The Progression Of Feudalism During Medieval Europe

The Progression of Feudalism Starting roughly in 1250, Western Europe was engulfed in a way of life that revolved around an agricultural economy and had an established military hierarchy that lasted for several centuries until the developments within the areas of agriculture, technology, social, and political that enabled the classes of feudalism to erode and create new systems of government centered on a monarch. New economic ideas were important in enabling the expansion of trade and wealth to the kingdoms that would be vital to the establishment of a new era of time called the Renaissance. Feudalism was a model of government during medieval Europe, it centered on a military hierarchy. At the top was the lord, who would offer usage of his lands in exchange for military service (Wheeler), this man would become known as a vassal. This system of hierarchy was a key part within the feudalistic society. A unified government was not part of the feudal system due to the fact that the gove rnment always consisted of agreements between individuals instead of between nations or citizens (Wheeler). Each lord was a ruler of his own lands and could only control the vassals under his subjection. Due to the centralization of the economies within the lord’s lands, trade and economic growth was often subdued. Serfs were farmers who worked the lord’s lands and were strictly tied to it. They could not move or alter their job without the prior approval of their lord (Wheeler). AfterShow MoreRelatedCompare And Contrast The Middle Ages And The Dark Ages762 Words   |  4 PagesMiddle Ages: possibly the wildest time in history. Wars brought to the forefront of everyday life while advances were constantly being made in almost all ways. Tragedy over progress, development over catastrophe. Some call the Medieval period the ‘Age of Faith’ or ‘Age of Feudalism’- one is significantly is less true than the other. Speaking in terms of a truly correct label, there is none- but the closest comes in a blend of ‘The Dark Ages’ and ‘The Golden Age’. The Middle Ages should be labeled asRead MoreAnalysis Of English Renaissance : Three Important Things922 Words   |  4 PagesBeginning Analysis of English Renaissance: Three Important Things When thinking of the Renaissance, it is often stereotyped as the medieval time where the only thing going on was knights jousting; there was a lot more to the Renaissance than the boys in tights, puffy sleeves, and the hats with the feathers in them. Although, I do believe these were all very common things during this time period, it wasn’t the meaning behind the renaissance. The Renaissance actually means the â€Å"rebirth† and is dated fromRead MoreTransforming the High Middle Ages Essay932 Words   |  4 Pagesthe English culture reflected the economic, political, and social changes from the 11th through 14th centuries. The life and monarchy of the English nation during the High Middle Ages relied heavily on the influences of the Normans, the Christian church, and technology. The educational and technological innovations developed in England during the High Middle Ages brought quick improvements in agriculture, war, and knowledge. Education and scholasticism were encouraged and were increasing in importanceRead MoreThe Ugly Renaissance Discussion Of Italy1575 Words   |  7 PagesRenaissance originate in Florence and prosper for so many years? In many ways, Italy had benefits over northern Europe in detaching from the feudal system and accumulating enormous amounts of wealth. I think that above all else, geography was Italy’s anchor in this respect. Being a projecting land mass sticking out into the Mediterranean Sea, and beneficially located between the main part of Europe and the Byzantine Empire, cities within Italy had little choice but to weave endeavors of commerce into everyRead MoreIf Rome Never Fell2888 Words   |  12 Pagesshow how advanced technologically Rome was. Think of the film Gladiator and its depiction of the advanced coliseum. But imagine if Rome had never fallen. Would modern society be more advanced today? Quite the contrary would be true. It is actually medieval technology and society that progressed more rapidly than that of Rome, and if it weren’t for the fall of Rome, technology would have advanced much more slowly. According to ancient Roman legend, Romulus founded the city of Rome in 753 BC. AroundRead MoreCapetian Kings of France2066 Words   |  9 Pagesexercise it in their individual territories. Feudalism increased the power of these mini-states in the twelfth century, and was the tool used by the Capetian Kings of France to advance their influence and wealth. Why and how the Capetian dynasty sought to establish and then successfully utilize this particular system will be the main focus of my essay. Feudal law was the customs and relations between lord and vassal in regards to the most valuable medieval commodity; land. Under the ‘oath of fealty’Read MoreThe Battle Between Christianity And Islam2703 Words   |  11 PagesTowards the end of the eleventh century in Western Europe and Eurasia, a range of social, economical and religious influences collectively influenced the sequence of religious wars which we know as the Crusades. Although the series of holy wars against Islam is typically portrayed as the fault of overzealous popes and belligerent kings; the truth behind the clash between Christianity and Islam is far more elaborate. The direct repercussions following two centuries of prolonged warfare afflicted ChristendomRead More The Causes of the Industrial Revolution Essay4968 Words   |  20 PagesThe Causes of the Industrial Revolution The causes of the Industrial Revolution were complex and remain a topic for debate, with some historians seeing the Revolution as an outgrowth of social and institutional changes wrought by the end of feudalism in Great Britain after the English Civil War in the 17th century. The Enclosure movement and the British Agricultural Revolution made food production more efficient and less labor-intensive, forcing the surplus population who could no longer findRead MoreSocial Movements And Collective Action Essay8585 Words   |  35 Pagesarrangement and dependability give rise to related issues concerning the staying power of frames. Frame analysts usefully state a variety of institutional and speculative limitations that regulate the effective life of a frame, including media progressions, series of protest, state interference, high-class hegemonic operations, and internal social controls underlining the consistency on social movement actors. Given the primary strategic and practical conc eption of framing used by frame analysts

Integrating Search Engines With E Commerce - 1695 Words

INTRODUCTION. Since we have already explored the world of social media, Book bunker should now start looking at other opportunities in electronically marketing themselves. We all know that the world is shifting to a global market that is web-driven and therefore major businesses are being done online through websites. Online shopping is taking the lead as people are seeking or rendering online service and products since it is more secure and simpler compared to physical shopping. As an E-marketing and E-commerce expert, it is important to design, develop and maintain a Bunker Books website that includes a sophisticated shopping cart system, payment systems over the internet, end solutions that will add value to other components of†¦show more content†¦Therefore the installation, maintenance and customization of the e-commerce services should be based on various shopping carts which includes; Drag and drop designs, password protected web pages and individual pages for new products and the bestselling products, to name a few. These shopping carts offer various features that enable online product management services which should be crucial to the organization. In addition, they offer internet payment options such as, merchant accounts that should be helpful to the organization (secure trading, 2014). Also, they can support processing of credit cards in real-time. They can support payment by checks or cash on delivery. In addition, checks by email and manual getaways where; orders and information of payment are collected and processed offline. There are various online payment getaways that can be incorporated into the organization such as, the PayPal express, the Bank of America and other Central payments. The use of each of these payment systems will depend on the web sites capability to support online e-commerce while at the same time incorporating e-marketing strategies that will advertise the organizations products and services to a broad range of customers in the world. To start an online payment system requires the creation of a merchant account and then establishing a payment getaway provider such as PayPal. A merchant account is set upShow MoreRelatedResponsibilities And Duties Of An Internet Developer1127 Words   |  5 Pagespublic and private organizations, as independent consultants and engineers and for B2B and B2C e-commerce companies. Working with senior programmers--positions to which most Internet developers aspire--and marketing departments, Internet developers typically undertake--but aren t limited to--the following duties: Design, create and maintain websites, Web pages, social media pages, blogs, e-commerce sites and consumer-facing apps. Troubleshoot performance issues. Work with graphics design, multimediaRead MoreCase Study : Being The Senior Project Manager For Walmart Essay1221 Words   |  5 Pageswhat the firm sales. There are many ways through which we can expand the E-commerce business like in addition to using software packages and external service providers, businesses are relying more heavily on fast-cycle techniques such as rapid application development, joint application design, agile development, and reusable standardized software components that can be assembled into a complete set of services for e-commerce and e-business. These helps in forming the base for building systems that canRead MoreSearch Engine Optimization ( Seo )1525 Words   |  7 PagesSearch Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing a company’s / individual’s website to appear on top of Google Search for particular keywords that people are looking for. For any business, setting up a website is just the beginning and the success of the b usiness primarily depends on the promotion of the website for customers to get an awareness of their product. We are all aware that the majority of online consumers use search engine to look for products, services or business informationRead MoreE-Marketing Strategies at Kudler Foods1386 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿Executive Summary There are several benefits of relying on e-marketing strategies at Kudler Foods to better attract, sell and serve customers over time. The intent of this executive summary is to evaluate them from the standpoint of collecting primary and secondary customer data. In addition the challenges of collecting data through the Internet is also assessment, in addition to expected early feedback from blogs or profiles including those on social media. Finally a cost-benefit analysis isRead MoreThe Technology Development Of The Global Network1476 Words   |  6 Pagestherefore have been exploring platforms such as social media, merchandising online stores, streaming music services etc. This report will evaluate an appropriate strategy and techniques required to commercialise an artist’s career in digital world. E-marketing According to Morgan (2011) ‘A large group of musicians use social networks to build a fan base and launch their own careers’. However if the artist already has a following it is crucial for them to carry out a specific marketing campaign overRead MoreCh 2 Solutions Essay1703 Words   |  7 Pages14188-37032_Ch02_Solutions http://www.scribd.com/doc/6739982/1418837032Ch02Solutions Electronic Commerce, 7th Edition Solutions 2-1 Electronic Commerce, 7th Edition 14188-37032 Chapter 2 Solutions Review Questions 1. What were the main forces that led to the commercialization of the Internet? Summarize your answer in about 100 words. Answer: The Internet was born out of the need for the U.S. government, specifically the Defense Department, to communicate with its weapons installationRead MoreUnderstanding The Scope Of E Business2248 Words   |  9 Pages01 - Understand the scope of e-business 1.1 Describe the environment in which e-business is conducted and business transaction types E-business is referred to the all electronically mediated information exchanges, both within an organization and with external stakeholders supporting the range of business processes. E- business is used as an adjective to describe businesses that mainly operate online, i.e. they have no physical presence on the high streets and seek to minimize customer service andRead MoreTesco s E Business Model1707 Words   |  7 PagesTesco’s E-Business Model Regarding the e-business model of Tesco, the retail giant has adopted the Market Portal Model, which is an interactive model (Tidd and Bessant, 2015). This model accommodates not only the customers but the supplier side as well. It also includes the innovative functions and features that enable both the customers and suppliers to do business in an effective way. The popularity of this model is that some others global retails, such as U.S.-based Wal-Mart, have also adoptedRead MoreNotes On Web Usage Mining1615 Words   |  7 Pagesthree categories depending upon the type of data used for mining: web server logs, application server, application level logs. Web usage mining can be highly helpful in mining the data for web applications and thus helping development in fields like E-Commerce. It can be helpful to discover usage patterns from Web data, thus helping serve better the needs of Web-based applications. Web usage mining can be categorized into three different phases: Preprocessi ng, Pattern Discovery and Pattern Analysis. IRead MoreHow Intelligent Business System Is Vital For A Business1556 Words   |  7 Pagesonline presence. This system must be able to process and analyze large amounts of data and communicate with other systems. We have reviewed your request and have compile the requested data in order to suggest viable solutions to help incorporate a e-commerce strategy that will help your company be successful in the current and future markets. Intelligent business system help companies collect, compile and then analyze the data but along with that these system help companies provide a personalized experience

