Saturday, 5 October 2019
Legislative and Ethical Issues COPYRIGHT PROTECTION IN THE DIGITAL PowerPoint Presentation
Legislative and Ethical Issues COPYRIGHT PROTECTION IN THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT - PowerPoint Presentation Example This type of convergence leads to innovation and tight competition that is beneficial to everyone. However, some rules require review in order to cater for the new technological developments and policies (Ogawa 2006). New growth types will be generated by a digital market that is genuine and benefits will be registered at all European Union sectors of economic (Mazziotti 2008). The e-commerce growth rate is skyrocketing nationally but it is still marginalised in the retail trade of Europe and this hinders online services development (Solovay & Reed 2003). The deficiency of knowledge about the applicable rules, rights conferred and opportunities offered by digital economy enhances their reluctance (Blythe 2011). The difficulties associated with transactions across the border such as deliveries, dispute resolutions and payments discourage business people from accepting the internet advantages to purchase or distribute their services and goods (Ogawa 2006). Digital single market therefore has a long way to go before achieving its complete potential. Objectives that are geared towards growth potential of online services and commerce must be set up (Solovay & Reed 2003). Their boosting at the European level needs action that is concerted and firm as stipulated in the Digital Agenda for Europe (Tian 2008). This commission is dedicated to working along with stakeholders in order to achieve the set objectives. Most of the initiatives outlined in this commission have been adopted (Perritt 2001). Peer-to-peer networking is making use of computers that are relatively powerful, are personal and their computing tasks are beyond those of the client (Campbell & Woodley 2002). The current personal computer has a large memory, very fast processor and a large hard disk, not all of which are used when browsing or e-mailing (Ogawa 2006). This computer acts as a server and a client (a peer) for several applications. The features of
Friday, 4 October 2019
Isaac Newton on essence of God Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Isaac Newton on essence of God - Essay Example First was the admission that there are no causes of natural things that are true or sufficient in explaining their appearance (Newton, 54). The second rule is that due to lack of truth and sufficiency in the explanation of appearance of things, same natural effects must be assigned to the same cause. Here, he gave the example of how man and beast respire as well the difference of light from culinary fire and that from the sun. Third example was that of qualities belonging to bodies that humans can have access to during experiments and therefore such qualities can be esteemed as the universal qualities for all bodies. From this rule he deduced that all bodies are impermeable and are movable, endowed with some powers that help them in resisting motion (Newton, 54). In addition, all bodies gravitate towards the earth with a proportion of their quantity of matter. Examples of such are the way the sea gravitate towards the moon or the motion of planets towards each other. According to Newton, God is the overall creator of the universe. He states that ââ¬Å"this most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.
Thursday, 3 October 2019
Coach Carter Essay Example for Free
Coach Carter Essay 1.Coach Carter shows many qualities of different styles of leader ship throughout the movie. At the start when Ken first sees the basketball team he takes an autocratic style of coaching them. An autocratic coaching is where the coach has complete power over the team. Team members have little opportunity to put forward ideas or make suggestions. The benefit of this approach of leadership by Coach Carter is that it was incredibly efficient and his decisions are made quickly and the work gets done. This is displayed in the film effectively when he first walks into the gym and states that they must abide by this contract if they want to be apart of the team. Coach carter expresses his personal expectations and intent. ââ¬Å"You can push up or shut upâ⬠he says to the team. This shows his autocratic coaching style in the film. Another important aspect of Coach Carterââ¬â¢s leadership style was respect. He stated that in order to gain respect they needed to give some. If this did not work with the players in the team, Coach Carter would have given up on his team, and would have left them with our victory. If there was no great success there was no point for the autocratic style of coaching, as the players would not bother putting up with the hard coaching sessions. Coach Carter shows a very caring attitude towards the players. He wants them to do well on the court and off. This the key to the autocratic style of coaching Ken delivers. The contract ken makes them sign says they must maintain a C+ in all classes and they have to sit in the front row of the class. If the team doses not abide by the contract they will not play. This is an autocratic style of coaching the team but realistically itââ¬â¢s for the best, heââ¬â¢s thinking of the teamâ⠬â¢s future in basketball and giving them opportunities academically. Through out the film Coach Carter says ââ¬Å"to the base lineâ⬠and blows his whistle. The coach makes the boys do 20 suicides and 250 push ups if they want to be apart of the team. This demonstrates his take and autocratic style of coaching. The discipline that he gives the players through his autocratic coaching makes them become men and be winners. Coach Carter sets out to change the attitudes of the team and performance. Carter immediately imposes a strict regime