People Attitude about Green Computing

People Attitude about Green Computing According to OECD (2006), the demand for information technology keeps rising every day. Information technology is termed as the driver of business activities in economies. Business information technology tools are needed to enhance business operations in different organizations.Advertising We will write a custom thesis sample on People Attitude about Green Computing specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The rise in demand for information technology products causes firms to invest hence producing information technology tools to help in meeting the demand in the market. Technology keeps changing at a fast pace. What is considered to be an efficient technology today maybe be seen as an archaic technology within a short span of time. This necessitates a continuous process of inventing information technology products. Several generations of information technology products have been developed since the beginning of the 20th century (Information Resources Management Association Khosrowpour, 2001). The 21st century has seen another revolution in the information technology infrastructure. New information technology products keep entering the market (Cerasale Stone, 2004). Yoshida (2010) observed that different types of materials are used in the manufacture of information technology devices. Materials used for manufacturing these products and the manner in which they are used have an enormous impact on the environment (Kuehr Williams, 2003). Information and communication tools are listed among the notable green gas emitters. This is because of the high number of such products which exist in the global market (Smith, 2009). The impacts of information technology products on the environment have been categorized into three groups. These include the first order impacts, second order and third order effects. The first category is composed of the direct effects of the information technology products on the environment. The effect s range from the stage of manufacturing down to the stage of consumption. The second order effects are indirect. They develop from the first order effects. Third effects come as a result of the continued demand for information technology in the global economy (Houghton, 2003). The use of green computers is a trending subject. There is widespread advocacy for the enhancement of the use of green technology. Green computers are effective in maintaining a green environment through the use of environmental friendly materials. Australia falls among the industrialized countries of the world. Therefore, the demand for information and communication technology is accelerating (Houghton, 2003).Advertising Looking for thesis on computer science? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Many people keep using computers and related devices without considering their effects to the environment. A survey of Australian universities shows that a high number of students use computers. However, most of them are not familiar with the risks that are posed during the use and disposal of the computers. This is also reflected in other places like offices and institutions where computers are used (Australian Government, 2007; Landwehr, 2005). Houghton, Steele Henty (2003) observed that computers are listed among products that emit green gases to the environment. Computers also account for a high percentage of energy consumption in the world. Approximately, 90% of Australians use computers in offices and at home (John, 2006). Sustainable use of computers is considered as one of the preferred mechanisms of minimizing the effects of information technology on the environment (Friedewald Raabe, 2011). Effective disposal of computers and computer parts that utilize environmentally hazardous substances is given as an option for sustainable use of computers. Several policy guidelines on safe disposal and recycling of computers are bein g developed. Computing devices, which use less energy, have been introduced in the market (Deng Williams 2008). Studies about computer use in the United States show that computers are part and parcel of human life. They aid in the accomplishment of a wide range of tasks. Computers are seen as part of human life. This means that people cannot work well without the support of computers. Computers are found in all forms of organizations, in the United States. Computers are widely found among all population groups. The United States has been in the limelight for a long time for failing to lead the way in the conservation of the environment. The country leads in terms of the wide use of computers and other information technology devices.Advertising We will write a custom thesis sample on People Attitude about Green Computing specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, pressure has piled, forcing the country to adopt environmental protectio n certifications. The concern for the environment in the United States has shown commendable growth. Most Americans understand the human and environmental dangers that come with the use of computers. They understand the market and the need to purchase computers that adhere to the codes of sustainable environment (Seitz, 2011). Hong Kong is among the countries that are undergoing economic transformation. The demand for information technology in the country is growing. Green computing in Hong Kong is a dominant subject among the consumers of information technology. Companies are busy setting up information and communication technology. This has increased the demand for computers in Hong Kong. Information technology experts embrace the concept of green computing. This is based on the concerns that are raised by the people of Hong Kong. Green computing technology is attained through three approaches. These include social responsibility, environmental protection, and economic progress (C how Chen, 2009). References Australian Government. (2007). Managing the environmental impact of information and communications technology (ICT). Sydney: Australian Government Press. Cerasale, M. V., Stone, M. (2004). Business solutions on demand: Transform the business to deliver real customer value. London: Kogan Page. Chow, W. S., Chen, Y. (2009). Intended Belief and Actual Behavior in green computing in Hong Kong. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 50(2), 136-141. Deng, L., Williams, E. (2008). Measures and trends in energy use of semiconductor manufacturing. Web.Advertising Looking for thesis on computer science? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Friedewald, M. Raabe, O. (2011). Ubiquitous computing: An overview of technology impacts. Telematics and Informatics, 28(2), 55-65. Houghton, J. W. (2003). Australian ICT Industries Update 2003, Australian Computer Society and Victoria University, April 2003. Web. Houghton, J. W., Steele, C., Henty, M. (2003). Changing Research Practices in the Digital Information and Communication Environment. Department of Education, Science and Training: Canberra. Information Resources Management Association., Khosrowpour, M. (2001). Managing information technology in a global environment. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing. John, W. H. (2006). Innovation in ICT: A changing landscape. Telecommunications Journal of Australia, 56(2), 1-6. Kuehr, R., Williams, E. (2003). Computers and the environment: understanding and managing their impacts. Kluwer: Dordrecht. Landwehr, C. E. (2005). Green Computing. Security Privacy Magazine, 3(6), 3-3. OECD. (2006). Information and Communications Technology Outlook 2006. OECD: Paris. Seitz, V. (2011). Attitudes Toward Green Computing In The US: Can They Change? Web. Smith, T. (2009). Challenging the chip: from cleanup to sustainability. 9th Asia-Pacific NGO Environmental Conference (APNEC 9), 20–21 November. Kyoto: Japan. Yoshida, F. (2010). Information and communication technology and environmental issues. Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, 12 (3), 133-138.

