Capstone Project Essay Example

Capstone Project Paper Indirect Clinical Project: Quality Improvement Abstract Healthcare has become a consumer driven industry with patient satisfaction equating to good customer service. Effective communication has been shown to be a key factor in both patient outcomes and satisfaction. Additionally, patient satisfaction has become a tool used by insurers to evaluate medical facilities and may impact reimbursement to hospitals for patient care. In this paper, I will discuss the issue of ineffective communication in the waiting area of the surgical services department at Mount Carmel East Hospital. The impact of ineffective communication effects patients and members of the perioperative team. Results of patient surveys consistently showed a decrease in overall patient satisfaction with areas of communication scoring the lowest across the continuum. Substandard scores necessitated a further look at the process of communication and a root cause analysis was used to evaluate the scope of the issue. The current communication process was then observed and compared to best practice models. A summary of this data, included in this report, was used to develop possible solutions to improve communication as part of a continuing quality improvement process. The impact of quality improvement is instrumental in overall patient satisfaction and customer service. We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Indirect Clinical Project: Quality Improvement The purpose of the Indirect Clinical Project (ICP) is to provide an opportunity for students working toward a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to explore an issue related to their professional interest. BSN students were asked to work with Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) preceptor in a professional role for this project. My ICP is designed to address the issue of ineffective communication in the waiting are of the surgical services department at Mount Carmel East Hospital. I choose this particular problem as it related to my current area of practice in the post anesthesia care unit. The problem of ineffective communication in the surgery waiting room  has been a longstanding issue. This is evidenced by substandard patient survey scores in areas related to communication and overall satisfaction with the surgical waiting area. In this paper, I will establish the framework for the problem of ineffective communication and how this translates into the quality improvement process. For this project a root cause analysis was done and the results were then used to develop a process improvement plan. A comparison was made between current practice and best practice related to perioperative communication. As the problem was analyzed and areas in need of improvement recognized, the process improvement plan was developed. The benefits and drawbacks of the possible solutions will be present along with rationales. PROBLEM Mount Carmel East (MCE) has had numerous complaints regarding ineffective communication within the surgical services waiting area. Complaints typically are related to patients and families not being informed of delays and/or updates. Currently a small number of volunteers are functioning as the surgical liaison for patients and families throughout the surgical care process. The liaison is responsible for facilitating communication to patients, families, nursing staff and surgeons. The task of being a liaison for patients in the perioperative setting can be daunting with many demands that present a variety of challenges. While these volunteers do not provide medical information, they are expected to understand the surgical schedule and perioperative process. No formal training for these duties is provided and volunteers are expected to convey appropriate information in a timely manner. Despite the placement of volunteer liaisons, complaints from patients and families not being informe d of delays and updates continue to be received. Inconsistencies in the number and abilities of the volunteers have a direct impact on the communication process. The schedule of the volunteers is the responsibility of the volunteer coordinator and while requests have been made to have the same volunteers this is not always possible. Some days there may be a single volunteer to manage the numerous responsibilities without any assistance and on occasion, particularly in the evening, there is no volunteer and the waiting room is left unattended. The waiting room is the first impression customers, patient and family, see when they arrive for surgery. Leaving the waiting room unattended is a poor reflection on the department and can be perceived as unwelcoming. â€Å"The perioperative environment is often seen as impersonal and unfriendly† (Stephens-Woods, 2008, p. 7). Without someone to receive patients and answer the phone, communication becomes fragmented and impersonal. While the contributions from the volunteers are greatly appreciated, abilities and level of commitment vary greatly. As a result, the families experience dissatisfaction when trying to obtain information, the surgeons experience frustration trying to find patients families, and the clinical staff find it difficult to update the volunteers when they need to communicate information. Currently, the volunteers are not held to any performance standards and while they may be in attendance, they may not be fully present. All employees of MCE are expected to work together and adhere to the guiding behaviors set by Mount Carmel which include being fully present and accountable (MCE, 2012). STAKEHOLDERS The issue of ineffective communication affects first the patients, our customers, who are the center of focus. Family members waiting for their loved ones are also affected. Lack of communication to patients waiting for surgery, particularly when there is a delay, can contributed to a heightened level of stress and anxiety. â€Å"Ineffective communication can be linked to higher levels of stress and anxiety which can negatively affect patient outcomes† (Stephens-Woods, 2008, p. 7). Additionally, health care workers and volunteers are impacted. Other key stakeholders include the perioperative staff, anesthesia team and surgeons. This domino effect extends to administration and ultimately the facility. AVAILABLE DATA Data from outpatient satisfaction surveys was compiled and reviewed for this project. Results were reviewed for each quarter of 2012. Data from questions relating to communication was obtained from questions contained on the survey. The questions and results are as follows: when asked if instructions were received upon arrival to the outpatient area patients responded â€Å"yes† an average of 84% of the time; being informed of delays averaged 77% of the time; overall waiting area satisfaction averaged 77%; and the likelihood of recommending MCE outpatient surgical services was an average of 83% (Mount Carmel, 2012). The data supported a need for communication that occurred within the waiting area with scores below department goals which have been established to be 90% or better. STRATEGIES/RESOURCES In order for any quality improvement project to be success a variety of resources must be utilized to analyze the problem. For this project, a root cause analysis was done and the results were then used to develop a quality improvement plan. This method of analysis was helpful in determining who was involved; where communication breaks down; what factors contribute to the issue and possible solutions to improve communication. Additional data from the results of the patient satisfaction surveys was also used. With the problem clearly analyzed and areas in need of improvement recognized, the process improvement plan was developed. The plan to incorporate a surgical services patient liaison was formulated as one possible solution. This plan was developed using best practice models in comparison to current practice routines. Strengths include available data and research from best practice models. Another consideration to improving communication is the impact it will have on patient satis faction scores. With improved communication comes improved patient satisfaction (Otani et al., 2012, p. 257). The director of surgical services has worked alongside those involved with the project in order to develop a conceivable plan. Additional input from the clinical staff has been positive and supportive. The biggest obstacle, of course, is budget. The role of the patient liaison, with all of the responsibilities is encompasses, would be a paid position. The addition of an employee is not without financial burden upon the department. However, unsatisfactory results will impact reimbursement. Medicare will examine these scores when reimbursing hospitals and better-performing hospitals will benefit from the incentive (Lang, 2012). Improving patient satisfaction is paramount due to the potential loss of revenue. SOLUTIONS/IMPLEMENTATION The current practice model of volunteers being used as the surgical service patient liaison does not follow best practice guidelines. My proposal is to  create a surgical services liaison as a navigator in the surgery waiting area. Current best practice models use nurse navigators and nurse liaisons as point persons to improve the communication process and overall patient and family satisfaction (Stephens-Woods, 2008, p. 7). However, there is limited research in relationship to outpatient surgical settings. My proposal would incorporate a liaison; however, this role would be filled in an administrative capacity rather than clinical thus alleviating some of the financial burden to the department. My second solution is to first address staffing levels. Currently there is no guarantee for consistent staffing. Continuity with those volunteers who do function as staff in the waiting room is somewhat limited. Requests have been made for the same volunteers to be used in the waiting room, but this is not always possible. Periods of time volunteers are requested for the waiting room are vacant. This issue was once again presented to the volunteer coordinator. Requests were made to make the surgical services waiting room a priority for volunteer staffing. While these requests have been made, there remains no guarantee that staffing levels will be met. The use of volunteers to fill a staffing need will continue to be problematic and this will continued to be reflected in overall patient satisfaction. The importance of satisfying the needs of families as our customers is just as important as providing care for our patients. This can best be accomplished by having trained staff members to meet these needs which in turn will improve patient and family satisfaction. Patient satisfaction is now considered as a critical part of the quality outcomes of health care (Otani et al., 2012, p. 257). Another component to the solution using the volunteers is based on documentation. Currently, the volunteers do not document when communication occurs and therefore there is no data to support that communication has occurred. My proposal would be the implementation of a spread sheet used to document communication. This spread sheet would be integrated with the daily surgery schedule with columns provided to document times when key communication has been achieved. Key communications include: time of arrival; time taken to pre-operative area; time surgery started and ended; arrival to recovery room; post surgical physician update; hourly update; etc. . The spreadsheet is currently being reviewed by department leaders. Changes will be made as necessary based on feedback provided and it will then be submitted for final approval. Volunteers will be instructed on use of the spread sheet and written instructions provided. Clinical staff will continue to document in the electronic medical record. EVALUATION PLAN The spreadsheet has been presented for approval for interdepartmental use. Pending approval, the spreadsheet will be used for a period of ninety days at which time patient complaints and patient satisfactions scores will be reviewed. Documentation for patient and family notification for clinical staff for the same time period will be reviewed and compared to documentation on the spreadsheet. Results will be evaluated and further recommendations will be based on these findings. ICP EVALUATION Working with a mentor for this ICP has been challenging and informative. My preceptor was the director of surgical services at MCE. Working with a mentor in this role provided a wide variety of opportunities not only those related to the project. While most of my practice has been focused on the clinical aspect of patient care, this project has given new insight into the significance of data as a value measurement for good patient care. The role of managers and their ability to make positive changes based on research has gained greater significance. With the knowledge gained through this process, I will not hesitate in the future to participate in continuous quality improvement