Taobaos Success free essay sample

The most successful C2C E-business platform in China Chenlei Shi 865313 IT IS 600 Professor Robert Testa, Jr. September, 18, 2010 Taobao’s Success 2 Abstract With the great speed of economic globalization, E-Business is developing in a surprising speed through the wide-spread of information technology. Nowadays, there are a lot of big E-business corporations such as Amazon, E-bay focus on different E-business model and field. However when these international companies carving up the global market, some local enterprises also growing up and want to share this big cake.Taobao (www. taobao. com), a Chinese-based company which is a leading platform for C2C personal transactions, was founded in 2003 by the 450 million investment from world’s best B2B company——Alibaba. Taobao is a typical example of China E-business style. Taobao paid a lot of efforts in order to China and Asia’s market dominance, during a lot of difficulties and challenges especially in the competition with E-bay. We will write a custom essay sample on Taobaos Success or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page But some problems still exist in Taobao’ credit system and logistics model. These tough problems also exist in each E-business companies.Hence, how to fix these problems still needs development of information technology. Taobao’s Success 3 Taobao’s background and business model In May 10, 2003, Taobao was founded by Alibaba Group and specialized in C2C e-commerce (Consumer to Consumer Model). Alibaba was founded in Hangzhou in 1999, after nearly a decade of development, has grown into the worlds largest online trading exchange market and the business community. Up to now, Taobao is the biggest Internet retail and business district in Asia, own more than 200 million registered users, accounting for 80% of online shopping market in China.Merely in 2009, transactions amounted to 50 billion dollar. However, if the Taobao’s success only attribute to its excellent â€Å"pedigree†, it would be ridiculous. Today’s Taobao E-business is more than just buying and selling of products and services through the means of digital media, E-business encompasses e-commerce and a whole lot more. For example, its E-business includes both front and back-office applications that from engine for modern business. Unlike some other corporate entities-based business, Taobao is redefining old business models through the aid of technology. Their business are the use of Internet and other networks and information technologies to support electronic commerce, enterprise communications and collaboration, and Web-enabled business processes both within an internetworked enterprise, and with its customers and business partners. Taobao’s Success 4 The competition with E-bay E-Bay is another famous C2C business platform, and in Sept. 27, 1999, e-Bay established eBay-Each. net in order to the expansion in China market. EBay-Each establishment was even earlier than the establishment of Taobao(May, 2004).Thus, at first, Taobao had to face that they lost not only the opportunities and but also a great part of flow market. But in 2004, merely after Taobao’s establishment one years, Taobao surpassed Each. net and been the first C2C platform in China. Then in 2006, it became the biggest shopping online website in Asia. So let us make some comparison between Taobao and Each in several aspects. First, in business strategy, both eBay each. net and Taobao choose free business at first. But eBay-Each. net gave up this attractive business strategy and began charging to the virtual shop. However, when eBay-Each found they were losing their customer rapidly, they return to their former strategy to avoid more losing. Taobao always adhere free charge so that absorbing more customers and virtual shop. Second, Taobao was the first platform which use third-party payment platform——Alipay. That means Taobao pay attention to safety problem. With the introduction of the real-name authentication system, Taobao made distinguish between individual users and the business user authentication. But eBay-Each did not used PayPal system in China market because of a variety of reason.Until 2005, this Taobao’s Success 5 problem was solved by eBay-Each, but without doubt, eBay-Each lost its advantage in credit transaction. Third, eBay-Each used advertisement blocking tactics to fight Taobao. In 2003, the biggest three portal in China (Sohu, Sina, 163) made a deal with e-Bay that they would never use Taobao’s advertisement. To fix this problem, Taobao use a lot of traditional medium such as newspaper, TV or subway stops, bus, road advertising. Moreover, Taobao also made a co-operation with Yahoo, using Yahoo’s search bid, investing 2 million keywords.Then Taobao increased the keywords to 3 million, and the hits up to 6million in one day. That made Taobao beyond its opponent in two key indicators, accounting for the initiative in future competition. Furthermore, another difference in Taobao’s advertisements, their membership in the trading process could feel lively culture of family. Fourth, eBay-Each and Taobao had a significant understianding