Introduction to the research process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Introduction to the research process - Essay Example These purposes give a clear notion about the hypotheses the study is built on, although no formulation can be found in the text. Firstly, the authors believe that both groups (diabetic patients and health practitioners) tend to demonstrate certain level of coincidence in perception of the issues that affect efficiency of the management of type 2 diabetes. Secondly, Pooley et al assume that the nature of the respondents' views coupled with the level of coincidence between the views of professionals may elucidate the major characteristics of a highly effective patient empowerment approach. The authors provide a good synthesis of relevant information on the previous studies thus linking potential findings of their study to a wider framework of theoretical knowledge on the management of chronic conditions similar to diabetes. They also identify gaps in the existing body of knowledge thus fully justifying the need for their own research being performed. Methodological framework employed by the authors for their study deserves particular attention. Specific nature of the formulated research purposes raised a set of strict requirements to be addressed within a certain methodological framework. It might be misleading to discuss appropriateness of the methodology used in the study without mapping the basic characteristics of qualitative and quantitative techniques utilised by the researchers. Discussion Quantitative methodology employs methods historically applied in the natural (physical) sciences. The primary task of quantitative research is to ensure validity and reliability of results (Dingwall et al, 1998). The concept of reliability as applied in quantitative research can be defined as: "The extent to which results are consistent over time and an accurate representation of the total population under study is referred to as reliability and if the results of a study can be reproduced under a similar methodology, then the research instrument is considered to be reliable" (Golafshani, 2003: 598). Quantitative research implies standardized questionnaires and methods of data analysis, specific position of the researcher whom is considered external to the research he carries out, replicability of the results regardless of the context, etc (Wainer & Braun, 1998). While reliability and validity are the most often cited strengths of the quantitative methodology, poor applicability of this methodology to studying a phenomenon difficult or impossible to quantify is considered a serious weakness. The main drawback that limits applicability of quantitative paradigm in health research is the so-called 'decontextualization': models built using data obtained through quantitative methods do not take into account certain variables that act in the real world context (Patton, 1987). Qualitative methodology represents a distinct research paradigm that ensures the researcher' immersion in the context of his study, makes him an active participant of the study. Qualitative framework utilizes a naturalistic approach seeking to understand phenomena in a specific context, such as "real world setting [where] the researcher does not attempt to manipulate

Personal Narrative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal Narrative - Essay Example I was not very silly as I used to perform in most of my classes when I decided to. Despite my small body and young age, I used to do things unimaginable to me while at high school. I was known all over St Lawrence Academy for mischievousness. Even the director of the school knew me even though it was very difficult for the director to have known anyone unless he or she was a performer in class and would occasionally meet the director during coffee hours organized by the school in their honor. Mine was a mixture of both, known majorly for bad and partly for academics. If one would tell me that school is a center for transformation, I would agree with him because it is though schooling that I got transformed. I usually had to wait for the opportune times to lay down my targets. This I often did with a lot of surety and accuracy which never missed the targets once laid on their paths. I remember once organizing to lay down the director on his way to school for blackmailing me and my fri ends before the morning assembly. It was an embarrassing moment for me and my friends when the director made the announcement live open before the assembly that we had peed in front of his office at night. We did not know that the director’s office had been fitted with CCTV cameras when we went pee in from of his office for scorning us on the previous assembly. I did not know that I would again come back and work in this school again and be answerable to the man I peed in front of is office. To be liked once again by the man who scorned and rebuked me occasionally before people and made sure that everyone heard about it as he covered my presumed good image with his usual abuses. The director told us to call our parents to school and threatened to dismiss us from the school if we didn’t do so. We called our parents and the director