Managing Decision Making Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Managing Decision Making - Assignment Example    Literature Review & Summary of Research Findings- Simon's Model of Decision According to classical decision making theory, individuals need to gather information regarding the emergent issue, then search for plausible alternativeness which can be used in order to address the issue and then select the most optimal alternatives (Bechara and Damasio, 2005). But, Simon (1979) criticized the classical decision making approach by stating that model doesn’t correspond with real world decision dilemmas. One needs to understand the key steps in Simon’s decision making model in order to criticize or appreciate it in context to research works of different research scholars. Bechara and Damasio (2005) stated that there are three phases in Simon’s decision making model such as, 1- intelligence phase, 2- design phase and 3- choice. Intelligence Phase- in the intelligence phase, individuals formulate the problem or decision statement by comparing the current process status with historical data or reference points. In this phase, individuals gather information from external environment without knowing exact outcome of such information crunching. Design Phase- in this phase, individuals try to formulate the probable alternatives to address the decision statement by considering the gathered information from macro environment. Decision makers need to analyze the information collected from external environment in order to generate alternative approach to the problem statement. Choice- in this phase, individuals select the most feasible alternative in order to address the decision problem or take decision. Important thing to remember that, the most potential alternative to the decision problem might not be the most feasible one hence decision makers must take care while selecting potential choice. There is no doubt that Simon’s decision model is based on the concept of bounded rationality. Simon (1979) pointed out that rational decision making becom es difficult due to various reasons such as lack of knowledge about all the alternatives, uncertain events, inability to calculate consequences, lack of knowledge about the consequence of particular decision, human behavioural limits etc. Due to such shortcomings, rationality of any decision making is subjected to be bounded hence a decision cannot be optimized. Sent (2005) supported the bounded rationality model of Simon and stated that although rationality might be the goal for decision making but ability of the decision maker is limited due to cognitive (such as personal values, lack of computational ability, reflexes and lack of knowledge) as well as exogenous factors (uncertainty regarding the outcome of decision). DellaVigna (2009) stated that the concept of bounded rationality is very much pertinent in context to modern day business problems while Bromiley (2005) appreciated decision making model of Simon for its usability in investment decision making and behavioral economic s. However, there are other group of research scholars such as Campitelli and Gobet (2010) and Levinthal (2011) who criticized Simon’s decision making model for lacking in depth. Levinthal (2011) stated that decision makers need to create representation in explicit or implicit manner while making deductive reason

Federal Reserve Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Federal Reserve Paper - Essay Example 3. Maintaining the stability of the financial system and containing systemic risk that may arise in financial markets. 4. Providing financial services to depository institutions, the U.S. government, and foreign official institutions, including playing a major role in operating the nation's payments system. Discussion Since the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 the Federal Reserve has been in governance of monetary policy. The policy is controlled by maintaining open market operations, reserve requirements, and discount rates (Monetary Policy, p.1). In section 2A of the Federal Reserve Act the objectives of the monetary policy read â€Å"The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Open Market Committee shall maintain long run growth of the monetary and credit aggregates commensurate with the economy's long run potential to increase production, so as to promote effectively the goals of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates† (About the Fed, p. 1). In this process the primary function of the central bank is to increase the credit and cash flow. The way this task is completed is by acting as a hub for the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). The Federal Reserve Bank relinquishes the funds from depository institutions into public funds. ... 