gap in market positioning. EBay-Each have their global strategy and want to do business with the people who are 30-40years old. While Taobao’s strategy is localization, and its target population was also younger than its counterpart.Last but not least, Taobao encouraged their buyer and seller makes private transaction, and supported a convenient platform. One example is the communication tool for members in a timely manner Live Messenger. If the user enters a shop, just the owner is also online, then, they can chat with each other through sending and receiving messages. Live Messenger with a view transaction history, to understand Taobao’s Success 6 each other credit, personal information, avatars, multi-chat tool, chatting with other general features. In contrast, at first in order to preventing buyer and seller avoiding trading commissions, eBay-Each did not allow to leave the true underline contacting ways. That made a big security risk in future development. At the end, people knew the results about this competition in 2008, Taobao occupied approximately 80% share of the whole online shopping market, and began the biggest C2C e-business platform in Asia. EBay-Each switched their target, turning into the main global purchasing markets in transition in order to avoid confrontation directly to Taobao. Secrets of Taobao’s victoy in ChinaFirst of all, without eBay-Each effort in market cultivation in first several years in China, Taobao could not be growth at such amazing speed. The original reason of eBay’s failure probably was they were too successful in the past. So eBay totally copied the American model to China. That led a strategic error. EBay is a global strategic for high-salary and white-collar people to provide personal e-commerce platform in international trading. So did eBay-Each, their slogan was â€Å"to provide both a local and global online trading platform. † eBay CEO, Whiteman, once said: â€Å"Our 27 markets in the world are successful.In China, the 28th markets, we will still success with our firmly established policy. † Taobao’s Success 7 In detail, based on the comparison above, two fatal flaws led to eBay-Each collapse. Firstly, with Clayton M. Christense research, asymmetric information, although eBay hired native manager team, Yibo Shao and Haiyin Tan, the mother company still wanted to set up a global platform to meet different customer needs in China, that would inevitably lead to inherent strategic contradiction, because the two types of customer demand cannot be satisfied together. In additional, eBay-Each spent one year and a lot of money, at Sept. 7, 2004, completed the global eBay trading platform. Even in this situation, because of the mother company have an asymmetric information problem. They just exchanged executives again and again. Secondly, Service is not good. Probably it is unfair to use the word â€Å"not good† or â€Å"bad† to describe eBay. In some way, eBay-Each merely want to provide the best services in the world. But this all involved with its global business model. Because of C2C website should not only support a platform for seller and buyer, but also a safe Taobao’s Success 8 rading environment. A security third-party payment tools is essential. However, eBay’s best friend, PayPal support multi-currency payment, then, because of China’s foreign exchange control policy, PayPal delayed in introduction until 2005. This is only one example, other useful tools such as Skype (a tool could meet communication needs among customer) also cannot be introduction in China market. In contrast, Taobao’s original reason of this wining is its well-know background and flexible tactics. Taobao gain a lot of benefits from its mother company both on money support and human resource. Alibaba is a mature business group in B2C e-business field. It is worth noting that the C2C market in China actually is a mixed market. Some B2C also mixed in this market, that made Taobao was able to apply sophisticated Alibaba previously successful experience in China. Furthermore, Alibaba borrowed seven experts in e-commerce to play company’s executives. Another winning method is Taobao’s flexible policy.At the beginning, when eBay-Each mastered most of stock market, Taobao did not fight with eBay-Each for the existing stock, but mining incremental market in C2C business. That measure made Taobao captured almost 90% of new e-business users. New crisis There is no denying that Taobao can say currently the most successful Internet business platform, and its prospects for future development are promising people. Of Taobao’s Success 9 course, Taobao is also facing many problems. The most important problem is its credit system.As newly survey, Taobao still fights with reputation spam. Online shopping has become the younger generation’s main spending channel. Everything can be found at a cheaper cost and with home delivery, saving on cab fares. But individual’s accounts safety become more and more important in this time. Moreover, the 3G technology made Taobao have to upgrade their server for customer requirement. Taobao’s campaign will never end if they still want to expand their market.