started narrating the story and even produced the cameras showing the slides with our images carrying out our hideous undertaking. It was of course and embarrassing situation before my parents who knew how innocent and hard working young man. My father whipped me for the first time and probably lost trust in me. My mother could not say anything but just kept mum. She did not tell me how bad I am neither did she tell me of anything bad that I ever did even when I went back home after the school had closed that semester. I performed rather well but she never said anything concerning that. I could not configure what was actually going on in her mind, whether she thought I was wrong or right only lay with her. My father is a man who does not hide anything and for any bad done by anyone, he would scorn and punish at the point of the offense. Life with my father was a rather difficult one even though at times we used to appreciate his efforts for making us follow the straight path and for being very friendly at times especially when we did something good. Life however made me change my bad characters and become a good man as I can call it today. I went to college after finishing my high school and life was not just very easy on my side, it was rather rougher than I had expected. The stories of good life and personal control were just amazing and I actually longed for it. Leaving my home for college was just an imaginable, I thought I would have full control over my life, do whatever I wanted at any time. The contrary however awaited me at college. My father almost forgot me and always assume that I am a grown up

Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Learning - Essay Example Learning experiences present themselves to people in everyday activities through the things they engage in. We encounter different situations in the course of our daily chores helping us learn without our realization. Once one reflects on the occurrences in his/her past life, one can be able to analyze the learning experiences in his life, and appreciate those moments. Throughout the academic semester, for example, I have been able to learn numerous things which have enriched my life immensely. Though some occurred subconsciously, others were instigated by the class assignments I undertook. The English class has offered me numerous opportunities to improve my life through the learning experience. The exchange of materials written by myself and others has profoundly enhanced my perspective of sharing. Sharing can be used as a way of analyzing oneself to find the strengths and weaknesses that exist. Finding the weaknesses in oneself can be an extremely difficult task to achieve. Throug h the criticism, and comments of other people on can be able to analyze himself or herself in a very objective manner. Objectivity in analyzing oneself reduces the probability of becoming paranoid. Critical analysis of oneself can make an individual substantially appreciate the positive and negative comments made by others concerning ones personality or activity. Throughout the semester, I have been exchanging my articles with other students so that they can present to me their views on the articles. The criticisms I received from my colleagues have been essential in developing my writing ability. New ideas have come to my attention through the reviews offered by friends concerning my writing. I have also been able to offer my reviews of others’ style of writing. Through reading their articles, I have been able to get their line of thoughts. This has helped develop my own ability to generate ideas presented in articles I normally write. While interviewing one of my friends ca lled Gideon Park, I came across an intriguing issue which he raised. He believed that structures for essays limited the ideas and creativity for a writer. He believed that the writer at high school level should not be limited to the structure of essay, they should be allowed to write about the topic issued without being restricted by the structures. The issues raised by my friend helped open up my mind. I realized that the issues should be addressed comprehensively to achieve improved creativity of writers. The creativity of writers should be utilized by allowing them to write in their own style. This can also create new writing styles in the English comprehension. Development of the English language can be immensely enhanced by the liberalization of writing styles. Through this discussion, I learnt that, at the university level, this restriction to essay structures was minimal (Tomasello, pg 16). Professors showed more liberalization in the marking of English assignments they issue d than teachers in high schools. Writers were allowed to follow a style of their own liking as long as they handled the topic comprehensively. Professors mark the quality of writing and not the structure as it was the case in high schools. I have been able to interact with people from different places in the world and learn their ways of life. I have realized that the American culture does not only comprise of American. The culture can be termed as a global one since there are extremely many people living in America who are not natives in the country. The effects of increased immigration and emigration have caused people to interact and share cultures. I have been able to learn that the outcome of these interactions has been the phenomenon described as globalization (Bhagwati, pg 156). The effects