1). Generally in order for the central bank to be successful at this agenda there has to be something of monetary value. The basic function of money is used as a stake horse for the Reserve bank. When the economy is in high demand of currency the Federal Reserve Bank issues it to institutions. When the demand for cash is low the bank will recover money from institutions and allow them to access a credit account (The Structure of the Federal Reserve, p. 1) These involvements along with the influence of the monetary policy will have a visible impact on the economic state. In light of the recent recession there has been some progress made toward fulfilling the monetary policy. The Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben S. Bernanke, made a testimonial over the recent effects of the economic recovery. Based on his report the new monetary policy has not yet had a positive effect. According to the report given by Bernanke the objective for the Federal Reserve to maximize employment and stabilize pri ces is near but offset by an expected decline of employment in 2011. It is expected that with the policy in place the unemployment rate will go down to 8% by 2012. The effects of the currently high unemployment rates force the economy into lower inflation periods. That force places us in range for deflation and is the cause of less production (Bernanke, p. 1). To enforce a consistent upward turn in the objectives of the monetary policy several Acts have been implemented. Of the lot, the Government Performance and Results Act Strategic Planning Document (2008-2011) outlines that the monetary policy goals will be met using the following objectives: 1. Stay abreast of recent developments in and prospects for the U.S. economy and financial markets, and in those abroad, so that monetary

Volvo Cars Essay Example for Free

Volvo Cars Essay 1) Why had Volvo lost its way in the years leading up to the takeover? Volvo started to manufacture and export cars to foreign countries since the mid-1950s. The company set up plants in Torslanda, Sweden, in 1964, followed by plants in Belgium and the Netherlands. Before Volvo was sold to Ford Motor Company in 1999, they had a joint-venture partnership with Pininfarina SpA of Italy. (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 2, 2007, pp. 9-11) Volvo is a premium brand; with market shares of 1.5% and 0. 6% in the EU and US respectively (Wang 2011). Volvo faces competition and threat from Premium brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi, who have increased product offerings. While the competing premium brands increase their product offering, Volvo markets 10 models under Brand categories S, XC, C and V. This gives the competing premium brand an advantage over Volvo, therefore enabling them to grasp a bigger market share then compared to Volvo. The company’s market shares are further threatened by the growing invasion of the Asian car manufacturers. (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: SWOT analysis, 2007, pp. 12-13). During the recent years, a rise in cars manufactured by the Asian market has been affecting the automobile industry. Asian car manufacturers have the advantage of producing cars at the cheaper cost compared to cars from the US and EU regions. This enable them to export cars to foreign market at a cheaper rate. Thus, apart from competing premium brands, Volvo faces increasing competition from emerging Asian car manufacturers. One of Volvo’s major competitor, Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz car division have implemented a strategic initiatives to run the cost down and revenues up by reduction in costs of materials, fixed cost, improved efficiencies and overall improvement (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: Competitor analysis, 2007, pp. 6-8). In comparison, Volvo’s high cost of premium cars is a result of cars being made in Sweden and then imported. â€Å"This makes the Volvo brand cars expensive when compared to the others, which enjoy strong regional production and distribution operations.† (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: SWOT analysis, 2007, pp. 12-13). Volvo is also affected by the increasing prices of steel, and other raw materials which eventually threatens the company’s margin and profitability (Volvo Car Corporation: 2006 company profile edition 2, 2006, pp. 12-13). When compared to Asian car manufacturers, the competition enjoys cheaper labor costs and plant facilities that have been set up in the developing countries. Apart from export costs and increasing prices of raw materials, Volvo also has to take account for their higher labor cost when compared to the Asian Market. Volvo did not show growth in the market share, making it a small player. Volvo’s markets were generally focused on the US and the Swedish markets. However, other EU countries have shown growth. The recent years have also shown growth in the Chinese market. Volvo have less market exposure compared to the other premium brands as well as the Asian brands. â€Å"Volvo has been losing money for a continuous period of 4 years† (Wang, 2011, p. 24). The reduction in sales is the major reason for Volvo’s financial problems. Volvo was hit financial crisis in second quarter of 2006 making a loss in the global operations. After the losses, Volvo decided to cut costs in all areas, this was the reason behind the reduction in employees. â€Å"Tough currency exchange rates and an aged product line have hammered Volvo revenues, forcing a second round of employee cutbacks† (Rechtin, 2006, p. 3). After the financial problems, Ford decided to sell Volvo. Volvo have been affected by the growth of its competitors and their market expansion, eventually leading to its fall. 2) What are the risks for Geely in trying to turn around a premium brand such as Volvo? This acquisition has been the subject of heavy speculation by the media, as it went against the norm of the acquirer