National Bank Essay

A research program is very important & essential for acquiring experience through learning and spreading the scope of Knowledge. I have done my research program in National Bank Limited, Foreign Exchange Branch. This research report is aimed at providing a comprehensive picture to the areas of Foreign Exchange operation of National Bank Limited. The report has been divided into twelve parts. These are- Introduction, Brief History of Banking Sector of Bangladesh, Corporate review of NBL, Foreign Exchange, Documents Used in Foreign Exchange Business, Letter of Credit (L/C), Import, Export, Foreign Remittance, Findings and Analysis, References. National Bank Limited is one of the largest commercial Bank of Bangladesh. The main objective of the Bank is to provide all of banking services at the doorsteps of the people. The Bank also participates in various social and development programs and takes part in implementation of various policies and promises made by the Government. National Bank Limited plays a pioneering role in handling foreign trade and foreign exchange transactions. With wide network of branches at home and a large number of correspondent banks worldwide, it is handling the largest volume of export-import business including homebound remittances. For this reason, Foreign Exchange of the Bank is very much essential. But now a day’s banking sector of Bangladesh is suffering the disease of default culture which is the consequence or result of bad performance of most banks. There are three types of modes of foreign exchange market, which are- Export Financing, Import Financing and Foreign Remittance. Foreign Exchange Branch does these foreign exchange activities vastly. In this report, I mention the overall operating procedure of foreign exchange transaction of National Bank Limited. I also mention the findings of my report and describe the recommendation to overcome the limitation. I have taken all the reasonable care to ensure the accuracy and quality to make the report standard. And I believe that it has included all the necessary information to be relevant. INTRODUCTIOIN ORIGIN OF THE REPORT As a mandatory part the BBA Program, all the students of the faculty of  Business Studies, Premier University, Chittagong have to undergo a three month long research program with an objective of gaining practical knowledge about current business world. After this research program each and every students have to submit a research report mentioning their activities during the research program. I’ve started my research at the National Bank Limited, Foreign Exchange Branch. At the end of the research program I am submitting my research report focusing on the contribution of Foreign Exchange operation to the overall performance of bank especially on profitability perspective under the supervision of Tasnim Uddin Chowdhury, Lecturer, Department of Finance, in Premier University, Chittagong. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The general objective of the study is to gather practical knowledge regarding banking system and operation. The research gives us a chance to relate the four year long theoretical learning of BBA Program with the reserch experience. This consists the following: To get an overall idea about the Foreign exchange Business of National Bank Limited. To apply theoretical knowledge in the practical field. To describe the organizational structure, management, background, functions and objectives of the bank and its contribution to the national economy. To achieve overall understanding of National Bank Limited. To analyze the financing systems of the bank to find out any contributing field. To examine the profitability and productivity of the bank. To acquire knowledge about the everyday banking operation of National Bank Limited. To evaluate the effect of world recession on foreign exchange income of NBL, Foreign Exchange Branch. To understand the real management situation and try to recommend for improving existing problems. SCOPE OF THE STUDY This study provides those scopes of knowing are the following: History and performance of National Bank Limited. Terms used in foreign exchange operations Foreign exchange operations of National Bank Limited Literature review. Total concept of Foreign Exchange Operation. METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY The report is prepared on the basic of foreign Exchange of National Bank Limited. To conduct the overall study, at first I explored the sources of Primary and Secondary information and data. Different files of the department and statement prepared by FED helped me to prepare this report. To present numerical data, I used the Annual Report of 2008 and monthly statement of January to October 2009 of National Bank Limited, Foreign Exchange Branch. For preparing this report I have used some graphical representation to find out different types of analytical and interpretation. SOURCES OF DATA As mentioned earlier, mainly primary and secondary data has been used. Sometimes the customers gave some important information regarding the services of the Bank: PRIMARY DATA Official records of National Bank Limited (NBL).. Expert opinion. SECONDARY DATA Monthly Statement of NBL. Annual Report of NBL. Official Files. Selected books. Other manual information. Websites. Various publications on the Bangladesh Bank. Newspaper reports in this concern. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION Both quantitative and qualitative analysis will be performed on the findings. The quantitative analysis will be done on the trend of export- import, growth pattern of export-import, pre and post facilities provided for easing the export-import operations. Qualitative analyses will be based on the macroeconomic variables and foreign exchange policy provided by Bangladesh bank, the central bank of Bangladesh. Different statistical tools will be used for the analysis of the findings. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY To provide current information and to make the report read-worthy, support from various sources is essential. In spite of having my wholehearted effort, I could not collect some information required at the time of the study. So this study is not free from the following limitation: Due to unavailability of latest annual report (Annual report 2009), I have to prepare the report on the basis of annual report 2008. As a result, analysis, presentation of data may not show the existing position/present condition of National Bank Limited. For the whole research I had only 90 days, out of which I get 61 days because of late commencement of research program, which were totally insufficient. So I faced time shortage extremely. Lack of previous experience to prepare this type of report and it is totally new to me as an intern. Foreign exchange division follows Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCPDC), but within this short period, I was totally stunned to understand. Learning all the banking functions within just two months was really difficult. Sometimes the officers of National Bank Limited were very busy. For this reason the personal did not co-operate me. National Bank Limited did not give me any kind of monetary support for this research program Most of the working days in NBL, I have to work in cash department to help in IPO subscription collection, so I get limited time work in other departments to have practical knowledge Another limitation of  this report is Bank’s policy of not disclosing some data and information for obvious reason, which could be very much helpful. BRIEF HITORY OF BANKING SECTOR OF BD EVOLUTION OF THE WORD ‘BANK’ The word bank originated from Italian word â€Å"Banca†. Banca means long tool. In ancient time Italian Jews merchant used to do business of lending money by sitting on the tools. It is assumed that the word â€Å"bank† derived from the word Banca. To meet the expense of war of 1171 one type credit certificate was launched in Italy at an interest rate of 5% it was called as Monte in Italian language and Bank in German language then German language was widely used in Italy. As a result the word Bank gradually changed to the word Banca from which the word Bank originated. THE EMERGENCE OF MODERN BANKING The linguistics and etymologists suggests an interesting story about banking origins. Both the old French word â€Å"Banque† and the Italian word Banca were used centuries ago to mean a bench or moneychangers table. This describes quite well what historians have observed concerning the first bankers, who lived more than 2000 years ago. They were money changers, situated usually at table or in a small shop in the commercial district, aiding travelers who came to town by exchanging foreign coins for local money or discounting commercial notes for a fee in order to supply merchants with working capital. The first bankers probably used their own capital to fund their activities, but it was not long before the idea of attracting deposit and securing temporary loans from wealthy customers became a source of bank funding. Loans were then made to merchant’s shippers and landowners at rates of interests low as 6 percent per annum to as high as 48 percent a month for the riskiest ventures. Most of the early bank was Greek in origin. The banking industry gradually spread outward from the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome into northern and western Europe. The early bank in Europe was places for safe keeping of valuable items (such as gold and  silver bullion) as people came to fear loss of their asset due to war, theft, or expropriation by government. When colonies were established in North and South America, old world banking practice were transferred . DEVELOPMENT OF BANKING IN BANGLADESH Since early British rule, the history of banking in Bangladesh territory shows that the traditional trade-networks developed before the banks invaded rural areas. And the banking services have slowly flourished in Bangladesh territory. Even today, in many places, moneylenders provide credit services. Small shopkeepers and businessman use informal credit at high interest rate. Traditional mahjong’s money lending business