Forced, Reluctant, and Voluntary Migration

Human migration is the permanent or semi-permanent relocation of people from one location to another. This movement may occur domestically or internationally and can affect economic structures, population densities, culture, and politics. People either are made to move involuntarily (forced), are put in situations that encourage relocation (reluctant), or choose to migrate (voluntary). Forced Migration Forced migration is a negative form of migration, often the result of persecution, development, or exploitation. The largest and most devastating forced migration in human history was the African slave trade, which carried 12 to 30 million Africans from their homes and transported them to various parts of North America, Latin America, and the Middle East. Those Africans were taken against their will and forced to relocate. The Trail of Tears is another pernicious example of forced migration. Following the Indian Removal Act of 1830, tens of thousands of Native Americans living in the Southeast were forced to migrate to parts of contemporary Oklahoma (Land of the Red People in Choctaw). Tribes traversed up to nine states on foot, with many dying along the way. Forced migration is not always violent. One of the largest involuntary migrations in history was caused by development. The construction of Chinas Three Gorges Dam displaced nearly 1.5 million people and put 13 cities, 140 towns, and 1,350 villages underwater. Although new housing was provided for those forced to move, many people were not compensated fairly. Some of the newly designated areas were also less ideal geographically, not foundationally secure, or lacked agriculturally productive soil. Reluctant Migration Reluctant migration is a form of migration in which individuals are not forced to move, but do so because of an unfavorable situation at their current location. The large wave of Cubans who legally and illegally immigrated to the United States following the 1959 Cuban revolution is considered a form of reluctant migration. Fearing a communist government and leader Fidel Castro, many Cubans sought asylum overseas. With the exception of Castros political opponents, most of the Cuban exiles were not forced to leave but decided it was in their best interest to do so. As of the 2010 census, over 1.7 million Cubans resided in the United States, with the majority living in Florida and New Jersey. Another form of reluctant migration involved the internal relocation of many Louisiana residents following  Hurricane Katrina. After the calamity caused by the hurricane, many people decided to either move farther from the coast or out of state. With their homes destroyed, the states economy in ruin, and sea levels continuing to rise, they reluctantly left. At the local level, a change in ethnic or socioeconomic conditions usually brought on by invasion-succession or gentrification can also cause individuals to reluctantly relocate. A white neighborhood that has turned predominately black or a poor neighborhood turned gentrified can have a personal, social, and economic impact on longtime residents. Voluntary Migration Voluntary migration is migration based on ones free will and initiative. People move for a variety of reasons, and it involves weighing options and choices. Individuals who are interested in moving often analyze the push and pull factors of two locations before making their decision. The strongest factors influencing people to voluntarily move are the desire to live in a better home and employment opportunities. Other factors contributing to voluntary migration include: Change in lifes course (getting married, empty-nest, retirement)Politics (from a conservative state to one that recognizes gay marriage, for example)Individual personality (suburban life to city life) Americans on the Move With their intricate transportation infrastructure and high per-capita income, Americans have become some of the most mobile people on earth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010 37.5 million people (or 12.5 percent of the population) changed residences. Of those, 69.3 percent stayed within the same county, 16.7 percent moved to a different county in the same state, and 11.5 percent moved to a different state. Unlike many underdeveloped countries where a family might live in the same home their entire lives, it is not uncommon for Americans to move multiple times within their life. Parents might choose to relocate to a better school district or neighborhood following the birth of a child. Many teenagers choose to leave for college in another area. Recent graduates go where their career is. Marriage might lead to the purchase of a new home, and retirement may take the couple elsewhere, yet again. When it comes to mobility by region, people in the Northeast were the least likely to move, with a move rate of just 8.3 percent in 2010. The Midwest had a move rate of 11.8 percent, the South—13.6 percent, and the West —14.7 percent. Principal cities within metropolitan areas experienced a population drop of 2.3 million people, while the suburbs experienced a net increase of 2.5 million. Young adults in their 20s are the most likely age group to move, while African Americans are the most likely race to move in America.