that includes written contracts, stipulations for being respectful, dress codes and good grades. He cancels all the teamsââ¬â¢ activities and locks them out of the gym until the team shows improvement in there grades. These actions provide the evidence of an autocratic coaching style. He fights to keep his methods and determined to show the boys that they need to rely on more than sports for there futures. Coach Carterââ¬â¢s autocratic style of coaching keeps the team working well together. Coach Carter is and autocratic coach but his methods and techniques are in the best interest of the boys that he teaches to be men. This coaching style his expressed all throughout the film but Carter also infuses this style with his own style that makes him a good coach for the basketball team. 2.To be an effective coach you need to poses qualities such as listening, questioning, constructively challenging, holding to account, seeing different perspectives, encouraging and supporting, trusting the team and also focusing on the team. Coach Carter has very effective characteristics that a successful coach must have, this includes his duty. He is a proficient leader and knows when to take charge and give the teams tasks to complete. Carter gives the team a plan to accomplish the objectives. Another effective characteristic that Ken demonstrates is his ability to make sound and timely decisions. Such as when he gives the team push ups, suicides. Also when he straight away gets to the point and states the contract the team must follow. Carter also maintains the situation and shows awareness in order to anticipate needed actions. Ken also has a quality to improvise to handle the changing situation such as when he locks the team out of the gym due to there poor grades or when he hypes them up during a game and gives the tips and motivation talks. Qualities that a good coach much posses are qualities like Ken Carter. He ensures that the task is understood, supervised and accomplished. To do this he clearly states his expectations, such as the contract he gives them to sign and follow if they want to play. Ken also considers the teams development needs, such as maintaining a 2,3 in there academic studies and also ensuring that they will be winners regardless the outcome of the game, like when they just loose the final match. A good quality that Coach Carter has is his respect for the players and his term of the word respect. When Ken Carter took on the responsibility of coaching this team it was clear that he was more4 concerned with the people under his care that winning games. This shows a great amount of respect for the players and in the journey the players come to respect him for it. When Coach Carter cared about the future of the people in this team, the team became winners and not often are the coaches that set there sights on winning and influencing the lives of there student athletes. I remember from the film Carter speaks with the tem about the insulting use of ââ¬Å"niggerâ⬠. He says ââ¬Å"has some self respectâ⬠. The mock the coach by saying ââ¬Å"God aint in this neighbourhoodâ⬠because his appealing nature towards the team as a man of respect. Also qualities that Ken has is Building the team. He conducts frequent debriefings and gives feedback to identify things learned. If the team hasnââ¬â¢t done something or not doing something correctly he will blow the whistle and stop them bring them in an talk with them. He also has a quality of discipline although it mite not seen equal at times, such as when he makes Timo do something like 1500 push ups and like 1000 suicides, but this makes the team realise that he is serious and heââ¬â¢s not mucking around. A great aspect of Coach Carterââ¬â¢s leadership is his integrity, which all good coaches must have. He knows what he must do and knows himself to build the team, provide drills, activities and feedback. He seeks responsibility and accepts responsibility for him self and the teamââ¬â¢s actions like when they are not keeping up with the grades in class. He corrects poor team performance and looks to strive to become a better team. Coach Carter also sets and example for the team, he doesnââ¬â¢t show discouragement when he faces setbacks such as when the parents and teachers hold a meeting about him closing the gym and vote for him to leave the job as a coach, he sticks to his methods which a correct and doesnââ¬â¢t back down. Ken has earnt the respect of the players as we see when they are waiting in the gym with there desks and school work in front of them because they know this is the way fro a better team. Ken also chooses the difficult over the easy which is a good quality, he makes the team put in the hard yards, but the result is them feeling good about them selves with a sense of achievement. 3. A quote from Coach Carter is ââ¬Å"you will have my respect until you abuse itâ⬠. I think this idea of respect within thee team is a great motivation technique. The team doesnââ¬â¢t fully understand at the start but it grows within the team and they become winners and motivated to do so. Coach Carter dose everything he can to insure a promising future for his basketball players, against all odds. The team can see this and this motivates them to become better students, athletes and overall better people. They can see that the coach is putting in a great effort so they should do the same they follow his example and I think they start to look up to there coach. At the star even though he is without support he refuses to give in to the system that sidelines the players with prison, drugs and alcohol. Instead he pushes the team, pushes there grim statistics that he always give to them and faces them to meet his expectations as motivation. His tough attitude towards the team becomes very motivational for the team and they eventually acknowledge the benefits of his ways. Coach Carter preaches respect, dignity and manners. He calls his players ââ¬Å"sirâ⬠, treats them as adults with responsibilities often giving the benefit of the doubt and expects the same attitude in return. His emphasis on living and playing like champions is hammered home. The team becomes motivated by Carters words and actions. They can see that he is doing this for them and gives them something to strive for in the future, gives them motivation to do all the hard work. I think something that motivates the team is there self achievement, when they can see that Carters method \s are making them champions the team motivates them selves and work to be better men.