Disolving stress living The Present Free Essays

Stress is the emotional, mental and physical response to the ever changing environment; in an attempt to adapt to the new outer circumstances, the person produces stress. Stress itself is not good neither bad, since our bodies are designed to produce stress. I keep us alert and active. We will write a custom essay sample on Disolving stress living The Present or any similar topic only for you Order Now The problem starts when we cross the limit of disturbance and make it chronic; this is when we feel stress about situations that don’t require such an alterative state of mind. Stress is present in our society, especially in the big cities and capitals where is aggravated by the noise, traffic and long distances. Stress can be cause by anything that requires a person to adjust to a new situation and this depend on how every person takes an event, since every human being is unique, there are so many ways of experiencing stress and the causes that can produce it. In a certain way, stress is necessary to live, but if not controlled; it can disturb seriously the person who suffers it. Young women face higher risks of stress, especially the working ones but it seems the damaging effects of stress on them is minimised by the fact that they speak out about it; on the contrary, men seem to keep it for themselves. Lately it seems stress is starting to affect even children and teenagers; some suggest they may be â€Å"learning† it from their parents. Also, White race seems more sensitive to stress than Black and Asian race and the more educated is a person, the more stress can experience. For stress management has nothing to do with intellectual learning but experimental, is an attitude towards life. Maybe the reason is that the most educated have a very high sense of must, while the non- educated is not aware of the opportunities that is missing (not involved in the rat race). Personally, what I learnt about stress is that is almost impossible to get rid of it by itself, is necessary to apply consciousness in order to become calmer, quieter, try to live the moment and not live in the future nor in the past but let life just to unfold itself, day by day, and solve the issues that the moment brings, when they come to light (not try to solve them in mind before they happen). In order to review the literature on stress and describe both the processes and sources of stress, as well as methods for coping, a literature search was conducted which identified 3 studies that were relevant to the questions in this paper, one of them about the work related stress, another on relation between mindfulness and stress and another on relation between breast cancer and stress. RESULTS Stress could be then thought of as an exaggerated reaction of the body that acts upon an external circumstance on a non proportional way. It causes emotional suffering to the person who carries it and it can even develop in depression. The physiological reactions are nervousness physical upsetting, tiredness, etc.. Therefore, meditation proves very successful in the treatment of stress. Also, a realistic view of life can help, avoiding living on desires or sheer of imagination. Also Bach flowers may help without having to suffer any side effects. How to cite Disolving stress living The Present, Papers

