Monday, September 30, 2019

Economics of Transportation Essay

Transport is usually the movement of goods and people from one destination to another and transport economics is the study of the allocation of the resources used to move freight and passengers from destination to destination. The passengers and freight are moved all the way through a transport mode because a transport mode defined as the means of moving passengers and also freight. The largest parts of transport modes are rail, road, air, sea, and pipelines. Transport system normally helps in defeating the effects that arise as a result of distance. Transport system can also provide other benefits such as enhanced opportunities for intercontinental trade and the economic assimilation, enlarged volume of market by making sure that domestic goods are sold worldwide as well as promoting the Just in Time (JIT) production techniques. In the economics of transportation components are delivered when required thus reducing a firm’s stock level therefore saving the unit costs. There is an improved mobility of labor because workers can live many miles from work and commute (young 3-4). Transport infrastructure is defined as the social overhead capital that can be used to give support to the movement of freight and people. In any developed economy, a considerable sum of social capital is usually set aside to develop the transport infrastructure. Transport infrastructure generates both negative and positive externalities. Investments made in the local transport infrastructure are seen as the primary stimulus for the regional economic development. This is seen when roads unlock employment opportunities and market that can benefit the third parties which may include workers and local businesses. Any time there is a change in the infrastructure, there are changes in the cost of travel and as a result the producer and consumer behavior becomes influenced (young 6). Economics of transportation comprises of transport operations which are considered as the assessments that dictate the type of transport mode that has to be employed. Transport operations decisions falls into two most important categories and they include supply side and demand side. The demand side decisions helps in choosing what journey to make, using what mode, and at what time can it be taken by firms and consumers. In the other hand the supply side decisions deals with what transport mode to provide. Transport operators normally take an account of various types of elasticity in the arrangement of prices and predicting the output. This price elasticity of demand usually predicts the outcome of a change in charges on quantity demanded and also the effect of change in charges on total revenues and expenditure, the effect of change in indirect tax that may comprise road changing and the fuel duty on price and the quantity demanded as well as the effects of price unfairness (young 11). Does transport generate externalities that can cause market failure? Literature Review According to Rodrigue transport sector is an equally important component of the economy that can bring impact to the welfare and the development of populations (para. 1). He argues that when transport systems are well-organized they are in a position of providing economic opportunities and social opportunities as well as benefits that lead to positive multipliers effects that comprise of improved accessibility to market, additional investment and employment.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

My Favourite Actress

My favourite actress is Julia Roberts. She is one of the Hollywood's brightest star. She is a very successful actress who has starred in many films, such as â€Å"Pretty woman† and â€Å"The running bride† with Richard Gere. Julia is tall with a perfect figure. She is in her early thirties. Her lips is full and face is tauned. She has got long red curly hair, beautiful blue eyes and rather small nose. She likes wearing formally evening dressed in which she look fantastic. Julia Roberts is a complicated person whose character has many sides. She has very PODOBNA PRACA 75% My favourite sport outgoing personality. She likes to be in the public eye, giving interviews a jurnalists and allows photographers to take photos which are shown in magazines. She likes going to Hollywood parties and dancing in free times. Julia is a sociable person and loves meeting others people. Travelling is what she likes most. She loves fast cars, however she was afraid flying by plane. She travels all over the world and experiences a new adventures. Futhermore, she is very active in work and self-confident. She got Oscar for starred in film â€Å"Pretty woman†. She is also a sensitive person. For example, she helps small ill children. She transnits much money for charity. She is a person who is on diet and keep fit. She never eats fattening food, because she wants to have a good figure. On the other hand, she tends to be a bit explosiv, she often gets nervous without any reason. She is decisive as well. She usually reads a book when finds a private moment. All in all, Julia Roberts is a great actress who J like watching in films. Films, in which she appears are always interesting. J hope to see a new films with her in this time.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