Business Process Redesigning At Starbucks
Business Process Redesigning At Starbucks This research paper discusses the reversal of the growth momentum achieved by Starbucks Company and the problems facing its internal business process which in turn would decrease the customer base of the company in the long run. The paper suggests some positive steps to stall the decline by introducing redesigning in areas like information system for better interaction and adding value in its whole supply chain process. In order to be more cost effective in the whole of the value chain of Starbucks the paper has introduced certain tools like lean management and IT software to smoothen the process of interaction in a much better way. Starbucks Company has attained a unique place in the world for the brewing and retailing of extra rich coffee experience that it gives to its millions of customers. The company has more than 16600 stores in over 40 countries and is still expanding. Starbucks sells different varieties of coffee like drip brewed coffee, espresso hot drinks, coffee beans, salads and other snacks, besides offering mugs and tumblers with its logo over the counter. Starbucks also runs an entertainment division and markets music and films apart from the sale of books and other stationery. Although Starbucks Company is seen to be the worlds largest producer and retailer of specialty coffee, offering the widest range of regular and decaffeinated coffee and beverages, it is not likely to be so in the future due to stiff competition and price war. This means that most likely the competitors which are both local cafes and large retail giants are gaining ground in this niche area where Starbucks previously had a firm foothold. This is quite likely as the current trends of the worlds largest coffee brewer suggest and necessitated the giant to close down shutters on many of its promising coffee stores around the world. The recession has further taken its toll with many consumers preferring similar coffees at cheaper price. Therefore, there is every reason to suggest that Starbucks carries out a total redesigning of its existing levels of functions right from the stage it procures its materials like raw bean purchase to the stage when the final output passes on to the hands of the customers at its various stores. This is not an insurmountable task as Starbucks own system has so far allowed it to function without much of hindrance. But given the fact that the current market conditions have changed drastically and the stiff competition has brought a price war, Starbucks would have to make some changes in the methods pertaining to this problem. Hence, this paper suggests certain important steps in the right direction which could make Starbucks a formidable challenge to it customers as well as retain its large customer base almost intact. The first and primary step is to make some changes in the way the information system at Starbucks functions and the second is the way the lean management system could be introduced in its value chain starting from the procurement of raw materials to the sale of coffee beverages at its retail counters. In order to bring out the required focus on these two foremost activities it is necessary for Starbucks to introduce a newer and better Information System to solve this problem. This would mean that Starbucks would have to implement new software which helps in allowing the free flow of information through the complete supply chain process. As we move into the information age, the success of the organization depends upon its own experience and that of others and by the right method of collecting this information it attains the greatest competitive advantage (Fairfield, 2001). The second problem is to curtail wastages as well as avoid the fluctuating prices of coffee beans while procuring through a series of checks and pragmatic forecasting. The fluctuation in prices could be seasonal and the procurement could be done by meticulous planning. For instance, coffee procurement could be made by coming into terms with the suppliers on a long term basis where prices of coffee beans could be fixed. In this Starbucks is way ahead of all other competitors and can dictate terms in the market to some extent and there by reduce its procurement costs. For all this to be made into a seamless operation the rapid flow of information with the help of Internet and intranet is of paramount importance and hence the right software facilitating this flow for stage by stage implementation of lean management and the consequent training of the staff for the fulfillment of the whole process are the prerequisites. Here, the Information System is quite different from the Information Technology and should not be confused. At Starbucks the information system includes the component known as Information Technology and this is allowed to function in tandem with that of other processes in order to get the maximum effect. The Information system at Starbucks should achieve alignment of processes, the use of hardware, the installation of the requisite software and the relevant flow of data from one end of the