How Engaging Fathers in Social Work Intervention Impacts free essay sample

This literature review examines the relationship between social work professionals and families in relation to the role of the father, step father or partner, including the impact of their involvement on mothers and the development of children within the family in child protection cases of domestic abuse, substance abuse and sexual abuse. Findings in the literature are that social work professionals tend to focus on the mother rather than the father, the mother often being held culpable for the well being of the child while the father is overlooked in assessment. Main discussion points are individual professional values, and the reasons why professionals may choose to avoid the perpetrator rather than to involve him in assessments to achieve outcomes in the best interests of the child, which reveal constructions of stereotypes and gender discrimination that influence practice. The involvement of young fathers pre-natally and the role of Sure Start children’s centres in engaging young fathers with dads’ only activities are found to be key resources in the community for parenting skills, and absent father’s in prison are shown to have a positive contribution to children’s well being despite assumptions to the contrary and the restrictions of prison. Attachment theory of children to significant figures and role models and resilience is deliberated as are positive ways in which to engage and intervene with fathers that will result in better social outcomes for the child in education, peer relationships and their own self esteem and attitudes are acknowledged. Mothers with positive partner support were also found to be less punitive towards their children and suffer less from low self esteem and poor mental health issues. Introduction This literature review looks at how the inclusion or exclusion of fathers by professionals in social work interventions impacts on children’s well being, including their personal and social development, emotional health outcomes, attachment, resilience and future adult relationships. In the background, I will be looking at policy and legislation in relation to the governments’ long term sustainable strategy to improve the lives of children from 1998 to 2012 which has been developed to provide a framework to enable professionals to engage absent, reluctant and sometimes violent partners. It is my interest to uncover why it is more often than not the woman who is the main focus of intervention and assessments in social services, when often she is not the perpetrator of abuse but the victim of it, and equally, whether it is in the best interests of the child to focus more on the father. I think that it is important that some attention is given to the topic as a father who is ‘invisible’ to social services and resists engaging with professionals is not given the opportunity, or the support and advice of how to address his own issues and change his behaviour through anger management and substance or sexual abuse therapy and counselling. I will identify relevant theoretical frameworks evident in the literature review which inform social work practice in relation to family interventions within child protection. Aims and objectives. The aims and objectives of this study are to examine and ascertain why social work professionals have a tendency to exclude male partners in child protection work, the reasons of which may be through lack of training or experience, organisational pressures, or perhaps even by their own internalised gender biases. The objectives are to establish why fathers do not engage with services, and to look at the views of the fathers, mothers and children themselves. The literature review also aims to explore evidence that supports or disproves my hypothesis that the avoidance of men in social work intervention, and other service agencies, manifests in the personal values of the professional, and as gender stereotyping. Background The Children Act 1989 introduced the notion of parental responsibility and aims to ensure the welfare and the rights of the child. It stresses the importance of engaging parents and working in partnership with them to protect the child from harm and to aim for outcomes that are in the child’s est interests. The intentions of the Act were to not only strengthen the legal position of the child, but also to listen to the voice of the child and ensure that their feelings and wishes were taken into account, as well as to keep them informed as is age appropriate (O’Hagan, 1997, p. 26) (Care and the Law, 2008, [Online]). The main principles of the Act were to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child, partne rship, respect for the child, no delay, and parental responsibility. The philosophy of the Act was that the best place to bring a child up is in their own home, and the Local Authority should support the family to do that. State intervention should only occur if the threshold criteria to establish the likelihood of future harm under the Children Act 1989 was met (University of Bath, 2005, [Online]). However, Langan and Day (1991) (cited in O’Hagan, 1997, p. 26) criticised the 1989 Children Act for giving the impression that the family structure consists of a neat nuclear family that professionals work with, whereas in reality they are working with fragmented families in diverse settings. Father figures such as stepfathers, boyfriends or male partners may have little or no responsibility or involvement in the family unit, and it has been shown that workers actively avoid men who are significant in the child’s life. In 1995 research on child protection from the Department of Health showed that mothers involved in cases of physical abuse by men were the main focus of attention, their violent partners were largely ignored, and this highlighted the impact of gender bias in the child protection process. An emerging pattern indicated that while women were under included in support from services, they were over included in the attempts of agencies to control them (Owen and Farmer, 1998, pp 545-564). Gordon’s (1989) (cited in Owen and Farmer, 1998, pp. 545-564) study showed that women who sought help from professional agencies to protect themselves and their children from abuse, or for parenting difficulties, found that they themselves came under suspicion and felt that they were unjustly condemned for not protecting their children. In 2000, when piloted, the Department of Health Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families, Family Pack of Questionnaire and Scales, helped social workers and families to identify areas where social service assistance could be provided, as well as signposting to other agencies. The parenting ‘daily hassles’ scale assesses the frequency, intensity and impact of 20 experiences that parents find to be a ‘hassle’. This information was used in the research of a parenting programme with families who experienced extreme difficulties parenting young children, and social workers reported that the scales specifically addressed areas where the parent or carer felt pressured (DoH, 2000). Consequently, the scales can be used as a basis for discussion to identify and highlight patterns of intensity over a time period of one or two months that the parent/carer experiences, and how often they occur. Areas to prioritise parenting issues can then be addressed (DoH, 2000). Similarly, home conditions are assessed such as safety, order and cleanliness. Findings from the total scores of the scales have shown that children’s abilities correlate with children’s developmental abilities in language and intellect. Children whose homes have low scores have been shown to have better outcomes in these development markers (DoH, 2000). In addition, high levels of children’s health problems associated with a reduction in social development and educational achievement were reported in 2001 in the National Health Interview Survey (NIHS) (cited in DoH, 2000). However, this does not mean that all children from higher scoring homes will be disadvantaged by poor intelligence. Importantly, in a holistic approach, this document uses the information and knowledge of the quality of the parent and child relationship to contribute to the overall assessment of the family (DoH, 2000). Furthermore, in 2002 Dominelli (2002, p. 7) stated that feminist social work developed out of social action in communities that was carried out by women working with women. To address women’s needs feminist social work must be used in conjunction with the holistic, ecological, systems and strengths based theoretical approaches to practice, which focuses on the interactions and nature of social relationships. This approach ensures that the needs and well-being of the people around the woman, such as men, children and other family members, are also recognised and addressed. In addition, the government’s 2003 Green Paper, Every Child Matters, took into account the tragic death of Victoria Climbie, the subsequent investigation and Lord Lamming’s report and recommendations, setting out the governments’ vision for reforming the delivery of services to young people, children and families, and aimed to create a framework of universal services. The changes aimed to address the needs of children at risk and to support them in developing their full potential, minimising any negative outcomes (Talking Point, 2010, [Online]). Moreover, the reforms aimed to reduce the numbers of children engaging in anti social behaviour, low educational achievement, teenage pregnancies and ill health. After consultation with a range of families, children and young people, the government identified five outcomes that were important to them and what they felt were essential to children’s well-being now and in future life. These were: * Being Healthy – good physical and mental health and a healthy lifestyle * Staying Safe – and to be protected from harm and neglect * Enjoying and Achieving – life skills for adulthood * Making a Positive Contribution – community involvement, not engaging in anti social or criminal behaviour * Economic Well-Being – not being prevented by socio economic disadvantage from achieving their full potential These five outcomes are firmly placed in Ofsted’s inspection framework and are now at the centre of local authority decision making (Talking Point, 2010, [Online]). Following on from this, the Adoption and Children Act 2004 extended the definition of child abuse and the harming of children to include seeing or hearing domestic violence or the ill-treatment of others, which can emotionally harm the child (Darlington Borough Council, 2013, [Online]). More recently, the Coalition Government’s emphasis on early intervention aims to promote better outcomes in later life and underpins policy that has extended free education entitlement to 15 hours to the most disadvantaged two year olds. (Department for Education,2012, [Online]). Equally, the ‘CANParent’ and relationship support pilots launched in May 2012, offer support for parenting classes and subsidised counselling and advice services to help new parents adjust to family life, while the Think Father’s campaign promotes the role of fathers in children’s lives and recognises that services working closely with mothers should not forget about the fathers, there still remains a lack of focus on fathers as a definite policy area despite previous and current government policy and initiatives (Cundy, 2012 [Online]). Literature Review The systematic search strategy used in this literature review used published data from 1989 up to 2012. The researcher used electronic academic databases and social care websites Medline; Community Care. co. uk; Oxford Journals; Ebrary; Athens; Sage; Oxford Journals; Scie and key policy websites Department for Children, Schools and Families, now the Department for Education; Equality and Human Rights Commission; Joseph Rowntree Foundation; Barnardos; Child Poverty Action Group and the Fatherhood Institute as well as journals and books. Search terms included key words: engaging /involving fathers; social work; gender; education; intervention; fathers; impact; child; well-being; . After using a systematic approach and reviewing the collection of literature in regards to the engagement of fathers in social work intervention, a number of themes emerged in which the researcher believed were pertinent to service users and families within the social services system. The themes highlighted from the literature are as follows; perpetrators were ignored, women were blamed by professionals for bad parenting, reluctance to re engage with services due to fear of having children removed, low engagement at children’s centres, need for multi agency and holistic provision, attachment issues, child development , educational achievement and social development. â€Å"How engaging fathers in social work intervention impacts on the well being of children. Families can be a source of strength and resilience for children, but in a small number of cases, families can be a source of risk. The vast majority of parents want what is best for their children, and some disadvantaged families who manage to break the cycle of disadvantage can be described as resilient (Cabinet Office, 2007, p. 13). Registered charity, The Family Right’s Group is an advice group for families who need to be, or are involved with children’s services because of welfare co ncerns or needs, and it places importance on kinship, family care options and family group conferences. Telephone conversations have detailed that victims of domestic violence, whose children are under child protection plans, feel blamed rather than supported over the behaviour of ex-partners. The Family Right’s Group offers them peer support and somewhere to vent their anger and frustration (Moore, 2012, [Online]. However, social workers carrying out core assessments for suspected child abuse will suggest that the couple should separate rather than risk the child staying with the alleged perpetrator. The parent will be given the choice by Children’s services to choose between the partner and the child as the child is viewed not to be safe while the couple are still together (Moore, 2012, [Online]). In response to the new General Medical Council guidance on child protection, Chief Executive of the Family Rights Group, Cathy Ashley stated that it is usual for families who have children in a child protection plan to feel alone or alienated and angry, and this is an added stress factor for the family and their environment. In addition, it has been shown that parents did not always get the support they needed with parenting at an early stage, or to address their own health needs such as depression or if they were a victim of domestic abuse (Family Rights Group, 2012, [Online]). Continuing with her response, Cathy Ashley also stated that â€Å"93% of children who are subject to a child protection plan live at home†. This means that it is vital that the families and social work professions work co-operatively to ensure the families contribute, understand and participate in the child protection plan for it to work. Engaging families is crucial to safeguarding, and a break down in any of these factors results in care proceedings where children are removed from their families (Family Rights Group, 2012, [Online]). In addition, in a meta-analysis involving 92 studies, Amato and Keith, (1991, pp. 6-46), found that compared to children from intact families, children from separated families were at a higher risk of developing mental health and well being issues such as depression, anxiety, aggression and delinquency. A paper by Keeling and Wormer, (2012, pp. 1354-1370), using purposive sampling of interviews from fifteen women who had experienced domestic violence, found that there was a lack of trust towards social workers in that the women did not feel free to disclose family violence due to fears tha t the child would be taken away. Where the social worker was aware of a violent partner, the focus was on the needs of the child rather than the needs of the domestic violence victim. Not only that, the interviews identified that where professionals could have used a strengths-based model to empower the women in decision making, they instead told the women what they should do, thereby subjecting them to further control and disempowerment, contrary to the social work values of anti oppressive practice of service user choice and self determination. Keeling and Wormer, (2012, pp. 1354-1370), contends that that this imbalance of power between the service user and the professional contributes to controlling strategies other than the violence used by the abusive partner, and the considerable dominance and power wielded by them remains unchallenged; of the eight basic tactics used to maintain control, the perpetrator may use isolation, threats, denying