gradually declined due to expansion of bank and the micro credit programs of NGOs, cooperative banks and government agencies. PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS During the liberation war in 1971, the economic, political, and social system including the banking system was severally damaged. At that time, all big and medium financial institutions except two small banks had their head office in the West Pakistan. The non-beagle owners and managers of the financial establishments that operated in East Pakistan had abandoned them. After independence in 1971, the new government had to take over management and ownership of all such institutions. The banks Nationalization Order 1972 was issued to nationalize banks and financial institutions (except those incorporated abroad) in order to control chaos in the field of ownership, party bureaucracy, the intelligentsia, and pressure group. By several orders the government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh created- Six nationalized commercial banks (NCBs): 1. Sonali Bank 2. Agrani Bank 3. Janata Bank 4. Rupali Bank 5. Pubali Bank 6. Uttra Bank One industrial bank (BSB) One agricultural bank (BKB) One industrial development financial institution (BSRS) The bank and financial institutions which originated during the Pakistan period and were merged, and renamed and functioning after independence of Bangladesh. In the year 1983, the government allowed private sector to participate in the banking business. The Publi Bank and the Uttara Bank were denationalized in 1985, due to non profitability. This action reduced the number of NCBs to four. Such restructuring of public sector banks was in order to play their role in industry, agriculture, export, self –employment etc. PRIVATE COMMERCIAL BANKS Taking advantage of the liberalization policy of the government regarding participation of private sector in the banking business, a number of private banks were established in –and –after 1983. With the emergence of private banks in Bangladesh, a competitive situation in the sector has been created. Now there are 48 commercial banks in Bangladesh which are enlisted with Bangladesh Bank, among them four (4) are NCBs, five (5) are specialized banks, twenty nine (29) are private commercial banks and ten (10) are foreign commercial banks. The emergence of private banks has added a new dimension to the banking system in Bangladesh. The private commercial banks show a steady growth in terms of number of branches, deposit and advances. CORPORATE REVIEW OF NATIONAL BANK History of National Bank Limited National Bank Limited has its prosperous past, glorious present, prospective future and under processing projects and activities. Established as the first private sector Bank fully owned by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, NBL has been flourishing as the largest private sector bank with the passage of time after facing many stress and strain. The member of the board of directors is creative businessman and international economist. For rendering all modern  services, NBL, as a financial institution automated all it’s branches with computer network in accordance with the competitive commercial demand of time. Moreover, considering it’s forth- coming future the infrastructure of the Bank has been much more to NBL. Keeping the target in mind NBL has taken preparation branches by the wear 2000-2001. The emergence of National Bank Limited in the private sector is an important event in the banking area of Bangladesh. When the national was in the grip of severe recession, Govt. too k the farsighted decision to allow in the private sector to revive the economy of the country. Several dynamic entrepreneurs came forward for establishing a bank with a motto to revitalize the economy of the country. National Bank Limited was born as the first hundred percent Bangladesh owned Bank in the private sector. From the very inception it is the firm determination of National Bank Limited to play a vital role in the national economy. We are determined to bring back the long forgotten taste of banking services and flavors. We want to serve each one promptly and with a sense of dedication and dignity. The President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Justice Ahsanuddin Chowdhury inaugurated the bank formally on March 28, 1983 but the first branch at 48, Dilkusha Commercial Area, Dhaka started functioning on March 23, 1983. The 2nd Branch was opened on 11th May 1983 at Khatungonj, Chittagong. Today we have total 103 Branches all over Bangladesh. A representative office was established in Yangon, Myanmar in October, 1996 by our bank and obtained permission from t he government of Bangladesh to handle border trade with Myanmar .opportunities is being explored for further business avenues there. Now NBL is on line to establish trade and communication with the prime international banking companies of the world. As a result NBL will be able to build a strong root in international banking horizon .Bank has been drawing arrangement with well conversant money transfer service agency â€Å"Western union†. It has full time arrangement for speedy transfer of money all over the world. Banking is not only a profit – oriented commercial institution but it has a public bas and social commitment admitting this true NBL is going on with its diversified banking activities NBL introduced monthly Savings Scheme, special Deposit Scheme, and Consumers. Credit Scheme and savings Insurance scheme etc. To combine the people of lower and middle income group. A team of highly qualified and experiment professional headed by the managing Director of the  bank who has vast banking experience operates bank and at the top three is an efficient Board of Directors for making policies. Vision of National Bank Limited Establishing as a top grade efficient bank through best application of modern information technology and business activities, offering high standard client services and Proper coordination of foreign trade business in the core of their vision. Mission of national bank Limited With a view to achieving commercial objective of the bank, their sincere and all out efforts stay put unabated. Respected client and shareholders are attracted to us for our transparency, accountability, social communities, and high quality of clientele services. Objective of national Bank Limited Bring modern banking facilities to the doorsteps of general public through diversification of services, thereby arousing saving propensity among the people. Foreign a cordial, deep rooted and farm banker customer relationship by dispensing prompt and improved clientele services. Taking part in the development of the national economy through productive development of the banks resources as well as patronizing different social activities. Connecting clients to modern banking practices by the best application of improved information technology, so that they get encouraged to continue and feel proud of banking with NBL. Responding to the need of the time by participating in the syndicated large loan financing with like-minded banks of the country, thereby expanding the area of investment Elevating the image of the bank at home and abroad by sustained expansion of its activities. Strategies of National Bank Limited To manage and operate the bank in the most efficient manner to enhance financial performance and to control cost of fund. To strive for customer satisfaction through quality control and delivery of timely services. To identify customer credit and other banking needs and monitor their perception towards our performance in meeting those and update requirement. To review and update policies procedures and practices to enhance the ability to extend better services to customer. To train and develop all employs and provide them adequate resources so that customer needs can responsibility addressed. To promote organizational effectiveness by openly communicating company plans, policies, practices and procedures to all employers in a timely fashion To cultivate a working environment that fosters positive motivation for improved performance To diversify portfolio both in the retail and whole sale market. To increase direct contact with customer in order o cultivate a closer relationship Busin ess Goal To patronize, sponsor and encouraged games and sports, entertainment and other socio-economic activities alongside providing the best services to the client. The Future thrust Full duplex on-line Banking Introducing more innovative products and services Opening new branches Expansion of business network at home and abroad SMS Banking Introduction of new liability / Asset products Corporate Culture Employees of NBL share certain common values, which helps to create a NBL culture. The client comes first Search for professional excellence Openness to new ideas& new methods to encourage creativity Quick decision making Flexibility and prompt response A sense of professional ethics Growth and Development of NBL The NBL carries out all traditional functions, which a commercial bank performs such as mobilization of the deposit, investment of funds, financing export and import business, trade and commerce and industry. The banking sector in the country faced different problems thought the year. Even through the board and management never stopped its effort to maximize wealth, which is reflected by 143.97percent profit growth in 2007, highest ever in the last 15 years. The bank earned the 676.45 core revenue in 2007 as interest, income from investment and commission & exchange earning, which who Tk. 530:69 corer in the provision year. As a result the total operating profit rode to Tk. 221.51 corer in 2007 from Tk.114.68 corer in the previous year. Branches of NBL NBL, which was started at Dilkusha Branch on March 23rd, 1983, was the first major commercial Bank. In Bangladesh operating throughout the country as well as the age of the bank is only 25 years .During this period it has established total 112 branches over the country and made smooth network inside the country as well as thought the world. The number of branches as well as territory wise is mentioned in the table.