DEBATING GLOBALISATION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

DEBATING GLOBALISATION - Essay Example The most affected countries as per the report are Canada, Norway, Germany and the United States. The inequality is a global risk from both political and economic perspectives. Moreover, it suggests that large gap between the poor and rich posed a major challenge of political power being controlled by a handful of wealthy individuals (Atkinson, 2003). According to an article ‘Gap between rich and poor growing fastest in Britain’ in Telegraph (2011), tax rates have declined and income of top 1% of earners such as bankers, executives and managers in Britain has doubled since 1980 while benefits to the poor have declined severely to make them poorer. The low tax rate should have contributed towards shrinking of the gap, but it could not manage to keep pace with soaring wages of the rich in the country. The Gini coefficient, that measures the income distribution in a society, shows that since 1975, income inequality has been rising faster than other countries. Gini coefficient is considered as the benchmark of inequality, where zero is equivalent to equal income distribution and one stands for all income being accumulated to the richest person. Hence, an increasing Gini coefficient is considered unhealthy for an economy (Weeks, 2005). The economic cost of higher income disparity is increase in wastage of human resources. It implies that either a large portion of working population will be unemployed or they will be underemployed. Surprisingly, inequality is not limited to income structure; it affects opportunity and outcomes as well. According to a recent report by OECD (2008), it was found that the earning of 10% of the richest individuals in OECD countries is nine times more than that of 10% of the poorest individuals. In different countries, the statistical figures are different but the only common factor is that the disparity is high. The report further exclaimed that when poverty was measured nation wise, the result was

Friday, September 27, 2019

United States Vs. India Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

United States Vs. India - Essay Example The rate of unemployment according to the CIA Factbook was 9.5% in 2009 and 9.1% in 2008 in India. When compared to the USA, the unemployment rate is very similar for the year 2009 as the country had 9.4% unemployment but in 2008, the rate was 5.8%. The rise in unemployment in the recent years in US has been caused by the economic conditions and the sub-prime crisis. General Motors filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and many other companies which employed a large proportion of the population also closed down. Many companies made lay-offs to reduce costs as their products were not being sold in the market. Many economists say that the unemployment that the US faces is seasonal and will improve with time. The inflation rate in the US for consumer prices was -0.7% in 2009 and 3.8% in 2008 (CIA, 2010). In contrast, India had an inflation rate of 9.8% in 2009 and 8.3% in 2008 (CIA, 2010). The rate of inflation is very high in India as compared to the USA which was negative for the last year. This high inflation rate in India accounts for the high demand of products in the country and the low rate in US accounts for the low demand and higher production in the economy. The US is the largest hub of technology in the world with per capita GDP of US$ 46,900 where as the Indian economy has per capita GDP of US$ 3,100 as of 2009 (CIA, 2010). Both these countries derive most of the GDP from the services sector and have economic liberalization policies. India has become a well known exporter of software products and has an edge of low labor cost. Although more than half of the labor force is self-employed in the agricultural industry in India, but the sector only accounts for 17% of the net income of the country. The US only derives 1.2% of its total revenue from agricultural sector and 71 % of the revenue from the services sector (CIA, 2010). USA has been struck hard by the worldwide economic downturn and the country itself

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Forum 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Forum 2 - Assignment Example All the books place an importance over the Gospels, New Testament, and the Holy Spirit. Theology is an evident element of all three books that explain the functioning of evangelism, church, and the ministry. My understanding of ministry often overlooked the importance of biblical theology in determining and directing ministry activities. In many instances, I felt that the ministry work was an activity independent of scriptural backing. However, I have now understood that ministry of the Holy Spirit cannot be isolated as a separate entity but it greatly depends on the things said by God in the Gospels. Tidball (2008) has explored different aspects of leadership in the pastoral sense to scrutinize the ministry practices as they are situated in a specific cultural context or is influenced by the church setting. So, I have learnt that pastoral leadership is supported by the gospels because it is about serving God in His way. 2) In my understanding of pastoral leadership or ministry, a transformation would involve a positive change such that it inspires others to break away from their problems in order to find the way of the truth. Because much of my understanding states that ministry is truly about following God’s way of serving, this process would also involve an augmentation of faith not only in God but also in oneself that we also have a purpose on Earth. Hence, the spirit-energized transformation would likely make a strong individual and one who has faith, which also means that the individual is guided by God’s grace away from sins. This would create an atmosphere of positivity thereby inspiring others. A change in virtues would occur where compassion and humbleness may symbolize the transformation to help others and lead them to the way of right. The transformation would be more positive and would inspire others. Also, the transformation would be more spiritual in nature involving an internal change that is more

