Employment-At-Will Doctrine Essay Example for Free

Employment-At-Will Doctrine EssayAbstractThis paper encompasses what we understand about the Employment-at-will Doctrine and how its applied to determine the employer and employee relationship. We essay how exceptions to the mendeleviumtrine can be applied to questions relating to efficaciousity of firing an employee. Determine how we limit liability and impact to operations by creating a collaborative surroundings empowering employees to feel a voice of the over exclusively mission and strategy of the confederation. Finally, exploring how to create a whistleblowing insurance that outlines the process employees can follow to report any misconduct and method for resolution. Summarize the Employment-At-Will DoctrineEmployment-at-will is a doctrine that originated in the early 1900s involving a treatise on master and servant relationship. The main premise of the doctrine is the assurance that the duration of employment is for an indefinite period of time and may be terminate d by either the employer or employee. In 1935 the Wagner Act was passed making it hot to set up employees because they were involved in union activity, and is one of the first laws passed that diminished employment at will. Congress added more laws in the 60s and 70s that protected employees from being fulfill for certain reasons, mostly related to bias and whistle-blowing.The doctrine varies in each state with some who have established exceptions to the doctrine to protect the employee. In rundown to these exceptions there are federal and state laws that limit the employers ability to terminate employment based upon race, ethnicity, religion, marital or disability and sexual orientation. As we have to review eight cases involving employment at-will and a COO who essential determine whether or non she can legally fire her employees by taking into consideration the following exceptions to thedoctrine a) Employer cannot violate public policy doctrineb) Employer cannot fire an employee when an implied contract is mannikined c) Employer cannot fire an employee for refusing to commit illegal acts d) Employer cannot fire an employee for family or checkup leave e) Employer cannot fire an employee for implied covenant of good faith1. John posted a rant on his Facebook page in which he criticized the companionships most important customer. While John has his 1st amendment right for freedom of speech, he did not consider the fact that his rant was in violation of the club Code of Conduct Policy to negatively discuss their customers. John trustworthy a letter of reprimand for his actions. If his Facebook rant was made on a company computer Jim would be fired.2. Jim sent an email to other salespeople protesting a change in commission schedules and bonuses and suggesting everyone boycott the next sales meeting. Although Jim sent this email on his companies system which goes against company email policy, there is no legal reason to fire Jim. Therefore, he recei ved a letter of reprimand for his actions.3. Ellen started a blog to protest the CEOs bonus, noting that no one below director has gotten a raise in two (2) years and portraying her bosses as know-nothings and out-of-touch. get-go blogs to protest goes against the companys social media policy and defamation of her bosses character which goes against the companys policy. Ellen was fired for Good Cause.4. height has been using his company-issued berry to run his own affair on the side. Employees should not make business calls from their personal wireless device except in emergency circumstances. Running his business using the company issued blackberry while on company time goes against the companys equipment use policy and could be considered a conflict of interest. Therefore, Bill was fired for Good Cause.5. The secretaries in the scoreing department decided to dress in black-and-white stripes to protest a memo announcing that the company has instal take key logger software on al l company computers. There is no legal reason to fire or watch the secretaries for their attire since it did not cause a disruption within the work rear end6. After being disciplined for criticizing a customer in an email (sent from his personal email account ona company computer), Joe threatens to sue the company for invasion of privacy. Since he was already disciplined for the action, his eluding to suing the company is no grounds for further discipline since he has a right to file a claim if he believes his privacy was invaded. We cannot retaliate against his comment. However, Joe should have no prediction of privacy since he was on a company computer when he opened his personal email account. 7. One of the department supervisors requests your approval to fire his secretary for insubordination. Since the secretary has always received glowing reviews, you call her into your office and determine that she has refused to prepare false expense reports for her boss. Under the employe e at-will doctrine exception, an employer cannot fire an employee for refusing to commit illegal acts. There is no legal reason to fire the secretary. 8. Annas boss refused to sign her leave request for jury trading and now wants to fire her for being absent without permission. This is a form of public policy which protects employees from retaliation who have simply performed their legal duty to serve on a jury.There is no legal reason to fire Anna. What action you should take to limit liability and impact on operations specify which ethical theory best supports your decision. The eight cases we reviewed highlighted the key reasons why we must have policies and processes in place that limit liability and impact operations. Creating a collaborative environment allows employees to address their concerns. In addition, establishing a weekly or monthly team meeting allows employees to provide feedback on items or topics of concern. It also provides a forum to address company policy rela ting to the use of email, social media, blackberry and the expectation on how an employee should conduct themselves in the workplace. I would also recommend establishing annual training/refresher briefings for the entire team on Code of Business Conduct, neighborly Media Standards and Personal Use of Company Systems. Deontology Theory can be applied and best represents employees who follow his or her obligations to another individual or society because upholding ones duty is considered ethically correct.Take a position on whether or not you would recommend to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) that the company require a whistle blower policy. Support the position. If we adopted the Deontology Theory, we could apply the emphasis on personal responsibility, protection of others and ability to do more than is morallyneeded. Employees need to feel valued and part of the overall strategy or mission of the organization. One of the key reasons why Congress enacted the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was the behavior of corporate America. Companies like Enron, Tyco and WorldCom accounting fraud led to them filing for bankruptcy and their employees losing their entire life savings. Because of these financial wrongdoings, I would highly recommend adopting a Whistleblower Policy. Employees need to feel they have a place to go to report improper or illegal conduct without fear of retaliation.Having an open door policy and good internal process that addresses complaints including a whistle-blower protection/anti-retaliation policy can help organizations protect itself from risk of violating state and federal laws. Justify at least three (3) fundamental items that should be include in a whistleblower policy. Provide a rationale for your selection of each of the three (3) recommended items.As the CEO of a Company striving to adopt a Whistleblower Policy some of the key elements that should be considered when developing the policy are a) Employee (Persons Covered) To determine who will be covered by this policy and who will be protected for reporting suspected wrongdoing and/or whose actions should be reported under the policy b) Reporting Complaints Process To develop a clear channel through which the employee can report any suspected improper or illegal activity and a person whom they can converge and submit the compliant c) Investigation Resolving Complaints Process To identify a compliance officer or person to lead the investigation and resolution of all complaints. Determine when and how suspected violations will be documented, tracked, investigated and resolved.References* Muhl, Charles (2001). The Employment-At-Will Doctrine Three Major Exceptions, Monthly Labor Review Outten, Wayne N (2007), When Good Deeds Are penalize The Legal Landscape of Retaliation and Whistleblowing, Litigation and Administrative Practice Course Handbook Series, PLI Order No. 11091 * Sentell, Ed Robbins, Randall (2008). Journal of Legal, Ethical and Regulatory. Employment at-w ill. Retrieved from http//www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-190795487.html * Stone, Katherine V.W. (March 2007). Revisiting the At-WillEmployment Doctrine Imposed * Terms, Implied Terms, and the Normative World of the Workplace, Industrial Law Journal

The Best Way to Increase Work Motivation Essay Example for Free

The Best Way to Increase Work Motivation EssayIntroductionThe purpose of this essay is to distinctively severalise the effects of financial rejoins on the work penury of an governance and to a fault whether or not this system of reward flock cause an increase in the levels of work want already present in the organization. It further more(prenominal) aims to discuss weather Financial Rewards are the scoop way to increase the work motivation present. Although the essay shall primary be focused on Financial Rewards and Work Motivation, other factors that may have an effect on work motivation shall be discussed. For this purpose the considering of work motivation shall be taken as such The factors that are internal and external to employees that determine when he or she works, how punishing he or she works and how long he or she works (Colquitt, Lepine and Wesson, 2009, pp.178-179). what is more the understanding of Financial Rewards to be undertaken is The entire Reward System which focuses on Salary, Bonuses, Incentives etc., which aims to increase the amount of effort put in by the employees to achieve their work goals and increase work motivation in the organization as a whole (Hollyforde and Whiddett, 2002, p.166). By the conclusion of this essay the need for Financial Rewards its importance and status as apparently the best way to increase work motivation shall understood.There have been countless efforts over the years to understand the numerous factors and desires that determine and help to fully appreciate the intensity, quality, efficiency and reliability of the work implementation of an employee. Since the eventual progress of learning and observation of the environment and factors has led to the conclusion that an employees performance is one of the more or less distinguishing factors that the organization or a credit line needs to cultivate in order for the organization to succeed. Work has always existed and been around in one form or another throughout our accounting but it is only in the recent couple of decades that we have come to understand the motivation to work or simply work motivation (Kressler, 2003, p.3). We must also take into consideration that resistent ways of motivation are influenced or can be influenced by the cultural context that it is applied in. passel of different cultures may be motivated in different ways by the same rewards or incentives.The System of Reward must not differ substantially from the culture it is implanted in. However we must also note that virtually motivational theories are biased in the sense that they are US centric and based on studies conducted on test sample populations that may reflect cultural connotations and behaviors only assemble in the US.