thinking smoothly and master them before attaining higher levels. Van Hiele theory recommends achieving higher level of thought needs a precise designed instructions. Since students are not able to bypass levels and achieve understanding, permanently dealing with formal proof can cause students to relay on memorization without understanding. In addition, geometric thinking is inherent in the types of skills we want to nurture in students. Research involving the van Hiele Model of Geometric Thinking and Interaction with dynamic geometry software Van Hiele described in his article (1999) that the learning geometry can be started in a playful environment to explore geometrical concepts with certain shapes, and properties, parallelism, and symmetry. He advised some mosaic puzzles in this purpose. In the line of his work, geometry based software provide the more powerful environment which can be used to enhance the level of geometric thinking. There are several studies carried out on effects of using some dynamic geometry software such as (geometers Sketchpad) GSP on levels of van Hiele . Different researches had been involving the Van Hiele geometric thinking since last decades. Some researchers used van Hiele Model as the theoretical framework while others used it as an analytic tool. Moreover many researches conduct study on geometric softwares like: Geometry Scratchpad used van Hiele theory to find out their effects on geometric reason, geometric thinking and other aspects. In order to find out whether dynamic geometry software is able to enhance the level of geometric thinking or not several researches has been conducted. In general, the van Hiele Model has been used in their research as an analytic tool and theoretical framework. For example, July (2001) documented and described 10th-grade students geometric thinking and spatial abilities as they used Geometers Sketchpad (GSP) to explore, construct, and analyze three-dimensional geometric objects. Then he found out the role that can dynamic geometry software, such as GSP, play in the development of students geometric thinking as defined by the van Hiele theory. He found there was evidence that students geometric thinking was improved by the end of the study. The teaching episodes using GSP encouraged level 2 thinking of the van Hiele theory of geometric thinking by helping students to look beyond the visual image and attend to the properties of the image. Via GSP students could resize, tilt, and manip ulate solids and when students investigated cross sections of Platonic Solids, they learned that they could not rely on their perception alone. In addition teaching episodes using GSP encouraged level 3 of the van Hiele thinking by aiding students learn about relationships within and between structure of Platonic solids(July, 2001). Noraini Idris (2007) also found out the positive effects of using GSP on level of Van Hiele among Form Two students in secondary school. In addition she reported the positive reaction of students toward using this software in learning geometry. In contrast Moyer,T(2003) in his PhD thesis used a non-equivalent control group design to investigate the effects of GSP on van Hiele levels. His research carried out in 2 control groups and 2 experimental groups in one high school in Pennsylvania. He had used Van Hiele tests written by Usiskin. However, Comparison of pre-test and post-test did not show a significant difference on increasing Van Hiele level of geometric thinking(July, 2001; Moyer, 2003). Fyhn (2008) categorized students responses according to the van Hile levels in a narrative form of a climbing trip(Fyhn, 2008). The theoretical framework used Smart(2008) for his research Introducing Angles in Grade Four was a combination of a teaching theory called Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) and a learning theory called the van Hiele Model of Geometric Thinking. His research findings suggest the usefulness of using lesson plans based on the two theoretical frameworks in helping students develop an analytical conceptualization of mathematics. In this study the model was neither proved nor disproved but just accepted as an analytic framework. Gills,J (2005) investigated students ability to form geometric conjectures in both statistic and dynamic geometry environments in his doctoral thesis. All participates were exposed to both environment and take parted, up to eight lab activities. He also used van Hiele theory as the main theoretical framework with more emphasis on geometric reasoning.(Gillis, 2005) Research that used the van Hiele Model as an accepted framework covers variety of different topics. For example, Gills,J (2005) find out the mathematical conjectures formed by high school geometry students when given identical geometric figures in two different, dynamic and statistic of geometric environments. Burger and Shaughnessy (1986) tested students from grade one to first year of university to determine in what level the students are functioning regarding triangles and quadrilaterals. Cabri 3D Most of the dynamic geometric software until 2005 has been constructed in 2 dimensions. Just a few dynamic geometry software, has constructed on Three-dimensional dynamic geometric software such as, Autograph and Cabri 3. Focus of present study is on Cabri 3D, which is a new version of Cabri II (2 dimensional software). Cabri 3D is a commercial interactive geometry software manufactured by the French company Cabrilog for teaching and learning geometry and trigonometry. It was designed with the ease-of-use in mind. Cabri 3D as dynamic and interactive geometry provides a significant improvement over those drawn on a whiteboard by allowing the user to animate geometric figures, relationships between points on a geometric object may easily be demonstrated, which can be useful in the learning process. There are also graphing and display functions, which allow exploration of the connections between geometry and algebra. The program can be run under Windows or the Mac OS(CABRILOG SAS, 2009). From Euclidean geometry, Compass, straightedge and ruler, for many years, have been used in as the unique method of teaching and learning geometry, and tools used to aid people in expressing their knowledge. With the creation of computers, new world opened up to teaching and learning geometry. The speed and memory of modern PCs, together with decreasing prices, have made possible the development of `virtual reality computer games making use of the 3D graphics chips included on modern graphics cards. some educational spin-off from this has been the development of 3D interactive geometry software such as Cabri 3D, Autograph ,etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ But tools can contain particular conceptions so; the aim of designing a dynamic geometry software package is to provide new instructional tools to study, teaching and learning geometry. While all the dynamic geometry software attempt to model use of straightedge, compass and ruler in Euclidean geometry, other futures like measuring capability and dragging possibilities and changing the view of objects in 3 Dimensional (Gonzaà ­lez Herbst, 2009). Cabri 3D launched in September 2004 by Cabrilog, this software has the capacity to revolutionize teaching and learning of 3D geometry, at all levels, in the same way that dynamic geometry software has for 2D (CABRILOG SAS, 2009). Cabri 3D can share the same aptitude for making new discoveries as a research tool. There are some important practical features of Cabri 3D. First, This program is capable to store the files as text in Cabrilogs development of the Extensible Markup Language (XML). XML is the simplest version of the SGML standard for creating and designing HTML documents (suitable for use on Internet sites).XML designed by the World Wide Web Consortium as a more flexible replacement for HTML. Next, as Oldknow discussed, Files developed in Cabri 3D can be inserted as active objects in web-pages, spread sheets, word documents and etc. It is an interesting future because this objects which inserted in the files can be manipulated by users who do not own a copy of Cabri 3D in the ir computers.(Oldknow, 2006) One of the important charactirisitc of Cabri package is draging.Arzarello, Olivero, Paola, Robutti (2002) found that dragging in Cabri allows students to validate their conjectures. They claimed that work in Cabri is enough for the students to be convinced of the validity of their conjectures. If the teacher does not motivate students to find out why a conjecture is true, then the justifications given by students may remain at a perceptive-empirical level. Students would claim that the proposition is true because the property observed on the Cabri figure stays the same when dragging the drawing, given the hypotheses do not change. When such a belief is shared in the classroom, then Cabri might become an obstacle in the transition from empirical to theoretical thinking, as it allows validating a proposition without the need to use a theory. These researcher asserted, if teacher makes explicit the role of proof in justification, then students will be motivated to prove why a certain pr oposition is true (within a theory), after they know within the Cabri environment, that it is true. To paraphrase Polya (1954), first we need to be convinced that a proposition is true, then we can prove it.(Arzarello, Olivero, Paola, Robutti, 2002). In some researches the centrality has given to dragging in 2D dynamic geometry software and its implications for developing different types of reasoning (Arzarello et al. 2002).in addition because dragging is something which might make motion in 3D (on the 2D screen), it is more difficult to interpret and understand by the user. The various aspects of dragging in 3D DGE are issues that could usefully be the focus for research.(Hoyl