value chain to the other. At Starbucks it is therefore suggested that there should be a different approach for the flow of information and they must add value at every level of the supply chain. For this reason the staff ought to be trained in the right direction for understanding the whole processes at Starbucks in order to give the customers the best experience they can get anywhere else at affordable and competitive pricing. The information system at Starbucks can be made to use for procurement of supplies, the passing of the materials into the inventory, supplying and cooking section and to the counter where the items pass into the hands of the customers. In order to make this operation smooth and almost effortless the staff must be trained with skills in usage of the intranet and the Internet as well as lean management system. The basic idea is to get everyone right from the procuring stage to the customer service section the knowledge and skills are required of lean management system. Not only this, the staff at each level of function adds something of value by carefully monitoring the items that pass through his or her hands and add value to it. The ultimate product when it reaches the hands of the customers is one of rich and mind-boggling experience which the competitors would fail to do as it is Starbucks competitive strength. This culture once when imbued to all the areas of the Starbucks with the help of the fastest method in the form of unique software could become a marvel to its own employees as well as other stakeholders. The key determinant is how a brand is positioned and successful positioning involves associating the b rand to the category which the customers can easily recognize and quickly differentiate (Iacobucci, 2001). Aligning Corporate Goal with Lean Management The mission statement of Starbucks is to inspire and nurture the human spirit and in fact means one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. The mission statement thus is quite ambitious for Starbucks and had not there been much of competition and every additional store that it established in one neighborhood made money for it then the mission is quite in line with practicality. However, this is not so for Starbucks has to buckle under the pressure of world wide recession and many of its stores had to close down. In order for the mission statement and its objective are made practical Starbucks would have to implement the lean management system at each stage and to put that into affect it must have a smooth information flowing system in place. As lean management would put a check into the wastage apart from adding quality and value to the product at every stage it would allow the mission and the objectives of the company to be achieved without any hindrance. Perhaps the lean ma nagement system being quite effective especially during crash crunch, there would be more liquidity infused into the system as well as there would be money available to fulfill the need for one store per neighborhood as per the mission statement. With proper checks in wastage through this system there would be better checks and controls over items that are not cost effective or which are not quite in line with Starbucks brand. Again, apart from quality the product looks and the way it is served should be appealing and this is also achieved by the staff who is involved in adding value to it. Product quality by itself does no make a sale for the customers must understand that the items they receive are of good quality and value (Reddy, 1994). Cost Benefits of Systems Change One of the chief factors for introducing lean management techniques at Starbucks is to control wastage and give priority to procurement of supplies and produce coffee beverages, snacks and other food products according to the demand. The software developed for the purpose would ensure the smooth function of the whole system so that neither there is any lag in quality of the product nor any wastage results out of it. In case of such careful alignment the functions of all departments in the supply chain remain uninterrupted and the end product attains a value that is truly an experience for the consumers. Again, by reducing the overall cost effectively the margins achieved are on the higher side and give the Starbucks Company the flexibility to manipulate the price and if need be can reduce it significantly enough which is not at all possible for the competition. The other advantage is that during peak season there would be enough liquidity for expansion plans, especially in emerging economies where the affect of recession has not been felt so badly. So even if the Starbucks management thinks of expanding further it would not face resource crunch. But the best of all in this system is the performance of staff which would be quite in line with mission statement of the company. The trained staff of Starbucks would be better placed in tackling any difficulties or problems and can be entrusted with even greater responsibilities. The very culture would pave way for work life balance as a whole with total quality management being the focal point in the behavior of staff. Apart from that the employees would work in a more efficient manner as they would be rewarded and promoted based on the systems efficiency. All these actions finally translate into increase customer service and further improve upon the customer service information by receiving feed backs such that the system is again made more efficient and productive. Implementation of the System The implementation of the lean management system could be made in a phased manner than in an abrupt manner. The fact is that Starbucks has already got a system in place which is quite good as far as the standards are concerned. But this does not necessitate the system to be perfect as the cost