(Chiang and Birtch, 2012, pp.538-541) A Theory that seems to understand the disadvantage of a system solely focused on Financial Rewards is the Cognitive Evaluation Theory by E.L. Deci in which Financial Rewards wou ld be seen as the External locus of Control and as understood by this it lessens the intrinsic motivation of the employee or person. It is assumed that activities are likely to be sustained longish if started by being motivated by intrinsic motivation and not an extrinsic motivation (Hollyford, et al, 2002, pp.37-38).According to the description by Kallberg and Rognes (2000) Non-financial rewards tend to have more broader aspects regarding improving performance and are focused on motivation for the long term of an organizations towards their employees. On the other hand as per Hofstedes Topology in the category of Individualism-Collectivism explains Financial Rewards as being short-term and transactional in nature hence they are preferable for individuals who emphasize the aspects of individual contribution, individual ability and those that attendant that personal efforts are ultimately responsible for the job outcome. It is also suitable to people who see an increase in Financia l Rewards as an attainment of higher(prenominal) Status and Authority in the organization.(Chiang, et al, 2012, pp.542). Offering Non-Financial or conduct benefits have been seen to have a positive effect as quoted by Francois Podeur,The employees prove a high degree of organization commitment, are more loyal, feel more motivated to exceed their limitations and personal growth.(Ciorbagui-Naon, 2010, pp.44)On the other hand as verbalise in Victor Vrooms Expectancy Theory in 1964 that when rewards are offered employees effort is increased and Money is almost always used as it is supposedly the most powerful and influential incentive in society and is already in fact largely used. . (Zani, Rahim, Junos, Samanol, Ahmad, Merican, Saad and Ahmad, 2011, pp.328-329) Since money is the basis or foundation of financial rewards and most Reward Systems the value of money against work motivation can be directly quoted as followsMoney is not everything, Many would be happy with more time off, o r more job security, than more money. People are prepared to trade off things for money once they have enough or grow weary of the game.(Furnham, 2006, p.26-27)Furthermore several studies that have been carried out regarding the relative importance of pay or money have shown that money or pay ranks below factors such as job satisfaction, recognition, good people to work with etc., nevertheless the tendency of people to rate the things and factors which are regarded as more socially acceptable or less socially acceptable higher or lower respectively, the results of such studies could have varied or misleading results (Armstrong, 2010, p.143-144).In concurrence with the above, consort to Deming Pay is not a motivator as it buys the things people want but it does not motivate you to work. There is no research that supports compensable people more money will encourage them to better the work performance, especially in the long run. This is also agreed upon by Kohn (1993) and Turner ( 2006). But the studies also concluded that it has a slightly higher or lower effect in different industries for example as in a subject by Turner(2006) conducted on factory workers and service demarcationmen which found little relation between performance and financial incentives in factory workers but found the opposite when the study was conducted on service businessmen. (Zani, et al, 2011, pp.330).Although Financial Rewards are supposedly provided equally according to the Principle of Distributive Justice, this is not always so as most systems are individualistically designed that they cater towards one persons performance on the whole and may serve to de-motivate the average and low-performance attaining employees. Furthermore according to studies by Thompson (1992b) and Marsden and Richardson (1994), financial incentives related to pay have little to no effect in increasing motivation and work performance.Also according to these studies the effects of Financial Rewards are ha rd to determine as there are debatable or skeptical ways of monitoring its strong suit and to also take into consideration the other factors that at the same time may be in effect that may affect performance and motivation such as innovation, new technology etc. Another factor that must be taken into consideration is the way Financial Reward are introduced into the organization and the principles and practices used implementing it, according to a study conducted for The Department of Employment in the UK by Bowey and Thorpe successful l outcomes are more dependent on the effectiveness of communication and Support systems rather than the pay design or financial reward provided. (Armstrong, et al, 2010, pp.147-150).ConclusionOn the basis of the above information reviewed and analyzed we can conclude that while financial rewards are the most commonly used and implemented system of reward used today it is not necessarily the best way to increase work motivation on the whole, for the or ganization. The use of financial rewards cannot be rejected or discarded as it plays a part in motivating an individual but it must be taken into consideration that Financial Rewards work best when within the Framework of an Integrated system of reward that combines both Non-financial and Financial Rewards together. The system that might work best is a system that takes into consideration also the cultural context in which it is placed as this may have an effect on the performance of an individual due to a reward used. Also the ratio of Financial Rewards to Non-Financial Rewards affectedness is dependent on the industry or sector it is situated in.ReferencesArmstrong, M. (2010). Armstrongs vade mecum of reward solicitude Practice Improving Performance through Rewards. 3rd ed. London Kogan Page Limited. pp.143-144. Armstrong, M. (2010). Armstrongs Handbook of reward Management Practice Improving Performance through Rewards. 3rd ed. London Kogan Page Limited. pp.147-150. Chiang, F.F .T. and Birtch, T.A. (2012). The PerformanceImplications of Financial and Non-Financial Rewards An Asian Nordic Comparison. Journal of Management Studies. Vol.49, No.3, pp.538-541 Chiang, F.F.T. and Birtch, T.A. (2012). The Performance Implications of Financial and Non-Financial Rewards An Asian Nordic Comparison. Journal of Management Studies. Vol.49, No.3, pp.542 Ciorbagui-Naon, R. (2010). Modalities of Non-Financial Motivation of Employees Within Organisations. Annals of the University of Petrosani Economics. Vol.10, No.4, pp.44. Colquitt, J., Lepine, J. and Wesson, M. (2009). Organizational Behavior Improving Performance and Commitment in the Workplace. 2nd ed. New York McGraw-Hill/ Irwin. pp.178-179. Furnham, A. (2006). Pouring Money Down the Drain?. British Journal of Administrative Management. Vol.53, Issue.2, pp.26-27. Kressler, H. (2003). Motivate and reward Performance Appraisal and Incentive Systems for business Success. Hampshire Palgrave Macmillan. pp.3 Hollyford, S and Whiddett, S. (2002). The Motivation Handbook. London CIPD House. pp.37-38. Hollyforde, S. and Whiddett, S. (2002). The Motivation Handbook. London CIPD House. pp.166. Zani, R. Md., Rahim, N. A., Junos, S., Samanol, S., Ahmad, S. S., Merican, F. M. I., Saad, S. M. and Ahmad, I. N. (2011). canvass the Impact of Financial and Non-Financial Rewards Towards Organizational Motivation. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business. Vol.3, No.4, pp.328-329. Zani, R. Md., Rahim, N. A., Junos, S., Samanol, S., Ahmad, S. S., Merican, F. M. I., Saad, S. M. and Ahmad, I. N. (2011). Comparing the Impact of Financial and Non-Financial Rewards Towards Organizational Motivation. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business. Vol.3, No.4, pp.330.

Research Essay Ballast Water Environmental Sciences Essay

Re search Essay B altogetherast pee Environmental Sciences EssayINTRODUCTIONThe proper date and trouble of stabilise resistor piss supply from ships is now a major environmental challenge non only to the world(prenominal) Maritime Organization but also for the shipping industry worldwide. This problematic issue has direct al virtually countries to consider actions at the national level to establish ordinations and criteria for the dis vote out of stabilize peeing in beas under its jurisdiction. In this way, the IMO adopted in 2004 the International assembly for the Control and Management of Ships ballast resistor water and Sediments and several guidelines and resolutions. As the Convention previously menti mavind has not yet ente tearing into force, several states arrive taken unilateral action to prohibit, minimize and ultimately eliminate the risks of the introduction to the marine environment of calumniatory aquatic organisms and pathogens from light balla st resistor body of water.Consequently, in 1998 the Argentine nautical authority approved Order No. 7-98 entitled Pr eventidetion of pollution by aquatic organisms in the ballast water of ships bound for Argentine ports in the estuary of the River plateful, which requires ships from everyplaceseas bound for Argentine ports in the estuary to discharge, change or treat their ballast water before entering a zone in which polluting activities atomic number 18 prohibited, which is located at the exterior limit of the River Plate. Even though genus genus Argentina is an IMO member state, for political reasons it has not signed the IMO Convention for Ballast Water. However, Argentina follows the IMO recommendations to ca-ca its own regulations in a standardized way, in order to avoid the interdict impacts that ballast water discharge involves.This paper provide analyze Argentinas national regulations and procedures for call foring with ballast water and determine the similarities a nd differences with the IMO recommendations. In addition, before analyzing this specific aspect, it is necessary to introduce the ballast water issue. First, the ballast water definition and its brief history. Second, this paper will describe the problems that ballast water implies. Third, the IMO responses in concordance with the external co surgery, regarding ballast water management and the assistance to growth countries, like Argentina, to reduce the entry of encroaching(a) species. Finally, this research will comp be the Argentine legal framework with the international one to be concluded with some suggestions and recommendations to improve this significant environmental problem.BALLAST WATER BACKGROUNDWhat is Ballast Water? To understand the problems that ballast water imply, it is necessary to know the imagineing of ballast water. According to the IMO Convention, ballast water means water with its suspended matter taken on board a ship to control trim, list, draught, stabi lity or stresses of the ship.Ships are designed and constructed to sail carrying cargo such as oil, minerals, containers and so on. Consequently, if the ship travels without charge from one port and goes to the next port, the ballast must be on board to allow the vessel to operate efficiently and with safety. This includes keeping the ship at a depth sufficient to guarantee efficient operation of the propeller and rudder, and to avoid stress and strain on the hull, mainly in heavy seas, that could cause it to break or to sink the ship. Thousands of years ago, when ships began to be built, they carried unassailable ballast, such as rocks, sand or metal. However, since 1880, ships relieve oneself used water as ballast, mainly because it is more than affordable, it is much easier to load and unload and is, therefore, more efficacious and economical than the ballast solid (Ballast Water Defined, n.d.).As the figure 1 shows, when a ship is freed from its cargo, it is filled with wate r ballast. The water is distributed into the ballast tanks in the vessel. These tanks are strategically located depend on the vessel structure. They are usually located along the side and bottom of the hull. Ballast water is extracted through and through sea water intakes located in the side or vessel bottom, with the aid of feeding pumps for ballast or gravity. The seawater intakes are covered with grills or filters that prevent large foreign objects from entering the ships ballast tanks. However, many species are able to pass through the ships water intake and pumps (The Issue, n.d.). foreshadow 1 Cross section of ships showing ballast