and blaming to control women. These tactics may be seen to be reinforced by those professionals who use a disempowering and oppressive social work approach towards the victim of abuse, which only contributes to her sense of powerlessness and low self esteem However, by ignoring the perpetrator, his actions are not being addressed, and this conveys the message that he can continue with his behaviour unchallenged. O’Hagan (1997, p. p 33-34), promotes this disempowering approach in his list of five potential causes for social workers avoiding men. These are: * Public and professional perceptions of the women’s traditional role as the carer who should protect and nurture their children and view the man as the breadwinner; * Hostility and distrust of men, particularly as some feminists have the view that men are the source of all women’s problems. Therefore it is important that feminist social workers are aware of, and do not allow an attitude of hostility and distrust towards men to exclude men from the intervention. Lack of training, as newly qualified social workers may lack experience and the skills and knowledge to engage constructively with violent partners or men who are reluctant to engage with services. * Fear of men in whom social workers may feel intimidated by a violent partner or anticipate violence to their own person due to growing violence towards professionals, or from other colleagues’ experiences. A different perspective on this can be found in the third part of a three part qualitative project by Spratt and Callan (2004, p. 17), which examined the views of parents whose children were subject to child protection plans. Many of the parents did not know why the social workers were visiting after the initial contact visit, with some feeling that they were being ‘checked up on’ and others feeling that the social worker was more interested in what was going on in the family situation rather than engaging with their problems. This indicates a lack of transparency and no explanation on the part of the social worker to clarify the purposes of continued contact, and failure to meaningfully engage with the family. In a Community Care (2010, [Online]) article, Natalie Valois stated that ‘In a female-dominated profession there is a tendency for women to talk to women about children, but fathers or a father figure can provide valuable input when given the right support. ’ Evidence pointed to basic information of the father’s details missing from case files, from which we can deduce that fathers with behavioural issues were not being engaged by social services, and therefore did not receive support to address their issues in order to help them to change their behaviour if it was negative. Research from the Department of Education (2011, p. p i-iii [Online]), showed that the 2007 Family Pathfinder programme found that when local authorities worked intensively to address the needs of families with multiple and complex problems, there were significant improvements in outcomes for 46% of the families supported by the Family Pathfinders and almost 31% of the families supported by the Young Carer Pathfinders. The research showed that families’ complex problems could include debt, poor housing, disability, poor parenting, substance misuse, harmful family relationships, poor mental health, low educational outcomes and child protection concerns. However, evidence from the 27 local authorities who took part in the project suggested that 3 critical elements played an important part in the delivery and engagement process for improved outcomes. These were; a persistent and assertive key worker who was highly skilled and experienced, and who worked intensively with families providing leadership and management as well as specialist support; a sturdy framework of support, including a comprehensive assessment of all family members and comprised of a multi-disciplinary team around the family (T. A. F. ) to identify needs and to deliver the right support; an intensive and flexible family focused response which addressed several family issues, and phased in over a continual period of time (DoE, 2011, p. p i-iii). Attachment and resilience Attachment theory centres on the importance of early attachment relationships for physical and emotional well being, and theoretical frameworks that inform practice around child protection and well-being are attachment, resilience and ecological perspectives that encompass community networks and resources, wider family networks and the choices and wishes of the child (Stein, 2005, p. 2). Barnado’s Babyfather Initiative (2013, [Online]), maintains that research shows that children who grow up without a father or strong male role model, are more likely to live in poverty, be at higher isk of health problems, have lower achievements in school and are more likely to offend in later years. Correspondingly, the Mental Health Foundation (2013? , [Online]), state that although most things on their own do not lead to mental health problems in children, there are risk factors that can trigger problems such as parents separating or divorcing, living in poverty or being homeless, being bu llied or physically or sexually abused, having a parent with mental health problems or problems with alcohol. Moreover, an ongoing longitudinal study from 1992, published by the Centre for Research (2008, p. p vi-18) found that while boys engaged more in anti social behaviours, they were more likely to have better mental health than girls, who were more pro social, and that socio economic background influenced a child’s educational achievement more than their well-being, although children from disadvantaged schools had a lower overall achievement rate. The findings also reported that the gender differences in children’s educational achievements and outcomes are so varied that when defining well-being, it is important to take into account that because of these multiple dimensions, boys and girls will react differently as personal difficulties become apparent. Findings from a research brief by Suzanne Menestrel, (1999, [Online]) indicated that children benefitted from, and responded to firm but warm parenting styles, as a study of preschool boys who received positive compliments and praise achieved better results in cognitive tests than other boys whose fathers showed little or no interest in their son’s achievements. Similarly, fathers’ use of harsh and inconsistent discipline was found to impact negatively on their son’s emotional behaviour whilst fathers whose children had high educational achievement and fewer behaviour problems, were involved in positive activities with their children such as helping with homework, eating together, and spending time together going on outings. Findings from the Social Exclusion Task Force, (2007, [Online]), show that parent’s interest in their children’s education and their involvement with very young children plays a crucial role in the development of literacy, numeracy and cognitive skills which can have a significant impact on educational achievement into adolescence. Nevertheless, research on the mental, physical and emotional health and development of children claims that children who witness domestic violence in the home are more likely to have their attitudes to violence affected by it. The research, which was reported in a research briefing by Worrall, Boylan and Roberts (2008, [Online]), showed that these children achieved significantly poorer outcomes than those who did not live with domestic violence. Indeed, an Equal Opportunities Commission report (2007), cited in the research briefing by Worrall, Boylan and Roberts (2008, [Online]), found that around 750,000 children witness domestic violence in the UK every year resulting in the stress of homelessness when parents separate, loss of personal belongings, friends and ongoing intimidation from the perpetrator. This suggests that in cases such as these, it has to be considered whether or not the continued contact with a violent or abusive father would be in the best interests and well being of the child, and consequently how would any attempts to engage with the perpetrator impact positively on the mother and child and the child’s relationship to the father. Research from a briefing by the Institute for American Values by Bradford Wilcox and Dew (2008, [Online]), shows that poverty and unemployment contributes towards fathers’ maltreatment of children compared to more financially stable fathers. Whilst unemployment decreases the fathers’ sense of self worth, the stresses of living in poverty, such as not being able to provide for the family, was shown to increase the likelihood of the father being abusive. This can also be seen to be a way for the father to feel powerful and in control when he is essentially in a powerless position in life. Equally, sexual abuse and violent behaviour towards their children was attributed to father’s use of drug and alcohol as it lowered their inhibitions. In addition, fathers who were not involved in the lives of their children were shown to be more likely to engage in physical or sexual abuse, which affirms the theory that not engaging with the perpetrator effectively gives them the go ahead to behave as they wish (Bradford Wilcox and Dew, 2008, [Online]). On the other hand, findings from a research paper by David Utting (2007, p. 5) showed that young children’s relationships with their mothers affect their development more than child – father relationships. Studies have also shown that father’s involvements impact more on teenager’s development and achievement in school. Young fathers Florsheim Ngu, (2003) (cited in Fatherhood Institute, 2010, [Online]) ound that young men with a history of psychopathology discovered pre-natally, report higher rates of physically punishing behaviour toward their child later, and young fathers of expectant mothers who report poor relationships with their own parents during the pre natal interview, have higher child abuse potential scores at follow up assessment, which are important indicators of future child abuse that can be missed if young fathers are not assessed pre natally, therefore professionals who do not asses young fathers pre-natally may miss important indicators of future child abuse. A study by Florsheim et al (2012, [Online]) of 105 randomly chosen pregnant adolescents and their partners, who were partaking in a Young Parenthood Programme designed to facilitate positive parenting and develop interpersonal skills among adolescent parents, asserts that psychological and physical health risks among children has been linked to hostile co-parenting relations, harsh parenting and paternal disengagement. Findings in a research summary by the Fatherhood Institute (2010, [Online]), conclude that teenage mothers with positive partner support tend to be less punishing and rejecting towards their children whereas young mothers who perceive their partner to be supportive tend to report lower levels of depression and psychological distress, higher self-esteem and exhibit more positive attachment behaviours towards their infants and have a higher parenting capacity. This promotes the notion that support by the father not only tends to strengthen the mother’s child-rearing skills but also fosters healthy emotional, cognitive and social development in the child, particularly where father and child have a close relationship. This suggests that the lack of perceived support by the father and lack of involvement by the father is associated with young mother’s parenting stress and the increased potential for child abuse or neglect. It also indicates that the presence of a partner essentially affects the relationship between young mothers and behavioural difficulties in the child. This can be compared to the poorer mental health of women who do not have a stable partnership (Fatherhood institute 2010, [Online]). Ministry of Justice figures (2012, [Online]), show that the male prison population in England and Wales in March 2013 was 80,667, and facts and figures from Action for Prisoner’s Families (2012, [Online]), put the number of children who experience their father going to prison each year at around 200,000. When combined, these figures and the number of children who witness domestic abuse each year indicate a significant amount of vulnerable children that need to experience the benefits of good social work practice to engage absent fathers in a positive way that contributes to the children’s emotional well-being and resilience. In spite of the restrictions of prison, fathers can still benefit a child’s life as a study of fathers in prison by Barclay and Lupton (cited in Daniel and Taylor, 2008, p. 02) shows that fathers can be very open about expressing their love for their children. They state that a father who is absent due to a prison term may lose contact with the child through a poor relationship with the child’s mother, or other socio economic factors such as the expense of the cost of transport for visits, but may still have a close and highly fulfilling relationship with the child. This positive contribution to a child’s overall well being from an absent father may be missed if the professional assumes that an imprisoned father has no positive role to play as a significant adult in the child’s life, and research from Barnado’s No. 8 Policy and practice briefing (2000, [Online]), also shows that fathers in prison who stay in touch with their children and engage in prison parenting programmes are less likely to reoffend. From this we can infer that due to the lack of contact, the child may experience a range of emotions, manifesting in feelings of grief, hurt, betrayal, anger, anxiety and sadness, which can all be directed at the remaining parent, usually the mother, who becomes the focus of the child’s expression of anger, resulting in a difficult relationship between the mother and child. Therefore the child may not thrive if there are no other positive resilience factors in their extended family or social network (Daniel and Taylor, 2001, p. p 202 – 208). A qualitative report by Cundy (2012, [Online]), highlighted the needs and experiences of 6 young fathers aged between 16 to 24 in England, and revealed the opportunities that are present when fathers are supported by services, and the obstructions that occur when there is a lack of support. It was found that the family voluntary sector played an important role in raising awareness of father’s needs and in working with statutory services, whilst advocating an integrated approach of support from different agencies to support young fathers. Cundy’s report found that teenage fathers are three times more likely than non fathers to fail to complete secondary education; similarly they are more likely to be not in education, employment or training (NEET). Findings show that the school years are the optimal time to address a range of risk behaviours in young fathers (Cundy, 2012, [Online]). Cundy (2012, [Online]), also found that there are two key points to engage in effective intervention with young fathers, and that is as soon as they find out about the pregnancy or while they are still in education. Parenting and family support remains one of the key services at the heart of Children’s Centres and they have taken the initiative to engage fathers through clubs exclusively for dads on Saturdays and other activity days for fathers and children, as it was found that young fathers did not partake in activities that involved mothers. Moreover, Sure Start children’s’ centres provide support for families with children under 5 years, and access can be gained to multi disciplinary teams of professionals, seamless services and information (Social Exclusion Task Force, 2007, [Online]). A research summary from The Fatherhood Institute (2010, [Online]), argues that professionals are reluctant to engage with young fathers as their views are usually perceived to be irrelevant, and that some services try to engage men in more traditional feminine roles and activities, rather than encouraging male identity roles for fathers in their own right with their children. The research showed that father’s involvement was influenced by the quality of the relationship with their baby’s mother and that young father’s attitudes towards the pregnancy impacts on the mother’s own childbirth experience. According to a Joseph Rowntree report by Katz et al, (2007, [Online]), there are three types of barriers to inclusion in mainstream preventative services that parents face, and these are physical and practical, social and stigma. The physical and practical barriers are that parents lack knowledge about services, what support they can offer and the availability, also costs and access to transport for groups with a disability, parents with pushchairs and long hours of work. Social barriers can be cultural, and research identified that fathers, disabled