How to Encourage Your Child on Test Days

How to Encourage Your Child on Test Days As the About.com test prep expert, I often get emails from parents asking for help with things like studying with their children, test prep techniques, easing test anxiety and more. Recently, I received an email from a mom who wanted nothing more than to encourage her daughter on test days. She could perceive - although nothing was said - that something wasnt quite right with her child on days when she had a presentation or test to take. She wanted to support her daughter in the kindest way possible.   Read the email she sent to me and the response I offered her to help her child feel the best she possibly could on test days.   Hi Kelly, How can I be more encouraging to my daughter on test days? She hasnt said that shes worried or anything, but I can just tell that something is up with her when she has a quiz or exam. Is there an activity we could do in the morning on the way to school? Kind regards, ~~~~~~~ Dear ~~~~~~~, If your daughter needs encouragement on test days, perhaps shes experiencing some test-taking anxiety, which can stem from different emotional places. To find out whats bothering her, start a conversation on the way to school since you drive her there every morning. Its a great time to have a conversation since the pressure is low - you have to watch the road and she can look out the window if she doesnt want to make eye contact.    Use a statement like, I can tell youre feeling discouraged about something. Is it the test? Would you like to tell me your feelings about it? This kind of conversation starter gives her some wiggle room if shes not up to chatting, but more than likely, shell open up about her worries if theyre test-related because you may have a solution for her. So probe a bit. Does she have a fear of failure? Is she worried about disappointing you or her teacher? Does she feel like shes not prepared? Once you know the root of the discouragement, you can encourage her by sharing your own experiences and boosting her self-esteem. Start by discussing moments in your life when youve been similarly discouraged. (Fear of failure during a new job? That time you felt unprepared for your finals in grad school?) Talk about the ways you overcame it to go on to complete the task you needed to do. Or, tell her about your failure. Its good for a kid to see that her parent is always perfect. Tell her what you learned from failing.   Then, boost her confidence with heartfelt praise. Describe one of her strengths; maybe shes a great shot in basketball or a creative writer. Show her how she can use those skills on test day. Scoring two points in hoops requires concentration, and since shes already good at that, she can use her powerful focusing skills to zoom in on the right answers. Being a creative writer means she can think outside the box. Confidence in one area can cross into others, especially if you help build the bridge. Most importantly, let her know that her score will never impact your love for her. Youll love her just as much whether she bombs the test or aces it. Even if she knows it already, hearing you say that she has your devotion regardless of her actions may help calm her anxiety if shes been telling herself something different. All my best to you, Kelly

Emergency Preparedness in US Prisons and Public-Private Partnerships Research Paper

Emergency Preparedness in US Prisons and Public-Private Partnerships - Research Paper Example It is therefore imperative that US prisons partners with private partners to increase and improve emergency preparedness. 3 This research paper identifies and analyses the special emergency risks associated with US prison systems, its current emergency preparedness regime and the philosophical underpinnings that drive the existing emergency preparedness regime. Finally, and more importantly, this paper investigates the utility of public/private partnerships for improving upon US prisons’ emergency preparedness systems. 3 Emergencies are difficult to predict and even where they are predicted, the outcomes can rarely be precisely anticipated. Prisoners in particular are a unique problem for prison staff in that prisons are already on high alert for prison-like emergencies such as riots, hostage situations, and more importantly prison escapes. Complicating matters for prisons, overcrowding adds a new set of risks that can lead to new emergencies or exacerbate existing emergencies. This is particularly so because the ratio of prison staff to prisoners is entirely unsafe and unsatisfactory. It is therefore imperative that US prisons partners with private partners to increase and improve emergency preparedness. This research paper identifies and analyses the special emergency risks associated with US prison systems, its current emergency preparedness regime and the philosophical underpinnings that drive the existing emergency preparedness regime. Finally, and more importantly, this paper investigates the utility of public/private partnerships for improving upon US prisons’ emergency preparedness systems. In the last decade, the US experienced a number of man-made and natural disasters ranging from the terrorist attacks in 2001, successive hurricanes in Florida in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As a result, the American public has grown to expect more of emergency preparedness systems (Kapucu & VanWart, 2006). It is hardly surprising that