tanks and ballast water cycleNote Globallast PartnershipsRetrieved from http//globallast.imo.org/index.asp?page=problem.htmmenu=true CUsersanalia soleda viggiaDesktopJING IMAGESBW.pngThe ballast water sediments are tight associated with ballast water. When ships charge ballast water, they also receive the solid material contained in the water. Whe n this material enters into the ballast water tank, it sits in the bottom of the tank as sediment and the problem is that it can carry a variety of invasive species.Consequently, approximately 7,000 diverse invasive species could be transported into the ballast water tanks around the world. numerous of these species may not survive during the ships voyage. In the corresponding way, another(prenominal) species are able to survive but when they are discharged in a vex with different environmental conditions, they may die. However, several of the invasive species not only are able to survive but also find favourable conditions in the refreshing environment to upchuck and to be a competitor or depredator of native species (The Issue, n.d.).BALLAST WATER PROBLEMSInvasive SpeciesThere are many problems in the ballast water discharge due to invasive species that are introduced in a new environment. These invasive species could be defined as species that have been introduced, by cho ice or accidentally in a place, cranial orbit or region where not found naturally. Other synonyms that are used to refer to invasive species are non-native species, non-indigenous species or invasive alien species (IAS) (Invasive species, n.d.). Furthermore, according to the IMO BW Convention, the invasive species are defined asAquatic organisms or pathogens which, if introduced into the sea including estuaries, or into fresh water courses, may create hazards to the environment, valet de chambre health, property or resources, impair biological diversity or interfere with other legitimate uses of such areas.The problem involving invasive species is that after they have been introduced into a new geographic area, they are established and spread, which causes or may cause, damage to the environment, economies or the health of human beings (Invasive species, n.d.).Invasion cognitive operationThe invasive process has three main steps Introduction, establishment and propagation.1 Intr oduction of the species The species is introduced fortunately in a new geographical area, intentionally or accidentally. This means that the species survives the voyage and is able to live in that area because the environmental conditions such as light, temperature, salinity, nutrients, among others, are adequate.2 Establishment and reproduction of introduced species Survivors persist and re heighten successfully, establishing a self-sustaining foundational population.3 Propagation The established population begins to spread, sometimes after a stationary period (or stationary stage) that could be for years and even decades. Then an explosive growth stage begins, this moment is when the new species becomes invasive (Invasive species, n.d.).Negative impactsThe introduction of invasive species and their spread is recognized as a ruin issue in the affected environment because the damage that species cause to the local biodiversity could be irremediable. In this way, these complicatio ns in the environment imply also a prejudicial impact in the economy of the affected area and to human health that is impaired by the invasive species effects. In addition, all these negative impacts that invasive species produce in the environment, the economy and the human health are inter connect and influence each other (Ballast Water Management, n.d.).Ecological/ EnvironmentalNegative ecological impacts make it when invasive species alter the local biodiversity of the area and/or ecological processes. While the initial impact may be insignificant and therefore, not detected over time, as the population increases, also the severity of the effects increases. The most significant ecological impacts that invasive species cause in the environment are (The Ballast, 2002, p.8)Competing with native species for aloofness and nourishment.Preying upon native species.Altering habitat.Altering environmental conditions.Altering the food web and the overall ecosystem.Displacing native spe cies, reducing native biodiversity and even ca utilize local extinctions. scotchInvasive species can produce huge economic injuryes to society, whether in the form of direct economic impacts, such as loss of marine food production, or secondary economic impacts associated with the health of humans or ecological impact. For example, it is estimated that in the U.S., the cost associated with the control of invasive species is enormous. To clear Zebra Mussels were cost between US$750 and US$1 billion between 1989 and 2000. In general, the economic impacts include (The Ballast, 2002, p.10)Reductions in fisheries production (including collapse of the piscary) due to competition, predation or displacement of the fishery species by the invading species or through environmental changes caused by the invading species.Impacts on aquaculture (including closure of fish-farms), especially from introduced harmful algae blooms.Physical impacts on coastal infrastructure, facilities and industry, especially by fouling species.Reduction in the economy and efficiency of shipping due to fouling species.Impacts and even closure of recreational and tourism beaches and other coastal agreeableness sites due to invasive species (e.g. physical fouling of beaches and severe odors from harmful algae blooms).Secondary economic impacts from human health impacts of introduced pathogens and toxic species, including increased monitoring, testing, diagnostic and treatment costs, and loss of social productivity due to illness and even death in affected persons.Secondary economic impacts from ecological impacts and bio-diversity loss.The costs of responding to the problem, including research and development, monitoring, education, communication, regulation, compliance, management, mitigation and control costs.Human healthBecause of the continued transfers of ballast water, chances are broad(prenominal) that ships carry microorganisms on a large scale. For instance, there is evidence that cho lera epidemics can be directly related to the discharge of ballast water. While Vibrio cholera and other pathogens are normal elements of coastal waters, they are not usually attest in concentrations high enough to cause health problems for humans. However, with the increase in global trade and vessels transiting between international ports, the transfer of microbes could well be the slash threat related to the discharge of ballast water. A clear example is the cholera epidemic that happened in Peru in 1991 because of ballast water discharge, affecting more than a million people and killing more than ten thousand. some other problem in the human health that ballast water implies is that ships could carry in the ballast tanks not only bacteria and viruses, but also a range of species of microalgae, including toxic species that may form harmful algae blooms or red tides (The Ballast, 2002, p.13). This kind of algae causes shellfish poisoning, which can produce sever illness and deat h in humans.ARGENTINE CASE STUDYThe invasive species introduced by ballast water have affected Argentine waters causing many negative impacts. For instance, since 1991, the comfortable Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) entered to Argentina through the River Plate into the ballast water tanks of Asiatic ships (Crosier, Molloy, n.d.). One of the complications that golden mussel causes is the damage in water intakes and water treatment plants, in which it is adhered. Consequently, the pipes are clogged, the water flow moves slowly and filters are clogged (macro-fouling) (Figure 2 and 3). Other disorders associated with the presence of this invasive bivalve are the rapidly changing in communities of organisms living on the bottom of water bodies (called benthic) and the displacement of indigenous species of mollusks.Figure 1 and 2 Golden MusselNote Para NauticosRetrieved from http//www.paranauticos.com/Notas/Tecnicas/Oceanografia/mejillon-dorado.htmCUsersanalia soleda viggiaDesktopJING IM AGESGolden_Mussel.pngCUsersanalia soleda viggiaDesktopJING IMAGESGolden_Mussel_002.pngFurthermore, the Golden Mussel produces changes in the food chains of the environment, such as change of diet of elan in the River Plate. In this case, this fish chooses the golden mussel as their main food, altering the normal ecosystem characteristics. On the other hand, the reaching of the invasive bivalve has economic negative effects that can be quantified by the value of the damage it causes, plus the costs of prevention and control tasks (Mirasso, n.d.).As a result of the Golden Mussel intrusion in the River Plate, there are several negative impacts, such as in the human health, taking into handbill that the water consumed by people is that one that be affected by the Golden Mussel in the treatment plant. Moreover, other negative effects are ecological (because the environmental changes) and economics (due to the procedures used it to brighten the problems that the bivalve produces).INT ERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION RESPONSESSince late 1980, the IMO has been actively engaged in trying to find a solution to the problem of ballast water. Initially, the IMO develop and published a set of guidelines in 1991, which were replaced in 1997 with Resolution A.868 (20) called Guidelines for the control and management of ships ballast water to minimize the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens. Subsequently, IMO began working on an international legal instrument that resulted in the adoption by consensus of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ballast Water and Sediments in the Diplomatic Conference that was held at the IMO headquarters in London on February 13, 2004. This Convention will enter into force 12 months after verification by 30 States, representing 35 per cent of world merchandiser shipping tonnage. The last IMO report ofAugust 31, 2011 shows that 35 States have ratified the Convention, representing 27.95% of world merc hant shipping tonnage (Ballast Water Management, n.d. Status of Conventions, 2012).Basically, the BWM Convention will require all ships to implement a Ballast Water and Sediments Management Plan all ships will have to carry a Ballast Water Record Book and will be required to carry out standard ballast water management procedures. In addition, Parties to the Convention are given the option to take additional measures which are subject to criteria set out in the Convention and to IMO guidelines. These guidelines were created by the IMO Member States between 2005 and 2008 to facilitate the uniform implementation of the ballast water process. The mentioned guidelines are the following (BWM Guidelines, n.d.)Guidelines for sediment receipt facilities (G1) (resolution MEPC.152(55))Guidelines for ballast water sampling (G2) (resolution MEPC.173(58))Guidelines for ballast water management equivalent compliance (G3) (resolution MEPC.123(53))Guidelines for ballast water management and develo pment of ballast water management plans (G4) (resolution MEPC.127(53))Guidelines for ballast water reception facilities (G5) (resolution MEPC.153(55))Guidelines for ballast water step in (G6) (resolution MEPC.124(53))Guidelines for risk assessment under regulation A-4 of the BWM Convention (G7) (resolution MEPC.162(56))Guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8) (resolution MEPC.174(58))Procedure for approval of ballast water management systems that make use of Active Substances (G9) (resolution MEPC.169(57))Guidelines for approval and oversight of prototype ballast water treatment technology programmes (G10) (resolution MEPC.140(54))Guidelines for ballast water exchange design and construction standards (G11) (resolution MEPC.149(55))Guidelines on design and construction to facilitate sediment control on ships (G12) (resolution MEPC.150(55))Guidelines for additional measures regarding ballast water management including emergency situations (G13) (resolution ME PC.161(56))Guidelines on designation of areas for