The History of Architecture

Concrete is a composite material consisting of a binder, gravel, and aggregate, mixed with water (Li 3). The history of concrete dates back to ancient Egypt, where builders used straw and clay make building blocks. Their goal was to produce a durable construction material as the basis for building larger structures.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The History of Architecture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Currently, concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world. The creation of concrete revolutionized the practice of design and architecture because it gave builders new possibilities. This paper traces the history of concrete, and examines the current application of concrete in construction projects. The paper starts by examining the history of concrete since the time of the Egyptians to the present. It then surveys the types of concrete used in the world today. The paper then explores the concrete framing systems followed by a discussion of the unique attributes of concrete. The final section of the paper deals with modern uses of concrete in architecture and design, and the environmental impacts of concrete production and usage. Historical Methods of Making Concrete The Egyptians were the first people to make a composite material designed to improve its structural qualities as a building material. They mixed straw and clay to make bricks. The Egyptian straw bricks could withstand cracking. This meant that buildings made with straw bricks lasted longer than buildings made from clay bricks. Egyptian straw bricks date back to 3000 BC (Brookes 34). The Romans were the first people to develop durable concrete. Many concrete structures constructed during the Roman era that still stand today. The Romans discovered that a mixture of volcanic ash, quick lime, and pumice dried into a hard substrate suitable for construction (Li 6). They went ahead to use this mixture in the c onstruction of their structures. Many structures from the Roman era that still stand today came up between 300 BC and 400 AD. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, concrete technology disappeared until early in the nineteenth century. During the nineteenth century, a British researcher named James Parker rediscovered hydraulic concrete after conducting research into Roman methods of concrete making. The Industrial Revolution led to resurgence in the use of concrete for construction. In the same period, a British mason named Joseph Aspdin patented Portland cement after inventing a procedure for producing cement from baked lime. Cement became a primary ingredient in the preparation of concrete.Advertising Looking for essay on architecture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More After the rediscovery of concrete, architects and engineers continued to experiment with different ratios of the materials used in the production of concrete. The result was a plethora of concrete types available for different uses today. Part of the ideas that came up from these experiments was the reinforcement of concrete. This gave rise to new possibilities in the building and construction industry. Types of Concrete The third classification of concrete types is according to additives. Three examples of concrete based on their additives are Fiber reinforced concrete, macro-defect-free (MDF) concrete and DSP concrete (Li 17). DSP is the acronym for concrete whose density has been increased using small particles (Li 17). There are many other types of additives used to make different types of concrete for various applications. In practice, concrete users use specific names to refer to specific concrete types depending on their composition and their uses. This system yields a long list of concrete types. It is important to sample a few of these concrete types to illustrate this point. When construction technologists need to add a layer o f concrete to line a rock face or to hold back soil, they sometimes choose to shoot concrete using compressed air. This saves time and it eliminates the need for formwork. Concrete applied in this manner is called â€Å"shotcrete† (Fling 3). Shotcrete is useful for lining tunnels to reduce or eliminate seepage during construction. The actual mixture of concrete used as shotcrete depends on the need. Hydraulic concrete mixtures can help to stop leaks, while lightweight concrete can be used for aesthetic purposes. The ease of making concrete has led to the development of many kinds of concrete. The differences in concrete types arise from the ratio of materials used in their production and the type aggregate used. The classification of concrete depends on the unit weight, compressive strength, and the additives in it (Li 16). The classification of concrete according to unit weight gives four main types of concrete. These are â€Å"ultra-lightweight concrete (1200 Kg/m3), light weight concrete (1200-1800 Kg/m3), normal-weight concrete (1800-2400 Kg/m3), and heavyweight concrete (3200 Kg/m3) (Li 17).