Elementary education effectiveness in Mississippi Essay Example for Free

Elementary education effectiveness in Mississippi EssayMississippi consists of four-hundred and eighty-six thousand people living in poverty ten pct of children belong to families that are not able to meet their needs (2005). Recent statistics specify that those living in poverty are fifty-one percent African American and approximately forty-seven percent Caucasian (2005). Research has shown that the socioeconomic location of students influence the degree of success they will experience. (Donahue Grigg, 2003) Mississippi has varying degrees of reading proficiency among school districts.In the 2003-2004 school year, six districts, consisting of one unsubdivided school, atomic number 23 middle schools and one high school, were identified as in need for improvement, based on the reading and math proficiency of its students. For the purpose of this write up, except schools reflecting a lack in reading proficiency will be discussed. The U. S. Secretary of Education, Margaret S pelling announced in a November 2005 press release, Eighty percent of the fastest-growing jobs require at least some post secondary education.Yet far too many students are leaving high school extempore for college. Improved student acquirement can provide students better preparation for college, thus closing the achievement gap. Low socioeconomic schools, although up(a), are still canful the majority of middle-to-upper class schools in America (Donahue Grigg, 2003). There are several factors to consider when looking at closing the achievement gap found in low socioeconomic schools.One factor is that young, low-income and minority children are more likely to start school without having gained important school readiness skills, much(prenominal) as recognizing letters and counting (2003). As Donahue and Griggs report showed, when students start school already behind otherwises, they are likely to continue such patterns if not address early on. Existing studies demonstrate the pro blems researchers are having addressing literacy issues early on in a students academic career.Researches are trying to find appropriate strategies to combat the achievement gap with many variables which will be discussed further in detail, in the following study. Purpose of the analyze The following is a detailed investigation into mathematical explanations of varying degrees of reading achievement found in Mississippi and what can be done to maintain a higher over both proficiency in reading among Mississippi students, while satisfying the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.Many schools corroborate chosen to implement a school-wide woo to closing the achievement gap however, when dealing with schools consisting primarily of low-income students, there are other factors to consider when choosing a strategy. The proposed study will focus on improving reading skills in high-poverty schools found in Mississippi by comparing different techniques widely used and cre ating a more targeted strategy for low-income students. When deciding on an appropriate strategy for improving reading comprehension there are a few factors one must consider.The following questions will outline the factors to be researched in this study. Research Questions 1. What impact does social economic status have on the achievement gaps found in the State of Mississippi? 2. What are the alter factors found in Mississippi schools that are demonstrating low reading scores among economically disadvantaged students? 3. Are there high-poverty schools in Mississippi which demonstrate cocksure improvements in reading scores? What are the strategies used? 4. How does implementing Theory into Practice (TIP) encourage absolute student achievement in disadvantaged schools?Hypothesis To affectively closemouthed low socioeconomic achievement gaps in reading, strong emphasis on establishing proficient reading ability should be made in elementary school. character of the Study The rese arch conducted in this study will be an investigation of existing lit regarding techniques used in improving reading skills, exemplary schools demonstrating such techniques and finally, a suggested strategy to use when applying research to low socioeconomic schools with low reading proficiency found in Mississippi school districts.Significance of the Study The significance of this study is that by identifying factors contributing to the achievement gap found in low socioeconomic school districts, as considerably as analyse into existing programs that have had a positive influence on reading performance scores in other high-poverty schools is that, school administrators and policy makers will have a better basis in which to improve upon existing programs and interventions that would be more financially attainable than head start new programs.The high cost of starting new programs such as creating new assessment strategies, providing more staff and researchers as well as other cost ly planning and implementing variables, often times are not practical for low-economic schools. While children of today are growing up in a world where data are being revealed at an alarming rate and knowledge is simply a click away, reading plays an increasingly crucial role in society (Topping Paul, 1999).The ability to read is not only fundamental for understanding and mastery of every school subject students will encounter, but literacy also plays a critical and crucial role in students social and economic lives (Snow, Bums, Griffin, 1998). As a result, no other factor will have a greater impact on the success of students in Mississippi than their ability to read.With such an emphasis placed on the importance of reading achievement, educational leaders must clearly articulate the expectation that all students can become successful readers, while providing the most effective strategies and opportunities for students to succeed in reading and adopt lifelong reading practices. ( Okpala, et al. , 2001) Definitions of Terms Action aggroup for Partnership- This partnership is also known as a School Improvement Team or a School Council.Although the ATP members oversee the schools partnership program, other teachers, parents, students, administrators, and community members also may lead family and community involvement activities (ATP website). Adequate Yearly Progress- AYP requires that schools hold the same high standards for all their students regardless of racial or ethnic background, socioeconomic status and English proficiencyCore Academic Subjects- These subjects include English, language arts and reading, arts, civics, government and history, mathematics and science, foreign languages, as well as, economics and geography. Elementary School- a nonprofit institution which includes, public school, day or residential school and elementary charter schools which State law mandated elementary education.Family Literacy Services The services provided to partici pants on a voluntary basis that foster a positive change in families. These changes include, providing families with interactive activities between parents and child concerning literacy, instruction parents to take an active role in their childrens education, article of belief self-sufficiency by providing parental literacy training, and providing education to children which is age-appropriate and prepares them for school and life experiences.Highly Qualified (in beginning to public elementary or secondary school teacher) A highly qualified teacher will possess a State certification for teaching or holds a license to teach in a particular state due to passing the State exam and is employed in a teaching position after meeting all required testing, training and educational requirements satisfactory to the State, district and school regulations. Mentoring- A responsible elder who provides positive leadership and guidance to a child as a positive role model in that childs life. A m entor cathexis is to help a child to one day become a responsible adult.Minority- a group of students which do not demonstrate the majoritys characteristics, such as socioeconomic status, ethnic background or other key characteristics. Other Staff- staff found within an institution such as personnel, guidance counselors, and administration and teachers aides. Limitations In her 2005 press release Secretary Spelling said, we all hear a lot of stories about why schools are missing Adequate Yearly Progress, but we dont hear much about how thousands of other schools are making it and closing the achievement gap.This study is limited by location its main concentration being primarily on Mississippi schools, programs and outcomes. The primary research method is investigating existing literature, as such there is substantial literature on the failures of many schools trying to improve student achievement however there is very little literature depicting success. One other limitation to c onsider is that this study focuses on reading proficiency however to get the most accurate depiction of a schools success is to consider all core academic subjects.