Qualitative Study of Reasons for (Non) Participation in Physical Recreation Essay

The objective of this qualitative study is to investigate and compare the responses of single and married women that do not participate in physical recreation. Lack of physical activity from married and single women has been studied less extensively than men’s physical activity. (Vehoef, Love & Rose 2003) The issue of non-participation in physical activity can affect the quality of life and health of women globally. It is important to address this issue and understand why some women do not participate in leisure activities. The qualitative research in this report discusses the major themes or reasons for non-participation from women and compares these themes between married and single women. Firstly this report will give a brief review of some previous research in this field mainly the reasons for not participating in physical activity. Secondly this report will give a short description of the research method used to gather the data for the quantitative research and thirdly it will discuss and describe the major reason for the non-participation in physical recreation of married and single women. Part 1b) Literature Review There has been some research on the topic of non-participation of women in physical recreation. Married women have less time to participate in physical activity due to work are childbearing responsibilities. (Nomaguchi & Bianchi 2004) These days there are a lot more women working full time. Furthermore these women are working longer hours per day. (Nomaguchi & Bianchi 2004) With longer working days women are spending less time doing recreational activity. Women are not motivated to spend their only free time exercising a lot would much prefer to relax and forget about work. Work and study along with other issues like family responsibilities are the main reasons that some married and single women are not involved in physical activity. (Erickson & Gillespie 2000) One of the main reason for non-participation for married women is family and their role in the family. (Nomaguchi & Bianchi 2004) The majority of married women are working full time and caring for children. (Nomaguchi & Bianchi 2004) Having a full time job and being a mother takes up a very large amount of time in ones day. After finishing a long work day and then tending to the needs of children such as transportation and hunger it does not leave very much time for a woman to exercise. A busy schedule like this can be very mentally tiring and motivation to perform physical activity can decrease. Research shows that after all her work and family responsibilities are finished it is usually too late to start to exercise or they are simply too exhausted. This can affect the health and quality of life for a woman. (Nomaguchi & Bianchi 2004) Single women have issues finding time to participate in physical activity. They may not have kids to look after in some cases but work and study issues can limit their time for exercise. Middle aged single women are slightly more active than married women the same age but the overall participation rate is small. (Vehoef, Love & Rose 2003) This small participation rate of married and single women is a concern for society with health issues such as obesity and depression increasing. Part 2) Research Methods The research methods used in this study were In-depth interviews. A number of interview were conducted with married and single women. In-depth interviews are primarily used when the number of subjects is rather small. The advantage of using a in-depth interview in a quantitative study is that it is an unstructured process that allows the interviewer to gain more depth of answers when compared to a questionnaire. The informal structure gives the freedom of the interviewer to change the direction of the interview and engage with the interviewee much more personally, this allows more extensive and detailed data. (Kwek 2011) It is important when conducting a in-depth interview to not lead the interviewee but to probe them for more information. The person conducting the interview must not agree with of disagree with the interviewee this is vital so the interviewee does not feel induced into to answering a question in a certain way. The interviewer must use more open questions to gain more in-depth information from the interviewee and then confirm this in-depth by using closed questions to ensure the data being collected is on track. The open, axial and reflective coding method was used to analyse the data. Open coding is the first coding method used in analysing the in-depth interview data. Open coding helps to make sense of the process and identify the root of the issue. The interviews were evenly split between married and single women. Some of the issues for married women in the open coding stage were things such as; * Age – feeling too old * Body image – being embarrassed by their body * Housework – having to cook and cleaning the house. * Kids – transporting and caring for children * Work – working long hours and irregular hours * No motivation – finding it hard to feel motivated to exercise * No friends to exercise with – not having a partner or group to exercise with * Poor knowledge of physical activities – not knowing the best methods to participate in physical activity * Low energy levels – feeling exhausted * No time – having no spare time to partake in regular physical recreation Some of the issues for single women were; * No time. * Lack of funds – not having the money to be able to pay for and travel to physical activities of their interest * No friends to exercise with – not having a partner or group to exercise with * Low energy levels – feeling exhausted * Poor location of facilities – not having the transport options available to get to recreation facilities * Poor knowledge of physical activities – not knowing the best methods to participate in physical activity * Other social activities – wanting to spend time socialising with friends going to the movies or eating together. For the axial coding stage the data was analysed to find a more whole view of the issues for non-participation of married and single women. Axial coding minimalises the number of statements made by the interviewees and identifies the more common themes. Common themes for married women in the axial coding stage were; * Family and housework * No energy and poor body image * No motivation due to lack of friends to exercise with and poor knowledge * No time due to work Common themes for single women in the axial coding stage were; * Money * No time due to work and study commitments * No motivation due to lack of friends to exercise with and poor knowledge * Relaxation and socialising. At this stage of the coding process some common themes are visible for both married and single women. The majority of married and single women stated that time commitments was a major issues for not exercising. The reasons for the lack of time may vary from the married to the single women. This takes us into the third stage of the coding process, reflective coding. Reflective coding aims to seek any inter-relationship that may exist in the major themes. (Kwek 2011) This stage of the coding process paints an overall picture of the data collected and the major themes. The main themes in this research for married women are; * Lack of time * Family commitment * Lack of motivation Due to family and work commitments married women in this study seem to have insufficient time to participate in physical activity. The main themes in this research for single women are; * Lack of time * Lack of motivation * Lack of funds Like married women most single women in this study believe they do not have enough time to regularly partake in physical activity. A lack of motivation is also a common theme amongst married and single women. Single women in this interview process also claim that a lack of sufficient funding to engage in physical recreation is a big factor in their non-participation. Part 3) Discussion of Findings It is important to note that all the interviewees are non-participant in physical exercise. The reason for this study is to find out why these ladies are not exercising on a regular basis. The main issue that this qualitative research has found is time. Examination of the respondents both the married and single felt that lack of time is the main reason for the not to doing physical activity on a regular basis. There are some similar themes for both married and single women in relation to time constraints. One reason for lack of time that is evident in both groups is work or study commitments. For example, one respondent (Worker) noted that â€Å"I work five days a week and I have three children to look after so there isn’t usually much time left over for myself†. One single woman stated that â€Å"If I had more time I would be much more likely to do something active† (Kylie) It is clear here that both married and single women if they had more time would be more inclined to participate in physical activity. Another common reason for non-participation is lack of motivation. The majority of married and single women in this study feel no motivation to exercise. One similar reason for married and single women to hove low motivation is the lack of company to perform the physical activity with. Jane a married woman claims that she would be â€Å"more inclined to go if someone came with me, it would keep me motivated† Kylie a single woman also states that she would be â€Å"more inclined to do something like that if I had someone to go with†. Sheree feels the same, â€Å"I feel if I work less hours I would feel less exhausted and therefore more motivated to exercise† Working less and having a friend or friends to exercise with are big factors in motivating both married and single women to engage in physical activity on a regular basis. Married women in this study believe that their family commitments are a large contributing factor for them not to participate in physical activity. Most married women in this research both worked and had children. With work and family comes a very busy life in which women are finding it hard to find time to exercise. â€Å"When I had my first child my priorities changed from looking after myself to looking after my family† This from Shazza who now is more interested in looking after the needs of her family than looking after her own health and quality of life. Married women with kids have a hard time to allocate any time to exercise because family is a full time job. What little time they do get they often would rather spend it with their husbands or just relaxing in general â€Å"my weekends are made up of transporting my kids to sport, spending time with my husband and doing work around the house†. (Shazza) Single women in this qualitative study are shown to have issues with money in relation to the funding of physical activities. It is hard to find an activity that is fun and motivating without having to pay something. Even walking will cost a participant in the form of correct shoes. A Large portion of the single women that were interviewed for this study claim that they do not have enough money or cannot justify spending a large amount of money on physical activity. â€Å"Joining a gym is so expensive these days and sometime I can’t justify paying that much†. (Kylie) It is easy to understand that Kat who is aged only eighteen has not enough money to invest in her physical recreation. Eighteen is such a young age where a girl is trying to find her feel and begin a independent life away from school and possible family. Although some of the time constraint and motivational reasons for non-participation are similar between married and single women it is also apparent that other issues such as family and funding can be found for both married and single women but generally in the bulk of cases family was an issue for married woman and funding was an issue for single woman. It is important to understand that the major issues discussed can be related and compound one another. Part 4) Conclusion In summary the research suggests that the major reasons for single and married women involved in this study are time and motivation. The vast majority of all the women interviewed found that motivation and time constraints were the biggest issues stopping them from being involved in physical activity on a regular basis. A number of respondents specifically noted that if they had more spare time they would in fact be involved in exercise of some description. Another stand out problem for married women was family commitments. Looking after a family took up a lot of the interviewees time and drained them of motivation linking the issues together. It is similar for the single women that also had lack of financing as a stumbling block to physical activity. Not having enough money deprives the respondent of motivation to regularly exercise. Although the major issues are very similar for both married and single women it is the finer details that make them different. For more women to begin and continue to partake in regular physical activity there needs to be some change in society. This research shows that women need more time and motivation for this to become a reality. One way to gain more time for future women would be to reduce the hours of a normal working week. Another would be to introduce some government funded recreational activities targeting women in their communities. It is important that more research is done in this field to further understand these major issues and work towards an increase in exercise from all women. Part 5) Reference List Erickson, J. & Gillespie, C. (2000) Reasons women discontinued participation in an exercise and wellness program. The physical educator, 57 (1), 2-7. Retrieved from Google Scholar Kwek, A. (2011). 1002HSL Week 4 Lecture: Qualitative research methods. Retrieved from Griffith University, Department of Tourism, Leisure, Hotel & Sport Management, Learning@Griffith Website. Nomaguchi, K. & Bianchi, S. (2004) Exercise time: Gender differences in the effects of marriage, parenthood, and employment. Journal of marriage and family, 66, 413-430. Retrieved from ABI/Inform Global. Verhoef, M. , Love, E. & Rose, S. (2003) Women’s social rules and their exercise participation. Women & Health, 19 (4), 15-29. Retrieved from ABI/Inform Global.

Determination of the formula unit of a compound Essay

1)The crucible is weighed and the exact mass is recorded. 2)Approximately 0.2g of zinc is placed into the crucible and the crucible with its contain is weighed. The exact mass of zinc is determined. 3)10 ml of 6M HCl solution is poured into a measuring cylinder. 4)The 10 ml of 6M HCl solution is carefully added into the crucible containing zinc powder and the contents is stirred gently using a glass rod. A vigorous chemical reaction occurred and hydrogen gas is released. (This step is carried out in a fume cupboard.) 5)If the zinc powder has not dissolved completely, acid was added, 5 ml at a time, until the zinc is completely dissolved. The amount of acid used did not exceed 20 ml. 6)The crucible is placed on a hot plate in the fume cupboard and the contents are heated slowly so that the compound does not splatter during the heating process. 7)The compound is heated gently until it is completely dry. The compound is made sure not to melt. 8)The crucible is allowed to cool to room temperature. Then, it is weighed. 9)The crucible is reheated. It is let to cool to room temperature and then is weighed again. The procedure is repeated until the difference in mass does not exceed 0.02g. 10)The mass of zinc chloride is determined from the final weight of the sample. The mass of chloride in the zinc chloride is calculated. 11)The formula unit of zinc chloride is calculated. Introduction Chemical compound is a pure chemical substance consisting of two or more different chemical elements which can be separated into simpler  substances by chemical reaction chemical compound has a unique chemical structure and defined. They consist of the fixed ratio of atoms are held together in a room setting is defined by chemical bonds. Chemical compound molecule compounds that can be held together by covalent bonds, salt is held together by ionic bonds, intermetallic compounds are held together by metal ties, or a complex held together by a coordinate covalent bond. Another main property of a compound is its chemical composition, which identified only by determining the elements present in the compound. The molecular weight of the empirical formula weight divided by the number of atoms of each element to produce a percentage of each element. This is done for each element in the empirical formula and tabulated as chemical composition. Please note the order is based on electro-nega tive elements. When zinc metal is reacted with hydrochloric acid, hydrogen gas is released and an aqueous solution of zinc chloride is produced. The zinc chloride solution when evaporated to dryness leaves a pure salt product. In order to calculate the simplest whole number ratio of chlorine to zinc or empirical formula for zinc chloride, we need to use the initial mass of zinc and the solid product formed. It is important that all of the zinc used be reacted and that large excess amounts of hydrochloric acid not be used. Then, from the mass of zinc consumed and the total mass of product formed, the masses of both zinc and chlorine may be determined. Converting these to number of moles and then calculating the simplest whole number ratio, by dividing by both by the smaller of the two numbers, gives the empirical formula. If either of the numbers is non-integral, then multiply by the smallest number required to give two whole numbers as subscripts in the formula unit: ZnxCly.