projects. The ability to put into practice what has been learned in theory has been an invaluable experience. CONCLUSION Effective communication has been show to be a key factor in both patient outcomes and overall patient satisfaction. The value of patient satisfaction is now considered as a critical part of the quality outcomes of health care (Otani et al., 2012, p. 247). Patient satisfactions surveys from MCE surgical services have consistently show a decrease with overall patient satisfaction with areas of communication scoring the lowest across the continuum. Substandard patient satisfaction scores necessitated a further look at the current communication process. Currently, communication is facilitated by volunteers who staff the surgery waiting room. Availability and commitment of the volunteers have contributed to the issue. The use of volunteers provides no guarantee staffing levels will be fulfilled and on occasion the waiting room is left unattended. In order to address both staffing issues and facilitate timely, effective communication recommendations have been made to hire a regularly scheduled employee in the role of surgical liaison. Limitations to this plan are primarily monetary. Considerations for budget allowances and cost of training are not without financial burden to the department. The overall picture must be evaluated and the cost of an additional employee compared to potential revenue loss considered. Unsatisfactory patient satisfaction can impact reimbursement and lead to potential loss of repeat business. A second possible solution was developed based on monetary considerations. A spreadsheet designed to correlate with the surgery schedule was created. Simplistic in nature, it was designed to provide a place for volunteers to document times when specified communication occurs. The rationale behind the use of the spreadsheet is twofold. First, providing written documentation that communication has occurred; second, prompt those using the spreadsheet to provide communication in a timely manner. Pending final approval, the volunteers would be shown how to use the spread sheet and written instructions will be provided as a reference. Plausible solutions have been presented in an effort to improve communication with an overall goal of improving patient satisfaction. Effective communication between patients and members of the interdisciplinary health care team is essential (Belizario, 2011, p. 19). Using data as a tool to value patient centered care is an essential component to the quality improvement process; however, implementation, evaluation and continued quality improvement are a continual process. References Belizario, S. (2011, August). Inspiring change. Boosting patient satisfaction scores-and nurses’ morale. Nursing 2011, 41(8), 18-21. Retrieved from: http://dx.doi.org/doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.library.ohiou.edu/10.1097/01.NURSE.0000399591.81228.3e. Hollan, J. (2010). Communication key to patient satisfaction scores. Hospital Case Management, 18(11), 164-166. Retrieved from http://www.library.ohiou.edu.proxy.library.ohiou.edu/cgi-bin/redir_allcampuse Capstone Project Essay Example Capstone Project Essay Introduction The usage of web services is increasing the direction sum of Cu and fibre cabling. This consequences in an of all time increasing work load that must be maintained or reconfigured ; ensuing in challenges to organisational profitableness. One of the challenges that arises is how does an decision maker maintain a complex work environment when increased net incomes. fewer capital and operating resources are limited. One might propose turning a complex web substructure requires operation efficiency with a desire to pull off and protect overseas telegrams without disrupting the work flow for clients. However. given the challenges impacting radio service suppliers ; keeping focal point and quality are merely the basicss. We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Capstone Project specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The decision maker is limited to the organisations profitableness and cost discrepancy when finding the best attack. These factors play a function which will probably impact the substructure as a whole. It is interesting plenty to indicate out that towards the position of a web decision maker ; an issue should stay hibernating and should neer go on when the proper deductions are set in topographic point. However. because we live in an intractable universe the possibility for a scenario is plausible. Finishing touch Proposal Summary As a voluntary for a web security study for Aon Corp ; the undermentioned study was designed to indicate out exposures within the organisational web waiters specifically under the surety office location where category mates utilizing workstations were sing thwarting issues refering to web instability. The study was intended to place on whether security deductions were required so that an upgrade petition may be delivered. A staff meeting was set in topographic point where we interviewed the client sing their demands. It is ever a good pick to understand the cardinal demands of the client prior to doing any alterations to the web. After passing several hours brainstorming the client’s demands a solution has been reached. The undertaking scene has been laid out clearly. During my timeframe questioning the client I have gained the necessary background cognition to understand my client’s visions constructing a strong common connexion. Understanding this connexion has entitled me to name the web consequently. As a portion of the study Aon Corp has several demands prior to leaping into the undertaking. First it was compulsory to inspect the lower limit system demands of the client machines. In the past latency issues have derived chiefly to out of day of the month hardware or device drivers as opposed to a security breach. It is ever a wise pick to update these constellations while running the appropriate operating system updates which may all be lending factors. During the prerequisite phase of the study the needed information is gathered to develop an effectual web study which would relieve resource restraint. Rational A ; Systems Analysis It is ever a wise pick to research similar instance surveies that may supply good information associating to similar scenarios. I have done as such edifice my apprehension of these scenarios which has a given me some background to my clients concerns. Several user friendly applications have offered me assistance analysing security cringle holes. They are the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer ( MBSA ) and Windows Server Update Services ( WSUS ) . With conformity to the Microsoft web site ; the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer is a user friendly tool emphasized for technicians with a focal point on helping medium sized concerns. The tool focuses on the security province of the web with conformity to Microsoft recommendations supplying guidelines and support. The user may download Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer ( MBSA ) from Microsoft. com as it is a well-known tool for all IT technicians. Once the tool has been successfully installed the decision maker has the ability to scan multiple terminal users on the local web median. Upon completion of the scan the user is delivered a study foregrounding possible menaces along with losing updates. Some of these updates may include losing application spots. operations system updates. and advised the user on whether a Windows firewall is running. MBSA has the ability to analyze administrative histories along with watchword policies. See Figure A for illustration. Figure A As engineering progresss. administrative technicians need to set to the challenges in front. Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer is a great tool to keep the unity of your web substructure. Scott Lowe ( 2004 ) . a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. said the following sing the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer: Supporting a immense figure of Microsoft applications. MBSA can function you in two ways. First. it will assist you maintain your waiters protected from jobs ; 2nd. with powerful describing capablenesss. it can assist you really larn why you need to make the things that are suggested so you can do an educated determination as to whether something is an acceptable hazard in your environment. Undertaking Goals and Aims The nonsubjective towards the following undertaking was to originate a program to upgrade Aon Corp web substructure relieving latency issues better bettering the efficiency and flow of informations across the web median. A current unstable web prolonged concern growing capacity doing it hard for terminal users to use resources efficaciously. Without the indispensable resources company growing was at a constriction. Interrupting down the ends and aims for the undermentioned undertaking was indispensable in supplying a redress to the issue. they are as follows: Client must have a current system image snapshot -Survey of a workstation must be documented -Survey of a waiter must be documented -Microsoft Baseline Security tool must be run salvaging each workstation along with the waiter A scheduled protocol program must be provided jointing inside informations for the client on overall public presentation and web stableness. Client must be advised of a elaborate schematic for preventive steps along with upkeep Client must be given an instructional manual for pull offing updates related to the operating system and antivirus package Client must be given an estimation on productiveness along with return of investing In order to show the deliverables to the client ; a solid cardinal apprehension of the clients demands must be developed. Geting a background apprehension is indispensable in order to understand the concern procedure and what the client wants to accomplish out of their web substructure. Without understanding the large image the undertaking would surely neglect. Pre-SurveyClientMeeting The end and aim here was to originate a meeting with the client to discourse the concern orientation and the procedure dealingss to their workstations. The clients company being a preparation establishment ; certain package was required in order for the house to accomplish their concern ends. The applications required minimal system eyeglasses in order to run expeditiously. During the preliminary stage of the meeting the concern theoretical account and ends were discussed. Operational hours were taken into consideration as a set agenda was established for executing the study. As the meeting came to an terminal a study schematic was brought to the client’s attending in order to cipher return on investing upon undertaking completion ( mention to Appendix 2 ) . The success of the meeting was met and the first aim was complete. Upon the completion of the study the client was provided with an feasible program puting out the inside informations of the ascent and preventive steps. However. the full executing will be assist outside the Capstone ; it will be the cardinal high spot to the success of the concern ends. Network Security Survey As a requirement to the study several spreadsheets holding been compiled for capturing images of informations ( refer to Appendix 3 along with Appendix 4 ) . The first papers entitles end user computing machines and 2nd focal points on waiters. As for the MBSA scans for each workstation ; a thumb thrust was used to salvage the consequences. Prior to get downing the study an update was brought to my attending from the client that others may be working on these end-user machines as good. Because of my failure to follow through during the phone meeting advising of the clip agenda. I needed to reach the other decision makers reding them of my presence. Fortunately. as I arrived at the designated undertaking site there were many computing machines to study. I began to study the end-user machines non being surveyed. About 3 proceedingss elapsed for each workstation to study ; running Microsoft Baseline Security ( MBSA ) took about 11 proceedingss. Unfortunately. I have missed my end of making the estimated figure of computing machines being studies as discussed in the preliminary meeting. The study elapsed more clip than I have predicted. On the other manus it was pleasant to cognize that the other decision makers finished their part of the undertaking merely in clip before I got to them. Surveying the workstations went harmonizing to agenda. nevertheless. as I approached the waiters several jobs aroused. The list of watchwords the client provided did non incorporate the right characters as I attempted to log into the sphere accountant. The proprietor has left the edifice and was unable to accomplish my end with appraising the waiters as planned therefore go forthing my web security study incomplete. The undermentioned twenty-four hours the proprietor has been contacted and a scheduled return