effectiveness of its operation along with total quality control is of primary importance. However, while introducing a system over that of another or scrapping one altogether may not be quite to the liking of the employees and even managers as they would have already made themselves comfortable with the older system. Besides, they would not want another system to be thrust upon them for there is no written guarantee of sorts whether the new system would perform better or worse. Besides, it is quite a well known fact in the industrial circles that redesigning and reengineering have backfired on several well known companies. Many of these companies have had success over time only after several ea rlier attempts at reengineering had proved to be futile. This naturally brings all sorts of apprehension in the minds of the employees and they might resist these by deliberate acts of underperformance or vociferously. Hence, on its part the management should be aware of these changes and try to implement them in a phased manner. In many instances the employees as rightfully seen are the first target as they may be shifted or transferred or even asked to leave. This may be good for the company, but it surely upsets any employee who has given honest service to the company for many years. With the proper implementation of mechanisms that would address such issues the management may make the move for change in the system and introduce in a phased manner the lean system of management. They should also form an ideal mutually acceptable condition for this change and all employees are to be made aware of the fact that the customers nowadays are more discerning than ever before and if the c ompany does not change or address this problem then it would have to down its shutter permanently. Customers are more discerning than they used to in the past when they purchased simply depending upon their whims and fancies (Griffin, 2002). This sums up that the customer is the most important person at the premise of the stores of Starbucks and that the customer satisfaction should be the objective of the company policies and any change to that end has to be implemented whether it is acceptable to the employees and the management or not. The new system which would be implemented in a phased manner can be done within a stipulated period of time of one year. In order to implement the lean management system a good project plan is required and the management must ensure that the proper project management software is used for the purpose. There are many types of software and the management as well as the other employees may be taken into confidence for the most suitable software after getting their feedback and response. The resulting software could be chosen in consultation with a software company to suit the business. One of the prerequisite part of the project planning which actually relates to work schedules and the period of time that is required for their completion can be derived from a Gantt chart. These again can be developed with the help of a good software company or if it is to be used for each individual store then the same could be downloaded from various websites. Under the project plan the scope of the pro ject is defined and then steps are taken and drafted for the completion of the same. That is various areas that require changes at Starbucks are stated and written down and these are then grouped in order the specific jobs could be allocated to individual employees. This can be more easily done with the help of a software program and the logical interrelationship between the different tasks like supplies, logistics, inventory, kitchen and counter can be very well defined with the help of a diagram drawn or charted in the computer and then passed on to various stores with the help of the Internet. Here, the management as well as the employees can quickly get an idea of the important parts of the system as well as their most critical areas. With the help of this project planning Starbucks management can estimate the cost of resources that are necessary under the lean management system and the cost of implementation of each type of activity. This would enable them to get the total project cost and which again would lead to trimming and pruning of the budgetary allowances and the cost of implementation by foregoing some areas while making the necessary changes in the others. Conclusion The Starbucks systems change by introducing lean management with the supplementary help from flow of information can be made into an effective tool for the overall growth of the organization, especially in retaining its large customer base and getting new ones. The system which is almost foolproof in nature is a concerted action on part of all level of employees and stakeholders in the supply chain. This redesign mitigates most of the fear that would have arisen had Starbucks lost a good number of its customers to its competitors. The risk of losing business is in fact greatly curtailed and Starbucks can look forward to a complete turnaround in its profitability and share value after the system is made operational. One of the most important factors in this type of lean management technique is the overall focus which would make the staff and the management even more involved as their benefits would soon be perceived at all stages of the company. There would be no paucity of funds for day to day operation or if Starbucks had wanted to introduce an item on no profit or no loss basis for creating more value and goodwill then the same could be done without much affect on the overall profits of the company. The introduction of kiosks and digital retailing solutions and self service kiosks which could be established anywhere could be implemented as they are all a perfect match to the system of lean management.
