Developing a business plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Developing a business plan - Assignment Example The other way is to increase labor and expertise in handling the needs of our clients better. The product logistics and quality controls will be essential in defining the way these products take place. A vertical retail presence in crucial catalogues and e-commerce avenues will be pursued. Advertisement by creating a buzz about this new brand will be made especially amongst opinion leaders based on a combination of product placement and public relations. To achieve this, the needed abilities are good technological backgrounds. The goal is to have a system that enhances customer experiences through the acknowledgement of feedback from the users. The company is also leveraging on its current technology that ensures it can use its services to benefits its clients and provide a solution to their needs. The capabilities lacking are in mass production, which could hinder the number of outlets served. The current number requires an adjustment (Rumelt, 2011). The products are ladies’ creams for both day and night. They will be produced at our manufacturing plant and sold by representatives across the board in both retail and wholesale shops. The goal is to create a wide supply chain team to ensure the products reach out to the largest audience. The sellers will be getting a commission when dealing directly with the company, while those in retail will get lower prices to ensure they profit from stocking our products. The development processes are unique in that they encompass the utility of the ideals of modern technology combine with appropriate understanding of biological attributes of the human body. The production takes place at a facility that follows the required criterion that assures the client of a quality product. The marketing aspect takes place on both new and traditional media, with the new media taking the highest form. This is because most of the targeted clients use these forms of media for communication and information. Products are

Environmental Groups Essay Example for Free

Environmental Groups Essay Environmental Groups Tiffany Tremaine May 2, 2011 Environmental Policies 310 Instructor: David Monda Environmental Working Group known as EWG is an Environmental interest group working to protect kids from toxic chemicals in our food, water, air, and other products we use every day. The mission of the Environmental Working Group is to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment. EWG is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, founded in 1993 by Ken Cook and Richard Wiles. In 2002, we founded the EWG Action Fund, a 501(c) (4) organization that advocates on Capitol Hill for health-protective and subsidy-shifting policies. EWG specializes in providing useful resources (like Skin Deep and the EWGs Shoppers Guide to Pesticidesâ„ ¢) to consumers while simultaneously pushing for national policy change. EWG two main goals are to protect the most vulnerable segments of the human population—children, babies, and infants in the womb—from health problems attributed to a wide array of toxic contaminants and to replace federal policies, including government subsidies that damage the environment and natural resources, with policies that invest in conservation and sustainable development. Their research brings to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know. It shames and shakes up polluters and their lobbyists. It rattles politicians and shapes policy. It persuades bureaucracies to rethink science and strengthen regulation. It provides practical information you can use to protect your family and community. And because our investigations and interactive websites tend to make news, youve probably heard about them. EWG primary funding is donations, grants, corporations backing, as well as interest and support from every day people. The cost is whatever the member (supporter) would like to donate. There are many different ways to donate and the donations can either be tax right offs or not. EWG gives many ways to donate, credit card or check, and their supporters can either make a one-time contribution or pay monthly. The donation helps support EWG Action Funds Kid-Safe Chemicals Campaign fight for organic produce, get dangerous chemicals out of your food and water, and protect your favorite national parks from mining destruction. In 2009 and 2010 EWG have accomplished Toxic chemical reform, Energy policy, Banning BPA, Highlighting cell phone radiation risks, Shedding light on secret chemicals, Pushing for more effective sunscreens, Banning phthalates, Phasing out Deca, Protecting ground water from gas-drilling chemicals, Saving the Grand Canyon, and Fighting for safer tap water. EWG motives, viewpoints, and organizational features make them successful in the public policy arena. This Environmental Working Group is successful in the public policy arena. After researching just a couple of their accomplishments are in the public arena. References Z. Smith, 2009, The Environmental Policy Paradox, 5th Edition 1993, http://www. ewg. org/

The Death Penalty: A Just Method of Punishment Essay examples -- Capit

Ever since the dawn of man’s search for justice, the death penalty, has been a consequence for particularly heinous crimes. Over the years society has debated whether the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment. People who oppose of the death penalty view supporters as gun-slinging "rednecks" who live in the backwoods of America. Likewise, supporters view those who oppose the death penalty as uptight "suits" who live in mansions and believes that every person, no matter their crime, deserves to live. Those who oppose the death penalty argue that life in prison is a preferable solution to the death penalty. The supporters of the death penalty argue that Hammurabi’s code, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life, is an accurate mantra for the death penalty. The death penalty has a long debatable history, but it is a justifiable and fitting punishment for crimes that require more than a slap on the wrist and probation. The death penalty has been a form of punishment since the beginning of time. The first death penalty laws are dated back as far as the Eighteenth Century B.C. These laws were put forth in the Code of King Hammurabi of Babylon (Death Penalty Information Center, n.d.). Then around Tenth Century A.D. hanging became the new and usual method of execution (Death Penalty Information Center, n.d.). Today the chosen methods of execution are lethal injection, electrocution, lethal gas, hanging, and firing squad (Amnesty International, n.d.). According to Amnesty International USA, thirty-five of the states that have a death penalty use lethal injection as a form of execution (Amnesty International, n.d.). Also, according to Amnesty International USA, nine states use electrocution, six states use lethal ga... ... Center. National statistics on the death penalty and race. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/race-death-row-inmates-executed-1976. Death Penalty Information Center. Part I: history of the death penalty. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/part-i-history-death-penalty. Newport, F. (2007, October 7). Sixty-nine percent of americans support death penalty. Retrieved from http://www.gallup.com. Harrison, K., and Melville, C. (2007). The death penalty by lethal injection and hill v McDonough: is the USA starting to see sense? Journal of Criminal Law, 167-180. Retrieved from http://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/jcriml71&div=41&g_sent=1&collection=journals. ProCon.org. Top 10 pros and cons: should the death penalty be allowed?. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002000#3

Admissions Essay - Died Last Night :: Medicine College Admissions Essays

Admissions Essay - Died Last Night "Jane died last night." His voice, though quiet, seemed strained. "Are you all right?" I asked. There was a pause. "She wouldn't let go. Do you remember when we were working out a few years ago and you told me Jane looked as if she were going to fall over? She would have if the instructor hadn't told her to sit down. She was so angry with herself for not being able to go on. It was like that at the end. Her heart would stop for long periods and then she would breathe and it would start again. I finally had to tell her it was O.K. and that she should go to sleep." Diagnosed with lymphoma four years ago, Jane had been at war with her disease since. She had lived longer than expected. She had been a fighter. He wasn't telling me for my sake. I was listening because he needed to tell someone. She had not only been his wife, she had been his world. They had had one of those rare relationships where they had loved each other so deeply it was often to the exclusion of the rest of the world. She had been awarded her black belt in Karate the day before she died. She was 52. I had a few hours to kill before meeting my mentor at Swedish-American Hospital so I asked a physician I know to introduce me to someone in the ER whom I could follow. Whenever the books begin to get too heavy and the study hours too long, I head for the hospital to watch surgery or spend time in the ER following doctors. It helps me to remember that the practice of medicine involves taking care of people, not just their bodies. For the first 45 minutes we had the normal whirlwind of fractures, hypoglycemic diabetics, patients in respiratory distress and assorted minor difficulties, and then the call came over the radio. Fourteen year-old male, gunshot wound to the head. Four minutes of organized commotion later I watched as a multitude of attendants swarmed over the body of a boy who had treated life as a game and was losing. Quickly nurses and technicians sliced his clothes away to gain access to life-sustaining blood vessels.

Bad Drivers Are Everywhere

Traffic accidents are as ordinary as anyone’s bacon and egg in their breakfast meals. They are as common as snow in Alaska and as desert in the Middle East. Highway accidents no more shock nor scare anyone for driving. No, not even the ones who have been victims themselves. In a study made by Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin conducted in 2004 to 2005, the researchers found that there were about 90 percent of the respondents have relatives who have experienced car crash. What seems intriguing here is that fact that 56 percent of the respondents never changed their bad driving habits.Staying behind the wheel is not what is risky about driving: the risk lies on the driver. The risk of traffic accidents is not measured by the driver’s age, expertise and knowledge; neither does it depends on the model of the car being driven but rather on the driver’s driving habits. Anyone who wants to know how common bad drivers are? Let anyone list the habits of a good driver and the bad driver as well and you will see that it is easier to list bad driving habits than the good ones.The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported an about 800 fatalities due to motor vehicle traffic crashes (C. Sadler). Of this figure, 42 percent were alcohol-related, 33 percent is speed-related and 19 percent was attributed to the influence of both. IN a separate study made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2005, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds. The list of the causes of these accidents is quite long and all of the items are bad driving habits.It ranges from not wearing seatbelts, eating and drinking while driving, answering calls and even texting. The list goes on with tailgating and over speeding to the weird habit of applying make up while driving. So what directly causes the accidents is the driver’s inattention. â€Å"Driver inattention is the most prevalent cause of collisions†, reported the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The same study also revealed the top five bad driving habits that they have done in the last thirty days.Seventy nine percent had the habit of changing the radio station or CD and 61 % did exceed the speed limit as well as driving without both hands in the steering wheel. Fifty one percent honestly admitted answering calls and 45% were eating while driving. Bad driving habits make a bad driver. If traffic accidents statistics are to be the basis, I can say that we really have too many bad drivers on the road. â€Å"People can often assume they are better drivers than they actually are† (M. German). The main point here is that drivers often place a high regard on their driving abilities and skills.They often put too much confidence on their driving that they tend to forget that they are on the road and not simply sitting on their couches at home. So what am I driving at? I mean what am I trying to point out here? Dr iving is not all about skills, abilities and experience; it is about discipline. If every driver just conforms to traffic rules and regulations, there will be lesser road accidents. If every driver just brings a dose of patience on their way, then there should have been lesser vehicle collisions caused by drivers who wanted to own the highways.If parents and elders just teach and show their children the right driving attitude, there should have been much less of the teens that represent 14% of the driving fatalities (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety). There should not have been about 31,000 of them, aging from 15 to 17 years old who were killed in crashes (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 1995 to 2004). Elders should do less of the driving habits like talking on the phone, listening to music, eating and speeding in order to shape the younger generation into disciplined drivers. The law must make sure that the road is close for bad drivers.