Why is there so much violence in our culture Essay

Why is there so much violence in our culture - Essay Example It has led to the perturbed law and order situation in its wake. Hence, intolerance and prejudice observed by the modern societies have given birth to the concept of fanaticism and violence in the world. The contemporary era is aptly viewed to be the age of technological and nuclear advancements, which has turned life speedy, progressive and complicated one. Revolutionary alterations in the fields of communication, navigations and travelling have also played their significant roles in respect to creating multicultural societies (Macionis 2008). Since the people coming of rival ethno-racial backgrounds have settled in modern societies, situation of clashes between them is a normal factor. However, growth of clashes and conflicts between the communities results into turning the entire scenario violent and aggressive. Marxist perspective declares unjust and unequal distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities as one of the most dominant reasons behind the rise of conflict and antagonism between the groups and communities. The capitalist economic system, according to Marxism, creates an extremely unjust society, where the owners or producers of the agricultural or industrial units exploit the workers and laborers, called proletariat, by offering them very little amount out of the huge and heavy incomes and profits the agricultural and industrial units earn because of the hard toils made by the workers for the growth and development of those specific units. Since an overwhelming proportion of wealth and profit is taken by the ownership, by dint of the investment of money they have made, the laborers are deprived of their respective share against the investment of time, energy and labor they have made for the growth of that particular unit (Ritzer 2010). Consequently, sense of alienation haun ts the minds of the laborers, workers and peasants, which start viewing

Applying to the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies Personal Statement

Applying to the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies - Personal Statement Example The most memorable of these voluntary activities were participating in the Youth for Youth Foundation, being a delegate in for the European Youth Parliament, and taking part in the Junior Achievement Young Enterprise. As a result of my voluntary activities, I have been awarded a number of certificates among which are those related to the economy and social responsibility. I have also been an active participant in school Olympiads the most noteworthy of which were in English, Sociology, and Psychology. Moreover, since I was a child, I have always had a competitive spirit and this inspired me to participate in a number of sporting competitions, and most recently, I was a part of my high school handball team for four years. At the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, I intend to register for a diverse number of extracurricular activities in order to ensure my personal development. Among these is taking part in competitions, taking on voluntary activities, as well as participating in e xchange programmes so that I can broaden my horizons concerning other institutions of learning. It is my belief that at the Academy, I will be able to not only become a part of an institution with a long history of academic excellence but also have an opportunity to interact with a diverse number of people from different backgrounds. These interactions will enable me to become more effective in my professional life while at the same time helping me to develop into a more responsible global citizen.