Vietnam War - Paper Essay Example for Free

Vietnam War Paper EssayThe Vietnam War was a conflict between the communist, North Vietnam and South Vietnam. In the wake of the Second World War western fears of a communist expansion throughout Asia were running high. The United States was concerned that if North Vietnam succeed and false Vietnam into a communist state, neighboring countries were also likely to follow. As an ally of the United States and Australias social function in South- east contendd Asia Treaty Organization and the Australia novel Zealand United States Security Treaty and the belief in forward defence Australia was an enthusiastic asserter of the American insurance policy in Vietnam. The majority of Australians support the countrys involve manpowert in the Vietnam War in its early age mainly because of the threat of communism. Australia felt that if communism dominated South Vietnam it would be an even bigger risk of exposure to Australia because of the domino effect. If Vietnam fell into communi sm so will its neighboring countries including Australia. Australia did non want to fall into communism and agreeing to the request for help by South Vietnam, Australia supported the war and troops were immediately sent to Vietnam. The decision to send the army to Vietman was also made by the Older Australians which were part of the group called the Returned Servicemens League. These nation believed in the idea of the Anzac Spirit and expected the younger generation to do their bit as they had during World War II.The Australian People and Liberal Party rallied idler the leadership of Menzies. Therefore, the Liberal Party was also in agreement with Australias involvement in the Vietnam War. In 1966, Australia warmly welcomed the visit of the American president, Lyndon Baines Johnson. The new prime look of Australia enthusiastically declared that when it came to Vietnam, Australia was all the way with LBJ, which meant that Australia was willing to support the US in supporting the Vietnam War. The Democratic Labor Party at that time who fracture from the Labor Party had a very large Catholic membership and was also very anti-communist. It was also determined to oppose any ALP policies so it automatically supported the war. After the first announcement of sending troops there was a general support from the news outlets for the governments policy. This wasnt the kind of support shown in Australias involvement in previous wars.There was little mention of words like heroic and more mention of words like gruelingdecision. Many of the papers simply said Australia had no alternative, given its geographical position and its treaty commitments. The support was there, but it was muted and it tended to question the policy-making situation in South Vietnam. Australian Catholics had been encouraged to see South Vietnam as not only the last democracy in South eastward Asia, but as a Catholic democracy. There was widespread support for the government of the Republic o f Vietnam, even after the assassination of the Catholic leader nongovernmental organization Dinh Diem. At the same time as the Australian government made the announcement that it was sending troops, the Pope called for negotiations to take pip in Vietnam for a calm resolution. Many Australian Catholics did not see the Popes announcement as any reason not to support the commitment of troops to South Vietnam and so they were in support.There was even a large section of the community who seemed to take no interest in what was going on in South East Asia. Many people believed Vietnam to be too far away for the average person to care about. They were quite unconcerned about the war and firmly believed it should be left up to the government and the army to sort out. Sending troops off to fight in wars was seen by many ordinary Australians as not only the right thing to do but as a good way of increasing Australias prestige in the world. This caused a mickle of people to automatically s upport the government without really questioning if it was a good idea or not. On the contrary, there were many people and organisations that were against this war. Anti-war protests had been taking place in Australia since 1962 when the first military advisors had been sent in to Vietnam. Since then, protests had taken place for various reasons at various times, but it was not until the P.M.s announcement in April 1965 to provide an infantry battalion for service in Vietnam for further military assistance when protests really began to take shape.This opposition was a result of extensive media coverage, a unequal system of conscription and growing political consciousness. A lot of violent and gruesome footage of the war was broadcasted right into peoples homes every evening. Many protests were the result of this. bill of exchange introduced in November 1964 had forced young men to fight away from their home country. Many people saw this as unfair and wrong. This too caused a lot of controversy and many arguments were made against the government forintroducing this. The ALP was against the commitment of troops to Vietnam. The Labor leader Arthur Calwell had the unenviable job of responding to the government in parliament. Labor saw the war as essentially a civil one in which Australia should not get involved. Calwell did say that they would back the Australian troops and not deny them the support they would need. Many of the trade unions called the government support of Americas foreign policy in Vietnam diggers for dollars.They believed the Australian government was sacrificing the lives of Australian troops to ensure that America would boost the providence by spending more money in Australia. In response to this belief and the announcement of more troops being sent to Vietnam, unions wanted to thrust work stoppages in protest. The Australian Council of Trade Unions followed the Labor Party policy of not supporting the war but not denying the soldiers suppo rt. In later years, no other group would be more associated with anti-war activities, but reaction in the universities immediately after the announcement. Educated university school-age childs didnt see the point in continuing a futile war. They thought that young men being forced to go to war was unnecessary, it disturbed their lives and the potential to live to their dreams. They also thought that the enormous bill of money used on the war should be spent on helping their own count. The fact that it was an overseas war and that it had nothing to do with us was another reason for opposition.The reason why they were opposing the war is because they considered that Australia is following USA blindly, it is not our war and they also didnt like the idea of young men being forced into war and innocent woman, elders and children being killed due to the war. There was also a large and angry anti-war movement growing. There were public draft-card burnings, student sit ins and large noisy group demonstrations when the American President, Johnson visited Australia. By the late 1960s a much stronger and more violent form of protest appeared. Protesters raided officers and campaigns were launched to crook young men not to register for conscription. The Labor Party was against the conscription method, calling it unfair, and they had much support from the Australian public. We should stop following US policy blindly The women of SOS put on their hats and gloves and carried their blue and white banners high to the army barracks, to court, to Parliament House, to the City Square, and even, in 1969, to Vietnam itself.Most of the SOS members wereordinary middle-class and working-class women, wives and mothers, who had no connections to the radical youth counter-culture, but they educated themselves and others on the situation in Vietnam and on the laws associated with conscription and conscientious objection. In the process, their politics became increasingly radical. Late r, Following the triumph of the November 1969 Moratorium in the United States, a series of Australians groups opposed to the war in Vietnam decided to band together to put on a Moratorium in Australia. The demonstration in Melbourne, led by Member of Parliament Jim Cairns, had over 100,000 people taking to the streets in Melbourne alone. Across Australia, it was estimated that 200,000 people were involved. The second Vietnam Moratorium in September 1970 was smaller after more violence occurred. 50 000 people participated and there were violent incidents between police.Two hundred people were arrested in Sydney. The trine moratorium in June 1971 were of nearly 100 000 people. By this time public opinion was beginning to turn assertively against conscription and Australians involvement in the war. The intensity of the conflict in Australia over our involvement in Vietnam, and the issue of conscription, contributed to the election of a Labor government in December 1972. Twenty-three years of conservative Liberal government had ended. The new Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, immediately abolished National Service and recalled the Australian army. As we see due to the fear of communism in Australia most Australians were ready to send troops to fight in Vietnam. However, as the war progressed and the society were starting to see all the pictures on TV and hearing so much soldiers are dying and sent overseas and that this war cant be won, Australians started to do something about this. They went out on streets to protest, fight, and hold moratoriums and as a result of these conflicts the troops were called back after 10 years and 60,000 soldiers fighting in the eternal war Australia had been part of.

Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma

Follicular Dendritic cubicle SarcomaFollicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma and its paraneoplastic manifestations ReviewAbstractFollicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma (FDCS) is a r are neoplasm arising from dendritic cells. The paraneoplastic phenomena are an underreported aspect of FDCS. Here we present a teddy report of FDCS presenting with auto tolerant haemolytic anaemia and commit done a detailed review of all its paraneoplastic manifestations.Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare malignancy, which arises from the follicular dendritic cells. It was first described by Monda et al who describes a series of 4 cases(1). Being a relatively new entity, its classification remains a subject of controversy. It has been variously described as lymphoma, sarcoma and histiocytic neoplasm. It has been grouped under histiocytic and dendritic cell neoplasms by the WHO 2008 classification(2)There is considerable under-reporting of thisG1 entity as it usually presents with unremarkable clini cal and radiological features. It is non uncommon to misdiagnose these cases as lymphoma due to m any convertibleities in the morphological features between the two entities. With the emergence of modern immunohistochemistry, the dendritic cell lineage can be confirmed and on that pointfore, there is increasing acquaintance of this group of disorders. Since the first description in 1986, nearly 350 cases of FDCS consent been reported(3) including 11 cases from our country(4)FDCS generally presents as a slow growing, well draw painless mass with a median size of 5 cm(2). Constitutional symptoms are not usually seen at intro. Young to middle-aged adults are affected, without any sex predilection. Over fifty percent of the cases are nodal with cervical and axillary lymph nodes being the most common sites(2). The common extranodal sites include tonsils, nasopharynx, palate,entire gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, peritoneum, and lungs.ComputerizedG2Tomography (CT) scan typ ically shows morphological aspects of an expansive mass with an increasingly inhomogeneous enhancement, directly proportional to lesion size (due to central necrosis, hemorrhage, and cystic changes with a patchy pattern) (5)G3Local recurrence in FDCS is more akinly than distant metastasis. More than 50% of the cases recur locally aft(prenominal) wide local excision while only 25% cases overhaul distant metastasis. FDCS is considered as a low-grade malignancy by some while new(prenominal)(a)s consider it as an intermediate-grade malignancyG4(6, 7). Liu et al have proposed G5histological criteria for grading the tumor and assessing the guess of recurrence.G6(8). G7G8Variations in clinical behavior of FDCS are described in the literature. At one end of the spectrum, FDCS presenting with multifocal abdominal or pelvic mass behaves like an belligerent tumor (13) on the other hand, FDCS of the liver and spleen presents like an inflammatory pseudotumor and usually has a female predo minance. (3)Castlemans disease has been found to be associated with FDCS in a few patients(9-11). It has been proposed that the dysplastic changes and FDC proliferation which occur in Castlemans disease may act as the nidus from which FDCS can evolve.(12)Ebstein-Barr Virus has also been described in tie beam with FDCS especially when the liver or spleen is involved. CD21 expression on the FDC cells has been suggested to be the entry point for EBV in affected cells.(7) FDCS has also been reported to be associated with secondary coil amyloidosis(13)FDCS mostly arises within lymphoid follicles and has a known acquaintance with Castlemans disease. Hence it was postulated that it arises from lymphoid forerunners. But studies by Krautler et al suggest that they may arise from prevascular stomal precursor cells, which express platelet-derived growtG9h factor beta(14)FDCS has a distinct picture on histopathology a storiform arrangement of spindle-shaped cells with elongated nuclei, del icate, dispersed chromatin and pale eosinophilic cytoplasm. Lymphocytes are seen scattered among the tumor cells and they may also be seen gathered around blood vessels,creating a cuffing pattern. Another characteristic pattern is a concentric whorl.FDCS is specifically immunopositive to CD21, CD35, and/or CD23, vimentin, fascin, HLA-DR, EMA, D2-40, clusterin, and CXCL13. It shows variable positivity to CD68, CD45, CD3, and CD20.G10(7) a unique point in IHC of FDCS is expression of clusterin which is almost always strongly positive , while in other dendritic cell neoplasms, this marker is weakly positive.(13)Surgical excision of the tumor has been attempted in well circumscribed FDCS. Although some reports suggest that they recur shortly afterward(15). Pooled data analysis confirms that surgery remains a good option for localized disease(3, 16). In view of the rarity of FDCS, there is no standard chemotherapeutical regimen for the same. Both lymphoma and sarcoma directed therapies have been tried. CHOP regimen is one of the ordinarily used with variable results. G11G12CHOP therapy has been postulated to have an indirect action on FDCS by some authors. It has been postulated that CHOP therapy depletes the B lymphocytes leading to a reduction in the growth factors for FDCSG13(17). Other regimens which have been tried include ABVD, EPOCH, ICE, and cisplatin/epirubicin(13). Gemcitabine and cisplatin in combination with imatinib(18)and single-agent rituximabG14are the other reported regimens with some activity against FDCS(19).G15G16Case ReportA 60-year-old female presented with 2 months history of easy fatiguabilityG17 and low-grade fever. She was detected to have severe anemiaG18 and haywire icterus with difficulty in blood cross matching at a local hospital. She was referred to our institute for further evaluation. General examination revealed marked pallidity and generalized lymphadenopathy. The liverwas palpable 5 cm below right costal margin and the splee n was palpable 6 cm below left costal margin. Laboratory evaluation revealed Coombs positive hemolytic anemia, which partially responded to steroid therapy. Her Lymph node excision biopsy showed diffuse effacement of nodal architecture with multiple fascicles of spindle cells traversing the lymph node and swathe around the pre-existing vessels admixed with many eosinophils and plasma cells (Figure 1a-c). Immunohistochemistry for CD20, CD3, S100, CD 45 and PD-1 were negative, whereas CD23 showed strong membranous positivity in these spindle cells (Figure 1d-i). The histopathological examination was suggestive of Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma. Due to the disseminated involvement by FDCS and associated autoimmune hemolytic anemia, she was treated with CHOP chemotherapy. Both disease and anemia responded to therapy. There are numerous case reports of FDCS presenting with similar paraneoplastic manifestations. They are reviewed below.G19G20Paraneoplastic manifestations of FDCSParane oplastic manifestations are a constellation of signs and symptoms that are not directly caused by the malignancy(20). All paraneoplastic manifestations reported with FDCS are of an autoimmune nature. Although they appear similar to classic autoimmune diseases, paraneoplastic autoimmune disorders tend to be more aggressive. Their management too is centered in part on the underlying malignancy (AI) A systematic search was performed on Medline and the paraneoplastic manifestations reported with FDCS in English Literature were identified. (table 1)I. Paraneoplastic Pemphigus (PNP)PNP usually presents secondary to an underlying malignancy, mainly Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia, Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Thymoma and Castlemans disease(21). PNP is the most commonly reported paraneoplastic manifestation with FDCS. There are 22 cases reports in English literature till date. While axillary and cervical lymphadenopathy is the most common presentation of FDCS, PNP has been reported mostly with retro peritoneal FDCS. The clinical course of PNP is at variation with the relatively benign course of FDCS and most authors have reported death soon after detection of PNP. An association with the hyaline vascular variant of G21Castlemans disease has been described in 27% of these cases.Reports of other malignancies associated with paraneoplastic syndromes suggest that it is associated with an antitumor response. The underlying malignancy remained indiscernible for up to a year after the paraneoplastic syndrome first manifested due to this effect. It has been suggested that the immune response against the paraneoplastic antigen in the tumor, slows down the growth of the tumor(22). The status of FDCS is not in remission in most of the available reports. Thus, there is no evidence to suggest an antitumor effect in patients presenting with PNP.Resection of the underlying FDCS along with oral steroids for the PNP has been the usual sermon, exactly there are 2 reports of usage of higher i mmunosuppression to successfully control the PNP(18, 23).II.Myasthenia Gravis (MG)Seven cases of myasthenia gravis have been reported in literature till date. genius case was also reported to be associated with Castlemans diseaseInterestingly, four of the seven cases also had paraneoplastic pemphigus. A similar presentation has been reported with another malignancy involving the immune system. Thymoma has a well-known association with MG. Less commonly, it has also been reported with PNP and there is even a report of Thymoma presenting with both MG and PNP. The authors have suggested that the linkage is indirect, finished a triad, which also includes the tumor rather than a direct relation. G22G23G24G25 A similar linkage may explain the cases of FDCS with MG and PNP. Alternatively, CD which G26has known association with both these conditions could be the missing linkG27(24-26). But among available literature, there was no evidence of CD with FDCS and MG in all but one case.G28G29G 30The treatment has been IV immunoglobulin, pyridostigmine, and