visit was planned. As the sphere accountant was surveyed ; the security web portion of the study has been successfully completed. Despite the minor issues the study went flawless ; I would hold followed through with the client more expeditiously if the same scenario would hold repeated itself. The coveted end has been achieved and a information image has been captured so the proposal ascent can be finalized. Proposal Upgrade Preparation The ascent proposal was designed to incorporate the undermentioned suggestions. Configuration of the Domain accountant Configuration of the waiter Configuration of the workstation Suggestions for Malware/Antivirus Report for ROI Security usher for the end-user Timeline of Ascent As premises specifying the web constellation have been made. Unknowingly an premise was made that the sphere accountant is established as the default gateway. DNS and DHCP waiter. I came to understand that their substructure was split into four subnets. ISA waiter was in between the ISP playing as NAT. DNS. DHCP. and RRAS server. Logically understanding that their sphere accountant was their default gateway. DHCP. and DNS server ; the services were contained on the internal web. Failing to understand the possibility of a web margin my premises were wrong. Finally I was able to finish each undertaking point provided above ; a presentation with the client would finalise this part of the undertaking. The undertaking was completed. nevertheless. non within the coveted timeframe. Presentation Proposal As the completion of the proposal has been achieved a client meeting has been scheduled. The docket of the meeting is as follows: 1. Discoursing study consequences ( web province ) 2. Hardware treatment / package suggestions 3. Projected ROI and cost 4. Questions 5. Agenda execution Despite the presentation enduring 2 hours it was a success. Proper be aftering along with a satisfying web study were the predecessors taking to this success. The web study went really smooth and efficient. The proposal was straight to the point and meaningful for the client. As the undermentioned end completed and the deliverables presented to the client undertaking completion has been achieved. Due to the clients satisfactions with the deliverables the undertaking has moved frontward to the following part of the upgrade stage. Undertaking Timeline The timeline of the undertaking was compiled utilizing a Gantt chart from the package Microsoft Office Undertaking 2012. The undertaking program along with the inside informations are listed in Figure B. As indicated in Figure B. the undertaking clip frame was expected to take 238 yearss. Several countries took clip restraint. First the web study as antecedently indicated where I failed to follow through with the client after the preliminary stage of the meeting. This resulted in the client scheduling pupils on campus on the same timeframe as the study. Fortunately. there were adequate end-user computing machines to execute the study. In clip the balance of the pupils have left the edifice liberating up those workstations every bit good. Forgeting to acquire a verification of the sum of workstations at the preliminary meeting indivertibly resulted in my underestimate of the sum of clip it would take to study the entire sum of workstations. The client watchword list for the sphere accountants portrayed to be the lone job I have run into when executing the study ensuing in a reverse. Because I have forgotten to bespeak the undermentioned information from the client ; the study was reverse from the estimated clip for completion ; ensuing in a twenty-four hours reverse. Roll uping the proposal was another undertaking that was miscalculated. Fortunately. I was able to finalise the undertaking in one twenty-four hours therefore maintaining the undertaking within the restraints of the timeline. Client satisfaction was the ultimate end as they were really thankful. It is expected that situations as such will non ever go consequently to program ; nevertheless. without the clients back up the undertaking would non hold gone as smooth. Planing a larger border while taking a less aggressive attitude at the preliminary meeting would hold avoided such issues. Undertaking Development During the preliminary development of the undermentioned undertaking. Aon Corps web substructure was heading in an unknown way refering to its economic success. Instabilities in their security policy. workstations were exponentially acquiring slower each twenty-four hours. Students along with examiners were losing hope in the unity of the company. Their mentality was impacting public presentation along with concern net income chances. The undertaking I was assigned to go around around constructing a concern by updating their web substructure to a degree of efficiency. The concentration of the undertaking focused on executing an upgrade solution that would supply this efficiency to the client. Original snapshots of the web were based in the ascent proposal program which was used to optimise the web. The optimum end of the undertaking was to implement a web substructure that would be unafraid. Just like all jobs issues aroused during the patterned advance of the undertaking. Students were scheduled to be in the edifice at the clip of the study ; a work about was developed as I was able to impede another schoolroom. Upon completion of the workstations I was able to come back to the student’s schoolroom which was cleared. Rearranging the order of the computing machines that have been surveyed the issue was concealed. Another state of affairs that derived during development happened when I discovered that the client has given me the wrong sphere accountant watchword list which did non incorporate the waiter administrative watchwords. The deficiency of the undermentioned information would hold decidedly resulted in the undertaking weakness. Rescheduling the visit with the proprietor has alleviated this scenario. Unfortunately. because of the rescheduling the timeline has been pushed back forestalling me from finishing the undertaking within the completion period. Expecting that the web sphere accountant would be a configured as a default gateway. Premises were proven incorrect and the constellation procedure to longer than expected. Due to an ISA waiter on the web margin alterations to the constellations proposal had to be made. Making an ROI study was another unforeseen event that was requested upon the client. Determining the pecuniary cost was hard when comparing the proposed and current web conditions. Consequently. alterations had to be made to the client inquiry concern study to help me in these computations. Gracefully. the client was able to hold upon these footings. Actual and Potential Effectss Majority of the undermentioned subdivision will concentrate on possible effects due to the undertaking being a proposal. The undertaking effects can be conceived by bespeaking that the client had a clear position towards the web substructure and how in its old province it has manipulated concern continuity. The client experienced the old province and was provided with a conventional to the current stable province. Empowering the client with the inside informations supplying them with a clear apprehension influenced them to take action therefore altering their web substructure to one that works expeditiously. The possible positives to the undermentioned program are as follows. Should the client comply with the proposal supplying the solution to their web ; they will be rewarded with a web that is optimally configured. This will ensue in web runing efficiency and concern procedures will keep its unity. Less schoolroom breaks will elicit related to workstation issues. Students taking trials will be less defeated due to server clangs along with workstations. Customer assurance in Aon corp will increase. The potency of concern growing will ensue from the following undertaking. There will be an easiness of urgency related to web related issues. The organisation can now concentrate on its concern theoretical account concentrating on their clients. Decision The finishing touch portrayed to be exciting yet disputing supplying to be honoring every bit good. In footings of ends and aims I believe that it was successful. Client satisfaction has been achieved as each end and object has been delivered. The ground why it was so successful and effectual is due to the methodical planning prior to the induction of the undertaking. The necessity of readying along with the preliminary client meetings has given me the cardinal understand on how to get down constructing the undertaking. Constructing a program has given me an effectual tool to present the clients outlooks. Attention to detail along with effectual communicating were advantage points that designed an effectual proposal. The client was efficient in being proactive by understanding the job at point and showing their concerns. Together a proposed program has been derived that would move as a roadmap to that optimum web substructure. Flexibility and client forbearance played an of import function during the hiccup minutes of the undertaking. The ability to find alternate paths in an event of hitting a wall is indispensable to the success of any undertaking. As the undertaking director it was my pleasance to accomplish the client’s deliverables along with the satisfaction that they genuinely deserve. Mentions Keystone Strategy. Inc Study ( 2005 ) . Why IT Matters in Midsized Firms. Retrieved January 31. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. key inc. com/it_matters. shtml. Lowe. Scott ( 2004 ) . Verify security scenes on Windows XP utilizing Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 1. 2. Retrieved June 23. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //articles. techrepublic. com. com/5100-1035_11-5221961. hypertext markup language. Microsoft ( 2007 ) . City of Stratford Brings Down the Curtain on its Legacy System with Server Upgrade. Retrieved June 23. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. microsoft. com/canada/casestudies/cityofstratford. mspx. Microsoft ( 2007 ) . Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer. Retrieved June 23. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. microsoft. com/technet/Security/tools/mbsahome. mspx. Microsoft ( 2007 ) . Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs. Retrieved January 31. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. microsoft. com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgr ade/capable. mspx. Sherman. Erik ( 2007 ) . Investing in IT for a Competitive Edge. Retrieved January 31. 2007. from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. microsoft. com/business/momentum/content/article. aspx? c Appendix 1: Finishing touch Competency Matrix The alumnus responds suitably to diverseness issues in the workplace. Implements an intuitive apprehension of cultural and spiritual backgrounds ; open to sentiments in an effort to understand diverse positions within the organisation. Upper Division Collegiate Level Reasoning and Problem Solving The alumnus analyzes open-ended jobs by larning about the job and measuring the truth and relevancy of different Quality control is effectual at finding common happenings in issues ; hence. updating rules/protocols alleviate the issue at point. Upper Division Collegiate Level Reasoning and Problem Solving The alumnus recognizes the value of critical thought in placing and understanding the implicit in constructions of subjects and professions. Organizational issues are apathetic each twenty-four hours ; critical thought along with brainstorming are indispensable in order to research a declaration to debatable issues. Upper Division Collegiate Level Reasoning and Problem Solving The alumnus demonstrates effectual presentational communicating schemes in a given context. Applies test and mistake to mime the job ; so applies extended research in making a solution to the issue. The research along with the job is so logged as grounds for future claims. Language and Communication The alumnus applies foundational elements of effectual communicating Communicates efficaciously in a nerve-racking environment supplying attending to item. Language and Communication The alumnus demonstrates effectual presentational communicating schemes in a given context. Evaluates graphical representation package to find a defect or an instability in performance/security of the organisation. Security The alumnus identifies and discusses basic constructs of security and security menaces. and recommends security processs. Implements a secure environment for each single client Personal computer ; educating users on the importance of possible menaces to web security. Security The alumnus identifies security demands and recommends appropriate security patterns for web substructure. Educates staff on the importance of implementing sufficient tools and policies in an effort to protect the unity of informations important to the organisation substructure.