Like Water for Chocolate essays

Like Water for Chocolate essays A critique of the film Like Water for Chocolate The novel Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel has won many hearts as well as awards when first published in 1989 in Spanish and 1992 in English. In the novel Esquivel encompasses us with the sweet aroma of the imagination and creativity. Unfortunately, this can not be said of the feature film that was based on the book. Como agua para chocolate was released as a Mexican language film in 1993 featuring English subtitles. Although the subtitles were provided to help the Spanish-illeterate to understand the film, it was just as confusing to follow the plot with them. Like a bad cook standing behind his/her cuisines, Esquivels integrity is questioned here. Although directed by Alfonso Arau, the screenplay was provided by Esquivel herself. Unfortunately, Esquivel should have quitted while being ahead instead of marinating the novel into a tasteless movie. Most books thrive on the readers imagination which quickly gets digested away when it comes to the widescreen. Although some films have complimented books very well (Jurassic Park, the Green Mile, etc.) Como agua para chocolate sports a genre of simply Bad and ends up giving the viewer a bad taste in their mouth. Although being known as a blockbuster film, it lacks the magic of what books can capture which most expensive special effects of Hollywood cannot. Perhaps what can be blamed for the success of the novel is that the novel had no limitations to the reader, rather, the reader directs his or her screenplay in his/her head with an unlimited amount of budget required. In Como agua para chocol ate the viewer is constantly spoon-fed with the interpretations of the director; whether it be depicting the scene inaccurately or failure to shoot the scene entirely. The film shoots out totolaritarian ideas what you see is what you get and theres no ifs or ands about it wheth...

Example Sentences of the English Verb Bend

Example Sentences of the English Verb Bend This page provides example sentences of the verb Bend in all tenses, including active and passive forms as well as conditional and modal forms. Base Form bend / Past Simple bent / Past Participle bent / Gerund bending Present Simple The L joint bends the Y joint. Present Simple Passive The Y joint is bent by the L joint. Present Continuous Watch out! You are bending the rod too much. Present Continuous Passive The rod is being bent by the L joint. Present Perfect The wind has bent that pole. Present Perfect Passive That pole has been bent by the wind. Present Perfect Continuous I have been bending the metal for 20 minutes. Past Simple She bent that metal rod. Past Simple Passive That metal rod was bent by Jack. Past Continuous I was bending backward when she walked in the door. Past Continuous Passive The Y joint was being bent by the L joint when it snapped. Past Perfect She had bent the frame before I touched it. Past Perfect Passive The frame had been bent before I touched it. Past Perfect Continuous He had been bending over for an exercise for 10 minutes when she walked in the door. Future (will) George will bend the rules for you. Future (will) passive Im sure the rules will be bent. Future (going to) They are going to bend the rules this time. Future (going to) passive The rules are going to be bent this time. Future Continuous I will be bending down to pick it up in three minutes. Future Perfect It will have been bent a number of times by the time the test is over. Future Possibility It might bend if you try hard. Real Conditional It will bend if you try hard. Unreal Conditional If it bent, we would replace it. Past Unreal Conditional If it had bent, we would have replaced it. Present Modal You should bend it back. Past Modal Jack must have bent this frame. Quiz: Conjugate with Bend Use the verb to bend to conjugate the following sentences. Quiz answers are below. In some cases, more than one answer may be correct. That pole _____ by the wind.I _____ backward when she walked in the door.The frame _____ before I touched it.The L joint _____ the Y joint.Im sure the rules ______Â  next week.George _____ the rules for you if you ask him.She _____ that metal rod last week.The rules _______ this time.That pole _____ by the wind.Watch out! You _____ the rod too much. Quiz Answers has been bentwas bendinghad been bentbendswill be bentwill bendbentare going to be benthas been bentare bending

How Do We Create a Set of Priorities in Relation to Population and Assignment

How Do We Create a Set of Priorities in Relation to Population and Environment - Assignment Example It has got to do with the anticipated returns, the risk that becomes potentially faced and the timing of the returns (McMullin-Messier 34). To be able to create a set of priorities, one must have the ability to see what tasks are more vital at each moment and give such tasks more of their energy, time and attention. When one focuses his or her efforts on those top value activities, one can have meaningful and significant, long term consequences. Provision of healthcare should become a priority for all nations worldwide. This is because a great percentage of loss of life is as a result of either lack of or poor health care. This issue also gets surrounded by many political, institutional and environmental constraints. This influences decision making in the health care section because, during the process, there are numerous interest groups and weaknesses in democratic voting mechanisms. If health care does not become a priority, then many parties manipulate the decisions that pertain to the provision of health care and vary the quality of care distributed among the population. This may be extremely risky for a nation because if the population is not healthy then there is a reduction in production. Prioritizing healthcare will lead to better care, affordable care, and healthy people. This will improve health outcomes and increase the effectiveness of care for all populations (McMullin-Messier 89). More resources should be alloc ated to the healthcare sector in terms of money, manpower, machines, and researchers. More opportunities should also get provided for those that are interested to study medicine in order to avail more manpower for this sector. Environmental movements worldwide should also be prioritized because the key goal of such organizations improves the environment and maintain what is still good. They tackle environmental issues worldwide that deal with climate change, air pollution, water pollution, human encroachment, and deforestation.