Total Quality Management (Case Study) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Total Quality Management (Case Study) - Essay Example Slight Sports, a sports equipment and hosiery manufacturing firm that has been operational for the last 40 years is one of the top organizations in the area of sports. The firm which started its operations from a single room became one of the top exporter of the sports equipment and accessories of the country. The major products included were footballs, basketballs, volley balls, tennis balls, sports hosieries and all the related equipment to these sports. Initially, Slight Sports catered to the local market for almost five years. The owner of the company, Mr. (XYZ) however, realized the potential of the foreign market and started looking for partners on foreign soils. With his untiring efforts, he found partners in different countries of the world and was able to create strong relationships with them. This was the start of the successful journey that Slight Sports enjoyed for almost thirty odd years. A major characteristic of Slight Sports products was that they were all handmade wh ich ultimately increased the value of their products worldwide. The visionary thinking and leadership characteristics of (XYZ) were instrumental in making Slight Sports earn its success. In the starting years of 2000, XYZ died due to heart disease. His death left a big hole in Slight Sports. The reins of the company were then transferred to his wife who started to look for new partners to modernize the firm in technological terms. The poor management skills and inexperience of Ms. XYZ proved extremely damaging for the firm. Kite Inc. who had been a major collaborator of Slight Sports in different countries ended their contract with Slight Sports sighting the declining quality of products and elimination of unique characteristics that were once forte of Slight Sports (Goldman, 100). The poor order management also played its part in ending of the contract. This was one of the major contract endings in the list which contained few other contract endings as well. Just in a couple of years Slight Sports had to cut back from all the major foreign deals and limited their operations to the local market. It is imperative to note that leadership is a key aspect in deciding a f irm’s success. The strategy, order management, client handling, etc, are important parts of any business, but there is no denying that they all come under the umbrella of leadership (Karni, 59). A firm with strong leader and few resources can attain the unattainable but a firm with huge resources and a weak leader cannot even attain the attainable. Findings, Recommendations & Conclusion The new owner did not realize the actual potential of slight sports. Her inexperience decided the firm’s downfall. She looked for new customers not realizing the company was not in the position to fulfill orders exceeding its capacity. She also cut down the unique characteristic Slight Sports had of â€Å"handmade† products by installing new machines. The installation of machines which should have been a good step proved damaging for them as it eliminated their point of major strength (Hitt, Ireland and Hoskisson, 75). The new owner needs to focus on constant quality management t echniques such as implying six sigma concepts in the business after the business gets stable. This is important because for quality to remain consistent, it needs to be maintained on a constant note by strong supervision of policies and procedures. Six sigma concepts may take time to embed in the firm's policies but nevertheless it should be implied as soon as

Questions in marketing Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Questions in marketing - Coursework Example Acceptance of the existence of factor outside the control of the business helps organizations to keep an open mind regarding the uncertainties that exist. Through roper strategic planning firms are in a better position to make these uncertainties work in their advantage. Contemporary theories of management also emphasize on the unavoidable factor of change and uncertainty that affects organizations in every part of the world. The true strength of a business lies in ensuing that it is well-equipped to face any unforeseen challenge that it could encounter. The environmental domain consists of elements that affect an organization (Covin & Slevin, 1989). It broadly includes five areas of focus namely: Competition, customers, resources, laws and political system and technology. The competition establishes market trends and it is imperative that an organization is aware of the upcoming trends so it can match or surpass its competitors offering. The customers affect the demand side of an organizations offering and plays a significant part in shaping the structure pod demand patterns that the company can expect. By studying the customers’ organizations also get an idea regarding their needs so that they can modify their offering to suit the demands of its target market. Resources refer to organizational assets that are limited and need to be utilized at their optimum level. It is the job of the managers to decide the best approach to utilizing their raw materials and human resources in a way that makes them efficient and not exploite d. One of the most important factors for the environmental analysis is the study of the laws and political systems of the country it operates in. Globalization has made it imperative for firms to outsource many of its function, spanning the dynamics of this factor to even the countries it outsources its components or processes from. For example, Nike made use of

Identity theft and business ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Identity theft and business ethics - Essay Example can be of negative impact to the business and the methods that can be used to control and prevent risks that may arise from such business ethical issues. Identity theft has been identified as one of the ethical dilemmas facing many business enterprises and organizations. This refers to the invasion to the privacy of information systems by malicious persons who acquire information that is supposed to be confidential and use it for their own benefit or to cause malicious damage to the integrity of the business (Angelopoulou et al 2005 p 78). This information can be used to defraud the owner of the information or it can be availed to competitors or the press, an occurrence that can cause serious financial and integrity damage. Identity theft in itself is a crime and is punishable by law with not less than 15 years imprisonment in the US. According to statistics, the year 1995 recorded the highest number of arrests in the US amounting to approximately 95% of the total arrests which were related to identity theft (Angelopoulou et al 2005 p 77).This prompted the government to enact the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 which was aimed at controlling the vice that was rated by the FBI as the nation’s fastest growing crime. There are various types of identity theft that include and not limited to; credit card fraud, phone fraud, document, loan and bank fraud etc (Angelopoulou et al 2005 p 80). It is therefore necessary for everyone to be aware of the various forms of identity theft so as to avoid the repercussions which may arise and also to be able to refrain from conducting activities that may expose one to the risks. This ethical dilemma has been increasing due to the various businesses incorporation and embracing of technology, which has made it easier for the criminals to conduct their operations. One way through which identity theft is being accomplished is by hacking of information systems (Angelopoulou et al 2005 p 82). Hackers are

Favorite location Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Favorite location - Essay Example It is an island that is roughly 10 miles long with a great beach. The ocean is on the one side of the city, while on the other side, it is accosted by the bay. Throughout the length of Ocean City runs a highway, taking a drive on which is a real soothing and pleasant experience. Most of the time, the weather at Ocean City is nice and favorable. This makes it a highly recommended tourist destination. The beach at Ocean City is not only huge, clean and free of debris, but is also quiet, safe and friendly. What makes the beach at Ocean City really special is its ample clean and white sand, lots of waves, no trash and the 24/7 presence of lifeguards. In fact, talking a walk on the beach may sometimes turn out to be a difficult experience as one gets one’s feet sunk in the soft velvety sand time and again. Ocean City offers plenty of beach space and room to all the visitors, so that they may spread around, relax and really enjoy the ocean. Ocean City, Maryland, is a place that has something to offer to a person of any temperament, inclination and preference. Located at just three miles from the Ocean City, Maryland boardwalk is a perfect place to take a soothing walk or an energetic run, or to simply relax as the time glides past unnoticed and unregistered. Not to mention that it is actually at night that the boardwalk really comes to life with a plethora of interesting engagements like acrobatic performers, rides and arcades. No wonder, at night, the boardwalk turns into a scintillating heaven that simply cannot fail to attract even the most placid and restrained of visitors. In the evenings, as the sun sinks down the bay, the sunsets at Ocean City happen to offer unbelievable visual delights. Also, getting up early in the morning to welcome the brilliance and warmth of the rising sun is an amazing experience in itself. Not to mention that Ocean City offers to its patrons a great night life densely

Compare two suspension bridges Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Compare two suspension bridges - Essay Example It is worth noting that both the Rhone River- Roquemaure Bridge and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York are suspension bridges, with the latter having the distinction of being the longest bridge of its kind in all of the United States (Kable 2013; Denenberg n.d.). The Roquemaure Bridge spanning the Rhone River in France, on the other hand, is a suspension bridge that came to replace an older bridge known as the 1835 Roquemaure Bridge, which still has a section in existence astride the present bridge, as a relic. The bridge is noteworthy for being one of 42 bridges in history that have spanned the Rhone River, and has steel as its key structural suspension cable material. consisting of two lanes, and three suspended spans, one main span and two side spans. It is currently in use and serving a useful function being used as a thoroughfare crossing the two sides of the Rhone River and providing commuters with a way to get through to the two sides with its two lanes, one going in opp osite directions and serving the needs of the surrounding population through time (Denenberg (b) n.d.; Denenberg (c) n.d.). The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is impressive in its history and its characteristics, having been made with a keen eye to the engineering and technological considerations and complexities in building such a long suspension bridge span, and mindful of the environmental conditions that the bridge must be able to weather year after year. For instance, each of its towers have a height of 693 feet, and these towers have deviations in terms of top and bottom. That deviation has been measured to be 1 and â…  inches. The deviations are due to the need for the bridge to take into consideration the curvature of the earth, given that the distance between the towers is 4,260 feet. The towers have individual weights of 27,000 tons, and are held

Art History the Mourning of Christ by Giotto Assignment

Art History the Mourning of Christ by Giotto - Assignment Example Other two figures surrounding Christ are depicted from behind and it is impossible to see if they are men or women. Maria Magdalena holds legs of Christ. We can assume that it is she only because of her red hair. Other five figures are in the middle of the painting. The central figure of this group is a young man with the short haircut and he looks very young. He leans toward Christ and stretches his arms to him as if he wants to embrace him. His face reflects sorrow and grief. Other two men from this group are calm and their sorrow is very deep inside because they look like detached viewers of this tragic scene. There is also another group of mourning people in the left part of the painting. The picture is divided into two main parts upper and lower by a sharp mountain edge. In the upper part of the painting we can see 10 angels flying high in the blue sky, or if to say more exactly, are caught up in emotional explosions of sorrow. Generally, Giotto’s painting expresses a mood of sadness. He uses different devices providing his viewers with possibilities to look at deep space of the painting. He uses foreshortening and it looks like there is a lot of space in this painting. Pastel colours used by the artist create an atmosphere of motion in the painting, or fixed moments of motion if to be more exact. Soft clothing in the lower part of the painting is contrasted with sharp forms of the mountain in the middle of it (Lamentation). Giotto’s new devices belong to the techniques of the Early Renaissance. His painting is 3-dimensional, full of symbols and allegoric meanings (Lamentation). His manner of contrasting human and divine worlds can be seen in the exact depiction of human clothing and angelic images. In such a way Giotto clearly shows that he delimits human and divine worlds. In â€Å"The mourning of Christ† depicts Giotto made an emphasis on mother’s sorrow at Christ.  