ACT Test Dates Full Guide to Choosing (2019, 2020)

ACT Test Dates Full Guide to Choosing (2019, 2020) SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Looking for info on the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 ACT test dates? Knowing the most accurate ACT test dates is crucial for a solid test-taking plan. Though you might be tempted to go ahead and register for the next possible test date, what you should really be doing is finding a date that works well for you and your schedule. In this guide, we offer an overview of upcoming ACT test dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates. We also give you tips on how to choose an ACT test date and go over which test dates work best for juniors, seniors, and more. ACT Test Dates and Deadlines for 2019 and 2020 ACT test dates are generally on Saturdays, but you might be able to take the ACT on a different date if you have a religious exemption or are taking a special school administration of the test. Here, we give you all ACT test dates, normal registration deadlines, late registration deadlines, and score release dates for 2019 and 2020. The dates are organized into two tables: one for the 2019-2020 school year test dates and one for the 2020-2021 school year test dates. ACT Test Dates 2019-20 The test dates for the 2019-2020 school year have all been confirmed by ACT, Inc., as have the registration deadlines and score release dates. Test Date Normal Deadline Late Deadline Online Score Release* July 13, 2019** June 14, 2019 June 24, 2019 July 23; August 6, 2019 Sept 14, 2019 Aug 16, 2019 Aug 30, 2019 Sept 24; Oct 8, 2019 Oct 26, 2019 Sept 20, 2019 Oct 4, 2019 Nov 12; Nov 26, 2019 Dec 14, 2019 Nov 8, 2019 Nov 22, 2019 Dec 24, 2019; Jan 7, 2020 Feb 8, 2020 Jan 10, 2020 Jan 17, 2020 Feb 19; Mar 5, 2020 Apr 4, 2020 Feb 28, 2020 Mar 13, 2020 Apr 14; Apr 28, 2020 June 13, 2020 May 8, 2020 May 22, 2020 June 23; July 7, 2020 July 18, 2020** June 19, 2020 June 26, 2020 July 28; August , 2020 *The first date is when multiple-choice scores come out; the second date is when complete scores (with the Writing section) come out.**No test centers scheduled in New York or California on this date. ACT Test Dates 2020-21 While the 2020-21 ACT test dates have been confirmed by ACT, Inc., registration deadlines and score release dates have yet to be confirmed; thus, the ACT deadlines and score release dates below are estimates based on the patterns of previous testing years. Test Date Normal Deadline Late Deadline Online Score Release* Sept 12, 2020 Aug 14, 2020 Aug 28, 2020 Sept 22; Oct 6, 2020 Oct 24, 2020 Sept 18, 2020 Oct 2, 2020 Nov 10; Nov 24, 2020 Dec 12, 2020 Nov 6, 2020 Nov 20, 2020 Dec 22, 2020; Jan 5, 2021 Feb 6, 2021 Jan 8, 2021 Jan 15, 2021 Feb 17; Mar 4, 2021 Apr 3, 2021 Feb 26, 2021 Mar 12, 2021 Apr 13; Apr 27, 2021 June 12, 2021 May 7, 2021 May 21, 2021 June 22; July 6, 2021 July 17, 2021** June 18, 2021 June 25, 2021 July 27; August 10, 2021 *The first date is when multiple-choice scores come out; the second date is when complete scores (with the Writing section) come out.**No test centers scheduled in New York or California on this date. In the tables above, there are two dates in the "Online Score Release" columns. The first date is for multiple-choice scores- your composite ACT score and your individual section scores for English, Math, Reading, and Science. The second date is for complete ACT scores; these are your multiple-choice scores plus your Writing (essay) score. If you take the ACT without Writing, you should generally receive your full ACT score report within two weeks after your test. If you take the ACT with Writing, note that the essay usually takes an additional two weeks for scoring, meaning you won't receive your full ACT score report (with your essay grade) until about four weeks after your test date. Also, be aware that any colleges you put down to get your scores won't have access to your official ACT score report until your essay has been graded as well. ACT Test Dates 2019-20: Visual Calendar and Trends To help you plan your test-taking schedule, we've created a handy visual representation of the 2019-20 ACT dates. This calendar shows us how ACT tests are staggered throughout the year, as well as where the overlapping of score release dates and registration deadlines often occurs: (C) 2019 PrepScholar Inc, Use with Link to PrepScholar.com Allowed You probably noticed right away that ACT test dates are clustered closely together in the fall and more spread out in the spring. This is done to give seniors more chances at attaining their ACT goal scores before college application deadlines (typically in the late fall and early winter). The tests in the spring target juniors and students studying for the test early. Of course, you don't have to be in a certain grade level to take any of the administrations- you're welcome to sign up for whichever ACT dates you want, regardless of where you are in high school. ACT scores generally come out right around the registration deadline for the next test. This can make it tricky to take two back-to-back exams, but you will usually get at least your multiple-choice scores before the late registration deadline, so it's still possible (though not necessarily advisable) to sign up for the next test. In addition, registering for back-to-back ACTs doesn't give you sufficient time to prep for your retake. With such a short amount of time to study in-between tests, you'll likely see only minor (if any) improvement in your scores. Warning: ACT / SAT Test Dates May ChangeSign up to Receive Free Updates // Choosing the Best ACT Test Dates for You: 5 Key Factors Which ACT test dates you choose is ultimately up to you. But whether a test date is the right test date for you depends on five primary factors, which we go over here. #1: When Are Your College Applications Due? One of the most important factors is your college application deadlines. Generally, ACT scores are released 10-14 days after the exam. After that, ACT, Inc. sends score reports in batches to schools as often as schools choose to receive them (usually this is at least once every two weeks). This time frame, however, does not include the processing time for ACT scores, which can vary significantly for each school. So what does all of this mean for you? Basically, you must take the ACT well in advance of your college application deadlines so you can ensure your ACT scores get to your schools in time. I suggest taking the ACT at least four weeks (ideally more) before your applications are due. If you're taking the ACT with Writing, give yourself even more time- at least six weeks. Common deadlines are January 1 for regular decision and November 1 or 15 for early action/early decision. Don't forget: if your scores arrive late or aren't processed until after your school's application deadline has passed, your application could get disqualified. So the earlier, the better! #2: Are You OK With Ordering Priority Reports If Necessary? If the ACT test date you want is extremely close to your college application deadlines and the four free score reports don't cover all of the schools you're applying to, make sure that you're OK with having to fork out extra money for priority reports. With priority ACT reports, your scores should face little difficulty getting to your schools before the deadlines. Priority reports cost $16.50 and deliver ACT scores (once they’re released) within three to four business days after your request has been processed (which takes one to two business days). #3: How Many Times Will You Take the ACT? You should also be thinking about how many times you're willing to take the ACT in order to reach your goal score. Is there a chance you’ll want to retake it? At PrepScholar, we recommend taking the ACT two or three times in total: First, as a junior in your fall semester Second, as a junior in your spring semester Third, as a senior in your fall semester (or the summer before fall semester) If you didn’t take the exam at the beginning of your junior year, try to take it for the first time in February. This way you’ll get your scores in March and will have plenty of time to study and decide whether you’d like to retake the ACT in June, July, or later. Try to avoid registering for back-to-back dates in the fall of your senior year. You likely won't get your scores until the regular registration deadline for the next test has already passed. Furthermore, it'll be a struggle to prep efficiently and with such little time in-between tests; you'll probably be pretty busy with college applications as it is! #4: How Much Time Do You Want to Dedicate to ACT Prep? Another huge factor is time. How many months will you be able to devote entirely to ACT prep? How many points do you need to improve your baseline score by to reach your goal score? (Your baseline score is the score you start with before you begin any prep. You can find yours by taking an official ACT practice test.) Our usual recommendation is to study for the ACT for three to six months. This amount of time should allow you to hone your test-taking skills and strategies without burning you out. However, what's more important than months is the total number of hours you put in. Here are our estimates for the numbers of hours you’ll need to study for the ACT based on how large of a point improvement you want: 0-1 ACT point improvement: 10 hours 1-2 ACT point improvement: 20 hours 2-4 ACT point improvement: 40 hours 4-6 ACT point improvement: 80 hours 6-9 ACT point improvement: 150 hours+ Clearly, the bigger the point improvement, the more hours you’ll need to study. This is why it’s helpful to craft an ACT study plan as soon as possible- ideally, long before your test date! But not everyone has ample free time they can spend studying for the ACT. At a minimum, try to commit to 10 hours of ACT prep. If you only have a month or so before test day, our in-depth guide will show you what steps to take to get the score you want. #5: Do You Have Any Obligations You'll Need to Work Around? Lastly, before choosing an ACT test date, consider how your desired test date fits into your overall schedule. Will you have any obligations on that date or in the time leading up to it? Do you have any commitments that might prevent you from being able to study effectively for the ACT? I suggest using a planner to keep track of major events and tests you have coming up. Include all major school and extracurricular activities, such as school plays, AP exams, school projects, family vacations, weddings, etc. If there are any conflicts with your desired test date, you can then look for an alternate date that'll better fit into your personal schedule. Quick Guide: When Should Juniors Take the ACT? When Should Seniors? We can’t tell you which exact ACT test date will work best for you, but we can give you some advice on which test dates best suit certain situations. Below are four common scenarios with quick tips on the ACT test dates you'll want to prioritize for each. Scenario 1: You’re a Junior Best Dates For 1st Test: September, October, December For 2nd Test: February, April, June There are no risky ACT dates if you’re a junior since all your college applications won't be due until sometime during your senior year. Really, you can take the SAT whenever you want! That said, I recommend taking the test at least twice: once in the fall of junior year and once in the spring. This way you’ll have the entire summer to finalize your college plans and decide whether you want to take the ACT again. If you didn’t take the ACT your fall semester, aim to take it as soon as possible in the spring, ideally in February or April. Either of these dates ensures you'll have June and July to consider for retakes before your senior year. Scenario 2: You’re a Senior Best Dates: July, September, OctoberRiskier Dates: December September and October are popular test dates for seniors because they offer you one final shot at getting the ACT score you want before college applications are due. Incoming seniors also have a July test date, which I strongly recommend opting for if you're worried about carving out time for ACT prep in the fall. December is risky. If you've got deadlines in early January, December ACT scores might not get to your schools in time. (This partly depends on whether you're taking the Writing section.) But if your deadlines are in late January or later, December should be OK. Scenario 3: You’re Applying Early Action/Early Decision Best Dates: June, July, SeptemberRiskier Dates: October Most early action deadlines are November 1 or 15, so it's important to take the ACT as early as possible, preferably in June or July before senior year. Taking the test over the summer ensures you’ll have one final chance to retake it your senior year in September (should you still want to raise your scores). Just don't rely on the October test date. Only if your deadlines are on or after November 30 (as is the case with the University of California system) would I suggest possibly opting for the October test date. But this is playing it extremely close, so stick with September if you can! Scenario 4: Your College Application Deadlines Are in February or Later Most schools require applications to be submitted by November, December, or January. But those whose applications aren’t due until February or later offer seniors more options for ACT dates. Below are various late college application deadlines and their latest recommended ACT test dates and riskier ACT dates. Recommended dates should have little to no trouble in getting your scores to schools in time, whereas riskier dates are less reliable and might fail to get your scores in by the deadline. Choose wisely! College App Deadline Latest Recommended ACT Test Date Riskier ACT Test Date February December - March December February April February - May February April June April - July April June August June July September July - ACT Test Dates: Summary The ACT is offered seven times a year: September October December February April June July Note that the July test date is only be available within the US (though it's not administered in New York, much like the February test date). When choosing an ACT test date, it's important to consider the following factors: When your college application deadlines are Whether you’re taking the Writing section or not How much time you’re willing to dedicate to ACT prep Once you've answered these questions, you'll be on your way to picking out a surefire ACT test date! What's Next? Ready to register for the ACT? Use our in-depth walkthrough to help you sign up for the test, and read our guide to find the best test center for you! Need additional help choosing an ACT test date? See our factors you should think about before setting a test date. It's also important to consider the time you have to study and the advantages of taking the ACT multiple times. Wondering whether to take the SAT or the ACT? Check out our complete guide to which test will be easier for you. Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