A Look at Bipolar Disorder Essay -- Diseases/Disorders

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is more than just ordinary mood swings. People suffer from periods of mania to periods of depression. Bipolar disorder is a significant medical condition that is a great health interest in America (Hopkins Medicine). The number of people being diagnosed with bipolar disorder increases every year; therefore, the importance of education and understanding of this disorder also increases because it can affect so many people’s lives. According to Johns Hopkins medicine, manic depression affects more than 5.7 million American adults--or about 2.6 percent of Americans age 18 and older in a given year. Both sexes are affected equally. Bipolar disorder does not discriminate against race, ethnicity, or social class. Adolescence or early adulthood is when bipolar disorder normally begins, with 25 being the average age. Although researchers have not yet identified the gene, it is believed to be hereditary and likely runs in the family (Hopkins Medicine). The precise cause of bipolar disorder is not known, but there are a few components that to may lead to bipolar episodes. Experts believe bipolar people have biological changes in their brain and an imbalance in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Hormone imbalance is also believed to be a cause of episodes. People that have a blood relative with bipolar disorder have a greater chance of also being bipolar. When someone has a stressful, abusive event, or has suffered a great loss may also trigger bipolar (WebMD). Symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary from mild to severe. The symptoms of mania consist of mood changes such as periods of feeling â€Å"high† or exceedingly happy and outgoing while also being agitated. People suffering from mania ... ...y/conditions/adult/mental_health_disorders/manic_depressionbipolar_disorder_85,P00743/>. Johnston, Janice. ABC 20/20. 21 April 2011. 1 April 2012 . Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic. 18 January 2012. 31 March 2012 . National Institute of Mental Health. NIMH. n.d. 24 March 2012 . Russell, Peter. WebMD Health News. 14 April 2011. 1 April 2012 . Torrey, E. Fuller and Michael B. Knable. Surviving Manic Depression. New York: Basic Books, 2002. WebMD. WebMD. n.d. 24 March 2012 .

Acid Rain Research Paper Essay

Rain is one of the most dire and essential needs for a thriving ecosystem, and to sustain human, animal, and plant life. The water provided by the water cycle, the event causing rain, is required to keep all life on Earth alive. Rain, although naturally acidic, seems to have been increasing at a rapid rate due to many reasons. Some of these many reasons include, pollution. Pollution from homes, factories, power stations, cars, and many more man-made products. So even though rain, while naturally acidic, was not referred to as â€Å"Acid Rain† till man-made pollutions began to alter it in a greater way. The effect of these pollutions on rain, is now the reason why acid rain is of existence. However, contrary to popular belief, acid rain isn’t just a problem that’s occurred in the past thirty years. Over a hundred years ago, a chemist named Robert Smith found great evidence that the rainfall in Manchester, U.K. was more acidic than reasonable. After studying chemicals like sulphur dioxide, he found a link between the increased acidity in the rain and the amount of chemicals being given off when coal was burnt in factories. Acidity levels in rain rise mainly when pollutants from all aforementioned sources are mixed with the atmospheric moisture. Due to this mixing of the atmosphere, it is incredibly hard to maintain and/or contain the levels of acidity in rain to a single area. Pollutants and chemicals may be carried in clouds over incredibly long distances before finally resulting in downpour. This means that outside of factories and industrial zones, acid rain can hit commercial areas, and can also spread to wildlife areas, such as rainforests, forests, jungles, and other biomes. All this attributes to the rising rates of acidic rain over the past 100 years. The effects of acid rain on living things, such as plants, marine life, animals, and humans? There is an obvious and increasing link between acid rain and the harm done to organic life. Primarily, since more easily documentable, human health seems to be affected the most in this trifle. People can be harmed by breathing in toxins, chemicals, and pollutants, from either dry deposits of this acid rain, or chemicals can be released through vapor/liquid form. This can range from causing chest illnesses, breathing problems, birth defects, and other unusual diseases more and more commonly being revealed as time progresses. Some birth defects include, but are not limited to, birth without certain limbs, birth without ability to reproduce, or lacking reproductive organs completely, and other respiratory conditions. These respiratory conditions occur because when toxins burrow into the lungs, it acts as a poison, and causes the airways to get narrower. The narrowing of the respiratory system’s airways causes it to become harder to breathe. The same conditions exist for other organic life, only in a slightly different manner. Marine life and animals seem to exhibit nearly the same conditions that humans do, except with less frequent birth rates with lack of limbs. Breathing gets more difficult for all living organisms with a respiratory system, or similar breathing mechanism. However, acid rain becomes a much more complex matter when dealing with plants. Over the progression of time, scientists have noted a slowed progression of forests, leaves turning brown and dying whereas they should be green and healthy. After massive conductions of tests, scientists have noted that acid rain is one of the primary reasons for dying/slowed/injured rainforests. In other studies, it’s shown that soil degradation is a product resulting from acid rain, mainly in the eastern regions of the US. The effects of acid rain on buildings? The acidity levels in rain have a much slower impact on constructions and buildings than they do on organic life, but the impact is still notice, increasingly over the past few years. It is a proven scientific fact that acids have a corrosive effect on many buildings and sculptures, most notably, the statue of liberty. The Statue Of Liberty, being made from  copper, has an extreme reaction when having dealt with acid rain. As well as having a dire effect on constructions of copper, other materials such as limestone and marble also have an extreme corrosive reaction to acids and acid rain. It is scientific fact that any wet or dry deposition of sulfur dioxide drastically increases the rate of corrosion on limestone, marbles, sandstones, and coppers. A common test to prove this would be dropping an egg into vinegar, a test many have conducted as proof to this fact. Eggshells are made from the same materials as limestone, calcium carbonate, and vinegar also has a great acidity level. Within an hour from dropping this egg into the vinegar, the shell will completely dissolve. In these two pictures you can see the effects of acids on different construction material. This massively demonstrates the fatalities of acidic rain levels being increased over time. In the picture to the right, the eggs in water and orange are practically new, where as the egg in coke seems to have a few obstructions. However, the egg that is in the vinegar, is shown to be completely dissolving with bubbles even popping out from around it. In the picture to the left it show’s the stature of liberty as how it once used to be (Artists depiction), and of how it is now. These drastic effects are fatal on the environment, natural or manmade. Solutions to solve this problem of acid rain? To reduce the acidity levels of rain, industries must cut down the amount of sulphur dioxide being produced when fossil fuels are burned and used. Viewing it like this, industries have a few options in which to choose from. They can produce and use coal that has little to no amounts of sulphur on it, research can be done to find a way in which to remove sulphur from coal. Other choices, but less conventional range from using a different kind of fuel, or researching a way in which when the coal is burned, the sulfur is destroyed before being emissed into the atmosphere. There seems to be many ways to combat this issue, but the most conventional seems to be halting the emissions of pollutants all in all. Reducing the amount of nitrogen oxide emissions caused by car exhaust is an effective solution. Public transport systems need to be improved so that people can travel without having to use their cars. If more people used public transport, it would cut the number of  private vehicles on the roads, and would reduce pollution dramatically. Everybody needs to work together to reduce pollutants to make the world a safer and healthier place to live. In conclusion, acid rain continues to develop into a greater and more massive problem as time progresses. However, if certain countermeasures are taken, which in hindsight, shouldn’t have to have been even contemplated if measures were taken in the past, can prevent acidity levels in rain to become a greater problem than it already is. In addition to limiting its growth, we can also work together, industries and the common denizens of society, to lowering its level as a whole.