An Investigation into the activity of A Amylase

An Investigation into the activity of A Amylase Alpha amylase is an enzyme. It specific binds with water and starch . It hydrolyses starch and glycogen to give glucose and maltose. It acts on the alpha bonds of polysaccharides. Because of the specificity of the enzymes activity the structure of the enzyme must be precise. Any factor which will cause denaturation of the enzyme will restrict its rate of activity. Two of the most important factors effecting Alpha amylase activity are temperature and pH. The following experiment is designed to investigate the effect of different environmental temperatures and pH on the activity rate of Barley amylase. Materials and Methods As per schedule, No procedures were changed from original schedule. Results: The results are recorded as the time when colour change indicated that all the starch had been hydrolysed. A dark blue-black colour signified the presence of starch. When this colour is lost and an amber-yellow colour develops indicating that all the starch is hydrolysed, the time is recorded. The results indicate that the activity of alpha amylase increases with decreasing acidity and is highest at pH7. The trend in effect of temperature on amylase activity is that it increases in the middle range but is inactive at extreme temperatures. The results do not agree with the expected results of previous similar experiments and repeats of the same experiment within the class do not concur with others Discussion The hypothesis being tested is that enzymatic reactions are effected by a number of external factors. Temperature and pH are thought to be the most important extrinsic factors. The objective was to examine the activity of the enzyme ÃŽÂ ±-amylase under the effect of increasing environmental temperatures and increasing pH levels and to determine the optimal temperature and pH for Alpha amylase activity. The starch medium selected was Barley. This is a good choice due to its ready availability, the ease of preparation and the body of work available on understanding its germination process due to its importance in the brewing industry. Barley is composed of 53% to 65% dry weight starch (Fox et al (2003), MacGregor 1978, Sanford et al 2003). Barley produces its own amylases during the germination period. The changes in the levels of ÃŽÂ ±- amylase detected in barley during germination are outlined by McGregor et al (1984). The breakdown of starch in barley involves two types of amylase ÃŽÂ ±-amylase and ÃŽÂ ²-amylase. The former works by hydrolysing the 1-4 bonds within the glucose chain exposing non-reducing ends for the beta amylase to split (fig 3.) (Keusch 2003). Prior to germination there is no amylase detected in Barley, a trace was found after 24 hours germination, but after that it was found to increase rapidly (MacGregor 1978). figure 3. www.uni-regensburg.de/Fakultaeten/nat_Fak_IV/Organische_Chemie/Didaktik/Keusch/Grafik/sucrose.gifimgrefurl The optimal temperature and pH for ÃŽÂ ±-amylase extracted from barley is well studied. Fox et al (2003) state an optimal temperature of 65Â °C and a pH of 5.5. ORourke (2002) gives optimal values of 67Â °C and pH 5.2 (table 3) while lower temperature values of 55Â °C for optimum activity of alpha amylase are given in other papers (Al-Bar 2009 and MacGregor 1978). The first two papers are written from an industrial and brewing viewpoint whereas the latter are written from a pure scientific evaluation of the characteristics of barley, this may have some bearing on the different temperatures cited keeping in mind that 60Â °C is the temperature used in mashing. The optimal temperature for amylase activity differs for different sources, Azuki beans , finger millet and wheat have optimum temperatures of 70Â °C, 45Â °C and 55Â °C respectively (Al-Bar 2009). In mammals the temp ph of the body fluids are kept constant at homeostatic condition. If the body temp ph varies from the optimum body temp ph, the enzymes activity decreases and the cellular respiration process which produces ATP energy cell mover would be affected in the body. Less ATP energy the body cells cannot perform the work which they need. The results of the present experiment did not comply with these expected results. From the literature the theory was that Amylase activity would increase with increasing temperature until a maximum level would be reached around 55Â °C and there after it would decrease as it was denatured at higher temperatures, ultimately showing no activity at 80Â °C. Likewise the effect of pH was anticipated to find increasing amylase activity with inc reased pH level to optimal between 5-6 and a decrease reaching neutral pH. While the average results were basically compliant there was a great variation in individual group results. Amylases are important across the spectrum of living organisms; they are required for the breakdown of carbohydrates, which is one of the four essential food groups and the main source of energy to living cells. Amylases are enzymes that increase the activity of a reaction without being consumed in the reaction. The reaction they are involved in is hydrolysis of carbohydrate which is the cleaving of bonds and the addition of water (Hogg 2005). Two main forms exist, alpha amylase and beta amylase, both hydrolyse carbohydrates but in different way. Alpha amylase is the faster acting as it can act on any part of the carbohydrate chain but beta amylase can only act on the non reducing ends which are produced in increasing amounts after the activity of alpha amylase. In plants amylases are largely involved in the germination of seed; temperature may be the trigger for onset of this process. In animals amylases are found in association with the digestive system, ptyalin in the mouth and fr om the pancreas. The amylase enzymes hydrolysis the disaccharides sugar and maltose into monosaccharides glucose galactose which are the smaller molecules of starch that are suitable for absorption in the small intestine for ultimate body use. As an enzyme it binds the substrates together, promotes the hydrolysis and frees the products (fig 4.), and if denatured at high temperatures this cannot happen Figure 4. http://kvhs.nbed.nb.ca/gallant/biology/biology.html From the results obtained and the discussion hitherto the indications are that the results of the present experiment are in error. The anticipated optimal temperature and pH based on previous experiments were Temperature 55Â °C and pH 5. The optimal results from the present experiment were 22Â °C and pH 6.4. This is a well practiced experiment with well recognised results. looking at the results where some conform to the expected and others have results that are un expected it is most likely that the deviation is due to human error, as in not mixing solutions correctly, not maintaining the test tubes at a constant temperature, mixing up samples and not monitoring the time of reaction correctly. The observation of colour changes is also highly subjective, the precise time of change being difficult to detect. Improvements could include using: a spectrophotometer to measure change of amount of starch remaining and then it must be blanked correctly before use. shaking equipment to ensure correct mixing using the same amylase as preparation by different groups might not have been adequate Concentration of substrate, exactness of measurement. Lack of closer attention by the operator can lead to error. Reaction rates, solutions and indicator need to be observed or calculated correctly to avoid errors. In conclusion, to improve on the experiment in future, proper attention and observation is very important.