ballast water exchange (G14) (resolution MEPC.151(55))Guidelines for ballast water exchange in the Antarctic treaty area (resolution MEPC.163(56))However, the most relevant IMO recommendation regarding ballast water is the before mentioned Resolution A.868 (20) Guidelines for the control and management of ships ballast water to minimize the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens. This Resolution was adopted on 27 November 1997 not as a solution to the ballast water issue but as a tool to minimize the risks caused by invasive species. Also, it asked countries to cooperate with this issue, applying the resolution itself and any other necessary measures.First, the Resolution A.868 (20) establishes several indications twain to port States and ships. Beginning with the port States, they should inform the IMO of specific requirements that they have such as regulations, specific zones, standards and exemptions, in order that I MO can distribute this information and in this way, the ships could obtain each countrys requirements prior to their arrival at port. Other information that the port States should pass on to IMO is the results of inspections and analyses of samples of ballast water tanks. In addition, the port States should have adequate reception and treatment facilities in their ports for safe disposal of ballast tank sediments.Second, according to the Resolution, the ships should have a specific ballast water management plan including safe and effective procedures during the charge and discharge of ballast water. All ships should record each discharge, mention at least dates geographical location ships tanks and cargo holds ballast water temperature and salinity amount of ballast water loaded or discharged. Additionally, the ships should follow precautionary practices such as avoiding taking ballast water in darkness, school water or where propellers may stir up sediments. Also, they should avoid unnecessary discharge of ballast water. The ballast water exchange process could be through with(p) in deep water, in open ocean, as far as possible from shore or where the port State authorizes. In case of using pumping systems, the water should be pumped through the tank at least three times.Third, the Resolution takes into account future considerations in relation to ballast water exchange. This means that the measures could be revised and adjusted according to new technologies or developments. In addition, this document has two appendices. Appendix 1 is the Ballast Water report Form to be provided by ships to port State Authority upon request. Appendix 2 is the Guidance of safety aspects of Ballast Water Exchange at sea. This vermiform process mentions the safety measures (stability, weather conditions, and stress on the hull, among others) and two recognized rules Sequential method, in which ballast tanks are pumped out and refilled with clean water and Flow-through method , in which ballast tanks are simultaneously filled and discharged by pumping in clean water.Finally, the Resolution establishes the necessity of crew training and familiarization regarding the ballast water management plan, ballast water methods, pumping system and recording the information required concerning ballast water loading and discharge. This maculation is very important because conscience and compromise approximately the ballast water risk, not only from the crew members but also from the port States, are the first steps to minimize the introduction of invasive species.The IMO not only carries its own efforts to solve the ballast water problem, but also it has been supporting the international cooperation among countries in order to achieve a common solution, and to protagonist developed countries to implement the necessary measures to avoid invasive species and to implement the Ballast Water Convention. In this way, one of the most important programs under the IMO ausp ices is the GloBallast Patnership that it will be developed in more detail in the next section.INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIONInternational cooperation is essential to prevent the transferences of invasive species. This means that it is necessary stick cooperation among states, the nautical community, shipping companies and non-governmental organizations, in order to prevent, reduce and control human caused pollution of the marine environment, including the intentional or accidental introduction of harmful or alien species to a particular part of the marine environment. (Ballast Water Management, n.d.).In this way, since 2000 the IMO has been working with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to deal with the introduction of invasive species from ships ballast water in new environments. In order to confront this issue with an international effort, these organizations initiated the Global Programme of Ballast Water Management to avoid obstac les to the effective implementation of control measures and ballast water management in developing countries (GloBallast Partnership). This is a comprehensive technical cooperation program for helper developing countries to (GloBallast, n.d.) Reduce the transfer of harmful organisms from ballast water of ships. Implement the IMO guidelines on ballast water. Prepare for the implementation of the Ballast Water Convention of IMO (which was simmer down in negotiations at that time). Develop mechanisms for sustainability and reforms at national level. Promote regional coordination and cooperation. Develop new technologies and exchange of information among governments measures.The GloBallast Partnership is divided into grades. The first phase was initiated in 2000 and finished in 2004. The second phase was initiated in 2007 and continuous running during this year. This second phase aims to build on the progress achieved in the real project. It will focus on national policy, legal and institutional reforms in developing countries with particular emphasis on integrated management. The approach includes Build on the achievements and use the skills and knowledge acquired in the first phase Repeat best practices and technical activities to promote national policy reforms. Support countries particularly vulnerable and high environmental sensitivity in their efforts to adopt legal reforms and to implement the Convention on Ballast Water Management. Promote collaboration with industry to facilitate the successful transfer of new technologies from developed to developing countries (GloBallast Partnerships, n.d.).Consequently, Argentina participated in the GloBallast Partnership Program and this year the Argentine Coast Guard was designated as the focal point to represent Argentina to International Organizations in this Program. In order to assist with other nations in the world particularly vulnerable countries regarding the introduction of invasive species and pathogens through ballast water of ships, to fortify political and legal aspects (Environmental Protection, 2012).ARGENTINE LEGAL FRAMEWORKThe BWM Convention was opened to signature from 01 June 2004 to 31 May 2005. Eight countries including Argentina signed the instrument subject to ratification. Until now Argentina has not ratified the Convention because it still remains in the Congress to analyze. However, this situation does not mean that Argentina does not support the fight against invasive species incoming from the ships ballast water. On the contrary, Argentina was a pioneer in this issue. In 1998 the Argentine maritime authority approved enactment No. 7-98 entitled Prevention of pollution by aquatic organisms in the ballast water of ships bound for Argentine ports in the estuary of the River Plate, which obliges ships from overseas bound for Argentine ports in the estuary to discharge, change or treat their ballast water before entering a zone in which polluting activities are prohi bited, which is located at the outer limit of the River Plate. On December 1999, this national regulation was submitted to the IMO through MEPC 44/4/2, in order to be distributed among the states. In the same way, Ordinance No. 12-98 entitled Special Protection Areas on the Argentine Coast was submitted to the IMO. This Ordinance established twelve special protection areas, where among other prohibitions, it is forbidden to discharge ballast water, even if treated in some way, unless it has been exchanged for water taken within 150 miles from the outer limit of the area concerned.Both regulations were do by the Environmental Protection Department of the Argentine Coast Guard (Prefectura Naval Argentina). This Department is in charge of all the issues related to environmental protection. Within this Department is found the Scientific Research Division that works with specialists such as biologists, and this group is continuously conducting research about ballast water and the impact in the environment. In this way, they confirmed with several studies that three species of freshwater bivalves that have been found in the River Plate (Corbicula fluminea, Corbicula largillierti, and Linmoperna fortune, known as Golden Mussel) originating from the estuaries of south-east Asia, and that they had entered via the discharge from ships from that region, to which bulk cereals had been exported from Argentina.Considering that the River Plate is the gateway of the export/import activity of Argentina, it was necessary that this national regulation be applicable and mandatory both for national ships and foreign flagged ships. This last consideration was possible because Argentina submitted the Ordinance to IMO and then it was distributed among the states.Several of the Ordinance requirements are similar to the IMO Resolution A. 868 (20), because it was made found on this last one. For instance, as the Resolution, the Ordinance has a final annex including Guidance on Safety Aspects of Ballast Water Exchange at sea and Crew Training and Familiarization. Other similarity appears in the ship-shore communication and the methods admitted by both regulations. However, some requirements are specific to the Ordinance, such as sealing ballast tanks or pumping control valves and the exigency of salinity levels. Furthermore, the Ordinance does not have many requirements included in the Resolution, such as the port states procedures or the Ballast Water Reporting Form.The Ordinance No. 7-98 Prevention of pollution by aquatic organisms in the ballast water of ships bound for Argentine ports in the estuary of the River Plate establishes that all ships that navigate along the River Plate shall exchange ballast water avoiding the prohibited zone of polluting actions located in front of the external limit of the River Plate. Another requirement is the radio electric communication that ships must make with the Vessel Traffic Services of the River Plate (CONRASE) inform ing them of the ballast water exchange or ballast retention on board. In case of exchange, they must indicate position, amount of water discharged, exchanged or retained on board and method applied for the ballast water exchange.According to this Ordinance, the methods admitted by Argentine Coast Guard are Total deballasting and reballasting (like the Sequential Method indicated in the Resolution A. 868 (20)), Flow-through (the same as in the IMO Resolution) and Overflow (it is similar to the flow-through method, but pumping water for a time and making it overflow from the top of tank). In case of considering new methods, these should be approved by the IMO. Some methods admitted as a complement are Filtering systems, oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides, thermal techniques, electric pulses and plasma pulses, ultraviolet treatment, acoustic systems, magnetic field, deoxidation, biological techniques and anti-adherent coatings.Furthermore, the Ordinance allows Coast Guard members to seal ballast tanks and pumps to control valves of ships, to be sure that they would not discharge the water on the way to Argentine Ports. Also the officers may take samples of the contents of ballast tanks, pipes and pumps to control the presence of invasive species and water salinity. In case that the water salinity is below 30mg/cm3, the ship would be not be allowed to enter into the River Plate because this water quality means that the