being better off than the acquired. The first risk that Geely being a Chinese company and Volvo being a Swedish company will face is that the, differences in work culture and environmental culture would be prominent. The Swedish and the Chinese are very different in terms of work and environmental cultures. The risk of Geely trying to impose Chinese culture upon the Swedish based company might impact the merger negatively. One such internationally criticized union was Daimler’s acquisition of Chrysler. It was reported that, â€Å"this clash was intrinsic to a union between two companies which had such different wage structures, corporate hierarchies and values† (Finkelstein, 2002, p. 4). While Daimler established a hierarchical company with a chain of command, Chrysler was team-oriented. Differences also existed between the products begin offered. While Chrysler had car models which displayed reliability for competitive prices, Daimler-Benz had cars offering quality at any cost. Geely-Volvo also have differing products; Volvo being recognized for its quality, safety and premium brand, Geely, on the other hand, produces lower, cost effective range of cars. Integration of the two companies would be risky as it would be difficult to merge management styles. Using an example from the Daimler-Chrysler union, Chrysler was known for â€Å"its assertiveness and risk-taking cowboy aura, all produced within a cost-controlled atmosphere.† (Finkelstein, 2002, p. 5), while Daimler is known for its German engineering, quality and precision. Similarly, Volvo is known for its’ quality and safety. â€Å"Over the years Volvos design and production have been closely integrated with Fords, so much so that it will take years to unstitch them† (Devolving Volvo, 2010). This poses as a challenge for Geely to be able to manage Volvo from its’ style of management that has been adopted from Ford. â€Å"Acquirers often under-estimate the scale of integration.† (Pearson, 2013). BMW acquired Rover without completely estimating the scale of integration that would be needed. â€Å"BMW acquired Rover in a hurry, and never got to grips with the business before selling it at an estimated loss of Euro 4.1bn.† (Pearson, 2013). Geely might run the risk of not completely understanding the scale of integration that would be required and the type of business model that is adopted by Volvo. Without understanding the type of company Volvo is, Geely might make the same mistake as BMW. In order to overcome this, Geely will need to develop strong leadership skills and the scale of integration between the two companies needs to be effectively evaluated and implemented in order for this merger to bear fruits. Had BMW looked at the operations and business model adopted by Rover, they would have had a better understanding if Rover’s Problems. BMW would have been better equipped to handle Rover’s problems, similarly, if Geely has a better understanding of Volvo’s operations it will be able to direct it towards success. Another such risk is in the investment that Geely would have to make in order to make Volvo profitable again. â€Å"Turning around Volvo Car needs a large amount of input which will definitely burden Geely in the initial investment period.† (Huihui, 2012, p. 41). Volvo would need a considerable amount of investment if it is going to overcome the reasons it failed in the first place. Volvo needs to broaden its product offerings and increase its market exposure if it is going to compete with other premium brands. Geely and Volvo differ hugely in terms of Cost structure. Geely, being the owner of Volvo, will need to invest heavily in Volvo cars to maintain its quality, premium brand name and its cost structure. Geely on the other hand, will be able to make cars with lesser cost and sell it at a more affordable price. Geely needs to be able to understand the difference in the cost models. Geely will have to overcome differences, invest heavily and be a strong leader in order to make this a profitable take over. 3) In your view, was the purchase of Volvo a brilliant strategic decision, or a mistake? Explain. Based on my view the purchase of Volvo was a good strategic decision made my Geely. Geely has a lot to gain from this take over. One advantage is its access to Volvo’s technologies and expert knowledge on the international automobile industry. Geely will have access to Volvo’s expertise on medium-sized vehicles, the indoor air quality and especially safety. Volvo owns advanced skills on a large range of technology, and is renowned for its safety features. Geely can use this technology to its competitive advantage to improve the quality of its product in the domestic market and international market. Geely has been facing difficulties as it could not meet the safety and emissions standards in those areas. (Wang, 2011). Apart from access to Volvo’s intellectual property rights, Geely will have also gained access into Volvo’s global marketing network and supplier base. Geely is very ambitious and keen to enter the American and European markets. It can now use Volvo’s network and supply chain to access the international market. The use of the same supply chain will also help Geely minimize its cost, and be more efficient. Volvo is a renowned premium brand, however as discussed above, it lacks market exposure and a diversified product offering base. With proper leadership and management, Volvo can boost its profit and market growth. If Geely is able to provide a good leadership and guidance, it would be able to enjoy the profits that Volvo, as a premium brand, would offer. Volvo, already being an established brand, would only require good marketing, expansion and cost reduction strategy. Geely can reapthe fruits of a globally established brand with much ease. Geely has made acquisitions that can also benefit Volvo. â€Å"The first acquisition happened in 2009 when Geely paid AUS$58 million for purchasing Drivetrain Systems International (DSI), an Australian transmission company.