Sherry Walling Interview - On Productivity and Mental Health in the Business World

Hi everyone, our WordCamp Europe interview series continues! Back in June, we recorded a few interviews with WordPress enthusiasts, including  Sherry Walling. While its been a little while since WordCamp Europe,  Sherry has some great tips on how to stay away from distractions and be productive at work that make her interview worth the wait.This interview is part of our  #WCEU Series  of interviews, which can be found in the  Pirate Interviews category  on our blog, along with many other talks weve had with interesting people. Last month, it was Alex Denning who shared his insights on marketing and content.Now, lets get back to the Sherry Walling interview!  Ã°Å¸â„¢â€šSherry owns ZenFounder, a consulting company that provides business people with professional advice on how to live a balanced, healthy life and cope with difficult situations. Beyond that, she also hosts a free Zenfounder podcast  (it just reached 200 episodes) and is the author of a book for entrepreneu rs called The Entrepreneurs Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together.At WordCamp Europe 2018 in Belgrade, she organized a workshop which was so successful that the room was absolutely packed (it was fully booked shortly after the announcement went live).Since our team was not so fortunate as to get in (except Ionut!), we used the ace in our collective sleeves and scheduled an interview with Sherry, thanks to our privilege of being  Media Partners at the event. 🙂As with our other WordCamp Europe interviews, you can either watch the video interview in the embedded tweet to the right. Or, you can keep reading below for a text transcription. If you opt to watch the video, make sure you open the full Twitter thread to see all of the questions.Heres our fourth #WCEU interview with Dr. Sherry Walling @zenfounder.Question 1: Youre a PhD, psychologist, podcast and author. How did you get involved with WordPress? pic.twitter.com/H2Jq5NiMln ThemeIsle (@ThemeIsle) June 18, 2018 You have a Ph.D.  in psychology, youre a podcaster and author. How did you get involved with WordPress?Sherry Walling:Yes, I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and I host a podcast called ZenFounder. Well, for many many years Ive been in the technology world in a startup world where, of course, theres a lot of interaction with WordPress since you all run like most of the internet. So for the last several years, Ive been attending CaboPress and a couple of different WordCamps and talking about mental health in these communities.I think theres a lot of overlap between the kind of entrepreneurs that I spend most of my time with and the people that are in the WordPress space. So I dont code, I dont design, but I do know my way around my own websites and mostly Im here to help support the people who run WordPress.How would you describe the WordPress community?Sherry Walling:I have a number of friends and its a community that I care deeply about and am pretty connected to. The worldwide, the E U WordPress community is committed.You had a workshop on mental health and productive life at WCEU (June 2018), can you share some insights with us?Sherry Walling:So in the workshop, we talked about a lot of strategies for managing stress and anxiety and burnout, things that I think are very common among technology folks and especially common among freelancers and people who are running their own businesses.We did some deep breathing exercises and I taught people how to reverse the physiological anxiety response by slowing down their breathing and then we also did some stretching and some basic movement in the body to help the body calm down and offset some of the challenges of sitting all day. We talked about things like sleep, journaling, basic strategies that sound really simple but really important to maintaining a healthy mental perspective, healthy relationships, a healthy body and, of course, a healthy  work life.If your brain is not well or if youre under a lot of stress a nd not functioning or not handling that stress well, then youre not able to be a productive contributor, youre not able to be part of a community, youre not able to do your best work.How do you manage to stay productive during the day?Sherry Walling:I think what productivity looks like is different for everyone so I would never say that my model of doing it is the best model, its just the way that Ive come to for my own self, that works for me. But I tend to get up pretty early and start my day with exercise with a long run or weight-lifting or yoga and Im pretty consistent with that, six days a week usually. I find thats a really important way for me to wake up and take care of my body and then after that Im spending time with my family.I have three children, I have a business, I wrote a book Im busy. I have a lot of things that are important to me, that I try to put in my life, and one of the ways that I try to do that is really carving out time to do one thing at a time. Not bo uncing back, not trying to respond email and talk to my children and make a meal, all at the same time, but deciding that this is the one hour that I have for email or Facebook or Twitter right now this is my media communication time and the only hour that Im going to spend doing that.So that kind of scheduling, organization, and also the decision to do one thing at a time is really helpful for productivity, but its also helpful for mental health because we tend to overuse our brain when we bounce back and forth between lots of different things.So, if I could summarize my personal productivity strategy its one thing at a time and be completely focused on the one thing.How do you define being successful?Sherry Walling:I think success is a combination of a personal experience of joy as well as the ability to make a meaningful contribution in other peoples lives. So its both something thats internal and something that you are extending or sharing with the people around you. Sherry Wal ling (@zenfounder) #interviewed at ThemeIsle - on #productivity and mental health Click To Tweet That wraps up our Sherry Walling interview. If you have any questions for her, please leave them in the comments section. Also, if you have any suggestions for who we should talk to next, feel free to give us some names, too!Free guide5 Essential Tips to Speed Up Your WordPress SiteReduce your loading time by even 50-80% just by following simple tips.