Stone Finch Business Case - Organizational Development Essay

Stone Finch, Inc.: Recommendations for a More Integrated Enterprise I. Executive Summary In 2009, Stone Finch was an international company operating in 12 countries with approximately 20,000 employees who provided products and services for water- and wastewater-related industries. The company consisted of two main divisions, one known as â€Å"Water Products† carried out the traditional business services that had sustained the company since its founding in 1975 by the Stone family. The other division, known as â€Å"Solutions†, was formed through the acquisition of Goldfinch Technologies in 2000, a 75-person biochemical services company, focused on offering biochemical services and developing new technologies, which was headed by Jim Billings. In†¦show more content†¦II. Analysis: Current State of Stone Finch and Origins of Issues The conflict between Water Products Division management and the CEO appears to be a result of differences in strategic and financial priorities; however, beneath the surface of this conflict, other issues are at play. Underlying issues include strategic alignment of the organization’s divisions, financial management, organization structure, rewards, decision-making, power and culture. Financial Management Since the merger of Stone and Goldfinch, and the investments in Entrepreneurial Subsidiaries, the growth in revenues and contribution margin of Solutions Division has outpaced Water Products. Solutions now produces 61% of total profits for Stone Finch, as shown in Figure 1, yet Water Products continues to invest capital into Solutions and Subsidiaries investments. Figure 1. Growth in Contribution Margins of Water Products and Solutions Divisions, 1999-2008. (Also see Appendix A: Financial Data.) Organizational Structure and Alignment The two divisions of Stone Finch have different organizational structures stemming from different work processes and strategies. The Water Products Division is a hierarchal, mechanistic structure typical of manufacturing operations (Morgan, pp. 31-33); employees have clearly defined roles and an established rewards system. By contrast, the Solutions Division isShow MoreRelatedThe Success Of Stone Finch, Inc.1775 Words   |  8 Pagesletting them figure out how to act upon it. In the Harvard Business School Brief Case â€Å"Stone Finch, Inc.: Young Division, Old Division,† president and CEO Jim Billings sought to inspire people to action in order to build upon the successes of Stone Finch, Inc. Unfortunately, Billings’ ambitions to inspire were too focused on innovation and the unknown, leaving the tried and true functions of the company to dwindle away. As a result, Stone Finch was left as a split organization where some employees feelRead MoreStone Finch (Case Stu dy)4887 Words   |  20 Pages(General) Module Name: Leadership and Strategic Change Contents ï‚ · Introduction of Stone Finch 3 ï‚ · Diagnosing the Problem 3 ï‚ · Symptoms 4 Strategic Intent of Stone Finch, Inc. 4 Adaptive Leadership of Stone Finch, Inc. 4 Organizational Architecture of Stone Finch, Inc. 5 ï‚ · Diagnosis 6 Diagnosis of the Strategic Intent 6 Diagnosis of the Contextual Leadership 7 Diagnosis of Organizational Architecture 8 ï‚ · Recommendations 9 Recommendations for Strategic Intent 9 RecommendationRead MoreCase Study : Microskin s Mission3649 Words   |  15 Pages1 Company Mission MicroSkin’s mission is to be the leading producer of antimicrobial, durable phone cases for health conscious consumers and medical professionals. We seek to satisfy an everyday need of living healthy and germ-free, as well as protecting your phone from outside elements and accidents. MicroSkin will also aim to expand the product line by the end of the year to include tablet cases. 2.2 Company’s Strategic Goals Over the next year, MicroSkin seeks to achieve the following financialRead MoreMarketing Literature Review11908 Words   |  48 PagesLiterature Review This section is based on a selection of article abstracts from a comprehensive business literature database. Marketing-related abstracts from over 125 journals (both academic and trade) are reviewed by JM staff. Descriptors for each entry are assigned by JM staff. Each issue of this section represents three months of entries into the database. JM thanks UMI for use of the ABI/INFORM business database. Each entry has an identifying number. Cross-references appear immediately under eachRead MoreTheories of Organizational Behavior10512 Words   |  43 Pageswe all know, Organizational theory, encompasses the systematic study and careful application of knowledge about how people act within organizations. It encompasses the study of organizations from multiple viewpoints, methods, and levels of analysis. Some of the major ways of division are into modern, symbolic, and postmodern or micro organizational behavior—which refers to individual and group dynamics in an organizational setting and macro strategic management and organizational theory whichRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesOrganizational Behavior This page intentionally left blank Organizational Behavior EDITION 15 Stephen P. Robbins —San Diego State University Timothy A. Judge —University of Notre Dame i3iEi35Bj! Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town Dubai London Madrid Milan Munich Paris Montreal Toronto Delhi Mexico City Sao Paulo Sydney Hong Kong Seoul Singapore Taipei Tokyo Editorial Director: Sally Yagan Director of Editorial Services:Read MoreProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 PagesActivity duration estimates (.3) 6.4.2 Estimating tools (.1.3.4) 6.3.1 Identifying resources 7.1 Activity cost estimates (.2.3.4.5) 5.1.2.4 Delphi method Chapter 6 10.5.3 Cost/schedule system (.1) 6.6 .2.1 Time performance 7.2.3.1 Cost baseline development 7.3.2.1 Earned value system (F.4) 7.3.2.4 E.V., performance status report 7.3.2.2 E.V., forecasts 7.3.2.3 EV., to complete index (EAC) 7.3.2.5 Schedule and cost variance Developing a Project Plan 4.2.2 Planning tools 6.2 Sequence activities

Speech on Friendship free essay sample

If you think about it, though, we should embrace going back to school. When the day comes that there’s no school to go back to, we’ll miss it more than we think. There is no other time in our lives where we’ll experience anything like what we’re experiencing now. Never again will your biggest worries in life be about that science homework you didn’t finish, or why â€Å"Amirul† is ignoring you, or the horrible possibility of getting a pimple every Monday . Never again will you be a part of a community where an age difference of a year matters so much, and the moving up a grade, from junior to senior, seems so significant. I have some advice . Whether you stepped in , in this school this morning as an incoming freshman , or as a five years student or as a returning to school after 2 weeks of absence , remember this starting today , i always remember the words in a cartoon movie Chicken little , that is â€Å"every day is new day ! †, everyone has those first day butterflies. We will write a custom essay sample on Speech on Friendship or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Who isn’t worried about grades, teachers, drama, or even getting to school on time? The best way to start a new school day right is to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you to make today and everyday as your best one yet . Wake up early, set your goals , meet new people , get involved , get organized and the most important is to have a positive attitude . Dear friends , Our secondary school years are the defining times in our lives that shape who we are, where we are going, and what we are going to do. Aside from this, they allow us to build strong friendships with people. We get to see which people are going to be there for the rest of our lives and those who will just disappear over the years. A friend is someone who is there for you, through it all. Through the pressure, boys, and drama, they are the one constant thing in your life that never fades away. I have realized at age eighteen that friends are not something you should take lightly, if we have found even just a couple of friends we are blessed. They are the people that we sing our lungs out in the car singing â€Å"Set fire to the rain†, the people we cry to, and the most importantly the people who will always have a shoulder to lean on. It is important to evaluate your relationships with your friends. You can see if they are the people you can go to with anything or if they are just another face in the crowd when you have a serious issue going on. Secondary school is the defining time in our life to find ourselves and break loose from our shells Lastly , Nowhere else but in school is there such a community. For despite the separation between grades, despite the clear distinction that comes with being juniors, and seniors, high schools have such a sense of school unity. While to us the grades we’re in make a difference, in the big picture every student at your school belongs to the same institution, is unified under the same name, is roused up by the same mascot at football games and collaborates to beat other schools in sports and academics. Secondary school is a wonderfully unique experience that many don’t appreciate until it’s too late. So instead of dreading the return to school in holidays at the end of the year, get excited about it. Like all of our parents and teachers like to tell us, you only go to high school once. In conclusion , Sure, there’s been sadness, mistakes, and let downs, but you can’t forget the good times, and you can’t ignore the photographs you took. Secondary school is an experience. I believe we should all make the most of it. May Smk Skudai will be the greatest memory of all .