† (Wang, 2011, p. 19). This acquisition of DSI, could be used to help both Geely and Volvo benefit from advanced in-house transmissions that can be produced cost effectively and gain a competitive edge on their competitors. Volvo can gain advantage from Geely offering a more Ccost effective production line. Volvo now has the capability to set up manufacturing plants in China, which will inevitably help them in cost reduction. Volvo can use Geely’s supply chains in China, which will encourage growth in the Chinese market. Geely is said to â€Å"repurposing a nearly completed Geely plant in south-western China to make Volvo cars—part of a turnaround strategy† (Shirouzu, 2010). By using China to manufacture cars, it can be cost effective on it supply chain, as well as cost effective labour. However, on the other hand, this strategic decision might backfire. As discussed above, Geely is taking a big risk by taking over a Volvo. A premium brand like Volvo would require large investments towards their manufacturing to ensure quality, as well as towards market expansion and diversification in product offering. Geely will also have to take into account the investment it would have to put towards research and development. The challenges Geely will have to overcome to make this an effective decision is â€Å"Geelys lack of global stature, as well as its past reputation for making low-end vehicles, could be a drag on Volvos reputation† (Shirouzu, 2010). While Volvo is considered as a premium brand, acquisition by a small Chinese company might tarnish the Volvo brand name. One of the more successful alliance is of the French Renault and the Japanese Nissan. The two companies faced similar problems likes culture differences, language barrier and financial situation. However, the objective adopted by this alliance is â€Å"to establish a powerful automotive group and develop synergies while conserving the corporate culture and identity of each brand† (Wang, 2011, p. 41). Taking an example from this, Geely and Volvo would need to develop a successful strategy if it has to overcome their differences. I believe, the strategic decision can be an effective one, provided Geely demonstrate good leadership qualities as well as develop an effective strategy in order to ensure profitability from both, Geely and Volvo.

Burn wounds Essay Example for Free

Burn wounds Essay There are several ways that an investigator might confirm suspicion that burns are intentionally inflicted, rather than accidental in nature. One factor in considering whether a burn is intentionally inflicted is the nature of the burn. A contact burn of irregular shape is typical of accidental contact with a hot item such as a pot on a stove or an iron. Burns of this nature are typically accidental. One way of determining if the burn is not is by examining its shape. Burns that reflect the pattern of the object from which they obtained can often point to intentional burning. Symmetrical burns are less likely to be accidental. Chemical burns also should display a random pattern consistent with accidental contact. A burn pattern suggesting submersion in a corrosive or hot liquid of any body part is suspect, particularly if there are no corresponding splash-type wounds. Another determining factor is the location of the burn. Contact burns that are truly accidental are nearly always situated on the extremities, as it is unlikely that a child would ignore the pain of extreme heat until contact is made with the torso, or head. While immersion burns from hot liquid can be on the torso, if accidental, they should be accompanied by splash patterns associated with the rapid withdrawal of the burned body part from the water. Most accidental burns on a child old enough to remove themselves from the source are no worse than second-degree. Burns of greater degree are highly suggestive of a child being physically forced into contact with the burning agent. Unless the parent has a reasonable explanation for a more severe burn, these types of injuries should be regarded as highly suspicious. The key element in determining whether a burn was intentionally inflicted arrives with the interview of the admitting parent. Lies about burn sources are relatively easy to spot. Burn characteristics such as location, severity, and pattern can easily indicate whether the parent is lying about the source of the burn. The questions that must be asked are: What caused the burn? How long was the child in contact with the source of the burn? What sort of supervision was offered while this occurred. There are only three scenarios possible in burn situations: pure accident, parental negligence, or intentional burning. It is up to the investigator to determine which situation applies in any given case.