buy custom Journal Excerpt Activity essay

buy custom Journal Excerpt Activity essay Intention of the study The intention of the study was to find out whether the introduction of a journal excerpt activity improves undergraduate students performance in statistics. Is the study descriptive or inferential? Though the study has used descriptive analysis, it can be termed as inferential since the findings can be generalized to populations with similar characteristics. On the hypothesis is approved or disapproved, the study findings, conclusions and recommendations can be generalized to the other student populations. The descriptive analysis has also been used to present the study findings and analyze data. The data has been used to test the hypothesis that journal excerpt activity improves undergraduate students performance in statistics. The test was on whether the observation made can be termed as statistically significant (McEnery ET el 55). The study is correlation in nature and can therefore be qualified as inferential statistic. It is a comparison between students subjected to journal excerpt and those not subjected and conclusion made accordingly. Variables used in the study The variables used in the study were: Gender, date, class, race and performance. The variables formed the basis of data nalysis. The variables have been used to form the scales of analysis. The variables selected possess a reasonable correlation with the study. The variables form important factors in analysis (Vaus 188). Population being studied and common characteristics The study population depicts the group that the study had interest in. The study population consists of students. They are students in different grades whose age and race also vary. The students targeted were studying together while another group of students was used to make comparison. The method used in data collection is the documentary research Statistics methods were used to analyze the data: inferential or descriptive techniques. The method used to describe the data is the descriptive method. However, the study findings were inferential in that the findings can be generalized to explain experiences by similar student population. The method used in data collection can be termed as documentary research because analysis of the recorded students performance was used to draw conclusion. Summary of the study's conclusion The conclusion was drawn from the common factors analysis undertaken to see whether there was correlation that could b derived using various variables. The variables were analyzed on the basis of common factors. The factors were also classified in terms the dependent and independent factors, so as to identify which variable influenced others and the outcome. The outcome from variable formed the basis from which the factors in research were derived (Vaus 188). The study concluded that the performance by the students who utilized journal excerpt activity was better. The group utilizing journal excerpts outperformed others. The study also found that the results derived from using journal excerpts were impressive, though the method required minimum resources. The study, however cautions the generalization of the study finding which are termed as exploratory. Generalization may also be hampered by the fact that the study findings are derived from a population with unique social and econom ic characteristics. The study has also sited limitations, especially in comparison to the various study seasons Agreeing or disagreeing with conclusion I agree with the study findings because they were statistically arrived at. The findings were also derived from an all inclusive study population. The findings were also derived from study that could be correlated, that the conclusion is reliable in spite of the limitations noted. Buy custom Journal Excerpt Activity essay

The Seven Voyages of the Ming Chinese Treasure Fleet

The Seven Voyages of the Ming Chinese Treasure Fleet Over a period of almost three decades in the early 15th century, Ming China sent out a fleet the likes of which the world had never seen. These enormous treasure junks were commanded by the great admiral, Zheng He. Together, Zheng He and his armada made seven epic voyages from the port at Nanjing to India, Arabia, and even East Africa. The First Voyage In 1403, the Yongle Emperor ordered the construction of a huge fleet of ships capable of travel around the Indian Ocean. He put his trusted retainer, the Muslim eunuch Zheng He, in charge of construction. On July 11, 1405, after an offering of prayers to the protective goddess of sailors, Tianfei, the fleet set out for India with the newly-named admiral Zheng He in command. The Treasure Fleets first international port of call was Vijaya, the capital of Champa, near modern-day Qui Nhon, Vietnam. From there, they went to the island of Java in what is now Indonesia, carefully avoiding the fleet of pirate Chen Zuyi. The fleet made further stops at Malacca, Semudera (Sumatra), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Zheng He beat a hasty retreat when he realized that the local ruler was hostile. The Treasure Fleet next went to Calcutta (Calicut) on the west coast of India. Calcutta was one of the worlds major trade depots at the time, and the Chinese likely spent some time exchanging gifts with the local rulers. On the way back to China, laden with tribute and envoys, the Treasure Fleet confronted the pirate Chen Zuyi at Palembang, Indonesia. Chen Zuyi pretended to surrender to Zheng He, but turned upon the Treasure Fleet and tried to plunder it. Zheng Hes forces attacked, killing more than 5,000 pirates, sinking ten of their ships and capturing seven more. Chen Zuyi and two of his top associates were captured and taken back to China. They were beheaded on October 2, 1407. On their return to Ming China, Zheng He and his entire force of officers and sailors received monetary rewards from the Yongle Emperor. The emperor was very pleased with the tribute brought by the foreign emissaries, and with Chinas increased prestige in the eastern Indian Ocean basin. The Second and Third Voyages After presenting their tribute and receiving gifts from the Chinese emperor, the foreign envoys needed to go back to their homes. Therefore, later in 1407, the great fleet set sail once again, going as far as Ceylon with stops in Champa, Java, and Siam (now Thailand). Zheng Hes armada returned in 1409 with holds full of fresh tribute  and again turned right back for another two-year voyage (1409-1411). This third voyage, like the first, terminated at Calicut. Zheng Hes Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Voyages After a two-year respite on-shore, in 1413 the Treasure Fleet set out on its most ambitious expedition to date. Zheng, He led his armada all the way to the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, making port calls at Hormuz, Aden, Muscat, Mogadishu, and Malindi. He returned to China with exotic goods and creatures, famously including giraffes, which were interpreted as the mythical Chinese creature the qilin, a very auspicious sign indeed. On the fifth and sixth voyages, the Treasure Fleet followed much the same track to Arabia and East Africa, asserting Chinese prestige and collecting tribute from as many as thirty different states and principalities. The fifth voyage spanned 1416 to 1419, while the sixth took place in 1421 and 1422. In 1424, Zheng Hes friend and sponsor, the Yongle Emperor, died while on a military campaign against the Mongols. His successor, the Hongxi Emperor, ordered an end to the expensive ocean-going voyages. However, the new emperor lived for just nine months after his coronation  and was succeeded by his more adventurous son, the Xuande Emperor. Under his leadership, the Treasure Fleet would make one last great voyage. The Seventh Voyage On June 29, 1429, the Xuande Emperor ordered preparations for a final voyage of the Treasure Fleet. He appointed Zheng He to command the fleet, even though the great eunuch admiral was 59 years old and in poor health. This last great voyage took three years  and visited at least 17 different ports between Champa and Kenya. On the way back to China, likely in what are now Indonesian waters, Admiral Zheng He died. He was buried at sea, and his men brought a braid of his hair and a pair of his shoes back to be buried in Nanjing. Legacy of the Treasure Fleet Faced with the Mongol threat on their northwest border, and the huge financial drain of the expeditions, Ming scholar-officials deplored the extravagant voyages of the Treasure Fleet. Later emperors and scholars sought to erase the memory of these great expeditions from Chinese history. However, Chinese monuments and artifacts scattered all around the rim of the Indian Ocean, as far as the Kenyan coast, provide solid evidence of Zheng Hes passage. In addition, Chinese records of several of the voyages remain, in the writings of such shipmates as Ma Huan, Gong Zhen, and Fei Xin. Thanks to these traces, historians and the public at large can still ponder the amazing tales of these adventures that took place 600 years ago.

Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Theory - Essay Example Then cubism is a specific component of his technique, modern style as well. In modern style, Le Corbusier recognises the factors governing the period and establishing its form. And modern style enabled him to achieve his cubistic goals in architecture’s three-dimensional styles (Saeter, 2011). This essay explores the work of Le Corbusier, examining the specific ways in which he had developed a relationship with theory in his work. Exploring Le Corbusier’s Spatial Design Ideas In essence, Le Corbusier’s buildings look like totally devoid of all material weights. Cubes of air enter their fully open forms; huge spaces of glass enhance their clearness. Several of his buildings are elevated, and beneath the structure the garden is constructed like a veranda. In several of these structures, the interior is made, similar to a studio, having only one room the parts of which is partitioned into many units, different in size and form, not detached from one another, and del ineated merely by arched screens or low room dividers (Farmer & Louw, 1993). And a huge mechanism of zigzagging or traditional staircases, of hallways and ramps, constructed like terraces, is applied through the different levels so as to achieve the needed link between these free room divisions (Samuel, 2007). Le Corbusier is indeed a very bold designer. With his artistic talents, commitment, and determination he always prospers in creating a form which through its visual appeal convinces even though it does not logically persuade. The most adventurous models of his spirited talent, revealing all aspects of his artistic skills, are embodied in such structures like Villa Savoye and Villa de Monzie (Crow, 1989). These structures show all the selections of his successful art of architectural arrangement. In fact, all facets in these structures are organised in harmony with cubistic art. Figure 1. Example of Cubistic Architecture (image taken from http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?imgurl= &imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Finthralld.com%2F2013%2F02%2Fcubist-inspired-rieteiland-house-by-hans-van-heeswijk-architects%2F&h=0&w=0&sz=1&tbnid=FA2blesTdOQRbM&tbnh=190&tbnw=266&zoom=1&docid=kpyqE9GpE_T70M&ei=d7jIUtOaMo2OiAfit4CADQ&ved=0CAQQsCUoAQ) Even though he created an architectural style which employed modern methods and materials and which constantly aspired to convey the meanings and embody the way of life of the 20th century, Le Corbusier viewed architecture as an on-going discipline and argued that important principles learned from the earlier times could be re-created in ways which would be suitable to the contemporary period. The creative years of Le Corbusier were witnessed during the early 20th century, when it was widespread practice to adopt from previous techniques, employing forms of Byzantine, Gothic, or Classical architecture, based on the function a structure had to fulfil (Roth, 1993). Yet, Le Corbusier abandoned this barren style of reproduction and rather thoroughl y examined those features of previous styles which he believed went beyond their period and which he thought stayed applicable to the 20th century. Le Corbusier firmly believed that forms strongly influence people’s senses and that designers can affect emotions through their structures of form. These arrangements address organisational and structural demands and how

Media influences Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Media influences - Essay Example It is through previously established theoretical traditions and research methodologies developed in countries all over the world that enable us to form knowledge and opinion about different elements within the media. The theoretical conventions include those f the American 'Empiricism', European Critical Theory, Western 'Marxism', British Cultural Studies, Political Economy, and French Structuralism and Semiology. Investigating these methodologies, along with exposure to media itself, can assist us in understanding the relationship between the text, the producer, and the audience, and therefore make sense f the political, economic and cultural meaning f everyday life. The worth f media studies itself includes the preparation for media practice, as well as the preparation for skilled reception by the audience, which we are all a part of. For this reason, media studies in society is a vital skill which will continue to be relevant well into the future. Media studies allows us to examine elements f the media and its affect on audiences, whilst investigating the influences that make up the media that we are familiar with. Cunningham and Turner describe briefly the way in which media shapes our way f thinking and allows us to further our ideas and opinions on particular issues. "We learn about world politics from our newspapers, radio news broadcasts and TV; while we may be aware that the views we receive are necessarily brief and partial, they play an important part in our conception f the world." (The Media and Communications in Australia, 2002) It is difficult to determine exactly how he media affects its audience, as the results are different between individuals. For example, drug use in a movie may deter someone from wanting to use drugs, whilst tempting another to try them. This shows how vital it is to study the media and the particular ways in which it affects its audience. It is essential that we continue to try and make sense f exactly how the media influences our society in order to prevent negative effects. When doing this, we should look into theoretical traditions f media is history such as the American 'empirical traditions and Western 'Marxism' J.B Thompson states his ideas about the important role media plays in self-formation, "individuals are able to gain access to new forms f knowledge which are no longer transmitted face-to-face."Individuals' horizons f understanding are broadened... shaped increasingly by the expanding networks f mediated communication." (The Media and Modernity: A Social Theory f the Media, 1995). This proves the importance f media in everyday life in our society. We are assisting in shaping our own ideas and opinions through the media, in much the same way that we are influenced by people around us. When speaking f such influences, we must examine further the specific elements f everyday life and the way in which theoretical traditions have influenced how we think f the media to this day. Politics are all around us. Political issues can exist in the workplace and at home, as well as in our local, state and federal governments. The general public relies on the media to communicate political messages that could possibly effect how society is run. Unfortunately,