Capstone Project Final Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Capstone Project Final - Essay Example Perhaps the most obvious challenges associated with learning English include grammar complexity, vocabulary, slang, colloquialism, pronunciation and spelling, and the variations that exist. Setting aside this obvious challenges, cultural challenges often cloud the path of learning to write in English especially if one’s background is not western affiliated. Some of the cultural challenges are examined in this paper, drawing resources from different linguistic experts and articles in a bid to demonstrate how the challenges affect learning to write in English. In the article of Fan Shen The Classroom and the Wider Culture, Shen explores some challenges he faced while trying to learn English. Fan Shen being from a Chinese background and a Communist country of China. He grew up writing in accordance with the Chinese teachings; that bears significant variations from the Western style. Because of his background he faced a lot of challenges learning to write1. For example, Fan Shen had always known that the word â€Å"I† was not as good as we. The â€Å"we† phrase is more persuasive and influential â€Å"I† in China. The phrase â€Å"I† had negative implications and would suggest selfishness in China. In English writing, this is always not the case. Shen had to navigate a way to write according to English principles despite the cultural Chinese influences. He adopted a unique method to implement this, personifying himself to be born again as an English self-speaker2. The new self was distinct from his former self. B y this, he was able to adopt the English writing customs without losing his Chinese self in linguistics. Second English language learner’s beliefs are accorded negligible attention when considering cultural challenges of learning English. It is evident that English learners bear themselves with a complicated web of cultural experiences, beliefs, attitudes and expectations when

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 76

History - Essay Example of the European powers across the globe were no longer welcomed in the larger Americas; in effect, erecting a wall of protection around the unites states’ neighboring nations, thus, allowing them to develop in their own terms (Renehan, 2007). The show of solidarity expressed in the doctrine in an era of revolutions against European imperialism encouraged the United States to build up its military might in readiness to defend its interests as well as those of other smaller defenseless nations within the hemisphere. It is hard to deny that the foreign policy stance at the time formed the very origins of America’s â€Å"imperialistic, police†Ã‚  behavior, more particularly with regards to terrorism watch around the world; a policy inspired by the 9/11 never to change/be changed any time in the near future. While not referred to much often in the diplomatic transactions, the Monroe doctrine remains in force, but with a larger police role on the shoulders of the United States that goes beyond Southern

Fashion Marketing and Promotion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Fashion Marketing and Promotion - Essay Example As maybe part of my artistic inclinations, is my personal quest to be highly fashionable and trendy, always up to date with the latest styles in fashion and beauty. I have a watchful eye towards the latest clothing designs, keeping track of famous brands and its new clothing lines. I am as interested in creating designs as well as finding the right strategy to market it, thus my current course fits me perfectly. At the moment, I feel like I am being molded into the profession that I eventually wish to embark in. I do not only practice my creativity, but also learn the science behind it. I get to understand the marketing concepts, create marketing ideas and be in touch with every aspect that makes up a really good brand. I am geared towards brand and product management, marketing and design all at the same time. And I feel that I am ready to learn more by advancing to the next step, which is being hands on in real company, with more tasks and greater responsibilities to handle. Moving from China to London has been inevitable, yet the crossover proved to be beneficial, as I am now exposed to another culture, with relatively other ways to execute creative concepts, and a totally different perspective to look from. The new opportunities fueled my desire to pursue a career in this field. I have met new people, explored new grounds and realized many other abilities that I have. This even prompted me to look beyond my initial goals and saw a whole lot of other opportunities for me to conquer. As a Marketing student, I have moved on to find interests in media and communications as a whole. Having spent the last few years being immersed in retail operations, I now understand that it takes a good communication plan and media connections to be able to successfully market my products. Â  

Cardiovascular Effects of Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1)

