Thursday, October 31, 2019

Coca Cola Companys Organization Challenges Essay - 1

Coca Cola Companys Organization Challenges - Essay Example The Coca Cola Co. is an American beverage corporation that is multinational. It delves in the manufacturing, retailing and marketing of non-alcoholic beverage drinks all over the world. It has its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia (Anders, 2013 p 43). The multinational company is renowned for flagging the Coca-Cola product that was invented in 1889 by a pharmacist known as John Stith Pemberton. The formula of Coca-Cola was developed by Asa Griggs Candler in 1889 and has since then been discrete in the company. Coca-Cola Co. operates what is referred to as a franchised distribution system (Anders, 2013 p 43). The company is responsible for the production of the syrup concentrate that is sold and distributed to the numerous bottling companies spread all over the world that holds exclusive territories. Coca-Coca Co. happens to be an identifiable company. Being attractive is one of the superior strengths that it has. It happens to be known worldwide with a powerful brand. It has a clear logo that is also acknowledged with ease (Anders, 2013 p 47). With no doubt, there is no drink company that meets the heights of Coca-Cola’s social status. Some people buy Coke drink not because of its unique taste but because of the need to conform to the global society that uses Coke. In spite of these advantages, Coca-Cola Co. still encounters challenges. These setbacks are essentially a threat to the popularity and the expansion of the company. The challenges threaten the business. Loss of trust has been a recurrent problem that has rocked the Coca-Cola Co. for a very long time. Each day, the company strives to earn respect from the consumers (Anders, 2013 p 73).

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Production Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Production Management - Essay Example Ð n effective supply chÐ °in in production is cruciÐ °l to the success of Ð ° business. "One recent study of the US Food Industry estimÐ °ted thÐ °t poor coordinÐ °tion Ð °mong supply chÐ °in pÐ °rtners wÐ °s wÐ °sting $30 billion Ð °nnuÐ °lly" (Crosby, 2004). This cÐ °n be illustrÐ °ted if we consider the trÐ °ditionÐ °l view of Ð ° supply chÐ °in Ð °s similÐ °r to Ð ° pipe thÐ °t cÐ °rries the service or product being provided. When the pipe becomes clogged, the entire system must be flushed to solve the problem. SimilÐ °rly, when Ð ° supply chÐ °in does not work properly, Ð ° business must flush the chÐ °nnel becÐ °use it cÐ °nnot pinpoint where the problem is. This cÐ °uses compÐ °nies to lose profits Ð °nd sÐ °les. Now, however, compÐ °nies Ð °re implementing Ð ° new type of supply chÐ °in mÐ °nÐ °gement, where the firm views the supply chÐ °nnel Ð °s Ð ° whole system insteÐ °d of concentrÐ °ting of eÐ °ch pÐ °rt of the process. The compÐ °ny focuses on Ð °ll efforts, from the procurement of rÐ °w mÐ °teriÐ °ls to the distribution of the finished product, Ð °nd how eÐ °ch effort relÐ °tes to the others (Ð ndrÐ °ski, 1998). This Ð °llows more communicÐ °tion to exist within the pipe Ð °nd problems to be more eÐ °sily identified. In the following pÐ °per I will present fundÐ °mentÐ °ls of effective production mÐ °nÐ °gement thÐ °t consists of the chÐ °in from suppliers to customers Ð °nd the processes such Ð °s people, process Ð °nd plÐ °nt. I will introduce the notion of Ð °vÐ °ilÐ °bility, the single minute exchÐ °nge of die Ð °nd throughput. The production supply chÐ °in is trÐ °ditionÐ °lly chÐ °rÐ °cterized Ð °s Ð ° stÐ °ble system in which components Ð °nd goods move smoothly from suppliers to Ð °ssembly to customers. For exÐ °mple, Ð ° pÐ °ckÐ °ged consumer goods mÐ °nufÐ °cturer, for instÐ °nce, comprises mÐ °nufÐ °cturing, pÐ °ckÐ °ging, distribution, wÐ °rehousing, Ð °nd retÐ °iling. The concept of the customers demÐ °nd chÐ °in, which trÐ °nsfers demÐ °nd from mÐ °rkets to suppliers, is significÐ °ntly less fÐ °miliÐ °r. To give one exÐ °mple, Ð °