A Taste of Honey

Shelagh Delaney was the author of the play A Taste of Honey. She was born in Broughton, Salford where she attended her three primary schooling. Her ambition was always to write that is why at her early age, she began writing. Unfortunately, the performance of Delaney was fair only as seen in her achievements in the early part of her career. She was not known for her writing that is why she focuses on how to develop her writing skills (McCully).Delaney was a late bloomer in terms of her development in writing skills. In fact, when she started writing her novel, A Taste of Honey, she realized that it will be better to transform the novel into a play. Then eventually, the written novel was changed into a play.The main story of the play focused on a teen-aged working class girl refuses to conform to her dreary surroundings. The play tells the viewer typical social problems of Britain like poverty. The play director, Joan Littlewood, suggested that the play must be portrayed by a simple o r typical girl which the director based it from what the novel wants to impart to the audience.SUMMARYBefore going to the analytical and deep discussion on the play A Taste of Honey, it is better to summarize first the play. The main characters of the play are Josephine, Helen, Peter, The Boy, and Geoffrey.The Boy is a black sailor who was in love with Josephine but did not seen much in the play. Before he goes to the sea were he intended to leave for six months, he asked Josephine to marry him and gave her a ring as a sign of his love to her. From the play, The Boy impregnates Josephine.     Helen is the mother of Josephine. At the beginning of the play, she and her daughter had moved into a chilly and unclean flat house. Josephine was the product of Helen’s brief relation to a man who had divorced her eventually.The character of Helen was a hardened, middle-aged, working class alcoholic mother, while Peter is a young, wealthy man from London who was the reason why Helen leaves her daughter to start a new life. And the last main character is Geoffrey, a homosexual who happened to be Josephine’s roommate after she moved to another place. Geoffrey is the one who take care Josephine when she is still pregnant (Delaney).  The story is all about the adolescent of a normal girl, Josephine, a young working-class girl, is left alone and pregnant when her saloon-frequenting mother runs off to get married, and her lover, a Black sailor, returns to duty never to be seen again, but she finds help and friendship with Geoffrey, a homosexual art student.The stages of adolescenceThe purpose of this paper is to have a deep analysis or critical review about the play and focusing on the stages of adolescences of the main character who is Josephine.We know that all of us will undergo the stage of adolescence. Males and females have different stage or development periods just to say they are going or undergoing on the adulthood. The adolescence period is one o f the struggle and sometimes turmoil as the adolescent strives to develop a personal identity and achieve a successful transition from childhood to adulthood (Estes).The above paragraph shows the true meaning of adolosence period in a more technical or scientific manner. Though this can be considered for this paper, but I think what is more important to analyze are the changes that undergoes an adolescent in terms of psychological, mental, social and cultural changes. The psychological, cognitive and social changes associated with adolescences are the most complex and profound in any development period.Physical and sexual maturities are reached during adolescence with girls tending to experience both puberty and growth spurt earlier than boys. Although Josephine had a sexual relation with The Boy, this cannot be associated only with the sexual maturity of Josephine but more deep which is the social and emotional condition of Josephine when she decided to have sexual relation. This p art will be discussed as we go along the way.A normal adolescence period will have developed increasingly sophisticated cognitive and interpersonal skills, test out adult roles and behaviors and begin to explore educational and occupational opportunities that will significantly influence future adult work life and socioeconomic status. In the case of Josephine, her personal strength was tested when she was left by her mother in exchange to the wealthy man.Josephine strived not only for herself but also for her child who is still in her womb. Josephine had learned to deal with other people in order to survive from the harsh environment. She first met The Boy who had shown affection for Josephine. In adolescence period, there will come a time that we will be attracted to the opposite sex and this what Josephine experienced in the middle part of the play.They both had a short affair. Due to alienation and loneliness, she decided to have sex relation with The Boy. There are many reasons why a person undergoing adolescence period wants to engage into sex. Some is for the physical and sexual maturity while others is because they have some emotional and social problems and thought that having sex will eliminate all these problems. In the case of Josephine, I think she has deeper purpose why she decided have sex and not only for physical maturity (Savage).I think the main reason why Josephine had undergone a not so normal adolescence stage is because her abnormal social and economic status of their family. Single parent is one of the sensitive issues in our society because it concerns children physical, mental, and emotional development. From the play, Josephine has single-parent households.We know for the fact that our parents are the ones who have the major responsibility in caring, teaching and nurturing the values needed in our development as a child and as adulthood (Belcastro). They are the one who will guide and stand behind us in every steps, decisions, choice s as well our falls. Without them, there can only be two ways where we will go, the right way or the wrong way.If the personality of the person is weak, then he or she will be easily go to the wrong path of adolescence period while if the person does not being hindered by many physical, emotional and social problems, then he or she can overcome all these and will go to the right path.These problems that were represented from the play were all good picture of what the country, Great Britain, is experiencing when Delaney wrote it. I think the author want to emphasize every problem to the viewers and internalize on how to deal with these. The author wants to impart or educate on what is really happening in their society. This is like a call to response on these problems on which she used the abnormal stage of adolescence.

Cuban Missle Crisis essays

Cuban Missle Crisis essays In 1962, Cuban leaders became convinced that the United States was planning an attack on Cuba. Cuban leaders asked the U.S.S.R. for more military aid. The U.S.S.R. responded by sending missiles and materials to build launch In October of that year, U.S. intelligence produced evidence that the Soviets were building missile sites in Cuba. Khrushchev, leader of Soviet Union, denied they were building missile sites, but the American ambassador to the United Nations, produced photographs taken by U.S. reconnaissance planes for al the world to see. President Kennedy considered it an act of aggression by the Soviet Union. He place an air and naval blockade around Cuba against the delivery of weapons. The U.S. was on edge ready for air strikes on Cuba. Finally, Khrushchev agreed to remove the missiles in exchange for an American promise not to invade Cuba. The most dangerous confrontation between superpowers since World War II had come to a peaceful end. Both countries in effect, made a choice against nuclear war. It again seemed possible to hope for peace. That following summer, the two countries took a first step towards an arms agreement by banning the testing of nuclear weapons in the ...

Speilberg essays

Speilberg essays Probably the most commercially influential director of all time, with a handful of his films listed among the top 10 biggest moneymakers of all time, Steven Spielberg is the most successful, brilliant and important filmmaker in history. But no other director-producer has been responsible for so many top-grossing hits of his time. It is hard to imagine a person who has not heard of Steven Spielberg. He is one of the most renown. Spielbergs films have captivated and helped develop the imaginations of contemporary society and remain amongst the most successful films ever made.(www.multimania.com/Spielberg/hollywoodonlinebio) The film maker was born in Cincinnati on December 18th, 1946. Shortly thereafter, the Spielberg family moved out west to Scottsdale Arizona. Steven was the child of an electrical engineer father, Arnold, and a concert pianist mother, Leah. When he was twelve, Steven discovered a powerful new weapon that he would use the rest of his life, the Camera. It was a gift from his mom to his dad. An 8-mm Kodak camera for camping trips and various other family activities. The young Spielberg grew up in front of the television set, when he wasn't in the back yard fooling around with a home-movie camera. Spielberg had an early fascination with cinema and began making amateur films at a very young age. At 13, he won a local contest for his 40 minute film, Escape to Nowhere. Three years later, he made Firelight (an early precursor to Close Encounters of the Third Kind) which got shown at the local theater and even managed to gross $100. Despite his early success, Steven was unable to get into a film school, and instead settled for majoring in English Literature at California State University in Long Beach. Upon graduation, Steven set out to make it in Hollywood, and he was determined to be successful. Legend has it that while on a tour of the Universal Studios lot, he disappeared. While exploring...