Sysco case Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sysco case - Assignment Example In simple terms, Sysco needs to set a link between the BI package and databases. Why did Sysco decide initially to address only two questions with its new BI software rather than use it as a more general analysis tool? Why did Business Objects recommend this approach? What are the tradeoffs? Initially, Sysco wanted to address only two questions, one being the selling of additional products to each of the customers and the second question was identification of such current customers that Sysco would lose in future. These two questions were predictive in nature. The first question the software could provide answer to was related to comparison of a client’s activity based on its size, type, geography and other factors. By generating different profiles and comparing them continuously with what was being ordered by the customers, the software could generate reports with potential business opportunities. The second question the software could answer was monitoring customers’ ordering design over time, noticing a change in the volume of a regular customer’s order for all or a particular product type. Such information could be very crucial to Sysco so as not to lose its loyal customers and pay more attention to their requirements. Business Objects also supported and recommended Sysco approach to use the software selectively after extensive analysis and interviewing, which was its pre-sale service support to provide business intelligence to its client Sysco. For judging the effectiveness of the new systems, Sysco should calculate the cost of the software on individual companies. Systems’ effectiveness depends on the fast return back of the investment made on the purchase of the software. The estimated cost is in the range of $2.5 million to $3.5 million but actually, it depends on the software, its time of purchase and the consulting support needed to implement the software

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Evaluating the Impacts of Californias Criminal Justice Realignment Thesis

Evaluating the Impacts of Californias Criminal Justice Realignment - Thesis Example The results indicate that realignment has led to the reduction of felonies in prisons by 17%. Crime rate has also increased in the state; while there is lack of sufficient resources. Numerous problems such as overcrowding in jails have resulted from the relocation of criminals to jails. The lack of a solution to this problem may render realignment to be an ineffective solution to overcrowding in California. The state of California developed the criminal justice realignment legislation in May 2011. The state developed the realignment program following an order to reduce the number of inmates in prisons from the United States Supreme Court. The Supreme Court required the state to reduce the number of inmates from 180% to 137.5% of the capacity of the prisons by May 2013 (Green, 2014). This meant that California had to reduce the number of inmates in state prisons by 25,000. In response to the Supreme Court’s order, the state developed the prison realignment reform under Bill 109 and Penal Code 1170h in 2011. Bill 109 transfers the responsibility of imprisoning non-violent offenders from state prisons to county jails (Green, 2014). According to this bill, non-violent offers are those who commit crimes that are ‘non-serious,’ and ‘non-sex related (Hunter, 2013).’ This means that the prisoners who commit serious, violent, and sex-related crimes will be incarcerated in state prisons instead of county jails. The penal code 1170h, on the other hand, states that individuals who are realigned in county jails must undergo compulsory supervision; while out of custody. County probation officers conduct the Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) (Caffiero, 2013).The code also requires those who disobey the mandatory supervision to be imprisoned in county jails instead of prisons. This is different from probation, which requires prisoners who are released from state

Monday, September 23, 2019

Performance Evaluation Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Performance Evaluation Paper - Essay Example Secondly, in his evaluation the manager used terms that were not effective in the evaluation process. Instead of using the terms such as medium or low-medium, the manager could have used evaluation ratings such as outstanding, meets expectations, exceeds expectations, below expectations or unsatisfactorily (Robbins and Judge, 2007). In this way, it was possible for the manager to rate the engineer’s attitude. Thirdly, the current evaluation form used by the manager does not suggest methods of improving the negative aspects of the employees. Part A 1. Definition of the most commonly-used sets of evaluation criteria in organisations Productivity This is the volume of products or services that an employee produces during his or her duties. Employers mostly reward highly productive employees to motivate them and enhance higher productivity. Quality It means the originality of the work done by the employees. It portrays the innovativeness of an employee. Consistency This means prod uction of similar quality and quantity of work. Employers measure constituency by comparing the previous and the current evaluations. Attendance This is the rate at which the employees report to work. It involves checking the attendance records and valid reasons for absenteeism. Adherence to policy It means the extent to which the employees abide to the procedures that are set by the company. Part B. The relative value of the commonly-used evaluation criteria defined in Part A 1 As mentioned in the previous section, employers are keen to reward the employees who portray significant productivity thus motivating them to work hard. Even though the amount of products by the employees is a major evaluation criterion, it should not compromise the quality of the products. This is the major reason as to why managers evaluate the quality of the work done by employees. In the same way, consistency ensures that employees who depicts waxes and wanes during their duties are noted and adequate tr aining done to ensure they maintain unswerving performance (Robbins and Judge, 2007). Attendance ensures that employees are there when they are needed by their employers. Employees who are consistently at work are highly desired by the employers and their co-workers. Adhering to policies set by a company ensures employees’ safety and an improved working environment. Part C. Advantages of including supervisors, peers, and subordinates in the evaluation process It ensures that the ratings are anonymous. In this way, individuals provide open and honest evaluation that cannot be singled out from the multiple sources. In addition, inclusion of the various stakeholders ensures that ratings portray multiple perspectives that are ignored by the top-down technique of evaluation adopted by the traditional appraisals. In the same way, including supervisors, peers, and subordinates during evaluation saves time and it provides helpful performance feedback (Thomas, 1987). This is due to th e fact that there are no comparisons between workers, no goals and there are no figures involved in the process. Part D. Disadvantages of including supervisors, peers, and subordinates in the evaluation process One of the major disadvantages of including supervisors, peers, and subordinates in the evaluation process is that the possibility of giving dishonest feedback is high. For example, subordinates may give dishonest feedback