Lab report ultrasound Sample

Lab report ultrasound Paper Apply coupling gel to the scanning surface. 2. Position the transducer above the vertical plane target and perpendicular to the wires. Do not apply excessive pressure as this may temporarily compress the target and skew the measurement. 3. Adjust the instrument setting as for a normal liver technique. Record these settings for used on subsequence testing. . Align this probe so all the vertical targets are displayed at their maximum intensity level. 5. Freeze the image and obtain a hard copy. 6. Using electronic calipers measurement the distance between two wire at various depth or align the echoes to the display markers for comparison. 7. Record these measurements. 8. Compare the measurement values with the recorded baseline distances. 6. Analyze the function of valves in the selected image and compared the valves in the left and right side of the heart. Mode B Dual 1 To display an image only on the left side of monitor. Mode B Dual 2 To display an image only on the right side of the monitor. 7. Explain the effect of Merman syndrome. (15 marks) Many affected individuals are tall, slender and loose-jointed. Arms, legs, fingers and toes often are unusually long. Some people with Merman syndrome have low foot arches (flat feet), and others have high arches. Individuals with Merman syndrome usually have long, narrow faces, and their teeth are generally crowded. Individuals with Merman syndrome can have one or more of the problems described below. The severity of the effects of Merman syndrome varies greatly, even within the same family. We will write a custom essay sample on Lab report ultrasound specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Lab report ultrasound specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Lab report ultrasound specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Heart and blood vessel problems: The most serious problem associated with Merman syndrome is weakness of the wall of the aorta. The aorta is the bodys largest artery, which carries oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart to the rest of the body. In Merman syndrome, the wall of the aorta gradually weakens and stretches (aortic dilation). Eventually, this can cause a tear (dissection) in the lining of the aorta. Blood can leak out through the tear into the aortic wall, sometimes causing a rupture that allows blood to leak into the chest or abdomen. If not detected and treated, these complications can cause sudden death. Abnormal heart valves: Heart valves are tiny flaps or gates that keep the blood flowing in one direction through the heart. With Merman syndrome, the hearts material valve tends to be large and floppy (material valve prolapsed). An abnormal material valve can allow blood to briefly flow backwards during a heartbeat. Sometimes this creates an abnormal sound (heart murmur) that a health care provider may hear through a stethoscope. Material valve prolapsed can sometimes be associated with irregular or rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. Skeletal abnormalities: Many affected individuals have a lateral (sideways) curve of the spine called scoliosis. Sometimes there is a sharp, forward curvature called syphilis. Many individuals have a breastbone that protrudes outward (called upsets carination) or sinks inward (called upsets excavated). These chest abnormalities can sometimes affect heart or lung function. Sometimes the connective tissue that surrounds the spinal cord loosens and stretches out. This condition is called durra ecstasies and can cause pain in the lower back or legs and numbness or weakness in the legs. Lung problems: Persons with Merman syndrome sometimes develop breathing problems, such as shortness of breath. Breathing problems may result from skeletal abnormalities that do not allow the chest to fully expand or from sudden lapse of the lungs (called spontaneous pneumonia). Adults with Merman syndrome are at increased risk for early emphysema, a breathing disorder usually associated with smoking, even if they dont smoke. Individuals with Merman syndrome also may have short pauses in breathing during sleep, called sleep apneas. Eye problems: The lens of one or both eyes is off-center in more than 60 percent of persons with Merman syndrome (1, 3). This is called octopi lentils. Most affected individuals are nearsighted and have astigmatism (the eyes cannot focus clearly). 8. Why some people with Merman syndrome also have material valve prolapsed? Merman syndrome can cause problems with any of the four heart valves, often it affects the heart material valve, which controls blood flow between the spaces above and below the left side of the heart. Material valve can slip-condition in which the material valve flaps are floppy, not closed and allow blood to flow back in a heartbeat. Depending on the condition, surgery may be needed to repair the valve. If your child has material valve prolapsed (MAP), the doctor may hear a heart murmur (an extra or unusual sound heard during a heartbeat). But it is important to note that having a MAP or inconclusive heart murmur mean that our child has Merman syndrome. 