steroids. close of the authors have reported a good response to therapy with no mortality.G31G32 This is in resonance with the findings of MG with other disorders. Thymoma associated with MG is found to have a better prognosis than thymoma without MG. This has partly been attributed to earlier detection of the disease(27)III. Autoimmune Hemolytic AnemiaAIHA is a well-known phenomenon in lymphoproliferative disorders. Among the solid organ cancers, a majority of the available literature is with Kaposi sarcoma, lung, kidney and colorectal caG33ncers. It may occur prior to, concurrent with cancer or well after the end of G34treatment (28). Two various responses to therapy have been documented with paraneoplastic AIHA. Some cases are steroid resistant and respond to treatment of the primary malignancy. While, AIHA present along with metastaticG35 cancers are usually steroid responsive. G36A search of the literature revea led that G37ours is only the second case of AIHA with FDCS reported. Conry et al. had reported a 36-year-old African-G38G39AmericanG40 female who had presented with AIHA not responding to steroids or splenectomy. She presented 1 year later with the abdominal toughie which was diagnosed as FDCS. She did not respond to radiotherapy alone but had a good response to chemotherapy with gemcitabine and docetaxG41el(17). Experience in this case and our case may be insufficient to label AIHA as a paraneoplastic manifestation of FDCS, but several plausible mechanisms of occurrence of AIHA exist in patients of FDCS. And FDCS has known association with other autoimmune paraneoplastic syndromes. So with increased awareness of this association, we hope that more such cases will be documented. G42G43Proposed mechanisms for development of autoimmunityG44Castlemans disease is known to be associated with PNP. Several authors have suggested that a preexisting Castlemans may be the cause of PNP in cas es of FDCS. Maverakis et al divide paraneoplastic autoimmune disorders broadly into 3 categories (i) Disruption of central tolerance, (ii) peripheral immune dysregulation and (iii) vicissitude of self-antigensG45(29). The mechanisms proposed for the occurrence of paraneoplastic phenomena in FDCS are so varied that we could find at least one hypothesis under each of these three headings.G46Disruption of fundamental tolerance1.Hartert et al and Kim et al have reported immature T cell proliferation, which is not characteristic of FDCS, in those presenting with Myasthenia Gravis. The resulting immune dysregulation may be lead to paraneoplastic phenomena (30, 31).2. Spreading epitope phenomenon states that cytokines produced by the tumor induce immunoglobulin production, which in turn leads to paraneoplastic phenomena(32). G47Peripheral immune dysregulationG481. B7 is a ligand which required for activation of T cells. Most antigen presenting cells have a low expression of B7 ligand, th e only exception being the dendritic cell. The B7 expression on NHL cellsG49 has been proposed as the mechanism underlying autoimmune phenomena seen in them(29). FDCS which arises from dendritic cells may also have a similar mechanism.Alteration of self-antigensG501.Antibodies directed against the tumor may cross-react with epidermG51al antigens in the case of PNP(32). Shared antigens between FDCS and erythrocytes like CD 35 may be the link in case of Autoimmune Hemolytic AnemiaConclusionThe paraneoplastic phenomena are an underreported aspect of FDCS. The clinical scenario is not uniform among all FDCS with paraneoplastic phenomena. While PNP is associated with poor prognosis, the available reports on AIHA and MG suggest a relatively benign course. There are only 2 cases of AIHA reported with FDCS. Although the mechanism for the development of AIHA in FDCS has been proposed, there is a possibility that it is simply a G52case of 2 unrelated diseases occurring together. In the times to come, better recognition of this entity amongst pathologists may lead to an identification of a larger number of patients. Thereby our understanding of this rare neoplasm and its even rareG53G54r complication of PNS will improve duck I Case reports of FDCS with Para Neoplastic PemphigusNoYearAge/SexCastlemanLocation of FDCSTherapy addictedInterval to PNPStatus of FDCS when PNP occurredOutcome and commentsRef.1199966/M+AbdominalSurgery480 monthsPost-excisionG55Died after 8 days(9)2200464/FAbdominalSurgery18 monthsNoAlive at 7m(33)3200532/M+NASurgery + ChemoNANot in remissionDied at 3m(10)4200527/FAbdominalNANANANA(34)56200553/F+AbdominalSurgery concurrentNot in remissionDied at 1 year(35)7200860/MLungNilSimultaneousPost-excisionG56Died at 6m(19)8200867/MAbdominalSurgery1 monthsPost-excisionRelapse at 12mMG+(36)9201068/MAbdominalSurgery1 monthPost-excisionDied at 24mMG +(31)102011NANANANANARelapsed(11)112011NA+NANANANANA(11)122011NA+NANANANANA(11)13201239/FNASurgeryNANAAlive at 60 m(37)14201267/MNASurgerySimultaneousPost-excisionDied after 21mMG +(37)15201268/MAbdominalSurgerySimultaneousPost-excisionDied at 3mSynchronous thyroid and renal cancer(38)16201361/F+Abdominal + multiple sitesSurgery + Chemo36 monthsNot in remissionDied(39)17201328/M+AbdominalChemoSimultaneousNot in remissionNA(40)18201320/M+Rt pelvisChemosimultaneousNot in remissionDied at 1m(41)19201446/F colorfulSurgery + Chemo6 monthsNot in remissionDied at 12m(23)20201420/MRt parahilarSurgery + ChemoNilPost-excisionAlive at 12m(42)21201526/F+NANANANAAliveMG+(43)Case reports of FDCS with Myasthenia GravisNoYearAge/SexCastlemanLocation of FDCSTherapy givenInterval to MGStatus of FDCS when MG occurredOutcome and commentsRef.1200867/MAbdominalSurgery1 monthsPost-excisionRelapse at 12 mPNP+(36)2201068/MAbdominalSurgerySimultaneousPost-excisionDied at 24mPNP+(31)3201039/FMediastinalSurgery36 months prior to FDCSNot in remissionNA(30)4201072/F+MediastinalSurgery7 months prior to FDCSNot in remissionAl ive at 8m(25)5201159/FAxillarySurgery1.5 monthsPost-excisionNA(44)6201267/MNASurgerySimultaneousPost-excisionDied after 21mPNP+(37)7201526/F+NANANANAAlivePNP+(43)Case reports of FDCS with Auto Immune Hemolytic AnemiaNoYearAge/SexCastleman

Fedex A Global Supply Chain Management Company Commerce Essay

Fedex A Global Supply Chain Management Company Commerce EssayFedEx is a global logistics and supply- string management party Ng Farhoomand, 2002 that began operations in 1973 as an overnight package delivery company. Annual revenues exceed $20 billion and 24-48 mo delivery is available to well over 200 countries. In 2001, FedEx was named one of the acme ten just about admired corporations in America (Boyle, 2002).FedEx has been in the constancy for quite a time instantaneously. It has built its system strong that from being an emit delivery company it has been a supply-chain management company. With the suffice of innovation and origin of internet by the course 1994, it has been evident that the dos provided by FedEx have been meliorate.Though it has tried to integrate the e-commerce system, the Company has been struggling to be more than than an express delivery. The competitors for the express delivery industry have been growing save there have been reports that the t ransportation volume growth of FedEx was slowing down. receivable to this instance, the FedEx has decided to convey a re-organizing the structure hoping that it will attention them through the betterment of their operations.FedEx started in the year 1973, and UPS, one of those that give function like FedEx, started in the year 1907. They did non compete with each other for the reason that they have different food markets. The competition and rivalry between the two began in the year 1982. They competed on the market segment, persona of advantage, and pricing. The only solution they thought of was to cut monetary appreciate without decreasing the choice of node service. Because of this, they thought of having an organized logistics operation that will help reduce the say process.The three main trends that helped the growth of transportation and logistics industry atomic number 18 the globalization of the businesses, advances in the nurture technology (IT) and the applic ation of new technology to generate efficiencies in processing, and the increase in demand for more quality satisfaction of customers or clients.Speed has been one of the basis of customers to say that they have been provided with quality customer service. The advances brought by IT heightened globalization and made the operations fast, decrease costs, and gave quality service.OpportunitiesThreats The cost of infrastructure of express delivery companies are a roadblock of de exclusively to new comers FedEx attractors in global express delivery As massive as the nature of our socioeconomic environment exists, there will alship fecesal be a need for express delivery E-commerce is creating an increased need for express delivery Globalization offers opportunities for expansion Maintaining the infrastructure of an express delivery company is an exit barrier because of high fixed costs Capitol is acquired through the volume of sales, so the high fixed costs can hurt when times are s low Due to the nature of the industry, it is nearly impossible to become the clear industry leader The nature of the industry shows very low returns on invested capitol The E-tailing industry demands lower rapture rates and charges to pull customers from the retailing industries Major competitors UPS, the airborne DHLQuestion One The express transportation and logistics industryFederal pay was founded in 1971 as the good- tinting idea of charter airplane pi cud Fred metalworker. It launched its overnight air express business in 1973, and just 10 years later, it was the first U.S. company to top $1 billion in revenues in its first decade. Today, FedEx (its nickname, FedEx, officially became the company name in 2000) is the worlds prominentst express transportation company-almost 196,000 employees move more than 3 billion items to more than 200 countries each business day, up from 110,000 workers and 2 cardinal packages just five years ago In 1990, FedEx became the first servic e company to win the Baldrige Award. Since then, the company