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Plea-Bargaining Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Plea-Bargaining - Essay Example Defendants, however, derive the benefit of reduced sentences and the notion that the prosecution could still succeed in proving them guilty facilitates decision for plea-bargaining. Fear of bias in the judicial process could also be a factor (Siegel & Worrall 202, 203). Plea-bargaining does not serve justice to any stakeholder but only offer convenience to the overburdened criminal justice system. It only grants lenient charges to defendants, may force innocent defendants to plead guilty, and establish convenience for the prosecution and the judges, aspects that do not identify justice. Victims and the society however suffer injustice as wrongs against them escape necessary level of punishment (Siegel & Worrall 202, 203). Your post is precise and comprehensive to the prompts. The opinion on possibility of a defendant escaping charges at trial, if the prosecution fails to prove beyond reasonable doubt, is particularly outstanding. I believe it identifies justice in plea-bargaining for victims, especially in an environment that criminals could rely on wealth and brilliant lawyers as well as tampering with evidence to escape conviction. The post offers information on reasons for the high incidence of plea-bargaining such as time convenience for defendants and the prosecution and complexity in the prosecution’s burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt. The post, however, lacks precision and points are scarce in a multitude of words that are not incident to the

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Organizational change Essay Example for Free

Organizational change Essay Organizational change is everywhere, and its pace is increasing. Its objectives or why it is important is because after certain years of existence and evaluations there are areas and aspects in the organization that needs to be improved. Taking for example its quality of work life, at a certain point it needs to be elevated from where it was before. It can happen that during hiring time people are designated to wrong positions. Organizational change will enable the company to put the right people in the right place, to make them better people as their efficiency and utility will be to the maximum. In this way the company can adjust salary scale on the basis of the performance or output of employees. In the same way also in terms of personnel management, it can be an occasion for studying more specific positions for possible promotion or for trimming down extra baggage. Competition is so tight and for a company to meet the demands of the market an organizational change is important to have a higher quality of productivity and to improve certain strategies as to be in tune with the times. Technology comes and after sometimes new innovations are on the line again, to remain in ones business beliefs and practices the company will be left behind. Organizational change is important as it seeks to enhance its beliefs, values, attitudes, also its structures so that the organization can better adapt to competitive actions, technological advances, and the past pace of other changes in the business world. Another necessity for organizational change is brought about by some failures in the past in the training and orientation of the employees. The attempt to bring them to work without being able to let them carry or support the vision and failure to let the employees see that they are the central element of the organization brings poor result. Organizational change therefore is crucial to allow interplay of structure, technology and people working in it, to result to a higher quality of work life, adaptivity, effectiveness, better marketing strategies, and excellent productivity.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Universal Diagnostic Criteria for Oral Lichen Planus