Sunday, October 27, 2019

What Is Disturbance In The Natural Environment Environmental Sciences Essay

What Is Disturbance In The Natural Environment Environmental Sciences Essay Disturbance can involve any factor which disrupts ecosystem function by altering environmental conditions (wiki). The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH) states that in order to optimise local species diversity, ecological disturbance must occur at a moderate frequency (wiki). Disturbance can vary in severity, occur at several temporal and spatial scales and be a result of natural or anthropogenic events (www.nature). Natural disturbance (e.g. fires, floods, volcanic eruptions) often prevents populations from reaching their carrying capacity (Wiens 1984; DeAngelis Waterhouse 1987; Pickett et al. 1992 Ecol theory). Anthropogenic disturbance ,however, has a larger detrimental impact on habitat. In the past, the influence of humans on ecosystems has been limited; yet modern impacts have more recently accelerated in gravity and range (wiki). Anthropogenic disturbance can change and damage habitat, alter ecological function and increase the probability of invasive species (invasive Holzner et al. 1983; Mills et al. 1994). Invasive species can cause local species extinction as well as preventing native species from being re-established (Simberloff 1990; Vitousek 1990). Once settled, the removal of these species is often challenging, as they are less affected by competition or predation than native species (ecol theory). Anthropogenic activities can also alter natural disturbance events (e.g. flood p revention methods, control of wildfires; www.nature). The restoration of disturbance regimes may be crucial. Restoration projects should aim to instigate or accelerate recovery after a disturbance, or to re-establish natural disturbance cycles (www.nature). It is essential to determine the level of variability which is tolerated in restored systems (Duarte 1991; Li Reynolds 1994; Horne Schnieder 1995; Palmer Poff 1997; White Walker 1997) and to recognise and minimise the difference between natural and anthropogenic disturbance (wiki). Restored sites must be continually monitored and manipulated accordingly (ecol theory) so once a species has been established, the dimensions of natural disturbance regimes (size/intensity/ duration/seasonality etc) can be established (ecol theory). If this is not possible, restorationists should attempt to initiate deliberate disturbances which best replicate historical disturbances (wiki). It is also important to note that species cannot merely be reintroduced; the manner by which disturbances affect the sustainability of a restored community must also be taken into account (ecol theory). Succession Ecological succession is the progressive change in the composition and interactions of a community over time (Putnam 1994 ecol theory).   After a disturbance occurs, an ecosystem will have a fairly simple level of organisation (few dominant species)(wiki). Given time, the community will develop to be more complex (numerous interdependent species)(wiki). Restoration can occur passively or actively. Passive restoration allows succession to occur naturally, once the origin of disturbance has been eliminated (nature). Active restoration involves more human input. In mildly or moderately disturbed habitats, restorationists may try to increase the rate of natural succession. In other words, allow the community to develop in the same way as it would naturally, but assisting it to reach the final stage more quickly (ecol theory). However, in critically disturbed habitats, more concentrated efforts may be necessary and environmental conditions may need to be recreated to facilitate the processes of succession (wiki). Under these circumstances, restorationists may overlook early stages of succession in order to establish late successional species sooner (ecol theory). In some cases, underlying damage, such as soil damage, may also require restoration before the later stages of succession can begin (Whisenant 1999 ecol of rest). It has been found that succession theory is not always appropriate (Connell Slatyer 1977 ecol theory) Community patterns are often considerably unpredictable due to both disturbances and stochastic events (Fisher 1983; Levin 1989; Roughgarden 1989 ecol theory). As a result, successional theory has been deemed irrelevant in several systems (Roughgarden et al. 1987; Olafsson et al. 1994 ecol theory). Assuming it allows the prediction of community patterns, the knowledge of succession theory may be essential to restoration ecology (ecol theory). In systems with strong interactions between species and rare or highly predictable disturbances this has been found to be particularly true as community progression is principally ruled by local interactions (ecol theory). Species Interactions predation/herbivory/mutualism/competition/ Community Assembly Theory Landscape ecology The study of processes that occur across distinct landscapes and the abiotic and biotic responses to these processes is known as landscape ecology (Turner 1989 linking rest). The need for the study of landscape ecology has arisen due to anthropogenic alterations to habitats (Linking rest). Patch isolation, contiguity, size and shape (in terms of complexity) are all features which can be used to describe a landscape and these have all been found to have a large impact on both animal and plant populations (Turner Gardner 1990; Robbins Bell 1994 linking rest). According to the theory of island biogeography, populations are most likely to become extinct if a habitat is small and/or isolated from other populations. One of the assumptions of this theory states that the area between patches of habitat is both hostile and uniform. This theory assumes that the area between habitat patches (matrix) is both uniform and inhospitable. (Previous studies have suggested that the organisation of habitat types in a matrix can influence the movement of organisms and/or the role of landscapes (Gustafson Gardner 1996 linking rest).) Small and isolated habitats are also more susceptible to the detrimental effects of habitat fragmentation (nature). Habitat fragmentation occurs when a habitat becomes disconnected as a result of anthropogenic or natural events (nature). This causes the formation of small isolated patches of suitable habitat (nature). These habitats have a lower carrying capacity and have decreased species diversity and are therefore more vulnerable to inbreeding and local extinction (nature). As well as this, fragmentation increases the proportion of edge and decreases the gap between edges (nature). Edge effects may alter environmental factors, in turn affecting the flux of organisms and other substances across landscapes (Holland et al. 1991 and references within; Robinson et al. 1992). Systems are sometimes dependent on the flow of individuals between habitats. This sustains the community structure, implying that fragmentation can influence recruitment and therefore affect the resilience of commu nities (Palmer et al. 1997 linking rest). The role of restoration usually involves improving connectivity between patches by constructing or re-establishing links. This may be done with the use of corridors or stepping stones. Ecosystem Function Ecol of rest nutrient and energy fluxes are essential components of ecosystem function and stability at a range of spatial and temporal scales (Ehrenfeld Toth 1997; Aronson et al. 1998; Bedford 1999; Peterson Lipcius 2003). Ecosystem  function describes the foundational processes of natural systems, including nutrient cycles and energy fluxes. These processes are the most basic and essential components of ecosystems. An understanding of the full complexity and intricacies of these cycles is necessary to address any ecological processes that may be degraded. A functional ecosystem, that is completely self-perpetuating (i.e. no management required), is the ultimate goal of restorative efforts. Because these  ecosystem  functions are  emergent properties  of the system as a whole, monitoring and management are crucial for the long-term stability of an ecosystem.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Barium :: essays research papers