has expanded its ground delivery business by purchasing both Parcel Direct (formerly a office of Quad/Graphics, now renamed FedEx SmartPost) and more than 1,100 Kinkos locations (now FedEx Kinkos Office and Print Centers) in 2004.The survival issue is prominent in the minds of quality leaders. FedExs Fred Smith compares the awakening to quality to a near-death experience. A lot of times its brought on by trauma. Leaders often embrace Total Quality Management because they see no alternative improve or die. whatever inspires them-the fear of failure, the promise of success, the achievement of other companies, the belief that there must be a better way to manage a company-triggers the leap of faith. in one case they are on the quality path, the cultural changes they see all around them frequently breed a missionary zeal about the need for, and the benefits of, the quality improvement process.The first step for any company p resident, chairman, or CEO is committing himself or herself, as well as the company, to the process. Jamie Houghton as well ask this step in 1983, shortly later he became Cornings chairman. FredSmith and his top executives founded FedEx on the idea of providing the highest quality of service, then participated in quality training in the first year of the companys existence.At FedEx, Fred Smith has been directly involved in the development of any quality process and system the company has implemented. He founded the company on a belief that customers would jimmy a timedefinite express delivery service, then used on-time delivery as the companys primary prize of performance. In the late 1980s, he helped develop a more comprehensive, proactive, customer-oriented measure of customer satisfaction and service quality the Service Quality Index (SQI).As Smith said, We believe that service quality must be mathematically measured. The company tracks these 12 indicators daily, individuall y and in total, across its entire system. Each indicator is weighted the greater the weight, the greater the impact on customer satisfaction. One of FedExs service goals is to reduce the totals of the SQI every year. Service is one of the companys three overall corporate objectives People-Service-Profit. Every manager at FedEx, including Fred Smith and the senior executive staff, has annual benchmarks for each of these three corporate objectives.Smith sets his own personal objectives with input from the board of directors, and the process cascades through the organization from there. Managers are evaluated on how well they achieve their objectives.To develop and implement such(prenominal)(prenominal) broad measures and objectives, Smith and his staff had to understand the companys quality objectives, its customers needs, and the potential effectiveness of SQI as a measure and motivator. Many other service companies are still trying to figure out what to measure. Smith led the devel opment of a measure that tells all FedEx employees, every day, exactly how they are doing on customer satisfaction and service quality. Active participation in the quality improvement process doesnt get any better than that.Good leaders know that having a customer focus is critical. At FedEx, each officer is assigned responsibility for the major customers in a sales district. Smith and his staff talk to customers continuously at the executive level to make sure their needs are being met.FedEx has three corporate goals People-Service-Profit. As Smith summarizes, when people are placed first, they will provide the highest possible service, and profits will follow. The three corporate goals are translated into measurable objectives throughout the corporation. get up on the people goal is determined by the Leadership Index, a statistical measurement of subordinates opinions of managements performance. Service is based on the Service Quality Indicators expound earlier. The profit goal is a percentage of pretax margin, determined by the previous(prenominal) years financial results. Success in congruousing the objectives for each area determines the annual bonuses for management and professionals. (The bonuses can account statement for up to 40 percent of these employees total compensation.)FedEx Corporation in the United States administers variety of advanced factors of production. These are managerial sophistication, logistics know-how, and carnal infrastructure. Logistics is one of the main advanced factors which FedEx developed for managing its complex hubs. Physical infrastructure that FedEx uses is not only airports but to a fault roads and ports.Additional classifiable competencies that FedEx have, also arise from firm-specific tangible and intangible resources, namely, FedExs hubs and package handling systems its package tracking and customer support function and its logistics support. Again, the main barrier to model these firm-specific resources is t he high cost associated with acquiring them. FedExs package tracking ad customer support functions as well as their logistic support are examples of the firms distinctive competencies as well. The barriers to imitate FedExs package tracking and customer support functions are based on the fact that FedEx was the initiator in establishing the first tracking applications website and providing each customer with a unique barcode to individualize each shipment. That allowed FedEx to gain proficiency at these systems and knowledge about the functional operations.FedExs strengths in logistics, operations, and technological innovation allow them to pursue a differentiation business level strategy. FedEx works to stand apart from its competitors by creating a level of service that is difficult for competitors to match. FedEx has clearly been identified as an innovator, but what they need to get across to their customers is that they provide a high level of quality service. FedEx charges high er prices for its go than many of its competitors in the industry. This is considered a premium that a customer pays for the quality of service FedEx provides. By differentiating their standard of quality from their competitors, FedEx lets their customers know that if they are willing to pay more, it will be worth it.FedEx is able to meet the needs of all these segments. They have spent an extraordinary amount of capitol developing their infrastructure, just so they can make the best promises to their customers. FedEx transports more than 3 million items to over 200 countries each day. Within each business unit are specific functional units that perform particular functions. The main functional units are logistics and operations for its transportation system. These units assure the coordination and smooth flow of FedExs deliveries. The end result is a high level of quality service. Their service includes customer responsiveness and innovations such as its aircraft fleet, its hubs a nd package handling systems, package tracking, customer support functions, and logistics support. Not only does this help FedEx follow through with their promises, but in some ways that are superior to that of the competition.FedEx has transformed itself into an e-business by integrating physical and virtual infrastructures across information systems, business processes, and organizational bounds. FedExs experience in building an e-business shows how a company can successfully apply its information technology expertise in order to pioneer customercentric innovations with sweeping structural and strategic impacts. It also shows the theatrical role of outsourcing, which frees companies to concentrate on their core business.The value chain for FedEx Express can be seen as starting with the pick-up of the packages. FedEx employees gather the packages from various locations such as dangle boxes, businesses and residences. Value is created for the customers by making package pick-ups po ssible just about anywhere or anytime. FedEx has a money back guarantee for those people whose packages do not arrive on time, therefore creating value by assuring timely delivery of the packages.After the packages are initially picked up, they must then be transported to a hub. The hub is a central location where packages are sorted according to their destinations. The packages will likely pass through many hands before comer their final destination. The packages stay at the hub until they are picked up and shipped either by truck or plane.FedEx Supply Chain run which synchronize the movement of goods for raise customer satisfaction. With all of this evident it can be said that FedEx segments its markets according to the needs of the customers and not by demographic regions.While FedEx is a very large company that occupies a large portion of market share in the express delivery sphere as well as the ground sector we have concluded that FedEx does not so much possess distinctive competencies, as it has strong existing competencies that allow it to compete competitively with industry leader UPS. These competencies include a very timely customer response time, cutting-edge technology and innovation. With the fact that FedEx does not have a competitive advantage, or distinctive competencies, yet is still the largest express package delivery service there are many directives that could be followed to attain both. This is obviously a long-term goal, unless it can be seen that the undertakings have already begun. Its most recent endeavor, characterized as a diversification from its usual product offering of actual shipment of goods, is the newer service offering of consultation. Labeled FedEx Trade Networks, this newest division of the FedEx offerings showcases the companys vast competence of international shipping knowledge to an array of customers. These customers are provided value creation with the knowledge that can greatly increase efficiencys through the supply chain. FedEx Trade Networks offers a full range of international support services, including customs clearance, encumbrance forwarding, Trade Customs consultive Services (TCAS) and trade technology solutions.Question Two Branding and business structure up until 19 January 2000Another note is the horizontal desegregation