Membrane: Structure And Function

Membrane: Structure And Function Chapter title: Membrane Structure and Function. The ability of the cell to discriminate in its chemical exchanges with the environment is fundamental to life, and it is the plasma membrane that makes this selectivity possible. Membrane The membranes that are found within cells (plus the plasma membrane surrounding cells) consist of phospholipids (and other lipids plus membrane proteins) arrayed by hydrophobic exclusion into two-dimensional fluids known as known as lipid bilayers Phospholipids Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules meaning that they have both a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic end Lipid bilayer Phospholipids can exist as bilayers in aqueous solutions The hydrophobic portion of the phospholipid is shielded in middle of these bilayers The hydrophilic portion is exposed on both sides to water Lipid bilayers are held together mainly by hydrophobic interactions (including hydrophobic exclusion) Fluid mosaic model The plasma membrane contains proteins, sugars, and other lipids in addition to the phospholipids The model that describes the arrangement of these substances in and about lipid bilayers is called the fluid mosaic model Basically, membrane proteins are suspended within a two-dimensional fluid that in turn is made up mostly of phospholipids Cholesterol Cholesterol, a kind of steroid, is an amphipathic lipid that is found in lipid bilayers that serves as a temperature-stability buffer At higher temperatures cholesterol serves to impede phospholipid fluidity At lower temperatures cholesterol interferes with solidification of membranes (e.g., cholesterol functions similarly, in the latter case, to the effect of unsaturated fatty acids on lipid-bilayer fluidity) Cholesterol is found particularly in animal cell membranes Membrane proteins Proteins are typically associated with cell membranes Integral membrane proteins are typically hydrophobic where they interact with the hydrophobic portion of the membrane or hydrophilic where they interact with the hydrophilic portion of the membrane and overlying Functions of membrane proteins Functions of membrane proteins include: Transport of substances across membranes Enzymatic activity cell communication Cell-to-cell joining Attachment to the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix Selective permeability Lipid bilayers display selective permeability In general, intact lipid bilayers are permeable to: Hydrophobic molecules (including many gasses) Small, not-ionized molecules   Simultaneously, lipid bilyaers are NOT permeable to: Larger, polar molecules (e.g., sugars) Ions, regardless of size Thus, lipid bilayers are selectively permeable barriers that allow the entry of small or hydrophobic molecules while blocking the entry of larger polar or even small charged substances Transport across membranes Movement across membranes is important, for instance as a means of removing wastes from a cell or bringing food into a cell Categories of substance transport across membranes include: Passive transport Facilitated diffusion Active transport (including cotransport) Endocytosis, phagocytosis, and exocytosis, also considered below, technically are not mechanisms of movement of substances across lipid bilayers (though these do represent movements of substances into and out of cells; to be movement across the euakaryotic cell membrane, a substance must actually pass through an endomembrane lipid bilayer) Note that in considering transport across membranes we will once again confront the concept of movement away from or towards equilibrium, i.e., endergonic and exergonic processes There are three basic types of movement across membranes: simple diffusion, passive transport, and active transport: Simple diffusion Simple diffusion is the movement of substances across lipid bilayers without the aid of membrane proteins This image (below) shows how substances move through membranes, regardless of net direction and concentration gradients: This image (below) shows how substances net move through membranes in the direction of their concentrations gradients (i.e., with their concentration gradients)-note that regardless of how net movement is accomplished, all simple diffusion across membranes occurs in the manner illustrated above, i.e., it is a process that is driven by the random movement of molecules: This figure (below) indicates the kinds of molecules that are capable of moving across membranes via simple diffusion: Passive transport Passive transport is the term used to describe the diffusion (as well as what is termed facilitated diffusion, below) of substances across lipid bilayers Passive transport is a consequence of movement through the lipid bilayer (whether by diffusion through the membrane or with movement across facilitated by an integral membrane protein) a concentration gradient thereby contrasting with active transport Down the concentration gradient Diffusion is a random