How to Implement a Guest Blogging Process with Jess Ostroff [PODCAST]

How to Implement a Guest Blogging Process with Jess Ostroff [PODCAST] You probably already know all of the benefits of writing guest posts on other people’s blogs, but have you considered having guests post on your blog? Some of the benefits you might enjoy include increased publishing frequency, more efficiency and consistency, higher ranking for your keywords, and a better sense of credibility and trust among your readers. Best of all, this move can help you convert more customers. Today, our guest is Jess Ostroff, the CEO of Don’t Panic Management, which she describes as a â€Å"virtual assistant agency on steroids.† She is also the managing editor at Convince Convert, which publishes a lot of content from guest writers. She is talking to us about how to become a content management mastermind when it comes to hosting guest bloggers on your website. Powered by PodcastMotor Actionable Content Marketing powered by By 00:00/00:00 1x 100 > Download file Subscribe on iTunes Leave Review Share Some of the topics we’ll talk about today include: What Jess does at Don’t Panic Management in her role as Director of Calm and as editor of Convince Convert. How a marketer can attract the best guest bloggers in their industry and how to prove to potential bloggers that your site is worth writing for. The writing requirements that are most helpful to be sure you get the quality you want out of your guest blog posts. The best way to manage the pitch-acceptance process. Suggested tools and strategies to make the guest-blogging process as efficient and successful as possible, from pitch to final editing and eventual promotion. The one major thing you should keep in mind if you are hoping to build a guest-blogging relationship with someone.