Central and Eastern Europe Environmental Issues Essay Example for Free

Central and Eastern Europe Environmental Issues Essay Eastern Europe’s environmental problems are not as simple as they may seem on the surface. The environmental problems that face Eastern Europe are complicated by political, economic, and social implications. The current environmental problems are a bi-product of rapid industrial expansion under a socialist government. The soviet government was more concerned with surpassing the western cultures in technology and military might than the environmental damage they were doing to their country. The following paragraphs will address the current environmental problems facing Eastern Europe, the various solutions to the environmental problems, and the efforts taken to correct the environmental problems. Environmental Problems in Europe Eastern Europe during the 1980s had rapidly become the industrial giant for the Soviet Union. Massive industrial factories would be built throughout the eastern bloc of the Soviet Union and the factories used obsolete technology to provide the industrial needs of the country. The heavy industrial activity characteristic of the post-World War II period took a heavy toll on both the regions population and its environmentâ€Å"(U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2010). Various local populations were suffering from high rates of cancer, respiratory issues, and infant mortalities. The environments in the areas around the industrial regions were also being damaged on unprecedented levels. Legacy of Pollution According to the U. S.  Environmental Protection Agency (2010), The outmoded, energy-intensive technologies were such an integral part of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and New Independent States of the former Soviet Union (NIS) regions economy in the post-war era not only wasted resources, but also caused severe local, regional, and trans-boundary pollution problems. Not only was the industrial technology outdated, the communication among the post-war government, local governments, and various environmental ministries was ripe with secrecy and non-communication between each other. The results would prove to be catastrophic pollution of the air, surface water, soil, ground water, marine zones, and coastal areas. Air Pollution Air pollution in Eastern Europe is the top concern because of the levels of sulfur dioxide found in all the industrial areas. High levels of sulfur dioxide exposure can lead to asthmatic children and adults, respiratory illness, decreased lung defenses, and worsening of existing cardiovascular diseases. When Sulfur Dioxide is exposed to rain it creates acid rain and raises the acidity level of everything it touches such as soil, lakes, and streams. Buildings corrode faster and there is also a reduction in visibility. Water Pollution Agricultural and industrial practices were causing large spread water pollution because of outdated waste regulation practices and no environmental regulation. According to Liroff (1990), Drinking-water supplies throughout Eastern Europe are heavily contaminated. Vast reaches of the Vistula River in Poland, which drains much of the country, are classified as unfit for use even by industry. The Baltic and Black Sea coasts are badly degraded by domestic sewage, agricultural run-off, and heavy metals and organic pollutants from industry. The Eastern Europe governments have been slow to implement solutions to purify the drinking water in the various regions. Soil Pollution Samples of produce from upper Poland have yielded 30 to 70 higher percentages of cadmium, lead, zinc and mercury then acceptable levels listed by the World Health Organization. The high percentages of these heavy materials indicate how polluted the soil is in the upper polish regions. In Hungary alone, waste generators dispose of more than 500,000 tons waste found in illegal landfills. The local government has trouble tracking any kind of waste transportation and disposal due to obsolete tracking processes, and because not all waste is indicated as waste before being disposed of. Eastern Europe is wreaked with not only environmental problems, but also with government, and local government problems also. The good news is that there are viable solutions to the environmental problems that the Eastern Europe countries are having. Viable Environmental Solutions The environmental problems that face Central and Eastern Europe are much the same as any other country in the world with one exception, the proximity of the environmental hazards. Most countries in the world deal with environmental hazards, but the hazards are spread out over different parts of the country. Central and Eastern Europe are unique when it comes to environmental disasters because Central and Eastern Europe was the industrial might behind the soviet military. For every environmental disaster Central and Eastern Europe faces, there is a viable solution thanks to modern technology and proven environmental regulations. Possible environmental solutions Because of the vast environmental disasters throughout Central and Eastern Europe there are several possible environmental solutions. The possible environmental solutions that Central and Eastern Europe are considering will be decided by the cost of the solution, ease of implementation, and consultation from environmental agencies such as the United States Environmental Agency. Even with the various economic, governmental agency communication problems, and various ecological disasters Central and Eastern Europe have a number of viable solutions. Air Pollution Solutions One of the possible remedies for air quality in Europe would be to switch to burning low sulfur coal. When coal is burned, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury compounds are released. For that reason, coal-fired boilers are required to have control devices to reduce the amount of emissions that are released. The amount of sulfur oxides produced by power can be reduced by using coal with low amounts of sulfur present. Another possible air solution would be to use scrubbers. Scrubbers are an air pollution control system that removes pollutants from the air stream they are most commonly used to help control the emissions of sulfur into our air. There are a few types of scrubber, Air scrubbers, wet scrubbers, and gas scrubbers are differentiated by the manner in which they remove gases and particulates from the air; either wet or dry. Wet scrubbers literally wash dust and particles out of the air. Exhaust air is forced into a spray chamber, where fine water particles cause the dust to drop from the air stream. The dust-laden water is then treated to remove the solid material and is often re-circulated. Dry scrubbers are used more commonly with acid gases. The pollutant is collected on or in a solid or liquid material, which is injected into the gas stream. A dry scrubber produces a dry product that must be collected downstream from this control device. Water Pollution Solutions One of the many possible water pollution solutions would be aeration. Aerating is the process to bring river water at the bottom of rivers up to the surface so that the entire river is oxygenated by the atmosphere surface to bottom. They can do this by pumping air into bodies of water at the very bottom. On the other hand Central and Eastern Europe could use more wastewater treatment plants these types of plants would drastically help the water quality in Central and Eastern Europe by removing harmful bacteria’s, animal wastes and pollutants and then recycling the clean water back into their system.. Soil Pollution Solutions There are many different types of soil pollution that hurt the environment and by treating Sewage before dumping wastes would cut back on many of the current environmental issues. Spraying pesticides may be good for the crops but it’s destroying the soil and the drain off into the water system is affected by this as well. Cutting down on the usage of fossil fuels would create less solid waste and harmful gasses that may seep into the soil. Eastern Europe needs to adapt to more of these possible solutions. Using low sulfur coals, Scrubbers and limestone in the remedies of air pollution would set a chain reaction in the environment the water would then become cleaner along with the soil. These remedies may not fix the issue completely for Eastern Europe, but it would help them greatly. Efforts to correct  Central and Eastern Europe have been left untouched since the end of the Nazi/German rule and the fall of the Great Berlin Wall on November 9th, 1989. Many of the people living in such a terrible environment still struggle every day to survive, but it is not a war against other countries it has turned into an environmental war and one that is near impossible for them to win without help. As with most all larger countries around the world Eastern and Central Europe are suffering from the same types of environmental issues but, in their case they do not have the means that we do in order to make the necessary changes that they need. Practical and low cost solutions need to be the wave of the future and used as often as possible. The problems need to be prioritized based on the highest health risk and the surrounding public will be educated and involved in its’ own environmental decision making. AIR- Airborne pollution is said to be one of the greatest environmental risks identified in the region. There is a large amount of sulfur dioxide found in the air, it comes from several different places but are byproducts of several different types of older industrial facilities like the old coal burning power plants that used to be found there (EPA). The United states are one of the few countries in which it is a law for vehicle owners to participate in an annual emissions test. The Czech government however has accelerated its’ efforts in cleaning the air pollution through it $240 million project that will assist its residents in converting homes from coal to natural gas in hopes to subsidize conversion costs (EPA). Along with this local agencies in many areas lack the equipment needed to assess and identify local problems so the Krakow Air Monitoring project. This project is under the supervision of the EPA and the Polish environmental experts are working together to identify and measure the major sources of industrial, residential and vehicle emissions testing (EPA). Along with such a huge problem facing the countries the EPA has also transferred some very low-cost techniques to help them out. Water pollution- Along with clean air there is the Krakow Water and Wastewater Improvement project, the idea here is to provide safe drinking water to city residents. Most people are drinking from contaminated drinking sources, especially those outside of the city limits. The idea here is not only to decontaminate the water before it is consumed, but to attack the problem at the source and to educate the people of the possible affects that waste dumping in unsecure facilities can have on them and their families. The Krakow project as a result installed modern ozonation and chlorination equipment that in turn disinfected the drinking water of 400,000 residents in the area. It also focused on the improvement the forming of the Raba River Watershed Association as well as focusing on the agricultural runoff into local streams and rivers (EPA). In addition to this a team of EPA, Wisconsin, and Latvian environmental managers have also come up with a solution to protect supplies of future ground water in Daugavplis, this is where the national ground water protection strategy is based. Solid and Hazardous Waste- All types of waste needs to be dumped somewhere and the most contaminated solid waste sites are often found on military bases in Eastern Europe. They can be found on active or former military base cites, these are still dumping cites. Children in these areas are affected the most and are still being diagnosed with very high blood-lead levels, due to these case studies the EPA has provided special equipment and training to local officials to assess possible impacts of lead exposure. Due to such high levels of exposure in certain areas additional support has been provided by Romanian officials to assist areas in the cleanup of contaminated soil, the Czech Council of Ministers even committed to assist the cleanup of future development cites by approving $40 million to get started, this is called Project Selesia. This is not the only cleanup plan in effect there is also the Solid Waste Policy Demonstration Project, this idea helps to train local communities in the proper way to carry out more effective policies of cleaning and recycling waste. Pilot programs include the construction of new sanitary landfills, the cleanup of existing landfills, curbside recycling, are probably the most important public outreach programs taking place (EPA). Technology Transfer- the EPA has also helped with the development of a geographic information system (GIS), this system helps to track different trends that occur over time. The GIS is a computer-based mapping system that over time will store and track other environmental information that identifies pollution source and tracks it over time. This system will help the public become more informed and promote better decision making (EPA). The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Manage ment Project is yet one more idea that is hoped to assist different storage areas of nuclear material in a quick-turnaround of radiochemistry data in case of any future leaks and potential disasters. To be able to assist such tracking a mobile radioecology laboratory was created by the EPA along with the United Nations Development Program and USAID, have provided the Ukraine with possibly one of the world’s best equipped mobile radiation monitoring laboratories. This lab is monitored by both the EPA project team and Ministry officials have since been conducting on-site contamination assessments of potential public health threats all around the country (EPA).