Personal Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Personal Reflection Paper - Essay Example Life is more valuable than mountain climbing expedition. Therefore, leaving sadhu to die for the sake of accomplishing corporate goals is against the moral standards of the society. Moreover, human beings ought to learn to promote feelings for each other to be able to offer a helping hand in similar circumstances instead of letting our ambitions make us selfish. The parable of sadhu has revealed a lot about the character of the corporate. Firstly, the parable reveals how corporate members of society are self-centered, irresponsible and selfish. They refute the qualities that constitute a person who ought to share life with the rest as stated in your lecture. Secondly, it also shows how corporate members are ungrateful to the society that defines their existence. The mountain climbers such as McCoy have had great time learning about the cultural practices of the native people. When they find one of the natives on the verge of death on higher, frozen slopes of Himalayas, they pass responsibility, leaving the old sadhu to fight for his own life1. The parable also reveals irresponsibility of the corporate members to the society. Each corporate member views such individuals as sadhu as burden and cannot take initiative to care for them. The corporate values material things in place of moral values. The climbers emphasized that they indeed helped the sadhu with clothes and food and, therefore, did enough as far as helping a stranger is concerned2. They argued that Sadhu was a stranger and according to them, they did enough that they could. Firstly, I would revive the role of corporate to the society. The corporate has evaded their duties owed to the society in which they thrive. They exploit the society yet they do very little at sustaining it for the future. I would restore the responsibility that the corporate owe to the society. I would, according to the

Rape and sexual assault in deployed military Term Paper

Rape and sexual assault in deployed military - Term Paper Example However, some senators have taken a bleak view of the lackadaisical manner, in which the armed forces deal with such incidents. For instance, Senator Kay Bailey Hitchison wrote to the Air Force Secretary, directing an investigation into 24 cases of rape of females at the Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. What was of great significance was that she was apprehensive regarding the manner, in which these cases would be dealt with. In addition, she had serious misgivings about whether the rape victims would obtain justice from these investigations (News in Brief. National , 2004). The US military gives the victims of sexual assault, two choices, in respect of reporting. The first is that of restricted reporting, wherein the assault is brought to the notice of a chaplain, DSARC, UVA or medical provider. Such reporting remains uninvestigated or unreported to the next superior officer, in the chain of command. The other option provided is that of unrestricted reporting, in which the assault is not reported to any entity of restricted reporting. Such unrestricted reports have to be perforce investigated and brought to the notice of the appropriate authority in the chain of command. There is a provision for victims to commence restricted reporting and subsequently change over to unrestricted reporting (Pariante, 2009). The victim obtains the same medical care, irrespective of the mode of reporting. They are provided with treatment that addresses physical injuries, pregnancy or infection with sexually transmitted diseases, pursuant to the sexual assault. In addition, such individuals are also provided with psychiatric assistance to come to terms with emotional effects, like depression, flashbacks, suicidal thoughts and rape trauma syndrome. Many a victim of rape has reported numbness, a dazed feeling, sense of being withdrawn from the surroundings, fear for personal safety, humiliation, shame and guilt (Pariante,

Creativity and standards task Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Creativity and standards task - Essay Example It also looks at companies and organizations relevant to the profession and furthering career in such organizations. The network engineer profession entails internetworking of services in the telecommunication industry. It has the obligation of developing both hardware and software requirements for computers. Its main concern is the creation, design and the management of computer networks in the telecommunications industry. The profession also entails the development of communication network topologies to enhance communication between various devices. All these obligations and responsibilities are carried out by a network administrator. A network engineer handles the computers in any organization by networking them and other devices so that there is communication in the organization via the computers. The network engineer