Universal Diagnostic Criteria for Oral Lichen Planus ABSTRACT: For years, dissentions and debates on the malignant transformation of oral lichen planus (OLP) have been sparked not only by a lack of an accurate diagnostic criteria but also due to the failure on our part in not following single universal one. In this short communication, we try to reiterate its importance, with a goal of making the clinicians and pathologists aware of its serious implications. Keywords: Oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid lesion, dysplasia BACKGROUND: The lack of a universal diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of oral lichen planus (OLP) can be made accountable for the current scepticism and controversies over its malignant transformation. Van der meij et al have stressed for a need of a diagnostic criteria to be universally adopted for its firm diagnosis.1,2 A clinical and a histopathological definition of OLP was formulated by the WHO in 19783 (Table 1). Later, in 2003, van der Meij and van der Waal4, proposed a modification in the WHO criteria (Table 2), stating OLP diagnosis should be clinico-pathological. Results of Rad M et al’s4 study in 2009 showed higher clinicopathologic correlation in the diagnosis of OLP based on the modified criteria of OLP (van der Meij 2003) compared with the 1978 criteria. Studies in the past, and present have substantiated the malignant potential of OLP.6-9 So, now that we have evidence for its malignant transformation and a suitable criteria in hand, what could be the problem? 1978 WHO CRITERIA VS MODIFIED 2003 CRITERIA: There have been studies related to the malignant nature of OLP since 1924 by Williger et al. to a recent meta-analysis by Fitzpatrick SG et al8 in 2014. It has to be noted, that, over the years, the diagnostic criteria of OLP has undergone a number of significant changes. A criteria was agreed by WHO in 19783 and again modified in 2003 by van der Meij and van der Waal4. There are pathologists who still favour the 1978 criteria and others who follow the 2003 modified criteria. This difference in opinion among pathologists has a very significant bearing on the data collected in literature. What would have been an OLP to one pathologist following a particular criteria could seem to be an oral lichenoid lesion(OLL) to another following a different criteria. Let us consider the following hypothetical examples: Hypothetical scenario 1: Let us consider an OLP lesion clinically manifesting with white radiating striae unilaterally in the buccal mucosa. If the oral medicine and pathology specialists agree to follow the 2003 modified criteria(clinico-pathologic), then, this lesion being clinically compatible(unilateral), will have to be diagnosed as OLL, though it could be histologically typical of OLP. However, the diagnosis would be OLP according to the 1978 criteria. One should make note of the lines quoted by van der Meij and van der Waal4(2003), in their paper which says: â€Å" We do realise that application of these criteria will exclude a number of patients who actually may have the disease but do not meet the strict criteria.† This line has considerable relevance if we consider the above example. Also, if this in turn progresses to carcinoma, a false record of malignant transformation of OLL is generated,when in reality the lesion could possibly have been a true OLP. This example quoted, cannot be rejected on the grounds of being hypothetical, as there is every possibility of OLP manifesting unilaterally though it often manifests bilaterally. ABSENCE OF DYSPLASIA :AN EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR OLP – IS THIS JUSTIFIED? The heated debate of OLP and dysplasia started with Krutchkoff and Eisenberg’s10 paper in 1985, â€Å"Lichenoid dysplasia: A distinct histopathologic entity†. While they could have been right about epithelial dysplasia with lichenoid features being misdiagnosed as OLP, the possibility of OLP showing dysplasia cannot be ruled out. The present 2003 modified criteria of OLP have dysplasia as an exclusion criteria. Van der Meij and van der Waal3 in their paper, in 2003, state that â€Å"To avoid confusion over the terminology- ‘Lichenoid Dysplasia’ we propose to regard the presence of epithelial dysplasia as an exclusion criterion for the histopathological diagnosis of OLP†. This is not convincing enough to make ‘absence of dysplasia’ as a criterion because, there is accumulating evidence of OLP’s malignant potential and it is rather logical to assume that it could manifest dyplastic features. In fact, exclusion of all lesions that re semble OLPs but exhibit epithelial dysplasia may lead to an underestimation of the rate of malignant transformation.11 This fact was restated by Mignona et al12 in 2007, where they reported severe epithelial dyaplasia and carcinoma in situ in their series of OLP. Rejecting a diagnosis of OLP solely due to the presence of dysplasia, therefore requires consideration. LICHENOID DYSPLASIA: Krutchkoff and Eisenberg’s conclusion of epithelial dysplasias manifesting with lichenoid features were substantiated in the recent papers published by Patil et al13 and Fitzpatrick et al14. Moreover, Patil et al13 observed features of dysplasia in OLP and OLL in their case series, further reiterating the malignant potential of these entities. These papers enlighten us about the co-existence of lichenoid features in OLP,OLL and epithelial dysplasia, further stamping the necessity for an accurate and universal diagnostic criteria for the distinction of these lesions. Also, the lesion, lichenoid dysplasia deserves some consideration and requires further appraisal by a panel of experts. Hypothetical scenario 2: Assuming there is a case of OLP manifesting bilaterally (clinically typical) and the histopathology, though being very typical, reveals dysplasia, what then, should it be diagnosed as? According to 2003 modified criteria, it should be branded as an OLL, since it is histologically compatible (shows dysplasia). But is this diagnosis justified? Pathologists would also consider other different diagnoses like: OLP with dysplasia, lichenoid dysplasia or simply, epithelial dysplasia. Hypothetical scenario 3: If a patient with a history of OLP, consults another pathologist, unaware of the fact that it has become dysplastic, he/she would again be diagnosed with OLL if the 2003 diagnostic criteria are followed. SIGNIFICANCE OF DIAGNOSING ORAL LICHENOID LESIONS: van der Meij et al4 proposed the designation OLL for cases that are clinically typical and histologically compatible, clinically compatible and histologically typical, or clinically and histologically compatible with OLP. As already stated and explained in the first hypothetical scenario, not all patients with OLP manifest with the classical bilateral white striae. In such situations, clinicians and pathologists must exercise prudence in blindly branding the lesion as OLL by strict adherence to the 2003 modified criteria. Whether the lesion to be diagnosed represents an OLP like disease can be suspected by other clinical manifestations like: manifestation in cancer-prone areas (floor of the mouth, lateral border and ventral surface of the tongue, retromolar trigone and soft palate–uvula complex), lesions accompanied or preceded by skin manifestations suggestive of other diseases like lupus erythematosus, lesions that have a plaque-type keratosis or a verruco-papillary nature and lesions that may have a possible etiology like restorations(silver amalgam) or drugs.10 Differentiating between OLP and OLL is very significant as both the lesions are potentially malignant. It becomes all the more pertinent as two prospective studies by van der Meij et al15,16 one in 2003 and one in 2007 showed that only OLLs in their many cases turned malignant. DIAGNOSIS OF CANDIDIASIS IN OLP PATIENTS: Culture studies have demonstrated Candida infection in 37% to 50% of OLP cases.17 There appears to be no differences in the frequency of Candida infection between ulcerated OLP and non-ulcerated OLP.18 Candida albicans produces nitrosamine which is harmful carcinogen. Thus, OLP and candidiasis together provide a fertile background for malignant transformation of oral epithelium. Moreover, candida albicans isolated from potentially malignant oral disorders are able to produce mutagenic amounts of carcinogenic acetaldehyde when exposed to substrates such as wine and ethanol.19 Thus, one cannot disregard oral candidiasis from OLP. Both the lesions together can act synergistically and/or additively in progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Hence, we believe that this association needs serious considerartion in the revision of diagnostic criteria of OLP. WHAT IF BOTH THE CRITERIA ARE FOLLOWED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE GLOBE? This could possibly be the situation today as there is no universal consensus on any specific criteria to be followed. This would be a serious issue, as there would be a gross under or overestimation in the diagnosis of OLP or OLL, inadvertently leading to false data regarding its malignant potential. Studies done on the current topic by different institutions using different diagnostic criteria would generate contrasting data in literature precipitating confusion and controversies. UNIVERSAL DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA – THE NEED OF THE HOUR! So, how then, do we undo the debates surrounding the current issue? The answer lies in not only formulating more accurate diagnostic criteria but also in universally following them. Of course, further molecular or immunological studies on OLP would throw further light. We, in this commentary have tried to explain the possible demerits and confusions that could possibly arise if the current criteria are used and not universally followed. The 1978 WHO criteria may need more accuracy while the 2003 modified criteria could be rigid and strict. Devising an accurate criteria taking into consideration, the above mentioned points, would go a long way in eliminating the confusion and disputes surrounding OLP.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Stability over Everything :: essays research papers