process that tends to result in the net movement of substances from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration This includes movement from one side of a permeable lipid bilayer to the other from the higher concentration side to the lower concentration side (i.e., passive transport) Movement from high to low concentration areas is described as going down its concentration gradient. The direction of movement of substances across lipid bilayers by passive transport is controlled by concentration gradients Osmosis Movement of water across selectively permeable membranes down the water concentration gradient is called osmosis Note that this is movement toward equilibrium (exergonic process) Tonicity (isotonic, hypertonic, hypotonic) Picture a membrane separating two solutions, one side with a higher solute concentration than the other The side with the higher solute concentration is said to be hypertonic The side with the lower solute concentration is said to be hypotonic (I keep track of the difference by recalling that a hypodermic syringe is so named because the tip of the needle is placed beneath the dermis, i.e., under the skin; a hypotonic solution has a solute concentration that is beneath, i.e., lower than that of the reference solution) If both sides have the same solute concentration, they are said to be isotonic Animal cells and tonicity Normally animal cells are bathed in an isotonic solution Placement of an animal cell in a hypertonic solution causes the cell to shrink (i.e., water is lost from the cell by osmosis) Placement of an animal cell in a hypotonic solution causes it to take on water then burst (lyse, i.e., die) (water is gained by the cell, lost from the environment bathing the cell, both by osmosis) Turgidity Normally a plant cell exists in a hypotonic environment The hypotonicity causes the plant cytoplasm to expand However the plant cell does not lyse and this is due to the presence of its cell wall This conditions is known as turgidity (i.e., the pressing of the plant plasma membrane up against its cell wall) Plant cells prefer to display turgidity Plasmolysis A plant or bacterial cell placed in a hypertonic environment will show a shrinkage of its cytoplasm This shrinkage is called plasmolysis At the very least plasmolysis will inhibit growth Often plasmolysis will lead to cell death This is the principle upon which foods are preserved in highly osmotic solutions (e.g., salt or sugar); such solutions impede most microbial growth Flaccidity Plant cells bathed in isotonic solutions will fail to display turgidity Instead they display flaccidity At a whole-organismal level, flaccidity is otherwise known as wilting Transport proteins Substances (e.g., sugars) that are not permeable through lipid bilayers may still cross via membrane-spanning transport proteins Facilitated diffusion Facilitated diffusion is the movement of a substance across a membrane via the employment of a transport protein, where net movement can only occur with the concentration gradient, is called facilitated diffusion The key thing to keep in mind is that facilitated diffusion, in contrast to other mechanisms of transport-protein-mediated membrane crossing, does not require any input of energy beyond that necessary to place the protein in the membrane in the first place (i.e., facilitated diffusion is an exergonic process) Passive versus active transport Two general categories of transport across membranes exist: Those that dont require an input of energy (passive transport, simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion) Those that do require an input of energy (active transport) Passive Transport Active Transport Concentration gradient With (Down) Against (Up) Without Integral Protein Yes (Simple Diffusion) No With Integral Protein Yes   Yes Examples Small or Hydrophobic Substances, Osmosis(by simple diffusion) or Not-Small or Charged Substances (by facilitated diffusion) Cotransport, Proton Pump, Sodium-Potassium Pump Active transport Active transport is the movement of substances across membranes against their concentration gradients Moving things against their concentration gradients requires an expenditure of energy (i.e., it is an endergonic process) This energy can be in the form of ATP (e.g., sodium-potassium pump) This energy can also be in the form of electrochemical gradients (i.e., cotransport) Note that the movement of substances by active transport is in a direction that is away from equilibrium Sodium-potassium pump One means by which cells actively transport substances across membranes is via the sodium-potassium pump The sodium-potassium pump is important especially in animal cells, and is the means by which the sodium-potassium electrochemical gradient is established by these cells Proton pump The sodium-potassium pump is the means by which animal cells generate membrane potentials In bacteria, plants, and fungi, proton pumps play the same role The proton pump is simply ATP-driven active transport in which the