that has latterly been carried out by FedEx. Horizontal integrating is a way of trying to increase the profitability of a company by reducing costs, increasing the value of a product offering, managing industry rivalrys, or increasing the bargaining power of a company. These economic benefits are usually the rewards of company mergers and acquisitions in an industry. Horizontal integration is predominately characterized by similar companies merging together or acquisitions sought by the industry leaders.The account of mergers and acquisitions for North American-based logistics companies appears dissimilar. North American logistics services sources seem t o look for acquisitions that increase their position in existing markets, for instance, increasing domestic service routes and toting up critical mass to grasp the benefits of economies of scale. Nonetheless, the comparative strength of European automotive, chemical or other industries including global production and supply chains in opposition to their US counterparts make the necessity to create client interaction in Europe a must-have for US logistics suppliers. Given the competitive strong suit of the local European logistics assistance providers, one of the little options to increase market entry or share of market in this global scenery is to vigorously design and track acquisition tactics. This can be done in integration with a concentration on particular niche actions, where scale economies are not as critical. It can also be achieved by means of services where special resources are desired, for instance, oversized equipment or hazardous merchandise transportation.Project l ogistics companies, for instance, highlight an exclusive business model with core competencies in global freight transportation-a specific engineering knowledge and can get into a largely blue-chip client base-that make them essential service providers for their customers.By 1994 less than 20% of FedExs revenues came from documents, formerly the primary driver of revenues. The air express industry was in a period of constant flux as firms tried to understand where the close big push was going to originate. Fortunately for Smith, he had already gambled on logistics, a move that would begin to pay off during the next and last round of the study.From 1993 to 1996 sales grew from $7.8 billion to $10.3 billion. Decision-making was decentralized due to the disperse nature of domestic and international operations. Structure was divisional, but changes were being planned to reconfigure the organization during the next cycle.The most important strategic moves during this cycle were in the area of information processing, particularly customer information and tracking. Just as operations were centralized in 1978 to urge growth, the move toward a web-based business began in earnest in 1996 as FedEx became the first company to allow firms to process shipments on the Internet. Also by this time, FedEx was considered a global transportation company, not an airline.In 1998 Caliber Systems, Inc. was acquired by FedEx, which included the trucking operation, RPS. Roberts Express and Viking Express helped round out the full offering of services by FedEx in its attempt to become a one-stop shopping experience for supply chain needs. The company now offered complete interstate trucking service, long and short-haul air express service, and integrated logistics and warehouse solutions.Sales grew from $13.25 billion in 1997 to $19.629 billion in 2001. High fuel costs hurt profits during 1999, but the growth in Internet Business to Business (B to B) was exploding. Sales were also ne gatively impacted by the lack of identity between divisions with their own name, such as RPS and Viking, and operating units of FedEx. A major reorganization announced in January of 2000 by Fred Smith was designed to correct this problem.The FedEx Corporation would re-name each of its auxiliary companies, with the ejection of the less-than-truckload firm operating in the Western U. S. known as Viking, beginning with the brand identity of FedEx. The following changes were made FedEx Express formerly Federal Express FedEx Ground formerly RPS FedEx Custom Critical formerly Roberts Express FedEx Logistics formerly Caliber Logistics FedEx Trade Networks (Ng Farhoomand, 2002).Each subsidiary adopted a different semblance for its logo, but several strategic moves were made to ensure integration of operations and cooperation between companies. Consolidation was achieved in the sales force so that each division was being represented to each customer, accounting invoices were consolid ated to reflect one invoice and one customer account number, and all customer service claims information was consolidated.Once again, Fred Smith centralized some aspects of his vast company to facilitate growth and to take advantage of new opportunities. Again the analyzer strategy was implemented, as it had been for most of FedExs history, to stimulate constant service improvement and growth.By 2001 FedEx had close to 200,000 employees scattered across the globe. A new corporate complex was nearing completion in southeast Memphis in the community of Southwind, home to the St. Jude/FedEx Classic golf tournament. And, the top ten ranking in Fortunes Most Admired Corporations in America confirms the entrepreneurial and strategic management ability of Fred Smith.From 1984 to 1989 the company maintained a divisional structure, but it was augmented by the use of intercellular substance personnel in the areas of finance, world resources, and maintenance. Decisions involving strategy, tec hnology, advertising, and budgeting were centralized, yet authority for operations was decentralized. This was imperative for customer service given the extensive international orientation of the company by the late 1980s. Also, in 1989 FedEx chartered its first general manager in history, Robert May, to head a new operation known as Business Logistics Services (BLS). From 1984 to 1989 the company maintained a divisional structure, but it was augmented by the use of matrix personnel in the areas of finance, human resources, and maintenance. Decisions involving strategy, technology, advertising, and budgeting were centralized, yet authority for operations was decentralized. This was imperative for customer service given the extensive international orientation of the company by the late 1980s. Also, in 1989 FedEx hired its first general manager in history, Robert May, to head a new operation known as Business Logistics Services (BLS). From 1984 to 1989 the company maintained a divisio nal structure, but it was augmented by the use of matrix personnel in the areas of finance, human resources, and maintenance. Decisions involving strategy, technology, advertising, and budgeting were centralized, yet authority for operations was decentralized. This was imperative for customer service given the extensive international orientation of the company by the late 1980s. Also, in 1989 FedEx hired its first general manager in history, Robert May, to head a new operation known as Business Logistics Services (BLS).Question Three Events leading up to the January 2000 reorganisationBy the year ending 1999, 31st of May, Fedex had out-performed analyst expections and increased earnings by 28% compared to the previous year. But the company had a downturn during August 31, 1999. Due to increase in fuel prices, FedExs financial status was severely affected. Because of this, FedEx had forecasted that they full fiscal year may decrease below analyst expectations. BY the end of November 1999, the operating income dropped down by 10% of the previous year and the net income by 6%.As the increase in fuel price increase, operating income continue to decline. Because of the forecasted loss in income, the company re-think of their business strategy.As internet was introduced to the company, they utilized it to help them with the operations. First, it opened opportunities in re-engineering the supply chain. Second, the express transportation made businesses, such as FedEx, attain opportunities.In January 2000, FedEx had three major strategies. First, extending the FedEx brand to four subsidiary companies. Second, major re-organizations making it one point of access to sales, customer services, billing, and automation systems. Third, introducing to the market the low-cost home delivery.After the re-organization, the FedEx was helped through, first, single branding system which helped them establish their unique competitive advantage. Second, single and expanded sales force which helped them expand their market reaching the small and medium-sized businesses. Third, a single invoice and single account number from FedEx. Forth, streamlined customer automation systems to handle electronic transaction. Fifth, lone customer service which can help the consumers for their inquiries.With the re-organizations that happened, I think that it will help the company build a name that stands for quality, reliable, and fast service. It will help FedEx be more competitive now that the competition is growing. The number marketing is article of mouth, if FedEx can establish their three competencies, then word of mouth will be easily spread throughout others. It can help increase their market share and income.FedEx has been considered a top performer and a leader in its field almost from its inception. It regularly is included in Fortunes 100 Best Companies To call on For (Levering Moskowitz, 1998), Americas Most Admired Companies (Boyle, 2002), and Fortune 500. Yet, what is most impressive about Fred Smiths leadership and vision for FedEx is even though the company invented the air express industry, it has not clung too tightly to that coattail. As new opportunities have arisen, Smith has not hesitated to position his company to take advantage of those opportunities. Examples include pushing for larger weight limits from Congress, expanding operations internationally, leading the way in information processing, tracking and Internet applications, making key acquisitions, and reconfiguring his business to fit a new systems model for supply chain management.