ARO Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ARO - Assignment Example Ebola cuts across nearly all the mutual commitments of global health, medicine, and science anthropologists. This is because the tragedy exposed the political economy of illness and health, demonstrates how the movement of technology and science ceases or flows, and exposes the drawbacks of thrilling solutions to structural issues (Abromowitz, 2014). Additionally, Ebola emergency brings to light the outcomes of health with regard to reconfigured social relations created by the development and health regimes of governance. Ebola also tragically emphasizes racialized reasoning that determines the lives that count. As anthropologists, action-centered attitude is fundamental during such emergencies, since such approach would improve ethnographic expertise response in the affected nations. In order to improve the current situation of Ebola in West Africa today, Abromowitz (2014) suggested several things that anthropologists can use to connect the local and global populations in understanding the crisis. First, anthropologists can train epidemiologists on death counting in this region. This would work well in closing the gap between actual deaths and counted Ebola deaths, thus offering crucial information on movement, patterning, and expansion of the tragedy. Additionally, community anthropologists can observe the Ebola response systematically and report on, interpret, and explain existing local approaches. This will make it possible to make sense of local concepts and ideas, behaviors, and beliefs and suggests ways that are actionable. Given the noise around Ebola, anthropologists are expected to detect and track emerging risks amidst Ebola noise such as black market flows. Within the affected areas, anthropologists can hold multidisciplinary university based groups t o assist in real time tracking of the disease (Abromowitz, 2014). The role of such groups would be to evaluate the political,

The Importance of Analysis and Analytical Skills to the Manager Making Essay

The Importance of Analysis and Analytical Skills to the Manager Making Decisions in Business - Essay Example Specifically, the study evaluates the structured analytical approach to problems solving and discusses the concept of decision making. This is then followed by a critical analysis of three types of management decision making methods; project plan, financial modeling and diagrammatic representation. These methods are then discussed together in relation to management, before arriving at a conclusion on the study. Structured Analytical Approach to Problem Solving Management in the business world often presents with complex problems that call on managers to develop better approaches to problem solutions. Bonem (2011, p. 1-2) discusses the need for the structured analytical approach to solving problems, explaining that the aging and retiring of the baby boomer (or elderly) generation of workers takes away the invaluable experience needed in decision making. Thus, the author argues that the present managerial aspects of businesses need to adopt a structured analytical approach that will co unter the complexity of organisational problems and the lack of experiential knowledge. The structured analytical approach involves a cyclical multi-stage approach to decision making. Proctor (2010, p. 273) argues that the structured approach involves a number of discernible activities at each stage in the cycle; objective finding, fact finding, idea finding, problem finding, solution finding and acceptance finding. Cooke and Slack (1991) provide for a decentralised approach to executing the cyclic stages. This involves one or more individuals executing the component tasks of decision analysis which include administration, evaluation and implementation. The tow scholars present a normative cyclic approach consisting of 8 stages that involve recognition of the problem, objective setting, understanding the problem, determination of the options available, evaluation of the options established, selecting the most appropriate and effective option, implementation of the solution and monit oring. The structured analytical approach to problem solving as discussed above is a formidable approach to a business context as it addresses the root causes of the problem, identifies and assesses all possible strategic options and settles on the best. It also provides for monitoring, and the cyclic nature allows for awareness and readiness to face organisational problems and challenges which helps to avoid impetuous decision making. However, the approach is idealistic and requires being adapted to the specific context of the business environment (Cooke and Slack 1991). Thus, a manager should manipulate/customise it to suit the specificity in the environment and problem. The Concept of Managerial Decision Making Wang (2010, pp. 28-33) states that decision making is the process of choosing the best alternative to achieve goals in light of finite resources. The author argues that the concept of decision making cannot be divorced from resource allocation and the process of execution as these are dependent on sound decisions for success. Decision making is closely interrelated with problem solving, which Reza and Fahimi (2003, p. 2) define as the process of identifying and filling gaps on a desired and an actual organisational state. The authors relate decision making and structured problem solving, explaining that decision mak