Why Do I Volunteer? :: Contribution to My Community Service

Some people volunteer to gain career experience, to build their resume. Develop skills or learn new ones. In addition volunteer work enables others to make contacts with people in their chosen career. Some people volunteer to build self-esteem, to make themselves feel better. To feel needed, to feel that they have a place in this world. To truly feel like they are making a contribution to society. Some people volunteer for the social aspect, to climb the social ladder while helping those less fortunate. Some people volunteer as a result of the instilled set of values they have a set of values that compel them to act on deeply held beliefs about the importance of helping others. Some people volunteer because they have felt the cruel sting that life may have afflicted them or a loved one with. For example someone might volunteer for the American Cancer Society because a family member died of cancer. And some people do it because they want a better understanding about different people or the organization they serve, "bridging the gap," so to speak, in order to better understand their community and themselves. However, I volunteer to give back to my community. I am grateful for the help I received from others. When I was in high school I participated in the Upward Bound program. There I was influenced by the academic success of my tutors. I was challenged by them to exceed all of their expectations, and to broaden my horizons of thinking. Through Upward Bound I was able to acquire skills and opportunities that have helped me become the person that I am today. So I give back to enable kids to have the same chances at life that I have had. Volunteering is the ultimate payback to those who helped me on the road to success. I remember asking a counselor when I was in Upward Bound how I could repay him. He smiled and said "You can help me by helping another." A statement so simple, yet so deep in its meaning. The feeling that I can shape someone's life for the better is unexplainable. When I got my first volunteer position as a junior counselor at my local Boys and Girls club, I was eager to be a great role model for the kids. But things did not work out as I initially thought. Why Do I Volunteer? :: Contribution to My Community Service Some people volunteer to gain career experience, to build their resume. Develop skills or learn new ones. In addition volunteer work enables others to make contacts with people in their chosen career. Some people volunteer to build self-esteem, to make themselves feel better. To feel needed, to feel that they have a place in this world. To truly feel like they are making a contribution to society. Some people volunteer for the social aspect, to climb the social ladder while helping those less fortunate. Some people volunteer as a result of the instilled set of values they have a set of values that compel them to act on deeply held beliefs about the importance of helping others. Some people volunteer because they have felt the cruel sting that life may have afflicted them or a loved one with. For example someone might volunteer for the American Cancer Society because a family member died of cancer. And some people do it because they want a better understanding about different people or the organization they serve, "bridging the gap," so to speak, in order to better understand their community and themselves. However, I volunteer to give back to my community. I am grateful for the help I received from others. When I was in high school I participated in the Upward Bound program. There I was influenced by the academic success of my tutors. I was challenged by them to exceed all of their expectations, and to broaden my horizons of thinking. Through Upward Bound I was able to acquire skills and opportunities that have helped me become the person that I am today. So I give back to enable kids to have the same chances at life that I have had. Volunteering is the ultimate payback to those who helped me on the road to success. I remember asking a counselor when I was in Upward Bound how I could repay him. He smiled and said "You can help me by helping another." A statement so simple, yet so deep in its meaning. The feeling that I can shape someone's life for the better is unexplainable. When I got my first volunteer position as a junior counselor at my local Boys and Girls club, I was eager to be a great role model for the kids. But things did not work out as I initially thought.