Experimental economics summary paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Experimental economics summary paper - Essay Example This can be better understood in the example provided by the authors to a person who is trying to lose weight through diet and how he/she must regard a simple piece of chocolate not as a single reward with very few cost staked but an overall threat that affects his/her consumption in the future. This provided view of linked together concepts of self-signals â€Å"bundles together similar rewards in the foreseeable future, putting the expectation of getting them at risk in the current choice† (Hofmeyr et al., p.4). Thus, the subjects overall perception of what causes addiction is reduced with the instinctive knowledge that sonsumption of such at one point affects future consumption. Findings The results reveal that in comparing smokers with non-smokers, those included in Forced who are smokers will choose LL if they are compelled to correlate their present choices to its effect in the future. This shift from an SS reward preference was seen significantly in smokers than non-smo kers. Some variables were also reported to give more credit to the overall results of the study. In smokers, it may be noted that African-Americans were recorded to low probability of selecting LL while increased age would prefer LL. In non-smokers, higher income leans toward LL and higher baseline choose SS. There were two patterns determined in the study.

Lies, Lies, Lies Essay Example for Free

Lies, Lies, Lies Essay The white lie is an age old embellishment that has different reasons for being told. When it is all said and done a white lie is still a lie. A lie told with perfectly good intentions. A lie told to spare someone’s feelings. A lie about something trivial, which will have few consequences if you’re caught. A minor, polite, or harmless lie, a white lie is considered harmless as opposed to a black lie which is evil. Anything that is not accurate is a lie. There are a million reasons to tell a social white lie. Being nice leads to lying to prevent hurting someone’s feelings and it is commonly used by all. The baby in a stroller and the mother looks up, it is natural to say â€Å"What a cute baby† It could be the ugliest baby; yet the need to make a charitable response leads to a lie. Or Men say â€Å"I love you too† a white lie commonly told by men. The boss has on a dress that looks horrible, â€Å"What a beautiful dress† would someone tell the boss her dress is ugly. These are just examples of how we get caught up and we feel the need to say something positive instead of telling the truth. Lying begins early, if you observe children most know how to fib at the age of 4. By 6 they stop fibbing and begin lying. Watching and observing their parents, they gain insight in imitating their parents in the art of deception, they are told how to lie to relatives about gifts they may not like, and thus starts the white lies. The proverbial lie is used in our society to make small talk, to have someone show favor, when we greet someone, and we often lie to ourselves, â€Å"I am going to get up each day and walk.† I’ve said it, and I know I want to but I don’t. Salesman says anything you want to hear to sell a product. The doorman says â€Å"Have a good day†, no tip, doesn’t care if you even live another day almost every white lie is because of what a person wants to achieve with that white lie. It is almost second nature to living how we deceive, the Landlord I mailed that check yesterday. I lost my debt card can’t make the payment today will call as soon as I get my replacement! *I can’t come in today I have diarrhea; you’re going to the movie matinee. Researchers have been studying deception for decades, trying to figure out why we tell lies. It seems that our capacity for deceit appears nearly endless. That doesn’t mean we just tell a lie to hear it there is a purpose for the madness. Still lying is generally regarded as immoral and distasteful, â€Å"No one likes being lied to,† says former FBI agent and lying expert Joe Navarro. â€Å"We use lies to grease the wheels of social discourse.† Says University of Massachusetts psychologist Robert Feldman.