34 Easy High-Protein Breakfasts Thatll Help You Lose Weight

34 Easy High-Protein Breakfasts That'll Help You Lose Weight Jumpstart your results with the right breakfast. Eat breakfast. Eat protein. If youre trying to lose weight—or just eat and live a bit healthier—those are two tips you shouldnt ignore. And, if you combine them by starting each day with a high-protein breakfast, well, youre pretty much unstoppable. Eating at least 30 grams of protein at breakfast can help you feel satisfied and feel less hungry later in the day, explains Amy Goodson, R.D., a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant based in Dallas, Texas. This is great for women looking to lose weight. The trick, she says, is that protein takes longer to digest than traditional carbohydrate-heavy breakfast foods like cereal or muffins. And the longer it takes to digest, the less hungry youll feel and the more youll be able to stick to your healthy eating goals. For example, in one recent study, people who started their days with between 30 to 39 grams of protein ended up eating 175 fewer calories at lunchtime. And, in one Nutrition Metabolism study, dieters who increased their protein intake so that they were getting 30 percent of their daily calories from protein lost about 11 pounds in 12 weeks. Still, if youve ever tried following a high-protein diet, you know that upping your protein intake isnt always easy especially if you dont have your recipe arsenal stocked with high-protein breakfast ideas. Thats why we asked nutrition experts to get creative and share their favorite high-protein breakfast ideas. Whether you like sweet or savory, exotic or comforting, vegan or paleo, on-the-go or sitting down, there is something everyone will love on this list. BLUEBERRY-ALMOND BAKED OATMEAL Oatmeal on its own is a delicious breakfast full of fiber and whole grains, but you can round it out and amp up the nutrition by adding flax meal, chia seeds, soy or almond milk, or protein powder, says Kimberly M. Neva, M.S., R.D., a dietitian and bariatric specialist at Loyola University Medical Center. Thats right, you can stir flavored or unflavored protein powder right into your oatmeal. Top with blueberries and almonds for extra fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins. OAT YOGURT CUPS Another option to increase the protein in your oatmeal is to add a couple of dollops of Greek yogurt, Neva says. Sprinkle with cinnamon for extra flavor. This pack 11 grams of protein per serving and is easy to take on the road with you, she says. Plus, you get filling fiber and healthy probiotics. MINI EGG FRITTATAS If eggs for breakfast sounds boring, try these individual frittatas, Neva says. Mix whole eggs and extra egg whites together with sautà ©ed vegetables. For even more protein, add some turkey sausage or cheese. Simply pour the mixture into muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until you can insert a knife in them and it comes out clean (in a standard-size muffin tin, that will be about 20 to 25 minutes). These are a perfect option if youre not a morning person, as they can be made ahead and then reheated quickly on your way out the door, she adds. TURKISH FRIED EGG Looking for an exotic flavor? Try this modified version of a popular Turkish dish, courtesy of Marina Rà ¶sser, a nutritionist and recipe author. Sautà © red onion, garlic, frozen spinach, and sliced chili peppers in a little olive oil. Once the veggies are soft, add an egg or two and finish cooking. Top with full-fat Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt. The combination creamy yogurt, fragrant olive oil, spicy chili and lemon is irresistible, she says. COTTAGE CHEESE BOWL When it comes to increasing your protein intake, low-fat cottage cheese is an option many people overlook. The nutrition, taste, cost, and ease of preparation make it a great addition to your breakfast rotation, Rà ¶sser says. (Note: Low-fat cottage cheese has more protein per serving than full-fat, although both are great options.) She recommends filling a bowl with cottage cheese, mixing in some beans, and topping with tomatoes, paprika, salt, pepper. CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PORRIDGE Sometimes you just have to have something sweet for breakfast and with this simple dish you can have your protein and the taste you crave, Rà ¶sser says. Mix together cooked oats, natural peanut butter, dark cacao, and sweet banana. Top with yogurt or your choice of milk. MINTY QUARK SHAKE Never heard of quark? Its a German-style yogurt, similar to Greek yogurt, but with more protein and a texture like cheesecake. This thicker consistency makes it ideal for whipping up a decadent, creamy protein shake. And remember a protein shake doesnt always have to be sweet, Rà ¶sser adds. Her favorite concoction: Quark, cucumber, mint, a splash of milk, and a pinch of salt. SHASHUKA This egg, onion, and tomato dish is a breakfast staple in Israel. In fact, the name literally means breakfast, Rà ¶sser says. Simply cook a sauce of sliced onions, red bell peppers, tomatoes, and paprika. Place two cooked eggs on a slice of whole-grain bread and smother it in the sauce. Top with parsley leaves, chili flakes, salt, and pepper for more flavor. CRUNCHY SCRAMBLED EGGS Take your basic scrambled eggs to the next level by adding pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, cherry tomatoes, and arugula. This combo adds protein, fiber, flavor, and a satisfying crunch to an otherwise ordinary dish, Rà ¶sser says. SMOKED SALMON TOAST Fish is an excellent breakfast food. Not only does it have a ton of protein, but the healthy omega-3 fats can help everything from your skin to your brain. Breakfast is all about simplicity, so Rà ¶sser recommends keeping things easy by buying smoked salmon or trout and eating it on whole-grain toast. Optional toppings include cottage cheese, grated horseradish, dijon mustard, chopped parsley, chopped dill, chopped chives, lemons, or salt and pepper. YOGURT PARFAIT Start your morning off right with a simple parfait made of yogurt, berries and muesli, suggests Sonja Kukuljian, Ph.D., R.D., group general manager nutrition at Freedom Foods. Muesli is a whole grain cereal often eaten uncooked. There are lots of variations, so pick one high in fiber and low in sugar; Kukuljian suggests one containing barley, since its got both fiber and protein. POACHED EGGS ON SOURDOUGH Put a twist on standard eggs by poaching an egg in a little vinegar, Kukuljian says. Add a slice of whole-grain sourdough toast (a source of pre- and probiotics) and a drizzle of olive oil, and youve got a healthy, filling meal. VEGAN PROTEIN MUFFINS Protein has an important place in the vegan diet, and you can still get plenty of it without ever touching an animal product, says Rebecca Cafiero, a certified holistic health and integrative nutritionist and a TEDx Speaker. Her favorite plant-based breakfast is muffins made by cooking gluten-free oats in pea protein milk and adding a dash of coconut oil, almond butter, flaxseed, cinnamon, and blueberries. Mix to muffin-batter consistency. You can eat it right then or scoop into muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes for a portable breakfast. (Hit the reset button—and burn fat like crazy with The 2 Week Diet: Melt Away 6 Pounds Unwanted Stubborn Body Fat in Just 14 Days) VEGAN SMOOTHIE Protein smoothies are a tried-and-true healthy breakfast, but vegans may feel left out of the smoothie love as they dont do whey or egg proteins. No problem, Cafiero says, there are plenty of vegan-friendly protein powders. She likes to blend brown rice and pea protein powder with coconut oil, flaxseed, pea protein milk, spinach, blueberries, and a small amount of stevia and cinnamon. This provides a healthy serving of protein along with vital fats, vitamins, fiber, and micronutrients. CRUSTLESS MINI QUICHES You cant go wrong with eggs and veggies in the morning, and you can get both in these grab-and-go crustless quiches, says Jennifer Clemente, M.S., a board-certified nutritionist. Simply mix eggs with any type of vegetables you like—chopped sweet potato, asparagus, kale, and red onion are her favorites—add seasonings like garlic, sea salt, parsley, and cilantro. Bake in the oven until you can insert a knife in them and it comes out clean. These are loaded with fiber, protein and an incredibly wide range of nutrients including vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B6, and B12, as well as folate and chromium, she says. COLLAGEN SHAKE In the world of protein powders, collagen deserves more love, Clemente says. Collagen powder is pure protein thats cheap, flavorless, and dissolves well in shakes. She likes to blend it with plant milk, berries, chia seeds, and nut butter. The best part? Collagen is no ordinary protein—it may help give you plump glowing skin, reduce joint pain, strengthen nails, hair and teeth, and can improve intestinal conditions and digestion, she adds. AMPED-UP AVOCADO TOAST Avocado toast is the trendiest breakfast food right now, and with good reason. It provides a healthy dose of fats and fiber. But it can be improved, says Alana Kessler, M.S., a certified dietitian nutritionist. Give yours a nutritional boost by adding an egg or two and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. This adds filling protein and B vitamins. PROTEIN PANCAKES Now you can still have your favorite breakfast dish and get your protein too with this recipe, courtesy of Charlie Seltzer, M.D., a doctor specializing in weight loss. Simply blend until smooth 1/2 cup each of egg whites, oatmeal, and 1% cottage cheese along with 1 teaspoon baking soda. Cook the batter like a pancake [FOR HOW LONG?]. These pancakes may help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and contain lots of protein for the number of calories. Plus, he promises that the finished product doesnt taste like eggs or cottage cheese! PROTEIN BREAKFAST SANDWICH When you hear breakfast sandwich, you probably think egg McMuffins. Seltzers sandwich recipe, however, packs in the protein and fiber for minimal calories without sacrificing taste. Start with a toasted high-fiber English muffin. Add an egg, a slice of cheese, and two slices of Canadian bacon or ham. Feel free to wrap it in wax paper if youre missing that fast-food feeling. EGGS-N-GREENS Leafy green vegetables are one of the best foods you can eat for your health, but most of us dont fancy them plain. So try them as a nest for eggs, as recommended by Brooke Alpert, R.D., author of The Diet Detox. Grab several large handfuls of greens (spinach, kale, mustard, etc.), and put in a hot pan. Stir until wilted, about one minute. Top with two eggs cooked to runny-yolked perfection. Add a little salt and pepper, and enjoy. OMELETTE How are we this far down the list and have not even mentioned the classic omelette yet? Consider it fixed. Omelettes are a great way to combine eggs with flavorful veggies, meats, and cheeses for a protein-packed nutritious breakfast. My favorite omelette is two eggs cooked with mushrooms, onions, and cheese, topped with basil and tomatoes, says Elin Ãâ€"stman, Ph.D., nutrition researcher and founder of Good Idea. Eggs are a great source of protein, the different colored veggies are packed with polyphenols, and the cheese provides calcium and flavor. TOFU SCRAMBLE Surprise: Scrambles dont have to be eggs. You can still get the flavor and protein by subbing tofu in for eggs, says Shahzadi Devje, R.D., a certified diabetes educator. Not only does tofu provide protein, but its also a great source of calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, she says. All you do is mash firm tofu and stir in a mixture of sautà ©ed onion, garlic, and red bell pepper (or your veggies of choice). Then cook on the stove. She recommends serving your scramble with either sprouted grain bread, roti, or breakfast potatoes. ALMOND BUTTER CRACKERS Want something simple, protein-packed, and filling that doesnt require any prep or cooking? Devjes favorite super-easy breakfast is rye crackers spread with almond butter and sprinkled with nuts and dried fruits. Add a glass of soy milk and you have a serving of protein in less time than it takes you to look up a recipe. VANILLA ALMOND CHIA PUDDING Chia seeds are packed with protein and fiber, but thats not what makes them special—foodies love them for their ability to add a pudding-like texture to sweet treats. Try this recipe from LA-based dietitian, Danielle Judson: Combine 3 tablespoons chia seeds with 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant-based milk of choice), 2 tablespoons almond butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon in a mason jar. Stick the entire thing in the fridge overnight. In the morning, add a sprinkle of blueberries and almonds, and youve got breakfast pudding to go. CHOCOLATE POMEGRANATE OVERNIGHT OATS If even cooking oatmeal is beyond your abilities in the mornings (and youll get no judgement from us!), overnight oats are the perfect solution. Try this nutrient-rich, protein-packed variety, courtesy of Lauren Harris-Pincus, M.S., R.D.N., author of The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club. Combine oats, unsweetened almond milk, plain Greek yogurt, chia seeds, chocolate protein powder, and pomegranate seeds. The balance of protein and fiber from the oats and fruit will delay digestion and help to keep your energy levels up much longer than a high-carb meal, plus the chia seeds absorb up to 10 times their weight in water to help keep you full, she says. BREAD PUDDING IN A MUG Bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food in the morning, but it doesnt have to be a calorie bomb. Indulge with this healthy version from Harris-Pincus. Mix one egg, 2 tablespoons vanilla whey protein powder, a packet of stevia, and 2 tablespoons milk. Fold in a chopped apple and two slices of cubed whole-grain bread. Pour in a mug, and microwave for one minute. Top with syrup and cinnamon. BREAKFAST WRAP Smoked salmon on a paleo wrap with roasted vegetables, greens, and avocado is the go-to breakfast for Elizabeth Trattner, chef and integrative medicine specialist. This yummy wrap is high in healthy fats and fiber, which keep you full longer and helps you lose weight and lower cholesterol, she says. The best part, however, is how customizable this is. Swap out the low-carb wrap for a whole-grain wrap, trade the salmon for chicken or eggs, and use any type of veggies you like. HARD-BOILED EGGS AND QUINOA Make a big batch over the weekend: Bring water to rolling boil on stove, place eggs in pan, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 12 minutes. If you have a few more minutes, Goodson suggests pairing your hard-boiled eggs with cooked quinoa, which is also high in protein, and berries. BREAKFAST TACOS Tacos are an anytime food, as shown by this recipe for breakfast tacos, courtesy of Jerlyn Jones, M.S., R.D.N. Take a whole-grain wrap or taco shell, add black beans, scrambled eggs, lettuce, salsa, and avocado slices. The beans and eggs provide protein, while the avocado provides healthy fats and the veggies bring the vitamins. Plus, its perfectly portable. CRUNCHY TOAST Who doesnt love toast in the morning? But the regular butter-and-jam variety is little better than a doughnut when it comes to nutrition. Add protein and nutrients with Jones toast. Start with whole-grain bread, spread it with a nut butter of your choice, and sprinkle with chia seeds. This combo provides protein along with a hefty dose of fiber and fats. PROTEIN MOCHA Good news for coffee lovers: Upping your protein at breakfast can be as simple as adding a scoop or two of protein powder to your large coffee. This genius trick comes from Adrienne Daly, a nutrition coach based in Houston,. Her favorite is to get a grande sized Cold Brew from Starbucks and a serving of chocolate protein powder to make it a mocha. TURKEY AND SALSA Just because its a dinner food doesnt mean you cant eat it for breakfast. In fact, last nights leftovers can make some of the most nutritious breakfasts, Daly says. Meat and vegetables, dinnertime staples, can easily be reheated and enjoyed. Her go-to is ground turkey topped with a little salsa for extra flavor. TURMERIC EGGS Scrambled eggs turn into a whole new meal by adjusting the spices and other add-ins. Think beyond shredded cheese and include superfood spices like turmeric, cayenne, and cumin, says Josh Axe, certified nutritionist, author of Eat Dirt, and co-founder of Ancient Nutrition. Its a simple way to add more nutrition to your protein. If you’ve never incorporated benefit-rich turmeric into your morning meals, prepare for a life-changing experience, he says. This powerful herb has shown to help regulate cholesterol and manage blood sugar. MEDITERRANEAN MUFFINS Eggs, canned salmon, and feta are the only ingredients in the Mediterranean breakfast muffins that Rima Kleiner, M.S., R.D., author of Dish on Fish, makes. They may be simple—simply combine and bake in muffin tins (set your oven to 350 degrees) for about to 20 to 25 minutes—but theres nothing basic about their nutrition. They pack plenty of protein and healthy fats, all in a portable, tasty package. Make a large batch and freeze extras to be microwaved on busy mornings.(Hit the reset button—and burn fat like crazy with The 2 Week Diet: Melt Away 6 Pounds Unwanted Stubborn Body Fat in Just 14 Days)8.4k Views  ·