parents, black minority and ethnic parents, and parents in poverty face exclusion and difficulties due to the inability to speak English and lack of bilingual staff, or a preference to consult with religious leaders rather than with professionals (Katz et al, 2007, [Online]). Furthermore, lone parenthood and lower socio economic status was found to be more prevalent in black minority ethnic groups who were more dissatisfied with parenting information than white parents. Similarly, deaf and disabled parents’ involvement with support groups was found to be low, and they were also found to feel more isolated and stigmatised when they engaged with services. Other findings were that despite the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, only one fifth of parental support groups made extra efforts to include disabled parents (Katz et al, 2007, [Online]). Findings Findings are that positive partner support impacts on the mother’s mental health and parenting capabilities and children were found to be more resilient in these settings. Social workers who focused mainly on children’s needs in abusive relationships may have been based within children and family social work rather than Adults. Social workers are overworked and under pressure to be more efficient, they are time constrained by the market driven economy and new managerialism, but professionals must endeavour to build trust with women to empower them to feel comfortable enough to confide in. A major problem in domestic violence protection is the lack of inter agency co ordination; child welfare authorities have one focus, the child and domestic violence advocates for the victim. Gender sensitive skills must be used when working with vulnerable women (Keeling and Wormer, 2012, pp. 1354-1370), Women fear disclosing they are victims of domestic violence to social services as they might have their children taken away. Being able to engage fathers reduces hostile co-parenting that in turn reduces the risk of psychological and physical health risks in children. Evidence suggests that family based services rather than father based services are more likely to engage fathers although some fathers may prefer father’s only groups, and groups that have a clear purpose and outcome. Other fathers groups and services that are shown to be effective are ones that promote good communication with the mother and an element of authoritative parenting. Discussion of the implications for social work practice Gender stereotyping impacts on social work practice as it means that both parents are not given the opportunity to engage in a range of child care activities that reinforce good emotional attachment to significant adults in the child. Both genders can be nurturing carers and the father can be a significant adult and primary attachment figure in the child’s life (Daniel and Taylor, 2001, p. 18). Feminist theories and theories of oppression perceive gender roles to be socially constructed and are attributed and reinforced by society. These structural forces impact on the individual and should be taken into account by multi agency and professional workers when trying to engage fathers to adopt a role that is generally perceived to be feminised, in that it is norm ally seen to be a role for the opposite sex to carry out, such as childminding or child rearing (Daniel and Taylor, 2001, pp. 18-219) Furthermore, feminist theories question and challenge social stereotypes and constructs such as gender stereotypes and social norms that impact on behaviour and attitudes towards the opposite sex through socialisation and peer pressure. For example, a study of young men in Belfast by Harland (1997) (cited in Daniel and Taylor, 2001, p. 218), found that they communicated emotional feelings through banter and humour, and concluded that male gender roles force boys to reject a wide range of emotions and expression that are perceived to be feminine when in fact they are just human emotions. However, we can infer from this that men prefer to use more factual communication as opposed to talking about feelings which may make them feel uncomfortable. Consequently, as most social workers are female and use communication skills that are based on how service users feel, men may feel more comfortable if they are asked what their opinions are rather than how they feel, as the line of questioning concerned with feelings is perceived to be more feminised, whereas asking an opinion is a more factual and masculine approach. Therefore, it may be prudent for the social worker to adjust their approach to communicating with some men to be more factual rather than emotional if it means they are more likely to engage and respond (Daniel and Taylor, 2001, p. 218). Similarly, men who work in child care saw themselves as being gender stereotyped as they were often pushed into a position of a ‘controller’ with difficult adolescents, which reduced their caring role to one of power, threat and intimidation to control the children. Needless to say, the male workers did not feel comfortable with this gender stereotyped expectation being imposed upon them (Daniel and Taylor, 2001, p. 219). However, Daniel and Taylor (2001, p. 222) argued that engaging with the perpetrator and giving the abusive or violent man the opportunity to explore what effects their own perhaps brutalised childhood has on their own parenting, runs the risk of using their past as an explanation for their behaviour, which in turn becomes an excuse for unacceptable behaviour. By engaging with the victim within the man, the practitioner may unintentionally shift the focus away from the man being responsible for his behaviour and result instead in asserting that violence is beyond the control of the individual, effectively giving him assent for his behaviour. Instead a model such as the cycle for change could be used which places responsibility of self and actions with the client. Conversely, the opposite is true of professionals’ engagement with women where the impact of childhood experiences is routinely taken account when considering their ability to parent, and reflection on their past is routinely encouraged. The balance between the child’s need for protection and the mother’s need for support is constantly addressed by social workers and health visitors, and anti discriminatory practice must drive the professional to offer the same opportunities to the father to reflect and develop a coherent account of childhood events and experiences (Daniel and Taylor, 2001, p. 22). Stereotyping, as well as professional’s assumptions about parenting in ethnic groups and how children are physically disciplined, can have devastating consequences as in the case of Victoria Climbie where there was a belief that it was culturally appropriate to severely punish children. This perception that different ethnic groups can justify physical punishment as a ‘cultural tradition’ led to the failure to recognise and challenge the abuse that eventually led to Victoria’s death (David Utting, 2007, p. ). Ultimately, it is the policies and culture of organisations that provide guidance for practice, but this should be weighted with personal and professional values in the BASW Codes of Practice, and unjust practices challenged accordingly. Organisations are made up of people and their social relationships which can be shaped by continuous change, and are in turn influenced by the policies, constraints, legislation, ethics and routines of the structure (Dominelli, 2002, p. 149). Moreover, social workers are required to work with clients who very often challenge their own personal values. To achieve change, radical social workers have focused on the cultural norms of the organisation in order to move the balance of power to clients and away from practitioners. However, while these challenges have brought the issue of oppression to the attention of professionals, and have highlighted the nature of contradictory relationships between professionals and clients, the impact on statutory social services has been minimal (Dominelli, 2002, p150). The pursuit for transformational change can be achieved when the people involved in the organisation can continue to challenge each other, but concur to achieve similar goals and how to reach them, such as effectively engaging with fathers in interventions and practice to achieve the best outcomes for the well-being of the child (Dominelli, 2001, p. 150). Research recommendation and conclusion My views and recommendations on the implications for social work practice, relating to my findings and evidence in the literature review, are that it is important to establish meaningful and empowering relationships holistically when intervening with families. This means using the Framework for Assessment for Children to explore positive relationships around the child and not just to focus on the mother. To enable better support for new fathers and fathers to be, there needs to be continued personal development and staff training opportunities in health services where young men may be excluded in maternity services due to lack of staff awareness and resources. Research shows that young fathers often have no, or limited contact with midwives, health workers or social workers (Fatherhood Institute, 2010, [Online]). Sure Start children’s centres operate at the heart of local communities and are essential early years settings that target young fathers for parenting and family support, and can refer them to Barnado’s BabyFather Initiative’s Fatherhood Parenting Programme. However there seems to be no data pertaining to the amount of fathers the children’s centres come onto contact with, therefore my recommendation is that this is an area that should be used to monitor fathers’ involvement with children and engagement with other services and agencies. (Fatherhood Institute, 2010, [Online]). Partnership working with local agencies must be continued and promoted, and the sharing of timely information with health bodies on family changes such as a new birth, a disabled child or a parent taken into custody, must be encouraged as it is important to enable the children’s centres to contact and assess whether extra support is needed by the family and whether to refer the family for other provision (Barnado’s, (2011, [Online]). Children’s centres must ask about the father whenever they have contact with a mother and keep a record of dads that attend. It should not be assumed that young fathers will want to attend the same groups as young mothers, and are more likely to attend targeted activities such as dad and baby days and sports events (Cundy, 2010 [Online]). Peer support groups must be utilised more for signposting by professionals, and in children’s centres, ‘youngdads. tv’ is online support for young dads made by the dads themselves. It gives addresses of parent support in their area, and local voluntary sector organisations. ‘Council of Young Dads’ is the steering group for youngdads. tv and run ‘own father support’ in the local community. Similarly, becoming a father can be a motivational factor for re engaging with education and gives an increased sense of responsibility. Young fathers can benefit from and must have access to mentors to discuss their needs in terms of education, career advice and their role as a parent. Equally, schools should authorise absences for young fathers to attend health appointments in order for them to feel part of the process of the pregnancy, and the Government should introduce parenting education for all secondary school pupils, plus support for young parents in school to gain parenting skills (Cundy, 2010 [Online]). Florsheim et al (2012, [Online]), found that a history of psychopathology in both young parents is a serious risk factor not only for the young adults, but for their children. Therefore a gap has been identified in that there is a need for prevention programmes that are designed to reduce risks associated with hostile co-parenting and young parenthood and that are designed to meet the needs of, and engage both parents. Young expectant fathers exhibiting a cluster of negative indicators in the Family Pack of Questionnaires and Scales, including a history of anti-social behaviour, drug-misuse and so on, are likely to engage in negative parenting practices once babies are born, therefore risk must be detected early on pre natally. This requires health workers to practice inclusively, ensuring that fathers are involved in antenatal and health check appointments, and are engaged with on a level similar to that of the mother to enable them to feel connected to, and part of, the life change that is happening to them (Fatherhood Institute, 2010, [Online]). With this in mind, it is my opinion that professionals must endeavour to fully risk assess all men involved in the care of children in families who require intervention. Failure to carry out a full risk assessment contributes to the danger pertinent to the child, and when risk is identified, the emphasis must be placed on the responsibility of the perpetrator and not the victim of abuse. Likewise, it is my view that support must be offered to the father who is willing and able to change, and this should be identified through assessment. When men are not willing to change, then support and intervention should be centred on the mother and child, and services must be provided that allows and empowers them to function autonomously and independently from the abusive father. To address sex-role gender stereotyping, and to encourage children to be more resilient, society must socialise children through education in gender equality that promotes no gender role expectations, or stereotyping. Girls must be taught to be autonomous and independent, and boys must be allowed to increase their ability to express emotion and nurturing qualities without being an object of fun or ridicule to their peers (Daniel, Taylor, p. 225). However, in my view, to have any long lasting effect, gender equality education would have to be supported by a change in government policy to curb the aggressive media advertising methods which use gender stereotyped themes and images to portray aspects of daily life that the general public are subjected to, and influenced by on a daily basis. Families were shown to be resilient when they recover from periods of adversity and have good outcomes. To encourage resilience in families, I recommend that professionals involved with families should be looking for strengths in the family and individuals’ relationships to build upon (Utting, 2007, p. 5). They should use strength based models as this promotes anti oppressive practice, empowers women and makes the imbalance of power between the service user and the professional more equal. In conclusion, organisational constraints, large caseloads and lack of resources can contribute to the pressure on social work professionals to meet targets, and results in the professional focussing intervention onto the mother as she is often the primary carer, and therefore viewed socially as the carer who has most influence on the child’s well-being (Shirani et al, 2011, [Online]). Fathers that are supported by services can benefit from parenting advice and support with education, anger management and substance misuse. Most fathers want to hange once they realise what impact their behaviour is having on their children. However, it was shown that some professionals found it hard to engage with young fathers as they did not place any importance on their view, which suggests that youth can be a barrier to services for young fathers if their views are not considered to be relevant or significant. From my perspective the range of literature pertaining to involvement with famili es where sexual abuse was a risk or had occurred was sparse, and demonstrated that there is a lack of studies involving service users in this area. Therefore I recommend that there needs to be more research in this field as it is paramount to contribute to knowledge and information that will underpin social work practice when intervening with sexually abusive fathers. From the literature reviewed, we can further conclude that it is evident that gender stereotyping impacts on the engagement of fathers in interventions, and suggests that organisational guidelines, managerial targets and time restrictions are not equitable with front line practices. Therefore, unless there continues to be challenges to organisational structure, there will always be a gap between theory and practice, and this only serves to sustain discriminatory practices. Therefore, it can be said that professionals’ failure to consistently challenge social constructions, such as gender roles and stereotyping results in discrimination when deciding which parent to focus on. In view of this, professionals must be constantly aware of their own values and biases, and ensure that these do not impact on their practice.