Free Essays on Effective Teaching

that begin with the letter â€Å"b† or emphasizing nursery rhymes). The authors also discuss that it is important to keep students busy by providing them with activities that are going to be challenging. Key Points In this article, several important strategies regarding effective teaching of literacy are addressed. They include: 1. Classroom Organization – The teacher should use a combination of whole class, group and individual teaching. The article suggests that it is important to group students according to the needs of the students in the group. The teacher needs to organize the literacy lesson to accomplish that goal. 2. Task Setting – The teacher needs to prepare the lesson plans well and provide challenges to students to gain new skills and knowledge about literacy. 3. Task Content – The teacher needs to be aware of each student’s ability and try to match the needs of each student appropriately. 4. Teaching Skills – The teacher should spend the majority of classroom time teaching students and observing their works. 5. Pace – The teacher needs to learn what reading ability each student has. Then, the teacher needs to develop a pace for the students to learn. 6. Modeling – The teacher should demonstrate literacy by reading out loud to the students, demonstrating enjoyment for writing and reading. 7. Teacher-Pupil Interactions – The teacher can help the student by interacting, observing and providing feedbac... Free Essays on Effective Teaching Free Essays on Effective Teaching Fox, R., Medwell, J., Poulson, L., & Wray, D. (2000). The teaching practices of effective teachers of literacy. Education Review, 52, 75-84. Summary I reviewed a journal article entitled, The Teaching Practices of Effective Teachers of Literacy (Fox, Medall, Poulson, & Wray, 2000). In this article the authors discuss effective teaching practices of literacy teachers. These practices include assisting students in making connections between text, sentences or words (for example, writing words that begin with the letter â€Å"b† or emphasizing nursery rhymes). The authors also discuss that it is important to keep students busy by providing them with activities that are going to be challenging. Key Points In this article, several important strategies regarding effective teaching of literacy are addressed. They include: 1. Classroom Organization – The teacher should use a combination of whole class, group and individual teaching. The article suggests that it is important to group students according to the needs of the students in the group. The teacher needs to organize the literacy lesson to accomplish that goal. 2. Task Setting – The teacher needs to prepare the lesson plans well and provide challenges to students to gain new skills and knowledge about literacy. 3. Task Content – The teacher needs to be aware of each student’s ability and try to match the needs of each student appropriately. 4. Teaching Skills – The teacher should spend the majority of classroom time teaching students and observing their works. 5. Pace – The teacher needs to learn what reading ability each student has. Then, the teacher needs to develop a pace for the students to learn. 6. Modeling – The teacher should demonstrate literacy by reading out loud to the students, demonstrating enjoyment for writing and reading. 7. Teacher-Pupil Interactions – The teacher can help the student by interacting, observing and providing feedbac...

Explain the Difference Between Absolutist and Relativist Ethics Essay Example

Explain the Difference Between Absolutist and Relativist Ethics Essay Example Explain the Difference Between Absolutist and Relativist Ethics Paper Explain the Difference Between Absolutist and Relativist Ethics Paper Explain the difference between absolutist and relativist ethics. The Absolutist theory is the theory that certain things are right or wrong from an objective point of view and cannot change according to culture. Certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, which means they are right or wrong in themselves. This is also known as deontological. The relativist theory is the theory that there are no universally valid moral principles. All principles and values are relative to a particular culture or age. Ethical relativism means that there is no such thing as good â€Å"in itself†, but if an action seems good to you and bad to me, that is it, and there is no objective basis for us to discover the truth. This theory is also known as teleological. An example of an absolutist ethical system would be if a single mother with a very young child had no money and therefore no food to feed the child, and she stole some food from the shop and the mother was caught and had a trial, an absolutist would argue that its morally wrong to steal and should suffer the consequences of the crime. They don’t take into account the situation the person might be in and use an absolute law. However, this is in contrast to the alternative ethical system, called â€Å"relativist†, because this system is really the complete opposite. Again I’ll use the same example as I did for absolutist. If a relativist was looking at this they would take into consideration the situation the woman might be in and empathize with her and try to find an outcome that is the most fair. One reason to support the absolutist approach as the only defensible approach is that it provides justification for acting which means that morality seems to demand some sort of obligation. If there’s a fixed moral code then there is no obligation to act in a way. Another Strength is that it gives clear guidelines, which basically means the rules are fixed and clear to apply. In contrast to these strengths, there are weaknesses to this theory, one being that ignores the circumstances. This is a weakness because this seems rather cold and ignores the person’s circumstances. Surely all situations are different and need to be viewed from other people’s positions? In contrast to the absolutist theory, the relativist theory is completely opposite to what the absolutist theory states. A strength of the relativist theory is that it avoids judging one culture against the other. This is because morality is relative and that would suggest that no culture can critisise another.

In Janus

In Janus, Andreas lover buys her a bowl at a crafts fair. It was his idea that when he could not be there to hold her hand she could hold her own.(16) Throughout this story Andrea becomes attached to the bowl because it reminds her of her lover. The author takes the audience through the many stages of Andreas love affair. In Janus Ann Beattie uses a bowl as a symbol of love. In the beginning of the story, Andrea views the bowl as perfect. She is excited about her new love. Perhaps it was not what youd select if you faced a shelf of bowls, and not the sort of thing that would inevitably attract a lot of attention at a crafts fair. Yet it had real presence.(1) Andreas perfect love is not something people agree with and they simply choose not to see it. She wants to make the bowl blend in with the objects around it. The bowl was not at all ostentatious, or even so noticeable that anyone would suspect that it had been put in place deliberately. (4) Andrea is careful where she is seen with her lover. No one would ever suspect him. The bowl is placed on the coffee table in her home. She didnt keep it carefully wrapped (although she transported it that way, in a box).(6) Andrea is careless with the bowl in the comfort of her home, however in public she is extremely careful and wraps it in a box. This is how Andrea must be with her lover. In their secret places they can let loose and show their love for each other. In public they must keep this love concealed. Andrea wants the bowl to be empty at all times. She asks her husband not to drop his house key in the bowl. The emptiness in the bowl is the empty space in her heart where the love she once had for her husband used to be. The bowl (her lover) is taking that place. Andrea does not want her husband in it.

Nanotechnology benefits and effects in military application Essay

Nanotechnology benefits and effects in military application - Essay Example Various debates have been held by different researching groups and governments to discuss the implications of nanotechnology in future. This is because the technology has a potential of creating many materials and devices that have wide applications in fields such as energy, medicine, military, engineering, computing and electronics. In fact, the military field started early to appreciate the significance of nanotechnology and expects more from it. The field has actually spent a lot of money researching on it than any other field. Despite the good results that have emerged and still expected to emerge as a result of nanotechnology, it has raised other issues of concern which include the potential effects of nanomaterials on the global economy, the impacts of nanomaterials in the environment, its effects on health and other speculative issues (Roco, 2006). Therefore, the advocacy groups and governments have been debating whether it is possible to warrant special regulations on nanotec hnology. This essay discusses the benefits and effects of nanotechnology in military. Nanotechnology has various benefits in the military field. First, nanotechnology helps to create the uniform materials for the soldiers. The idea behind using nanotechnology to make soldier’s uniforms is to make them more comfortable, more lightweight and more high tech. In addition, nanoparticles can be injected on the materials used to make solder’s uniforms to make them more durable, and to protect the soldiers from dangerous effects like high temperatures and chemical effects. The nanoparticles put on the uniform’s material protect soldiers by combining together when a suspicious thing hits the armor hardening the area that is hit. This act of stiffening helps to reduce the impact of that thing that hit or stroke the armor. By lessening the impact force, the soldiers wearing the uniform are protected from the injuries they would have

Why is the term recruitment often used incorrectly What is the correct Assignment

Why is the term recruitment often used incorrectly What is the correct term and expand on the whole process for filling a job vacancy - Assignment Example It seems that the correct use of the term recruitment is a prerequisite for the development of effective recruitment plans. On the other hand, problems in filling a job vacancy are difficult to be avoided. If the term ‘recruitment’ is used in its correct meaning it can ensure the limitation of severe failures in the recruitment process. There are many reasons for the incorrect use of the term recruitment. According to D’Annunzio-Green, managers tend to use incorrectly the term ‘recruitment’ when they are not aware of their organization’s culture (107). It is further explained that managers who are new in the organization and who have the responsibility for designing or developing the recruitment process can make severe mistakes mostly because they are not aware of their organization’s culture and goals (D’Annunzio-Green 107). The above risk can be avoided by offering to managers a period of time for understanding the organization’s culture. Foot and Hook give a different explanation for the appearance of wrong use of the term recruitment in organizations. According to the above researchers, in many organizations tasks related to recruitment are assigned to managers who are not appropriately specialized (Foot and Hook 40). Reference is made, for example, to the line managers who are often asked to take part in the design or the development of the recruitment process without having relevant experience (Foot and Hook 40). The fact that line managers may be aware of their organization’s culture (D’Annunzio-Green 107) does not give them the competency for being involved in the recruitment process. The responsibility of managers for the wrong use of the term ‘recruitment’ in modern organizations is also highlighted in the study of Taylor, Doherty and McGraw. In the above study it is made clear that mistakes during the recruitment process are quite common in firms

Research Topics in Insurance Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Topics in Insurance - Research Paper Example At the same time, it can also cover those who are bellow this specified age, but have special needs- the disabled or those suffering from the end stage renal disease. Under this scheme, one is eligible to be covered for the hospital bills under the umbrella of category ‘A’ at the same time, one can enjoy insurance coverage under part ‘B’ or be covered for the prescription of drugs under the scheme’s part ‘B’ This scheme however differs from the Medicaid programme because it mainly focuses on the elderly people at the age of 65 years and above. On the other hand, the Medicaid programme is open to any person in any age group. Similarly, the Medicare scheme solely relies on the federal government for funds while the Medicaid does not entirely depend on the federal government for funding. Part of its budget is footed by the respective semi- autonomous state governments. Medicaid insurance on the other hand relies on the federal government to offer health coverage or to provide home nursing for a specified category of people in the United States of America (US General Accountability Office, 2000). Such categories of people eligible for coverage under this noble programme are the low income earning people in the American society. They include the children, parents of eligible children, the elderly, pregnant women and the disabled who may be in a dire need for home nursing. Ideally, this programme was designed to help the categories of people to afford medical bills under the Medicaid programme, an eligible person is entitled to be wholly or partly be assisted to settle their medical bills. Generally, there are two distinct types of Medicaid- Community Medicaid and the Medicaid nursing. Community Medicaid in its part was designed to assist people who a little or no medical insurance schemes at all. However, medical nursing home scheme on the other hand, is meant for