ship exchanged ballast water very near the River Plate without taking into account the requirements of the Ordinance.Finally, Argentina tries to arrive at a ballast water solution with its own national regulations. However, this is not enough because, since the adoption of the Ordinance No.7-98, many cases of new invasive species have happened, not only in the River Plate but also in the Argentine south where it does not exists any particular regulation, referent to ballast water. For example, the Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) that entered t hrough the River Plate, affecting this complete zone until Brazil or the Wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) that invaded Puerto Madryn (a southern Argentine province) causing economic losses because this place is a touristic beach where people make activities like scuba diving but since this seaweed has invaded this place it is impossible to practice this activity. This is a shortcoming in the Argentine regulation because the Ordinance No.7-98 only contemplates the River Plate but not the others ports of entry at the country, mainly in southern Argentina. On the other hand, the Argentine regulation does not contain any reference to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments because both instruments are not contemporary the Ordinance was made six years previously.CONCLUSIONThe introduction of invasive species is a ballast water problem that involves the majority of the countries in which the trade is made by ships. Nowadays, mos t of the ships in the world fleet effectively carry ballast water and, therefore, would need to manage ballast water as part of their operations. The ecological, economic and human health impacts of invasive species are significantly severe for each country or region affected. Ballast water transfers and aquatic invasive species are peradventure the biggest environmental challenge facing the global shipping industry this century. For this reason, the problem of ballast water and invasive species must be addressed on an international basis involving cooperation between all countries and the shipping and port industries because the ships are involved in the international trade around the world the port states are connect to receive and to c

Attentional Bias In Alcohol Drinkers Psychology Essay

Attentional Bias In Alcohol Drinkers Psychology EssayAttentional Bias refers to the term not allowing single to examine all possible eruptcomes when judging about an association. Previous research stems from the famous Stroop frame that was discovered in 1930 by J.Ridley Stroop. This was an experimental effect in which he discovered that the individuals cognitive processing ability was real powerful. In other(a) neb books The Stroop effect (Stroop, 1935) is a prime example of the humankind failure to attend selectively to a particular aspect of a complex stimulus (Algom, D., Chajut, E., Lev, S. (2004). Since most researchers be interested in finding out things, the logical next step would be to develop further on and ask whether this actual delay in reaction time is due to correspond drinkers comp bed to light drinkers. In order to test the effectiveness of this Stroop effect, one uses the deform linguistic communication example. By this, we mean oral communication that are written using uniform colouring materialed ink i.e. red written in red ink, and words written in different coloured ink i.e. red written in blue. The participants are asked to read the words and not the colour. This sounds easier to do than it actually is. In this contract the methodology and the affects of the Stroop test entrust be critically evaluated. To achieve this, preliminary research and literature will be drawn upon. A study of Duka and Townshend (2001) demonstrated attentional bias associated with inebriant cues differences between laborious and occasional societal drinkers, they used a dot probe (alcohol-related pictures and words) and questionnaires, and the aim was to examine whether non-dependent heavy drinkers would differ in their selective attention towards alcohol-related stimuli compared to social drinkers, the results showed attentional bias amongst the heavy drinkers in relation to alcohol-related stimuli, storys in factors such as sociability an d sexuality shown to also be high, but low on personality and persistence. A further study of Duka and Townshend (2004) demonstrated the priming effect of alcohol pre-load on attentional bias to alcohol-related stimuli they used a dot probe and questionnaires, and the aim of this study was to examine whether attentional bias towards alcohol-related stimuli wound increase after priming with either one or two panes of alcohol/placebo, the results on mood ratings showed dose dependent increased in positive mood radar after alcohol pre-load, and in the dot probe task, all participants showed attentional bias towards the alcohol-related stimuli, and the electro so-so(p) bias was only positive at low alcohol dosage. A study of Sharma, Albery, and Cook (2001) demonstrated selective attentional bias to alcohol-related stimuli in business drinkers and non-problem drinkers they used a modified Stroop task ( ready reckonerized), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory in order to measure Anxiety , the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to allow gain (high or low), the participants were divided into three groups local community alcohol service (CAS), student volunteers who were divided into two control groups, the aim of this study was to examine whether patient of of problem drinkers selectively attend to alcohol-related stimuli compare to the two control groups of non-problem drinkers, the results indicate significance amongst the CAS group in longer reaction times in responding to colour of alcohol-related words compared to neutral words, with reduced interference for the high AUDIT group, thence significant in the low AUDIT group no significance was found. Additionally, no evidence is provided in the interference habituated amongst the three groups. A study of Stetter, Ackermann, Scherer, Schmid, Straube, and Mann (1994) demonstrated whether alcoholics develop an in doion processing bias towards disease-related stimuli, the results indicated an increas e of error amongst alcoholics when presented with the disease-related stimuli compared to the neutral conditions, and controls. A further study Stetter, Ackemann, Bizer, Straube, and Mann (1995) by testing their hypothesis that alcoholics develop a disease-related attentional bias, with 40 male alcohol-dependent, and 40 male healthy, and used the Stroop colour-naming task, the results showed alcoholic inpatients performed importantly poorer than the control group under the critical experimental condition (colour-naming of disease-related words), as compared with the non-critical condition (colour-naming of neutral words p = 0.03), no effects were found on the reaction times. A study of Johnsen, Laberg, Cox, Vaksdal, and Hugdahl, (1994) conducted in Nor way demonstrated attentional bias in the processing of alcohol-related words on alcoholic subjects, using the Stroop colour and word test, the results indicate the alcoholics respond slowly on all categories, more so on alcohol-relate d words compared to the control group, and both groups responded slowly to colour interfering words than neutral words, the findings suggests that the alcoholic subjects allocated their attention to alcohol-related words, therefore allowing their cognitive processes take over making it impossible to ignore the alcohol-related words. MethodParticipantsThe participants were recruited the students at London South camber University. There will be 170 participants in total, 34 males (17-moderate and 14-light drinkers) and 139 females (68 moderate and 71-light drinkers), and all the participants were adults aged 18years plus. ApparatusAll participants were asked to unload the tasks on a computer (PC), and the same apparatus was used to store data, and later break the data collected.DesignThe Stroop task method is used and the two-way ANOVA test will be used to analyse data (2 X 2 Mixed subject design). There are two independent variables i) Group (light vs. moderate alcohol drinkers) ii) Word Type (neutral vs. alcohol-related words), and the dependent variable is the reaction time to identifying the colour the word is presented in. In order to verify differences that may occur, the between group and within group will be looked at in more depth. ProcedureIn this study, the following was explained. Each participant was asked to follow the instructions provided on the screen. Labels were set(p) on the push buttons on the keyboard for each subject to make their responses. There are two set geek of words (alcohol-related words and neutral words). The participants were required to complete a serious of trials in responding to the colour of the ink that the word is written in (BLUE, RED, YELLOW, and GREEN) and (VODKIA, J.DANIELS, GIN, and BEER) rather than word. Part of the instruction was that they must complete each lede as quickly and accurately as possible, as their reaction time would be recordedResultsThe results of the 2 x 2 ANOVA was used to analyse the da ta. The effects of word type (alcohol-related words and neutral words) f = (1,168) 140.16, p = (moderate drinkers and light drinkers) f = (1,168) 26.68, p = . Neutral WordAlcohol Word principal(prenominal) Effect of Drinking TypeLight840.00 mean score (34.28) sd870.52 mean score (28.51) sd855.26 mean score (31.66) sdModerate 849.91 mean score (28.86) sd892.67 mean score (21.26) sd871.29 mean score (24.73) sdMain Effect of Word Type 845.01 mean score (31.95) sd881.73 mean score (27.39) sdDiscussionFor this study the hypotheses do support, in other words significance was found. The literature of the prior studies using the Stroop paradigm with alcohol-related stimuli has a build of fundamental methodological problems. According to Sharma, Albery, and Cook (2001) the first problem determine is that the multitude of different variables that could potentially be manipulated giving a totally different set of results. It therefore becomes apparent that one needs to be very clear on ex actly what the variables are and what exactly the researcher wants to achieve. Another problem identified is that of the actual format administered. Again, many issues may arise regarding the way in which the test is formatted. If the format is changed, will the result change along with it? As more development is completed in this area of study on alcohol addiction, the researcher no doubt will see that, the variables and the modes of administration discussed above will have a huge effect on the study. For example, one set of results could construct stronger effects than others, and that the other probable central variables make no difference at all to the outcome. The researcher should also take into account that however, a task is administered to the participants is bound to have both advantages and disadvantages, and can be improved upon. This does not mean that one way is better than the other. It just doer that the researcher needs to be aware of this and choose a methodology that best works for them. Choosing the correct methodology in any study therefore can be just as important as the actual study itself. What becomes apparent is that there is no particular way of carrying out a study. Either way studies will carry certain advantages and disadvantages. One particular study related to our discussion was the single-word presentation of the Stroop stimuli. In this case, the stimuli were condition in observation format. One card had all the needed stimuli for alcohol -related words while the other had neutral words. The time taken by each subject to colour name the words on the first card compared to the second was recorded. In other words, recorded reaction time. This format, although used on many studies, comes with its limitations. Evidence obtained concludes that it is ticklish to accurately measure the response time by the individuals and that the process evolved is very time consuming and involves a lot of calculations. In other words this type of format may be seen as being time consuming and tedious for the researcher