Biographical Profile of Dr. Michio Kaku

Biographical Profile of Dr. Michio Kaku Dr. Michio Kaku is an American theoretical physicist, best known as one of the founders of string field theory. He has published several books and hosts television specials and a weekly radio program. Michio Kaku specializes in public outreach and explaining complicated physics concepts in terms people can understand and appreciate. General Information Born: January 24, 1947Nationality: AmericanEthnicity: Japanese Degrees Academic Achievements Went to the National Science Fair in high school with a home-made atom smasher built in his parents garage.1968, Physics B.S. (summa cum laude) from Harvard University1972, Physics Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley1973, lectureship at Princeton University25 years as Henry Semat Chair and Professorship in theoretical physics at the City College of New York.Has been a visiting professor at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton New York University. String Field Theory Work In the realm of physics research, Michio Kaku is best known as the co-founder of string field theory, which is a specific branch of the more general string theory which relies heavily on mathematically framing the theory in terms of fields. Kakus work was instrumental in showing that the field theory is consistent with known fields, such as Einsteins field equations from general relativity. Radio Television Appearances Michio Kaku is the host of two radio programs: Science Fantastic and Explorations in Science with Dr. Michio Kaku. Information about these programs can be found on Dr. Kakus official website. In addition to radio appearances, Michio Kaku frequently makes appearances on a wide variety of popular shows as a science expert, including Larry King Live, Good Morning America, Nightline, and 60 Minutes. He has hosted a number of science shows, including the Science Channel series Sci-Fi Science. Michio Kakus Books Dr. Kakus written a number of academic papers and textbooks over the years, but is especially noted among the public for his popular books on advanced theoretical physics concepts: The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind (2014)Physics of the Future  (2011)Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration Into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation, and Time Travel  (2008)Einsteins Cosmos: How Albert Einsteins Vision Transformed Our Understanding of Space and TimeVisions: How Science Will Revolutionize the 21st Century and BeyondParallel Worlds: A Journey Through Creation, Higher Dimensions, and the Future of the Cosmos (2005)Hyperspace: A Scientific Odyssey Through Parallel Universes, Time Warps, and the Tenth Dimension Michio Kaku Quotes As a widely published author and public speaker, Dr. Kaku has  made many notable statements. Here are few of them: Physicists are made of atoms. A physicist is an attempt by an atom to understand itself.―  Michio Kaku,  Parallel Worlds: A Journey Through Creation, Higher Dimensions, and the Future of the Cosmos In some sense, gravity does not exist; what moves the planets and the stars is the distortion of space and time. To understand the difficulty of predicting the next 100 years, we have to appreciate the difficulty that the people of 1900 had in predicting the world of 2000.―  Michio Kaku,  Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100

FedEx Companys Marketing Recommendations

FedEx Companys Marketing Recommendations Overview FedEx has enjoyed regional dominance in parcel and cargo deliver in Southern China for a couple of years. When it entered Chinese market in 1995, FedEx enjoyed a brief monopoly of international deliveries in Southern China. It also had a stake in Hong Kong and other Cities in mainland China.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on FedEx Companys Marketing Recommendations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More With at least 11 weekly flights to and from Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, FedEx had a considerable Market Share in U.S.-China delivery. While entering Chinese market in 1995, FedEx opted for frontal-assault marketing strategy which was used in Europe in 1980s. The strategy was successful despite the Asian devaluation currency in 1997. However, the company recorded its first international quarterly loss in 2008. The 2008 loss and poor deliveries to China ware expected to be compensated by increased Chinese export to western countries especially the United States. The company had nearly locked out competitors from southern China market of Guangzhou and Shenzhen which represented the largest manufacturing base in China. FedEx controlled over 13% of international deliveries in the region by 2001. It faced stiff competition from UPS, DHL, TNT and China post EMS international delivery express. It is now necessary for it to protect its market from competitors and venture into new ones. However, domestic express deliveries have been limited by bureaucracy and biased regulations from Chinese Communist Party government with the aim of shielding local investors and China Post from international competition. Competitors like DHL and UPS entered joint ventures with Chinese firms like Sinotrans and China Post. China joined World Trade Organization and agreed to remove some regulations by 2005. This would allow fair competition between local and international delivery companies. C ompetitors have entered agreements and bought local Chinese firms with hope of capitalizing on the situation.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Recommendation 1 FedEx should venture into un-tapped market in remote Parts of China though increased investment. Justification The Chinese economy accounts for slightly over 1% of world economy but its growth rate is one of the highest with an average of over 10% in the last few years. Several cities in China rely on local companies to deliver parcels and cargo to international destinations. However, the parcels and cargo take several days to reach their destinations. Furthermore, Southen Chinese cities are increasing their manufacturing capacities which increase their exports too. Therefore, most business establishments require fast delivery services for mails and cargo. Although competitors like UPS and DHL have been expanding their markets recently, there are enough opportunities for expansion. The investment should be based on the agreement between China and WTO to full deregulate domestic markets and lift foreign ownership restriction on local businesses by the year 2005. International companies can buy local firms or establish joint investments with Chinese citizens. FedEx can capitalize on this situation to expand its market to other Chinese cities which require international deliveries on daily basis. Implementation Before the final day of full deregulation of domestic markets and lifting of ownership restriction on local businesses, FedEx should keenly follow Chinese government steps towards achieving the WTO target. During every deregulation step, FedEx should invest to ensure that it is ahead of its main competitors. Meanwhile, it should continue offering quality services to its current customers and expand in its traditional market of southern China. Continued quality services will ear n FedEx recommendation to new companies and those experiencing delayed or poor delivery services offered by other companies. Recommendation 2 FedEx should enter into joint ventures with existing companies which have reliable networks within China.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on FedEx Companys Marketing Recommendations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Justification Transport and communication infrastructure is not fully developed in China. This means that there are several cities, towns and villages which are hard to gain access to yet they require delivery services. However, State owned China Post and some private companies have been operating in these areas for several years despite the poor accessibility. FedEx can make use of these organisations to reach customers who have not gained access to reliable international delivery services. United Postal Services has gained access to the southern China through Ya ngtze River Express Airlines. DHL has acquired some percentage of Sinotrans to make it competitive in the region. FedEx can counter ths competition by enhancing relationship with its existing partners and enter into agreements with new ones. Since TNT was expected to end its engagement with Sinotrans by 2003. FedEx can capitalize on that and enter into business agreements with Sinotrants to fill the gap left by TNT. Although TNT is entering into joint venture with a subsidiary of China Post, customers who relied on its venture with Sinotrants will be left without reliable delivery service. This is a good opportunity for FedEx to explore. Implementation FedEx must establish weather partners are reliable or not before it enter into joint ventures with them. This will ensure that their reliable and quality services are not jeopardized. Back ground check should be carried out before an agreement is reached to keep off companies with poor public approval in their areas of operation. Alte rnately, FedEx can identify local courier and delivery companies which can be trusted by customers in their respective areas and then enter into joint ventures with them. Finally, when the company has established enough links with customers, it can improve its services while it introduces other competitive services to their new customers.