Barium is a soft, heavy, silver-colored metal element. This element does not have very many uses outside of the laboratory, but it combines easily with other chemicals to form compounds used for important industrial uses. For example, Barium carbonate is used in the manufacture of ceramics and special glass, and also to purify certain chemical solutions. It is also an ingredient in clay slurries, also known as water muds, used in drilling oil wells. Barium titanate is used in sonar detectors and other electrical equipment. At low doses, barium acts as a muscle stimulant and at higher doses affects the nervous system eventually leading to paralysis. Acute and subchronic oral doses of barium cause vomiting and diarrhea, followed by decreased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Higher doses result in cardiac irregularities, weakness, tremors, anxiety, and dyspnea. A drop in serum potassium may account for some of the symptoms. Death can occur from cardiac and respiratory failure. A cute doses around 0.8 grams can be fatal to humans. Barium nitrate makes signal flares burn with a green flame. Barium ferrite is used to make magnets. Barium sulfate is an extremely insoluble barium compound that is not poisonous. Doctors use it in X-ray examinations of a patient's digestive system. The barium sulfate absorbs X rays to show an outline of the intestines on the developed film. A barium enema is performed to examine the walls of the colon. During the procedure, a well lubricated enema tube is inserted gently into the rectum. The barium is then allowed to flow into the colon. The flow of the barium is monitored by the health care provider on an X-ray fluoroscope screen. The test is used to detect colon cancer. The barium enema may also be used to diagnose and evaluate the extent of inflammatory bowel diseases. Barium sulfate and zinc sulfide form lithopone, a white coloring matter for paint. Barium is never found in a pure state because it combines so easily with other elements. Pure barium is obtained by passing an electric current through a fused barium compound, such as barium chloride. A piece of barium metal quickly reacts with oxygen and water vapor in the air to form barium oxide. It must be stored under kerosene to keep it pure. Barium is found most often as barium sulfate in the mineral barite. The chemical symbol for barium is Ba.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring

Jean Watson's Theory of Caring Jean Watson's Theory of Caring Dr. Jean Watson developed a theory of human caring that has become essential in nursing. Caring is at the core of nursing and is vital in providing positive patient outcomes. Watson’s theory of caring can be applied to patient situation and his or her environment. She based her theory upon human caring relationships and experiences of human life. She acknowledges a caring relationship and a caring environment preserve human dignity, wholeness, and integrity and to restore the person’s harmony it is the nurse’s responsibility to assist an individual to establish meaning in illness and suffering (Cara, 2003). Nurses have a responsibility to evaluate the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Watson developed her theory in 1979 and revised it in 1985 and 1988. The majority of the revisions was made to her carative factors that she believes is the concept for the core of nursing (Cara, 2003, p. 52). According to Sulimann, Welmann, Omer, and Thomas, (2009), Watson’s theory suggests that, â€Å"Caring is a different way of being human, present, attentive, conscious, and intentional. Nursing is centered on helping the patient achieve a higher degree of harmony within mind, body, and soul, and this harmony is achieved through caring transactions involving a transpersonal caring relationship† (p. 294). The major parts of Watson’s theory are the carative factors, the transpersonal caring relationship, and the caring occasion caring moment (Cara, 2003, p. 51). Watson has 10 carative factors, and she uses the word carative to contrast the word curative used in conventional medicine (Cara, 2003, p. 52). Watson believed that caring and curing were independent of each other (Bailey, 2009, p. 18). Cara (2003) indicates carative factors attempt to, â€Å"Honor the human dimensions of nursing’s work and the inner life world and subjective experiences of the people we serve (p. 2). The 10 carative factors are the formation of a humanistic-altruistic value system, instillation of faith and hope, cultivation of sensitivity to self and others, development of helping-trusting relationships, expression of positive and negative feelings, creative problem-solving caring process, promotion of transpersonal teaching and learning, supportive, protective, and corrective mental, physical, societal, and spiritual environment, assistance with human needs, and allowance for existential-phenomenological-spiritual forces (Cohen, 1991, p. 906). Looking at these carative factors, I can see how Watson sought to address aspects of the patient to make it more of a holistic approach with the concept of caring at the core. These carative factors was used by Watson to develop her transpersonal caring relationship, this relationship describes how the nurse goes beyond an objective assessment, showing concern toward the person’s subjective and deeper meaning regarding his or her own health care situation (Cara, 2003, p. 53). The nurse’s caring consciousness becomes essential to connect and establish a relationship with the cared-for to promote health and healing. The nurse has a moral commitment to the patient to protect and enhance his or her human dignity as well as his or her deeper self. One of the carative factors of developing a trusting relationship has to be in a place for a transpersonal relationship to occur. In the transpersonal relationship, a mutual instilling of faith and hope are present as described in one of Watson’s carative factors. Developing a transpersonal relationship with the patient’s has to involve a cultivation of sensitivity toward the patient’s and being able to support and protect him or her in the environment is essential for this kind of relationship to occur. I do not believe in the ability with patient care to have a transpersonal relationship with patients if the nurse cannot first use the carative factors with patients. Watson developed seven assumptions in her caring model to incorporate the humanistic value system with scientific knowledge. Watson believed that practice and knowledge are essential for building a caring-healing framework (Bailey, 2009, p. 18). If we just do one without the other, I personally do not think we will obtain the same results. We need to be caring toward our patients and show them we care; but we also need to do medical interventions that will bring the caring and healing together, Watson’s seven basic assumptions of the science of caring as follows: 1) Caring can only be effectively demonstrated and practiced interpersonally. 2) Caring consists of carative factors that lead to the satisfaction of certain human needs. 3) Effective caring health and growth for the individual and family. 4) Caring responses accept a person the way he or she is no matter how he or she may change in the future. ) A caring environment allows the patient to choose the best action for him that offers the development of potential at any time. 6) Caring is more healthogenic than curing. Caring is complimentary to the science of curing. 7) The practice of nursing is central to nursing (Bailey, 2009, p. 18). The last assumption that Watson made is that nursing is central to nursing (Bailey, 2009, p. 18). To understand what she meant by this, it is important to see how Watson views nursing. She views the focus of nursing as the interaction between nurse and patient. She views the goal of nursing as a science where the health and illness experiences are mediated by different transactions such as professional, personal, scientific, and ethical. Last she views the uniqueness of nursing as the spiritual growth of people within these interactions. They can release feelings, and help gain self-healing (Cohen, 1991, p. 906). I have seen how she viewed different aspects of nursing and how they convert over to caring moments with our patients. I recently had a caring moment with a patient who contributed to my own self-actualization. My patient was a 78-year-old male admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a collapsed lung. Two chest tubes was placed in his left lung and chest x-rays was obtained showing the presence of a cancerous tumor. Upon hearing the results he and his family was devastated. He was afraid of dying and what was going to happen to his wife of 60 years. I had a caring moment with him as I sat and listened to him express his feelings about death and dying, and he shared how he was feeling. I allowed him to discuss his beliefs of the dying process and how he viewed them. He said he felt much better having someone listen to him express his feelings. He believed he could face death and that he needed to look deep into himself and trust that his wife would be all right. This was a caring moment with this elderly gentleman in which I showed my patient he was worth my time. He could go very deep because of the trust we had been building. Watson defines the person as a being in the world comprised of body, mind, and spirit. These are influenced by the concept that oneself is unique and free to make choices. She sees a person as one that needs to be accepted for whom he or she is and who he or she may become (Cara, 2003, p. 55). With my patient, I operated in this view of the person as I demonstrated several of the carative factors of Watson’s theory with my patient. I could help him find a sense of faith and hope that his wife would be taken care of after his death. I allowed him to express his positive and negative feelings about dying. I used transpersonal teaching and learning with him as I taught him some of the details of what happens as he dies as well as I learned much about him as a person and how he sees life and death. I met his physical needs by keeping him comfortable and I offered support for his mental, physical, and spiritual environment. With his permission, I arranged a visit with the chaplain, to offer more spiritual support for him. Watson’s definition of health is a person’s subjective experience, and one of her assumptions about health is that caring will promote health with the patient or the family (Cara, 2003, p. 56). I believe that each individual person has his or her own idea of what health means to him or her. We need to discover how each patient defines health for his or her own situation. In this moment with my patient, I worked with him to promote health. This was not the health that immediately comes to one’s mind. This was not health as an absence of illness. This patient was not going to get better in his physical health. I tried to promote health with him in the spiritual and emotional parts of the patient. He began to release the worries about his wife and find a more healthful attitude to continue in after our conservation. The caring environment that Watson describes is her assumption allows the person to choose the best actions for him at any time, and the nurse can help facilitate the environment that the patient desires. My patient wanted some time alone with his wife in the room and did not want to offend his other family members. I told him not to worry about it that I would take care of that for him, and he could focus on having some time with his wife. This was important for him and I could facilitate this change in environment for my patient. He made the decision, but I helped to facilitate it. Watson’s caring theory really affected me and the area of nursing that I am currently working. I am working on an intensive care unit where my patients come in near death situations daily. These patients need a nurse who understands what it means to care and develop a transpersonal relationship. These patients are coming to grips with the facts that they are about to lose their lives and what happens when they die. They begin questioning everything about this life and what happens to them when they die. These patients really need to be seen as unique individuals with specific needs of their own. My caring moment with my patient who seems like his life was greatly fulfilled prior to death leads me to believe that it is very possible to implement Watson’s theory in day-to- day nursing practice. Through the research on Watson’s theory of caring, it provided me with the ability to learn the essential elements of her theory and apply them to clinical situation in the work environment. References Bailey, D. (2009). Caring defined: a comparison and analysis. International Journal for Human Caring, 13(1), 16-31. Retrieves from CINTAHL Plus with Full Text database. Cara, C. (2003). A pragmatic view of Jean Watson’s caring theory. International Journal for Human Caring, 7(3), 51-61. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Cohen, J. (1991). Two portraits of caring: a comparison of theorists, Leininger and Watson. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 16(8), 899-909. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Suliman,W. , Welmann, E. , Omer, T. , & Thomas, L. (2009). Applying Watson’s Nursing Theory to Assess Patient Perceptions of Being Cared for in a Multicultural Environment. Journal of Nursing Research (Taiwan Nurses Association). 17 (4), 293-300. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Barbara Jordan: The First African-American Woman State Senator