â€Å"Stabilità ¤t à ¼ber alles† The Transition of German and Hungarian Politics since 1989 There can be little doubt when studying the political transition within Germany and Hungary that since 1989 there has been a change in ideology since the collapse of the communist regime in Eastern Europe and the reunification of East and West Germany. Nevertheless it must be acknowledged that the truly astonishing events of 1989/90, â€Å"which even at the beginning of 1989 could not have been predicted, brought about the most exciting and far far-reaching changes in life and society in Germany† and Hungary since 1945. Through the various paradigms Globalization, Europeanisation and Democratisation, we are able to come to an understanding of the politics in transition and also highlight and explain several key aspects of the political, economic, social and cultural life in contemporary Germany and Hungary. The trend of ‘globalization’ is attracting more and more attention and with this is â€Å"transforming the historical approach that â€Å"state, society and economy are, as it were co-extensive within the same national boundaries. The international economic system, in which states draw the borderline between the domestic economy and foreign trade relations, is being metamorphosed into a transnational economy in the wake of the globalization of markets†. These trends are mirrored by the current emphasis of Germany to grow as a major leader within the European Union and Hungary in their approach for acceptance by the European Union as a member. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, we have seen Germany come forward as one of the forefront leaders in the European market. â€Å"From an economic perspective, globalization has brought incontestable welfare gains to Germany and Europe through an enhanced international division of labour† (e.g. trade and investment). â€Å"Yet globalization has also exposed and intensified weaknesses in growth, investment, and innovation in Europe and has led to exceedingly high unemployment rates†. For ten years now â€Å"the German economy, has been transferring DM 150 billion in net payments from the West to the East. This is not a symptom of the economy’s weakness, but rather a symptom of strength, and is maintained by the fact that few economies in the world could do this successfully, and none is required to do so†. Undoubtedly it puts an enormous strain on the German economy, but it is shouldering it well. Even though Germany has been transferring money to the East , it has still managed to register a â€Å"trade surplus of DM 100 billion annually†.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