Conclusion Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Conclusion - Dissertation Example In the context of the political dimension and its correlation with the Saudi media, we infer that it is impossible to segregate the function of the information media from the general policy of the Saudi government, which is a written press policy. The SPA - Saudi Press Agency contributed as an intermediary between the agenda of the Saudi Arabian government and the work of the Saudi information media. The Saudi Ministry of Information appoints Editor-in-Chief who decides that what should be published and should not be published in the Saudi press and he is also completely accountable in front of the legal prosecutor of the state. The purpose of adopting this measure is to ensure that the newspapers in Saudi Arabia follow the path that has been designed for them so as to preserve the Saudi Arabian society as a conservative Islamic society, in its nature. The research findings through the content analysis shed light on why the Saudi press paid emphasis to the Bahraini conflict from the perspective of the military regime in Saudi Arabia. Firstly, the Saudi Arabian journalists were obligated by the Saudi Ministry of Information to provide state perspective or agenda to the Saudi people and Saudi society as a whole. Greater attention is given to the news belonging to the industrialized countries of the world such as the UK and the US. On the reasons for the dominance of Western and American news content could be the 'chess game' of politics as the Saudi Arabia supports these states and their governments. The 'geographic proximity', political and trade factors had influenced the amount of coverage given by the Saudi Arabian print media to the conflict in Bahrain. The Saudi media is viewed as an instrument of the state policy since it is governed indirectly by the Saudi government. It is can be expected that the policy of the Saudi government would be carried out from the media itself without showing any resistance. More particularly, the coverage of the activities of the Saudi government by the Saudi press would be positive in tone. Research Categories When creating categories for the content analysis, the newspaper content was classified with respect to the expanded and reformulated version of categories employed by Stevenson, et al. (Stevenson et al., 1990: 197-199). A brief description of these categories is provided below: Category A is classified as the main news topics, that include political, economic, military/defence, social service, education, religion, sport, crime/law/justice, natural disasters/accident, ecology/environment, multiple issues and many others. Category B is classified as the type of news. The selected types of news can be further divided into three categories: local or domestic news, international news that involves KSA and some other country irrespective of its geographical location and foreign news that has no association with KSA. Category C is classified as the tone of the main news topic, which can be further class ified as either positive or negative. This judgment was based on whether the news and its tone were favourable to the interests of KSA and the US. Therefore, the news items that emphasised only the causes or issues (such as discrimination, injustice, etc.) behind the situation in Bahrain were classified as having a negative

E-commerce, Dell Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

E-commerce, Dell - Essay Example 6. Managing cost-effective and efficient product fulfillment. 7. Providing impeccable customer support through multiple touch points. CASE STUDY Introduction Dell is one of the world's top providers of computer products and services such as servers, storage, workstations, notebook and notebooks computers, to businesses and consumers. The company has revenues of $38.2 billion worldwide and employs over 41,000 staff worldwide. Ireland is home to Dell's European manufacturing operation, with a plant in Limerick, and a UK/Ireland sales and support operation in Bray/Cherrywood. Dell's success has made it the number one PC supplier in Ireland*. The company is the State's biggest revenue generating technology firm. During 2002, Dell's revenue equated to 5.8 per cent of gross domestic product. During the same time period, Dell's exports of EUR.7bn account for 7.8 per cent of all Irish exports. Michael Dell founded the company back in 1984 when he was just 19 years old. He had $1,000 and the unique idea to sell computer systems directly to customers. Now he heads up one of the world's most successful corporations with his direct sales approach acting as the cornerstone of the company's global success. This case study will look at the impact of the internet and e-commerce on Dell and how the company has successfully managed the new ways of doing business that e-commerce has created. What Is E-Commerce Firstly, let's take a look at Electronic commerce (e-commerce). E-commerce refers to business transactions and communication that are carried out through computers - over networks and the internet. This includes buying and selling goods and services, funds transfers and other commercial...The company has revenues of $38.2 billion worldwide and employs over 41,000 staff worldwide. Ireland is home to Dell's European manufacturing operation, with a plant in Limerick, and a UK/Ireland sales and support operation in Bray/Cherrywood. Dell's success has made it the number one PC supplier in Ireland*. The company is the State's biggest revenue generating technology firm. During 2002, Dell's revenue equated to 5.8 per cent of gross domestic product. During the same time period, Dell's exports of EUR.7bn account for 7.8 per cent of all Irish exports. Firstly, let's take a look at Electronic commerce (e-commerce). E-commerce refers to business transactions and communication that are carried out through computers - over networks and the internet. This includes buying and selling goods and services, funds transfers and other commercial communications. It creates a new way of buying and selling - one that uses technology to make the transaction. Between businesses and consumers (B2C), as when you purchase from a shop's website. You, the consumer can now do everything over the internet from banking online and using email to shop for computers, books, clothes, games, holidays, concert ticket etc! From one business to another (B2B), as when one company buys its supplies from another company online.

Entreprenuership and Innovation BUS7001 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Entreprenuership and Innovation BUS7001 - Essay Example The question that needs to be asked should therefore centre on how to create a competitive urge over competitors. This is for now, what the present report seeks to achieve by analysing all factors that centre on the product and the market so as to put the product in a better position to penetrate the market (Aldrich and Weiss, 2001). A lot of research will also be done on the product involved so as to establish the key strengths of the product that needs to be built upon and some weaknesses that need to be improved. An assessment of the factors in the marketplace into which you suggest the product could be sold Sale in universities and other educational institutions where students have daily demand for cooking There are several factors on the prevailing market that suggest that the product cold easily be sold. One of such factors has to do with the fact that there are at every point in time, students in various universities and colleges who are in hostels and have regular demand for cooking. These students are not fed by the school and thus have to depend on their own provision for food (Aldrich, 2009). With growing concern for the need to stay healthy in one’s eating habit also, the likelihood that these students will resort to ready-cooked food is also minimal. This therefore means that a lot of these students will have to cook for themselves. Again, considering the fact that there is an ever growing student population in our country, one thing remains clear and that is, the product will certainly have a very large customer base among the students if the university cooking factor is considered critically. Another factor within the university factor that makes the product very viable and suitable for the university population is that students do not have much time for activities like cooking and are therefore always looking for avenues that will make cooking fast and less involving – something that this new product can easily give them (Bender, 2 000). Sale in places where the use of electricity as the source of energy as compared to gas is seen to be cheaper and easily accessible. Another important factor that suggests that the product will easily sell on the marketplace has to do with the every growing concern for the need to use electricity as a preferred source of energy instead of gas. It would be noted that gas has for long remained the major supply of energy for most homes in developed and developing worlds. However, the risks involved are fast being calculated by scientists and other experts. Some of these include pollution, degradation of the environment, greenhouse effect and dangers of causing fire (Birley and Westhead, 2004). With such concerns, the focus has now shifted to the use of electricity. Knowing that the new product is powered by electricity, the company has an advantage and potential in selling the product in places where the use of electricity as the source of energy is regarded as safer and environme ntally friendly option. Even more, electricity continues to be a cheaper source of energy as compared to gas and other forms of energy for powering cooking devices like