Importance of History and Context Considerations for Clients

Importance of History and Context Considerations for ClientsHistorical and Contextual Considerations for ClientsSiobhan L. HealyAbstractThis paper discusses four guinea pigs in total, two from the emplacement of a psychologist in private dedicate and two from the perspective of a school psychologist.First, we go away be covering two clients who visited Dr. Goldsteins private practiceClient 1 Brian, a 28 year old, married father of a two year old daughter and a six calendar month old infant son, is expressing a feeling of unhappiness. He states that he is miserable, making everyone around him miserable.Client 2 Cindy, a 41 year old, recently part woman without children and high school education is not able to relax and worries about something all the time. She follow ups a feeling of going crazy.Next, we will be discussing two clients Dr. Venneman, the school psychologist, is coveringClient 1 Rosie, a 7-year-old second-grader from an intact family has recently moved into the sch ool district and was referred for experiencing academic difficulties concerning reading and writing, as intumesce as social difficulties with her classmates.Client 2 Marco, a 17 year old high school student was referred for failing grades and refusal to follow course sequences. He is run intoing dropping out of school.The hypothesis for this paper is, that, when clinicians atomic number 18 able to assembly ample selective information about their clients history and weave together clever info to get a clear picture of each case, they will be able to use the correct assessment in order to design a handling plan.According to Groth-Marnat, the evaluation of the referral question in each case is of great importance. An inaccu set clarification of a enigma base result in practical limitations of psychological evaluations. It is the clinicians responsibility to provide useful information and to clarify the requests they receive, and each clinician is aware of the value and the lim itations of psychological tests. Furthermore, clinicians should not assume that requests for evaluation and referrals are adequately described or elaborated on. In fact, clinicians whitethorn need to uproot unspoken expectations of clients and uncover interpersonal relationships and hidden agendas. Limitations of psychological tests need to be explained to clients and the clinician is required to fully understand the vocabulary, dynamics, referral setting, and conceptual model (Groth-Marnat, 2003).Because clinicians are rarely strikeed to provide a general or global assessment, only when are kind of expected to answer peculiar(prenominal) questions, they need to address these questions and should contact the source of the referral at various stages in the assessment process. In an educational evaluation, such as in Rosies and Marcos case, the school psychologist should observe the student in the classroom environment. The information gathered from such an observation should then be relayed plunk for to the source of the referral (school) in order to get further clarification and, possibly, a modification of the initial referral question (Groth-Marnat, 2003). subsequently gaining insight into the referral question, clinicians should proceed with the collection of information. A variety of sources may be use for this purpose, such as personal history, interview data, behavioural observations, and test scores. Furthermore, clinicians could obtain any previous psychological evaluations, medical checkup records, police reports, school records, or they could discuss the current issues with the client and/or with parents or teachers (Groth-Marnat, 2003). For example, Dr. Goldstein could ask his client, Brian, the 28 year old father of two small(a) children, a few background questions, such as, when did you first experience the feeling of unhappiness and what exactly do you do to make everyone around you miserable, or how was your marriage before the birth of y our children, what may be additional stress factors besides the overwhelming task of having two young children, and how is your social life?Furthermore, Dr. Goldstein should explore any manageable medical reasons for Brians unhappiness. Once the clinician has ruled out certain factors that may be contri scarceing to Brians condition, he may be able to pinpoint the cause of his unhappiness and determine that Brian is simply and temporarily overwhelmed by the addition of a vernal baby to an already stressful life. After all, additionally to having to go to work to financially support a family of four, Brian is most believably sleep deprived delinquent to his infant sons irregular sleep pattern. Ultimately, Brians wife and daughter may be placing unreasonable demands on him by asking for more help and attention. Most comparablely this phase will pass and the clinician will be able to design a immobile assessment and treatment plan.Dr. Goldsteins second case of Cindy, the 41 yea r old, divorced female, may be a complex one to examine. Once again, Dr. Goldstein should ask Cindy questions such as what were the reasons for your recent divorce, and when did you first experience the feeling of going crazy and how does it present, what kind of worries are the most prevalent and what shoot you tried to do in order to relax? After ruling out a medical riddle, the clinician should examine Cindys situation carefully, as it sounds like she may be suffering from anxiety and depression due to her recent divorce. After the divorce, she may have also lost common friends she shared with her partner. The divorce may have left her financially and emotionally dead and she may be going through a midlife crisis. In cases like that, the potential for substance abuse as a coping mechanism can be high. With detailed information about Cindys background, Dr. Goldstein should be able to construct a thorough assessment and a feasible treatment plan.In the case of Rosie, the 7-year -old second-grader from an intact family who recently moved to a new school district, the school psychologist, Dr. Venneman, should obtain any and all school and medical records and he should gather as much information from Rosies parents and current and former teachers (or principals). Dr. Venneman should explore whether Rosie had any academic issues in her former school. She may have to get an oculus exam to rule out a vision problem since her decreasing performance involves reading and writing. After ruling out any medical problems, Dr. Venneman should welcome out if Rosie may be missing her old friends and social activities. He should ask parents and teachers questions such as has she made any friends at all insofar, or is she still involved in the sports activities that she used to enjoy? It is very likely that Rosie is just experiencing a temporary loss of a sense of perceptual constancy (of a predictable environment and routine) and the loss of her friends due to the move . Once she is used to her new situation, she will most likely be able to adapt, make new friends, and catch up with school work.In the case of Marco, the 17 year old high school student who is considering dropping out of school, Dr. Venneman may have to explore his school and police records and conduct interviews with his family and teachers. After ruling out a medical condition or a possible criminal past, the clinician should ask Marco and everyone concerned a number of questions, such as how long has the lack of interest in school work persisted and what was done to intervene, what are his peers like, and what does Marco want for his future? Fortunately, Marco is a short time away from graduating from high school and the clinician should put emphasis on finding a quick and solid solution to jump-start Marcos motivation.In all of these cases, it is of the essence(p) to realize that any tests themselves are just one tool (or source) for gathering data. Each case history is of impo rtance as it provides the clinician a context for understanding each clients current issue and with this knowledge the test scores bring meaningful. A number of ethical guidelines have emerged for conducting formal assessments, ensuring that appropriate professional relationships and procedures are developed and maintained (Groth-Marnat, 2003, p.48).When assessing all of the above clients, the clinician must carefully consider what constitutes his or her ideal practice. There will always be difficulties involving assessment procedures. The main issues are the use of tests in inappropriate contexts, confidentiality, cultural bias, invasion of privacy, and the move use of tests that are inadequately validated (Groth-Marnat, 2003, p.48) consequently, this has resulted in many restrictions as to the use of certain tests, increased skepticism, and a greater need for clarification inside regarding ethical standards within the field of psychology (Groth-Marnat, 2003). As in Rosies and Ma rcos case, the clinician would be concerned about dealing with minors, especially if one was diagnosed with a disability, and should obtain consent to perform the assessments through a parent or legal guardian.As described by Steege Watson (2013) when information is systematically collected and study for the express purpose of determining behavioral function and the development of a BIP, it should be considered an evaluation and parental permission obtained (p.34). Furthermore, it would be unethical of Dr. Goldstein, for example, to reveal information about Brian or Cindy to others, unless the clients are posing a risk to themselves or others (such as a threat of suicide or homicide) (Steege Watson, 2013).In the case of Cindy, Dr. Goldstein could contract with a semi-structured interview format and list a sequence of questions that he