9. Are there physical traits in people with merman syndrome? ( 10 marks) More than 30 of the signs and symptoms that differ variably associated with Merman syndrome. The most famous of these, involving the skeletal system, available in a variety of other diseases (see Differential Diagnosis, below). Therefore, it is not possible to make a diagnosis of Merman syndrome only with ones appearance. Instead, Merman syndrome distinguish it from other nonrandom syndrome (without the use of DNA testing) requires the evaluation of clinical and laboratory endings not bone, especially the eyes, aorta, and heart. Complicating the persons physical assessment, a large clinical variability occurs in families that similar DNA variants. Skeletal system Most of the signs are conspicuously related to the skeletal system. Many individuals with Merman syndrome grow to a height above average. There is a long, slender legs (delimitations) with long fingers and toes (archaically). Hands of an individual may be disproportionately long, with thin, weak wrists. In addition to affecting height and parts of the body, Merman syndrome can produce other skeletal anomalies. Abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis), abnormal indentation (upsets excavated) or protrusion (upsets carination) of the sternum is not unusual. Other signs include unusual joint flexibility, a high palate, malocclusion, flat feet, hammer toe, hunched shoulders, and unexplained stretch marks on the skin. It can also cause pain in the joints, bones and muscles in some patients. Some people with Merman speech disorders resulting from symptoms high tastes and a small jaw. Early osteoarthritis can occur. Eyes Merman syndrome can also seriously affect the eyes and vision. Nearsightedness ND astigmatism are common, but farsightedness can also occur. Sublimation (dislocation) crystalline lens in one or both eyes (octopi lentils) (in of patients) also occur and can be detected by an ophthalmologist or optometrist using a slit-lamp biomorphic. In Merman dislocations typically supernormal whereas in the similar condition humanitarians, dislocation is inferential. Sometimes eye problems appear only after the weakness of connective tissue has caused detachment of the retina. Cardiovascular system The symptoms of the most serious and the symptoms associated with Merman yeomen involve the cardiovascular system: improper fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, racing heartbeat, or angina vectors with pain radiating to the back, shoulders, or arms. Cold hands, arms and legs can also be associated with Merman syndrome because of inadequate circulation. A heart murmur, abnormal reading on the EGG, or symptoms of angina can indicate further investigation. Signs of material regurgitation from prolapsed or aortic valve (which controls blood flow through the heart) result from cystic degeneration of the heart valves, which are usually associated with Merman syndrome (see atria valve prolapsed, aortic regurgitation). However, the main signs that will lead doctors to consider the underlying condition is dilated aorta or aortic aneurysms. Sometimes, no heart problems are apparent until the weakness of connective tissue (central cystic degeneration) in the ascending aorta causes an aortic aneurysm or aortic surgery, emergency surgery. An aortic dissection is most often fatal and presents with pain radiating to the back, giving a sense of tearing. Because connective tissue abnormalities underlying cause Merman syndrome, there is an increased incidence of dissidence of the material valve false. Care must be taken to try to repair a damaged heart valves rather than replacement. During pregnancy, even in the absence of normal cardiovascular assumptions, women with Merman syndrome greater risk for aortic dissection, which is often fatal even if treated quickly. Women with Merman syndrome, then, should receive a thorough assessment prior to conception, and chromatography should be performed every six to 10 weeks of pregnancy, to assess the aortic root diameter. For many women, safe vaginal delivery is possible. Lungs Pulmonary symptoms are not features of Merman syndrome, but spontaneous pneumonia is common. In spontaneous unilateral pneumonia, air escapes from the lung and occupies the pleural space between the chest wall and lungs. The lungs become partially compressed or collapsed. This can cause pain, shortness of breath, cyanogens, and, if left untreated, it can cause death. Other pulmonary manifestations of Merman syndrome may include sleep apneas and idiopathic obstructive lung disease. [Citation needed medical] of pathological changes in the lung has been described as changes in fibrosis, emphysema, pneumonia, bronchitiss, bubble, apical fibrosis and congenital anomalies such as the middle lobe hyperplasia The central nervous system Durra ecstasies, connective tissue weakness Durra sac encasing the spinal cord, although not life threatening, can reduce an individuals quality of life. It may be present for a long time without producing any noticeable symptoms. Symptoms that can occur are lower back pain, leg pain, abdominal pain, other neurological symptoms in the lower extremities, or headaches. The symptoms usually diminish when the individual lies flat on or back. These types of symptoms may lead a doctor to order an X-ray of the lower spine. Durra ecstasies is usually not visible on X-rays in the initial phase. A worsening of symptoms and the lack of ending any other reasons that will eventually lead a doctor to order an upright MR.. Of the lower spine. Durra ecstasies that has progressed to the point of causing these symptoms would appear in an upright MR.. Image as a dilated pouch wearing away at the lumbar spine. Other spinal issues associated with Merman syndrome include degenerative disc disease, spinal cysts and disputations. D) Conclusion (5 marks) For the conclusion for this test, student will understand and learn more about ultrasound. Ultrasound is cyclic sound pressure with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing. Although this limit varies from person