Marriage amendment in the USA

Marriage has come a long way since it was first adopted in America. Marriage was first used for property protection, financial and political gain. Now however, people are more about being in love and devoted to a significant other. In past American history, with our laws; it had been illegal for a same sex marriage. Gay marriages should be legalized in the United States, because everyone deserves happiness.There have been many attempts for people to get a marriage license, but have been denied because they were gay. Loving v. Virginia was case when the Supreme Court's decision was declared as â€Å"The freedom to marry as long been recognized as one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men.† Gays looked as this as a promise to be able to enjoy their personal rights (Lahey 16). The Loving decision gave hope to the gay community in guarantees to equality.Two early attempt cases that really started off the same-sex marriage were the t rials of Baker v. Nelson and Singer v. Hara (Cabaj 131). The argument in the Baker case was based on constitutional guarantees of due process and Singer was based on equal process. Due process was the state's denial of a marriage license by diminishing the freedom of a person to marry whom they want with the limits of basic material requirements (Cabaj 132).When the Baker case was taken to the Superior Court it was expected that the judge would dismiss the case, but the argument was made that by the definition of marriage was that it was a heterosexual union (Moats 116). Both cases used equal process because people were being denied marriage, when under the Fourteenth Amendment equal protection was stated. In the end of both cases neither were accessed marriage license. Hawaii Supreme Court stated that the denial of same-sex marriage would be presumed constitutional unless that state could prove that it could lead to state interest and order.What is the real harm in same-sex marriag e? Everyone should have the chance to marry anyone they are in love with, and want a future to share. Homosexuals are out for the same thing heterosexuals are looking for in a marriage; personal intimacy, close relationships and social acceptance Vermont had allowed civil unions (which was just like a marriage license), and people from all over the United States filled for the application.The civil unions were made in 2000, but by 2003, 3,579 civil unions were accounted for, and only 625 came from Vermont. The civil unions have become a legal issue in the other states, because couples wanted to separate, but Vermont only allowed their residents to dissolve the civil union. Judges in other states did not approve of the dismissal of the civil unions, since they were not in favor of the idea in the beginning (Moats 245). Some gays did not like the idea of civil unions, because they wanted a marriage like any other person was granted.They saw the civil unions as a way to make the gays n ot protest as mush as they did, and keep quiet. Many of the people that did pass the civil union act were threaten by the people who opposed the idea. In Vermont there has been no proven evidence that society or the values of the people have been harmed (Moats 264). People do not pick their sexual orientation, and they are born the way everyone else is with the same rights and privileges any other American receives.Gays are discriminated all of the time, and nothing is being done about it. African Americans were first brought to the United States as slaves, but they have come a long way since then. They have the same rights as any white person living in the country. Homosexuals come in all types of color and should not be treated as a second class citizen. Legalizing marriage would only make marriage better off because then people are not forced to marry someone they have little attraction for, and sometimes bring innocent children into a stressful position.Having gay marriages woul d decrease the divorce rate, because then people would be happier with themselves and who they choose to love. How is it far to them they are not attracted to the opposite sex, and are treated different for that? Who says it is wrong for someone to love another person of the same sex? You can not fight who you are in love with, it is a feeling everyone should be able to find in another person. Isn't happiness a key ingredient for a healthy marriage?There are many obvious benefits to a homosexual in a same-sex marriage. One benefit is gays would receive full legal equality (Rauch 55). They would receive the same rights as a man and woman marrying. Homosexuals would have the ability to put in law the love and compassion they share for each other. Gay people want to be able to spend the rest of their live wit that one special person and the legalization of gay marriages would allow for that to happen.They want the simple things in life such as living together, caring for another when t hey are sick and eating dinner every night with that other person. A new level of social acceptance to the gay community is a benefit to the marriage. The couple from a gay marriage benefit like any straight couple: having someone there for you when you need them. No one wants to go through life lonely. When a homosexual asks for marriage they are looking for a different and better kind of life, but really a better kind of love.Gay couples are not in a relationship for just sex, but more for love and affection. Many heterosexuals think that a homosexual's relationship is based on sex. A benefit to heterosexual society of gay marriage is the fact that the commitment of a marriage means the couples are discouraged from having sex with multiple partners. This has the advantage of slowing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (Rauch 72). Heterosexuals benefit from gay marriages because gay couples can not have babies of their own they will adopt, or have custody of a child from a previous marriage (Rauch 74). Legalizing same-sex marriage will only strengthen the meaning of marriage, and banning same-sex marriage will weaken marriage. Marriage is for everyone and each one is unique.The Constitution states that everyone is born with equal rights. So why can't homosexuals share the same rights as heterosexuals in the experience of marriage? People of any sexual orientation should be able to choose who they want to be with. The Government may not approve of same-sex marriage but they should no deny it. Gays are also American citizens with all the same rights. The Fourteenth Amendment states that the law can not deny any persons of equal protection (Sullivan 107).Again, why are the courts denying marriage between same-sex couples? The government does not allow gay couples to file their taxes as a joint, and must file as single taxpayers (Burda 47). Same-sex couples do not benefit from the federal guarantee of payments to a