Free College Admissions Essays: Try, try again! :: College Admissions Essays

Try, try again! Bedraggled, disheartened and blanketed with mud, I sat on the sidewalk blubbering while the tears dripped down my knee. As I watched the salty droplets trickle down my dingy leg and meld with the crimson driblets oozing from my ragged shins, I felt a certain overwhelming feeling of helplessness, of defeat. After a comfortable amount of time was spent wallowing in self-pity, my relentless attitude proficiently mustered the nerve to get back on my very first bicycle and give it another try. I was on my way to conquer one of my first acquaintances with adversity. " Excellence and success is not achieved in perfection but in knowing you tried your best." This is definitely the most powerful virtue that I've cultivated throughout the years. From learning to walk to learning to drive and all the obstacles that I faced in between I was always able to employ this adage and trust that belief in it would get me through whatever challenge I faced. As an innocent, radiant slip of a girl I embark ed on my first steps of life. I fell, and fell again until my bottom was bruised, I'm sure. Nonetheless, I never gave up, and was up and running around in no time! I was ready for bigger and better things. Before long it was time for school. This, by far, has been the most challenging endeavor midst the years. No matter what I always gave it my all and managed to remain a high honors student throughout a majority of my academic career until I was faced with an even larger task...high school. With problems developing in the family I became incredibly withdrawn and unfortunately, indifferent. By my junior year I was feeling so overwhelmed that, in essence, I surrendered to failure. I barely had the ambition to go to school let alone do well in my classes. I was accepting defeat and very low grades at that. Then, one day, a teacher said something to me that evoked thought, a second look at my situation. While staying after school, my English teacher said, "Jessica, you're a very intell igent girl, and you have the ability to achieve much higher grades, but you aren't trying which is sad because there are kids that try so hard and can't earn the grades that you're so capable of.