also has the obligation of configuring the devices and designing an appropriate network topology for the organization. Standards organisations and their standards S tandards are crucial in networking because they set a common platform for all manufacturers of networking products. It ensures uniformity in the making of these products and that they carry out this activity in a common way. It also makes interconnection of networks for the various vendors easy and simple. Standardization of networking has the ability to kill or break these products (Bernstein, 2004, p.6). Many vendors today are reluctant to support any new technology that just comes up unless there is a standard base from which it is coming from. They want to be sure that there can be assurance and protection for their hardware and software in case of any failure. This makes it impossible for vendors to release products that are in accordance to the set standards which are acceptable in the market. Therefore, standards ensure that any product released for use in the market is of good quality and that meets the set standards. There are many organizations that have the responsibility of setting these standards in the field of networking. They act as the source of these standards and they also give references. Some of these organizations devote themselves to setting the standards so that they ensure uniformity and compatibility of networking in the region and in the world (Grayson, 2011, p.83). This research paper seeks to look at five of these organizations and the standards they have set in this field. Some of these standards organization include the Organization of Standardization and many others that are discussed in this paper. 1. The Organization of Standardization (ISO) The Organization of Standardization (ISO) has its basis in Paris but has many other branches in other countries all over the world. It is a leading organization in setting of standards in the world. For instance its branch in the UK is known as British Standards Institution, while the one in the United States is ANSI. It sets standards in other areas related to networking like in education al institutions and research centres which deal with networking. Some of the standards that it sets include those that aim at establishing global standards in the communication and information sector. These standards are important to the future carrier of network engineering is that they promote open networking to enhance communication in all environments. They define standards for

Physico-Chemical Qualities Essay Example for Free

Physico-Chemical Qualities Essay a) Describe the physico-chemical qualities of water that are important to aquaculturists. Aquaculture can be defined as the high-density production of fish, shellfish and plant forms in a controlled environment. Stocking rates for high-density aquaculture are typically thousand fold greater than wild environments. Modern fish culturists employ both open and close systems to raise fish. Open systems, such as, the raceways are characterized by rapid turnover of water. Closed systems are commonplace in pond culture. Closed aquaculture systems do not have rapid turnover of water, but do not have a high surface to volume ratio facilitating exchange of gases, nutrients, energy etc. with the surroundings. Water quality for aquaculturists refers to the quality of water that enables successful propagation of the desired organisms. Physico-chemical parameters of water include: 1. Alkalinity Alkalinity relates to the capacity of the water to accept protons and is a measure of the water’s buffering capacity. There are no direct effects of alkalinity on fish and shellfish, however, it is an important parameter due to its indirect effects, including the protection of aquatic organisms from major changes in pH. In low alkalinity waters, where CO2 and dissolved carbonates are at low concentrations, photosynthesis may be inhibited, thus restricting phytoplankton growth. Levels above 175 mg CaCO3/L reduces natural food production in ponds which, in turn, leads to a decrease in optimal production. Salt water is slightly alkaline and has a strong buffering capacity so alkalinity is not usually of concern for most seawater and brackish water aquaculturists. 2. Biochemical oxygen demand ( and COD) It is a measure of the amount of oxygen required by bacteria, algae, sediments and chemicals over a set period of time. BOD is of importance in aquaculture because microbial degradation of organic matter is a major sink for dissolved oxygen, a highly important parameter for aquaculture. Aquaculture operations should not utilise waters which are polluted with chemicals and/or excessive nutrients. Increasing levels of BOD indicate organic pollution which is a cause of concern for aquaculturists. The amount of BOD needed for a particular system can be estimated by taking into  account factors such as dissolved. Oxygen requirements of the culture species, the degree of pond aeration, seasonal temperature fluctuations, expected photosynthetic activity, and oxygen solubility. 