Wednesday, 2 October 2019
Essay --
Rahim, Sheikh Mr. Seed English III, 6th period 12 NOVEMBER, 2013 In The Zoo If a dwelling place is uncomfortable or people who live there do not like the place, then the house seems like a cage to them. They feel like they are in a zoo which makes a child feel like their own identity is absent. Author Jean Stafford went through this kind of situation in her childhood. Staffordââ¬â¢s personal life was often marked by unhappiness and struggle. Her personal life had a great influence in her stories. ââ¬Å"In The Zooâ⬠by Jean Stafford shows how impactful childhood is to the adult person by using symbolism and characterization. The author uses the zoo to represent a surrounded situation where people are forced to rely on others. In the zoo, animals are kept in cages for entertainment and amusement of people, but the wild animals who are born independent donââ¬â¢t like the environment in zoo. These animals spend most of their existence trying to escape. The author uses the animals in Denver zoo to represent various people from the childhood of the two sisters. In ...
Higher Education and Society :: Learning School Teaching Essays
Higher Education and Society Attending public schools as a child, I remember learning the basic skills on how to add and subtract, read, and write. These basic skills are necessary in order to function in our society and work force in the United States. As we all know each child learns differently, some learn faster than others and some slower than others. Our public schools have become overcrowded and we do not have enough teachers to fit the needs of each student. Some students get left behind and are not learning the skills needed to move on to the next level. What these students are not learning they can learn in higher education such as a college or university. In this report, I would like to express the importance of a higher education. I will use the works of John Henry Newman, Jon Spayde and Mike Rose, all three writers believe in having an educated society. Our studentsââ¬â¢ needs are changing, there are a growing number of immigrants with children coming to the United States from all over the world. They bring with them the language and culture of their country. The age in which they arrive to the United States determines how well they learn English and what skills they will need to acquire to become productive in our society. The task of teaching our children the basic skills is becoming harder and harder each day, making it harder for our education system to achieve their goals. There are a high number of students graduating from high school who does not have the skills needed to meet the needs of the work force in our society. A higher level of learning is needed to make our society literate. The relationship between college and university are influential in our society. To have an educated society in the United States brings a safe and peaceful environment to live in. Society is defined as "a group of people with a common culture or a way of life. A group of people who unite to share a common interest" (Holt, Rinehart and Winston 678). An educated society also avoids social problems such as poverty, gangs, drugs and health related sickness. Most of all, having an educated society helps our countryââ¬â¢s economy. For example, a citizen that acquires a college degree earns respect and can get a good job that pays well. Higher Education and Society :: Learning School Teaching Essays Higher Education and Society Attending public schools as a child, I remember learning the basic skills on how to add and subtract, read, and write. These basic skills are necessary in order to function in our society and work force in the United States. As we all know each child learns differently, some learn faster than others and some slower than others. Our public schools have become overcrowded and we do not have enough teachers to fit the needs of each student. Some students get left behind and are not learning the skills needed to move on to the next level. What these students are not learning they can learn in higher education such as a college or university. In this report, I would like to express the importance of a higher education. I will use the works of John Henry Newman, Jon Spayde and Mike Rose, all three writers believe in having an educated society. Our studentsââ¬â¢ needs are changing, there are a growing number of immigrants with children coming to the United States from all over the world. They bring with them the language and culture of their country. The age in which they arrive to the United States determines how well they learn English and what skills they will need to acquire to become productive in our society. The task of teaching our children the basic skills is becoming harder and harder each day, making it harder for our education system to achieve their goals. There are a high number of students graduating from high school who does not have the skills needed to meet the needs of the work force in our society. A higher level of learning is needed to make our society literate. The relationship between college and university are influential in our society. To have an educated society in the United States brings a safe and peaceful environment to live in. Society is defined as "a group of people with a common culture or a way of life. A group of people who unite to share a common interest" (Holt, Rinehart and Winston 678). An educated society also avoids social problems such as poverty, gangs, drugs and health related sickness. Most of all, having an educated society helps our countryââ¬â¢s economy. For example, a citizen that acquires a college degree earns respect and can get a good job that pays well.