surviving spouse, former spouse, unmarri ed children, or children that are disabled before age two (Burda 98). They also do not receive joined benefits under Medicare. Government benefits are not able to gay couples, but able to heterosexual couples.There are many arguments against same- sex marriages. Some people believe that marriage should be shared between just a man and women. Others believe that a gay couple can not raise a child normally. Gays are very capable of raising a child just like anyone else. Child molesters are allowed to marry, and bring children into the world, so why can't a gay couple raise a child when the only thing they will do for the child is show love and commitment.People say that gay relationships are immoral, but to who? The Bible says it is immoral. The freedom we have we can choose what religion we want, and in some religions same-sex relations are celebrated, and not sinned. Another reason why people say same-sex marriage should not be legal is because they can not produce offspring, and co ntinue a generation, but gays do not need to worry about that because there are many babies in the world looking for a good home to go to.Now, in reality the real reasons for why same-sex marriages are not legal: uncomfortable, offends religion, unnatural, betray, repulsive, and recruitment. Some people are just uncomfortable with same-sex couples, usually called a homophobic. Gays are normal people and should be treated like that. America has religious freedom and everyone has their own views on different situations and not all religions are at a disagreement with gay couples.Some people think that it is unnatural for the gay couples to act the way they do. Men believe that when gay men act feminine it betrays their masculine traits they should have. Straight people think it is repulsive to see affection of gay couples, but gay couples also think it is repulsive to see straight couples's affection. For some reason some people think that gay people go out and look for straight peopl e to make them gay. Someone can not make another person gay; sexual orientation is inborn and can not be changed. Having a fear of being ‘recruited' is just silly to even think about. Homosexuals should be treated better and not stereotype as second-class citizens.Many homosexuals decide to have a family together, and many adopt since they can not produce with each other. There are many children that are put up for adoption and/or put in foster homes, and now there is a shortage of places to put these children. Now, a lot of gay couples adopt these children to give them a healthy and happy life. There have been proven test showing that same-sex couples turn out to be great parents. Giving a child a loving and nurturing home is how a child should be treated, and gay couples have the ability to treat the child like any other parent would (Drucker 42).There is no evidence that children living in a gay home are less intelligent, suffer problems, less popular, or having a low self- esteem. The children of the homosexual families grow up happy, healthy and well adjusted as if they would in a heterosexual family. If a same-sex adoptive couple separated there are three scenarios that can bee looked at; when both parents are legal parents, when one partner is the legal parent but the law grants some rights to the nonlegal parent, and when the law denies nonlegal parents all rights.When both parents have legal custody over the child they are treated as if they were married because then they handle custody and visitation rights and need to work out through the parents. In the other cases the court says how the child will live with the parents. Many gay parents feel that their children and their parenting will be harder than it really is because of their sexual orientation. Many of the parents are feared about what their neighbors will think of their actions about having a different lifestyle than the social norm. Same-sex parents need to raise their child with gende r awareness to live a open minded lifestyle (Brill 107).A number of leading health and child welfare organizations, however, have found that same-sex couples should be able to adopt and raise children. They include the Child Welfare League of America, North American Council on Adoptable Children, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and the National Association of Social Workers (Drucker 117).A child being raised by same-sex parents does not cause the child to be homosexual. The parents are aware that there will be many expressions of sexuality, but they are usually more concerned with the personality and personal goodness of a potential mate that they are with their partner's gender (Drucker 198). Girls that are tomboys and boys that play with dolls don't necessarily grow up to be gay or a lesbian. For the most part homosexuality is more of an issue for out of the family then the members of the family.Gays and Lesbian s have the same equal rights as anyone else in America. We have been born in the United States and instantly granted natural rights. Gay or straight everyone should have the same opportunities and not be denied something they dream for. Allowing same-sex marriage will decrease heterosexual divorces and increase the love people feel for each other because they can be with someone they truly want to be with.The United States holds its head up high when it comes to our constitution and what it stands for, but in reality not everyone is treated equal. It is not right for people to be denied something that they are and not have the same rights as any other person because they did not live like the social norms. America varies in everything from race, religion, and sexual orientation, and everyone needs to be treated as if they were not second class citizens. The pursuit of happiness is in our constitution and for gays and lesbians they should be granted their happiness also, for they are also citizens of this country and need to be treated like they are.ReferencesBrill, Stephanie. â€Å"The Queer Parent's Primer† USA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc. 2001.Burda, Joan M. â€Å"Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples.† USA: ABA General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section. 2004.Burns, Kate. â€Å"Gay and Lesbian Families† New York: Greenhavens Press. 2005.Cabaj, Robert P. â€Å"On the Road to Same-Sex Marriages.† USA: Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data. 1997.Drucker, Jane. â€Å"Families of Value† New York: Plenum Press. 1998.Lahey, Kathleen. â€Å"Same Sex Marriage† Canada: Insomniac Press. 2004Moats, David. â€Å"Civil Wars, a Battle for Gay Marriage.† New York: Harcourt, Inc. 2004.Rauch, Jonathan. â€Å"Gay Marriage† New York: Times Books Henry Holt and Company: 2004.Sullivan, Andrew. â€Å"Same-Sex Marriage: Pro and Con† USA: Library of CongressCataloging-in-Publication Data: 1997.