The role of procoagulant microparticles in haemostasis Essay

The role of procoagulant microparticles in haemostasis - Essay Example Procoagulant MPs mostly appear as a result of apoptosis and vascular cell activation. An increase in the level of monocyte, platelet, or endothelial-derived MPs circulating in the blood is associated with CVD risk factors and indicates poor clinical outcome. They indicate vascular cell damage and interfere with atherothrombosis by exerting effects on vascular and blood cells. Under disease conditions, cellular cross-talk is supported by circulating MPs support, which leads to vascular inflammation, leukocyte adhesion, endothelial dysfunction, and stimulation. Functional tissue factor and exposed membrane phosphatidyserine are procoagulant entities produced by circulating MPs. Platelet derived MPs (PMPs) contain anionic phospholipid PS, which makes them strongly procoagulant. The removal of MPs from the blood of normal human plasma prolongs the clotting time (Ahn, 2005). Platelet derived MPs support thrombin generation in plasma without platelets, which are important for blood clottin g. Platelets form an important substrate for coagulation and their membranes provide a surface for the formation of prothrombinase complex. This enzyme is utilized in the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin which combines with other factors to form a stable clot (Lawrie et al, 2009). The availability of platelet MPs at the site of vessel injury contributes to the clotting process by providing a large surface membrane necessary for enzymatic process. The exposure of phosphotidyserine during thrombin generation increases enzymatic catalytic effect. The large surface formed by MPs is necessary for activating the coagulation cascade that forms the fibrin clot. Circulating MPs harbor cytoplasmic effectors or functional membrane that promotes prothrombotic responses (Ay et al, 2009). These MPs channel their procoagulant potential to the target in the presence of the appropriate counter ligands. They bind onto soluble immobilized fibrinogen forming aggregates that enhance the delivery of pr ocoagulant entities. In vitro, TF and TF-dependent procoagulant mechanism is facilitated by the interaction of monocytes and endothelial MPs. TF is a constituent protein in minute amounts that flips the endothelial procoagulant properties resulting in the initiation of a TF-driven clotting process. Blood-borne TF can be incorporated in the developing thrombus through a series of TF-dependent, CD15 and CD18, and interactions. Blood-borne TF is mainly harbored by PMPs and monocyte-derived MPs provide the enzyme after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Polunuclear leukocytes and endothelial-derived MPs also produce blood-borne TF under drastic endothelial activation. These MPs provide the required amount of TF and circulate the enzyme, which is necessary for maintaining a hemostatic balance. MPs, selectins and TF merge into an important triad of thrombosis. The surfaces of platelet and endothelial cells contain an important adhesion molecule called P-selectin (Hugel et al, 2005). The mole cule is utilized during TF accumulation and leukocyte inclusion in the thrombus when an endothelial injury occurs. The accumulation of hematopeic cell-derived TF is similar to the MPs accumulation kinetics before leukocyte-thrombus interaction. A soluble P-selectin enhances the production of leukocyte-derived TF-MPs used to correct hemostasis. The plasma levels of microparticles increase with age, which indicates the contribution of P-selectin pathway. P-selectin pathway also favors the transfer of PF into monocyte derived

Reward Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Reward Management - Essay Example Unarguably, reward management is a sensitive and controversial area that has been extensively debated at both practical and theoretical levels. 'The significance of pay as a means of attracting, retaining and providing tangible rewards to people is not to be underestimated. It is important to get it right - much harm can be done by getting it wrong. But as a means of generating long-term commitment and motivation, pay has to be regarded as only part of the whole. It is the non-financial rewards that will ultimately make the difference." Michael Armstrong and Duncan Brown Reward structures can speak volumes; not only in their implications of values, equality and worth to the employees and the community they serve, but to the performance of the authority itself. In this context, it is important for the organization to realize that the organizational rewards have many meanings for employees. There are two values associated with every reward - surface and symbolic. The surface value of a reward to an employee is its objective meaning or worth (a measure of spending power of the employee). In addition to the surface value, every reward also has a symbolic value, which is simply the personal or subjective meaning the employee attaches to it. However, a high salary doesn't always mean a high satisfaction with salary! Nor does a rise in salary necessarily translate into a corresponding rise in satisfaction. The DQ-IDC IT-survey of 2004 reveals this very fact . HP, the best paymaster in the industry, has many employees who look dissatisfied with their salary levels. The employees at Siemens also tend to echo the HP employees' views. On the other hand Mindtree, which is near the bottom of the table in terms of size of the packet, has relatively satisfied employees. So does TCS. And Oracle employees are quite satisfied with their salaries despite Oracle featuring quite low on a ctual salaries. It is results like these that make Maslow's hierarchy of needs look like the absolute truth. In short, managers need to tune in to the many meanings rewards can convey - not only to the surface messages but to the symbolic messages as well. Types of rewards Organizations use various types of rewards (listed below) which when combined form the compensation package of the individual. * Base Pay * Incentive systems * Benefits * Perquisites, and * Awards In the Indian context, while the base pay package (the most important rewards people receive for their work) has seen an increase of 11.3%, an interesting feature to be noted is the rising prevalence of variable pay plans. According to the Asia Pacific Salary Increase Survey conducted by Hewitt , a greater proportion of respondents reported having a variable pay plan in 2004 (88.1%) as compared to 2003 (85.3%). Clearly, performance-based pay which was confined to the higher echelons of management is now creeping in to the lower grades as well. Another matter of debate in

The role of procoagulant microparticles in haemostasis Essay

The role of procoagulant microparticles in haemostasis - Essay Example Procoagulant MPs mostly appear as a result of apoptosis and vascular cell activation. An increase in the level of monocyte, platelet, or endothelial-derived MPs circulating in the blood is associated with CVD risk factors and indicates poor clinical outcome. They indicate vascular cell damage and interfere with atherothrombosis by exerting effects on vascular and blood cells. Under disease conditions, cellular cross-talk is supported by circulating MPs support, which leads to vascular inflammation, leukocyte adhesion, endothelial dysfunction, and stimulation. Functional tissue factor and exposed membrane phosphatidyserine are procoagulant entities produced by circulating MPs. Platelet derived MPs (PMPs) contain anionic phospholipid PS, which makes them strongly procoagulant. The removal of MPs from the blood of normal human plasma prolongs the clotting time (Ahn, 2005). Platelet derived MPs support thrombin generation in plasma without platelets, which are important for blood clottin g. Platelets form an important substrate for coagulation and their membranes provide a surface for the formation of prothrombinase complex. This enzyme is utilized in the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin which combines with other factors to form a stable clot (Lawrie et al, 2009). The availability of platelet MPs at the site of vessel injury contributes to the clotting process by providing a large surface membrane necessary for enzymatic process. The exposure of phosphotidyserine during thrombin generation increases enzymatic catalytic effect. The large surface formed by MPs is necessary for activating the coagulation cascade that forms the fibrin clot. Circulating MPs harbor cytoplasmic effectors or functional membrane that promotes prothrombotic responses (Ay et al, 2009). These MPs channel their procoagulant potential to the target in the presence of the appropriate counter ligands. They bind onto soluble immobilized fibrinogen forming aggregates that enhance the delivery of pr ocoagulant entities. In vitro, TF and TF-dependent procoagulant mechanism is facilitated by the interaction of monocytes and endothelial MPs. TF is a constituent protein in minute amounts that flips the endothelial procoagulant properties resulting in the initiation of a TF-driven clotting process. Blood-borne TF can be incorporated in the developing thrombus through a series of TF-dependent, CD15 and CD18, and interactions. Blood-borne TF is mainly harbored by PMPs and monocyte-derived MPs provide the enzyme after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Polunuclear leukocytes and endothelial-derived MPs also produce blood-borne TF under drastic endothelial activation. These MPs provide the required amount of TF and circulate the enzyme, which is necessary for maintaining a hemostatic balance. MPs, selectins and TF merge into an important triad of thrombosis. The surfaces of platelet and endothelial cells contain an important adhesion molecule called P-selectin (Hugel et al, 2005). The mole cule is utilized during TF accumulation and leukocyte inclusion in the thrombus when an endothelial injury occurs. The accumulation of hematopeic cell-derived TF is similar to the MPs accumulation kinetics before leukocyte-thrombus interaction. A soluble P-selectin enhances the production of leukocyte-derived TF-MPs used to correct hemostasis. The plasma levels of microparticles increase with age, which indicates the contribution of P-selectin pathway. P-selectin pathway also favors the transfer of PF into monocyte derived

Educating in math Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Educating in math - Essay Example Every problem in mathematics requires understanding of the underlying concept and using the ideas to solve the problem. By studying mathematics major, I have the opportunity to work on many mathematics problems in various topics such as geometry, calculus and statistics. Through the study of mathematics, my analytical skills will be enhanced, and this will help me think clearly. For instance, one of the analytical skills needed in mathematics is paying attention to detail. This will allow my mind develop the ability to think critically and come up with logical arguments. In addition, one the important skills in mathematics is the ability to investigate in order to understand and solve mathematics problems. This skill also contributes to improving my thinking through deeper analysis and examination of a problem. Studying mathematics involves interpreting texts, mathematical expressions, functions and graphs. As a student, I have to communicate these ideas to the teacher and fellow students in order to demonstrate my understanding. Therefore, through mathematics, my communication skills will be greatly enhanced. The math major course gives me the opportunity to engage with fellow students and the teachers in understanding mathematical concepts and solving problems. Communication is important in every aspect of life, and mathematics helps me improve on this important skill. This will be vital not only to my social life but also throughout my career. The knowledge acquired by studying mathematics major is important in enhancing creativity and innovation. In particular, the knowledge gained through studying various topics in mathematics will help me create solutions to current problems. For example, the ideas gained through the study of statistics could be used to provide creative solutions on how to manage an organization’s data. The math major course offers the flexibility one needs in providing creative and innovative solutions to various problems.

Essay on Assam Essay Example for Free

Essay on Assam Essay Assam has been aptly described by some as ‘the Shangrila of the North-Eastern India’ – a state having breathtaking scenic beauty, rarest floras and faunas, lofty hills, lush tea gardens, undulating plains, mighty waterways, dense forests, fertile valleys, etc. It lies as a jewel of exquisite beauty and charm on the Northeastern horizon of India. Since the days of Hiuen-Tsang it has fascinated the rest of the world with her aura of myth and mysteries, history and folklore, music and dance. Known as Pragjyotishpura (land of Eastern lights) in ancient time and Kamrupa in medieval times, Assam is the anglicised name for the state. The name of the state may have come from the word ‘Ahom the people who migrated to the Brahmaputra valley in the early 13th century and gave shape to the Assamese of today. The state lies between 89 °. 50†² to 96 °, 10†² E. longitude and 24 °. 30†² to 28 °, 40†² N. latitude. Seven Indian states and two foreign countries touch its boundary. Spread over an area of 78, 438 sq. km. State has a total population of 26, 638, 407 according to Census, 2001. We have a clear picture of Assam only from the early 13th cent, when the country was conquered by Ahoms. Later they were ousted by the Burmese, who handed over the area to the British by the treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. All the major races of the world such as, Austro-Asiatic, the Indo- Aryans, Indo-Tibetans, Indo-Burmese, Mongolians, etc. have combined to make the great Assamese people of today. Assam, however, has remained practically a land of Tibeto- Burmese people. Assamiya or Assamese is the lingua franca of the state. Assam can be divided into three natural regions, namely the Brahmaputra valley, the Barak valley and the Hilly regions. These regions are quite distinct from one another with regard to the composition of people, manner of living and culture. The mighty Brahmaputra along with Barak has nourished the state from time immemorial and has been a source of solace as well as a source of sorrow for the people of the state. The economy of the state is overwhelmingly agricultural and about 75% of the population directly or indirectly depends on this sector for their livelihood. Rice, fruits, aracanut, jute, sugar cane, and tea are the chief agricultural produce of the state. The state also produces nearly half of the country’s total output of tea. he state is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, coal, and limestone. The perfect fusion of heritage, tradition, faiths, and beliefs of  numerous races has resulted in many festivals in the state. The main festivals of Assam are the ‘Bihus’ which are celebrated all over the state by every one with great pomp and grandeur. The most colourful amongst the three ‘Bihus’ is the spring festival known as Rongali Bihu. Nature has abundantly blessed Assam with charming sights and exciting natural scenery. Kaziranga National Park and Manas Sanctuary are the chief tourist centres famous for Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinos and golden langur. The other attractions of the state are the famous Kamakhya temple near Guwahati, Umananda temple, Navagraha temple, Kareng Ghar, Rang ghar, Talatal Ghar, Majuli island, Jatinga, etc. Nestling in the Himalayan foothills the state is rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and mineral resources. There is no denying the fact that the state of Assam during the last fifty years has made great strides in many fields. But a lot more remains to be done to bring the state to the forefront of development and progress. Given better political stability, adequate stress on industrialisation, proper utilisation of resources available and less militancy, the state can leap forward to an era of prosperity and all-round development.