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The History of Architecture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The unit weight of the concrete determines its applicability for various uses. For instance, lightweight concrete is not ideal for load bearing structures. On the other extreme, heavyweight concrete can withstand heavy loads and is an ideal nuclear shield. This means that heavyweight concrete is ideal for the construction of nuclear plants and is ideal for the construction of high radiation installations. Compressive strength refers to the ability of concrete to withstand pressure from compressive forces. Classification of concrete by compressive strength yields four main classes. These are, â€Å"low-strength concrete (20 MPa), moderate-strength concrete (20-50 MPa), high-strength concrete (50-150 MPa), and ultra high-strength concrete (150 MPa)† (Li 17). The pressure that some structures need to withstand is very high. For instance, the pillars of a skyscraper must withstand the stresses resulting from the weight of the entire building. In this case, only high strength concrete is appropriate. However, structures that carry minimal loads such as small footbridges can operate normally with moderate strength concrete. Low strength concrete is ideal for partitions and sub grades of roads (Li 18). In some situations, design considerations favor the use of concrete with air spaces to allow water to seep. The concrete mixture used for this purpose is called pervious concrete. The use of pervious concrete reduces the need for artificial drainage. It also makes it easy to put up concrete structures that do not interfere with water flow to underground water systems. The third type of concrete is glass concrete. This type of concrete uses recycled glass as the aggregate. The us e of glass in this manner improves the appearance of the cured concrete. In addition, glass concrete has better thermal properties and is more durable than many concrete types. As indicated previously, there are very many concrete types. The examples above are illustrative of the concrete types available for use in building and construction. More types of concrete will be available in the future based on current research efforts that are seeking to improve the quality of concrete. Concrete Framing Systems The choice of concrete framing systems is one of the important decisions every designer must make. Framing systems have direct cost implications for all design projects. Poor choice of a concrete framing system can also compromise the stability of the building after construction. It is important for a designer to be aware of the options available and the impact of using each alternative. Fling gave three reasons why the choice of a framing system matters during preliminary design ( 1).Advertising Looking for essay on architecture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More First, it leads to the generation of important information about the structural design of the building for use by all stakeholders (Fling 1). Secondly, it increases the efficiency of the project manager because the preliminary design helps in the identification of problems early in the project (Fling 2). Thirdly, it enables designers to optimize their designs before construction begins (Fling 2). The options designers have when choosing concrete framing systems are as follows. First, designers can use the flat plate framing system. The flat plate is very simple and economical to construct because it requires little formwork. It gives designers the flexibility to decide on the location of the supporting columns. Its main disadvantage is that it is susceptible to deflection. Secondly, it has a very low capacity to absorb sheer stress. The ideal application of the flat plate framing system is in buildings with low loads such as hotels and hospitals. The second framing system to choose from is the flat slab. Flat slabs require more formwork because of the need to increase the area of contact between the columns and the base of the slab. This framing system can withstand more weight, and can handle longer spans compared to the flat plate framing system. Thirdly, a designer can use the banded slab framing system. The main difference between this framing system and the previous two is that the beams supporting the slab are flatter but wider. This reduces problems associated with low beams. It is costlier that the flat plate and the flat slab because of more formwork requirements. It is ideal for tall buildings. The fourth framing system is the hoist slab. In this option, several beams run across the bottom of the slab with two beams supporting the resulting framework. The hoist slab is lightweight because it uses small quantities of construction materials. However, the formwork needed to construct this slab is more expensive than the flat plate framing system. The fi fth framing system is the waffle slab. Waffle slabs get their name from the waffle-like appearance of the ceiling. This framing system is ideal for creating longer slabs because the additional span dimensions do not result in additional dead weight. This framing system limits the construction of partitions because the partitions must match the waffles to achieve a clean finish. The formwork for this framing system is expensive and its construction requires experience. This framing system is ideal for covering large spaces since it can support larger spans without requiring additional columns. Unique Attributes of Concrete Concrete has several unique attributes that contribute towards its wide acceptance as a construction material. It is also possible to reduce or eliminate its weaknesses by adding various compounds and structural support systems during its production. First, concrete has very high compressive strength. This explains its wide usage in the construction of load bearing parts in various construction projects. The actual tensile strength of concrete varies depending on concrete type. Usually changing the ratios of the materials used in its production leads to changes in tensile strength. This means that adjusting the mixing ratios of concrete can help to achieve desired tensile qualities. Secondly, concrete has very low tensile strength. The actual values vary depending on the