Accident Report

INCIDENT REPORT INSTRUCTIONS Northwestern University ? Vice President for Research ? University Safety Committees ? Office for Research Safety ***A sample completed form is appended to these instructions. *** When to Submit an Incident report An incident report must be delivered to the Office for Research Safety within five days of the incident. Reports are reviewed by the Chemical and Biological Safety Committee, or the Radiation Safety Committee. ? An incident is defined as any unplanned and unwanted event that occurred during the performance of work activities and that resulted in or could have led to injury or material damage to property.Incident repercussions range from minor (e. g. , a broken mercury thermometer) to significant (e. g. , a 5-gallon bottle of sulfuric acid dropped in a heavy-traffic hallway). ? An Incident Report is appropriate for â€Å"near misses,† incidents not resulting in personal harm or property damage, but which might have, under slightly differen t circumstances. ? The Incident Report requires responses from (I) the person involved, (II) any witnesses to the incident, and (III) the Principal Investigator/Supervisor. Attach additional pages if necessary to complete the report.Reports that are not signed by the PI/supervisor will be returned for completion. The committees require input from the supervisor. See completed Example following the instructions. ? Commonly, there are multiple causes in any given incident—all of which should be identified. Provide a complete and detailed response to each question, making a serious attempt to identify all â€Å"root cause(s). † The contributing factors were probably evident, but overlooked or unrecognized previously. These factors become more distinctly identifiable in light of the specifics of the incident A well-planned work process will include multiple layers of safeguards.Once causes are identified at all levels, consider safeguards and procedures that might be chang ed to prevent future incidents. . ? This report is not intended to assign blame; it should be used as a tool to foster recommendations for procedural improvement. A well-prepared report will identify all work systems that need to be redesigned to compensate for foreseeable human errors. Information gleaned from these reports will also be used to improve safety policies. ? The Incident Report is required for all incidents, and must be submitted to theOffice for Research Safety within 5 business days of the incident. Delaying may result results in lost or forgotten details. Your department will be contacted by the Office for Research Safety if an incident report is not received promptly. Incident Response ? Please refer to the Emergency Response Training Fact Sheet Section 6. 3. 4 of Chemical and Biological Safety in Laboratories for definitions of incidental spills you can clean up yourself versus major spills that require assistance, either by ORS or an outside agency. When in doubt , contact ORS for help.Both types of spill require an incident report. ? Emergency Phone Numbers and procedures may be found in your department emergency evacuation plan, your Safety Desk Book, your Employee Safety Handbook, or the Office for Research Safety web page: http://www. research. northwestern. edu/research/ors/emerg/index. htm The Incident Report Form is located at http://www. research. northwestern. edu/research/ORS/online_forms. htm under Laboratory Safety Forms. Incident Report Instructions and Sample Updated 4/18/2007 INCIDENT REPORT SAMPLE Northwestern University ? Vice President for Research ?University Safety Committees ? Office for Research Safety ***Instructions on when and how to complete this form may be found at http://www. research. northwestern. edu/research/ORS/online_forms. htm under Laboratory Safety Forms. *** Hint: Save this file to your computer, complete your section, email a copy to the next person for their part, and when all information has been ent ered, printed, and signed by the Principal Investigator, return it to Tech, NG-71 . I. Report by person involved Name: __Josephine Doe____________ Department: ___Chemistry_________DatePrepared: December 20, 2007__ How long at this job? _3 wks______Position/Title (e. g. , Grad Student, Technician, Post-doc) ___Graduate Student___ Location of Incident: ___Tech G222_________Date/time of incident: _December 18, 2007_ / Principal Investigator/Supervisor: ___Frank Nobel_________________________ 7:30 am_____ A. Describe how the incident occurred. 1. Explain the operation in which you were involved. What were you doing before the incident occurred? What was your goal? What were you doing at the time the incident occurred? What were the conditions of your work?Is this a routine operation? I was washing a volumetric flask. I added a mixture of acid (hydrochloric and nitric) to the flask, a procedure typical in our lab. I was holding the flask and swirling the acid along the inner walls. 2. De scribe the incident in detail. What happened? A reaction occurred inside the flask. I had capped it to prevent spillage. A pressure build-up blew the cap off the flask and sprayed acid on my face. In shock, I dropped the flask on the bench and it shattered, spilling acid on the surface. 