Coca cola Enterprises Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Coca cola Enterprises - Essay Example In order to establish itself an enhanced space in the market, the company engages in social responsibilities. Coca Cola acts as a global employer and is ranked within the top 10 organisations (The Coca Cola Company, 2012). Products/services and geographic scope The company has launched some customised strategies while entering into international expansion plans. When entering into a new market, it tends to focus on business volumes. It invests in brand promotion through the use of visual and print media. Such brand promotional activities have helped the company to develop as well as to enhance its distribution. The distribution network is entrusted with the responsibility of the distribution of beverages to different corners of the targeted countries (The Coca Cola Company, 2010:23). In terms of expansion policies, Coca Cola is focusing on the creation of outsourced manufacturing, bottling and distribution that will work to cater for the local needs. The company engages in innovation in the realm of products, packaging, equipment and other activities designed to gain further penetration into both established and foreign markets. The invention of recyclable packaging through the use of plants helps to cement the company’s sustainable image. In Europe, Coca Cola focuses on enhancing its packaging activities. The family and economised plans serve the needs of all types of consumers. The company has formed ties with various sporting events, with a view to creating brand awareness and enhancing the loyalty of consumers. It has also diversified its business by entering into the production of juice and energy drinks (Bodden, 2008). Competitors Coca Cola’s main competitor within the soft drinks industry is PepsiCo; a firm that poses a serious threat to the company. Moreover, some local brands also provide some kind of competition for Coca Cola. Any kind of competition is healthy for a market, as it benefits the consumers (Porter, 1998). In spite of Coca C ola enjoying the major proportion of the market, it does not have the capability to exploit the market conditions, mainly because the substitute drinks companies have significant power. Some other competitors include RC Cola, Kola Real and Inca Kola (Bell, 2003). PEST analysis Political analysis: the company belongs to the non-alcoholic beverages group and falls under the Food and Drug administration. Coca Cola Company takes all the necessary steps in order to analyse whether the introduction of new ingredients will meet the required standards, and asks for advanced approval from the FDA. Coca Cola Company also abides by the rules set by the FDA on plastic bottled products. The company follows differentiated accounting policies which show a significant role in the reported results. According to the jurisdiction of various countries, the company is subject to income tax policies. It is also subject to import and excise taxes where outsourcing units are absent. Economic factors: befor e entering into a new market, the company always analyses the economic factors of the country in question. When a country experiences economic growth, the purchasing power of its population increases, enabling the company to market its products. Coca Cola currently uses 63 other currencies in addition to the US dollar. Fluctuating foreign currencies can impact revenue generation. The fluctuation of exchange rates affects the export of the products globally. The company uses the derivative financial instruction