Child Observation Case Study

Child Observation Case Study Care has been taken to ensure the provisioning of adequate information to the mother of the child to be placed under observation. I have informed the mother of my reasons for conducting the exercise. I have reassured her on the protection of confidentiality of all my observations and have informed her that I will use a pseudonym for referring to her daughter in all my written work. I have accordingly asked her to chose a pseudonym for her daughter and have accepted her suggestion for calling the child Kirsty. Kirstys mother, Jane, has been informed that the child will not be influenced or pressurised in any way. She will be free to answer or not to answer questions and even to withdraw from the exercise at any time she so desires. I have obtained her consent to the conducting of the observation exercise in writing. The signed consent statement is available in Appendix 1. Whilst Kirstys father was not at home at the time of the study, Jane informed me that he was aware of the exercise and had agreed to the same. 1.3. Observation Process The exercise was conducted at the garden of Kirstys house. Kirsty lives with her parents in a small cottage near the beach. The house has a small fenced garden. It was quiet and sunny when the observation was conducted in the presence of Jane, and her neighbour, Priya, a young woman in her mid-twenties. Whilst it is recommended that the observation was conducted in the presence of the childs mother, care should be taken to ensure that she does not actively participate in the observation process. I carried the Sheridan Scale for 5 year olds for the exercise and noted my observations in the appropriate boxes during the observation process. The observation began at 11 am and continued for a couple of hours, wherein I observed Kirstys behaviour in the course of some small games that she played, first with her dolls and then with her set of building blocks. 1.4 Views of Family Jane informed me about Kirstys mild asthma, which had first surfaced when she was three and continued to trouble her even today. She was under medical treatment and her GP had advised her that most children outgrew childhood asthma by the time they were 15 or 16 years old. Jane informed me happily about the childs excessive attachment to her father, who had a travelling job and was out of the home for more than two weeks each month. Whilst both parents loved their daughter, the father absolutely doted on her and showered her with gifts when he was home. The child had of late begun to act wilfully and was apt to become very upset and show signs of aggressive behaviour if her wishes were not met immediately. Her school teacher had also spoken to Jane about Kirstys wilful behaviour athatupset once in a while. 1.5. Summarisation of use of Sheridan Scale and Assessment Framework Triangle Asthma, even if it is mild, is known to adversely affect the development of children. Janes information on the whole reinforced my findings from the application of the Sheridan scale for 5 year olds. I had carefully applied the Sheridan test for various parameters, including posture and large movements, vision and fine movements, hearing and speech, and, to some extent, social behaviour and play. Whilst the child responded positively to the various facets of the test, and was particularly proficient in dancing with me to tapping of feet, skipping, sketching and painting, she appeared to have trouble in skipping and in participating in more strenuous forms of physical activity. Her mother also became apprehensive if the child engaged in dancing and running. I also found her to be more wilful and apt to become upset if she did not find what she was looking for, or if her smaller wishes, like asking for a glass of water were not immediately fulfilled. She appeared to miss her father, who had to constantly go on business trips. The Common Assessment Framework triangle helped me in understanding the developmental needs of the child from three perspectives a) the developmental needs of the child b) family and environment factors and c) parenting capacity. Use of the CAF triangle helped me in realising that whilst the parents were taking good care of her various physical, health and educational needs, their overprotective nature was resulting in slowing down of her self care skills as well as her emotional and behavioural development. 2. Psychological Theories and Life Span Development Cognitive development is a process whereby a childs conception of the world alters with respect to age and experience. Cognitive psychology, primarily known as the developmental stage theory, seeks to explain the quantitative and qualitative intellectual abilities that occur during a childs developmental years. The work of Piaget is important in understanding human development. Piaget suggests that the idea of cognitive development is intrinsic to the human organism and language is contingent on cognitive development. Piaget proposed that reality is essentially a dynamic structure of continuous change, one that involves transformations and states. Whilst transformations refer to the various changes that a person/thing undergoes, states refer to periods in between transformations. A childs cognitive development is primarily dependent on his/her ability to adapt to various situations. Therefore, if human intelligence is to be adaptive, it must be able to represent both the transformational and static aspects of reality. He suggested that whilst operative intelligence directs dynamic or transformational aspects of reality, figurative intelligence represents static periods in between. In understanding cognitive development, Piaget essentially focuses on accommodation and assimilation. Whilst the former focuses on absorbing ones environment by altering pre existing schemas in order to fit the new information, the latter concentrates on assimilating new information by fitting it into pre existing cognitive schemas. Whilst placing Kirstys development within the context of Piagets stages of development in it recognises that children adopt particular types of behaviour and actions during each stage I feel that she was adequately well developed, both operatively and figuratively. Moreover, she was able to assimilate and accommodate to the environment with equal ease. Her enthusiasm to play Introduction Community care essentially aims to provide individuals in need with social, medical and health support in their own homes, as far as possible, rather than in residential establishments or in long-stay institutions. The enactment of the NHS and Community Care Act in 1990 marked a watershed in the evolution of community care practice in the UK (Means, et al, 2002, p 71). Implemented after years of discussion on the social and financial viability of maintaining people in institutions and homes, the NHS and Community Care Act, initiated by Margaret Thatcher, showcased her desire to radically change the practice and delivery of social and health care in the UK (Means, et al, 2002, p 71). The years following the passing of the Act have witnessed significant developments in the practice and delivery of social work in the country. This short essay attempts to investigate the basic reasons for the enactment of the NHS and the Community Care Act, its basic ideology and thrust, and its impact on the social work sector of the country. The essay also studies the developments in social care that have occurred in the years following the act, with particular focus on direct payments for people with learning disabilities, social care provisions for carers and the contemporary emphasis on personalisation. NHS and Community Care Act 1990 Whilst the initiation of the policy of community care in the UK is by and large attributed to Margaret Thatchers conservative government, the concept of community care, even at that time, was not exactly new (Borzaga Defourny, 2001, p 43). The need for community care existed from the beginning of the 1950s. It aimed to provide a better and more cost effective way to help individuals with mental health concerns and physical disabilities by removing them from impersonal, old, and often harsh institutional environments, and taking care of them in their home environments (Borzaga Defourny, 2001, p 43). Although various governments, since the 1950s, supported the need to introduce community care and tried to bring in appropriate changes, lack of concrete action on the issue resulted in constant increase of the number of people in residential establishments and large institutions during the 1960s, 70s and 80s (Borzaga Defourny, 2001, p 43). With numerous negative stories coming out in the media on the difficult conditions in such establishments, Sir Roy Griffiths was invited by Margaret Thatcher to investigate the issue of community care for the residents of such establishments and make appropriate recommendations (Harris, 2002, p 11). The Griffiths, (1988), Report named Community Care: Agenda for Action, followed by the publication of a White Paper Caring for People: Community Care in the Next Decade and Beyond in 1989 led to the enactment of the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 (Cass, 2007, p 241). Apart from being a strong attempt to improve the lives of people in long term institutions and residential establishments, the law was also an outcome of the conservative governments desire to bring market reforms into the public sector and stimulate the private sector to enter the social services, as well as its conviction that competitive markets would be better able to provide more economic services than a bureaucratised public sector (Harris, 2009, p 3). With social services being among the highest revenue spending departments at the local authority level and domiciliary and residential services for older people consuming the bulk of social service funds, community care for older people presented an obvious area for introduction and implementation of market principles (Harris, 2009, p 3). The act split the role of local and health authorities by altering their internal structures, so that local authority departments were required to ascertain the needs of individuals and thereafter purchase required services from providers (Lewis, et al, 1994, p 28). Health organisations, in order to become providers of such services, became NHS trusts that competed with each other. The act also required local social service and health authorities to jointly agree to community care plans for the local implementation of individual care plans for long term and vulnerable psychiatric patients (Lewis, et al, 1994, p 28). The act has however come in for varying degrees of criticism from service users, observers and experts, with some observers claiming the altered care conditions to be unresponsive, inefficient and offering little choice or equity (Malin, et al, 2002, p 17). Other experts, who were not so pessimistic, stated that whilst the system was based upon an excellent idea, it was little better in practice than the previous systems of bureaucratic resource allocation and received little commitment from social services; the lead community care agency (Malin, et al, 2002, p 17). The commitment of local authorities was diluted by the service legacies of the past and vested professional interest, even as social services and health services workers were unable to work well together (Malin, et al, 2002, p 17). Little collaboration took place between social and health services and the impact of the reforms was undermined by chronic government underfunding. The voluntary sector became the main benefici ary of this thrust for the development of a mixed economy of care (Malin, et al, 2002, p 17). Developments after the Enactment of the NHS and Community Care Act The assumption of government by the labour party in 1997 resulted in the progressive adoption of numerous forward looking policies in various areas of social care. The publication of a white paper in 1998 reinforced the governments commitment to promotion of community based care and peoples independence (Means, et al, 2002, p 79). The paper focused on assisting people to achieve and maintain independence through prevention and rehabilitation strategies, with specific grants being introduced to facilitate their implementation. The Health Act of 1999 removed obstacles to the joint working of health and social services departments through provisions for pooling of budgets and merging of services (Means, et al, 2002, p 79). The formulation of the NHS plan aimed to improve partnership between health and social care, the development of intermediate care and the construction of capacity for care through cash for change grants for development of capacity across social and health care systems (Means, et al, 2002, p 79). Direct Payments for Individuals with Learning Disabilities The Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996, which came into operation in April 1997, marked a radical change in the provision of community care for people with disabilities, including those with learning difficulties (Tucker, et al, 2008, p 210). It was illegal, prior to the implementation of the act, for local authorities to support people with disabilities by making cash payments in lieu of providing community care services. Policymakers however realised that many local authorities were successfully supporting independent living schemes, centres for independent living and personal assistance schemes (Tucker, et al, 2008, p 210). Such schemes handled community care payments for disabled people and provided them with help to organise assistance or support. The Community Care (Direct Payments) Act built on this situation, allowing direct payments to be made to replace care services, which otherwise would be given by social service departments (Tucker, et al, 2008, p 210). Direct payments provide flexibility in the way services are provided to eligible people. The giving of money, in lieu of social care services, helps people to achieve greater control and choice over their lives and enables them to decide on the time and mode of delivery of services (Tucker, et al, 2008, p 210). Direct payments can not only be used for services to satisfy the needs of children or their families but also enables carers to purchase the services they need to sustain them in their roles. Research conducted in 1997 in the utilisation of direct payments by people with learning difficulties revealed that whilst utilisation of direct payments by people with learning disabilities was increasing, such utilisation was low among women and individuals from minority or black ethnic groups (Tucker, et al, 2008, p 210). Research also revealed the presence of wide differences in the interpretation of the capacity of persons for consenting to direct payments by local authorities. Whils t some local authorities felt that direct payments could be sanctioned to all persons with learning difficulties who were able, with assistance, to successfully control and use direct payments, other authorities did not heed the fact that such people could indeed be assisted to communicate decisions and consequently assumed their inability to consent to direct payments. Such interpretations, it was felt, could debar many people in need from obtaining the facility for direct payments (Tucker, et al, 2008, p 211). Assistance for Carers Recent years have seen a number of social care initiatives for easing the condition of carers. Carers are people who provide assistance and support, without payment, to family members or friends, who are unable to manage without such assistance, on account of illness, frailty or disability (Government Equalities Office, 2010, p 1). Carers can include adults who care for other adults, parents who care for disabled or ill children, or young people who care for other family members. The governments social care policies for carers include supporting people with caring responsibilities for (a) identifying themselves at early stages, (b) recognising the worth of their contribution, and (c) involving them from the beginning in designing and planning individual care (Government Equalities Office, 2010, p 1). Such policies aim to enable carers to (a) satisfy their educational needs and employment potential, and (b) provide personalised support, both for carers and the people they support, to enjoy family and community life and remain physically and mentally well. Whilst the NHS and community care Act 1990 looked at carers as valued resources because of their ability to provide support, it did not refer to their rights; relying instead on rhetoric to deliver the message of their value to society (Government Equalities Office, 2010, p 2). Succeeding years have however witnessed greater focus on the needs of carers and to progressive introduction of suitable laws and appropriate policies. The passing of the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995 drew attention to the needs of carers. This was followed by the passing of the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 and the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 (Government Equalities Office, 2010, p 2). These acts entitle carers for (a) assess ment of their needs, (b) services in their own right and support in accessing education training, employment and leisure opportunities. The proposed equality bill introduces four new opportunities for carers. It (a) requires public authorities to give due consideration to socio-economic disadvantages, whilst exercising strategic planning functions, (b) takes account of associative discrimination with regard to disabled people, (c) provides for prevention of indirect discrimination, and (d) calls upon public bodies to ensure that their policies are designed to eliminate harassment and discrimination and further equality of opportunity (Government Equalities Office, 2010, p 2). Personalisation The concept of personalisation in social care, whilst discussed for some years, was formally inducted into social care practice in the UK with the publication of Putting People First in 2007. The concordat outlined the concept of a personalised adult social care system, where individuals will have extensive control and choice over the services received by them. The government committed that social services would progressively be tailored to meet the preferences of citizens, with person centred planning along with self directed support becoming mainstream activities, assisted by personal budgets for maximising control and choice (Aldred, 2008, p 31). Whilst personal budgets and direct payments form an important aspect of personalisation, the idea concerns fitting services to the needs of people, focusing on outcomes, and recognising the worth of the opinions of service users assessing their own needs, planning their service, and producing their outcomes (Aldred, 2008, p 31). Conclusions and the Way Forward This essay investigates the reasons behind the enactment of the NHS and the Community Care Act and studies the developments in social care that have occurred in the years following the act, especially in areas of direct payments for people with learning disabilities, social care for carers and personalisation. It is obvious from the results of the study that social care in the UK has experienced significant change and metamorphosis since the enactment of the 1990 act. Whilst significant progress has been made a consensus s growing that the British social care system is facing a crisis because of drivers like increasing demographic pressures, alterations in family and social structures, rising public expectations, increasing desire for greater choice and control, and eligibility for services (Glasby, et al, 2010, p 11). The need to move people out of local accommodation because of rising rents exemplifies the challenges faced by the social care system. With the financial system becoming more challenging, the social care system will have to find ways of improving efficiencies without diluting the quality of care (Glasby, et al, 2010, p 11). The next round of social reforms, whilst attempting to achieve better delivery efficiencies will have to renew its commitment to satisfying social expectations and basic human rights, reducing costs, preventing future needs, helping people to regain independence, freeing individuals to contribute, and supporting carers to care and contribute to society (Glasby, et al, 2010, p 11).