Jordan campaigned for the Texas House of Representatives in 1962 and 1964. [1] Her persistence won her a seat in the Texas Senate in 1966, becoming the first African American state senator since 1883 and the first black woman to serve in that body. [1] Re-elected to a full term in the Texas Senate in 1968, she served until 1972. She was the first African-American female to serve as president pro tem. of the state senate and served one day, June 10, 1972, as acting governor of Texas.In 1972, she was elected to the United States House of Representatives, becoming the first black woman from a Southern state to serve in the House. She received extensive support from former President Lyndon Johnson, who helped her secure a position on the House Judiciary Committee. In 1974, she made an influential, televised speech before the House Judiciary Committee supporting the impeachment of President Richard Nixon.Jordan was mentioned as a possible running mate to Jimmy Carter in 1976,[1] and that year she became the first African-American woman to deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. [1] Her speech in New York that summer was ranked 5th in â€Å"Top 100 American Speeches of the 20th century† list and was considered by many historians to have been the best convention keynote speech in modern history. Despite not being a candidate Jordan received one delegate vote (0. 03%) for president at the convention.Jordan retired from politics in 1979 and became an adjunct professor teaching ethics at the University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. She again was a keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention in 1992. In 1995, Jordan chaired a Congressional commission that advocated increased restriction of immigration, called for all U. S. residents to carry a national identity card and increased penalties on employers that violated U. S. immigration regulations. [2][3] Then-President Clinton endorsed the Jordan Commission's proposals. 4] While she was Chair of the U. S. Commission on Immigration Reform she argued that â€Å"it is both a right and a responsibility of a democratic society to manage immigration so that it serves the national interest. † Her stance on immigration is cited by opponents of current US immigration policy who cite her willingness to penalize employers who violate US immigration regulations, to tighten border security, and to oppose amnesty or any other pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants[5] and to broaden the grounds for the deportation of legal immigrants. [6]