Investigate Curriculum Mapping Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Investigate Curriculum Mapping - Essay Example Figure 1: Curriculum Mapping's Directionality Image courtesy of the University of Connecticut When the mapping is done, the outcomes and philosophies of the institution (e.g. whether the school has a science focus, a vocational focus, a Deweyan learned experience focus) and the learning outcomes of the academic program (e.g. the major or the grade year or whether it's elective or main track) determine the nature of the course. The course itself is then mapped into units and individual lessons. Like any good architect, curriculum mappers start with the blueprint at the highest level then build from the lowest level, from the foundation up, brick by brick. Students may be told about the objectives and design approach, but they will experience it lesson by lesson up until the final outcomes of the institution (graduation) are achieved. Hale and Dunlap (2010, p. 2) liken it to looking at a city from a high vantage point first, getting a broad sense of its flow and design, then going down to the ground level and interacting with the individual citizens. This is all fairly intuitive thus far, but the University of Connecticut (2011) also argues for program objective-to-individual program matrices. If the institution values diversity, for example, that claim is fairly hollow unless diversity is actually represented in any classes (language classes, multicultural studies, social studies, etc.) Using the matrix design, they'd code all of the institutional goals and match them to each class: In the case of diversity, they'd match the diversity objective to social studies classes. This process is iterative and can occur multiple times: The class can in turn be broken down into objective matrices, with units and lessons mapped to make sure that there is even and full coverage of all primary objectives. The individual social studies classes, knowing that they're supposed to fulfill a diversity requirement, can orient their units and lessons appropriately. Curriculum mapping is not just a design tool: It can also be a data-collection tool as well (Kentucky Department of Education, 2011). It's difficult to collect data that's not systematized. By making systematic the way curricula are designed and taught, it's possible for teachers, instructors and administrators to quantify performance and interest and begin to adjust or improve the relevant and practicality of institutional goals. And when performance results have been achieved, it's possible to quantify why and where the improvement took place. Curriculum mapping also allows all relevant stakeholders to participate (Rubicon, 2010; Dunlap and Hale, 2010). Since the curriculum map allows the entire curriculum to be coordinated and designed, it allows instructors to make sure their efforts aren't excessively overlapping, allows parents and students to insure they're getting what they deserve and value, etc. Good curriculum mapping is flexible (Rubicon, 2010). It can be changed on the spot as teachers, students and administrators discover problems and holes. But unlike change that occurs in a more conventional way, curriculum mapping can be systematic, with a change or reduction in one classroom being offset by other changes elsewhere. If one class' diversity require

A Guide in Analyzing Movies Essay Example for Free

A Guide in Analyzing Movies Essay Watching movies is one of the best ways to relax, enjoy, and learn. Some people watch movies for recreational purposes, while others do this to learn new ideas or things. However, as a movie progresses into its climax, one would notice that he or she is getting involved in the movie by thinking how the conflict will be resolved. After watching the movie, a reaction or feedback is drawn as one tries to communicate or narrate the story to someone who has not watched the film. Reactions are mostly about the content of the movies and little on its technical aspect. This is true especially if the movie is based on a real life story, romance, or a story of nationalistic concern. If the theme of a movie is scientific or an adaptation of a fictional novel, most audience critics the film based on the technical aspect of the production. Whether the audience is reacting positively or negatively on the content of the movie or whether the audience is critiquing the film’s technical production, he or she is already in the process of analyzing the film. There are different approaches from which to analyze a movie, and these approaches may depend on the genre of the film one had watched and wanted to analyze. Yet, in order for one to write a movie analysis, he or she must first know the different components of a film which include the theme, story, plot, characters or actors, acting, cinematography, and technical aspect such as lightning, music and sound effects, camera shots, and editing. Feedback about the film depends on the mixture of these components; such mixing is done by the film director. He or she acts as if he or she is cooking a delicacy that will be judged by his or her customer. This essay discusses the basic guideline on how to analyze a film and how meaning in the film should be interpreted. Again, this guideline may vary depending on the type of the movie one is trying to analyze. A cine-magazine, for example, contains different topics; thus, there is little unity on the scenes. Uniformity of style and treatment are not given too much consideration because cine-magazine contains different stories. The scenes in an educational film, on the other hand, have greater unity because it is normally devoted to a single subject, such as the evolution of man or the process of respiratory system. A documentary film, in contrast, goes further. It has a single subject that presents or advances an argument. Having these in mind, the critical consideration when analyzing a movie lies on the theme (message or relevance of the film), story (which include the plot, storylines and dialogues, characters, and other symbolic elements such as costume and set up), cinematography and screenplay, and technical components like music, lights, camera shots, and transitions due to editing. Analyzing the Content of a Movie In analyzing the content of a film, critics must look deeply into the movie’s theme, story, plot and storyline and dialogues. Moreover, he or she must also consider the characters and their relationship with the story and other actors, the setting where the shots took place, and the sequence of scenes. The Theme The theme is important, for this shows the relevance of the film in the current time. This also represents the purpose of the director or the goal that the film is trying to communicate to the audience. Boggs and Petrie (2008) identified some goals the movies try to convey. This includes entertaining the viewer, providing a character sketch of a renowned personality, or increasing the audiences awareness on a certain issue of nationalistic or personal concern. Meanwhile, if the movie is in abstract terms wherein the movie tends to create confusion on its theme, one may just describe or narrate the movie to someone who has not watched it, and the theme will come out. As Boggs and Petrie (2008) put it, when an audience narrates a story they have just read or watched, the tendency is that they will describe first the events that made the strongest effect or impression to them. Aside from the major theme, some movies have minor themes which are not substantive enough to be regarded as a full theme. Movie critics call this motif. Motifs are ideas or symbols which are repeated throughout the movie but are not identified as a major theme. Examples of motifs are personalized advertising, identity recognition, technology validation, and symbols which embody all-seeing beings. These are mostly evident in a company or organization-sponsored movies. In the movie â€Å"Knowing† which stars Nicholas Cage as John the Cosmology professor, the major theme is about knowing or predicting events (usually accident or tragedy) that will occur in the near future. Events are predicted through the use of a number arranged in a pattern on a written paper. After decoding this pattern, John tasked himself to solve the mystery, warn the public, and stop the predicted tragedy from taking place. Motifs seen in the film are the repeated appearance of unusual beings (aliens who look like human) and the appearance of black stones. The repetitive appearance of these two could not be regarded as a major theme such as alien invasion; instead, they serve as a clue for John to solve the mystery (Blumenthal, Tisch, Black Proyas, 2009). The Story After identifying the theme of the movie, the critic can now proceed to dissecting the story that the film is trying to narrate to the audience. A film story is composed of the plot, the characters, and the symbolic element. In analyzing a movie story, one must carefully and critically look at the storyline and dialogues that were used in the movie. Moreover, to analyze a story is to look whether the plot flows easily from one scene to another, thus making the film realistic or believable. According to Boggs and Petrie (2008), in analyzing a plot, one should explore the time element used in the movie (linear, nonlinear) and the relationship of the scenes portrayed in the climax and in the ending of the film. Are the use of time element and the scenes believable? Does the plot convey a universal truth about the world or human nature, or is it just a fantastic adaptation of truth? One should also take into account if the actors are being realistic on their actions, facial expressions, delivery of dialogue, and manner of wearing their costume. Are the characters credible in making the audience believe that they are part of the whole reality? This is important because even if the movie has a fascinating and catchy cinematography, the movie will result in a catastrophe if the dialogues are not appealing or interesting and the dialogue delivery by the actors is poor and not convincing. In the film â€Å"Knowing,† the plot was presented in a linear (time) manner in which the scenes developed from less complicated to more complex portrayal. The film was able to explain how the conflict arrived (this was narrated in the first part of the movie), and the solution to the conflict, as expected, was presented in the denouement. However, the incorporation of the alien beings in the story makes it unbelievable, and the given solution to the problem was not viable. In the film, aliens were portrayed as the savior of mankind. They are the ones predicting the occurrence of the tragedy or accident and communicating it to human beings with the use of numbers. They were also the ones to decide who will die and who will be saved to continue the race of the living (Blumenthal, Tisch, Black Proyas, 2009). On the other hand, the characters in the movie are presented effectively such that their actions and dialogues depict the theme and the story of the movie that the filmmakers are trying to relate to the audience. John is a cosmology professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His son is Caleb, a seven-year old boy with a hearing defect so he is using hearing aid. John’s wife died in a fire tragedy, which made him believe that in the randomness of the occurrence of events, meaning that there are no specific relationships of events; everything that happens is purely coincidence. He lived with this belief until the day Caleb received the letter written by Lucinda Emerly (a gifted girl who was used by aliens to predict the future) from the time capsule buried in Caleb’s school 50 years ago. This letter was composed of numbers arranged in a pattern. As John was trying to decode the numbers, he found out that the numbers represent the dates, specific locations, and number of people who died in different tragedies, but there were events that are yet to happen. This urged him to solve the mystery. In the process of unraveling the mystery behind the numbers, John sought Diana, the daughter of Lucinda. Incidentally, Abby, daughter of Diana, also happened to inherit her grandmother’s gift, and like Caleb, she can also hear the voice of the aliens who seemed to be whispering into their heads. Thus, in the movie, the portrayal of the characters was in accordance to what is needed by the prophecy. John is an intelligent professor of science and Caleb is a gifted boy, while Diana and Abby are both related to Lucinda, the one who wrote the numbers. The story of Knowing revolves around these characters each of who play a part in solving the mystery. The two men have the intelligence or information that could be helpful in solving the problem while the two ladies have the history of Lucinda (Blumenthal, Tisch, Black Proyas, 2009). The setting or background used in the film is also important to analyze. A film with a fascinating story, good characters, appealing dialogues, and uniform scenes but was shot in a location not adequate to its portrayal is a disaster. Thus, film directors are careful in choosing shot locations which would enhance not only the cinematography of the film but also the story as a whole. Scientific films mostly have research laboratories as setting; environmental films are set in forest and seas; and horror films are shot in a scary location such as a haunted house. Familiar locations could made films appear realistic and could also establish relationship with the audience. To analyze the setting, one must look at the storyline and the portrayals of actions. Lastly, symbolisms are used in the film to add depth to the story or reinforce the film’s theme. According to Boggs and Petrie (2008), symbols are repeated to emphasize the theme of the film. They could be metaphoric in nature, for their value in the story surpasses the value they normally signify. In films, actors can give specific value of an object to increase its significance to the audience. Critical reception of symbolism in movies depends on whether the symbol is novel or a cliche. In the movie â€Å"Knowing,† numbers are symbols of components (date, location, number of victims) of events that need to be interpreted by actors and the audience. Moreover, the black stones are signs where the solution for the given problem could be found. The hearing aid of Caleb malfunctions when the aliens are near him and when they are trying to communicate something. The Genre To find out whether one is doing the right thing in analyzing the film, one should take into consideration the genre of the film. Genre classification of film could be science fiction, action, comedy, horror, drama, romance, character sketch of a renowned personality, and social or political representation of an issue, among others. The recognition of a film’s genre can help the film critic to distinguish the truths presented in the movie. For film critics, a movie which has lots of symbols and metaphors, is not novel (same old stories), has no originality, and relies too much on cliches is merely a junk. It is also important to note that there are films which cannot be categorized into one particular genre. The movie â€Å"Knowing† falls under the genres science fiction, drama, and action (Blumenthal, Tisch, Black Proyas, 2009).