would like to ask her. The first series of questions could includeWhat are some fundamental concerns that you may have?Could you describe the mos t important of these concerns?When did the difficulty first begin?How often does it occur?Have there been any changes in how often it has occurred?What happens after the behavior(s) occurs? (Groth-Marnat, 2003, p. 79-80).Since clients vary in their personal characteristics (age, degree of cooperation, educational level, etc.) and type of problem (childhood difficulties, legal problems, psychological problems), the questions should vary from person to person (Groth-Marnat, 2003). In Cindys case, the above questions are appropriate to ask. The series of questions should not be rigid, but asked with a certain level of flexibility, in order to explore relevant but unique issues that may arise during the interview. It is difficult to speculate on the conduction and outcome of the interview, because different theoretical perspectives will exist when it comes to clinician-client interaction between Dr. Goldstein and Cindy. It is important to note, that, a successful interview is achieved first and foremost with a proper attitude of the clinician, and not so much by what he or she says or does. The interviewer should always express sincerity, acceptance, understanding, genuine interest, warmth, and a positive regard for the worth of the person. If clinicians do not demonstrate these qualities, they are unlikely to achieve the goals of the interview, no number how these are defined (Groth-Marnat, 2003, p. 80).Dr. Goldstein should be aware of the interviewer effect because his interview with Cindy is a social interaction and his appearance may influence her answers. This is a common problem and such bias can render the results of the study invalid. For example, body language, age, gender, ethnicity, or social status of the interviewer can create this effect. If Dr. Goldstein happens to be of the same age and ethnicity of Cindys ex-husband, with a similar social status and body language, she may not answer all the questions without bias. Unfortunately, there is always going to be such a possibility when conducting an interview.After Dr. Goldstein has concluded the interview with Cindy, he will then provide an outline of the behavioral assessment, similar to the behavioral interview. He will ab initio provide Cindy with an overview of what has to be accomplished with a clear detailed specification of her problem behavior. Dr. Goldstein will identify the target behavior(s) and define them in exact behavioral terms. For example, Cindys target behaviors may be excessive worry and inability to relax as part of an anxiety disorder. The clinician will then determine the problem frequency, duration, and intensity (How many times has the feeling of going crazy occurred today, How long did it persist, etc.). He will then identify the conditions in which the problems (worrying, not macrocosm able to relax, and so on) occur in terms of its antecedents, behaviors, and consequences (Groth-Marnat, 2003, p. 114).Dr. Goldstein will determine the desired level of Cindys performance and consider an estimate of how realistic this is for her with possible deadlines. He will definitely identify Cindys strengths and also suggest procedures for measuring her relevant behaviors. He will decipher who will record what and how will it be recorded, when and where. Then, Dr. Goldstein will determine how the effectiveness of the program should be evaluated. After completing the discussion of areas, he will summarize it to ensure that Cindy understands and agrees. Again, this outline should not be rigid and should be used as a general guideline (Groth-Marnat, 2003).In Cindys case, the behavioral interview itself may have presented enough material for an adequate assessment but some form of actual behavioral observation may be required before, during, and after treatment. A regularity for observing the behavior(s) is often decided on during the initial behavioral interview. While interviews primarily serve to obtain verbal information from clients, beh avioral observation conducted to truly carry out certain techniques and strategies of measuring relevant areas of behavior that were previously discussed during the behavioral interview. With Cindy, a behavioral observation may be useful, although it is usually used more frequently in cases such as assessing young children, the developmentally disabled, or resistant clients, but it would be interesting to obtain interval recording, fib recording, ratings recording, and event recording. Dr. Goldstein may ask Cindy to observe her relevant target behaviors. He and Cindy will have to decide on the number of target behaviors to record and the complexness of a recording method, as the task will have to remain manageable and not overly complex (Groth-Marnat, 2003).Target behavior(s) should be identified in a narrative description of Cindys problems and later specified by determining the antecedents and consequences related to her problem behavior. All of her behaviors need to be measured in an objective manner, with complete definitions that enable concise observations of the measures of the behaviors. Such definitions should not include abstract terms, such as absentmindedness or sadness, and instead concentrate on specific behaviors. Furthermore, the definitions should be easy to read. When Dr. Goldstein is measuring behavioral frequencies, he must clearly define when the behaviors begin and end. It can be difficult to measure less clearly defined behaviors. The recordings should measure the duration of behaviors and their intensity. For example, how fast does Cindys heart beat during an anxiety/panic attack in which she feels that she is losing her mind and how long did this heart rate remain? Measurements as such will determine how urgent and strong a treatment approach should be (Groth-Marnat, 2003).Of further importance is the setting of a behavioral observation and it can range from a natural setting to a highly structured one. Natural, or in vivo, settings for Cindy can include her home, the park, or the mall. Such natural settings are the most effective ones when trying to assess high-frequency or depressive behaviors, as in Cindys case. Unfortunately, observations in natural settings require an massive amount of time but are useful when the amount of change the client has made is measured after a treatment. Dr. Goldstein may decide to create a structured environment, such as a role play, that bring out specific types of behaviors. Such environments can be important for infrequent behaviors but this type of setting may not generalize into Cindys actual life. The training of the observer has to include a clear understanding of measuring the behaviors, accentuation on taking objective and accurate recordings. The clinician should take precautions to avoid observer error, through bias, lapses in concentration, leniency, and discussing of data with other observers. Reliability may be canvass by comparing the degree of agreement betwee n different observers rating the same behaviors (Groth-Marnat, 2003, p.116). After gathering enough information about their clients history and pertinent data during behavioral interviews and assessments, clinicians have a clear picture of each case and will be able to design and implement the correct treatment plan.ReferencesGroth-Marnat, Gary (2003). Handbook of Psychological Assessment 4th ed. John Wiley Sons.Retrieved on 20 February 2015 from http//marijag.home.mruni.eu/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/handbook-of-psychological-assessment-fourth-edition.pdf.Steege, M.W., Watson, T.S. (2013). Conducting School-Based Functional Behavioral Assessments, Second Edition. Guilford Press. VitalBook file.

Comparing Relationship between Teller and Tale in The Merchant’s Tale a

Relationship between Teller and boloney in The Merchants Tale and The Wife of BatheA relationship is usually seen between the teller of a tale and the tale that he or she decides to share. Chaucers pilgrim, the Merchant, uses his feelings on espousal to teach a lesson in his tale. The Wife of Bathe also relies on her life experience to tell her tale. The two relationships in the tales can then be compared. In his prologue, the Merchant recounts how he despises being married. He has only been married for two months and he regrets the decision he made because his married woman is the finish up of all. He takes these negative views of marriage into his tale. The old man that gets to receive the Merchants feelings towards marriage is January. January is happy in his marriage, quite the opposite from the Merchant, yet his wife fools him. The Merchant is blinded by the beauty and vivacity of his young wife, May. He is in love enough with her that he does no t immediately understand the affair that is fortuity behind his back. Even when he catches sight of Da...

My Educational Philosophy Essay -- Philosophy of Education Teaching

My Educational Philosophy To describe my educational philosophy, I conveyed to combine two philosophers into one make it my own. I plan to explain my philosophical view by discussing the purpose of public education in society. I felt that essentialism, popularized by William Bagley, and progressivism, led by John Dewey, best described my attitudes and views towards education. I feel the overall purpose of education is to teach students traditional academic subjects such as math, reading and writing, companionable studies, the sciences, music, art, computer science, health, and physical education. These classes are the foundation needed by students to survive in todays society. However, I also believe that some students need activities that satisfy personal needs. Some stud...