Hsbc Case Essay Example for Free

Hsbc Case Essay HSBC is known as the â€Å"World’s local bank†. Originally called the HongKong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, HSBC was established in 1865 to finance the growing trade between China and the United Kingdom. HSBC is now the second largest bank in the world, serving 100 million customers through 9,500 branches in 79 countries. The company is organized by business line (personal financial services; customer finance; commercial banking; corporate investment banking and markets; private banking), as well as by goegraphic segment (Asia-Pacific, U. K. /Eurozone, North America/NAFTA, South America, Middle East). Despite operating in 79 different countries, the bank works hard to maintain a local feel and local knowledge in each area. HSBC’s fundamental operating strategy is to remain close to its customers. As HSBC chairman Sir John Bond said in November 2003, â€Å"Our position as the world’s local bank enables us to approach each country uniquely, blending local knowledge with a worldwide operating platform†. For example, consider HSBC’s local marketing efforts in New York City. To prove to jaded New Yorkers that the London-based financial behemoth was â€Å"the world’s local bank. HSBC held a â€Å"New York City’s Most knowledgeable Cabbie† contest. The winning cabbie gets paid to drive full-time for HSBC for the year, and HSBC customers win, too. Any customer showing an HSBC bankcard, checkbook, or bank statement can get a free ride in the HSBC-branded Bankcab. The campaign demonstrates HSBC’s local knowledge. â€Å"In order to ma ke New Yorkers believe you’re local, you have to act local,† said Renegade Marketing Group’s CEO Drew Neisser. Across the world in Hong Kong, HSBC undertook a different campaign. In the region hit hard by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, HSBC launched a program to revitalize the local economy. HSBC â€Å"plowed back interest payments† to customers who worked in industries most affected by SARS (cinemas, hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies). The program eased its customers financial burden. The bank also promoted Hong Kong’s commercial sector by offering discounts and rebates for customers who use an HSBC credit card when shopping and dining out, to help businesses affected by the downturn. More than 1,500 local merchants participated in the promotion. In addition to local marketing, HSBC does niche marketing. For example, it found a little-known product area that was growing at 125 percent a year : pet insurance. In December 2003 it announced that it will distribute nationwide per insurance through its HSBC Insurance agency, making the insurance available to its depositors. HSBC also segments demographically. In the United states, the Bank will target the immigrant population, particularly Hispanics, now that it has acquired Bital in Mexico, where many migrants to the United States deposit money. Overall, the bank has been consciously pulling together its worldwide business under a single global brand with the â€Å"World’s local bank† slogan. The aim is to link its international size with close relationships in each of the countries in which it operates. The company spends $600 million annually on global marketing and will likely consolidate and use fewer ad agencies. HSBC will decide who gets the account by giving each agency a â€Å"brand-strategy exercise. † Agencies will be vying for the account by improving on HSBC’s number 37 global brand ranking

Jealousy, the Monster in Shakespeares Othello :: Othello essays

The Monster in Othello      Ã‚   This essay is about William Shakespeare's Othello.   It focuses on Iago's words to Othello, "O, beware, my lord, of Jealousy.   It is the green-eyed monster." in act 3, scene 3 and just how important this warning was not only for Othello, but also for Roderigo and for Iago.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Before considering the importance of Iago's words, it is important to define what jealousy means.   According to The New Lexicon Webster's Encylopedic Dictionary of the English Language, "jealousy is a state of fear, suspicion, revenge   or envy caused by a real or imagined threat or challenge to one's possessive instincts.   It may be provoked by rivalry, in sexual love, by competition or by desires for the qualities or possessions of another."      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Roderigo is foolish and even at times unusually feeble-minded.   This explained partially by Roderigo's jealousy:   he is infatuated with Desdemona and has been for some time.   He is willing to do anything to win her love.   He is jealous that Desdemona loves Othello and not him.   In accordance with the definition of jealousy, Roderigo desires the possessions of another.   It is this jealousy which moves him to do many evil things in the play.   He pays Iago large amounts of money to conjure up a scheme to acquire Desdemona.   He gives in to Iago at the beginning of the play.   In effect he has become the villian's disciple.   By doing this, he himself has adopted the green-eyed monster image. In act two, he is prompted by Iago to cause a commotion and begin a fight with Cassio.   Later in act four, scene two, Roderigo is convinced by Iago to kill Cassio.   In act five, scene one, Roderigo attempts to kill Cassio but only manages to wound him.   At the same time Cassio wounds Roderigo.   Iago (who was watching this fight) leaves only to re-enter later and kill Roderigo. Roderigo's jealousy brought upon his downfall.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most people do not think of jealousy as Iago's downfall, but in essence, jealousy has many negative effects on Iago.   By using Iago, Shakespeare has shown just how powerful jealousy really is.   Iago is cunning, crafty, intellectual and   intelligent.   Despite seeming to be impermeable to negative emotions such as jealousy, the exact opposite seems to happen.