Helicopter investigation Essay Example for Free

Helicopter investigation Essay Easily established, the sycamore tree produces sycamore seeds. These seeds are of an extremely strange looking seed, I say this because the seeds when in the air they spin like tiny helicopters. Due to the spinning they are kept in the air for a longer amount of time. Aim In this investigation I have been asked to find out how long it takes for a paper helicopter to fall 2 metres. After doing this I shall investigate other ways of changing the timing of its landing. I shall do this by using a range of variables. These include of:   Length of wings Number of tailsI have chosen to use the variable of the number of paperclips being added to the tail of the paper helicopter that I shall make. I have chosen to change this variable because I know that gravitation is the effect of the gravitational force of attraction, which acts between all objects in the universe. For example it is widely noticed with massive objects like the planets. The planets remain in orbit because of gravitational force of attraction. The gravitational force, which pulls the object downwards, is called the weight of the object. Isaac Newton stated that there is a gravitational force of attraction between any two objects with mass, which depends on their masses, and the distance between them. I think with this information I can easily say that by adding more and more paperclips on to the tail of the paper helicopter it will gain more weight which will cause the gravitational force to pull it downwards rather than upwards as there is a bigger mass pulling it downwards. I also chose to use this variable instead of changing the length of the wings because I thought that it would have a much more affective difference in the timing of its landing. In this investigation in order to get the best results possible I shall be doing the experiment 5 times. This will give me a good range of results and a better result as I get a better view of the timing of how long it takes to land with different numbers of paperclips attached to the tail of the paper helicopter. It is always essential to make every investigation of whatever type it is to make sure that it is going to be a fair test. In order to achieve this I shall only be changing one variable, which I have already established to be of the number of paperclips added to the tail of the paper helicopter. Prediction In the investigation which I shall be doing I think that I will be expecting for the paper helicopter to fall to the ground in a much quicker timing when it has 5 paperclips attached to the tail of it, than it should do when it has either none, 1,2,3,or 4 paperclips attached to the tail of the paper helicopter. I say this because from the information that I have already been supported by to take this investigation further, it also helps me with my prediction. Using Isaac Newtons law of gravitation, I can easily say that with his theory of objects being pulled downwards by a force called weight, it helps me to explain that when I add more and more paperclips to the tail of the paper helicopter it doesnt just mean that the number of paperclips are increasing but it also means that the mass is also increasing. Causing the paper helicopter to fall downwards and not upwards. Why do I say this? I say this because an example being is Say if I were to get a balloon and fill it with Helium, due to the helium being placed inside of the balloon we already know that for some reason the balloon seems to go up into the air. This is because Helium is lighter than air causing the gravitational force to pull it upwards and not downwards as the weight is very low. Whereas if we were to place water inside of the helium filled balloon it would be brought back downwards because the weight of the water forces the balloon to be brought back down again. What do I expect in the graph outcome? It is easily said that when a line graph is drawn out to show the results of the investigation that I am about to carry out, the line should start off near the very top of the y axis. This should be when there are no paperclips attached to the tail of the paper helicopter. Near quite the very end of the x axis should the very last point be drawn, therefore making the plotted points decreasing as it goes along the x and y axis. I think that this graph prediction would go for both the average graph and the graphs for all 5 sets of results, which shall be already obtained by that time. Equipment (As shown in Diagram 1. 1) Paper   Paper clips   Stopwatch/Timer   Scissors   Ruler Diagram 1. 1 Method What should I be doing in order to make this investigation to the highest standard possible? In order to get good results I firstly have to start off by making the paper helicopter. In this experiment I have to look into the needs of safety, I have noticed that none would have to be carried out such as goggles or safety cloaks etc How do I make a paper helicopter? Firstly I am to get a piece of A4 paper. Some may choose for the A4 to be coloured but I will just leave it to be plain. In our class lesson Mr Findley (our physics teacher,) has given us an information sheet, which includes of the carcass drawing of the paper helicopter. It shows us where to cut and fold and what measurements are involved. Diagram 1. 2 The diagram, which has been drawn above, has not been drawn to scale. Once I draw out the drawing of the paper helicopter on the A4 sheet of paper, carefully done using a ruler of course. I am to cut along and fold along the lines as described: Where the dotted lines are shown this is where we are to fold along, and where the straight solid lines have been drawn in, we are to cut along them. The cutting of course will be done with a pair of scissors. After they are cut out and folded along, some may find it better and more presentable if they are to be decorate and colour in their paper helicopters! What else is involved in this investigation? Once all of the above has been done we are to set up our equipment out. Having set out the timer, paperclips, and paper helicopter in front of me, I am to make sure that I have drawn out a results table, which I will record the timings down in. (As shown in the results table. ) I will then ask for a little help for getting the timing at the best time possible. When I went to drop/release the paper helicopter from my hands I realised that I wasnt actually in fact dropping/releasing the paper helicopter from 2 metres of height. In fact I was dropping it from my height with my arms being placed right above my head as high as I could manage. So I then made sure to measure how high I was releasing the paper helicopter from, I found that with the heels of my shoe and my arms being stretched up way above my head I was actually releasing the paper helicopter from a height of 2 metres and 3 centimetres. I left the measurement of the height I was releasing the paper helicopter at how it was already, because it was getting to the point where it would be getting very time consuming. When dropping the paper helicopter out of my hands I am to make sure that I drop it at the same time that my friend is to say GO, this is so that he can time it with accuracy. When the paper helicopter will land on the ground I will then yell STOP, so that he is able to stop the timer/stopwatch at the right time in order to get the most accurate timing possible. When I get results for dropping the paper helicopter without any paperclips attached to the tail of it, 5 times, I will make sure that I have written down the timings in my results table. After doing so, I am to attach the first paperclip to the paper helicopter and then do the same thing again. (Drop the paper helicopter, time it, and write down timings in results table. ) After every 5 sets of results with the same number of paperclips attached, I am to add another paperclip to the paperclip, which is already placed on the tail of the paper helicopter. I shall do this until I have 5 paperclips attached to the tail of the paper helicopter. How the paper clips should be placed has been shown in the diagram below. Diagram 1. 3 Results Table Number Of Paperclips 1st (Time in Seconds) 2nd (Time in Seconds) 3rd (Time in Seconds) 4th (Time in Seconds) 5th (Time in Seconds) Average (Time in Seconds) 08 As you can see, in the results tables above I have gathered all my timings into the table. Once I had placed all my timings in the table I was to work out the average of each set of timings. To do this I was to add up all of the sets of timings together and then divide it by 5 because that was the number of times I had done the experiment for each set. Here are my workings out towards how I worked out the average for each set of results. Workings out for Average(s) (Please note that / stands for the division sign) When working out the, I firstly got all my timings for the specific set of results, added them together and divided them by 5, I divided it by 5 because this was the number of times I had timed it falling from the air to the ground. As shown below: Number of paperclips = 0 Timings 1Graphs/Conclusion I have formed out a graph to show the results of the five sets of results. Another graph is shown on the next page, except this is a graph, which shows the averages of all 5 sets of results, which I had gathered in my investigation. From looking at this graph we can easily say that the second set of results stand out the most. I have re-checked my results and have noticed that none of the outcome results really stand out greatly, as they are all in proportion. This shows me that my experiments had gone very well without making any large genuine mistakes. I think that the 2nd time I did all the results, the timing may not have been stopped at the right time or maybe not started at the right time, causing the timing to be of a much higher outcome than it should have done. There is not really much of a time difference from when there was two paperclips on the tail of the paper helicopter to when there was three paperclips attached to the paper helicopters tail. Looking back at the result table I can see that there is only a difference of 0. 06 seconds whereas in my other results I have found there to be at least a 0. 10 second difference. It is obviously noticeable that my prediction was to go ahead to be forwardly correct. I can say this with confidence because I had information to back up my prediction, which helped me forward, my ideas towards what should actually happen in my experiment. As said earlier in my prediction, I mentioned that the line would be decreasing down towards the x axis and away from the y axis. We can see in the graph above that this predicament was proved to be correct. From looking at this averages graph it is easily spoken of that the investigation that I have carried have has gone very well. I say this because as shown above, we can see that the average line is actually going downwards as the number of paperclips had increased on the tail of the paper helicopter. Thus showing that my prediction was right. I was able to make sure that my prediction was quite reliable with backing it up with a hypothesis, which had been concluded, from Isaac Newtons Law of Gravitation. With the information from this Law of Gravitation I was able to predict that when there is a force being put onto an object from its natural force then it is called weight as it is pulling it downwards. So when I was asked to do an experiment that was involved in placing more and more paperclips to the tail of a paper helicopter I already knew in my mind that the timing of the landing would get shorter and shorter. This was due to general knowledge but also scientific knowledge Isaac Newtons Law of Gravitation. With this scientific explanation we have been able to predict many scientific happenings. Evaluation I am glad to say that throughout the whole of this investigation I did not make any noticeable, genuine mistakes. I later went on to find out that I was standing at a height of 2 metres and 3 centimetres. This information of course was later found out after I was more than half way through the experiment, so I had to decide whether to go ahead with doing the experiment all at a drop of 2 metres and 3 centimetres or change it and have half the results at 2 metres and 3 centimetres whilst the rest of the results would be obtained from a height of an exact 2 metres. I had decided that if I were to go on to do this I would not be carrying out a fair test. Although the investigation was asked of a 2 metre drop I still thought that although I had dropped it at an extra 3 centimetres higher it was still a very fair test because I had kept drop height throughout the whole of the investigation. Whilst doing the investigation I had managed to do everything according to how I had written it out to have been done, although sometimes I had to be re-timed as mistakes were made as I sometimes dropped the paper helicopter without being told to! All in all I think the investigation was carried out well and was a fair test, I made sure that only one variable was changed and that the timing was done at the most accurate timing possible. In order to make it a fair test it also meant that safety was to be involved as well, as far as I was concerned not many safety measures had to be taken, I say this because as mentioned earlier no safety goggles were needed, no hair was really in need of being tied back and no safety cloaks were to be worn. The only safety we were to be notified was to tuck in our stools so that no accidents were to be caused as the investigations were being held. Looking back at my results I dont really think that there were really any results which were unexpected, there may have been the one or two timings which may have been timed a bit earlier than they should have been but nothing which was really way out of proportion. If I were to do this experiment again I think that I will definitely make sure that I am to drop the paper helicopter at a height of 2 metres and not 2 metres and 3 centimetres! I shall aim to achieve more results although I feel that I already have a reasonable amount of timings. I think that if I were to do the experiment again I would achieve a very similar set of results, as it would only be from the difference of 3 centimetres. Bibliography In order to help e forward my ideas I was in need of many sources, in which I found the following helpful. 1) www. encarta. co. uk Law of Gravitation 2) The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Science. Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Written by; Corrine Stockley, Chris Oxlade and Jane Werthiem. 3) School GCSE Physics book 4) Physics Lesson.