substance pumped across the membrane is a hydrogen ion Cotransport Much of the active transport accomplished by a cell isnt directly powered by ATP Instead, much active transport is powered by membrane potentials (i.e., electrochemical gradients) Such electrochemical-gradient-driven active transport is called cotransport In cotransport, one substance, such as a sugar, is driven up its concentration gradient while a second substance, e.g., sodium ions or protons, are allowed to fall down their electrochemical gradient; the energy gained from the latter is employed to power the former (i.e., energy coupling) Endocytosis Endocytosis is a general category of mechanisms that move substances from outside of the cell to inside of the cell, but neither across a membrane (technically) nor into the cytoplasm (again, technically speaking) Instead, substances are moved from outside of the cell and into the lumens of endomembrane system members To enter the cytoplasm an endocytosed substance must still be moved across the membrane of the endomembrane system, e.g., following their digestion (typically hydrolysis) to smaller molecules Examples include: phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis Phagocytosis Phagocytosis is the engulfing of extracellular particles is achieved by wrapping pseudopodia around the particles, thus internalizing the particles into vacuoles Amoebas employ phagocytosis to eat Most protozoa obtain their food by engulfing, i.e., via some form of endocytosis The advantage of endocytosis as a mechanism of food gathering has to do with minimizing the volume within which digestive enzymes must work in order to digest food, i.e., the engulfed food particle Cells in our own bodies, called phagocytes and macrophages employ phagocytosis to engulf (and then destroy) debris floating around our bodies as well as to engulf and destroy invading bacteria Pinocytosis Pinocytosis is the engulfing of liquid surrounding a cell This is how developing ova obtain nutrients from their surrounding nurse cells (ova are very large cells so have surface-to-volume problems-pinocytosis solves the problem of nutrient acquisition by allowing nutrients to be obtained across many internal membranes rather than being limited to crossing the plasma membrane) Receptor-mediated endocytosis Receptor-mediated endocytosis involves the binding of extracellular substances to membrane-associated receptors, which in turn induces the formation of a vesicles Exocytosis Exocytosis is more or less the mechanistic opposite of endocytosis

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkein :: essays research papers

â€Å"The Hobbit† Book Report   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"The Hobbit† was written by J. R. R. Tolkien and secured as a copyright in 1937. The story is about a short, peaceful creature named Bilbo Baggins who, like most hobbits, is about half as tall as a human, but not nearly as loud. Bilbo resides in his comfortable hole where he leads a very easy-going life. He does, however have a side to himself that wants to go out and explore the world and be adventurous. One day a wizard, named Gandalf, comes to Bilbo’s house and discovers that he could use an adventure to make a difference in his life. Bilbo declines Gandalf’s invitation, but gets dragged into an expedition when Gandalf hires Bilbo as a â€Å"Burglar† to join a group of dwarves. These dwarves, led by Thorin, are going to head to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim treasure stolen from their family by a fierce dragon, named Smaug. Throughout the quest, the party is faced with trouble from trolls, goblins, spiders, and many â€Å"evil† creatures. Bi lbo is useful to the group because he can sneak around very quietly, and explore things without getting caught. This ability to sneak around is ever increased when he stumbles across a magic ring that makes him invisible. Using the ring, Bilbo comes across a way to kill the dragon and reclaim the treasure. He spreads word of Smaug’s weak spot and the dragon is killed, but not before an entire town is destroyed. When the treasure is reclaimed, there is much controversy over who gets to claim it. Thorin is, however, unwilling to share the treasure with anyone but the dwarves, and a war brews over it. The â€Å"good† creatures unite and defeat the â€Å"evil† creatures, but as a consequence Thorin is killed in battle. The treasure is then spread peacefully among the â€Å"good† creatures, including Bilbo, and he heads home. When he returns he finds that the other hobbits do no longer wish to interact with Bilbo because of his newfound adventurous ways. He do esn’t mind though, because he has gained many friends out of his expedition, who stop by frequently. The Hobbit is a great story for people who like to leave their present reality, and simply enter a world of fantasy. This novel’s most important element was the main character, Bilbo Baggins. The entire story revolves around Bilbo’s actions, and follows him wherever he goes.