Cell Structure And Transport Biology Essay

Cell Structure And Transport Biology Essay Cells can be split into two types, prokaryotic (see figure 1) and eukaryotic (See figure 2). Karyose originates from a Greek, meaning kernel, as in a kernel of grain. In physiology, it is used to refer to the nucleus of a cell. Pro means before, and eu means true. Therefore you could say that prokaryotic means before a nucleus and eukaryotic means possessing a true nucleus. (Wikipedia) Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have many differences and few similarities. Eukaryotic cells and lager than prokaryotic cells, a eukaryotic cell is usually 10nm in diameter where as a prokaryotic cell in 1nm in length.(Class Notes) Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus, protected by a double membrane. Prokaryotic cells do not contain a nucleus. The purpose of the nucleus is to sequester the DNA-related functions of the big eukaryotic cell into a smaller chamber, for improved efficiency. This function is unnecessary for the prokaryotic cell as the cell is smaller and all materials within the cell are close together. However prokaryotic cells do have DNA and DNA functions. Eukaryotic DNA contains proteins called histones, and these are organised into chromosomes; prokaryotic DNA has no histones, there are no chromosomes in a prokaryotic cell. A eukaryotic cell contains a number of linear chromosomes; a prokaryotic cell contains only one circular DNA molecule and a varied assortment of much smaller circlets of DNA called plasmids. A prokaryotic cell is smaller and simpler; it requires far fewer genes to operate than the eukaryotic cell. (Rowlands, 2000) Eukaryotic cells contains large numbers of mitochondria, the number of these varies according to the size and type of cell. Mitochondria support the protein of the electron transport chain of the aerobic respiration within the cell supplying the cell with ATP, but this organelle is not located in a prokaryotic cell. (Williams) Eukaryotic cells also contain endoplasmic reticulum, however there is none present in a prokaryotic cell. Endoplasmic reticulum comes in two forms, rough and smooth. Rough endoplasmic reticulum helps to compartmentalize the cell, and it serves as routes for the transport of materials from one part of the cell to another. It is also associated with lipid synthesis and protein synthesis. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for generating new layers for golgi bodies. Golgi bodies are stacks of sacs called cisternae. The function of golgi bodies is to process materials manufactured by the cell. The other kind of golgi vesicle contains materials to be secreted from the cell. These materials are not waste products but chemicals manufactured by the cell for export (hormones and pheromones for example). Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have many ribosomes, however the ribosomes of the eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex than those of the prokaryotic cell. Ribosomes are made out of a special class of RNA molecules and a specific collection of different proteins. A eukaryotic ribosome is made up of five types of rRNA and approximately eighty types of proteins. However a prokaryotic cell ¿Ã‚ ½s ribosomes are made up of only three types of rRNA and approximately fifty types of protein. The cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells contains a complex collection of organelles and many of the organelles are enclosed in their own membranes. However the prokaryotic cell contains no membrane-bound organelles that are independent of the plasma membrane. Some prokaryotic cells contain flagella. These organisms which are usually single celled and are used for locomotion. Unlike the flagellum of a eukaryotic cell, this mechanism lacks an internal structure. The prokaryotic flagellum is shaped like a corkscrew and propels the cell where as in a eukaryotic cell where the flagellum is more complex it moves in a lashing action. (Wikipedia) Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells also differ in regards to what they store. A prokaryotic cell store specialised compounds in the form of granules or droplets. Where as a eukaryotic cell stores glycogen, starch, lipid and in some cases specialised materials of particular organisms. Prokaryotic cells are found in bacteria and blue green algae, eukaryotic cells are found in fungi plants and animals. (Class Notes) To summarise, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are similar in the fact that they are both are contained by plasma membranes, filled with cytoplasm and also contain ribosomes. Both contain the same kind of DNA as the genetic code for a prokaryotic cell is the same for a eukaryotic cell. However they have many materials present in a eukaryotic cell which are not present in a prokaryotic cell. This is because a eukaryotic cell is much more complex and has more complex process to complete. Microscopic appearance of squamous cells 2. The attached diagram represents an electron micrograph of a liver cell. Identify the structures: Label A Rough Endoplasmic reticulum B Mitochondria C Nucleus D Nucleus Membrane E Cell Membrane F Smooth endoplasmic reticulum G Cytoplasm 3. Using appropriate detail with diagrams and sizes where needed, explain how the structure of the following organelles is related to their function: A: Rough Endoplasmic reticulum Most ribosomes are attached to the surface of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The endoplasmic reticulum is a series of interconnecting flattened tubular tunnels, which are continuous with the outer membrane of the nucleus. It runs through the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. The ER of a cell often takes up more than a tenth of the total cell volume. Rough ER appears rough due to the presence of ribosomes on the membrane. The rough ER is concerned with the transportation of proteins, which are made by the ribosomes on the surface of the membranes. The membranes form a series of sheets known as lamellae of reticulum, and these enclose flattened sacs called cisternae. The purpose of this is to form a maze-like structure so that there is a very large surface area for chemical reactions to take place. Information coded in DNA sequences in the nucleus is transcribed as messenger RNA. Messenger RNA exits the nucleus through pores in the nuclear envelope to enter the cytoplasm. At the rib osomes on the rough ER, the messenger RNA is translated into proteins. The newly made proteins are taken into the tubes of the rough ER so that they cannot escape into the cytoplasm, and are threaded through pores in the membrane to accumulate in the cisternal space where they can fold into their normal three-dimensional shape. Proteins made by the rough ER are then either secreted or used where they are needed within the cell. (Roberts, 2009) B: Mitochondria The mitochondrion produces energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is produced when organic compounds are completely broken down to carbon dioxide and water. One of the main conditions for this process to occur is the presence oxygen. Each mitochondrion has a double-membrane system. The inner membrane is folded repeatedly and it is also known as cristae. The outer membrane faces the cytoplasm. This complex system creates two divisions. In the outer division, enzymes and other proteins stockpile hydrogen ions. These ions then flow into the inner compartment. The energy inherent creates ATP-formation. Hydrogen binds with oxygen to produce the end product, water. (Roberts, 2009) C: Nucleus The nucleus is usually spherical and about 10 ¿Ã‚ ½m across, it has two main functions. Firstly, it segregates all the DNA molecules from the cytoplasm. Secondly, the nuclear membranes administer as a boundary where cells control the movement of substances to and from the cytoplasm. The nucleus is made up from a few constituents. The nuclear envelope is a double-membrane system that has two lipid bilayers in which many protein molecules are firmly established. This prevents water-soluble substances to move without restriction into and out of a nucleus. The second component is nucleolus, which is a highly packed cluster of RNA and proteins, which construct to make subunits of ribosomes. (Roberts, 2009) 4. The structures A and F may be functionally associated in extracellular secretions (as for example salivary glands). Give an illustrated answer to show this association. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the formation of the Golgi body. The Golgi body is created by the rough endoplasmic reticulum as a sequence of vesicles containing protein. As these come together the protein modifies with carbohydrate molecules attached, this leading to glycopeptides being produced. The glycopeptides are then  ¿Ã‚ ½pinched ¿Ã‚ ½ from the ends of the Golgi body and move toward the cytoplasmic membrane. These then fuse together and a material is secreted. (Class Notes) 5. Lysosomes are important in certain intracellular activities. Using a sequence of annotated diagrams, show the signifigance of these structures in the destruction of unwanted organelles. Lysosomes are organelles that contain digestive enzymes referred to as acid hydrolases. They dissolve and digest excess or worn out organelles,(see figure 4) food particles, and engulfed viruses or bacteria. The membrane surrounding a lysosome prevents the digestive enzymes inside from destroying the cell. Lysosomes fuse with vacuoles and dispense their enzymes into the vacuoles, digesting their contents. They are built in the Golgi apparatus. (humpath.com) 6. Using diagrams describe the basic chemical structure of the cell membrane (the bimolecular components) and explain why this structure is referred to as the  ¿Ã‚ ½fluid mosaic model ¿Ã‚ ½. The cell membrane separates a watery cytoplasm from a watery external environment also referred to as the extracellular fluid. The phospholipids are arranged in a double layer (lipid layer) with the hydrophilic heads facing outward (cytoplasm or extracellular fluid) and the hydrophilic tails turned in towards each other. The unsaturated fatty acids are not bonded to each other therefore forming a fluid. (Williams) Embedded within the lipid bilayer are different proteins (hydrophobic parts interact with the hydrophobic tails of the phospholipids). The hydrophilic parts of the proteins protrude either in to the cytoplasm or into the extracellular fluid. Some of the proteins are anchored in place while other proteins move about within the bilayer. (Williams) Various organelles within the cytoplasm are also bounded by membranes similar in structure to the cell membrane except for specific combinations of lipids and proteins depending on the particular functions of the organelle. (Williams) Some of the proteins extending into the extracellular fluid have carbohydrates (glycoprotein) attached. Fluid mosaic model (Figure 6) The term  ¿Ã‚ ½fluid ¿Ã‚ ½ is used because the phospholipid molecules and proteins that make up the membrane are free to drift around in fluid motion. The term  ¿Ã‚ ½mosaic ¿Ã‚ ½ is used to describe the position of the protein molecules. The molecules are placed randomly and there is no set pattern. (Wikipedia) b. Describe concisely how the phospholipids and the protein molecules in the cell membrane make the membrane selectively permeable and are involved in cell recognition as the therapy using tissues typing/ blood transfusion. The cell surface membrane is the boundary between the cell and its environment; it has very little mechanical strength but plays a vital role in controlling which materials pass into and out of the cell. Cell membranes contain phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol and polysaccharides. The phospholipids are a major constituent of cell membranes. They naturally form membranes in water because they automatically arrange themselves into a bilayer that is practically impermeable to water and anything that is water soluble. ¿Ã‚ ½ The membrane proteins act as hydrophilic pores; these are water filled channels that allow water-soluble chemicals to pass through. These pores are usually small and highly selective, proteins in the membrane that form pores usually span the entire membrane, but other proteins with other functions can occur only in the top or bottom layer of lipids. Some membrane proteins serve as carrier molecules in which ions pass through channels in the protein molecule. The movement of ions may occur through facilitated diffusion. The ions may also move against a diffusion gradient in a process known as active transport. Unlike facilitated diffusion, active transport requires ATP. Membrane proteins may also be associated with cell recognition in which patrolling T-cells and antibodies recognize the shape of membrane proteins as self or foreign. These membrane proteins often contain unique carbohydrate chains (antennae) which are involved in the cell recognition process. Recognition glycoproteins may include receptor sites for some hormones and neurotransmitters and various blood antigens. (Cellsalive.com)