type of concrete. This means that concrete is not ideal for the construction of structures that experience tensile forces. This is what led to the development of reinforced concrete. The steel in the reinforced concrete increases its tensile strength significantly. Concrete has low elasticity. This means that it cannot recover once it is deformed. Elastic forces acting on concrete can lead to the formation of cracks during the process of destructive deformation. These cracks damage the structural qualities of concrete and compromise its ability to withstand tensile and compre ssive forces. The fourth important quality of concrete is that it has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. Concrete does not expand or contract appreciably based on temperature changes. This quality makes concrete ideal for the construction of large structures because temperature changes have little effect on its mechanical properties. Finally, concrete is prone to creep under constant load. This mechanism relives the stress experienced under constant load. Creep helps concrete structures to set and can contribute to their stability. However, too much creep can lead to weaknesses in concrete structures. Uses of Concrete in Design and Architecture Concrete has various uses in design and architecture. Its widespread use in the construction industry arises from its unique qualities. The following are some of the uses of concrete in design and architecture. First concrete is the main material used in the construction of columns and slabs in buildings. While it is possible to con struct low-level buildings with wood and other materials, it is impossible to construct high-rise buildings without concrete. Concrete makes it possible for planners to build skyscrapers that make the most use of small land areas. The second widespread use of concrete around the world is the construction of bridges. Before the development of concrete technology, bridge designers used steel and wood as the main materials for bridge construction. These materials could not withstand severe weather. Concrete replaced them as the material of choice because of its resilience in extreme weather conditions. Concrete is also a very important material in road design. Technically speaking, tarmac is a type of concrete that uses bitumen in the place of cement. Apart from this, conventional concrete forms the sub grades of roads during road construction. In areas with extreme weather, concrete roads are more resilient compared to bitumen roads. Concrete is ideal for making working surfaces in ki tchens and industries. Its strength makes it ideal for molding large sinks and tubs for industrial use. Its ability to withstand shock and corrosion makes it a perfect choice for the construction of platforms for heavy machines. Exposed-aggregate concrete is a popular material for making driveways. This type of concrete is strong enough to withstand wear. In addition, exposed-aggregate concrete is ideal for use in areas with high human traffic. It can withstand the wear arising from heavy use. Glass concrete is becoming popular because of its beauty. Glass concrete is also very strong and can withstand wear and tear. In addition, it has impressive corrosion resistant qualities. Concrete is also gaining ground as an ideal substitute for metallic and wooden poles used in the distribution of electricity. The use of concrete poles is reducing the demand for trees previously used to make poles. Since concrete does not need chemical treatment to withstand corrosion, the use of concrete po les will eliminate the demand for the chemicals used to treat wooden poles. Architects and designers can use concrete poles as part of sustainable design. Many storm drains and sewerage lines are made using concrete pipes. Concrete is resistant to corrosion, and it does not leak. In addition, the ease of molding concrete pipes makes it possible to plan for custom systems during architectural design. High-density concrete can block radiation. This is why shields made from concrete blocks are important in the design and construction of nuclear facilities. In addition, high-density concrete is ideal for making bomb shelters and for erecting security barriers. In this regard, architects and designers can use concrete as the material of choice to design maximum-security facilities. Environmental Impacts Concrete has both positive and negative impacts on the environment. The positive impacts of the production and use of concrete are as follows. First, the production of concrete encourages the recycling of materials from other industries. This reduces environmental pollution. For instance, the production of glass concrete uses recycled glass from other industries. This type of concrete is durable and ensures that waste glass becomes useful as part of a concrete structure (Li 23). The second positive impact of concrete production is that it helps to reduce the damage to the environment caused by the use of wood in construction. The use of concrete posts for fencing helps to reduce the number of trees needed to build fences. In addition, designers currently prefer concrete to wood in the construction of structures such as bridges. This means that concrete can help to reduce the damage to the environment resulting from the use of wood in construction projects. The negative impacts of concrete usage to the environment are as follows. First, an analysis of the life cycle of concrete shows that it the largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Estimates place the contribution of concrete production to global greenhouse gas emissions at ten to fifteen percent (Harris 44). Secondly, concrete