How Surface Area to Volume Ratio Affects the Rate of Heat Loss :: Depression and Suicide

How Surface Area to Volume Ratio Affects the Rate of Heat Loss Aim The aim of this investigation is to answer the following questions: Why do elephants have trouble cooling down? And why do mice have trouble keeping warm. Apparatus 5x cans (5 different sizes) 1x Bunsen burner 1x heatproof mat 1x Thermometer 1x Ruler 1x Kettle 1x Stopwatch 1x Tripod 1x Gauze 1x Clamp and stand Plan ==== * Label each can from A to E in ascending order, A the biggest and E the smallest. A representing the mouse and E representing the elephant. * Measure and record the height and diameter of each can. * Fill can A to the top with boiling water out of the kettle. * Bring the water back up to a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, to make sure it is a fair test and that all the cans start from 100 degrees Celsius. * Use a clamp and stand to hold the thermometer inside the can, position it so that the bulb of the thermometer is in the centre of the can. * With a stopwatch ready to start timing, switch off the gas to turn off the Bunsen burner and start timing. * Read and record the temperature on the thermometer every two minutes for twenty minutes. * Repeat this for all of the other cans, twice for each one and make a recording of all the temperatures, and work out the averages. Safety ====== * Always wear safety glasses during the practical to protect the eyes and avoid any hot water being splashed into them.

Bipolar Disorder Essay

Over the years there have been many misconceptions about what bipolar disorder is, what the symptoms are, and how it is treated. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. A person who has â€Å"mood swings† does not automatically qualify them for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The characteristics of bipolar disorder are significant shifts in mood that go from manic episodes to deep depressive episodes in waves and valleys that never end. Nearly 2% of Americans have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, more commonly known as manic depression. Scientists are constantly studying the possible causes of bipolar disorder. Most scientists agree that there is not one single cause, but is caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors. Even though it has not been proven that bipolar disorder is hereditary, it does tend to run in families. Children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are much more likely to develop the illness, compared with children who do not have a family history. Bipolar patients are more likely to use mind altering drugs to try and self-medicate therefore making diagnosis a harder process. â€Å"Doctors diagnose bipolar disorder using guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the symptoms must be a major change from your normal mood or behavior† (Youngstrom, E., 2012, October 23). Below is a chart demonstrating the different mood changes and behavioral changes between a manic and depressive episode. It was once thought that there were only two types of bipolar disorder, but now the disease has been broken down even further into several different disorders. Bipolar I disorder is the most severe form of the illness with  extreme manic or mixed episodes that last at least a week. â€Å"Bipolar I disorder is characterized by at least one manic episode during your lifetime. Usually there are depressive episodes as well that last two weeks, however you do not need to have a history of depression to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. Bipolar II disorder is defined by experiencing both a hypo-manic and a depressive episode. To meet the criteria for bipolar II, a previous episode of depression is necessary, along with symptoms of less intense mania lasting at least four days† (Caponigro, J., Lee, E., Johnson, S., & Kring, A., 2012). Cyclothymia is defined by a pattern of chronic and frequent mood changes. These mood changes are not as extreme as those experienced in manic epi sodes. The diagnosis is based off of how much of the time some type of changed move is present. Most people diagnosed with Cyclothymia tend to feel very â€Å"up† or very â€Å"down† at least half of the time. This diagnosis is not considered until those mood fluctuations have continued for a very long time: generally one year for adolescents and over two years for adults. These episodes must last for at least two years without more than two months of a stable mood during that time to qualify for this diagnosis. Bipolar NOS or not otherwise specified is the diagnosis that covers forms of bipolar that don’t fall into any of the other categories. The mood episodes are extreme enough to be classified as manic, hypomanic, or depressive but do not meet the duration requirements for bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymic diagnosis. Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, but it can be treated effectively long-term. Because it is a lifelong illness, long-term treatment is essential to control symptoms. It is essential to receive the correct diagnosis to receive the most effective treatment. Medication is the most effective treatment for managing symptoms of bipolar disorder and extending periods of mental and physical wellness. Most often, the first medicines used are called mood stabilizers. â€Å"Since the early 1960’s, lithium has been the most commonly used mood stabilizer† (Fink, C., & Kraynak, J., 2013). Some other medications that are prescribed for the treatment of bipolar are Trileptal, Topamax, and Neurontin. Because it is believed by some that bipolar disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, these medications have been effective in treating bipolar disorder, but they are not considered effective treatments for bipolar symptoms. Antipsychotics  medications are used to reduce psychotic symptoms and lowering irritability, and they can be the fastest way to treat an acute manic episode. Antipsychotic medications are usually stated during an acute manic phase while the patient is in the hospital, and used as a maintenance treatment after the patient is released. The biggest hurdle in treatment of bipolar disorder is ongoing treatment. When patients are diagnosed correct ly and started on the correct medications it is vital for those medications to be continued by the patient. Many bipolar patients feel that once their mood has stabilized that they are â€Å"cured† therefore they stop taking the medication. In conclusion, receiving a bipolar diagnosis does not have to be the end of the world. Many brilliant and upstanding people have been diagnosed and effectively treated for bipolar disorder. It is important to have regular visits with a psychiatrists to discuss your medications and side effects. Blood tests are sometimes ordered to check the levels of your medications and the response of your body to these medications. It is important to stay on the prescribed medications and to try and keep a normal daily routine. A support group and supportive friends and family are vital in maintaining a good balance between the highs and lows. Even though there is not a cure, it is possible to live a happy and productive life. References Caponigro, J., Lee, E., Johnson, S., & Kring, A., (2012). Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Fink, C., & Kraynak, J., (2013). Bipolar Disorder for Dummies 2nd Edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Youngstrom, E., (2012, October 23). Myths and Realities about Bipolar Disorders. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/news/press/release/2012/10/bipolar-disorder.aspx

Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition for Adolescents Essay

Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition for Adolescents The importance of establishing health promoting practices during childhood and adolescence has long been recognized by nutritionists and other health professionals. The purpose of this paper is to investigate further the issues relating to adolescents’ diets and contributing factors. Contributing factors include the increase of fast food consumption, unconventional meal patterns and lack of exercise. During adolescence, the influences on eating habits are numerous. The growing independence of adolescents, increased participation in social life and a generally busy schedule of activities have a great impact on food intake.? In the September 2007 issue of ‘Health Promotion International’, a survey of 18,486 secondary school students at 322 schools across all Australian states (except Western Australia) has found that a significant proportion of students fall short of current, national dietary and physical activity recommendations for teenagers. A new study suggests that as teens enter adulthood, they are more likely to skip meals, resulting in a very unconventional meal pattern. Breakfast is frequently neglected and omitted more often by teenagers as they enter high school as they see it as an unnecessary hassle. These diets are likely to be bizarre and unbalanced. Though appetite is great, meal times tend to be irregular due to pre-occupation with school, other social activities or even a part time job. Therefore snacking in between meals is common. Skipping breakfast, for example, can lead to greater levels of hunger later in the day, causing overeating, or the choosing of heavy foods that fill you up faster, but may lack nutritional values. For teenage girls, lunch is usually skipped as a way of controlling weight. As adolescents go through puberty, they are bound to feel more pressured by their peers about the shape and size of their body, sexual development, and their general appearance. Due to this pressure, they are more likely to be self-conscious, resulting in unstable diets. These diets are usually also caused by the increasing amount of junk food consumption. The increase in junk food consumption is an important factor in a teen’s diet. This could be due to the increased independence and responsibility for food preparation that adolescents face during this developmental transition. Fast food, such as McDonalds, is a quick, easy and tasty option for aging adolescents who may have a busy day-to-day schedule and who may be used to relying on parents to prepare their meals. Also published in the September issue of Health Promotion International, a survey indicates that secondary school students between the ages of 12 and 17 are consuming far too much junk food and not enough vegetables and fruit. The survey found that only 20% of students were meeting the daily requirement of four serves of vegetables while 39% were eating the recommended three daily serves of fruit. â€Å"Our survey found consumption of unhealthy/non-core foods was high, with 46% of students having fast food meals at least twice a week, 51% eating snack foods four or more times per week, and 44% having high-energy drinks four or more times per week,† states Dr Victoria White, from the Centre of Behavioural Research in Victoria. The survey findings also highlight the need for secondary students to spend more time being physically active and less time in front of the television and computer. The problem of childhood obesity has recently skyrocketed, mainly in the Western nations. Established in an online article on the website ‘For Parents, By Parents’, approximately 16-33% of children and teens are considered obese. While obesity is one of the easiest medical conditions to diagnosis, it can be one of the most difficult to treat. The same online article also states that poor diet and lack of exercise results in over 300,000 deaths every year. â€Å"We found that only 14% of students engaged in recommended levels of physical activity and about 70% exceeded recommended levels of sedentary behaviour,† Dr Victoria White once again states. Current recommendations state teenagers should do at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity every day and spend no more than 2 hours per day using electronic media for entertainment. Unhealthy weight increases during adolescence have been associated with fasting insulin, increased levels of cholesterol and risk factors for heart disease and systolic blood pressure in young adulthood. Since adolescent obesity is a significant predictor of overweight status in adulthood, it is important to identify dietary behaviours early on that are associated with unhealthy weight gain in order to create effective interventions. It has been investigated that the three of the largest factors in adolescents’ diets include their unconventional meal pattern, increasing of junk food consumption and lack of exercise. The increased snack food intake and lack of required exercise result in a very disproportioned and unbalanced diet, which eventually leads to other fatal diseases such as risk of heart failure. Therefore, adolescents’ diet should be observed carefully to avoid an unhealthy epidemic.