Corporate finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5500 words

Corporate finance - Essay Example That means it is the theory between the shareholders & the company managers. This term includes the expense of solving the potential conflicts between the two relevant groups. According to this theory, because of incomplete information & uncertainty, two types of problem can arise. Such as- A potential agency problem arises whenever the manager of a firm owns less than 100% of the firm’s common stocks. However, if the owner-manager incorporates & then sells some of the stocks to the outsiders, a potential conflict of interests immediately arises. In most large listed companies, potential conflicts of interests are important, as those firm’s managers generally own only a small percentage of the stocks. In this situation, shareholder wealth maximization could take a back seat to any number of conflicting managerial goals. In addition to the conflict between stockholders & managers, there can also be conflicts between creditors & stockholders. Creditors have a claim on the part of the firm’s earning stream of payment of interest & principle on the debt, & they have a claim on the firm’s assets in the event of bankruptcy. Stockholders have a control of decisions that affect the profitability & risk of the firm. Creditors lend the firm on the base of – 1) Capital Structure: A firm’s capital structure is that mix of debt & equity that maximizes the stock price. At any point of time, management has a specific target capital structure. Capital structure policy involves a trade-off between risk & return:- Financial flexibility or the ability to raise capital on reasonable terms under adverse conditions. The greater the probable future need for capital, & the worse the consequences of the capital shortage, the stronger the balance sheet should be. Managerial conservatism or aggressiveness that refers some managers are more aggressive than others, hence some firms are more inclined

Virtual Tours vs. Written Word Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Virtual Tours vs. Written Word - Assignment Example One can only explore the virtual world to the extent of seeing the physical features of the place. This limits the experience compared to actual visits. For this reason, virtual tours are very good in the marketing of a place to other people. The rough feel of a place can be. Travel agencies and countries can, therefore, manipulate the technology and use it to promote their own country’s tourism industry (Griggs 2014).  There are different companies whose version of virtual reality is as precise as Sony’s 3D glasses. Google maps, for example, has a classic simulation of the United States of America. A person that has not been to the continent can easily search a state, and get a precise version of the place. It is important to note that the difference in the way that the company has simulated the place on the ground is different from the actual reality. However, the features that are on the ground are very accurate.   The technology is far from completion. Scientist s are working on n audio version of virtual reality to complement the video functionality. The technology is called binaural audio. One of the most impressive features of this technology is that the sound that one hear is produced by simulating the process that humans have when hearing their reality. The resulting a replication of the sound that is in the real world. One of the most impressive features of this technology is its ability to capture the sound in the same way that the human ear capture sound. It is by far the most important and technologically advanced means of hearing things.

Runic Alphabets in Scandinavia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Runic Alphabets in Scandinavia - Essay Example Sadly, the meanings of these symbols and their purpose are now lost. Like runes, they were believed to be used for divination and they may have strongly influenced the magical function of later runic alphabets (Smith 1996). Historians and anthropologists are uncertain about the early uses of runes. They may have been used as actual characters for writing. However, the name rune suggests that they were also used as mystical signs or symbols which possess powerful magic. Early Germanic literature bear testimony to the magical character of runes. The Edda, a series of poems, and folk songs to these modern days attest to the influence that runes have on humanity. In fact, the supernatural powers of runes are said to have not only influence, but can overcome natural and physical laws. Runes can summon rain or violent thunderstorms. They can break chains and shackles, or bind men into them. They can heal illness or cause someone to suffer disease. They could raise the dead from their graves. Warriors can become invincible with the help of runes, and cause his weapon to inflict mortal wounds to the enemy. Runes can make men mad, as they can also protect men from the deceitful designs of others. Runes are generally considered as of divine origin, since Odin himself, as related in the Edda, had to sacrifice his person in order to learn the secrets of the runes. Odin was also the foremost runemaster, according to Germanic literature, and was known to have used the stones to exercise personal revenge. Simultaneous with the magical use of runes, there is also evidence that they were used as a means of communication. These messages may have been popular or used in secret. Saga of Egill Skallagrmsson, his daughter Thorger apparently carved the Sunatorrek -- a beautiful poem on a runic staff or runakefli -- where Egill laments the death of his son. Stone monuments are also lasting evidence of the roles played by runes in olden times. These are more common in England and Scandinavia. Some of these monuments simply bear the name of a fallen warrior. Others relate his life and exploits. Since these runic inscriptions were often found in England and Scandinavia, it could be inferred that the use of runes for such purpose may be a later development (Ward & Waller, ed.). II. Discussion A. General Development and Transformation of Runes Runes are also known as Futharks, named for the first six letters in their alphabet, namely, F, U, Th, A, R, and K. The Elder Futhark has 24 letters, the Younger Futhark has 16 letters. Futhark was brought into England by the Anglo-Saxons and transformed into the 33-letter Futhorc, which accommodated the phonetic changes which occurred in Old English (AncientScripts.com). The runes of Scandinavia can be classified into three periods. They are also not related to the Futhorc of the Anglo-Saxon. The first period dates from around 175 A.D. to the 8th century. However, some evidence show that the period may have started much earlier, as far back as 50 A.D. This period is referred to as the Primitive Norse, and Christianity had not yet reached that far north. The language was called Primitive Old Norse for the Nordic Inscriptions and were in Germanic or Gothic languages in lands farther south. The language of this

Hakkasan Restaurant Company Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Hakkasan Restaurant Company - Assignment Example Autocratic leadership is where by the leader is the final determinant of a decision and others under him or her do not have the capability to make or object the decision. For routine and effectiveness in the organisation or company, this style is better preferred as it ensures that employees do what they are told to do for the benefit of the company (Vector Study, 2012).Charismatic LeadershipA charismatic leadership style is basically more involving as the leader in place is more enthusiastic in his work and also toward the other employees (Vector Study, 2012).Democratic Leadership or Participative LeadershipA democratic leadership style is basically an instance where the leader makes the final decision for the team members after they have participated in an involving decision making process. Thus employees feel in better placed in the organisation’s decision making process thus better results in output (Vector Study, 2012).ConclusionThe described leadership styles make work a t the organisation easy to handle and the employees feel that they are part and parcel of the organisation. But in the need that strategic decisions have to be made then the leader is prone to implement the use of Autocratic style for convenient and steady decision making that will not be up for revision. For the charismatic leadership style, employees need motivation from the top notch and from each other. Restaurants are work places where employees work extra hard so as to satisfy the customers.

Conservatism in Jackson's the Lottery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Conservatism in Jackson's the Lottery - Essay Example Conservatism stresses that human nature is â€Å"unchanging† or â€Å"fixed† and has â€Å"natural dispositions† (Loptson 93). The Lottery shows the resistance of people to changes, even when their traditions lead to violence and suffering of certain unfortunate, arbitrary individuals. The town performs the lottery with such regularity that it is treated like any other day. For instance, during the lottery, â€Å"the men began to gather, surveying their own children, speaking of planting and rain, tractors and taxes† (Jackson). These actions reflect an ordinary day for them. But The Lottery later on reveals the capacity for evil that conservatism can uphold. Apparently, the lottery involves the ancient tradition of choosing a person to stone each year, because of the belief that it will bring prosperity to the town. Old Man Warner says: â€Å"Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon† (Jackson). What is further troubling about this ritual is that no one d ares to challenge it. Mrs. Adams suggests that â€Å"some places have already quit lotteries,† but Old Man Werner stresses that this would be an outrage since â€Å"there's always been a lottery† (Jackson). The idea of natural dispositions for conservatism dwell on the evils of humanity. In this town, even children participate in the violent act. Women, men, and children alike stone Mrs. Hutchinson without thinking about the morality of their actions. This story emphasizes the natural evil in people, especially when they are firmly bound to authoritative rituals and beliefs. Freedom from traditions is unheard of for conservatism. The only freedom possible is the freedom to pursue one's individual or group or community goals. While some towns have given up the lottery, this particular town insists on preserving the â€Å"institutionalized way of life† (Vincent 58). Conservatism believes in the permanence of the â€Å"existing† social order (Vincent 58). Th e townspeople cherish traditions so dearly that their old black box cannot even be changed, even when it is already severely degraded: â€Å"...but no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box† (Jackson). These people are imprisoned by their idea that their freedom is linked to the preservation of their ancient beliefs and rituals. Though they welcomed some changes, such as removing the use of wooden chips and the â€Å"tuneless chant† (Jackson), the people generally accept the lottery as a vital part of their everyday lives. They are free to pursue other roles in the community and family life, but never free to change rituals and breach the norms of their lives. Conservatism entails the vision of a good life that is paradoxically materialistic and moralistic. It is materialistic, because of the focus on fundamental needs. Gender roles are pronounced, where men are concerned with â€Å"planting and rain, tractors and taxes,† w hile women spend time for â€Å"gossip† (Jackson). Mrs. Hutchinson almost forgets the lottery, because she is busy doing the dishes. These people are preoccupied with their material needs and concerns. A conservative life is also moralistic, but not in the genuinely moral sense. Instead, what is moralized is done