requires aggregates as well as cement for its production. Many of the aggregates used to produce concrete come from mines around the world. Therefore, the production of concrete contributes to the destruction of landforms and the pollution of the environment because of mining activities. The third impact of concrete use to the environment is that it leads to the generation of waste that is difficult to dispose. In the past, concrete waste ended up in landfills in different parts of the world. New efforts to recycle concrete from collapsed structures still do not salvage all the concrete waste available in the world. In this respect, the continued use of concrete will pose a challenge to the conservation of the environment especially after existing concrete structures outlive their useful lives. Conclusion In conclusion, concrete is a very interesting m aterial for designers and architects. Its appeal will remain for a long time to come because of its outstanding qualities. However, more thought must go into how best to use concrete in order to conserve the environment. Works Cited Brookes, Alan. Innovation in Architecture: A Path to the Future. New York, NY: Taylor Francis, 2003. Print. Fling, Russel S. How to Choose a Concrete Framing System. Aberdeen: The Aberdeen Group, 1988. Print. Harris, Frances. Global Environmental Issues. Chichester: John Wiley Sons, 2004. Print. Li, Zongjin. Advanced Concrete Technology. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2011. Print. This essay on The History of Architecture was written and submitted by user Konnor Mathews to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Where (and How) to Get a Cashier’s Check 8 Simple Steps

Where (and How) to Get a Cashier’s Check 8 Simple Steps SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Making a large purchase, such as buying a car or putting a down payment on a house? If so, you may be asked to use a cashier’s check to make your payment. A cashier’s check is a guaranteed way to pay for something and is often requested during large transactions to ensure that you actually have the money you need for your purchase. But what actually is a cashier’s check? Why do you need it? And, if you need one, where can you get one? In this article, I’ll explain exactly where to get a cashier's check and how to get a cashier’s check. I’ll give you options for where to get a cashier’s check and walk you through other options you can use to pay for your purchases if you don’t wish to use a cashier’s check. What Is a Cashier’s Check? A cashier’s check is considered a safe form of payment because it’s guaranteed by the bank. When you use a cashier’s check to pay for a purchase, the bank guarantees that that funds on the check are available to the seller. That way, the seller knows that your check will clear when he or she tries to deposit it and that there’s no chance of your check bouncing. Cashier’s checks are usually required for major purchases, such as when you’re putting a down payment on a house or purchasing a car. Because there's a large sum of money involved, the seller wants to guarantee that they’ll receive the full amount. A cashier’s check helps ensure that they will. You may also be required to use a cashier’s check for slightly smaller transactions, such as a security deposit on your apartment, or even occasionally your monthly rent payment, if required by your landlord. There’s a big difference between a cashier’s check and a personal check, and it can take awhile to get a cashier’s check, so make sure you check your lease or ask your landlord if you need a cashier’s check well before your monthly payment is due. Where to Get a Cashier’s Check You can’t write a cashier’s check on your own, so what are your options for where to get a cashier's check? You’ll need to go into a bank or a credit union. To purchase a cashier’s check, you’ll need two pieces of information. First, you’ll need the exact amount of money you want to guarantee with the check. Second, you’ll need the exact name of the person or institution that’s receiving the check. Make sure you have the name correct - they won’t be able to deposit the cashier’s check if you have a different name on it. If you’re a customer of the bank or credit union, you can get a cashier’s check using the funds that are available in your account. When the bank writes the cashier’s check, they’ll automatically debit the funds for the cashier’s check from your account, which assures the seller that you have the full amount. If you want to purchase a cashier’s check from a bank or credit union where you aren't a customer, you’ll need to bring the full amount in cash. You’ll pay the bank the sum of money in cash and, in return, they’ll provide you with the cashier’s check. For the most part you’ll need to go to the bank in person in order to purchase a cashier’s check, but a few banks, like Wells Fargo, allow you to order cashier’s checks online. However, you’ll need to wait for the check to be processed online and mailed, which can take up to 10 business days. A cashier’s check must be deposited within 90 to 120 days after it’s issued, so make sure the recipient knows that they should deposit the check as soon as they get it. Cashier’s Check Fees In addition to wondering how to get a cashier’s check, customers are often concerned with finding the cheapest place to get a cashier’s check. Purchasing a cashier’s check from a bank will usually cost you a small fee, even if you have an account at the bank. Let’s take a look at the cashier’s check fees at the top 10 US banks. Bank Cashier’s Check Fee For Basic Checking Account Holders Chase $8 Bank of America $10 