Financial Crisis and Brazil Essay

The economic crisis that has swept the world since 2008 has wrought havoc in national economies all over the world. As a group, one of the more particularly hard-hit groups of nations has been the Latin American countries of Central and South America. One notable exception to this trend appeared to be the nation of Brazil. The gloomy projections appeared not to apply to Brazil. According to Mauricio Cardenas of the Brooking institute: This doom and gloom has not infected Brazil, however, where President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is showing unprecedented self-assurance. Speaking in Madrid, Lula said somewhat rhetorically that â€Å"this idea that markets can do everything is over,† and more fundamentally â€Å"The times in which emerging countries depended on the IMF are over. † This is not Hugo Chavez speaking, but the president of Latin America’s largest economy, who enjoys 80 percent popularity in his country. (Cardenas, 2008) Although Brazil weathered the early months of the financial crisis better than its Latin American neighbors, the longer the crisis has continued, the more the Brazilian economy has weakened. One of the factors that prevented an immediate collapse of the Brazilian Economy in the wake of the 2008 Crisis was the relative lack of foreign banks in the country. (Cardenas, 2008) Unlike many Latin American nations that have a high percentage of foreign banks (i. e. Mexico: 80% foreign banks), Brazil has only 30% foreign banks. (Cardenas, 2008) In the short term, this allowed Brazil to assume that a contraction in foreign lending would not have as deep an impact on their economy than that of other nations. Brazilian banks, in times of previous economic prosperity, had built reserves, rather than engaging in profligate loaning, leading to the hopes that these reserves were sufficient against the day that foreign banks severely restricted credit. (Cardenas, 2008) By September of 2008, this theory seemed to erode in the face of certain economic indicators. The Bovespa index, a market indicator similar to the Dow Jones industrial Average, lost half of its value from May to September of 2008. (Cardenas, 2008) 10% of that drop occurred in the second half of September. More strikingly, the value of Brazil’s currency, the Real, fell 32% against other world currencies. (Cardenas, 2008) These factors show that Brazil may still be prone to suffer in the economic crisis. Other analysts, such as John Williamson of the Peterson Institution of international Economics, have been less sanguine about the prospects of Brazil’s economy. Wiliamson stated: Moreover, the markets decided that while many of the emerging economies might no longer have any need for an inflow of loans, many (like Brazil) are still significant net debtors to the rest of the world and therefore still vulnerable to a sudden withdrawal of foreign credit. Compounding this is the fact that one may have a balanced overall position and still be vulnerable because debts are concentrated at short maturities. Hence one read, for example, of the Bovespa index falling by over 10 percent in a day (it has cumulatively halved in value since the peak in May). Likewise, the real has fallen by a cumulative 32 percent in the past month. The markets clearly do not believe that Brazil has been made invulnerable†¦ (Williamson, 2008) The world market contraction has had a significant effect on Brazil’s foreign trade. (Williamson, 2008) The export economy has relied upon raw materials for 50% of exports, and the prices of these materials have dropped dramatically in the face of world-wide declines in demand. (Williamson, 2008) The other half of Brazil’s exports, differentiated manufactured goods have also decreased in the face of reduced demand. Ironically, the weakness of the real against foreign currencies has softened the negative effect of these factors. (Williamson, 2008) The soft real will inspire increased purchase of manufactured goods from Brazil. This will soften, but not eliminate, the negative effects of low demand. The decrease in foreign capital that these commodity price decreases have reflected, will rapidly eat through Brazil’s trade surplus, and put strain on lending institutions in Brazil. (Williamson, 2008) The future of Brazil’s economy has been reported with varying degrees of optimism. The GDP of Brazil is projected to contract anywhere from 1. 5 to 20% in 2009 after growing 5% in 2008. (Williamson, 2008) An increase in the shift of agricultural exports to China has also contributed to the overall positive projections of the Brazilian economy. (Xinhua, 2009) The increase from March of 2008 (8. 5%) to March of 2009 (12. 5%) amounts of agricultural exports to China reflect this phenomenon. (Xinhua, 2009) The president of Brazil claims that the crisis has passed, and that Brazil has weathered the worst part of the economic crisis of 2008. (Xinhua, 2009) The longevity of the world-wide recession will determine if this is in fact a true prediction. (Xinhua, 2009) Brazil weathered the economic crisis of 2008 comparatively well, but suffered great financial repercussions late in the year. The economy seems to be in a stage of recovery, but its continued well being will rely on the recovery of other nations that control lending power and demand for Brazil’s exports. Work Cited Cardenas, M. (2008) â€Å"Global Financial Crisis: Is Brazil a Bystander? † Retrieved June 4th, 2009 from Brookings Institution website: http://www. brookings. edu/opinions/2008/1015_financial_crisis_cardenas. aspx Williamson, J. (2008) â€Å"The Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on Brazil† Retrieved June 4th, 2009 from Peterson Institution of international Economics website: http://www. iie. com/publications/papers/williamson1008. pdf Xinhua (2009) â€Å"Brazil’s agricultural exports to China up 52. 5 percent in March† Retrieved June 4th 2009 from China’s people’s Daily website: http://english. people. com. cn/90001/90778/90857/90861/6634356. html