Intrathecal Chemical Neurolysis With Phenol

Intrathecal Chemical Neurolysis With Phenol CANCER PAIN Intrathecal neurolysis with 6% phenol for intractable and opiate resistant perineal pain secondary to terminal bladder cancer . Name : Dr R Srivastava Department: Heart of England NHS Trust, Solihull. E-mail: [emailprotected] Abstract Background: Intrathecal chemical neurolysis with Phenol is a neurodestructive technique to provide saddle anaesthesia for perineal pain, in patients unresponsive to pharmacological therapy or not ameneable to surgical treatment. Its use has been advocated in patients with terminal illness with a short life expentancy of less than a year. Phenol’s neurodestructive mechanism relies on precipitation of proteins in the nerves with myelin sheath separation and axonal oedema, resulting in fibrosis. Neurolysis can be induced with chemicals like phenol or alcohol or by physical methods of radiofrquency or cryoablation Neurolytic saddl block is a high risk procedure leading to almost irreversible neuro-destruction with significant risks including failure, paralysis and incontinence.Careful patient selection and psychological evaluation is mandatory and comprehensive risks and benefits assessment should be carried out before embarking on this technique. Communication with patient is vital due to the resultant side effects of the block. Results: Patient was extensively evaluated for the procedure with all co-morbidities and life expectancy considered and underwent subarachnoid chemical neurolysis with hyperbaric 5% phenol leading to drastic pain relief and significant reduction in opiate consumption. Case Report: Mr JJ ,a 73 year old gentleman was referred form a hospice with complaints of severe abdominal and anal pain due to a surgically inoperable bladder tumor with extensive pelvic involvement and distant metastases . He was referred to our clinic from hospice with severe opiate resistant pain. Mr JJ was diagnosed with the Transitional Cell Carcinoma: T2a N0 MX(Pulmonary nodules) G3,TCC Bladder, eight months ago when he initially presented with back and pelvic pain. He had pulmonary metastases and bladder biopsy and cystoscopy revealed a large tumor on the back wall of the bladder. Mr JJ underwent a radical course of radiotherapy. Subsequently he was admitted to the hospital with rectal pain . Examination under anaesthetic revealed a large mass extending from the bladder in to the prostrate. MRI scan confirmed the tumor with invasion of seminal vesicles and of the prostrate.He underwent ureteric stenting for his right hydronephrosis and hydroureter. His background included history of chronic obstructive airway disease, hypertension, diabetes, Ischaemic heart disease(Coronary stenting 5 years ago) and hypothyroidism. His pain at the time remained unsettled with associated symptoms of tenesmus, nausea and vomiting and profound weakness. Mr JJ lived alone and was unable to cope on his own and was referred to hospice for further palliative care. He was initially treated with Zomorph 30mg twice a day and with Oromorph as a PRN dose for breakthrough pain. Pain worsened over a period of six weeks when it was decided to start him on a syringe driver of diamorphine 30 mgs and metoclopramide30 mgs. Inspite of some relief, he remained extremely confused and constipated. His syringe driver was changed to alfentanil 5mgs and haloperidol 3 mgs to reduce the confusion and drowsiness. Subsequent increment of alfentanil dose via the syringe driver did not resolve his rectal pain. In view of his worsening symptoms and prognosis ,saddle block with phenol for rectal pain remained the only viable option. After a careful assessment and explanation of the risks ( double incontinence and possible paralysis) and benefits of the procedure explained, patient was transferred to our centre as a day case and underwent intrathecal neurolysis with phenol. 1 ml of 5% phenol in glycerol was injected intrathecally and flushed with 0.2 mls of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Patient was sat up for 30 minutes to achieve a saddle block. In recovery he seemed to be pain free with no loss of motor power. Mr JJ was transferred back to the hospice the same day. During follow up it was noted that within a few days Mr JJ’s alfentanil infusion was stopped and he was more awake and was managing on small doses of oral morphine of up to 40 mgs a day. His tenesmus completely disappeared but he still complained of some dull aching and deep visceral pain. Case discussion: There are more than 5000 deaths/year related to bladder cancer in the UK and it is the seventh commonest cause of cancer related deaths. Our patient had an extensive spread of his bladder tumor resulting in a combination of background visceral pain involving the rectum causing intractable tenesmus Prevalence of cancer pain in patients with incurable or advanced disease ranges from 43 -63%. More than one third of the patients complain of significant pain during the terminal stages of the disease.[1] Pathophysiological Mechanisms: The mechanisms involving cancer pain are complex and can not be solely attributed to either nociceptive ,musculoskeletal , visceral or neuropathic pain . Pain presents itself as a combination of various mechanisms, which would be dependent on the characteristics of disease progression. Visceral pain as was the case with our patient has both spinal and vagal innervation with feature of dull and diffuse pain with poor localization. Cancer cells in combination with the stromal cells will result in release of inflammatory markers like endothelin, bradykinin , tyrosine kinase and proteases which would lead to sensitization of the nerve fibres. Tyrosine kinase seems to play an important role in the sensitization of the afferent nociceptors.[2] Growth of the tumor may cause direct compression of the nerve fibres resulting in ischemia related neuropathic pain. Cancer induced bone pain is a result of proliferating osteoclasts which lead to bone resorption. This also leads to stimulation of TRPV1 and acid sensing channels expressed on the nerve fibres resulting in cancer associated bone pain. Periosteal sensitization of afferent fibres in an acidic melieu contributes to the persistence of cancer pain.[3] Assessment of cancer pain remains complex and is influenced by patient population, variability in assessment tool ,scoring systems and under reporting of severity of pain by patients.[4] Assessment of patients with cancer requires a multidimensional approach in order to evaluate the physiological, psychological and social impact on life. A careful assessment of history, symptoms, signs and disease progression is crucial. Patient’s expectations with regards to treatment should be discussed and the impact of pain on patients functional activity should be assessed. Patients with cancer complain of background pain and exacerbation of pain (Breakthrough Pain), which might be related to movement or due to progression of tumor resulting in compression of underling tissues and organs . Metastases to the bone can be the primary cause of pain in up to 75% of the patients. Assessment of localization, severity, duration, exacerbating and relieving factors is a must. Cancer pain patients are often on high dose of opiates for their pain control, which may have a detrimental effect on their daily living due to side effects of tolerance to opiates, opioid induced hyperalgesia, leading to inadequate pain control. Management of cancer pain: Cancer pain management in a palliative patient is challenging and requires consideration of all aspects of pain in the terminally ill. Optimum control can only be achieved if pharmacological and bio-psycho-social element of treatment are carefully reviewed. Most patients understandably are depressed and more than 75% suffer from moderate to severe pain. Surgical management is rarely appropriate in patients with distant metastases but may be indicated in some circumstances like internal fixation for pathological long bone fracture. Chest drainage may be required for patients with mesothelioma for recurrent pleural effusion. Radiotherapy which can be localized or wide field and may be useful in patients with metastatic bone disease with proven efficacy of up to 60%. and 25% respectively. Radioisotopes like strontium are also used to treat metastatic bone disease but may not be cost effective in all healthcare systems. Chemotherapy may be helpful in some types of cancer,provided that the tumor remains chemo-sensitive. Assessing the benefits of chemotherapy with regards to prognosis and life expectancy is crucial as the side effects of chemotherapy may be more detrimental to the patient than the pain itself. Hormonal therapy has been useful in prostrate and breast cancer with anti-androgen and anti-oestrogens as both types of cancer are hormone sensitive. Pelvic pain may result from the tumor invasion to organs and The World Health Organisation (WHO) 3 step analgesic ladder of 1986 recommends a staged approach from non-opiods like paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to weak opioids and if necessary ,strong opioids for moderate to severe pain. However, the role of adjuvants like tricyclic anti-depressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and anticonvulsants like gabapentin and pregabalin should be considered and individualized depending on the symptomatology of the patient. NMDA antagonist like ketamine may help reduce central sensitization[6] Heavy reliance on strong opioids can lead to troublesome side –effects which should be appropriately managed with laxatives and anti-emetics. Opioid rotation should be considered for opioid induced hyperalgesia as in the case of Mr JJ where diamorphine was substituted for alfentanil infusion. Evaluation of psychological factor of perception of pain and the behavioural responses has a significant impact on patient’s lifestyle. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help elicit these perception and help individuals with chronic pain ,forming coping strategies. Pain management programme is helpful for the patient in identifying all aspects of pain and are aimed at improving the quality of life. Physical therapy for pain is aimed at improving functionality and reducing the physiological deconditioning. Lifestyle adjustment in terms of daily routines ,tasks and adapting to new envoirement should be planned for facilitating any coping strategies. Intervention techniques are aimed at targeting the source of pain involving destructive and non-destructive techniques which could involve local anesthetics and steroids for nerve blocks .Continuous infusions of local anaesthetics and opioids via a catheter placed intrathecally, can be used for spinal cord modulation and pain control. Catheter is connected to a programmable pump to administer the desired dose. Nerve destructive techniques should be only considered in a multidisciplinary framework . Patient selection and progonostication of the illness is paramount. It is important that the patient has a full understanding of the procedure and the benefits at the expense of the undesired consequences of such a block like incontinence or motor paralysis. Trial of local anaesthetic is desirable in most cases to predict efficacy of further neurolysis. Neurolytic blocks necessiate the need for close monitoring and evaluation of patient’s pain scores in order to titrate the strong opioids accordingly. Indications and contraindications to Intrathecal neurolysis: Although there has been a decreasing trend in the use of intrathecal neurolysis following advancement in the techniques of spinal blocks with infusions of local anaesthetics and opioids; intrathecal neurolysis has its place in a select subset of patients in whom the pain remains refractory inspite of conventional therapies and treatment with strong opioids . The distinct advantage with neurolysis is of reduction in the opiate consumption and the associated side effects. Complications of subarachanoid block include bladder and bowel dysfuction along with motor weakness .[5]. Pain relief associated with neurolytic blocks is short lived(less than 6 months), and disease progression may lead to refractory pain .In view of our patient’s limited life expectancy of less than two months with pre- exsisting bowel and bladder dysfunction ,intrathecal neurolysis was the quickest and the most cost effective way to provide pain relief. Neurodestructive techniques used in clinical practice range from cryoablation, radiofrequency lesioning to chemical neurolysis with Alcohol (50-100%),Phenol (7-12%) , Hypertonic saline and glycerol. Intrathecal neurolysis: It involves the destruction of nociceptive afferent fibres ,both myelinated and unmyelinated leading to almost instant pain relief. It is effective in well localized pain. The effect of neurolysis is short lived but it involves a short period of hospitalization in comparision to neurosurgical procedures like cordotomy. Phenol(7-12%) causes nerve destruction by coagulating protein in both small and large fibres which leads to degeneration of the nerves within the nerve roots involving more of the posterior than anterior columns. Nerves tend to regenerate faster with phenol than alcohol . Phenol is hyperbaric and when mixed with glycerol, it tends to diffuse more slowly out of the solution causing a more targeted destruction compared to alcohol. It can be mixed with water but the nerve destruction will be more extensive. Phenol compared to alcohol is not painful on injection and for this reason alcohol injections are administered with a local anaesthetic. In concentrations of lower than 5%, phenol tends to exert local anaesthetic action rather than neurodestructive. Phenol when mixed with glycerol or radiopaque dye can provide a higher concentration of up to 15%. Neurolysis with phenol in comparision to alcohol is milder and short lived. Due to the hyberbaric nature of phenol in comparision with alcohol, the patient is positioned with the affected side down to target the dorsal roots. Phenol being highly viscous requires a wider bore spinal needle for injection. Phenol can cause skin and tissue necrosis along with neuritis if the nerve destruction is incomplete. For patients undergoing neurolysis with alcohol the targeted side is positioned up due to the hypobaric nature of the solution. Patients are initially in the lateral position followed by proning to 45 degrees to target the dorsal roots. Alcohol may cause mild burning on injection. Hypertonic saline(10-15%) for intrathecal neurolysis can provide a significant relief of more than 50% but has significant side effects. Conclusion: Management of cancer pain is very complex and challenging and requires considerable expertise in providing appropriate care to terminally ill patients. Significant reliance on strong opioids is not without it’s side effects and a multifaceted approach towards pain control is warranted. Our patient was treated with chemical neurolysis as a last resort since all other measures had failed. Although it helped in reduction of opiate requirement and drowsiness, it still remains difficult to judge the correct dosage and concentration of phenol and balance it against the duration of pain free interval with minimum side effects for the patient before leading to death. Intrathecal neurolysis is not a routine procedure and outcomes of this type of intervention are variable. The extreme complications of this procedure and availability of other techniques makes clinicians reluctant to use in their regular clinical practice. However, cancer pain treatment needs to be tailored in accordance with the patients condition and chemical neurolysis may perhaps be the only option to relieve pain in specific patients. References: [1]M. H. J. van den Beuken-van Everdingen, J. M. de Rijke, A. G. Kessels, H. C. Schouten, M. van Kleef, and J. Patijn, â€Å"Prevalence of pain in patients with cancer: a systematic review of the past 40 years,† Ann. Oncol. Off. J. Eur. Soc. Med. Oncol. ESMO, vol. 18, no. 9, pp. 1437–1449, Sep. 2007. [2]S. Pezet and S. B. McMahon, â€Å"NEUROTROPHINS: Mediators and Modulators of Pain,† Annu. Rev. Neurosci., vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 507–538, 2006. [3]â€Å"Review of Cellular Mechanisms of Tumor Osteolysis.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¯: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research,† LWW. [Online]. Available: http://journals.lww.com/corr/Fulltext/2000/04000/Review_of_Cellular_Mechanisms_of_Tumor_Osteolysis_.13.aspx. [Accessed: 23-Nov-2014]. [4]C. Shute, â€Å"The Challenges of Cancer Pain Assessment and Management,† Ulster Med. J., vol. 82, no. 1, pp. 40–42, Jan. 2013. [5]A. Watanabe and M. Yamakage, â€Å"Intrathecal neurolytic block in a patient with refractory cancer pain,† J. Anesth., vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 603–605, Aug. 2011. [6]Cancer Pain Management. The British Pain Society 2010

Perfectionism and Eating Disorders Essay -- Self Image Esteem Health P

Perfectionism and Eating Disorders Many extreme pressures exist in modern society which directly affect a large number of the population to the point of extremity. In an age of high technology, rapid development, and intense social pressure, the pressure to be the best of the best prevails. Many people succumb to the pressure in a variety of ways, some beneficial, and some detrimental. Eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa in part result from an intense pressure to achieve the perfect ideal body weight and physical appearance. Emphasis on being perfect begins early in childhood and continues to grow with age, sometimes so much that a personality takes on a perfectionistic drive affecting every aspect of daily life. Perfectionism is a common individualized personality trait which in part stems from this ardent cultural pressure. According to the Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, perfectionism is defined as "a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable". Given this definition, is this trait, perfectionism, one that can be directly linked to those people who suffer from eating disorders? II. Perfectionism: A Closer Look: Setting high and demanding goals of achievement for oneself can be both a positive and negative experience. Yes, goals are important and essential in life to allow us to work for an ultimate high achievement. They give one purpose and drive. But what happens when this goal exceeds the normal realm of possibility to the point that it directly changes from a means for a self-actualizing strive for excellence to a neurotic, obsessive preoccupation with perfection? Roedell (1984) continues the argument that perfectionism can be looked upon as bo... ... (1 994). Perfectionism and the gifted. Roeper Review (I 7)3, 173-176. Pigott, T.A., Altemus, M., Rubenstein, C.S., Hill,J.L., Bihari, K., L'Heureux, F., Bernstein, S., Murphy D.L. (1991). Symptoms of eating disorders in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry. 148(11), 1552-7. Roedell, W.C. (1984). Vulnerabilities of highly gifted children. Roeper Review, 6(3), 127-130. Rothenburg, A. (1990). Adolescence and eating disorder: the obsessive-compulsive syndrome. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 13(3), 469-88. Slade, P.D. Newton, T., Butler, N.M., Murphy, P. (1991) An experimental analysis of perfectionism and dissatisfaction. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 30(Pt2), 169-76. Silverman, L.K. (I 99 5). Perfectionism. Paper discussed at the 1 1 th World Conference on Gifted and Talented Children, Honk Kong.