to carry out. Its not all bad however, the card format can have an advantage in that it produces stronger interference effects (e.g. McNally, Amir and Lipke, 1996 Williams et al., 1996), presumably because it provides a semantic network of words in a given category (Sharma, et al 2001). In addition, the individuals words recorded in terms of its reaction time are not used with any presentation mode, as each participants reaction times to each category of stimuli are averaged prior to statistical analysis. Other objections to the use of card presented stimuli were that the total time measured include both correct and incorrect responses. Previous research shows that the amount of trials where errors occurred is in fact rare and equivalent for different categories of stimuli. Furthermore, studies by Stetter et al also take care to agree. His study shows that card format stimuli does not allow for the measure ment of time-cause of alcohol attentional bias. For instance, with these card presentations one would not know if the strongest bias occurred for alcohol words presented earlier and then the bias attenuated. An attempt to rectify this issue was to assess participants habituation to the stimuli across time. This was achieved by observing how reaction times to the alcohol and neutral stimuli changed during the course of the experiment. In relation to Johnsen et al studies, it was criticized in many aspects such as, the word types not being matched on the frequency. Additionally being assured in using two words alcohol-related words, for example liquor store red wine. (Sharma, et al 2001).However, Johnsen et al stated clearly that since the studies were carried out in Norway, the words were manifestly translated in Norwegian vinmonopol = liquor store, and rodvin = red wine, and as you can see, when translated its single words. Further criticisms were put forward to why the participant s were asked to press the key response button and call out the name of the colour. Sharma et al study contained a number of problems. Firstly, the neutral words were long to a given category (environmental features), which affects the reaction times. Secondly, the number of neutral words being associated closely to the four ink colours (e.g. blue, red, brown, green), also how these colours were closely linked to the words (e.g. blue sky, green grass). also concerns were put forward on the manner of design (e.g. low, middle, and high) drinking groups. Lastly, problems occurred with the problem drinkers, who may have resolved their alcohol problems being placed amongst the heavier drinkers. To conclude, there are two opposing thoughts with the methodology used one that the Stroop paradigm is highly objective, valid and reliable, and the other that some are not worthy of inclusion. Many researchers are continuing to offer theoretical explanations to account for the Stroop paradigm, and still trying to make sense on how it could be adapted to be more advanced in being improved.References Algom, D., Chajut, E., Lev, S. (2004). JourA Rational Look at the Emotional Stroop Phenomenon A Generic Slowdown, Not a Stroop Effect. nal of Experimental Psychology General. 133 (3), 323-338. Duka, T., Townshend, J. M. (2004). The priming effect of alcohol pre-load on attentional bias to alcohol-related stimuli. Psychopharmacology. 176 (3), 353. Johnsen, B. H., Laberg, J. C., Cox, W. M., Vaksdal, A. (1994). Alcoholic Subjects Attentional Bias in the Processing of Alcohol-Related Words. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors. 8 (2), 111. Sharma, D., Albery, I., Cook, C. (2001). discriminating attentional bias to alcohol related stimuli in problem drinkers and non-problem drinkers. Addiction. 96 (2), 285-295. Sharma, D., Albery, I.P., Cook, C. (2001) .Selective attentional bias to alcohol- related stimuli in p roblem drinkers and non-problem drinkers, Addiction, 96, 1261-1265. Stetter F, Ackermann K, Scherer E, Schmid H, Straube ER, Mann K. (1994). Distraction resulting from disease related words in alcohol-dependent inpatients a controlled dichotic listening study. European Archives of Psychiatry and clinical Neuroscience. 244 (4), 223-5. Stetter F, Ackermann K, Bizer A, Straube ER, Mann K. (1995). Effects of disease-related cues in alcoholic inpatients results of a controlled Alcohol Stroop study. Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research. 19 (3), 593-9. Townshend, J. M., Duka, T. (2001). Attentional bias associated with alcohol cues differences between heavy and occasional social drinkers. Psychopharmacology. 157 (1), 67.

Market analysis and business plan for a gym

Market analysis and melodic phrase plan for a gymStayfit gym is a privately owned business which is positioned at 15 Menai Road, Menai. The estimated possibility date is August 2010. The establishing business, Stayfit gym is sanctified to generate the best personal fittingness service. The mission is to rancider the general overt with the allow forpower to set reachable goals and to reach ultimate health and fitness level. The business will take a holistic approach to lifestyle, health and fitness management and work rough the clock to provide the domain with practical and innovative fitness programs that flexibly put together into busy lifestyles.Stayfit gym will include of 1-20 employees making it to be a small business. Stayfit gym will be registered as a sole trader proprietorship (Maroutcha Hadwan) meaning it is an incorporated business with one owner. The owner is responsible for all decisions made within the business and is able to retain all profits. Funding for th e business is through the owners equity and silver and money borrowed from pecuniary institutions. An advantage of a sole trader is that all profits go to the one person unlike a partnership the profits made argon split evenly amid all partners in the business. The risks in collapseing this business as a sole trader are that the owner of the business is personally responsible for the debt incurred by the business (unlimited liability). In the event that the business is unable to meet its financial obligations, the owner must take responsibility for finding funds to pay finish off all debts, the owners personal assets are all at risk of the business does not succeed.Purpose of PlanPlanning is measurable to guide the business, the purpose of this business plan of that it gives clear direction for the rising of Stayfit gym, it similarly increases awareness of opportunities arising in further future growth. It helps the business prevent distress and to achieve goals. Stayfit gym holds m whatsoever different goals such as personal, social, and financial which consist of the following goalsPersonal GoalsUpholding a good protrudeBeing a sole trader ( being their own boss)Satisfaction from your workSocial GoalsHelping the general public improve their fitnessTo help children over come obesityFinancial GoalsGaining maximum wealthMaking a great profitSituation analytic thinkingSWOT AnalysisThe SWOT analysis provides the business with an chance to examine the strengths and weaknesses Stayfit secondary school must address. It as well as allows the business to examine the opportunities presented to Stayfit Gym as well as possible threats.StrengthsWeaknessKnowledgeable and friendly caterTop of the line equipmentFlexible operating hoursComplementary serviceWomens roomFree parking for all gym membersChildmindingNewnessViable workers whitethorn leave the gymMembership feesHigh health care costsPoor brand imageHigh staff turnoverOpportunitiesThreatsOpening muc h(prenominal) gyms in the futureGrowing population interested in fitnessBuy out a competitorGrowing economyIncreasing high health conscious(p) populationNew exercise trendsNew organisation health care regulationsDecease in the number of competitorsDeclining economyLocal competitorsChange in government regulationsEquipment shortageDecreasing local populationCompetitors AnalysisThe three main competitors for Stayfit Gym areFitness First MirandaGoodlife Gym MenaiContours IlawongFitness FirstAs fitness first being a well known Gym nationwide, it then has the major go on Stayfit Gym. As Fitness First being the main competitor because they can offer reform prices and more services, product and mystify more capital behind them and are able to take more risks than a newly established Gym like Stayfit. An advantage for Stayfit Gym is that Fitness First doesnt not offer flexible contracts, like Stayfit Gym, as for suit at Syatfit Gym we do not charge adjunctioning fees, as for fitn ess first do.Goodlife GymGoodlife Gym is another competitor which also has an influence on Stayfit Gym for it being located nearby. It also influences Stayfit Gym as it is well known in the area, and has been open for a long time period of time. This gives a reason why Stayfit Gym offers better and suitable pricing which will benefit those who are willing to lose slant for an affordable price.ContoursLike any other competitor, Contours is also well known throughout Australia, as well as the local community. Unlike Fitness First, and Goodlife Gym, Contours is a circuit gym as well as an all ladies gym, this being one their weaknesses which benefits Stayfit Gym. Although, Contours offers those women who are not confident and comfortable working out in front of men the opulence and comfort to work out, this strength is a major disadvantage towards Stayfit Gym as the majority of women may prefer this environment.Market AnalysisStayfit offers everyone, no payoff your age, anyone look ing to loose weight anyone looking to get fit, and anyone looking to stay fit With Australia being the fattest nation on earth there is an ever more increasing need for easily accessible gyms with these facilities like Stayfit Gym who target and encourages people to exercise and get fit, as well as the opportunity to have fun.As the main aim of this business is to overcome obesity, Stayfit Gym mainly targets those who are overweight, obese, and morbidly obese. Statistics show that the main reason why Australias decided to essence a gym and take over a healthy life style is to loose weight and this is shown in the table below.For further information lower the following websitehttp//www.executiveresults.com.au/health-and-fitness-statistics.cfmThe Marketing MixProductPriceStayfit Gym aims to provide top quality and safe equipment, which benefit members in weight loss.Stayfit Gym offers acuteness and a discount pricing, as it is competing with other gyms who offer the same facilities and services as Stayfit Gym but for a better price.Discount pricing is offered for those who are students, and off-peak gym use, the prices reflect the quality of the equipment and service.PlacePromotionThe upcoming Gym will be located on 15 Menai Road, Menai. The population of this community has freehanded by 5% each year for the past three years, giving Stayfit Gym a better opportunity to gain more members of the public and customers to join and become apart of the Stayfit family.Stayfit Gym works to get on there services throughout advertising ads on local billboards, handing out flyers also by scope up stands in local centres. Stayfit also wishes to promote their gym through T.V commercials as well as radio broadcasting.Market SegmentationThe market segmentations for Stayfit Gym customer consists of the following geographic, demographic and behavioural factorsGeographicalThe immediate target region of Stayfit Gym is Menai, Illawong, and Alfords Point.As the population of the se areas continue to increase, this will have a positive impact towards Stayfit.DemographicStayfit Gym targets both males and females from 15years and over.Income range of $35,000 $75,000.BehaviouralRecognises that they need to improve their fitnessThose who have recognised that they need to lose weightThose who are willing to enjoy extreme sportMarketing Strategies and ObjectivesMarketing ObjectiveMarketing StrategyOvertake competitorsKeep an update competitor composeOffer better pricing to the public (6months)Price levelMaintain a price level lower than competitors as then it will be harder for the competitor (4months)DiscountsOffer a range of discounts (9months)Online access to the gymTo build up an online website of the gym which will be easy for the members to access and