Cardiovascular Effects of Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) Abstract Necrostatins have been identified as cardioprotective agents to reduce reperfusion injury after ischemia, preventing necroptosis due to their RIPK1 inhibitory effect. In this study basal cardiovascular effects of Nec-1 and its inactive analog Nec-1i was investigated in healthy rats under anesthesia. Relatively low doses of Nec-1 and Nec-1i were administered (0.8mg/kg and 0.846 mg/kg, respectively) in line with the in vivo dose response model described by Takahashi et al (2012). Basal heart functions were recorded namely, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), P interval, PR interval and QTc interval. The results of this study indicated that administration of Nec-1 but not Nec-1i raised systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, while PR interval was depressed. No statistically significant effect on P interval, and QTc was observed by administration of both necrostatins. The effectiveness of Nec-1 reveals a dual cardiovascular effects, exerting both vasodilator and vasoconstrictor actions as well as a positive inotropic effect on cardiomyocytes. Since no conditions of ischemia or any other oxidative stress are present, which means that no type of programmed cell death is triggered (apoptosis, necrosis, or necroptosis), it can be assumed that Nec-1 acts in a RIPK1-independent manner. Thus, this action of Nec-1 under normal heart conditions remains to be clarified at a cellular level investigating its involvement in signaling pathways (e.g. NO pathway, ÃŽ ²-AR pathway) of all cell types involved cardiovascular function (endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels), and cardiomyocytes as well. In general, after the elucidation of the exact mechanisms of action of Nec-1 at a molecular basis, Nec-1 could be applied as a positive inotrope that enhances basal cardiac function in pathological conditions. Discussion Degterev et al (2005) initially introduced necrostatins as therapeutic agents for ischemic brain injury through chemical inhibition of non apoptotic cell death. Three years later the same research group identified RIPK1 as a specific cellular target of necrostatins (Degterev et al, 2008). In parallel necrostatins were also reported as potential cardioprotective agents by Smith et al (2007) as they reduced ischemia reperfusion injury in their experimental trials. Although, current research has used necrostatins as potential inhibitors of necroptosis in ischemic heart experimental designs in vitro and in vivo (Smith et al 2007, Takahashi et al 2012), basal effects of these substances on heart function and haemodynamics have not yet been investigated. In this study administration of necrostatins (Nec-1 and its inactive analog Nec-1i) in healthy rats under anesthesia was performed. The results of this study indicated that administration of Nec-1 but not Nec-1i raised systolic and diastol ic blood pressure, heart rate, while PR interval was depressed. No statistically significant effect on P interval, and QTc was observed by administration of both necrostatins. Interpreting the results of this study is a complicated issue as the availability of comparable data is restricted and sometimes contradictory. The effectiveness of Nec-1 on increasing mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, reveals a dual cardiovascular effects, exerting both vasodilator and vasoconstrictor actions. When evaluating the effectiveness of Nec-1 using in vivo murine disease models, Nec-1 was suggested to reduce ischemia reperfusion injury as an RIPK1 inhibitor in the TNF signalling pathway, thus preventing necroptosis (Smith et al 2007). But when no conditions of ischemia or any other oxidative stress are present, which means that no type of programmed cell death is triggered (apoptosis, necrosis, or necroptosis), it can be assumed that Nec-1 acts in a RIPK1-independent manner. Thus, this action of Nec-1 under normal heart conditions remains to be clarified at a cellular level investigating its involvement in signaling pathways of all cell types involved cardiovascular function (endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels), and cardiomyocytes as well. Interestingly, Eefting et al (2004) reviewed the role of apoptosis in reperfusion injury discussing both pharmacological as well as genetic interventions in animal models. Nitric oxide (NO) appeared to increase myocardial contractility, myocardial function and endothelial function in many reports of this review. NO is a well known regulator of excitation-contraction coupling in myocardial function (Ziolo et al, 2001a) and ÃŽ ²-adrenergic receptor (ÃŽ ²-AR) signalling (Ziolo et al, 2001b). In line with this notion, a recent study in rats demonstrated that renal vasodilatation was induced through the NO pathway with a pharmacological agent (Garcia-Pedraza et al, 2015). Thus, further research could aim in identifying potential interplay of Nec-1 through other signaling pathways starting from the NO pathway. Another approach could be the potential relation of Nec-1 with vascular ATP levels, as the vasodilatory action of intravascular ATP in the coronary circulation was reported to be attributed to the dual and e qual activities of adenosine and ADP acting at purinergic P1 and P2Y1 receptors, respectively (Korchazhkina et al, 1999). Nevertheless, the results of this study indicate that Nec-1 exerts a positive effect on basal cardiac function, by raising heart rate, blood pressure and by depressing PR interval. Since, stimulation of ÃŽ ²-adrenergic receptor (ÃŽ ²-AR) pathway has been reported as the most important regulator of cardiac contractility (Bers and Ziolo, 2001), it could be assumed that Nec-1 affects electrical signal transduction in some way of this pathway. In general, activation of ÃŽ ²-AR activates the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) leading to the phosphorylation of several target proteins within the cardiomyocyte, such as Ica (L-type membrane Ca+2 channels), RyR (ryanodine receptors of the sarcoplasmic reticulum), TnI (troponin I), and PLB (phospholamban). Interstingly, it has been suggested that PLB phosphorylation at Ser 16 by PKA is one the major factors affecting positively cardiomyocyte contraction after ÃŽ ²-AR stimulation (Kohr et al, 2012). In line with these observations, Nec-1 coul d somehow affect the phosphorylation status of proteins responsible for cardiac function. The observed depression of PR interval, in this study, after administration of Nec-1, which represents not only atrial depolarization but also the beginning of ventricular depolarization, reflects that the signal conductance through AV node/His bundle was increased possibly through increased phosphorylation of intracellular proteins involved in cardiac contractility. Noteworthy, Nec-1s has been shown to stimulate directly cardiac contractility through myosine binding protein C (MYBP-C) phosphorylation (Szobi et al. 2015, unpublished data) in animal experiments. Regulation of cardiac contractility by MYBP-C through phosphorylation has been reviewed by Saul Winegrad (1999), along with its role in the formation of the sarcomeric myofibril as a result of binding to myosin and titin. Although, not statistically significant in this study, QTc interval tended to be shortened under the effect of Nec-1. Preliminary data from animal experiments with Nec-1s after ischemia reperfusion indicated decreased QTc intervals, suggesting that Nec-1s might be protective on ventricular arrhythmias (Szobi et al. 2015, unpublished data). The comparison of Nec-1 and its inactive demethylated derivative Nec-1i as factors effecting basal haemodynamics and heart function appears confusing, as previous experimental approaches were applied on disease models using in vivo and/or in vitro ischemic conditions (Degterev et al 2005, Degterev et al 2008, Smith et al 2007, Takahashi et al 2012), and not healthy animals under anesthesia. Additionally, the effectiveness of these substances in previous reports varied not only in a time and dose dependent manner, but also regarding species specificity (Takahashi et al 2012). Nonetheless, in this study Nec-1 but not Nec-1i influenced positively systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, while PR interval was depressed. These results could be compared with the ones obtained from the in vivo murine model of ischemia-reperfusion injury reported by Smith et al (2007), where Nec-1 (1.65 mg/kg) reduced infarct size whilst Nec-1i (1.74 mg/kg) was ineffective. On the other hand, in vivo Nec-1i was as protective as Nec-1 against lethality associated with TNF-induced necroptosis in high doses (6mg/kg) (Takahashi et al 2012). As both necrostatins were proven to inhibit human IDO as predicted by molecular modeling by Takahashi et al (2012), it can be assumed that Nec-1i cannot be used us a reliable ineffective control for Nec-1. Alternatively, Nec-1s which is a more specific RIPK1 inhibitor lacking the IDO-targeting effect, was suggested by Takahashi et al (2012) as a control substance in experiments investigating the potent effect of necrosatins (Vandenabeele et al 2013). Interestingly, in vitro Nec-1i exhibited paradoxically higher cardioprotection that Nec-1 at high doses (100ÃŽ ¼ÃŽÅ") (Smith et al 2007). In the present in vivo study, relatively low doses of Nec-1 and Nec-1i were used (0.8mg/kg and 0.846 mg/kg, respectively) in line with the in vivo dose response model described by Takahashi et al (2012). Although, low doses (0.6mg/kg) of both Nec-1 and Nec-1i had a toxic effect increasing lethality during TNF-induced necroptosis, suggesting that RIPK1/RIPK3- dependent pathway drives TNF-induced mortality (Takahashi et al 2012), this toxicity effect was not observed in the present study. Of course, in their experiments necrostatins were administered during TNF-induced mortality, demonstrating that low doses were toxic in terms that they were not sufficient enough to protect form induced mortality. In contrast, in this in vivo study, evaluating the comparative effect of low doses of both necrostatins, it could be assumed that these substances maintain their profile of active (Nec-1) and inactive (Nec-1i) factors when administered under normal-non stressful condition. But which signaling pathway is triggered, under the effect of Nec-1 but not Nec-1i, leading to this elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate) remains to be clarified. In general, as demonstrated in this study, enhancement of basal cardiac performance by Nec-1, evidenced by increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure heart rate, and depressed PR interval could be a double-edged sword. Although Nec-1 has been introduced as an agent reducing injury after reperfusion in brain and heart (Degeterev et al 2005, Smith et al 2007, Takahashi et al 2012), the effect of this substance under normal conditions must be further investigated before its administration in other pathological conditions. Thus, examining the response of all cell types (cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle and endothelial cells of blood vessels) under the effect of Nec-1 could be a first step under this point of view. Each cell type, and eventually the overall response to any pharmacological administration, will depend on several distinct or sometimes overlapping factors, such as changes in metabolic conditions (pH, calcium levels, ATP levels), or even active (under phosphorylation or not) signaling molecules and transcription factors. Additionally, in order to clarify the molecular mechanism of action of Nec-1 on basal cardiac function, the comparative effect of other necrostatins apart from Nec-1i, e.g. Nec-1s which lacks the IDO inhibitor effect, would provide meaningful insights. Conclusions Although Nec-1 was introduced to prevent necroptosis as a RIPK1 inhibitor reducing ischemia reperfusion injury, the enhancement of basal cardiac activity by Nec-1 in healthy anesthetized rats, as demonstrated by this study, indicates that this molecule may also act in an RIPK1-independent manner. Thus, further research is needed in order to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying this effect. For example, future directions could aim at identifying the potential interplay of Nec-1 in signaling pathways, such as the NO pathway and the ÃŽ ²-AR pathway, of all cell types involved cardiovascular function. The biochemistry of this involvement could be comparatively analyzed by administration of other necorstatinsm, such as Nec-1s. Finally, Nec-1 after evaluating all these parameters, Nec-1 could be used a positive inotropic agent in cases of cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, heart attack or cardiogenic shock. References Bers DM, Ziolo MT. (2001). When is cAMP not cAMP? Effects of compartmentalization. Circ.Res. 89, 373–375. Degterev A, Huang Z, Boyce M, Li Y, Jagtap P, Mizushima N et al. Chemical inhibitor of nonapoptotic cell death with therapeutic potential for ischemic brain injury. Nat Chem Biol 2005; 1: 112–119. Degterev A, Hitomi J, Germscheid M, Ch’en IL, Korkina O, Teng X et al. Identification of RIP1 kinase as a specific cellular target of necrostatins. Nat Chem Biol 2008; 4: 313–321. Eefting F, Rensing B, Wigman J, Pannekoek WJ , Liu WM, Cramer MJ, Lips DJ, Doevendans PA. Role of apoptosis in reperfusion injury. Cardiovascular Research 61 (2004) 414– 426. Garcia-Pedraza JA, Garcia M, Martin ML, Moran A, Pharmacological evidence that 5-HT1D activation induces renal vasodilation by NO pathway in rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2015 doi: 10.1111/1440-1681.12397. Korchazhkina O, Wright G, Exley C. Intravascular ATP and coronary vasodilation in the isolated working rat heart. British Journal of Pharmacology (1999) 127, 701  ± 708 Kohr MJ, Roof SR, Zweier JL, Ziolo MT. Modulation of myocardial contraction by peroxynitrite. Frontiers in Physiology (2012);3:468(1-10). Smith CCT, Davidson SM, Lim SY, Simpkin JC, . Hothersall JS, Yellon DM. Necrostatin: A Potentially Novel Cardioprotective Agent? Cardiovasc Drugs Ther (2007) 21:227–233. Takahashi N, Duprez L, Grootjans S, Cauwels A, Nerinckx W, DuHadaway JB, Goossens V, Roelandt R, Van HauwermeirenF, Libert C, Declercq W, Callewaert N, Prendergast GC, Degterev A, Yuan J and Vandenabeele P. Necrostatin-1 analogues: critical issues on the specificity, activity and in vivo use in experimental disease models. Cell Death and Disease (2012) 3, e437; doi:10.1038/cddis.2012.176. Vandenabeele P, Grootjans S, Callewaert N , Takahashi N. Necrostatin-1 blocks both RIPK1 and IDO: consequences for the study of cell death in experimental disease models. Cell Death and Differentiation (2013) 20, 185–187. Winegrad S. Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein C Circ Res. 1999;84:1117-1126.) Ziolo MT, Katoh H, and Bers DM. (2001a). Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase depresses beta-adrenergic-stimulated calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in intact ventricular myocytes. Circulation 104, 2961–2966. Ziolo MT, Katoh H, and Bers DM. (2001b). Positive and negative effects of nitric oxide on Ca(2+) sparks: influence of beta-adrenergic stimulation. Am.J. Physiol.HeartCirc.Physiol. 281, H2295–H2303.