Wells Fargo $10 Citibank $10 U.S. Bank $7 PNC Bank $10 Capital One $10 TD Bank $8 BBT $10 Suntrust $8 Note that these fees are the fees that it costs customers who have a basic checking account at the bank in question to purchase a cashier’s check. If you’re going to a bank where you don’t have a basic checking account, you might pay more money to purchase a cashier’s check. However, if you have a high-tiered checking account (such as one with a higher monthly deposit requirement or daily minimum balance), you might have a lower fee to purchase a cashier’s check from your bank, or you may not have to pay a fee at all. Often, credit union will offer lower fees for cashier’s checks. If you’re concerned about cost, shop around to see the cheapest place to get a cashier’s check in your area. How to Get a Cashier’s Check In order to purchase a cashier’s check, you first need to go to your local bank or credit union branch. Follow these steps to make the process as painless as possible. Make sure that you’ve got the funds to cover the check before you go to the branch. Remember, your account will be immediately debited for those funds, or you’ll need to have enough cash on hand to cover the full amount. Make sure you’ve got the correct full name of the person or institution you’re paying. Make sure you’ve got your government-issued photo ID with you, such as a driver’s license or passport. If you’ve got an account at the institution you’re purchasing the cashier’s check from, make sure you have the required materials to access your account. You’ll most likely need to have your debit card and pin number, as well as a photo ID. If you don’t have a debit card, make sure you know your account number or social security number so the teller can look up your account. Wait in line at the branch location until it’s your turn to speak with a teller. Tell the teller that you’re interested in purchasing a cashier’s check. Provide the teller with your account number, or with the cash required to purchase the cashier’s check. Provide the teller with the name of the person or institution you’re paying. The teller will make sure that you’ve got enough money to cover the sum of the check. Then, the teller will draft the check and sign it, ensuring that it’s guaranteed by the bank. Cashier’s Checks Vs. Personal Checks Cashier’s checks are very different from personal checks, which is why they’re generally required for large purchases. Purchasing a cashier’s check means that your account will automatically be debited for the amount to cover the check. This debiting guarantees you’ve got enough money to cover the cost of the cashier’s check. When you write a personal check, your account isn’t debited until the check is deposited, so the check may bounce if you’ve spent money and no longer have the funds to cover the personal check’s amount. Because cashier’s checks are guaranteed, they often clear more quickly than personal checks. This means that the seller can have access to the funds for your purchase more quickly than waiting for a personal check to clear. The physical features of both checks are different. A cashier’s check is signed by a bank representative, which is part of guaranteeing the funds for the check are available. Likewise, cashier’s checks have distinguishing security features, such as watermarks, and are often written on special bond paper. Cashier’s Checks Vs. Money Orders A money order is very similar to a cashier’s check. When you purchase a money order, you’re also guaranteeing that you’ve got the funds to pay for your purchase. However, there are some key differences between the two forms of payment. A cashier’s check is issued by a bank or credit union. A money order isn’t. You can often purchase money orders at grocery stores, the post office, gas stations, or other places around town. Because you can purchase a money order from many different places, it may be more convenient to use a money order to guarantee your payment on a purchase. Money orders, however, have a maximum limit of money that you can send at one time. That means that you’ll need to use a cashier’s check for larger purchases that require you to transfer greater sums of money. Cashier’s Checks vs. ACH/Wire Transfers ACH/wire transfers are very similar to cashier’s checks, with several key differences. For both cashier’s checks and ACH/wire transfers, your account will be immediately debited when you initiate the transaction. This debiting guarantees that you’ve got the funds needed to cover the purchase. There are fees associated with ACH/wire transfers, just the same as there are fees associated with cashier’s checks. The fees associated with ACH/wire transfers are often higher than the cashier’s check fees and can depend on how quickly you want the money to be sent. When you make an ACH/wire transfer, you’re electronically transferring funds from your account to someone else’s. This means that you’ll automatically send funds to the seller, without them having to deposit a check. You can request a same day ACH/wire transfer for an added fee, which means that the money will instantly appear in the seller’s account. There are often limits for the amount of money you can send a person via wire or ACH transfer, depending on the type of transfer you’re doing, your bank’s policies, and how quickly you want to send the money. Review: Where and How to Get a Cashier's Check Cashier’s checks are considered a safe way to pay for large purchases because they’re guaranteed by a bank to have the funds to cover the sum of the check. You can get a cashier’s check from your local bank or credit union branch, which often requires paying a small fee.