Merchant of Venice Essay

A rich Jewish moneylender, Shylock is the villain of The Merchant of Venice in that the problem he initiates causes great concern in the community of the city. He insists that Antonio keep his bond and extract a pound of flesh since he has failed to make the three thousand ducats Shylock has loaned to Bassanio on Antonio’s word. When they go to court the duke insists that the charges must be drop, but Shylock will not tolerate it. Antonio is a merchant in Venice. When Bassanio asks him for money to impress Portia, Antonio wants to give it to him but cannot because all of his money is tied up in goods that are being transported by ship to ports where they will be sold. Out of kindness to Bassanio, he agrees to secure any loan Bassanio might get in the marketplace. Bassanio requests that loan from Shylock, a moneylender with whom Antonio is not on the best of terms. Antonio has criticized Shylock for usury, and Shylock, in turn, resents Antonio’s generosity in loaning money out at no†¦ Portia is a wealthy heiress from Belmont grieving over her father’s death and bond over the inherence. When Portia is introduced in the play Bassanio is struck by her beauty and does anything to be with her, but the only way to do that is to choose a casket. Among the three suitors her true love is bassanio.

Free Essays on Professional Orientation

Professional Orientation to Counseling According to Vacc and Loesch there is no quick and easy way to define or explain the term ‘counseling’, rather they consider the activity of mental health counseling complex, consisting of a number of assumptions. Counselors require a myriad of ‘helping skills’ from what are referred to as intentional and unintentional helping skills. Counselors can use and draw upon helping skills and therapeutic constructs to strengthen and refine their counseling skills. In chapter 4, Helping Skills are elaborated on and described to assist the new counselor. Skills of this nature are useful in all forms of counseling; I found chapter seven, Working with Groups to be interesting and could easily understand how a counselor using ‘helping skills’ could quite effectively facilitate group sessions. Chapter 9, focused on Assessment and Appraisal – again another very interesting topic. Understanding the need for assessments is critical for the new counselor. Assessments are not meant to be used alone, but in conjunction with other counseling methods, which can assist the counselor to understand the needs of the client while being able to choose appropriate counseling techniques. Research in professional counseling was not something I expected to come across at great length, but according to Vacc and Loesch, it is extremely important for counselors. Heppner, Kivlighan, and Wampold (1998) stated that as professionals we have a responsibility to not only promote wellness with our clients, but to stay abreast of human nature and the field of counseling. Traditional research methodology is not necessarily the preferred method of research for professional counselors. It seems that the ‘single-subject’ design is more beneficial in measuring and demonstrating the effectiveness of counseling. The elements of single-subject research are based on measuring change, connecting the change to a charac... Free Essays on Professional Orientation Free Essays on Professional Orientation Professional Orientation to Counseling According to Vacc and Loesch there is no quick and easy way to define or explain the term ‘counseling’, rather they consider the activity of mental health counseling complex, consisting of a number of assumptions. Counselors require a myriad of ‘helping skills’ from what are referred to as intentional and unintentional helping skills. Counselors can use and draw upon helping skills and therapeutic constructs to strengthen and refine their counseling skills. In chapter 4, Helping Skills are elaborated on and described to assist the new counselor. Skills of this nature are useful in all forms of counseling; I found chapter seven, Working with Groups to be interesting and could easily understand how a counselor using ‘helping skills’ could quite effectively facilitate group sessions. Chapter 9, focused on Assessment and Appraisal – again another very interesting topic. Understanding the need for assessments is critical for the new counselor. Assessments are not meant to be used alone, but in conjunction with other counseling methods, which can assist the counselor to understand the needs of the client while being able to choose appropriate counseling techniques. Research in professional counseling was not something I expected to come across at great length, but according to Vacc and Loesch, it is extremely important for counselors. Heppner, Kivlighan, and Wampold (1998) stated that as professionals we have a responsibility to not only promote wellness with our clients, but to stay abreast of human nature and the field of counseling. Traditional research methodology is not necessarily the preferred method of research for professional counselors. It seems that the ‘single-subject’ design is more beneficial in measuring and demonstrating the effectiveness of counseling. The elements of single-subject research are based on measuring change, connecting the change to a charac...