3. Carbon dioxide Their presence is important for the buffering capacity of the water. The level of carbon dioxide in the water is related to photosynthetic activity of aquatic plants and respiration of these plants and aquatic animals, as well as bio-oxidation of organic compounds. Dissolved carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid, causing a drop in pH. At equilibrium, freshwater contains about 2.0 mg/L CO2 and seldom rises above 20 to 30 mg/L. High concentrations of carbon dioxide have a narcotic effect on fish and even higher concentrations may cause death; however, such concentrations seldom occur in nature. The direct adverse effects can occur when there is an excess of free CO2, especially in waters low in dissolved oxygen. This latter situation can occur when too much free CO2 is utilized for photosynthesis of phytoplankton, or when water is vigorously aerated with CO2 free air. Free CO2 concentrations below 1 mg/L affect the acid-base balance in fish blood and tissues and cause alkalosis. Most aqua culture species will survive in waters containing up to 60 mg/L carbon dioxide provided that dissolved oxygen concentrations are high. 4. Color and appearance of water These are not highly objective measurements but many fish farmers and crustacean farmers attach a lot of significance to these two properties of pond water. Color is a result of the interaction of incident light and impurities in the water .There are three common causes of water coloration and variations in water appearance: * suspension of silt and clay particles * significant growth of plankton, particularly microalgae * suspension of humic acids and other organic acids The ‘color’ of the water, actually refers to turbidity due to significant silt and clay particle accumulation, or growth of phytoplankton and zooplankton. This type of water coloration may be beneficial in tank and  cage culture as it shades fish and prevents sunburn as well as reducing plant biofouling. It is reported that impending oxygen shortages in the water can often be detected by changes in colour. Although high colour may shade fish and impede algal growth, it is usually due to tannins. These are phenols which bind with protein and at high levels may affect fish respiration, particularly with sensitive fish species. 5. Dissolved oxygen Dissolved oxygen is the most critical water quality variable in aquaculture. Anoxia occurs when dissolved oxygen levels in the environment decrease to the point where aquatic life can no longer be supported. Some species are more resistant to low levels of oxygen than others. It was noted that the amount of oxygen required by aquatic animals is quite variable and depends on species, size, activity (levels increase with activity), water temperature (doubles with every increase of 10 °C), condition (lean fish consume less than fat fish), DO concentration, etc. The DO concentration can fluctuate in response to photosynthesis of aquatic plants and respiration of aquatic organisms. The amount of DO required also depends on partial pressure of dissolved oxygen in the water and its ability to exchange across gill membranes. DO level in water should be above 5mg/L In ponds, tanks and other enclosed culture systems, mechanical aeration can be used to lift dissolved oxygen levels, while wate r movement from currents and tides assists in open culture systems. Pure oxygen (oxygenation) may be used to supplement dissolved oxygen levels, particularly in intensive culture systems. The most common cause of low DO in an aquaculture operation is a high concentration of biodegradable organic matter in the water, resulting in a high BOD. This problem is further exacerbated at high temperatures. 6. Gas super saturation (total gas pressure) Super saturation of dissolved gas occurs when the pressure of the dissolved gas (total gas pressure; TGP) exceeds the atmospheric pressure. TGP refers to the sum of the partial pressures of dissolved gases in the water (i.e. oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide). | Oxygen supersaturation| Nitrogen supersaturation| Carbon dioxide supersaturation| Definition| Total gas pressure is not above saturation level.| Total gas pressure is above saturation level| Condition of higher levels of dissolved gases in water due to entrainment, pressure increases, or heating.| Mechanism| Oxygen displaces nitrogen in liquid| | diffusion| Reason why| Pure oxygen is used to oxygenate| -Situation develops when water and air is mixed under pressure.-Situation develops when water is heated| When there is high phytoplankton activity though respiration at night.| Results| up to 200–300% can be tolerated if oxygen is used directly or duringphotosynthesis (when air is used, nitrogen becomes the main component and problems can occur). It can cause massive distension of the swim bladder of salmonids, although the mortality is usually low. | gas bubble trauma which may cause acute or chronic problems,especially in eggs, larvae and juveniles.| levels above 20 ppm can lead to stress. mortalitymay not occur, even at levels of 30-40 ppm , High carbon dioxide levels in fish transport systems (where ventilation is absent) can inhibitoxygen uptake.