Case Study for White Box Testing

White Box Case Study 1. Introduction In white-box testing, the purpose is to ensure that the all the code has been tested and covered. There are different coverage measures depending on the level of detail of the white-box test. The coverage measures may also be applied to integration testing and system testing. 2. Learning Objectives The exercise aims at giving an understanding of white-box. The specific learning goal is to gain a detailed insight into the concept of white-box testing using coverage measures. Assignment 1: Look at the program below. How many feasible paths are there for this program? Define a set of test cases that gives you 100% coverage of all the feasible paths. Input (score); If score < 45 then print (‘fail’); else print (‘pass’); If score > 80 then print (‘ with distinction’); End Assignment 2: In this week’s lab session you will test the NextDate program with white-box techniques. Get an understanding of how the program works, the code is available here Assignment 4: Make flowgraphs of the methods in the NextDate class. Assignment 5: Prepare test cases based on the flowgraph. Calculate the minimum number of test cases if the goal is: †¢ 100% Statement coverage †¢ 100% Decision/branch covergae †¢ 100% Condition coverage 4. Exercise (on computer) Assignment 6: Now we would like you to thoroughly test the NextDate program using white-box testing. You should implement the testcases you have prepared on paper using statement, decision,and condition coverage. Preferably implement them using JUnit. Implement more test cases if you realize that you missed any during the preparation. Remember to specify test case ID, what is tested, description, input, expected output and other useful information while executing your test cases. You may also want to make room for pass and fail notes and perhaps for comments. Record your test results carefully for your test report. Report The purpose of the report is to discuss the result of the exercise and related topics. Following parts should be included, 1) conclusions from the lab session, 2. Describe the outcome of your tests. Discuss the assignments and include the following: †¢ The flowgraphs from the preparation assignment. †¢ The test cases. Remember to specify the associated test technique to each test case. Also, specify the coverage measure of each method used. †¢ Defects detected. †¢ Which coverage criteria works best and why? †¢ When is each coverage criteria most applicable? †¢ Compare black-box test techniques (used in lab session 1) and white-box test techniques. Discuss advantages and disadvantages with each and when they are appropriate to use.

Ozone Depletion and Global Warming

How the video was a good example of a persuasive speech? The video was a good example of a persuasive essay because of its overall structure from attention-getter and visual aid to the conclusion and performance. The speaker began to start his persuasive speech talking about global warming and what we the listener can do to prevent and lower down the devastating effects of Global Warming. The speaker allowed us to know what type of speech is he exactly giving information about and told us a personal story into his life to keep the listeners engage.The speaker gave much information of his speech and the effects on Global Warming to today. He pursues the listeners to stand up and do something about it by including the lives of mankind into the equation of global warming saying that things would only get worst if we do not act now. The speaker had great use of visual aid, which supported his entire speech and kept the listeners engaged by showing examples and slides that helped pictured out everything for the audience instead of the listener running off with their imagery of which the speaker was talking about.He also used video clips in helping getting his points across. The speaker showed examples of the speech and Global Warming meaning and Activity such as the ultra-violet rays and the ozone layer be these such example showed in speech. He used graph to show us exactly how long Global Warming has been affecting us and it's rate in growth. The visual aid was very useful to his persuasive speech and his performance of pursuing the audience to act.In the movie small clips had come up as the speech had progress turning out to be his attention-getter and the reason why he had chose to talk about this speech. For his attention-getter he mentioned that his son was playing on the playground and a car spiral out of control resulting in an accident. His son was on life support in the hospital. With that tragic attention-getter he managed to get his audience engaged in h is speech.When he started progressing through his speech the small clips would pop up again being stated as his source and research into his own dedication of the speech. In the movie the speaker brings up three main-points in his speech, these main-points are: what is global warming, global warming affects, & who’s doing what about global warming. The main points are placed well in his speech as oppose to the information being scattered. He used a great deal of information and he even involved his self into getting the information he needed by traveling where needed to back up is thesis. For example, he traveled to where the affects of global warming had taken place. He had said from his speech Japan had worst tsunamis now than they did in the past decade, in fact tsunamis constantly appeared in Japan. The structure and source the speaker used to back up his speech was overall amazing and very useful in creating a persuasive speech of my own. The speaker uses of his own know ledge of global warming was very helpful and believe this is the best persuasive speech I have heard.

Foreign relations of East Timor Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers

Foreign relations of East Timor Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers Foreign relations of East Timor Relations with specific countries and regions Association of Southeast Asian Nations Countries with embassies in East Timor Countries with East Timorese diplomatic missions Main article: Accession of East Timor to ASEAN East Timor is the only country in Southeast Asia that is not a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). East Timor also does not hold observer status in the group. However, East Timor has expressed its intention of gaining observer status to ASEAN in July 2002 and in 2006 was spoken of as requiring five years to become an ASEAN member. [2] ASEAN on the other hand has been inviting the small nation to many of ASEAN ministerial meetings as a sign of goodwill. In 2007 East Timor signed the ASEAN Treaty on Amity and Co-operation. [3] [4] East Timor is a potential member of the East Asia Summit.[citation needed] Australia Main article: AustraliaEast Timor relations Australia and East Timor are near neighbours with close political and trade ties. East Timor, one of the poorest countries in Asia, lies about 610 kilometres northwest of the Australian city of Darwin. For many years Australia implicitly supported the Indonesian occupation of East Timor, giving priority to the policy of maintaining good relations with Indonesia. This policy was however changed in the late 1990s, with Australia starting to support UN, Portugal and other countries in the defence of the self-determination of East Timor. Since then, Australia has played a prominent role in the young republic's history. Australia led the military force that helped stabilise the country after it chose independence from Indonesia in 1999 and also after the internal conflict in 2006 and has been a major source of aid since. DFAT[1] (Department of Foreign Affairs) will manage an estimated $68.0 million in bilateral funding to Timor-Leste in 2015-16. Total Australian Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Timor-Leste in 2015-16 will be an estimated $93.9 million. Bangladesh Brazil Main article: BrazilEast Timor relations Brazil and East Timor are both Portuguese-speaking and relations are friendly. East Timor has an embassy in Brasilia and Brazil has an embassy in Dili. Brazil has a co-operation program with East Timor, that includes a wide range of areas, including labour policy, justice, national security, culture, agriculture, education, governance, sports, environment and health. Indonesia Despite the traumatic past, relations with Indonesia are very good. Indonesia is by far the largest trading partner of East Timor (Approximately 50% of imports, 2005) and is steadily increasing its share. Problems to be solved include, East Timor-Indonesia Boundary Committee meetings to survey and delimit land boundary; and Indonesia is seeking resolution of East Timorese refugees in Indonesia. Malaysia Main article: East TimorMalaysia relations Malaysia has contributed to many UN peacekeeping missions on the country, such as one are the Operation Astute during the 2006 East Timorese crisis.[2] Malaysia also has provided assistance to Timor-Leste in the area of human resources development through various training programmes and providing assistance to East Timor in its nation building efforts.[2] Currently, Malaysia has been consider by East Timorese as a model to develop their countries.[3][4] East Timor has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur,[5] and Malaysia has an embassy in Dili.[6] Mozambique The close relations between Mozambique and East Timor are old, coming already from the time when both territories were Portuguese colonies. Before the independence, several Timorese political leaders lived in exile in Mozambique, including the present President of East Timor Jos Ramos-Horta and the former Prime-Minister Mari Alkatiri. Both the countries are members of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). East Timor maintains an embassy in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Philippines Being the only two predominantly Catholic nation in Asia, relations with the Philippines became very positive as soon as East Timor was multilaterally recognised as an independent state. The two countries are now engaged in a growing commercial relationship, as well as cultural and educational exchanges. On 6 June 2013, both countries signed three agreements in Manila concerning infrastructure development, defence and education.[7] Portugal Main article: East TimorPortugal relations East Timor has an embassy in Lisbon whilst Portugal has an embassy in Dili. East Timor was a colony of Portugal for over 400 years. As a former Portuguese colony, East Timor has a significant proportion of Portuguese speakers. Portuguese is one of the two official languages of Timor and it is a full member of the Community of Portuguese Language