Free Essays - Contemplation in Heart of Darkness :: Heart Darkness essays

Marlow’s Contemplation during his Journey   In one of his novels, Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad depicts the tale of a man who reflects upon the meaning of life as well as all of its intricasies and implications. Indeed, Marlow, the main character of this story, questions several existential topics and explores his own personal curiosity about the solidarity and darkness of the jungle he finds himself in. At one point in the storyline, Marlow and his crew depart towards the station where the enigmatic Kurtz resides. An interesting aspect of this portion of the adventure is that Marlow’s crew is mostly composed of cannibals. Upon realizing how famished these natives are, Marlow contemplates how incredible it seems that the cannibals have restrained themselves from giving in to their hunger and eating the European men onboard. It is this speculation that will be the topic of discussion in the following paper. Marlow’s thoughts and perception of the native tribe will be examined in order to provide a more conc ise understanding of his analysis of the cannibals.   During their trip towards Kurtz’s station, Marlow describes the inequality of power and discrimination that the natives must live with. They constantly receive unfair treatments, such as beatings and the lack of food and medical support, as well as being paid in ridiculous manner that can only fuel their hate towards the European conquerors. Upon suggesting that the cannibals on his crew are treated in a disingenuous way, Marlow truly questions why their motives have not been violent so far : ‘’Why in the name of all gnawing devils of hunger they didn’t go for us – they were thirty to five – and have a good tuck in for once, amazes me now when I think of it’’ (Conrad 37). Further analysis provided by Marlow explores the underlying reason why the natives refuse to attack their opressors. He manages to pinpoint one particular aspect that is responsible for such behaviour : ‘’And I saw that something restraining, on e of those human secrets that baffle probability, had come into play here’’ (37). The human act of restraint, according to our narrator, is the simple yet bafling evidence which he stipulates. But what truly surprises Marlow is the fact that there shouldn’t be any logical reason for the starving cannibals not to attack, and consequently eat, him and his crew. He believes that hunger can by no means be deterred by any reasonalble explanation :

Benedict Arnold Essay -- essays research papers fc

Benedict Arnold was born in Norwich, Connecticut. Arnold received his schooling at Canterbury. While away at school, a few of Arnold’s siblings passed away from Yellow Fever. Arnold was a troublesome kid that would try just about anything. As a 14-year-old boy, he ran away from home to fight in the French and Indian War. Later, Benedict Arnold left and returned home through the wilderness alone to work with his cousins. The army had excused him without penalty because of his young age. In 1762, when Benedict was just twenty-one years old, he went to New Haven, Connecticut where he managed a book and drug store and carried on trade with the West Indies. (B Arnold) In 1767, he married Margaret Mansfield, a daughter of a sheriff of New Haven County. They had three sons together. When the Revolutionary War was just beginning to break out, Benedict Arnold became a prosperous ship owner, merchant, and trader. Within days, Arnold became very interested in the war once again and joine d the American Army. All of the battles Arnold commanded over showed immense courage and bravery, but he was soon known as America’s greatest traitor due to his betrayal of the American’s. As the Revolutionary War broke out, Benedict Arnold decided to volunteer to head over 1,000 men up to Maine. He asked for additional men from his companies to join the army. Arnold then became a captain in the Connecticut Militia. General George Washington had his favorites, which Arnold was among the very few. So, Benedict Arnold was sent on an infernal 500 mile march to Maine by Washington, also known as "The Rock". (Macks 72) Benedict Arnold and only about fifty percent of his original soldiers made it to the St. Lawrence River where they met up with General Montgomery. Their plan was to attack the British Army by surprise in Quebec City, Canada. Both Montgomery and Arnold arranged to start on the lofty mountainsides of Quebec. Arnold and his soldiers found themselves tr apped by the British. A member of the British Army shot a musket ball directly towards Arnold’s leg. His leg was badly broken and he had to be taken to a hospital bed almost a mile away from the attack. The attack had lasted fifty days and the secret journey resulted in a catastrophe for the volunteer soldiers who marched away. The conditions were terrible. It was said that almost fifty percent of the men froze, starved... ... and the other three were from his first marriage to Margaret. His four sons then became members of the British military. America now has their first despicable traitor! Bibliography Works Cited Benedict Arnold on Lake Champlain. The Battle of Valcour Island. Online. Internet. 7 March 2000. Available: http://www.heroswelcome.com/Arnold.htm Connecticut SAR. The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Online. Internet. 28 Feb. 2000. Available: http://www.ctssar.org/ Flynn, J. Michael. Benedict Arnold: The Traitor Who Saved America. Online. Internet. 18 March 2000. Available: http://www.magweb.com/sample/scry/sch23ben.htm Historic Valley Forge. Benedict Arnold. Online. Internet. 19 March 2000. Available: http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/served/arnold.html Kenneth, Dave C. "Say You Want a Revolution." Don’t Know Much About History. U.S.A: Avon Books, 1995. Liberty. Chronicle of the Revolution. Benedict Arnold’s Leg. Online. Internet. 7 March 2000. Available: http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/chronicle/ben.arnold.leg.html Mack, Stan. "Redcoats and Guerrillas." Real Life American Revolution. USA: Avon Books, 1994.