| 7. Hardness Total hardness primarily measures the concentration of all metal cations (usually dominated by calcium and magnesium in freshwater) in the water. Soft water is usually acidic while hard water is generally alkaline. In soft waters, carbonate and bicarbonate salts are in short supply. Hard water has been found to reduce the toxicity of several heavy metals (calcium and magnesium) as well as ammonia and the hydrogen ion. Some aquacultural species have a specific requirement for calcium, for bone formation in fish and exoskeleton formation in crustaceans. Calcium is also necessary for proper osmoregulation, and the calcium ion generally reduces the toxicity of hydrogen ions, ammonia and metal ions. High calcium levels in freshwater can inhibit phytoplankton growth; however, blue-green algae are known to thrive in harder water (high Ca2+) which can influence productivity of the pond water. Meade (1989) recommended a range between 10 and 400 mg/L for aquaculture. 8. pH The term pH refers to the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in water; more  generally, pH refers to how acidic or basic water is. In aquaculture, low pH is often a consequence of sulfuric acid formation by the oxidation of sulphide-containing sediments. Note that acidification of highly alkaline water can increase the free carbon dioxide concentration, resulting in CO2 toxicity rather than pH imbalance. In addition, acid water tends to dissolve metals more readily. High pH in aquaculture is commonly a result of excess photosynthesis in waters with high alkalinity and low calcium hardness. pH can indirectly affect aquaculture species through its effect on other chemical parameters. Low pH; * reduces the amount of dissolved inorganic phosphorus and CO2 available for phytoplankton photosynthesis. * results in the solubilisation of potentially toxic metals from the sediments Hugh pH makes the toxic form of ammonia more prevalent. Meade (1989) recommended that pH be maintained at between 6.5 and 8.0 for all aquaculture species. In freshwater, pH can change quickly due to the amount of carbon dioxide added or removed during plant growth. In culture systems, particularly recirculation systems, the pH may be reduced (more acidic) by the production of metabolites. Buffering is, therefore, important in such systems. Seawater, in general, resists changes in the pH values. NOTE: pH can change by the hour as a function of photosynthesis which removes carbon dioxide. This is particularly the case in pond-based culture systems. 9. Salinity (total dissolved solids) Salinity is the main measure used in aquaculture, as it influences the water and salt balance (osmoregulation) of aquatic animals. Estuarine waters may range from 0.5 to more than 30 ppt often depending on the depth of the sample; marine waters range between 30.0 to 40.0 ppt. Salinity directly affects the levels of dissolved oxygen: the higher the salinity, the lower the dissolved oxygen levels at given water temperature. Like temperature, salinity is an important limiting factor in the distribution of many aquatic animals. Salinity requirements can vary for particular species depending on  their life cycle stage. Salinity also affects the temperature requirements of some species. Freshwater organisms have body fluids more concentrated in ions than the surrounding water, meaning that they are hypersaline or hypertonic to the environment. These animals tend to accumulate water which they must excrete while retaining ions. Saltwater species have body fluids more dilute in ions than t he surrounding water; they are hyposaline or hypotonic to their environment. They must excrete ions and uptake water continually. Salinity tolerance varies significantly between species and some species have wider tolerances than others. 10. Suspended solids and turbidity There are three basic types of suspended solids: ï€ ­Ã¯â‚¬  phytoplankton, zooplankton and bacterial blooms ï€ ­Ã¯â‚¬  suspended organic and humic acids ï€ ­Ã¯â‚¬  suspension of silt and clay particles All influence the level of turbidity (turbidity increases with suspended solids) and scatter light, restricting penetration into water. In aquaculture ponds, less light penetrating to the bottom inhibits growth of troublesome filamentous algae and aquatic weeds. This turbidity is often measured in centimetres using a secchi disc. Typically, if the secchi disk reading is below 10 cm water turbidity is excessive. If turbidity is due to the presence of phytoplankton, there is likely to be a problem with dissolved oxygen concentrations when the light level decreases below the photosynthetic compensation level. Conversely, if turbidity is due to silt/clay or organic matter, planktonic productivity will be low. Suspended solids can cause gill irritations and tissue damage, which increases the stress levels of aquatic animals. Turbid waters can also shield food organisms and clog filters. The practice of mechanical aeration tends to create water currents which maintain soil particles in suspension and perpetuates the turbidity of the pond. Problems of off-flavors in fish and crayfish are less common in turbid ponds. (except where algae cause the turbidity). The effect of this criteria varies considerably between species. Meade (1989) recommended a level below 80 mg/L for aquaculture species. Marine species (e.g. snapper) are generally less tolerant, so the recommended guideline is