Miss Ophelia in Harriet Beecher Stowes Uncle Toms Cabin Essay

Miss Ophelia in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Being the only Northerner to take a focal role in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Miss Ophelia is a realistic adaptation of the ideal woman that Harriet Beecher Stowe proposes with the images of the other perfect women. She is educated, single, independent, ambitious, and motivated by a certain sense of duty. Unlike the other women in the novel, she is the one with the most masculine mannerisms: she relies on her thoughts rather than her emotions to make decisions about her life and political beliefs. However Miss Ophelia also appears to be the audience that Stowe is partially addressing -- those who feel like they know something about slavery, but who haven’t truly analyzed their own mind about their prejudices. This was one of the reasons why Stowe wrote her book: to connect with people who hadn’t yet decided what side of the Mason-Dixon line they fell on. Ophelia is the perfect example of either Northerners or Southerners who at first don’t have a strong opinion about slavery but after an encounter, experience, or a revelation finally find their voice. For Miss Ophelia, she discovers herself with the help of a little girl.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Little Eva attempts to explain to Ophelia about how they should love all and follow Jesus’ love for everyone. â€Å"Don’t you know that Jesus loves all alike? He is just as willing to love you, as me. He loves you just as I do, -only more, because he is better. He will help you to be good; and you can go to Heaven at last, and be an angel forever, just as much as if you were white. (p.245-6)† Even though Jesus loves both black and white folks, that can’t necessarily persuade Miss Ophelia to kiss and hug the slaves. â€Å"’It puts me in mind of mother,’ he said to Ophelia. ‘It is true what she told me, if we want to give sight to the blind, we must be willing to do as Christ did, - call them to us, and put our hands on them.’ ‘I’ve always had a prejudice against Negroes,’ said Miss Ophelia, ‘and it’s a fact, I never could bear to have that child touch me; but I didn’t think she knew it. (p. 246)† Even though Miss Ophelia has people trying to persuade her to fully embrace the other race, for one reason or another she just can’t bring herself to do it. She believes that it is wrong because that is what she was raised to think. On the other hand, St. Clare is the polar opposite t... ... the horrid souls to an afterlife in hell. Feminism is an unmistakable theme in this novel. Stowe portrays women as strong, independent characters and gives all of them very effective roles. In the end, it is the women who are the most religious. When readers are first introduced to Miss Ophelia they encounter a Vermonter who has beliefs about slavery but no emotions to back up her words. For all of her duty and religious piety, she must have love, emotion and feeling to back up her words for them to be of any significance. Then through interaction with other characters in the book, Miss Ophelia’s morals and beliefs slowly begin to solidify. By the end of the book she is deeply rooted and emotionally connected to everything she says. This is exactly the type of reader that Stowe wished to reach. Someone who maybe wasn’t too sure on how they felt about paying money for someone’s life would hopefully, once finished with Uncle Tom’s Cabin, realize their own ideals and opinions about life for Negroes i n the South and then try to do something to help them leave their lives of horror. Works Cited Stowe, Harriet Beecher. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. W.W. Norton & Co, Inc. New York, 1994 Miss Ophelia in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin Essay Miss Ophelia in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Being the only Northerner to take a focal role in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Miss Ophelia is a realistic adaptation of the ideal woman that Harriet Beecher Stowe proposes with the images of the other perfect women. She is educated, single, independent, ambitious, and motivated by a certain sense of duty. Unlike the other women in the novel, she is the one with the most masculine mannerisms: she relies on her thoughts rather than her emotions to make decisions about her life and political beliefs. However Miss Ophelia also appears to be the audience that Stowe is partially addressing -- those who feel like they know something about slavery, but who haven’t truly analyzed their own mind about their prejudices. This was one of the reasons why Stowe wrote her book: to connect with people who hadn’t yet decided what side of the Mason-Dixon line they fell on. Ophelia is the perfect example of either Northerners or Southerners who at first don’t have a strong opinion about slavery but after an encounter, experience, or a revelation finally find their voice. For Miss Ophelia, she discovers herself with the help of a little girl.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Little Eva attempts to explain to Ophelia about how they should love all and follow Jesus’ love for everyone. â€Å"Don’t you know that Jesus loves all alike? He is just as willing to love you, as me. He loves you just as I do, -only more, because he is better. He will help you to be good; and you can go to Heaven at last, and be an angel forever, just as much as if you were white. (p.245-6)† Even though Jesus loves both black and white folks, that can’t necessarily persuade Miss Ophelia to kiss and hug the slaves. â€Å"’It puts me in mind of mother,’ he said to Ophelia. ‘It is true what she told me, if we want to give sight to the blind, we must be willing to do as Christ did, - call them to us, and put our hands on them.’ ‘I’ve always had a prejudice against Negroes,’ said Miss Ophelia, ‘and it’s a fact, I never could bear to have that child touch me; but I didn’t think she knew it. (p. 246)† Even though Miss Ophelia has people trying to persuade her to fully embrace the other race, for one reason or another she just can’t bring herself to do it. She believes that it is wrong because that is what she was raised to think. On the other hand, St. Clare is the polar opposite t... ... the horrid souls to an afterlife in hell. Feminism is an unmistakable theme in this novel. Stowe portrays women as strong, independent characters and gives all of them very effective roles. In the end, it is the women who are the most religious. When readers are first introduced to Miss Ophelia they encounter a Vermonter who has beliefs about slavery but no emotions to back up her words. For all of her duty and religious piety, she must have love, emotion and feeling to back up her words for them to be of any significance. Then through interaction with other characters in the book, Miss Ophelia’s morals and beliefs slowly begin to solidify. By the end of the book she is deeply rooted and emotionally connected to everything she says. This is exactly the type of reader that Stowe wished to reach. Someone who maybe wasn’t too sure on how they felt about paying money for someone’s life would hopefully, once finished with Uncle Tom’s Cabin, realize their own ideals and opinions about life for Negroes i n the South and then try to do something to help them leave their lives of horror. Works Cited Stowe, Harriet Beecher. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. W.W. Norton & Co, Inc. New York, 1994

Rhetorical Devices in Night Walker by Brent Staples

Brent Staples uses vivid language and rhetorical devices to express and convey the elements of fear, anger, and violence. We all make many decisions based on past experiences. That’s how we learn to avoid touching a hot stove burner for example. It’s also about how we learn to do things that bring us pleasure. So we all develop discriminating behavior, but when that discrimination is based purely on the color on that person’s skin, or his ethnicity, without knowing anything else about that person, it becomes racism.Being a malicious looking black man, walking the streets at night may give someone the idea that you’re a rapist, killer, robber, or even a stalker. Nearly everyone has experienced these same emotions before and each has reacted similarly with varying degrees. Immediately in the first paragraph, Staples depicts a woman walking and the fear she experiences dude to stereotyping. In the story he relies on imagery and common experiences to emphasize this emotion. â€Å"She cast back a worried glace. †(paragraph. 1) That imagery perfectly conveys the emotion of fear.When you’re walking alone at night and someone â€Å"sketchy† follows you, it’s easy to draw on your past experiences and conclude you should be worried. Staples then uses sarcasm to display his disapproval of the woman’s false impression. â€Å"She picked up her pace and was soon running in earnest. Within seconds she disappeared into the street. †(paragraph. 1) Due to his ethnicity, the woman feared that she was going to be a victim of violence. His choices of words convey a negative connotation and reinforce the fear factorLiving in a small town where gang warfare, street knifings, and murders are common, these circumstances can inflict trauma and ingrain hostile emotions. â€Å"I grew up one of the good boys, had perhaps a half-dozen first fights. In retrospect, my shyness of combat has a clear source. †(paragraph . 6) Staples emphasizes that the violence experiences he witnessed as a kid were the root causes for the acute effects imprinted on his psyche. â€Å"As a boy I saw countless tough guys locked away; I have buried several, too.They were babies, really – a teenage cousin, a brother of 22, a childhood friend in his mid-20s all gone down in episodes of bravado played out in the streets. †(paragraph. 6) Staples uses personal stories of conflict and pathos to illustrate violence and the emotional/physical price it has on people and their attitudes. Being subject to racism and discrimination is demeaning and debilitating. In fact they can lead you to anger. â€Å"Relatively speaking, however, I never fared as badly as another black male journalist. †(paragraph. ) Stemming from racism is common when someone is mistreated or falsely accused of something because of their race. â€Å"Mistaking the reporter for the killer, police officers hauled him from his car at gunpoin t and but for his press credentials would probably have tried to book him. Such episodes are not uncommon. Black men trade tales like this all the time. †(paragraph. 8) Staples portrays anger using euphemism and implies that the anger sterns from stereotyping of African Americans. These real life experiences and the vivid imagery give the reader an acute awareness into the harmful effects of racism..Fear, violence, and anger brought on by racism all provide the foundation of the story â€Å"Night Walker† by Brent Staples. The author uses personal life experiences and vivid imagery to ingress upon the reader the impact of discrimination. Not only does he use rhetorical devices, he uses concrete details to create a stronger more profound effect on the reader. Being subjected to racism is demeaning and debilitating and results in a toxic environment for the person being subjected to these acts of ignorant discrimination.