How to Copyright a Book (in 10 Minutes Or Less)

How to Copyright a Book (in 10 Minutes Or Less) How To Copyright A Book: A Definitive Guide Want to know how to copyright a book you've written? That’s probably a smart idea. You don’t want this nightmarish scenario to occur a year down the road: you’re in a bookstore and you pick up a random novel. You notice that the dialogue sounds familiar. Upon further inspection, you realize that everything in this book is a dead ringer for your work - down to your character Mick, who now goes by Dick.Copyright is something authors are often curious about, though it’s so complex that few are eager to dip a toe into it. And it needn't  be an author’s first worry. However, if you're self-publishing a book, then the onus is on you to educate yourself on all aspects of the business - which includes protecting your intellectual property.Obligatory disclaimer: no-one at Reedsy is an attorney - this is by no means professional advice. But to make the topic easier for authors to unpack, we conducted research and spoke with practicing attorneys and have unmuddied the waters for you.Want to skip ahead? Check out our  explainer video or  download an infographic that spells out the process of copyright registration.What is copyright?Copyright is just that: the right to copy. When books are published, this right prevents others from replicating your work and selling it (for profit or otherwise) without your consent. jmason@copyrightcounselors.com.Sean Lynch is an intellectual property attorney who provides copyright and trademark advice to clients building businesses and brands. In addition, you can find Sean at slynchlaw.com and thesurflawyer.com.Henry Runge is an  Associate Director of UNeTecH. He protects scientists' inventions and works with entrepreneurs and creatives to develop business opportunities for intellectual property.Finally, to read about the topic straight from the source, visit the U.S. Copyright Office, the U.K. Intellectual Property Office, and the Australian Copyright Council websites.If you're in the finishing stages of completing a book? Check out our blog post that details the technical process of making a book.Any stories to share? Any more questions? Let us know below and we’ll answer all of them personally!

Somalia Outline Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Somalia - Outline Example The World Bank and USAID have been involved in the water supply sectors of the given countries to a large extent; hence they provide credible and reliable data on the water supply situations in these countries and thus justify the use of these sources. Water provision is a serious problem in most developing countries, and it is even a worse scenario in Somalia. This is a country that has been war-ravaged for the last two decades. To generate effective recommendations for water provision in Somalia, it is first necessary to establish the water supply situation, and then compare water provision systems that are considerably effective in countries with a similar situation like Somalia’s. This study explores the water provision solutions that have been implemented in Mozambique and Ghana and use them to generate recommendations for the water supply crisis in Somalia. According to the Advanced Blue Revolution Initiative, Somalia lacks an official water supply and sanitation system (ABRI 2009, p. 1). A large population obtains water from boreholes and shallow wells. The shallow wells are usually located near settlements, and the condition of this water is alarming due to nearly latrines seeping health hazards to ground water; cholera and diarrhoea outbreaks are common, and ABRI statistics indicate that less than 29% of the population has access to clean and sustainable water sources. It might be necessary to point out that the urban water supply system that existed in Somalia before degeneration into conflict was already constrained, poorly funded and mismanaged, and became inoperable after the civil crisis. This is the basis that informs the choice of comparison countries; Mozambique has an experience of nearly 20 years in war, and Ghana is muted as a model for other developing countries in efforts to curb most of their challenging problems. A brief background on Mozambique’s water provision system indicates that it was rendered useless

How my life would be if I was white men Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

How my life would be if I was white men - Essay Example I can also turn on the television or open to the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely represented. And when I am told about our national heritage or about "civilization," I am shown that people of my color made it what it is. Another privilege is I can be sure that my children will be given curricular materials that testify to the existence of their race. I can be pretty sure of having my voice heard in a group in which I am the only member of my race. Â  I can also travel alone or with my spouse without expecting embarrassment or hostility in those who deal with us. And there’s so much more to be enumerated. Some people say that racism in USA doesn’t exist anymore and that they obtained a color blind society. But as I experience, the so called white privileges is still very visible. I will never be a white man indeed, but still I’m hoping that someday, the so called white privileges will also be enjoyed by black man like me.