Democratizing American Education Essay

For years, the American education system has been plagued with criticism. In 1983, for instance, a report entitled â€Å"A Nation At Risk† from the National Commission on Excellence in Education warned that â€Å"the educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a Nation and a people. † (p. 4) Two decades later, America’s public schools have barely made progress in addressing the problems posed by the NCEP report. This is evidenced by the continued inability of most schools to produce students who are mathematically and linguistically competitive enough for the demands of the American labor market. (Du Pont, 2003) Likewise, the rapid increase in immigrant population has brought the problems of the American educational system to the fore by heightening the impact of the socio-economic divide on individuals’ access to quality education. In â€Å"Lives on the Boundary,† author and educator Mike Rose (2008) describes how the changing landscape of America is pushing the need for reforms in the educational system in order to adapt to the diverse realities of a multi-cultural American background. However, Rose also contends that some proposals being advanced supposedly to democratize education, may actually increase rather than narrow down the gap between the rich and the poor, and further exclude the people who have been historically marginalized both literally and figuratively from the sphere of learning and education. (as cited in Lunsford and Ruszkiewicz, 2008, p. 99) One finds it difficult to disagree with Rose’ doubts about the ability of the proposal to return to what he calls the canonical tradition in the university and in American education in general, to turn the quality of American education around. Rose shows the problems of the proposal to return to what he calls the canonical tradition of teaching by presenting the realities of three immigrant students and an African-American student, individuals with vastly differing cultural backgrounds from the predominantly white, middle-class America. In this situation, it is doubtful that canonical teaching would be able to address the increasing need for student learning that is based not only on literacy but also the unique needs of the students for social inclusion and empowerment. Rose argues, for instance, that the obsession among influential educators and policymakers to â€Å"define achievement and excellence in terms of the acquisition of a historically validated body of knowledge† (as cited in Lunsford and Ruszkiewicz, 2008, p. 98) tend to push the marginalized more deeply into the margins rather than brings them into the social fabrics of American society. Indeed, despite the democratic trapping that has been thrown over efforts to establish uniform standards and benchmarks of learning, at the heart of the canonical tradition is the tendency to homogenize student thinking and learning. The superficial commitment to democratizing education is illustrated in the way that America’s education leaders pay lip service to democratic ideals while continuing to deny the rich cultural diversity and the individuality of each student in terms of his or her learning needs. One of the educators that Rose mentions is Paulo Freire, who acknowledged that real education must be relevant to the lives of the masses if is to have any meaning at all. In this sense, a return to an education that is based on the â€Å"Great Books† or â€Å"the canons† would be tantamount to regression. Such proposals also inevitably dilute public debate and understanding of the structural flaws of the American education system through its naive and myopic assumption that the failures of American education are caused by a failure in instructional methods alone. However, scholars have pointed out that the deterioration of the American educational system is pedagogical in nature. Smith, et. al. (2004) contend, for instance, that the decay in American education arises from the â€Å"increased influence of corporations† (p. 193) on educational policy. Consequently, the leaders of the American educational system suffer from a simplistic view of education in which it is seen as a nothing more than a means of training the next generation of workers, cogs in the great American industrial empire, in order to sustain America’s supremacy over the world. The United States’ alarm at the increasing â€Å"mediocrity† of American schools was rooted more in its economic concerns as the world’s economic giant rather than concerns for cultivating a better American society based on American values and ideals. Clearly, the continuing failure of the current system of education points only to its inability to provide students with the best learning opportunities; and the best learning opportunities are necessarily the ones in which they feel have connection to their realities, which have relevance in their lives and in their struggles for a sense of identity and belonging. In this aspect, the very benchmark used to measure student learning in American schools must be questioned and examined based on how these are used to tailor students based on the mold of the ideal worker and punish students who cannot cope with such corporatist educational standards because they learn differently or they have trouble understanding the new culture they are in. Even the word â€Å"mediocrity† or the label â€Å"inferior† carries with it the bias of class, race, and gender. Clearly, these labels are usually attached to individuals or groups who are impoverished and who cannot conform to the ideal of white supremacy and strength. Thus, meaningful education must â€Å"consider the context in which it occurs,† (Rose, as cited in Lunsford and Ruszkiewicz, 2008, p. 101) More importantly, appreciating the nature of literacy necessitates an understanding of how it can be used as a tool for empowering the marginalized, the uprooted, and the disenfranchised on the basis of social inclusion and identity formation. In this sense, standardized tests and benchmarks can never really measure what students learn. Instead, educators should create and utilize learning benchmarks that are based on the concrete learning needs and interests of students. Thus, Rose’ discussion of the continuing marginalization of the immigrant and â€Å"cultural minorities† in the field of education reflects the social inequities which underlie the problem of American education. Further, the author’s criticism of the additional threats posed by moves for canonical-oriented reforms shows how the educational problem lies in the general philosophical problem of the meaning and relevance of education for every citizen. In the efforts to institute reforms that would democratize and enhance access to American education, there is nothing more defeating than the assumption that a single American experience exists to which the entire American society can relate to. Another faulty assumption is that every single American student can be taught to behave and to think based on the ideal male, white, and middle-class American. It is this multi-dimensional nature of America that the leaders of the American educational system have time and again failed to acknowledge. It is this failure by American leaders to come to grips with the diverse nature of American reality that is the real cause of the growing mediocrity in American schools. Works Cited: Du Pont, P. (2003). Two decades of mediocrity. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved July 30, 2008 from http://www. opinionjournal. com/columnists/pdupont/? id=110003445 National Commission on Excellence in Education (1983). A nation at risk: imperatives for educational reform. Retrieved July 30, 2008 from http://www. ed. gov/pubs/NatAtRisk/risk. html Rose, M. (2008). Lives on the Boundary. In Lunsford, A. and Ruszkiewicz, J. (Eds. ) The presence of others: Voices that call for response, (p. 90-103). New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s. Smith, M. L. , Fey, P. , Miller-Kahn, L. , Heinecke, W. , & P. F. Jarvis (2004). Political Spectacle and the Fate of American Schools. United States: Routledge.

Major Schools of Thought in Psychology Essay

When psychology was first established as a science separate from biology and philosophy, the debate over how to describe and explain the human mind and behavior began. The first school of thought, structuralism, was advocated by the founder of the first psychology lab, Wilhelm Wundt. Almost immediately, other theories began to emerge and vie for dominance in psychology. The following are some of the major schools of thought that have influenced our knowledge and understanding of psychology: Structuralism vs. Functionalism: 1) Structuralism was the first school of psychology, and focused on breaking down mental processes into the most basic components. Major structuralist thinkers include Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchner. 2) Functionalism formed as a reaction to the theories of the structuralist school of thought and was heavily influenced by the work of William James. This school focused on the functions of human behaviors and not their structure. Major functionalist thinkers included John Dewey and Harvey Carr. Evolutionary psychology is founded on the view that the function of all psychological phenomena in human evolution is a necessary perspective to their understanding. Gestalt Psychology: 3) Gestalt psychology is based upon the idea that we experience things as unified wholes. This approach to psychology began in Germany and Austria during the late 19th century in response to the molecular approach of structuralism. Rather that breaking down thoughts and behavior to their smallest element, the gestalt psychologists believed that you must look at the whole of experience. According to the gestalt thinkers, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Max Wertheimer is often credited as the founder of this movement. Psychoanalysis: Sigmund Freud was the found of 4) Psychodynamic approach. This school of thought emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior. Freud believed that the human mind was composed of three elements: the id, the ego, and the superego. Other major psychodynamic thinkers include Anna Freud, Carl Jung, and Erik Erikson. Behaviorism: 5) Behaviorism became the dominant school of thought during the 1950s. Based upon the work of thinkers such as John Watson, Ivan Pavlov, and B. F. Skinner, behaviorism holds that all behavior can be explained by environmental causes, rather than by internal forces. Behaviorism is focused on observable behavior. Theories of learning including classical conditioning and operant conditioning were the focus of a great deal of research. Humanistic Psychology: 6) Humanistic psychology developed as a response to psychoanalysis and behaviorism. Humanistic psychology instead focused on individual free will, personal growth, and self-actualization. Major humanist thinkers included Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. Cognitive Psychology: 7) Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology that studies mental processes including how people think, perceive, problem solve, remember, and learn. As part of the larger field of cognitive science, this branch of psychology is related to other disciplines including neuroscience, philosophy, and linguistics. One of the most influential theories from this school of thought was the stages of cognitive development theory proposed by Jean Piaget. Later work in this field was pioneered by names like Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck.

Compare and contrast societies of medieval China, Arabic Caliphate, Essay

Compare and contrast societies of medieval China, Arabic Caliphate, and Christendom (Western Europe) - Essay Example The discussion of class structure shall encompass status symbols and interactions between members of different social classes. Utilizing such literature as â€Å"Po Hsing-chien,† â€Å"Su Shih,† â€Å"Ssu-ma Kwang,† â€Å"Marco Polo,† â€Å"The Hunchback† and â€Å"The Man who Never Laughed Again† from 1001 Nights, the Qu’ran, â€Å"Al-Farabi,† the Black Death reading, Matthew, Acts, Romans, The Life of Charlemagne, Chaucer’s Prologue to The Canterbury Tales, and the Magna Carta, conclusions can be drawn that will aid in the comparison of these three societies.. First to be compared among the previously stated societies is religion. One determining factor of any religion is the belief in the metaphysical or supernatural, such as a God or Gods. In medieval China, common was the belief in a multitude of spirits with different powers. For example, Miss Li and her lover in Po Hsing-Chieng visited the spirit of the Bamboo Grove in order to receive assistance in conceiving a child. (Po Hsing-Chieng, 303). Arabic Caliphate embraces a belief in one God, known as Allah. (Qu’ran). According to the Biblical book of Acts, Christendom encompassed a belief in a holy trinity, which included the Holy Spirit, God the Father and God the Son. (Acts, 2). Both Arabic Caliphate and Christendom were considered monotheistic religions, meaning they believed in one God, while medieval China seemed to embrace a belief in many spirits. It is also practical to examine each society’s members’ relationships to their God(s). Evidence from literature provides that people in medieval China thought they were consistently being watched and judged by the gods in terms of honor and morale. In â€Å"Po Hsing-Chien,† Miss Li tells her mother that they need to help the young man because the spirits would not be on their side for the bad things they had already done to him. (Po Hsing-Chien, 305). In Arabic Caliphate trust was placed in the will of

Europe Agriculture Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Europe Agriculture - Assignment Example Climate change has resulted in a shift in agricultural production, thus altering the food composition. There is an elevated use of pesticides and herbicides, new plant and animal strains and different production environments such as greenhouses. Although most of them are supposed to ensure that the nutritional quantity is not limited, there are questions raised about the quality. Climate change affects the nutritional quality of foods in many ways such as increased use of agrochemicals, spread of pathogens and changes in the soil structure and composition. The principal purpose of this paper is to investigate the ways in which food safety and nutrition quality are affected by climate change in Europe. The paper will also give recommendations for solutions and/or further research. The paper explores the issues that climate change is likely to affect, as far as food safety is concerned. It identifies various issues such as agrochemical use during production and storage, marine biotoxins, and extreme environmental conditions. The paper will contribute information to answering the research question. Farkas, J., J. Beczner, and C. S. Mohà ¡csi-Farkas. "Potential impact of the climate change on the risk of mycotoxin contamination of agricultural products in Southeast Central Europe." Acta Univ Sapientiae Aliment 4 (2011): 89-96. The paper looks into the impact of climate change on the contamination of agricultural products by fungi. It explores the various mycotoxins that have been common in the past, and the new trend brought about by climate change. I will derive information on such emerging issues from this research This paper reviews the various food safety factors that are affected by climate change. It recommends that collaboration between relevant organizations is mandatory to address the issue. It will contribute more

Higher education in gulf countries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Higher education in gulf countries - Essay Example Through higher learning schedule, each country manages to meet its wants of eligible and trained labor forces which labor market wants and which its state development requires. Higher education universally experiences many of the adjustments, transformations and problems imposed by technical and information developments of the modern evolution. More so the future development and constancy of any financial system is determined by the capability of its education scheme to position people with the essential knowledge and effectively incorporate them into the labor force and contribute to the state’s economy. To perfect, education has often been viewed as a fundamental component of human well fare and national output. Gulf states is a suitable short name for the Arab states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the united emirates in and Saudi Arabia. Gulf nations are associates of the collaboration council for the Arab countries of the gulf. These states are usually called gulf cooperative countries. The Gulf States are known to have a common regional culture. Although their status quo and rate of development differ, these states share similar features that exemplify their economic and education sectors for instance overreliance on oil, a dominant public sector with an important economic surplus, a young and quickly growing national labor force and overdependence on expatriate labor. These sate also face similar problems to put up with for example they face difficulties in expanding their economies, addressing low production and labor force setbacks, increasing the non-oil private sector, and improving the ability of managerial and public sector organizations. Several years ago, most third world countries especially the Arab Gulf States have come to discover a good education scheme as a basis of the economic progress. The necessity for the education