What is One Worth? Essay -- Psychology

What Is One Worth? In the depths of a person’s heart, lies his or her self-worth. Self-worth molds individuals into who they are, what they want to become. Self-worth lies at the heart of self-esteem. Self-esteem is Palladino (1994) a combination of â€Å"self-confidence, self-worth, and self-respect. It involves respecting others, [along with] feeling a sense of harmony and peace within yourself† (p.1). The key to higher self-esteem is the incentive to take responsibility for one’s viewpoints, and to understand that this is what makes them who they are (Palladino, 1994). However, the mission of higher self-esteem at times will cause sacrifices to be made by the person to education, relationships, self-regulation, mental and physical health, as well as other concerns (Crocker & Knight, 2005). If a person wants to better themselves, and create higher self-esteem, he or she must do so cautiously, or there will be repercussions. Palladino (1994) noted â€Å"self-esteem reflects [each individual] to everyone whom [they] come into contact (p.1). Self-esteem does not stay the same throughout a person’s life. There are many factors that come and go that cause self-esteem to fluctuate. As stated by Palladino, (1994) â€Å"self-esteem is both conscious and unconscious. Self-esteem is an ongoing assessment of whom a person is, an opinion about what he or she can and cannot do† (p. 1). For example, when a person buys a house, self-esteem will be high. If a person loses his or her house due to foreclosure, self-esteem can be low. Sometimes a person cannot help the value they put on their self-esteem. If a person loses their job, and it is not their fault, and other bad events follow, that is factors beyond the person control that affec... ...e. Individuals can choose to accept responsibility in his or her life. By accepting responsibility, they can produce better alternatives for themselves. References Crocker, Jennifer & Knight, Katherine M. (2005). Contingencies of Self Worth. Current Directions in Psychological Science (Wiley-Blackwell). Vol. 14 (Issue 4), pages 4, 200-203. McLeod, S.A. (2007). Simply Psychology; Carl Rogers. Retrieved April 26, 2012 from http://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html Palladino, Connie D. (1994). Developing Self Esteem: A Guide for Positive Success. Menlo Park, California: Crisp Publications. Vohs, Kathleen D (Editor); Finkel, Eli J. (2006). Self and Relationships: Connecting Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Processes. New York, NY, USA: Guilford Press. Retrieved from: http://site.ebrary.com/lib/apus/Doc?id=10172290&ppg=48 What is One Worth? Essay -- Psychology What Is One Worth? In the depths of a person’s heart, lies his or her self-worth. Self-worth molds individuals into who they are, what they want to become. Self-worth lies at the heart of self-esteem. Self-esteem is Palladino (1994) a combination of â€Å"self-confidence, self-worth, and self-respect. It involves respecting others, [along with] feeling a sense of harmony and peace within yourself† (p.1). The key to higher self-esteem is the incentive to take responsibility for one’s viewpoints, and to understand that this is what makes them who they are (Palladino, 1994). However, the mission of higher self-esteem at times will cause sacrifices to be made by the person to education, relationships, self-regulation, mental and physical health, as well as other concerns (Crocker & Knight, 2005). If a person wants to better themselves, and create higher self-esteem, he or she must do so cautiously, or there will be repercussions. Palladino (1994) noted â€Å"self-esteem reflects [each individual] to everyone whom [they] come into contact (p.1). Self-esteem does not stay the same throughout a person’s life. There are many factors that come and go that cause self-esteem to fluctuate. As stated by Palladino, (1994) â€Å"self-esteem is both conscious and unconscious. Self-esteem is an ongoing assessment of whom a person is, an opinion about what he or she can and cannot do† (p. 1). For example, when a person buys a house, self-esteem will be high. If a person loses his or her house due to foreclosure, self-esteem can be low. Sometimes a person cannot help the value they put on their self-esteem. If a person loses their job, and it is not their fault, and other bad events follow, that is factors beyond the person control that affec... ...e. Individuals can choose to accept responsibility in his or her life. By accepting responsibility, they can produce better alternatives for themselves. References Crocker, Jennifer & Knight, Katherine M. (2005). Contingencies of Self Worth. Current Directions in Psychological Science (Wiley-Blackwell). Vol. 14 (Issue 4), pages 4, 200-203. McLeod, S.A. (2007). Simply Psychology; Carl Rogers. Retrieved April 26, 2012 from http://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html Palladino, Connie D. (1994). Developing Self Esteem: A Guide for Positive Success. Menlo Park, California: Crisp Publications. Vohs, Kathleen D (Editor); Finkel, Eli J. (2006). Self and Relationships: Connecting Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Processes. New York, NY, USA: Guilford Press. Retrieved from: http://site.ebrary.com/lib/apus/Doc?id=10172290&ppg=48