Tuesday, 1 October 2019
Findings on recent blood doping tests Essay
In 2006, the World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA), in collaboration with its WADA-accredited laboratories, conducted a series of tests. Here are the results: Table 1 2006 Adverse Analytical Findings Kind of Sporting Event Samples Analyzed Adverse Findings Obtained % Adverse Olympic 156,866 2,915 1. 86% Non-Olympic 41,277 972 2. 35% Total 198,143 3,887 1. 96% In this table, there was a total of 198,143 samples analyzed by the WADA laboratories which yielded 3,887 adverse findings representing 1. 96% of the total samples analyzed. Table 2 Comparison Between 2005 and 2006 Samples Analyzed Sporting Event 2005 2006 % difference. Olympic Event 139,836 156,866 12. 2% Non-Olympic Event 43,501 41,277 5. 1% Total 183,337 198,143 8. 1% There were 14,836 more samples that were analyzed in 2006 compared to 2005 representing an 8. 1% increase for one year. Table 3 Adverse Findings Comparison Between 2005 and 2006 Sporting Event 2005 2006 % difference Olympic Event 2,958 2,915 1. 5% Non-Olympic Event 951 972 2,2% Total 3,909 3,887 0. 6% The number of adverse findings in dropped 0. 6% from 2005 figures(3,909 to 3,887). Table 4 Top Five Sports with Most Samples Analyzed Sports Samples Analyzed Adverse Findings % Adverse Football 25,727 281 1. 09%. Athletics 19,781 315 1. 59% Baseball 15,977 370 2. 32% Cycling 14,229 594 4. 17% Aquatics 11,582 137 1. 18% Among the sports included in the calendar of the Olympics, football had the most number of samples analyzed with cycling having the most number of atheletes with adverse findings. Source: World Anti-Doping Agency(2007 May 10). 2006 Adverse Analytical Findings Reported by Accredited Laboratories. The Evolution of New Blood Doping Techniques Aside from blood transfusion, new trends in blood doping include erythropoietin (EPO) and synthetic oxygen carriers. The former consists of naturally produced peptide hormones. It is emitted from the kidneys and does its of stimulating red blood cells production. The latter, on the other hand, contains purified proteins which can provide oxygen. But just like blood transfusion, both methods are prohibited as well. They can easily be detected. In fact, tests for EPO and synthethic oxygen carriers were conducted in 2000 and 2004, respectively(WADA, n. d)). The Risks Involved in Blood Doping There have been number of incidents that has proven the potential risk that blood doping could bring to an athlete. In an 1886 race stretching from Bordeaux to Paris, Arthur Linton was killed. Eighteen years later, Thomas Hicks was killed after scoring a victory during the Olympics held at Saint-Louis. Dorando Pietri was likewise killed. Dutch cyclist Jensen biked to his death during the Olympic Games held in Rome after being injected with Ronicol. Another victim was Tom Simpson, competing in the Tour de France collapsed during a climb to Mount Ventoux. He died due to amphetamines. Finally, weightlifter Kangasniesmi died with a broken spine in 1975 after taking anabolic steroids. These are just some of the incidents that prove the possible risk of blood doping on the health of an athlete(CNRS, 1998). There is minimal information about the risks of doping to the health of sportsmen once they have retired from their career. However, these substances can bring about certain health complications such as heart conditions ot cancer. The possibility of getting these diseases is not a far-fetched possiblity(CNRS, 1998). Taking a single substance does not have the capacity to enhance an athleteââ¬â¢s performance or increase their stamina during trainings. In order to have the desired effect, an athlete will take several drugs and these could generate the potential risk of doping. For example, amphetamine is taken together with corticoids and cocaine. Another example is EPO combined with aspirin or synthetic glucocorticoids. There are other possible combinations and they are dependent on the need of the athlete(CNRS, 1998). Blood doping can likewise bring about psychological and behavioral risks. For example, overdose of caffeine results to overexcitement, insomia, nervousness, or anxiety attacks. Too much of amphetamine or cocaine may lead to anger and violence, altered