to errors, it is approximately 20 kilohertz (20,000 hertz) in healthy, young adults and thus, 20 kHz serves as a useful lower limit in describing ultrasound. The production of ultrasound is used in many different fields, typically to penetrate a medium and measure the reflection signature or supply focused energy. The reflection signature can reveal details about the inner structure of the medium, a property also used by animals such as bats for hunting. The most well known application of ultrasound is its use in iconography to produce pictures of fetus in the human womb. Student also will learn that an ultrasound-based diagnostic deiced imaging technique used to visualize muscles, tendons, and many internal organs, to capture their size, structure and any pathological lesions with real time demographic images. Ultrasound has been used by oceanographers to image the human body for at least 50 years and has become one of the most widely used diagnostic tools in modern medicine. The technology is relatively inexpensive and portable, especially when compared with other techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MR..) and computed tomography (CT). Ultrasound is also used to visualize fetus during routine and emergency prenatal care. Such diagnostic applications used during pregnancy are referred to as obstetric iconography. Discussion Ultrasound is cyclic sound pressure with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing. Although this limit varies from person to person, it is approximately 20 kilohertz (20,000 hertz) in healthy, young adults and thus, 20 kHz serves as a useful lower limit in describing ultrasound. The production of ultrasound is used in many different fields, typically to penetrate a medium and measure the reflection signature or supply focused energy. The reflection signature can reveal details about the inner structure of the tedium, a property also used by animals such as bats for hunting. The most well known application of ultrasound is its use in iconography to produce pictures of fetus in the human womb. There are a vast number of other applications as well. Ultrasonic range A common use of ultrasound is in range finding; this use is also called SONAR, (sound navigation and ranging). This works similarly to RADAR (radio detection and ranging): An ultrasonic pulse is generated in a particular direction. If there is an object in the path of this pulse, part or all of the pulse will be reflected back o the transmitter as an echo and can be detected through the receiver path. By measuring the difference in time between the pulse being transmitted and the echo being received, it is possible to determine how far away the object is. The measured travel time of SONAR pulses in water is strongly dependent on the temperature and the salinity of the water. Ultrasonic ranging is also applied for measurement in air and for short distances. Such method is capable for easily and rapidly measuring the layout of rooms. Although range finding underwater is performed at both sub-audible and audible frequencies for great distances (1 to several kilometers), ultrasonic range finding is used when distances are shorter and the accuracy of the distance measurement is desired to be finer. Ultrasonic measurements may be limited through barrier layers with large salinity, temperature or vortex differentials. Ranging in water varies from about hundreds to thousands of meters, but can be performed with centimeters to meters accuracy. So in our study indicate that ultrasound can be used in different mod. From this mod can be generate more effective and as the result the producing a better image. Ultrasound scanners insist of a console containing a computer and electronics, a video display screen and a transducer that is used to scan the body and blood vessels. The transducer is a small hand-held device that resembles a microphone, attached to the scanner by a cord. The transducer sends out high frequency sound waves into the body and then listens for the returning echoes from the tissues in the body. The principles are similar to sonar used by boats and submarines. The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a nearby screen that looks much like a computer or television monitor. The image is created based on the amplitude strength), frequency and time it takes for the sound signal to return from the patient to the transducer. Common uses of the procedure? Ultrasound: Gallbladder Ultrasound: Kidney Ultrasound: Liver Ultrasound examinations can help to diagnose a variety of conditions and to assess organ damage following illness. Ultrasound is used to help physicians evaluate symptoms such as: pain swelling infection Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the bodys internal organs, including but not limited to the: heart and blood vessels, including the abdominal aorta and its major branches liver gallbladder spleen pancreas kidneys ladder uterus, ovaries, and unborn child (fetus) in pregnant patients eyes thyroid and parathyroid glands scrotum (testicles) Ultrasound is also used to : Guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which needles are used to extract sample cells from an abnormal area for laboratory testing. Image the breasts and to guide biopsy of breast cancer (see the Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy page). Diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or diagnose for uvular heart disease. Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate: Blockages to blood flow (such as clots). Narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque). Tumors and congenital malformation.