also helps promote the business. (2months)EquipmentTo provide the gym with more equipment, and to improve facilities(12months)Sales ForceEmploy telemarketing staff (13months)Product AnalysisStayfit Gym provid es individuals with the opportunity to exceed their fitness expectations, which are delivered through expert coaching, high-quality equipment, convenient scheduling and great exercise programs. The equipment division of Stayfit Gym offer the largest range of quality fitness equipment from the worlds leading brands, includingTechnogymCybexPrecor propensityLife FitnessEquipmentPositivesNegativesCardioTreadmillsElliptical cross-flight simulatorsExercise bikesStair climbersSummit trainersHaving a different range and variety of cardio equipment benefits Stayfit Gym, as having more facilities available for the public will then attract more people to join Stayfit.A negative of cardio equipment is that when equipment brakes or is miss used, also safety issues, for example falling off equipment, this can give a bad reputation for Stayfit.StrengthChest pressBiceps pressTriceps pressShoulder pressBench press squinty chest pressLeg pressDumbbellsTorso rotationChin dipIso gluteLateral chess pres sVertical Ab trainerRowerHaving a wide range of strengthening facilities will also have a great benefit on Stayfit as other Gyms may not have the same equipment available.A negative of strengthening facilities is that when one equipment brakes or is miss used, also safety issues, for example falling off equipment, this can give a bad reputation for Stayfit.Objectives and strategiesStayfits primary goal is to create a community committed to best functional fitness.ObjectivesStrategiesOur monthly object lens is to generate at least 20 new members.This will be done through advertising Stayfit, also free weekly trials of the gym andStayfit aims to open and run a facility at full capacity within the first year with 150-200 members.This will be carried out by providing new members better opportunities and pricing.Better membership deals by the second year of operationsOffering on-peak and off-peak membership, this will be better for people who want to use the gym during hours when not bu sy. For example, during the daytime when school kids are at school.To franchise Stayfit in other areas towards the further futureThis will be done by upholding the right image and keep a good reputation for Stayfit.To make people fit and healthyThis will be done through providing the right exercises, staff and classes that will help the general public stay fit and healthy.To make profit and pay off all debts within 1st two years of inceptionThis will be done by having more members entering the Gym, and with that money Stayfit will then be able to payoff debtMore classes available by 6 months of operations (zumba, urban dance, and etc)By hiring staff that are able to carry out these classes.Provide the only fitness facility truly dedicated to solving the fitness needs of our customersThis will be done through providing the highest quality equipment available, constantly keeping our staff up to date on certifications, providing a clean and crowd-free gym.Description of product/servi ceAt Stayfit Gym we provide you with comfortable surroundings, with the latest facilities and equipment to facilitate your training and exercise needs. Stayfit also aim fix that the members receive a fantastic exercise experience. Stayfit aims to provide the following classes/sessions free weights, deliverboxing, personal training, cardiovascular, and group cycling we also offer professional instruction, well-balanced and sweet workouts which focus upon strength gain, aerobic conditioning, weight loss and increasing fitness levels. Stayfit Gym also provides a womens only room, including both cardio and strengthening equipment. Stayfit Gym also provides childminding, for those who have young children and want to achieve the ideal fitness levels.Our services are directed at maximizing your health and fitness levels in a safe, productive and exciting environment to give you a fantastic health and fitness experience.We also offer a range of drinks to freshen in between workouts, towe ls also a wide range of protein shakes and supplements, Stayfit also offers free and convenient private parking for all members of the gym.PricingNO joining fees or administration feesFree weekly trial pass for new members $59012 Months up front $59012 Months off peak $5406 months $3503mothns $2201month $7510 day gym pass $60Casual Visit $1010% Discount for students Under 18 years oldTrading HoursMonday to Friday 5am 10pmSaturday 7am 7pmSunday mankind Holidays 8am 5pmWorkout TimetableMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday6.00am bole PumpBody BalanceBody PumpFat Burner7.00amBody AttackBody CombatBody BalanceSpin9.00amSpin1.00pmSpinBody CombatFat BurnerBody PumpBody Attack3.00pmKick packing materialKick Boxing5.00pmFat BurnerBody BalanceBody Attack7.00pmKick BoxingBody PumpSpinSession/Class timetable available for members and general publicClass DescriptionBody Pump Non-impact class created to shape and tone the entire body, using weights and barbells.Body Attack Hig h intensity strength, aerobics and stabilisation exercises.Fat Burner Standard high energy aerobic exercise.Body Combat aerobics based on a variety of exercises, such as Thai Chi, Karate, Boxing and Taekwondo.Spin Calorie and fat burner cycling exercise.Body Balance A class combining Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi.Kick Boxing Circuit kick boxing, using high energy boxing techniques and stations.For those who are members of Stayfit Gym all classes are free, and for those who wish to take part of these classes pay $5 per class.Staffing RequirementsThe manager, who will also be the owner of Stayfit Gym (Maroutcha Hadwan), will be qualified to hold the following certificates present in Fitness award in Personal prepFirst Aid CertificateDiploma in FitnessIt is preferred that the manager has prior experience in field, as Stayfit Gym is dedicated to provide a diverse range of programs suitable for all people.Job TitleQuantitySkills, Qualifications and ExperiencesReceptionist1Computer skillsCo mmunication skillsSocial skillsFirst Aid CertificateChild minding2At least 2 years experience prior tooCertificate in child careCertificate in First AidPersonal trainers7First Aid CertificateCommunication skillsCertificate in fitnessCertificate in Personal reproductionSpecialized in karateSpecialized in boxingSpecialized in aerobicsSpecialized in cyclingSpecialized in body grammatical constructionMust have at least a year experience prior to working at Stayfit Gym, as we are dedicated to provide the public with the best of our ability.Dieticians2First Aid CertificateMust have at least 1-2 years experienceCertificate in dieticianSpotters9First Aid CertificateSpecialized in YogaSpecialized in PilatesSpecialized in Tai ChiSpecialized in cyclingCertificate in fitnessSocial skillsMust have at least a year experienceFinancial ForecastsRevenue Statement for Stayfit Gym Pty LtdFor the period ending 01/08/2011Cash settle StatementsCash Flow Statement for Stayfit Gym Pty LtdFrom period end ed 01/08/2012Opening Cash Balance $415,000.00This projected cash return statement shows that this upcoming business will be Surplus, as of the period ended 2012 whereas the closing chase balance was a greater amount of money than the opening cash balance.Critically Review of the Plan and ProcessThroughout this business task I managed to meet all deadlines and make sure everything was up to date. My weaknesses throughout this assignment was the Market Analysis and Financial Forecast, where as I was unsure how to complete both sections. In relation to Market Analysis, I incur that I havent covered all sections in this heading. For financial forecast I first started of with balance sheet, but i was unable to complete this section as my balance sheet was not balanced so I then chose to complete the cash flow statement and revenue statement, I also struggled to accomplished these two finical records.Overall my progress within this assignment was satisfactory, and I am happy with my ov erall work, as I never knew I was opened to completing this task meeting the criteria.IndexDescription of Business Ownership2Purpose of Plan3Situation Analysis4-9Swot Analysis4Competitor Analysis5Market Analysis6 -8Product Analysis9Objectives and Strategies10Description of Product/Service10 -11Pricing11Trading Hours11Class Timetable12Staffing Requirements13Financial Forecasts14 15Revenue Statement14Cash Flow Statement15Critically Review of Plan and Process 16

Drugs, Cheating, and the Purity of Americas Pastime Essay -- Baseball

Most children who get down grown up in an American household have at one point in their lives looked up to sports figures as heroes. Whether it was your grandfather telling his stories of watching Babe Ruth become a legend, your fathers stories of Mickey Mantle and the legendary Yankee teams of the 1950s and 1960s, or your own memory of Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa chasing the home run record, the feeling of wholesomeness that baseball provides has always found its way into many peoples hearts. Steroids have tarnished these sacred memories, cast doubts in the minds of many on the legitimacy of records and statistics and finally affected the way younger players play the game. Baseball, Americas pastime, is embedded in the fabric of society. The players and teams have come and gone, but the thing that remains constant is baseballs ability to unite people as well as families. My own personal experience of this came right after September 11th, 2001. Following the tragedy that was 9/11, t he country needed something to help everyone return to normalcy. In our act of weakness and uncertainty, baseball helped calm my nerves. Fifty three thousand three hundred and twelve brothers stood up in unison and took back their lives. The electricity of that game, the sand of regularity in my life, and the knowledge that millions of people were finding comfort together with me during such a hard time, helped me feel a sense of closure that the strike was behind us.It is the mystique and aura of the players, the exciting tales behind them, as well as the history of the game that keeps us interested as fans. These are the reasons why people, children especially, bet these players as invincible, and perfect in every way, shape, and form. What would happen if after a century of inspiring stories, and incredible tales of heroism, the inconceivable notion that these players were not perfect, took prominence? Or that many of these superstars cheated their way to the top?Recently the topic of steroid use in baseball has been everywhere in the news. It has finally come to the attention of major(ip) League Baseball, and now the general public, that a vast percentage of players have been using illegal performance-enhancing drugs. This not only casts a grease ones palms of suspicion everywhere which players are using steroids, and makes one wonder which players are genuine, but it tar... ...ue Baseball is showing that they are finally becoming adamant about ridding themselves and their reputation of this problem, is something that should roll us hope for now, as well as for the future.Even more so than simply testing the players though, I think a key hold out that has been overlooked and that may be a huge contributor to the steroid problem without many people being aware of it, is the incentives given in a players contract. Getting rid of the six figure bonuses commonly given for a certain amount of home runs, hits, strikeouts, innings pitched, etc, will help cast down the apparent need to use steroids as a source of instant reward and income. While doing this there will still most certainly be players drawn to steroids as a means to get ahead of the competition for personal glory or other reasons, the fact is eliminating bonuses has the potential to significantly come down the amount of users in the league. It is then, and only then that we can be prepared to fully eliminate the steroid problem as we know it today, remove the cloud of doubt over everyones heads, and return the game of baseball to the past glorification that it once knew, as the true American pastime.