How to Create Setting in Fiction

How to Create Setting in Fiction At the mention of setting, the novice writer may think that it’s just a minor detail. Just mention where the story is taking place and the time and be done with it. Wrong. The setting can make or break a story. If you don’t keep the reader grounded as to where the characters are, the time of day and their surroundings, you’ll lose that reader before they’re finished with the first chapter. It’s not enough to have compelling characters acting out some fascinating story. The reader needs to know where, when and how in order to truly get involved in the story line. The first thing in creating a story is to establish where it’s taking place. By that I don’t mean a statement that the characters are in Miami, Florida. That’s not going to hold a reader. You have to know Miami. Know its streets, the way it smells, sounds and how hot, cold or humid it is. Describe the buildings and the streets. Show how the foliage is there. Place the reader there and make them feel as if they know the place intimately. Show them how it feels to breathe in the heat and humidity. How it feels to dress for work in the morning and have your silk blouse immediately wilt and stick to your body from the humidity. How they deal with the traffic down there. Is it set in a seedy neighborhood or an affluent subdivision? Description of the location lends itself to the impression of the story. As soon as you mention a ghetto-like area, the reader automatically assumes something bad is going to happen. The more details you include, the more the reader is goin g to identify with your setting. A timeline is important so that the reader understands when this is all taking place. You can’t just start the action and expect the reader to know what time of day or year it is unless you let them know. If it’s historical then you’ll need to show details of that period of time, which means research. It’s just as important to show current time. Don’t assume the reader knows, show them. Show the time of day also, nighttime suggests caution while daylight implies freedom. By using time as well as location, you can create a sense of where the story is going. Remember not to allow your description of the setting to read like a brochure. You’re going to lose your reader when they’re forced to read where and when the story is taking place in a narrative paragraph. A skillful writer shows the setting by including it in the natural pace of the storytelling. He’ll describe location through his character’s thoughts. Include it in a dialogue between characters. Show it during action. Details about the setting should never be obvious. It should be interwoven into the story in such an inconspicuous way that the reader knows details of where, when and how without ever being conscious of being told so. This may seem minor but when creating effective setting, you must know what you are talking about. As soon as the reader detects something incorrect or out of place, they’re going to put that book down. For example, showing Miami with a snowstorm in the winter will definitely jolt a reader to reality and force him to reconsider reading any more by a writer who obviously doesn’t know where Miami is located and the fact that snow just doesn’t happen there. Write about something you are familiar with or else be prepared to do research to get accurate facts into the story. The setting is just as important as the creation of characters and dialogue. A good writer will devote just as much care and attention to setting as to the rest of the story.