Hakkasan Restaurant Company Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Hakkasan Restaurant Company - Assignment Example Autocratic leadership is where by the leader is the final determinant of a decision and others under him or her do not have the capability to make or object the decision. For routine and effectiveness in the organisation or company, this style is better preferred as it ensures that employees do what they are told to do for the benefit of the company (Vector Study, 2012).Charismatic LeadershipA charismatic leadership style is basically more involving as the leader in place is more enthusiastic in his work and also toward the other employees (Vector Study, 2012).Democratic Leadership or Participative LeadershipA democratic leadership style is basically an instance where the leader makes the final decision for the team members after they have participated in an involving decision making process. Thus employees feel in better placed in the organisation’s decision making process thus better results in output (Vector Study, 2012).ConclusionThe described leadership styles make work a t the organisation easy to handle and the employees feel that they are part and parcel of the organisation. But in the need that strategic decisions have to be made then the leader is prone to implement the use of Autocratic style for convenient and steady decision making that will not be up for revision. For the charismatic leadership style, employees need motivation from the top notch and from each other. Restaurants are work places where employees work extra hard so as to satisfy the customers.

Native Americans (Subordinate Group) Essay Example for Free

Native Americans (Subordinate Group) Essay One often wonders where the Native North Americans originated from. Some theories have been discussed about the peopling of the Americas. Early theories involving lost tribes and continents were based purely on speculation instead of actual scientific facts. Discoveries made during many archeological expeditions have helped shape the always changing interpretations by adding more questions and more theories. There have been genetic and linguistic studies which raised more understanding and brought new questions. It is theorized that during the latter part of the Cenozoic era, also known as the age of mammals that the Wisconsin glaciation caused enough of the planet’s water supply to turn into ice. This lowered the oceans and exposed now submerged land. This event created a stretch of land that the large mammals of the Ice Age era, along with the natives of that era, could very well have migrated across the newly formed land bridge, which now connected two continents. This land bridge is known as the Bering Strait, or Beringia. During the time that Beringia existed, the Wisconsin glaciers most likely prohibited migration to any southern or eastern regions. Another theory suggests that the early natives may have inhabited the now Alaskan region because it was ice-free due to low precipitation. Several melts over a period of time created passageways, and evidence from archeological site implies that there was an ice-free corridor for thousands of years. It was during another melt approximately ten thousand years ago, that a second corridor was most likely formed farther east along the borders of Saskatchewan and Canada plains. This points to the possibility that the ancient people could have traveled eastward along the rivers in the Great Plains, and down further south. The Indians known to history as the Sioux are also known as Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota, meaning allies. This is my heritage. I am a member of the largest division of Siouan family, otherwise known as Sioux. The name is from a term given to the largest and well- known of the tribal groups. At one time, my people stretched from the west banks of the Mississippi northward from Arkansas and the Rocky Mountains. The Dakotas also inhabited territory east of the river up to Wisconsin and Missouri. They were here to encounter DeSoto on his journey in 1541, when he reached the Indian villages in what is now eastern Arkansas. Another hundred years passed before any mention of Sioux existing, when in 1658 some Jesuit missionaries heard of the existence of about thirty Dakota villages just north of a Potawatomi mission. This was located at about the head of Green Bay, Wisconsin, in St. Michael. It was during the middle 1600’s when the Sioux, along with the Arapaho and Cheyenne had to migrate further westward towards the Great Plains to what is known as North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota. This migration was mainly due to the O jibwa and Chippewa tribes pushing them out of the Great Lakes region. The Ojibwa and Chippewa had been pushed out of their own land that had been further east, by the European settlers of that time. In 1805 Lewis and Clark passed through the center of this region and made contact with the Sioux tribes. After this took place, several more expeditions brought traders that settled among the tribes, and in the course of some time, permanent settlers arrived. This made the area so small that eventually the people of my tribe were forced to live in Indian Territories or confined to Nebraska, the Dakotas, or Montana. This brought on a series of raids and counter raids that lasted from roughly 1850 through 1890 and were known as the Sioux Wars. In the first years of the twentieth century, the Dakotas also known as Tetons began the process of adapting to their new way of life. They still had strong faith in their own traditions, but realized that the old way was gone forever. Numerous changes with the economy and politics were forced on my people by the government. The people strived to establish a life for themselves that used both new changes, but still remained true to their values and beliefs. During the rest of the twentieth century, all of the reservations for the Dakotas, Lakotas, and Tetons lost more land due to ownership passes and inheritances. Division between rural dwellers and people who live in town have grown bigger. Rural residents tend to retain their use of native language, and be involved in cultural events, when townspeople adapt other aspects of the American culture. Most of the Sioux nation and other groups of American Indians live in South Dakota, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and North Dakota at present time on privatized land created by the government many years ago. Wendy Coghill ETH/125 Text Citations: Bonvillain, Nancy. Seeking a New Way. Teton Sioux, Indians of North America, Heritage Edition. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2004. American Indian History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www. fofweb. com/activelink2. asp? ItemID=WE43iPin=INATS06SingleRecord=True (accessed May 22, 2011). Text Citations: Waldman, Carl. arrival of humans in North America. Atlas of the North American Indian, Third Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc. , 2009. American Indian History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www. fofweb. com/activelink2. asp? ItemID=WE43iPin=ind5278SingleRecord=True (accessed May 22, 2011). Text Citation: Waldman, Carl. Assimilation. Word Dance: The Language of Native American Culture. New York: Facts On File, Inc. , 1994. American Indian History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www. fofweb. com/activelink2. asp? ItemID=WE43iPin=ind2991SingleRecord=True (accessed May 22, 2011). Text Citation: Waldman, Carl. Sioux. Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes, Third Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc. , 2006. American Indian History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www. fofweb. com/activelink2. asp? ItemID=WE43iPin=ind2432SingleRecord=True (accessed May 22, 2011).