In In Total Remission :: Cancer Health Medicine Essays

In Total Remission Valentine's Day will never be the same. Four years ago, Cupid's holiday coincided with my discovery of a tumor in my cheek. Later diagnosed as a rare sarcoma, this capricious cancer has provoked me to understand myself and my passions. While I have developed new life perspectives since vying with cancer, my metamorphosis was not induced by my illness, but through learning to confront myself. My renewed outlook manifests in my leadership with the American Red Cross where I serve as the Chairman of the National Advisory Council on Youth Involvement. Carrying my insight from cancer--that tomorrow is never guaranteed--I have re-focussed the Council's advocacy efforts on behalf of the 340,000 youth volunteers of the Red Cross. Rather than promoting youth as an investment for tomorrow, I have prioritized youth as the asset of today. With a more immediate message, our Council has bolstered corporate youth programs and youth funding. Through my service on the National Committee on Resolution s, I also integrate youth initiatives from the field level of the Red Cross into national policy. My approach to Red Cross service has also changed at the grassroots level. Shortly after my final chemotherapy treatment, I was dispatched to a residential fire in central Fort Worth. At the scene, I discovered a mother crouched at the curb silhouetted against her smoldering house. While listening to the mother, I learned that she lost her thirteen-year-old son in the blaze. Though I had rehabilitated disaster victims before my illness, this event carried a different significance. While I was learning to live anew, I comforted a mother coping with death. My conversation with the mother compelled me to re-confront my journey with cancer. By reflecting on my own anxieties, still real and familiar, I empathized with the mother on an equal plan rather than that of victim and volunteer. Through service, I now probe my own experiences to assist and empower others. I have confronted and challenged myself in other realms of my life. Last spring, in Harvard's Agassiz Theater, the lights were dim and the audience hushed as a cool cube of ice melted over my tongue. Through the crack in the curtain, I noticed my friends huddled in the rear of the theater. A moment later the music roared and I leaped on stage with my troupe. Dressed in our radiant costumes, we feverishly danced, skipped, and clicked our sticks in near perfect harmony.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Plagiarism and Computers :: Cheating Education Essays

Plagiarism and Computers missing works cited What is Plagiarism? Plagiarism is defined in the dictionary as "appropriating as one’s own the writing, ideas, etc. of another". Plagiarism.org goes into more detail when it defines plagiarism as "the improper use, or failure to attribute, another person's writing or ideas (intellectual property). It can be as subtle as the inadvertent neglect to include quotes or references when citing another source or as blatantly unethical as knowingly copying an entire paper verbatim and claiming it as your own work." I believe they make this longer definition on a web page because plagiarism has become a bigger problem since the creation of the Internet. The Internet is a fast easy way to cheat on papers and ideas. It is incredibly simple to download entire term papers for free or for a small fee. Sometimes you don’t have to pay for a complete essay. Sometimes submitting your own essay is all you need to do to gain someone else’s work. Term paper mills have become a popular activity among high school and college students. If you look up forgery-encouraging web pages, it is easy to see that there are many options for getting effortless information and material off of the Internet. What are the Consequences? The consequences of appropriation can be severe. Even on this paper’s guidelines, the punishment for plagiarism is either failing the class or dismissal from the university, depending on the severity of the piracy. In several of my classes, forgery results in failing the work that you plagiarized for. Many teachers do not appropriately check for fraudulence in work. They don’t feel that they have the time for checking each paper individually for copied information. I can understand how this would seem more work than it is worth in most instances, but catching a few plagiarists per class and publicly punishing them would help maintain class integrity. The rest of the class would be forewarned against further cheating. Boston University has filed a lawsuit against a few of the Internet term paper companies. There is no guarantee that the university will win the lawsuit. It is quite a bit like the lawsuit Metallica filed against the piracy of the web program Napster. There was a lot of publicity about Napster because it was a file-sharing program that some artists claimed hurt their album sales. The sharing of music on the Internet paired with the new technology of CD burners can have an impact on the music market because people will burn their own CDs rather than paying the ridiculously high prices for them.