Llama Facts

Llama Facts The llama (Lama glama) is a large, furry mammal that was domesticated in South America thousands of years ago for meat, fur, and as pack animal. Although related to camels, llamas dont have humps. Llamas are close relatives of alpacas, vicuà ±as, and guanacos. Although they are all different species, a group of llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuà ±as may be called lamoids or simply llamas. Fast Facts: Llama Scientific Name: Lama glamaCommon Name: LlamaBasic Animal Group: MammalSize: 5 feet 7 inches - 5 feet 11 inchesWeight: 290-440 poundsLifespan: 15-25 yearsDiet: HerbivoreHabitat: From the Andes Mountains of South AmericaPopulation: MillionsConservation Status: Not evaluated (domestic animal) Description Llamas and other lamoids have cloven feet, short tails, and long necks. A llama has long banana-shaped ears and a cleft upper lip. Mature llamas have modified canine and incisor teeth called fighting teeth or fangs. Generally, these teeth are removed from intact males, as they can injure other males during fights for dominance. Llamas occur in many colors, including white, black, brown, tan, gray, and piebald. The fur may be short-coated (Ccara) or medium-coated (Curaca). Adults range from 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 11 inches in height and weigh between 290 and 440 pounds. Habitat and Distribution Llamas were domesticated in Peru around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago from wild guanacos. However, the animals actually came from North America and moved to South America following the Ice Age. Today, llamas are raised all over the world. Several million live in the Americas, Europe, and Australia. Llamas and alpacas resulted from domestication of guanacos and vicunas in the Andes. Diet Llamas are herbivores that graze on a wide variety of plants. They typically eat corn, alfalfa, and grass. Although llamas regurgitate and re-chew food like sheep and cattle, they have a three-compartment stomach and are not ruminants. The llama has a very long large intestine that allows it to digest cellulose-rich plants and also survive on much less water than most mammals. Behavior Llamas are herd animals. Except for dominance disputes, they dont usually bite. They spit, wrestle, and kick to establish social rank and fight off predators. Llamas are intelligent and easily halter-trained. They can carry between 25% and 30% of their weight for a distance of 5 to 8 miles. Reproduction and Offspring Unlike most large animals, llamas are induced ovulators. That is, they ovulate as a result of mating rather than going into estrus or heat. Llamas mate lying down. Gestation lasts 350 days (11.5 months) and results in a single newborn, which is called a cria. Crias stand, walk, and nurse within an hour after birth. Llama tongues dont reach far enough outside their mouths for the mother to lick her young dry, so llamas have evolved to give birth in warm daylight hours. Female llamas become sexually mature at one year of age. Males mature later, around three years of age. Llamas usually live 15 to 25 years, but some live 30 years. A male dromedary camel and female llama can produce a hybrid known as a cama. Due to the size difference between camels and llamas, camas only result from artificial insemination. A llama and her cria. Jonne Seijdel, Getty Images Conservation Status Because they are domesticated animals, llamas do not have a conservation status. The wild ancestor of the llama, the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), is