Biography of Brett Kavanaugh, Supreme Court Justice

Biography of Brett Kavanaugh, Supreme Court Justice Brett Michael Kavanaugh (born February 12, 1965) is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Prior to his appointment, Kavanaugh served as a federal judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Nominated to the Supreme Court by President Donald Trump on July 9, 2018, he was confirmed by the Senate on October 6, 2018, after one of the most contentious confirmation processes in U.S. history. Kavanaugh fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy. Compared to Kennedy, who was considered moderate on some social issues, Kavanaugh is regarded as a strong conservative voice on the Supreme Court.   Fast Facts: Brett Kavanaugh Full Name: Brett Michael KavanaughKnown for: 114th Associate Justice of the United States Supreme CourtNominated by: President Donald TrumpPreceded by: Anthony KennedyBorn: February 12, 1965, in Washington, D.C.Parents: Martha Gamble and Everett Edward Kavanaugh Jr.Wife: Ashley Estes, married 2004Children:   Daughters Liza Kavanaugh and Margaret KavanaughEducation: - Georgetown Preparatory School; Yale University, Bachelor of Arts cum laude,1987; Yale Law School, Juris Doctor, 1990Key Accomplishments: White House Staff Secretary, 2003-2006; Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, 2006-2018; Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, October 6, 2018- Early Life and Education Born on February 12, 1965, in Washington, D.C., Brett Kavanaugh is the son of Martha Gamble and Everett Edward Kavanaugh Jr. He gained his interest in the law from his parents. His mother, who held a law degree, served as a judge on the Maryland state Circuit Court from 1995 to 2001, and his father, who was also an attorney, served as president of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association for over 20 years As a teenager growing up in Bethesda, Maryland, Kavanaugh attended the Catholic, all-boys Georgetown Preparatory School. One of his classmates, Neil Gorsuch, went on to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Kavanaugh graduated from Georgetown Preparatory in 1983. Kavanaugh then attended Yale University, where he was known as a â€Å"serious but not showy student,† who played on the basketball team and wrote sports articles for the campus newspaper. A member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, he graduated from Yale with a Bachelor of Arts cum laude in 1987. Kavanaugh then entered Yale Law School. During his confirmation hearing testimony, he told the Senate Judiciary Committee, â€Å"I got into Yale Law School. Thats the number-one law school in the country. I had no connections there. I got there by busting my tail in college.† An editor of the prestigious Yale Law Journal, Kavanaugh graduated from Yale Law with a Juris Doctor in 1990.   Early Legal Career Kavanaugh began his career in the law working as a clerk for judges in the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and later the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He was also interviewed for a clerkship by Chief Justice of the United States William Rehnquist but was not offered the job. After being admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1990 and the District of Columbia Bar in 1992, Kavanaugh served a one-year fellowship with then-Solicitor General of the United States, Ken Starr, who later headed the investigation that led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. He then worked as a clerk for Supreme Court Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, the justice he would eventually replace on the court. After leaving his clerkship with Justice Kennedy, Kavanaugh returned to work for Ken Starr as an Associate Counselor in the Office of the Independent Counsel. While working for Starr, Kavanaugh was a principal author of the 1998 Starr Report to Congress dealing with the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky White House sex scandal. The report was cited in the House of Representatives debate as grounds for President Clinton’s impeachment. At Kavanaugh’s urging, Starr had included graphically detailed descriptions of each of Clinton’s sexual encounters with Lewinsky in the report. Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr, center, talks with Deputy Independent Counsel John Bates, left, and aide Brett Kavanaugh, right, and another colleague in the Office of the Solicitor General during the Whitewater Investigation on November 13, 1996 in Washington DC. Getty Images In December 2000, Kavanaugh joined the legal team of George W. Bush working to stop the recount of Florida’s ballots in the controversial 2000 Presidential election. In January 2001, he was named as an associate White House Counsel in the Bush Administration, where he dealt with the Enron scandal and assisted in the nomination and confirmation of Chief Justice John Roberts. From 2003 to 2006, Kavanaugh served as the Assistant to the President and White House Staff Secretary. Federal Court of Appeals Judge: 2006 to 2018 On July 25, 2003, Kavanaugh was nominated to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by President George W. Bush. However, he would not be confirmed by the Senate until almost three years later. During the on-again-off-again confirmation hearings, Democratic senators accused Kavanaugh of being too politically partisan. After winning the recommendation of the Senate Judiciary Committee on a party-line vote on May 11, 2006, Kavanaugh was confirmed by the full Senate by a vote of 57-36 on May 11, 2006. During his 12 years as an appeals court judge, Kavanaugh authored opinions on a range of current â€Å"hot-button† issues ranging from abortion and the environment to employment discrimination law and gun control. As to his voting record, a September 2018 Washington Post analysis of some 200 of his decisions found that Kavanaugh’s judicial record had been â€Å"significantly more conservative than that of almost every other judge on the D.C. Circuit.† However, the same analysis showed that when cases for which Kavanaugh had written a majority opinion were appealed to the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court agreed with his position 13 times while reversing his position only once.   Supreme Court Nomination and Confirmation: 2018 After interviewing him, along with three other U.S. Court of Appeals judges on July 2, 2018, President Trump on July 9, nominated Kavanaugh to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy on the Supreme Court. The tumultuous Senate confirmation process that played out between September 4 and October 6 would become a source of debate that deeply divided the American public along political and ideological lines.  Ã‚   Senate Confirmation Hearings Shortly after learning that President Trump was considering Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford contacted the Washington Post and her local congresswoman, alleging that Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her while they were both in high school. On September 12, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) informed the Judiciary Committee that allegations of sexual assault had been lodged against Kavanaugh by a woman who did not want to be identified. On September 23, two other women Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick, came forward accusing Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct. Protestors rally against Judge Brett Kavanaugh as they march in Washington, DC. Getty Images   In testimony during Senate Judiciary Committee hearings held between October 4 and October 6, Kavanaugh strongly denied all the allegations against him. Following a special supplemental FBI investigation that reportedly found no evidence corroborating Dr. Fords allegations, the full Senate voted to 50-48 to confirm Kavanaugh’s nomination on October 6, 2018. Later the same day he was sworn in as the 114th Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by Chief Justice John Roberts in a private ceremony. Family and Personal Life On September 10, 2001, Kavanaugh had his first date with his wife, Ashley Estes, a personal secretary to President George W. Bush at the time. The next day- September 11, 2001- they were evacuated from the White House during to the 9-11-01 terrorist attacks. The couple married in 2004 and have two daughters Liza and Margaret. A lifelong Catholic, he serves as a lector at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Washington, D.C., helps deliver meals to the homeless as part of the church’s outreach programs, and has tutored at the Catholic private Washington Jesuit Academy in the District of Columbia. Sources , Brett Kavanaugh Fast FactsCNN. July 16, 2018Kellman, Laurie. ,Kavanaugh Confirmed U.S. Appellate Judge The Washington Post. (May 23, 2006)Cope, Kevin; Fischman, Joshua. ,It’s hard to find a federal judge more conservative than Brett Kavanaugh The Washington Post. (September 5, 2018)Brown, Emma. , California professor, writer of confidential Brett Kavanaugh letter, speaks out about her allegation of sexual assaultThe Washington Post. (September 16, 2018)Pramuk, Jacob. , Trump Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh categorically denies sexual misconduct accusation detailed in New Yorker reportCNBC. (September 14, 2018)Sampathkumar, Mythili. ,Brett Kavanaugh confirmed to Supreme Court amid widespread outcry over sexual assault allegations The Independent. New York. (October 6, 2018)

LinkedIn says the 2011 most overused professional buzzwords in the United States are “creative,” “organizational” and “effective”

LinkedIn says the 2011 most overused professional buzzwords in the United States are â€Å"creative,† â€Å"organizational† and â€Å"effective† On December 13, 2011, LinkedIn released its â€Å"most overused† buzzwords list for 2011.   Here is the list of the top 10, with â€Å"creative† reigning at the top.   When a particular country or countries stood out for overuse of a term, the country name(s) are listed in parentheses: Creative (Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States) Organizational Effective (India) Extensive experience Track record (Singapore) Motivated (Ireland) Innovative Problem solving (Italy) Communication skills Dynamic (France) The good news?   Some people heeded last year’s list and stopped overusing at least some of the following 2010 Overused Buzzwords: Extensive experience Innovative Motivated Results-oriented Dynamic Proven track record Team player Fast-paced Problem solver Entrepreneurial The four exact matches between 2010 and 2011 years are â€Å"motivated,† dynamic, innovative and extensive experience. There are also some near matches with â€Å"problem solving† vs. â€Å"problem solver† and proven track record vs. track record (I personally have tired of all of these terms). I believe job seekers and career professionals have done some good work changing the landscape four of the terms on the list have changed, and all of them have changed rank.    Lets face it:   There will be overused words every year.   I’m just glad to see we’re learning lessons along the way. How Creative are You? This year’s primary lesson:   Don’t say you are â€Å"creative† – demonstrate your creativity!   Design and upload a PowerPoint presentation to SlideShare and post it to your LinkedIn profile.   Give examples of marketing strategies you devised.   Include your artistic portfolio in your profile.   And don’t use the same words everyone else is using!   We now know that asserting you are â€Å"creative† is a sure way to prove that you are not. Met or Exceeded Organizational Goals? â€Å"Organizational† is a bit tougher.   How do you say you met organizational goals without saying you met organizational goals?   One thing to keep in mind is that of course you are going to strive for and meet organizational goals!   What other goals would you possibly want to report?   I admit I will be a little sad to let this term go, but I see the point of finding alternatives.   â€Å"Meet targeted goals† would be just as effective (oh did I say â€Å"effective†?   Send me to India where I’ll be in good company!)   Or perhaps a chart of goals vs. accomplishments would obviate the need for the term organizational.   I predict that next year â€Å"goal(s)† and â€Å"target(s)† will top this list. Devise an Effective Strategy Lately? Thankfully there are a multitude of ways to convey the concept of â€Å"effective.†   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Successful† is the clearest alternative, followed by â€Å"winning,† â€Å"profitable,† â€Å"lucrative,† â€Å"productive,† â€Å"fruitful,† â€Å"targeted† and even â€Å"efficacious† (I don’t love that last one as a resume/profile adjective).   Take your pick or find another way to say what you mean!   (Sometimes you can just leave out the adjective completely, as I did by avoiding â€Å"find another effective way† in that last sentence.) As for extensive experience and track record, these terms are like nails on a blackboard to me.   I see them a lot and make short work of them on my resumes. How many of these top 10 overused words show up in your profile?   Please share below. And   if you want expert assistance to craft a LinkedIn profile that stands out in a sea of 135 million LinkedIn users, contact The Essay Expert through our Web Form or at 608-467-0067. Like this article?   You might also enjoy Ten Buzzwords to Take Off Your LinkedIn Profile Now published by Time Newsfeed. Category:Archived ArticlesBy Brenda BernsteinDecember 19, 2011 2 Comments Kent V says: December 20, 2011 at 12:02 pm How did they miss sustainable? A particularly awful one since it has so many connotations: 1) environmentally friendly 2) doing something positive that sticks 3) keeping the business alive 4) not hogging or wasting resources (or not getting caught doing it) 5) from the old green revolution, when green meant crop based, not clean: using local, renewable stuff, rather than paying a big company for a remedy 6) an admirable word to put in the annual report or PR release to mean you operate responsibly, whatever that is. and on and on Some years back I would have added leverage as a verb. Too late, it stuck. Log in to Reply The Essay Expert says: December 20, 2011 at 12:31 pm Thanks for the suggested addition! Im sure this one is overused in certain sectors, though not universally enough to make it onto the list. Maybe this world would be a better place if sustainable were on the top of the list! Log in to Reply