Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems

The Plan Unfolds

Jeremy turned his gaze back towards the old dance studio. He could see movement inside, and he knew that in just a few short moments his chance would come. He thought back to his plan. To start a new life, he would have to take someone with him...

The Abduction

Slowly he crept out of his van. The harsh wind slapped him across his face, and it was raining harder than ever. He slowly and silently made his way over to the door of the studio and stood beyond a pole. The door creaked as it was suddenly pushed open. Someone was coming out. Jeremy leapt out from the darkness of his hiding place. He had to be sure it was the right person. In the light shining out from the door, he could make out a small figure with wispy blonde hair.... Continue reading "A New Life's Dark Beginning" »

Local Inflammation

1. Occurs when bacteria enter a break in the skin.
2. Inflammatory reaction is initiated by nonspecific mechanisms of phagocytosis and complement activation.
3. Complement activation attracts phagocytes to the area.
4. As inflammation progresses, B cells produce antibodies against bacterial antigens.
5. Attachment of antibodies to antigens amplifies nonspecific responses because of complement activation.
6. Promotes phagocytic activity of neutrophils, macrophages, and monocytes (through opsonization).
7. In the inflamed area, leukocytes attach to the surface of endothelial cells.
8. Move by chemotaxis to the inflamed site.

• Neutrophils arrive first, then monocytes, then T cells.
  • Undergo extravasation (the entire process of movement of leukocytes from the bloodstream

Lymphocyte Migration and Immune Response

Lymphocytes constantly migrate through the blood and lymph, moving from one lymphoid organ to another. This process:

• Enhances the chance that an antibody will encounter its specific antigen.
• The spleen filters blood, while other lymphoid organs filter lymph.

Phagocytosis: A Non-Specific Innate Immune Response

Phagocytosis is the ingestion of microorganisms or particulate matter by a cell. It is performed by phagocytes, which are certain types of white blood cells or their derivatives.

Actions of Phagocytic Cells

1. Among the granulocytes, neutrophils are the most important phagocytes.
2. Enlarged monocytes transform into wandering macrophages and fixed macrophages.
3. Fixed macrophages are located in selected tissues

1. Insurance Agents

An insurance agent legally represents the insurance company (principal) and acts on its behalf. Their authority stems from express, implied, and apparent authority.

2. Insurance Brokers

A broker legally represents the insured. They don't have the authority to bind the insurer but can solicit and accept insurance applications, placing coverage with a suitable insurer. Brokers receive commissions from insurers where the business is placed.

3. Exclusive Agency System

In this system, an agent represents only one insurer or a group of insurers under common ownership. Agents may be contractually restricted from representing other insurers. They don't own policy expirations or renewal rights; the agency does. Renewal commissions are... Continue reading "Insurance Entities: Agents, Brokers, and Insurer Types" »

Essential English Vocabulary and Phrases

Common Phrasal Verbs

• Stay on: To continue in a place, position, or situation.
• Save up: To accumulate money for future use.
• Look up: To search for something on the internet or in a book.
• Look up to: To admire someone or something.

Money and Education

• Earning money: Getting money for work that you do.
• Allowance: An amount of money given regularly.
• Changed my mind: Had a change of opinion.
• Encourage: To inspire or motivate.
• Skip: To avoid going to; to miss.
• Immediately: Straight away.
• Career: A chosen pursuit; a profession or occupation.
• Degree: An academic title conferred by universities and colleges upon completion of studies, or as an honorary recognition of achievement.
• A-level: Exams which students in England and

Waterfall Methodology

Waterfall Methodology is used by most federal and state agencies and businesses that rely on these agencies. It is also used by the vast majority of projects that are not software-centric. It utilizes a phased and structured approach to software development. It assumes every requirement of a project can be identified before design and coding begins. It tells the team's developers everything that needs to be in the software before it is up and running. It follows a waterfall approach. Development teams only have one chance to get each aspect of a project right.

Steps in Waterfall Methodology

1. Requirements Analysis
2. Design
3. Coding
4. Integration
5. Testing
6. Deployment

Traditional "waterfall" development depends on a perfect understanding of... Continue reading "Waterfall vs. Agile: Choosing the Right Project Management Method" »

Freedom and Human Nature

Humans, though possessing instincts, are not determined by nature. Thanks to our rational capacity, we can choose among a number of possibilities. This capability is known as freedom.

However, certain factors in our behavior do not depend on us. No one chooses their birthplace, gender, or skin color. These are given to us and constitute what Ortega y Gasset called circumstances.

To be free means to be responsible for our actions and accept the consequences of our behavior. Responsibility involves attributing success to our work and accepting failures or errors. If we make a mistake, we must rectify it and accept the punishment.

Moral Norms

A norm is a pattern that governs our behavior, a rule about how we should act. For... Continue reading "Freedom, Responsibility, and Moral Norms: A Philosophical View" »

Benefits of Supplier Partnerships

• Partnering can lead to continuous improvements in key areas such as processes, products, customer-supplier relationships, and customer satisfaction.
• Spreads risks, creates team flexibility, and reduces costs.
• Internal partnering can improve relationships among employees and departments, enhancing competitiveness.

Mandatory Requirements of Supplier Partnerships

1. Supplier and buyer personnel who use the products should meet to identify and implement necessary improvements.
2. Negotiations should focus on achieving the optimal deal considering price, features, quality, and delivery, rather than solely on price.
3. The supplier's quality process should guarantee product quality, eliminating the buyer's need for inspections.
4. The