Book review essay: Direct from Dell - Strategies that Revolutionized an Industry

Book review essay: Direct from Dell Strategies that Revolutionized an Industry Dell, a 1984 start-up that grew into great heights within a short span of less than 15 years, has immense hard work of both the founders and employees. Like many other companies, even Dell has faced many challenges and had made ways to beat them. 1. M. Dell grew up with an entrepreneurial spirit ‘ He realized that the computer stores at that time, were buying PCs from IBM, and had been charging a lot of money and gave little or no service. This is when he started assembling computers on his own, and started selling them at a cheaper price and provided better service. 2. Direct Model, v1.0 ‘ the entire business was about listening to the customer, responding to them, and delivering what they wanted. The direct model was based on direct selling. 3. Highest levels of service + products needed ‘ Their top priority was maintaining loyalty among customers and employees, which was achieved by bringing out the highest levels of service and high-performance products. 4. Disdaining inventory ‘ Improving the speed of the inventory flow 5. Order of business at Dell ‘ The new order of business at Dell based on ‘ Liquidity ‘ Profitability ‘ Growth 6. Clear metrics ‘ Once clear metrics and measurements was established, it was easy to see what businesses were performers. 7. Three Golden Rules at Dell ‘ 1) maintain a light inventory, 2) Listening to the customer, and 3) Always sell direct. 8. Phase review process for product development ‘It created a common language and the organization came to agreement on how product development and launching should take place. 9. Segmentation ‘ One can quickly grow smaller companies, but it’s an uphill task to sustain a high rate of growth in a larger corporation. Segmentation enabled dell to scale up its business rapidly. 10. Direct Model, v1.1 ‘ In Version 1.1, they reduced inventory inefficiencies. 11. Reward success by narrowing responsibility ‘This allowed them to keep their people happy and thriving and maintaining a high growth rate. 12. Information sharing ‘ they shared the best ideas throughout their various businesses. 13. Think like you the owner (ROIC) ‘they explained specifically how everyone could contribute: by cycle time reduction, by elimination of scrap, by increasing sales, by forecasting accurately and precisely, by scaling operations, by increasing inventory, collecting accounts receivables effectively, and doing things right in the first attempt. Dell practiced rewarding its employees using ROIC matrix. 14. Complexity kills ‘ their thumb rule was to have as few partners as possible. 15. Supplier management ‘ they set quantitative measures for success so the suppliers knew what they expected and they provide regular progress reports to the suppliers. 16. Inventory velocity revisited ‘Speed to market was important for two reasons. One was that it created competitive value that could be shared between buyer and supplier. The other was that when it came to delivering the latest product they had to be quick. 17. Using the Internet ‘By using the Internet they tried to maintain a continuous flow of materials from their suppliers to their factories, on an average their employees spent less time placing orders and more time building products adding value. The other advantage the Internet gave them was immediate and quick transmission of product quality data. Their suppliers could see the information in real-time. OB CONCEPTS AND THEIR BENEFITS IN DELL 1. Creativity: ‘ Willingness to look at the things differently ‘ Dell was first to experiment with ‘Direct marketing’ even when critics cited it to be a failure methodology 2. McClelland’s Theory of Needs: ‘ Need for Achievement (nAch): Points to support i. Motivated by his passion to do business ii. Converted Hobby(Philately) into initial venture ‘ Need for power: i. They wanted to emerge as a global leaders ii. Penetrate into other markets apart from US [Entered European market, Asian, etc] ‘ Need for Affiliation: i. Michael Dell made ways for friendly customer relations. ii. Dell had great regard for the employees and their concerns. Made frequent enquires to build a good working environment. 3. MBTI Personality: ESTJ ‘ Extrovert: He has been closely associated with the outside world right from the childhood, speaking to experts, salesmen, customers, etc. ‘ Sensing: More focus on details. Hired people to do data analysis while in Newspaper subscription business and implemented the same in the Dell. ‘ Thinking: Implemented competitive strategies (Speed to market, Customer service, Producing high quality, Providing latest relevant technology). ‘ Judging: i. More categorized and organized. ii. Predicted changes in the market much before they are to occur and took decisions accordingly that are fruitful. iii. Entered Consumer retails and exited it soon realising that the model cannot meet financial objective. (Corrective action) And restricted European operations. 4. Job Satisfaction: ‘ Storming Stage: Few managers who could not resist the organisational changes (eg. Use of facts) felt painful and left the organization. (Elimination of Theory X Employees). ‘ Recruiting Process: Michel Dell and his company made it a decision to hire persons with expertise and who had sense of adventure and love challenges. Thus favouring ‘Theory Y Personalities’ with following characteristics: i. How employees think about economic terms? ii. How they want to define success as? iii. How people value and relate them with others? iv. Ability of employees’ understanding on the strategy of the business they are involved in? v. Ability of employees’ understanding on business activities ‘ Employee Engagement: i. Theory Y employees welcomed the use of facts and shown their willingness to adapt to the organizational changes. ii. Change in decision making from emotion based decisions to factual data based decisions. 5. Management by Objectives: (Goal Setting Theory) Dell even at their initial stages were more cautious about setting goals and accomplishing them. Inference is that, Dell gave more priority to the above goal rather than mere growth. 6. Utilitarianism: Seeking the greatest good for the greatest number ‘ And reducing their inventories and overhear expenses. (Disdain Inventory) ‘ Knowing exactly what the customer wants and then provide it. (Always listen to Customer and never sell indirect) ‘ Thus operating at maximum Efficiency by not producing products until they know it is sold. 7. Social Learning Theory: ‘ Through Observations: i. Price is not a sustainable competitive advantage. ii. Understand the economies of each segment: Product, Use, Geography, Customer, etc. iii. Observations from Employee Interactions through following questionnaire: ‘ What are customers telling you? ‘ How do you think the company’s products are doing? ‘ What are our biggest challenges? ‘ What are the biggest threats to our success? ‘ How can the company support you better? ‘ Through own Experience: i. Introducing of Dell’s 30-days Guarantee: After realizing the customer’s insecurity and low levels satisfaction in online purchases, Dell for the first time in the industry introduced this scheme to promote online business-business methodology. ii. Targeting large companies for business to grow wider and faster. Thus making global expansion plans (outside US). 8. Contrast Effect (Perception): When Dell displayed their 12 Mhz high sped Machine in the Comdex show, they earned a good reputation for the product what they have manufactured. Taking products early to market and then capturing customers. 9. Job Enrichment: Train employees to act and think like owners. 10. Operant Based Learning – Make failures with learning acceptable. Dell also learned few things in a hard way. The following words spoke by Michael Dell from the book states this: 11. Selective Perception: Dell initially being more opportunistic tried entering into every sector of the market. This prevented them to make the best decisions and slowed down its growth rate. Then Dell differentiated the tasks: what to do and what not to? And accordingly assign or define goals. This way it has leant selective perception. ‘ CONCLUSION The book is a very good read, and the business principles highlighted above are truly excellent. The very core thing that drives the business is the fact that everything revolves around the customer. Listening to customer feedback, acting on it promptly and adding value to the customer are among the top priority for Dell. Dell has a good organisational practice in place always striving to attract and retain talents, thus making it the best place to work at. This perhaps has helped dell to achieve great heights and proceed beyond the set objectives.