classified as least concern by the IUCN. There are over a million guanacos and their population size is increasing. Llamas and Humans In the pre-Incan and Incan cultures, llamas were used as pack animals, for meat, and for fiber. Their fur is soft, warm, and lanolin-free. Llama dung was an important fertilizer. In modern society, llamas are still raised for all of these reasons, plus they are valuable guard animals for sheep and goats. Llamas bond with livestock and help protect lambs from coyotes, feral dogs, and other predators. How to Tell Llamas and Alpacas Apart While both llamas and alpacas may be grouped as llamas, they are separate camelid species. Llamas are larger than alpacas and occur in more colors. A llamas face is more elongated and its ears are larger and banana-shaped. Alpacas have flatter faces and smaller, straight ears. Sources Birutta, Gale. A Guide to Raising Llamas. 1997. ISBN 0-88266-954-0.Kurtà ©n, Bjà ¶rn and Elaine Anderson. Pleistocene Mammals of North America. New York: Columbia University Press. p. 307, 1980. ISBN 0231037333.Perry, Roger. Wonders of Llamas. Dodd, Mead Company. p. 7, 1977. ISBN 0-396-07460-X.Walker, Cameron. Guard Llamas Keep Sheep Safe From Coyotes. National Geographic. June 10, 2003.Wheeler, Dr Jane; Miranda Kadwell; Matilde Fernandez; Helen F. Stanley; Ricardo Baldi; Raul Rosadio; Michael W. Bruford. Genetic analysis reveals the wild ancestors of the llama and the alpaca. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 268 (1485): 2575–2584, 2001. doi:10.1098/rspb.2001.1774

Personal experience with mental illness and treatment Essay

Personal experience with mental illness and treatment - Essay Example As a young baby, he seldom played with any of us, and preferred to play with his toys. None of us thought anything of it. When he turned 3, and still didn’t utter a single word, our parents became concerned and consulted a few doctors and psychotherapists. Initially my brother was misdiagnosed with Down’s syndrome. A chromosomal disorder, in which individuals range from mild to profoundly mentally disabled. His speech therapy started when he was 3 years old with minimum results and no results whatsoever in trying to get him to socialize with other children. Our parents thought the doctors were not doing their job properly and kept changing schools and doctors, speech therapists and other professionals. People who came in contact with my brother did not realize he had some sort of disability till they tried to interact with him. After which they tried to socialize but getting no response from my brother, left him alone. We continued to treat him according to what the doctor initially diagnosed as Down’s syndrome, not understanding why he wouldn’t talk and why he wouldn’t socialize. It is characteristic of a Down’s syndrome child to be friendly, and have some form of speech, where as my brother had very limited, 2-3 word sentence speech and hardly any friends. He was most friendly with his nanny and both me and my elder sister, and managed to communicate with us. Mostly the speech therapy sessions were very discouraging and had no results to show. My brother refused to interact with the therapist and every kind of therapy he tried, ended in vain. On a conference on autism and its types, I went through the symptoms of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and realized my brother did not have Down’s syndrome, but Autism. This explained all his primary behaviors, which were all characteristic of ASD, such as not having developed