Consultant Proposal (Quantitative management) Term Paper

Consultant Proposal (Quantitative management) - Term Paper Example ?Every night (or early morning) the dispatcher prepares a routeing schedule for the next day. Customers or sites to be visited are those based on calls from the previous day (regular-basis operations and one-time operations) or on complaints from sites that were not visited the day before owing to certain circumstances, e.g. breakdown of a truck, or traffic congestion. On a daily basis approximately 200 sites are to be visited and up to 20 different types of container are to be handled by a 27-truck fleet. The four types of waste can be transported to around ten waste processing facilities. Truck capacity is limited to one container unless a trailer is added. ?When scheduling the available trucks, several constraints have to be taken into account. Most of them are compatibility constraints such as: driver and truck should be seen as a combination; not all containers can be put on all trucks; driving with dangerous waste requires a special truck and a driver with an appropriate licenc e; there is a relation between waste type and waste processing facility; customers prefer certain types of container. ... ?[from Container Transport – a case study by D Cattrysse, K Geeroms, A Proost and C Van der Heyde] ASSIGNMENT TASKS ? †¢ Examine and present the problem (in your own words), determine what data you would need to collect to improve operations and where you would obtain this data, examine the literature and present a review, choose and describe an algorithm, model and/or approach that could be used to assist operations. Describe how this algorithm/model/approach could be implemented. ?†¢ Present your work in the form of a consultant’s proposal, that is, as if you were consultants who had been asked to assist the company improve operations. ASSESSMENT ELEMENTS ?†¢ Assignment Cover sheet. ?†¢ Consultant’s proposal. MARKING SCALE ?†¢ Presentation /2 ?†¢ Structure /3 ?†¢ Data description and source /2 ?†¢ Literature review /5 ?†¢ Solution method /5 ?†¢ Solution implementation /3 Total /20 marks QUOTES (TO BE USED IN PA PER) â€Å"There are promising consulting opportunities, mainly in†¦solid waste management† (Sam, 1999, pp. 92). â€Å"Integrated sustainable waste management is based on ‘good garbage governance,’ and its goal includes inclusive, financially sustainable and institutionally responsive waste management, which funcitons well for users and providers† (United Nations, 2010, pp. 141). BIBLIOGRAPHY Sam PA, 1999. International environmental consulting practice: how and where to take advantage of global opportunities. US: John Wiley & Sons. United Nations, 2010. Solid waste management in the world’s cities: water and sanitation in the world’s Cities 2010. UK: UN-HABITAT (United Nations Human Settlements

The Policies of Alexander Hamilton and Andrew Jackson Essay

The Policies of Alexander Hamilton and Andrew Jackson - Essay Example He also has a high regard towards the upper-class and educated men as the fittest to become the country’s leaders. Opposing the political views of Hamilton is Jackson’s democratic-republicanism. He stressed out the ordinary people’s right to vote and the first president to represent all Americans, regardless of their social standing (â€Å"The Presidency†). He is known to be Hamilton’s critic who contradicts federalism ideals. He regarded Hamilton’s views as elitist and idealistic. Relationship to Modern America Today, the American Federal government is a combination of two political views. It takes Hamilton’s view on the independence of government branches and Jackson’s idealism on suffrage. States also are given freedom provided that they also follow the national law. In other words, today’s politics resemble both political views. First, the elitist perspective of Hamilton is still surviving, although discouraged by mod ern thought. Many of the politicians today are with high educational background and came from influential families. Second, Jefferson’s state independence is practiced. State leaders are given the freedom to revise existing laws or to make laws not found with the rest of the states (e.g. legal drinking age). Economic Views By the end of the American Revolution, the country has to face a tremendous economic problem. There is an estimated $54 million debt of the United States while it only has barely half of the amount as their asset (â€Å"Alexander Hamilton’s†). Clearly, there is a huge deficit in the country’s economic budget. To address this problem, Alexander Hamilton was given the task to regulate all forms of economic activities until it stabilizes. As young as he was at that time, he regarded taxation and debt management as a two-way street to economic stability. He proposed that all states should be imposed by appropriate taxes for debt payment. Al though states that are already debt-free at that time resisted against this proposal, it is still pursued and became successful. The next move by Hamilton was to establish the Bank of the United States as â€Å"modeled from the Bank of England† (â€Å"Alexander Hamilton’s†) to take care of the collected taxes. While concerned with the nation’s debt payment, unlike Hamilton, Jackson disagrees with imposing taxes on states and became an advocate of the Laissez-Faire economy. This means to say that states are free to make international economic relations and other local economic activities without the imposition of taxes or the intervention of the national government (Ambrose and Martin 33). Despite the success of Hamilton's implementation of taxes and debt management, Jackson believes that an economy is better off without the presence of both. Since his younger years, Jackson hated debt in general, more so with national debt (Smith).

The Roman Colosseum Essay Example for Free

The Roman Colosseum Essay The Roman Colosseum has had a major influence on many buildings and structures through-out our history. Even to this day it is possible to find its architecture in many different forms. One of todays structures which seems to closely resemble it, is the modern football stadia. Like the Roman Colosseum, many are built in a large oval form,  this is mainly the case in Scotland, whilst in England they tend to be rectangular. The oval shaped stadiums also have the advantage of fitting in a slightly larger crowd, due to the curved sections at each end. The seating arrangements in the modern football stadium are similar to the ones in the Roman Colosseum. They were designed to accommodate thousands of spectators. Most stadiums now are mainly all-seaters, which seems to have been adopted from the Colosseum. The modern football stadium also pays attention to the ease of entry and exit, which played a big role in the plan and structure of the colosseum from the beginning. Both of theses structures were also built with fireproof building materials .This was highly important for the safety of both these constructions, as they were constantly dealing with huge crowds of spectators. Like the colosseum, modern football stadiums are also equipped with shelters. There are also many differences between these two structures, mainly because the football stadium is an evolved version of the Roman Colosseum, and therefore uses different construction methods, for example, the football stadium is made out of steel or reinforced concrete with cantilevered roofs, whilst the Colosseum was built using brick and stone with concrete vaults. Some of the main changes in todays stadium seem to be of increasing size and  improving facilities. Most now have shops, bars, restaurants, extensive car parks and various other means to make the spectators visit comfortable. This was not available in the Colosseum. The modern football stadia no longer speak the classical language of architecture, however, they are all large enough to have a major impact on the areas in which they are built, which is a similar architectural gesture to that of the Colosseum.