Valuation of Companies: Strategies and Theories

Valuation of Companies: Strategies and Theories Part A The valuation of company assets depends a varies a great deal; attempts to find theoretical models that cover all of the aspects of a business valuation has proven difficult; as such, many of the major valuation theories have been proven to have both specific strengths and weaknesses. One of the core difficulties inherent to the great majority of theories available is the reliance on specific factors in their equations that remain subject to widespread debate as to how, precisely, they should be measured in order to attain the most accurate appraisal of a company’s given value. Many problems inherent to risk assessment and company valuation include: the weighting of future long-term assets versus short-term stock market value; the precise period from which historical data should be dated from; and how risk should be defined precisely. Of course, stock market appraisal is innately probabilistic, and the development of a coherent and foolproof theory for valuing company stock re mains very unlikely. There are, however, many strengths and weaknesses inherent to the myriad of hypotheses and models available to us. One of the most ambiguous factors inherent to theories of valuation is the prediction of future growth, known as a forecast horizon. The economic growth model, which will be described later, suggests that forecasted profit over a pre-specified horizon does not affect the value of the company as such, but affects the manner in which that value is distributed over the period of the horizon. Thus, the specific horizon period utilized can impact upon the perceived growth of the company. Of course, the horizon period can indirectly impact upon the perceived value of the company in DCF and economic growth forecasting models, especially if value is tied to changes in economic assumptions regarding the general future growth of the company and its continuing value. Of course, measuring the exact forecast period is not an exact science, but must take into account a number of factors if it is to provide us with an accurate view of the relationship between explicit free cash flow and continuing value. Firstly, the horizon period should be long enough to predict that the company’s growth period will be over at the end of it. Secondly, the horizon period shouldn’t be overly long as this will inevitably impact upon the predictive capacity of the theory. Of course, the length of the horizon period also impacts upon the Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), often because the horizon period is inappropriately equated to the competitive advantage of investment of a company. As such, ROIC is directly equated to levels of continuing value presupposed by the horizon period used in determining levels of continuing value as compared to the value of explicit cash flow. As Kollar et al. (2006) suggest, â€Å"the key value driver formula is based on incremental returns on capital, not companywide average returns. If you assume that incremental returns in the continuing-value period will just equal the cost of capital, you are not assuming that the return on total capital (old and new) will equal the cost of capital† (p. 283). Instead, original capital will continue to earn the same returns that were projected in the former period. Part B The attainment of the true value of a company based upon its position in the stock market is a difficult task, and many differing theories have been developed to come to terms with perceived valuation weaknesses in previous theories. This is especially prevalent today, as many recent problems, from the bubble bursting on the dot com revolution, to recent accounting scandals in large financial firms, have stressed the need for more rigorous methods of determining true value. One problem that management have had to encounter is the paradox of retaining short-term profits in a sustainable manner that can ensure long-term health of the company. The stock market obsession with factors such as the quarterly rate of return places emphasis on short-term profitability. One competing model, that takes into account assumed growth of the company, can be found in the many discounted cash flow (DCF) models that are being used more frequently as a result of the failings of simply using present rate of return to determine a company’s overall value. DCF models differ from economic profit models because they forecast the potential of future growth of the company and incorporate that into the present-day value of the company. As such, DCF models incorporate estimates of future growth into the present model; however, further analysis of the two competing models for determining company value suggest that, in theory at least, the results should create the same overall value. The economic profit model uses the theory of Alfred Marshall (1890), in which he suggests that â€Å"What remains of the owner’s profits after deducting interest on his capital at the current rate may be called his earnings of undertaking or management† (p. 142). As such, any perceived value created by the company should take into account the opportunity cost of the capital as well as expenses. As such, in many respects the economic profit model is more rigorous in measuring the present-day value of the company, because DCF determines free cash flow through measuring investments in capital and fixed assets. Of course, because the level of investment can be delayed by management, it is possible to generate short-term value at the expense of long-term value. In theory however, both models should produce the same results. Ultimately, DCF is useful for determining the price of an asset in the long run; as such, it provides one of the most useful tools for measuring the long-term profitability of an investment by factoring in future cash flow models. While the presence of short-term deviations in market value can be useful in certain contexts in determining value, many of the models practised are unreliable and unstable in practice. Fluctuations in short-term market value is difficult to measure with any degree of accuracy, whereas DCF models reflect the true value of a company more accurately as the model is based on the acquisition of long term profitability. Certainly, the role of strategic manager should be covered in the great majority of instances by the DCF model. As Koller et al. (2005) suggest, â€Å"What matters is the long-term behaviour of your company’s share price, not whether it is 5 or 10 percent undervalued this week. [†¦] Managers who use the DCF approach to valuation, wit h their focus on increasing long-term free cash flow, ultimately will be rewarded with higher share prices† (p. 100). Therefore, the predictive capacity of DCF can be used as an effective model for creating future growth, although its predictive methods and mechanisms can occasionally be doctored to create larger levels of short-term growth at the expense of long-term growth, as a result of the correlative relationship between investment levels and free cash flow in any valuation process. In addition, DCF relies heavily on projected scenarios; as Mauboussin (2006) comments, â€Å"small changes in assumptions [in the DCF model] can lead to large changes in the value† (p. 7). This requires the need for rigorous assessment of a large quantity of possible growth scenarios. Part C CAPM uses three variables for determining the expected return of a stock, which can furthermore be used to determine the expected value of a company. Unfortunately, despite CAPM providing us with a â€Å"tour-de-force† (Fama French 2004, p. 28) of theoretical analysis that can provide us with a useful series of principles by which central principles of asset pricing can be taught, its empirical record is poor enough, according to Fama French (2004), to â€Å"invalidate the way it is used in applications† (p. 1). The problems with CAPM are built upon a number of difficult foundational principles that, in practice, prove to be unrealistic. Firstly, the Sharpe – Lintner CAPM model (see Sharpe 1964, Lintner 1965) assumes the presence of unrestricted riskfree borrowing in their equations. Of course, this is an unrealistic assumption that severely affects predicting the empirical data. Modifications by Black (1972) attempt to remedy this by creating effective asset v aluations based on risk modelling; but Black’s analysis merely suggests that unrestricted short selling, rather than unrestricted riskfree lending, is a central assumption, and proves equally false in practice. The use of CAPM is therefore encumbered by a number of weaknesses, and relies on a number of assumptions that, in practice, prove difficult to measure. These include difficulties in ascertaining precisely which risk-free rate should be used in particular circumstances, as well as difficulties in measuring the market risk premium and beta. A number of alternative models of determining company value based on risk assessment exist, all of which rely on a fundamentally different definition of risk itself. While CAPM defines a stock’s risk as its sensitivity to the stock market on the whole, other systems use more rarefied versions of risk assessment: the Fama-French three factor model, for example, defines risk in terms of sensitivity to three portfolios: the stock market, a portfolio based on book-to-market ratios and a portfolio based on firm size. Whether the Fama-French three factor model is a better system than the CAPM system remains to be seen; while it is widely held that the Fama-French model offers us a more comprehensive assessment of risk to value than CAPM, which does not rely on the assessment of other portfolios, many critics also state that the Fama-French model is subject to the same interpretative problems as the CAPM system – namely, the Fama-French model, like CAPM, does not state how muc h data should be used; this is especially important considering that the system is based on historical evidence. As Koller et al. (2005) suggest, â€Å"Since 1926, small companies have outperformed large companies, but since 1982, they have not† (323). The lack of a rigorous method for determining how far back the data related to regressed returns should go creates many inconsistencies in risk assessment and valuation, such as the one highlighted above. Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) offers us a model similar to the Fama-French model but more generalised in its practice. Of course, while it suffers from the same fundamental implementation-related weaknesses as other models, although it differs insofar as it factors into its central equation the actual return of a security, which is fully specified. While theoretically this model is successful, again it reveals many weaknesses in determining the overall value of a company based on the assessment of portfolio risk: implementation and application of the theory has seldom been presented because of the more generalised nature of the variables and the factors in the central equation; in practice, there has been little agreement on what these factors should be, how many there should be, and how these factors should be weighted and measured. As such, CAPM retains its validity despite its essential weaknesses as, some economists argue, it represents the â€Å"least worst† model for de fining risk. As Koller et al. (2005) suggest, â€Å"It takes a better theory to kill an existing theory, and we have yet to see the better theory. Therefore, we continue to use the CAPM while keeping a watchful eye on new research in the area† (324). Bibliography Brealey, R. A. Myers, S. C. (2003), Principles Of Corporate Finance, 7th ed., London: McGraw-Hill. Koller, T., Goedhart, M., Wessels, D. et al. (2005), Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies, London: John Wiley and Sons. Lintner, J. (1965), â€Å"The Valuation of Risk Assets and The Selection of Risky Investments in Stock Portfolios and Capital Budgets.† Review of Economics and Statistics. 47:1, pp. 13-37. Marshall, A. (1890), Principles of Economics, Vol. 1, New York: MacMillan Co. Mouboussin, M. J. (2006), â€Å"Common Errors in DCF Models†, Legg Mason Capital Management. Sharpe, W. F. (1964), â€Å"Capital Asset Prices: A Theory of Market Equilibrium under Conditions of Risk†. Journal of Financial Economics, 10:3, pp. 237-68.