Community Crime Profile Survey Essays -- essays research papers yyy

Community Crime profile Survey with QuestionsThe small alliance of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ is the maven square mile home to a comparatively tiny population of approximately 7,600 population, including myself. I spicy on a residential street of this small suburban town where a keen threat of danger and harm has never really been associated with its name. The curse rate on the city-data.com crime index is a minute 35.6 when compared to the U.S. aver fester of 330.6. In the form of 2002 Wood-Ridge did not experience any murders, rapes, or robberies, and only 1 assault, 35 larceny counts, and 7 auto thefts. This is the main reason why all parties who were valueed either felt very arctic or somewhat safe support their lives in this neighborhood and believe crime has either decreased or stayed the same. each(prenominal) parties surveyed also rated the interest services from acceptable to excellent ambulance, melodic phrase television, electric utilities, fire, gas, phone, and police. Then when surveyed ab turn out police more closely the answers only varied from heavy to excellent, with most answers in the excellent range. I found this survey relatively easy to perform. My town issues a small phone book of all persons living in town and I drew names at random and surveyed whoever was willing to offer their time. I surveyed five people ages 18-29, one person age 30-39, seven people ages 40-49, six people ages 50-59, and two people over 69 years of age. Seventeen of these people were male and only four were female, snow% of which was Caucasian. Two parties resided in apartments, while nineteen lived in a house. Eighteen families owned the residence they lived in and three rented, and obviously 100% of them have telephones in their homes. Of the parties surveyed, thirteen had full-time jobs, three were self-employed, one was a student, one was unemployed, and three parties were retired. The five most predominant problems exemplified from this survey were the amount of youths that are hanging out on the streets, the use of alcohol, along with the use of drugs, traffic violations, and vandalism. end-to-end this summary, these problems will become more detailed with possible solutions requiring efforts from a majority of the community, including the PTA, church organizations, local anesthetic media, and everyday people that take part in this neighborhood.The... ...1 presumet get along -- 1 Police fine -- 12 Good -- 8 unobjectionable -- 0 Poor -- 1 gaint Know -- 0 POLICE CONCERNSEvaluate current performance of the police in each of following areasQuickness in Responding to Calls Successfully Satisfying Your Call glorious -- 13 Excellent -- 13 Good -- 6 Good -- 6 Acceptable -- 1 Acceptable -- 1 Poor -- 0 Poor -- 0 Dont Know -- 1 Dont Know -- 1 unforced to Work With Neighborhood Vehicle PatrolsExcellent -- 12 Excellent -- 12 Good -- 5 Good -- 6 Acceptable -- 3 Acceptable -- 2 Poor -- 1 Poor -- 0 Dont Know -- 0 Dont Know -- 0 Foot PatrolsExcellent -- 10 Good -- 3 Acceptable -- 6 Poor -- 2 Dont Know -- 0 VOLUNTEER WORKDoes your neighborhood have a crime settle program?Yes -- 0 No -- 4 Dont know -- 17 If not, would you like your neighborhood to have a crime watch program?Yes -- 13 No -- 6 Dont know -- 2 Do you/would you participate in a crime watch program?Yes -- 13 No -- 2 Dont know -- 6 Does your neighborhood have a neighborhood association or community group?Yes -- 0 No -- 17 Dont know -- 4 Do you/would you participate in the association or group?Yes -- 13 No -- 6 Dont know -- 2 Community Crime Profile Survey Essays -- essays research papers yyyCommunity Crime Profile Survey with QuestionsThe small community of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ is the one square mile home to a comparatively tiny population of approximately 7,600 people, including myself. I live on a residential street of this small suburban town where a great threat of danger and harm has never really been associated with its name. The crime rate on the city-data.com crime index is a minute 35.6 when compared to the U.S. average of 330.6. In the year of 2002 Wood-Ridge did not experience any murders, rapes, or robberies, and only 1 assault, 35 larceny counts, and 7 auto thefts. This is the main reason why all parties who were surveyed either felt very safe or somewhat safe living their lives in this neighborhood and believe crime has either decreased or stayed the same. All parties surveyed also rated the following services from acceptable to excellent ambulance, cable television, electric utilities, fire, gas, phone, and police. Then when surveyed about police more closely the answers only varied from good to excellent, with most answers in the excellent range. I found this survey relatively easy to perform. My town issues a small phone book of all persons living in town and I drew names at random and surveyed whoever was willing to offer their time. I surveyed five people ages 18-29, one person age 30-39, seven people ages 40-49, six people ages 50-59, and two people over 69 years of age. Seventeen of these people were male and only four were female, 100% of which was Caucasian. Two parties resided in apartments, while nineteen lived in a house. Eighteen families owned the residence they lived in and three rented, and obviously 100% of them have telephones in their homes. Of the parties surveyed, thirteen had full-time jobs, three were self-employed, one was a student, one was unemployed, and three parties were retired. The five most predominant problems exemplified from this survey were the amount of youths that are hanging out on the streets, the use of alcohol, along with the use of drugs, traffic violations, and vandalism. Throughout this summary, these problems will become more detailed with possible solutions requiring efforts from a majority of the community, including the PTA, church organizations, local media, and everyday people that take part in this neighborhood.The... ...1 Do nt Know -- 1 PoliceExcellent -- 12 Good -- 8 Acceptable -- 0 Poor -- 1 Dont Know -- 0 POLICE CONCERNSEvaluate current performance of the police in each of following areasQuickness in Responding to Calls Successfully Satisfying Your CallExcellent -- 13 Excellent -- 13 Good -- 6 Good -- 6 Acceptable -- 1 Acceptable -- 1 Poor -- 0 Poor -- 0 Dont Know -- 1 Dont Know -- 1 Willing to Work With Neighborhood Vehicle PatrolsExcellent -- 12 Excellent -- 12 Good -- 5 Good -- 6 Acceptable -- 3 Acceptable -- 2 Poor -- 1 Poor -- 0 Dont Know -- 0 Dont Know -- 0 Foot PatrolsExcellent -- 10 Good -- 3 Acceptable -- 6 Poor -- 2 Dont Know -- 0 VOLUNTEER WORKDoes your neighborhood have a crime watch program?Yes -- 0 No -- 4 Dont know -- 17 If not, would you like your neighborhood to have a crime watch program?Yes -- 13 No -- 6 Dont know -- 2 Do you/would you participate in a crime watch program?Yes -- 13 No -- 2 Dont know -- 6 Does your neighborhood have a neighborhood association or community group?Yes -- 0 No -- 17 Dont know -- 4 Do you/would you participate in the association or group?Yes -- 13 No -- 6 Dont know -- 2