EU law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

EU law - Assignment Example The researcher states that in European Union, the most important legislative instruments are regulations and directives. A regulation is a general rule that is obligating upon member nations in whole and is directly applicable to all member states. Obligating in whole connotes that the member states has no preference as to method and form. On the other hand, directives are general rule, but they are binding as to their result. For each member state, it is expected, a directive is obligating as to the outcome to be accomplished. As to the choice to method and form, the institutions of the member states can exercise their power. There is less clarity about their direct impact due to the wider policy freedom given to member states in transposing EU directives. Nonetheless, one should not underrate the impact of directives, and the national rules shall have to be construed in such a style that is most in harmony with the directive under reference. Because of its own breakdown to carry ou t the commitments which the directive requires, a Member Nation which has not espoused the enacting initiatives as demanded by the directive within the stipulated time may not bank upon it as against such persons. At the request of an individual who has adhered with the stipulations of a directive, may request a municipal court not to direct to implement a municipal rule which is contrary to the directive not implemented into the domestic official system of a contravening Member Nation. Further, it must sustain that demand if the commitment in issue is sufficiently precise and unconditional.2. S2 European Communities Act 1972 stipulates that â€Å"all such privileges, authorities, responsibilities, commitments and limitations ... arising by or created under the Treaties ... as in agreement with the Treaties are devoid of further ratification to be accorded official impact or employed in the UK, shall be ... imposed so ... â€Å" Further, any designated Minister, Her Majesty may by Order in Council, and or department may by rules, make provision ... for the purpose of implementing any Community commitment of the United Kingdom. Directives fall under secondary legislation of the source of EU law. A directive is a most significant legislative mechanism together with the EU regulation. Its main aim is to bring together the dual aims of both ensuring the needed consistency of Union law and honouring the diversity of national structures and customs. It is to be remembered that directive chiefly aims for the harmonization and not for the unification of the law. The rationale is to get rid of conflicts and contradictions between national regulations and laws or progressively to weep out contradictions, so that, a uniform stipulation exists in all the member nations. It is to be noted that a directive is obligatory on all the member nations as to the goal to be accomplished, but it assigns it to the national officials to fix it on how the consented community goal is to be implemented into their domestic legal structures. Especially, the member nations can take into the picture of unique domestic scenarios when implementing the community rules. What is important that an EU directive does not surpass the laws of member nations but puts a commitment on the member nations to fine -tune their national law in harmony with Community regulations? Hence, there will be two –phases of law- making practice prevail in EU3. Source - eur-lex.europa.eu †º EUR-Lex Home †º Help In UK, the â€Å"General Product Safety Regulations 2005 â€Å"is in force and these regulations are enacted in conformity with the â€Å"section 2(2) of the European Communities Act and transpose the Directive 2001/95/EC on general Product Safety† into UK law. The main aim of the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) is to make sure that all goods aimed for or probable to be used by UK residents under realistically and normal predictable stipulations are safe. In case of mobile phones, the GPS Regulations will extend to those-aspects of safety in UK. The GPSD is applicable to