Beh 225 Assignment Diagnosis and Treatment

Assignment: Diagnosis and Treatment Beh 225 July 10, 2011 Assignment: Diagnosis and Treatment According to the American Psychiatric Association, there is a fifteen percent prevalence of mental disorders in the United States. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive, is a mental disorder. Symptoms of bipolar disorder include extreme highs and extreme lows with periods of normal mood in between. Manic symptoms are being extremely active, talkative, distractible, unlimited hopes with no follow through, aggression, hostility, and violence.Depressive symptoms are feeling overwhelmed and worthless, loss of interest, insomnia, loss of concentration, and suicidal thoughts. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. Roughly, 29,000 people commit suicide each year. Bipolar Disorder can create marital and occupational problems as well as financial dismay. Mood disorders are thought to be caused by nature and nurture. Biological factors that may lead to a bipolar episode are chemical imbalances in the brain, hormonal imbalances, and inherited traits. Physiological factors that may lead to a bipolar episode include maladaptive cognitive distortions. The text defines this as â€Å"an illogical and maladaptive response to early negative life events that leads to feelings of incompetence and worthlessness that are reactivated whenever a new situation arises that resembles the original events. † (Morris and Maisto,2005) Studies suggest that women are two to three times more likely to have a mood disorder than men. Being diagnosed with bipolar disorder is a lifelong and reoccurring illness. There are different types of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of bipolar I are severe mood swings from manic to depressive that lasts at least seven days. Bipolar II occurs when mood swings are less manic, or hypomania, and shift back to depressive. When one’s symptoms are not determined to be either of these the disorder is called bipolar disorder not otherwise specified. These symptoms are not as fierce as the I and II characterization. Cyclothymiacs is a mild form of bipolar disorder. These milder forms of symptoms continue to shift over the course of two or more years. When a person has four or more episodes a year they are referred to as a rapid cycler. Although the onset of this disorder usually occurs in the twenties and thirties some children are also diagnosed. Children are more likely to be diagnosed early if they have two parents with the disorder. The child’s odds increase up to seventy-five percent in some cases. Many bipolar patients self medicate with drugs and alcohol. This action can trigger or prolong the symptoms. Bipolar disorder patients are at a higher risk for many diseases. These diseases include heart disease, diabetes, obesity, migraines, and thyroid disease. When one suspects they have bipolar disorder, a doctor needs to be consulted.The doctor will perform a physical examination, interview the patient, and order testing. There is no test for bipolar disorder but these tests will rule out other ailments. After reviewing all tests and lab reports a mental health evaluation will be preformed. Family history will be taken as well as interviewing the family of said patient. Bipolar patients tend to seek help in the depressive state rather than the manic state. This disorder is treated with medications and psychotherapies. Over the course of treatment, several medicines may be tested. The first choice of treatment is a mood stabilizer.The FDA approved lithium in the 70’s for treatment of mania. In 1995, the FDA in treating mania approved depakote. Recently, the FDA in treating bipolar disorder approved an anticonvulsive medication. Anti convulsive medicines are lamictal, neurontin, topomax, and trileptal. Atypical antipsychotic, or second generation, medicines are also used occasionally. These medicines are zyprexa, abilify, seroquel, risperdal, and geodon. These medications relieve sudden and severe mania symptoms. Anti depressants are used in treating the depressive side of bipolar disorder.Prozac, paxil, Zoloft, and wellbutrin are all examples of anti depressants. Mild side effects to medicines include headache, rashes, and heartburn. These side effects usually go away as one get used to taking the medicine. Serious side effects can occur, as with any medicine, such as tardive dyskinesia. This is uncontrollable muscle movement, usually around the mouth, that needs to be discussed with a doctor. In addition to medication, psychotherapy is recommended. These therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and social rhythm therapy.

Environmental Microbiology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Environmental Microbiology - Assignment Example The reason as to why they are considered together is for human convenience and not as a reflection of their biological, evolutionary or ordered relationships. It is also important to note that algae are also known to be phototropic. Lenntech.com (1) asserts that almost all algae are eukaryotes and the exact nature of their chloroplasts which contains DNA is different in different lines of algae. Cyanobacteria are a classification of organisms traditionally incorporated among the algae though they have a prokaryotic cell structure and they conduct photosynthesis directly within the cytoplasm and not in specialized organs. Expertscolumn.com (1) categorically explains the significance of algae. Economically, Phytoplankton from algae is a source of food to many aquatic living things such as fish and also provides oxygen to their surrounding environment. The desmids help in analysis of water contamination or pollution. Another example is the brown algae. The brown algae contain alginic acid which is a source of lginites. Algae have negative effects as much as they have many uses. A typical scenario is that when a huge increase of algae occurs, a ‘red tide’ occurs. This is characterized by the ocean changing its color to red in certain areas as a result of the pigment coming from the algae. In conclusion, more research should be done to discover more areas through which algae can be utilized as opposed to their negative effects. This can be attributed to the fact that algae will always exist within our society and the more ways of utilizing them in our lives, the better. Expertcolumn.com. â€Å"The Significance of Algae in Economy and Environment as well as Its Harmful Effect†.7 Jan. 2011. Web.27 Oct. 2011