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Shore It Up

Shore It Up Shore It Up Shore It Up By Maeve Maddox Reading an advice article about the writing of historical fiction, I came across what I assume is an eggcorn for the idiom â€Å"to shore up.† eggcorn: the reshaping of a common word or expression in a way that makes sense to the speaker. The person writing the article drew an analogy between the construction of Machu Picchu and the research that underpins an effective historical novel: [The Incan builders] started at the base of the mountain, and built terraces all the way to the top to sure up the mountain. The writing instructor then compares this physical foundation work to the writing of a novel: Writing historical fiction is much like building Machu Picchu. You want your novel to stand the test of time and that means doing the historical research to â€Å"sure it up.†    Never until then had I come across the expression â€Å"to sure up† in the context of stabilizing, strengthening, or reinforcing something. The conventional idiom is â€Å"to shore up.† As a verb, to shore or to shore up means to prop something up. For example, one might shore up a sagging gate to keep it from scraping the ground. A tunnel might be shored with concrete. The verb shore derives from a noun that referred to a piece of timber or iron that was set against a building or a ship to prevent it from falling while it was being worked on. In modern usage, anything can be used to shore something up. One might shore up a wall by packing earth along the bottom. The verb is used literally in the context of building, reinforcing, or repairing structures: Anticipating a storm, the villagers shored up the sea-wall. The first step is to remove the boards and inspect the post. If its also soft and rot-infested, youll have to shore up the roof temporarily and install a new post thats treated to resist rot. A Web search reveals a quantity of examples of â€Å"sure up† in contexts that call for â€Å"shore up†: PANTHERS – Staying Hungry and Suring Up the Defense   The return of the big man  sures up  the middle of the offense. Prosecutors could use the videotaped interrogations to  sure up their argument  that a confession was genuine. One of the ways to  sure up  your home’s  foundation  is with Helical Piers installed. The use of â€Å"sure up† for â€Å"shore up† is still relatively rare. It flat-lines on the Ngram Viewer, and a Web search for the terms in quotation marks yields 4,670,000 results for â€Å"shore up† compared to 365,000 for â€Å"sure up.† Here are examples of the idiom â€Å"shore up† used correctly in a variety of contexts: How Bobby Wagner’s speed shored up the Seahawks’ defense Prosecutors had asked for the phone and bank records in a last ditch attempt to find evidence to shore up their case.   The bulk of the Snyder increase did not go directly to the schools; it went to shore up the underfunded teachers’ pension fund.   The Federal Reserve’s trillion-dollar effort to shore up the U.S. economy is likely to come to an end in October [2014]. Use your analytic skills to understand [your critic’s] position and to shore up your confidence in your own approach. At first, I thought that all the examples of â€Å"sure up† were incorrect versions of â€Å"shore up,† but I’ve decided that a few are being used with the meaning â€Å"to make sure.† Here is an instance of the latter: Coal supply chain partners in the Hunter Valley have struck a long-awaited agreement to sure up coal producing contracts. The headline above the sentence holds the clue that â€Å"shore up† is not intended: Historic agreement reached in long-running Hunter Valley coal chain dispute, providing certainty on contracts Bottom line: If what you mean is â€Å"to strengthen,† the idiom is â€Å"to shore up.† If what you mean is â€Å"make sure,† the idiom is â€Å"to make sure† or â€Å"to make certain.† Here are some other words that may be used to express the idea of â€Å"making sure† or â€Å"making certain† of something: check confirm ensure assure verify Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Comma After i.e. and e.g.Confused Words #3: Lose, Loose, LossDealing With A Character's Internal Thoughts