Define The Word Digital Forgery

Define The Word Digital Forgery According to Merriam-Webster, forgery is defined as the crime of falsely and fraudulently making or altering a document (Forgery, Merriam-Webster). So therefore, digital forgery involves falsely altering digital contents such as pictures and documents. Digital forgery has occurred for many years and still remains a relevant topic today. We see it every day in newspapers, magazines, the television, and even the internet. Whether altering the way someone looks, using digital photography in a courtroom, or even bringing a celebrity back from the dead, digital photography and digital television stimulate countless questions and queries about the ethics and morals of digital forgery, with respect to todays technology, and the involvement of digital forgery in our daily lives. The questions that arise because of digital forgery can be addressed and evaluated successfully only through consideration of the history, usage, and ethics of digital forgery in order to determine how and in what wa ys restriction or limitation of digital forgery should occur. Figure Understanding the history of photography and digital forgery helps one realize exactly how digital forgery became a commonly utilized method. Photography dates back to as far as 1826 when a French inventor, Joseph Nicephore Niepce, produced the first everlasting photograph (Photograph, Wikipedia). As time went on, photography got more advanced and more complicated. Soon enough, color photographs were being produced. The first color photograph was produced by a Scottish physicist named James Clerk Maxwell (Photograph, Wikipedia). After the production of color photograph came the invention of film, which led to instant cameras, automatic cameras, and finally digital cameras. Digital photography started first in 1951 with a video tape recorder that produced live images from television cameras by altering the information into electrical impulses and then saving the data onto a magnetic tape (Inventors). Several years later, in the 1960s, NASA used similar technology when they stop ped using analog and began to utilize digital signal with their space probes to map the surface of the moon. This led to the government usage of digital technology with spy satellites and then finally led to digital photography. The first filmless camera was created by Texas Instruments in 1972 followed by the release of the first commercial electronic still camera, the Sony Mavica, in August 1981 (Inventors). The ability to create digital photographs opened up the doors for producing counterfeit images and made it easier for this to be done. However, it wasnt the first time weve seen manipulation in pictures. As a matter of fact, photo manipulation dates back to the 1860s when a picture of John C. Calhoun was edited to have his body with the head of Abraham Lincoln (Photo Manipulation, Wikipedia). Digital forgery escalated in severity during World War II when Joseph Stalin altered photographs for propaganda purposes. For instance, there was a picture taken of Joseph Stalin and NKVD leader Nikolai Yezhov. After Yezhov was executed, the picture was rereleased with Yezhov missing. The photo was manipulated using censors. Figure 1 depicts the before and after pictures regarding this instance. In another case, John Heartfield, who utilized a photo altering technique called photomontage, mocked Adolf Hilter and the Nazis in order to demoralize their misinformed purpose (Photo Manipulation, Wikipedia). The use of digital photography has made it a lot easier for one to manipulate photos today. A program that is exceptionally recognizable is Adobe Photoshop. This is the software used by Adnan Hajj, who manipulated pictures and published them during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict (2006 Lebanon War Photographs Controversies, Wikipedia). Some of the pictures depicted an emphasis of the aftermath of an IDF attack on Beriut. Another one resembled a photograph of an IAF F-16 flying over Southern Lebanon deploying multiple missiles, when it really only deployed one missile (Adnan Hajj Photographs Controversy, Wikipedia). These pictures were removed and Hajj admitted to editing the pictures. After understanding the history and numerous uses of digital forgery, one can begin to assess the ethics involved with digital forgery.http://www.youropinionsarewrong.com/images/random/stalin-airbrush.jpg Based on the previous history and utilization of digital forgery, several relevant questions arise: What ethics are associated with digital forgery? Is digital forgery generally right or wrong? Who or what should take the blame for misleading digital forgery? Should we ever fully believe anything we see anymore in pictures? What can be done about digital forgery? Unfortunately, none of these questions have definite, factual answers. Rather, opinions permeate the essence of the responses to these questions. The significance and validity of each question and response can only be determined by the reader. With the current availability in photo-editing technology, one can alter almost anything in a picture. Often, despite the obvious ethical dilemmas that arise from digital forgery, the individual himself or herself is solely responsible for how cases of digital forgery are evaluated. However, even opinionated evaluation of digital forgery can lead to judgments, laws, rules, limitations, and restrictions on the future of digital forgery, making the ethics involved in digital forgery a necessary topic to consider. In general, is the idea of digital forgery ethically acceptable? To determine whether altering an image is right or wrong, we must establish the reason for which the image is being used. Adjusting a photo for the news, whether digitally or otherwise is most likely not ethical, even though there are understandable exceptions for alteration, such as editing a picture to brighten the details, reduce the blur of a street sign in the distance, or other similar examples. In contrast to the previous application of digital forgery, an image that serves the purpose of providing evidence regarding a crime scene or creature would preferably be void of digital forgery except to bring out inherent detail already contained in the photo. In general though, the majority of digital forgery occurs because digitally altered pictures often appeal to the viewers eyes. As long as these images are not used to mislead, then I believe that digitally altered images are ethically permissible as long as they la ck malicious intent or potential. Another fact to consider regarding this question involves the broad utilization of digital forgery in current times. Picture-editing software often comes readily installed with most current computers, meaning that most people with current computers or lap tops have access to technology for digital editing. Social networking websites, such as facebook.com and myspace.com, give users the ability to post up almost any type of picture or photo, regardless of whether the picture has undergone some type of alteration. Though often misleading, especially in the cases of digital forgery with pictures of the actual user, the question of whether the altering of the picture itself is right or wrong depends on the users viewing the image and their opinions. Depending on the intent of those who partake in digital forgery, the misleading appearances of digital forgery could potentially be detrimental to the other people. Hypothetically, a user of a social network ing website might try to establish a relationship with another user based on the viewing of digitally altered pictures or photographs of that user. What is conveyed on a computer screen with a digitally forged picture may differ greatly from the actual appearance of a user, and this will likely cause a variety of problems for users who try and establish a relationship that is even partially based on the appearance of the other user. However, the user with the altered picture benefits in the sense that he or she increases the likelihood of establishing a relationship with another person based on the digitally altered picture and not the truthful portrayal of that person in reality. Whether the previous situation is overall benevolent or detrimental for both users can only be determined by those users, and whether this application of digital forgery is generally right or wrong can only be determined by an unbiased opinion of another person. Since no test or definite way to prove wheth er an application of digital forgery is generally right or wrong, the decision regarding the ethics of such situations ultimately falls on the individual. Yet, if a ubiquitous verdict is reached conveying that some usage of digital forgery is unethical, who or what should take the blame? Almost indubitably, no individual desires taking blame for any type of situation, regardless of who was responsible for any discommodity associated with the situation. So in reference to the detrimental effects of digital forgery, who or what should be at fault? To understand even the possibilities of who or what should be at fault for negative effects of digital forgery, one must consider the wide array of factors influencing that usage of digital forgery. Technology plays a pivotal role in digital forgery. Because of technology, digital forgery often lacks credibility and believability. Advancements in technology allow people today to alter almost any picture to their preferred specifications, often still believable, but untrue and therefore misleading. Technology, in many ways, provides the means by which digital forgers are capable of producing altered pictures or photographs. However, another point to consider involves the fact that human beings are responsible for these advance ments in technology that allow digital forgery to be accomplished with ease. Though maybe not directly responsible, the people who provide the software or technology for common people to digitally forge do, in a way, provide access to digital forging opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Another influencing factor to consider is societys usage of digital forgery. Magazines, newspapers, websites, and a plethora of other media portray digitally forged pictures, photographs, and images. Countless recalls and cases have formed around excessively exaggerated pictures in magazines and newspapers. Though often not intentionally detrimental, society does place pressure on individuals actions. For example, magazines influence other magazines to use digitally altered pictures. As yet another example, people often succumb to the pressures of being slim and obtaining the socially desired model bodies that society conventionally expects and conveys through magazines and othe r such media. This may cause individuals to take action by harming themselves through unhealthy weight loss practices or even partaking in digital forgery themselves. But since it is ultimately one individual or a group of individuals that are directly responsible for the digital forgery of a specific image, one must consider whether the fault of digital forgery should lie within the individual or group of individuals that directly altered the image itself. Obviously, blaming the misleading or detrimental digitally forged image itself can provide no compensation for those effected in a destructive manner, so only by placing blame on an individual, a group of individuals, technology, society, or other possible culprits can victims of the detrimental effects of digital forgery hope to acquire some type of compensation. Legal action can be taken regarding digital forgery, but the decision of the courtroom or judge can not universally determine who or what should bear the full or partia l burden of blame regarding digital forgery. Unfortunately, once again, who or what is at fault for malevolent results of digital forgery can only be determined by the individual. But disregarding who or what is to blame for digitally forged images, if so many images are truly so misleading, to what extent should people believe what they see in digital images? The existence of some guidelines for what people should believe and not believe when viewing digital images would seem beneficial. Any digital image, or even non-digital images in some cases, present details to a viewer that are not necessarily readily distinguishable from reality. Basically, an individual often finds it difficult to determine whether an image has been digitally altered or not. Very few ways exist of distinguishing a picture that has been altered from a picture that has undergone no such alteration. Because of this fact, viewers of images are often rightfully suspicious of the details conveyed by images. By being too suspicious however, one might neglect to realize the beauty or significance of an image that contains no digital alteration, and this beauty or significance might have been comprehended if one simply was not so suspicious of image details. So, once again, there exists no such guidelines in regards to the extent one should give credibility to an image oth er than the opinions and personal beliefs of the individual. I, being an individual myself, possess personal beliefs on the ethics, credibility, and accountability of digital forgery. My personal beliefs regarding digital forgery possess heavy influence from my past experiences. While pursuing my degree in computer engineering and simply experiencing the world in general, I have come to several personal conclusions about digital forgery. Regarding the ethics of digital forgery, I believe that digitally altered images that are intended to please the viewers aesthetic preferences and are generally benevolent should be ethically permissible. Images that do otherwise or basically digitally forged images that are intentionally malicious or mislead the viewer into believing a false aspect should be subject to some form of compensatory action and are unethical. With reference to who or what is to blame for the detrimental consequences of digital forgery, I feel that the person who digitally altered the image should be held accountable for his or her pessimistic intentions if it truly did result in someone being harmed through viewing that image. And considering how suspi cious or to what extent people should assign reliability to images in current times, I feel that most images should simply be appreciated and not analyzed with scrutiny. The images I feel that people should be suspicious of include those conveying evidence in a crime scene, details supporting assumptions about some phenomenon, or details that persuade an individual to believe an aspect not previously assumed or proved by other corroborations or support. Of course, as in almost all cases, there remain exceptions to my beliefs depending on the details of the situation itself just as there exist exceptions to almost every rule, law, or belief of mankind. My ethical standards concerning digital forgery basically revolves more around the situation in which digital forgery was used and less on the actual digitally forged image itself. Therefore, my ethical views remain dependent on the situation itself in which digital forgery was used before I can make a finalized ethical decision, and I feel that people should adopt a similar system of perception and inspection so all that cases of digital forgery are evaluated successfully. After understanding the history, ethics, and forming well-informed opinions concerning digital forgery, the question one would likely ponder now is: What can be done to stop the unnecessary use of digital forgery? Several steps have already been taken to stop distasteful digital forgery. Webster University Journal came up with a policy for the ethical use of photographs. They published that the manipulation of photographs is commonly allowed when adjusting the brightness and contrast of the photo, burning and dodging to control the tonal range, correcting the color, cropping a frame to fit a certain layout, and retouching either dust or scratches from the photo. The policy further explains that there are certain manipulation techniques that should never be allowed. These include adding, moving, or removing objects within the frame, changing the color other than to restore what the picture originally looked like, cropping a frame in order to alter its meaning, flopping an image either left or right reversal, and finally painting a photograph in other than its true orientation (Webster). These policies are very ethical in the sense that one can still alter images as an artistic sense, but when it comes to proof, evidence, or publishing, the policies are very accurate and maintain credibility. When using a photograph in a published document, images that are manipulated are often used but should be labeled a certain way. The editor simple cannot include an altered picture and hope the readers assume the picture is edited. Altered pictures should be labeled as a photo illustration and shall never be represented as news photographs. Also, there are cameras out now with special technology to avoid digital forgery. Examples of this include cameras that digitally print a custom signature at the bottom of every picture that is taken and processed. This goal of these specially designed cameras is to stop people from not only stealing what could be copyrighted and publishe d material but also to prevent it from being manipulated and used in media and the courtroom. In fact, many courtrooms prefer evidence and take photographic evidence only with the special signature. Another example is an image authentication system the uses fingerprint technology. The creator of many imaging products today, Epson, previously created new image authentication software that was installed in many of their digital cameras. These cameras function by automatically imprinting a photo with an invisible digital fingerprint immediately after the photo is taken. Since the fingerprint is implanted in the image file, the image can then be verified as unedited and all natural by a computer with the software installed (Digital Cameras). This leads to another way to stop malicious digital forgery, with certain software. The most popular known software that lets users edit digital images is Adobe Photoshop. This software had previously been frequently brought up in scandals of images being altered as forgery. Recently, Adobe created a way for users to still use their product for artistic and personal use, but also for publishing use. They created a suite of photo-authentication tools that released in 2008. Basically, it is a plug-in that users install onto their Photoshop software that adds two photo authentication tools to the program (Wired.com). The first one is the Clone Tool Detector and it determines whether a section in a picture is too similar to another part of a picture. The other tool is the Truth Dots tool, which determines whether there are any missing pixels in a digital image. Determining if the pixels are missing results in a sign that the picture has been cropped, which cannot be noticed by that human eye (MandarinMusing.com). Of course, all these things can help in stopping digital image forgery, but pictures that have been taken without the special authentication signatures or fingerprints, or images edited without Photoshops plug-ins still l ack a system to prevent digital forgery. This can be solved with other special software that can detect digital image forgeries. Today, there are many companies who have produced software that have the ability to detect traces of digital image manipulation without relying on the signatures and watermarks. As a computer science doctoral thesis proposal, Micha Kimo Johnson, of Dartmouth College, created three digital image analysis tools to detect digital image forgery. These consist of illuminant direction, specularity, and chromatic aberration (Network World). The illuminant direction tools focus on the light sources of the image. It looks for consistency through the entire picture and different shadows. The light source is not limited to only sun light but also light from electricity. If the sources of light in the image were not in the same direction, the tool would detect the inconsistencies. The other tool is the specularity tool, which basically analyzes the reflective highligh ts in a picture. For example, if a picture of a group of people were taken and someone was digitally added to the image, the tool would detect the reflection in the eyes of all people in the picture and identify that someone was added. The last tool is the chromatic aberration tool, which scans images based on the camera lens used. When a digital picture is taken, natural distortion occurs and is presented on the image. The tool will identify if any of the distortions do not match the surrounding and categorize the image as a forged copy (Network World). Collectively, there exist numerous ways of detecting digital forgery through the use of specialized software, which helps to inhibit the malicious use of digital forgery. Conclusively, the issue of digital forgery has caused controversy for many years, yet recent advances in technology have helped to detect and discourage unethical uses of digital forgery. Since the creation of photography, photographic manipulation started and led into the forgery of images. Digital forgery has been apparent from the time when Soviet officials would disappear from authorized photographs in World War II to current times as we commonly view countless altered pictures in magazines, depicting celebrities with flawless skin and enhanced physiques. There exist ways to prevent digital forgery, such as special cameras that add signatures and invisible fingerprints when they are digitally processed, special programs plug-ins that prevent the altering of images, and even special software that can detect whether a picture is forged or not. While complete termination of digital forgery is nearly impossible, prevention of digital forgery and its reckless usage is quite possible. However, the altering of digital images is now not only used to deceive, but it has been incorporated into an artistic movement in which people manipulate images to represent different aspects of life for non-harmful purposes. Though it might technically be classified as digital forgery, it only becomes an problem when these forged images are used for the media or as evidence in courtroom. The history, evidence, discussion of ethics, and preventative methods for digital forgery helps inspire this encompassing idea: the manipulation of digital images is not necessarily unethical because of the abundance of benevolent or neutral alteration of photos, yet digital forgery with a criminal or malicious motive can most definitely be classified as unethical, for which identification systems exist to discourage and prevent detrimental digital forgery.