HIPAA’s Pros and Cons Essay Example for Free

HIPAA’s Pros and Cons Essay HIPAA or what is known as the â€Å"Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996† has its pros and cons (United.., 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pros include the following:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   HIPAA guarantees dependability and promptness of â€Å"electronic patient health, administrative, and financial data† (HIPAA, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   HIPAA implements rules, policies, and standards that maintain the confidentiality and soundness/constancy of â€Å"individually identifiable health information covering the past, present, as well as, the future† (HIPAA, 2006). For instance, in case where an established institution needs an individual’s record, this individual is ensured that his or her personal information is safe with that institution (HIPAA, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cons, on the other hand, include the following:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   HIPAA negatively affects the access of clients to their medical records (United.., 2007). This is because information may be â€Å"pending† to those who have the right to get hold of it because of the penalties enforced (United.., 2007). This is also because of the fact several health care providers are unsure when it comes to the legalities of the Act (United.., 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   HIPAA also does not have a positive impact or effect on health research (United.., 2007). This is because of the fact that HIPAA limits or controls the researchers’ conscientiousness to carry out â€Å"retrospective, chart-based research† (United.., 2007). In addition to that, HIPAA restricts researchers to â€Å"prospectively assess patients by getting in touch with them for the purpose of follow-up† (United.., 2007). Not to mention of course that, in terms of, â€Å"informed consent† forms, wide-ranging and far-reaching detail on how confidentiality is safeguarded is necessitated making it more complicated for subjects to grasp before they could sign in, which usually ends in not signing at all because they do not know what they will be signing on (United.., 2007). References       United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2007). HIPAA. Retrieved December 5, 2007 from   http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/ HIPAA. (2006). Unsure How to Handle HIPAA? Retrieved December 5, 2007 from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.hipaa.org/

Cell Matrix Adhesions and Fibroblast Essay -- Biology

Missing results figures How are cell matrix contacts regulated? The two papers explained in this website: "Regulation of protrusive and contractile cell-matrix contacts" and "Dynamics and segregation of cell-matrix in cultured fibroblasts" explore both the types of cell matrix contacts and the interactions between these contacts in many different bodily cells. Cell matrix contacts are parts of the cell surface where specialized adhesion receptors in the membrane attach to the extracellular matrix (ECM), the matrix outside the cells. These receptors are also linked to the inside of the cell, to the cytoskeleton (the skeleton of the cell) and to the signaling pathways of the cell (the biochemical steps that cause cells to act in a particular way). An extracellular matrix is a structure that is made of proteins, glycoproteins and other materials that cells are surrounded by or in contact with. Cells inside or near the matrix create the matrix by secreting these substances. Cells interaction with the ECM is very important for several reasons. Contact with an extracellular matrix is fundamental to the organization of both the cell and the tissue of which the cell is a part. Cell matrix interactions maintain and regulate cell adhesion and motility. Cell matrix contacts also act as sites for transmission of mechanical force and electrical signals between cells. Cell matrix interactions serve as the cells indicator for its surroundings, and its messenger for where this particular cell needs to be according to the vicinity of others. Cell adhesion is very important in embryonic development, regulating how tissues are built, the function of tissues and signaling across cells. The protein complexes involved in adhesion are very dive... ...l switch is matrix deformability or pliability. This kind of a switch would allow a cell to respond to environmental cues such as a rigid substrate by switching to an adhesion mode that provides firm anchorage. 4. Large focal contacts are generally stationary but small focal contacts can translocate. One end makes a polar extension then the other end contracts making for an inchworm like motion. This movement also seems to be dependent on contractile actomyosin. Specific cell types may use only one adhesion mechanism. Some cells can switch on fibrillar adhesion formation when fibronectin is present. In summary the authors found that the cell-matrix adhesions were very dynamic and diverse in their range of form, molecular components and locations. This dynamic and diverse system allows cells to have great variety and flexibility in their matrix contacts.