3. Describe the sequence of events that followed the incident.How did you respond? I ran to the eyewash at the sink and rinsed my face for approx. 15 minutes, holding my eyes open with my hands. I called UP and requested emergency assistance. Paramedics arrived about 10 minutes after that. 4. Describe any equipment, machinery, or instruments in use at the time of the incident and their potential contribution to the incident. No equipment involved. B. Did you sustain any injuries? What were they? How were they treated? Did you require medical care? Describe the severity of the injury. Page 2 of 5 PagesLimited burns to my face on my forehead and eyelids. I was taken to the emergency room where my face was rinsed again and treated with topical antibiotic cream. I will have to avoid sunlight for a week since I sustained a second-degree burn. C. Was there any property loss or damage? Please elaborate. The flask was broken. The acid permanently stained the work surface. Acid was sprayed as far as 20 feet from the spill site. ORS cleaned the acid contamination. The lab was closed the next morning after the spill because no one could work in the area while ORS decontaminated it.D. Safety Rules and Procedures. 1. Was the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary during the given operation? Was the PPE worn? What did it consist of? I was wearing a lab coat and nitrile gloves but no eye protection. I should have been wearing safety glasses. 2. What type of training did you receive prior to engaging in this operation? Was the training adequate? What did it consist of? I received ORS general safety training when I entered the program my first year. No training since then. Also, n o training in my lab as to specific procedures.I believe I should have annual refresher training. 3. Are there any specific safety rules which apply to this procedure? Were they followed? Are they adequate? No specific rules established for cleaning of glassware. There are rules regarding PPE. Safety glasses are required and I will wear them from now on. 4. Other comments. I was working alone in the lab. I won’t do that again since I could have used help in locating the eyewash. E. Causal Factors 1. What do you perceive to be the causal factors behind this incident?This could include: inadequate management oversight; lack of appropriate safety policy; proper equipment not used, required, or supplied; etc. Lack of a standardized procedure. An adverse reaction between the acid and contaminants was never addressed in training so I didn’t realize it could occur and how to adequately handle the situation. 2. What are your recommendations for preventing recurrence? Better aw areness (training) about the reactions that can occur between chemicals. II. Other Individuals Involved/Witnesses where applicable 1. Name: __None____________________ Position_____________________ _A. Description of Incident – Where were you and what were you doing when the incident occurred? What did you see? Page 3 of 5 Pages Incident Report Instructions and Sample Updated 4/18/2007 B. Additional comments or observations. 2. Name: __________________________ Position_____________________ _ A. Description of Incident – Where were you and what were you doing when the incident occurred? What did you see? B. Additional comments or observations. III. Report by Principal Investigator/Supervisor A. How and when did you learn of the incident? I received a phone call from the student the next day.B. Contributing/Mitigating Factors – What do you perceive to be the causal factors behind this incident? This could include inadequate management oversight; lack of appropriate safety policy; improper procedure; proper equipment not used, required, or supplied; etc. There was a reaction between the acid and an organic contaminant in the glassware. The flask should not have een capped. The capping caused a pressure build-up to occur in the vessel. The student did not consider the possibility since we had not discussed glassware cleaning procedures. C. Immediate corrective action taken.The use of acids for cleaning glassware will be closely evaluated to determine when a less hazardous cleaning agent can be used. To limit the potential for reaction, we will ensure that any gross organic contamination is removed by thorough rinsing and scraping before use of acid. Acid will be restricted to cleaning of trace contamination. When lab personnel clean with acids, regular venting will be performed to prevent pressure build-up. Also, the procedure will be done in a chemical fume hood, utilizing the horizontal sash as a physical barrier against sprays and splashes.D . Additional remediation efforts to prevent future recurrence (and expected date of implementation). We will schedule an in-house training class to review the cleaning procedures and other lab safety policies, especially the rules about wearing of PPE and working alone. Page 4 of 5 Pages E. Comments The student was working an 11-hour day. Fatigue may have been a factor. Workdays will be limited to 10 hours at the most. Principal Investigator/Supervisor Signature: ____________________________________ Page 5 of 5 Pages