judgment, anxiety, or hyperactivity(CNRS, 1998). In addition, doping can bring about the occurrence of iatrogenic disorders which requires early diagnosis and prescription. These drugs usually combined with other substances at high level can alter the behavior and morphology of the person taking the substance. Using a medical approach to the problem of doping can result to intensive investigation of the issue as well as the ineligibility concerns(CNRS, 1998). Moreover, athletes can likewise become susceptible to anemia and in the process become incapable of undergoing a high level of competitiveness. In the case of homologous doping, then there is the possiblity of getting infected with blood-borne viruses which can incapacitate the athlete as well(CNRS, 1998). Suggestions for Controlling Blood Doping After having analyzed the unfavorable effects of blood doping, it is but proper that measures should be established in order to gradually decrease or if not totally eradicate this illegal practice. Here are some of the steps that can be initiated for an effective blood doping control program(CNRS, 1998). 1. A study should be coducted regarding the medical and social factors of this issue. The former should focus on determining the effects of doping on the physical and psychological well-being of the individual(CNRS, 1998). 2. The conduct of monitoring and medical evaluation must be implemented over an extended period of time. This can be done by establishing multidisciplinary networks, carrying out doping semiology, securing the contracts of doctors who are working with sportsmen, and establishing an independent field focusing on ââ¬Å"sports medicineâ⬠in the curriculum of medical schools(CNRS, 1998). 3. Each member of society must be vigilant about the possible consequences of doping. Both existing and former athletes must be included in the drug monitoring agenda. Likewise, there should be continous research on new substances being used for blood doping which are gaining support in the market(CNRS, 1998). 4. Detection strategies should be further improved since innovations in medicine, food, and researches concerning sports and health are advanced as well. There should be programs that would provide opportunity for studying how sports techniques and equipments evolve(CNRS, 1998). 5. Parents, students, teachers, sports administrators and officials, and all sectors of society must be made to understand about the extent of the blood doping problem. Blood doping must be integrated into the curriculum of medical schools(CNRS, 1998). 6. Politics should be eradicated in the blood doping efforts of the government. International sports federations must draw up a grassroots programs that would monitor the development of new players. Each state must come up with a strategy that would efficiently consider the facilities, equipments, age at which new athletes will begin competing(CNRS, 1998). Conclusion Blood doping is an illegal practice that will not only put a stain on the spirit of competition and fair play in international sports competitions but also endanger the health and lives of athletes. Blood doping does not only concern the athletes and sports officials but also the entire public. For the young people who will someday be in the shoes of these athletes, this will serve as an eye opener to them as well as their parents. All of us have a role in making sure that blood doping would no longer claim the lives of athletes whose only desire for competing in the Olympics and other international meets is to bring honor to their countries and have a shot at claiming glory. References Canadian Center For Ethics In Sports(n. d). History of Blood Sampling. Retrieved June 21 2008 from CNRS Department of Life Sciences(1998 December). Doping and Sports Collective Expert Assessment. Retrieved June 21 2008 from Guttman, A(2008). Olympic Games. Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved June 21 2008 from Pollick, M(n. d). What is Blood Doping? Conjecture Corporation. Retrieved June 21 2008 from World Anti-Doping Agency(n. d). A Brief History of Anti-Doping. Retrieved June 21 2008 from World Anti-Doping Agency(n. d). Blood Doping. Retrieved June 21, 2008 from .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)