The Thomas Theorem

The Thomas Theorem states that in a social world, the interpretation of the situation influences the actions of the members of society. This would mean that when a number of people believe that some social issue, phenomenon or event is true, those same people would be driven to act on those issues or phenomenon which will then lead to the said issue to occur in reality (Macionis, 2007). A personal example of the Thomas Theorem is how my family has a tradition on a curing soup. The soup’s recipe has been learned by the women in the family and is said to be effective in making people better if they have the flu, colds, cough and other maladies.Thus, whenever a family member show symptoms of illnesses, my mother and sister will make the soup and then oblige the sick family member to eat that soup as much as they can. The healing component of the soup is attributed to its nutritional value and in some way; it is really nutritious since it has tons of vegetables in it. However, the soup is cooked for a long time which may have caused the break down of the nutrients that was in the vegetables and it contains a lot of salt. This would indicate that whatever nutritional value the soup has, it is not enough to heal the person’s sickness.On the other hand, since most of my family members believe that the soup is indeed effective, we consume the soup heartily. Consequently, after eating bowls of the soup, we do get better. The flu, colds and coughs may be caused by viral infections that are self-limiting, thus, after some time, the virus weakens and we get better. Eating bowls of soup may just coincide with the weakening of the virus, hence we attribute getting better with the soup even if they are not related at all.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Multispectral Imaging

Multispectral imaging is used oven an extremely wide spectral domain. It started with NASA using the technique for satellite imaging using kilometer-length radio waves, to the technique being used by forensic science using light in the visible to the near infrared region, to medical forensics using MeV gamma rays (National Research Council 1998) The use of Multispectral imaging in forensics and law enforcement for the examination of a wide variety of evidences is a field that is growing but has not yet reached the state of being a universally accepted practice.The technique is being used for analyzing photographic and video based evidence, and also for DNA analysis in recent times (Lanir 2005) Using Multispectral imaging has both advantages as well as certain disadvantages in the analysis of a scene. In addition, there are some pre-requisites needed which make the approach limited to certain situations. All these points are discussed subsequently in this section. Advantages of Multis pectral Imaging Technique 1.Advantage over naked-eye viewing – While a human eye has the capability of differentiating between millions of colors and various combinations; it is obvious that the perception is usually dependant on a mixture of different wavelength. In other words, the complete spectral information as received by eyes is still incomplete. The reason for this is because the visible portion of light, no matter the degree of its complexity, is still divided into the three basic colors – red, green and blue. Multispectral imaging can generate the accurate and complete optical spectra at every pixel.Finally and image processing software can be used for getting the maximum information from each of the pixels (Condea , Haneishia, Yamaguchia , Ohyama & Baaz J 2007) This might not be very important and might seem like overkill for regular vision. But in case of forensics, where the actual and precise data is necessary, this capability becomes very helpful as the data is completely analyzed. Differences in spectra can be used for the accurate detection of foreign particles in a terrain or differences in finger prints from different individuals .Advantage over cameras – Forensic science is the capture and preservation of accurate image. Conventional color films and digital color cameras also break the various colors combinations in RGB, so the information is just as inaccurate as seen with a naked eye. Hence, multispectral imaging scores over using these equipments also (Chieu 2001) In addition, multispectral imaging can be used in areas which are inaccessible ad can give simple multi-temporal readings. The area range of the scene is also more than what is for a digital camera.Also, until very recently the use of numerical processing was fairly restricted in the camera systems. Finally, Multispectral imaging also offers light attenuation techniques (Westland & Ripamonti 2004) 3. Avoid Contamination of the crime scene – One of th e advantages provided by using multispctral imaging is that there is no need for constant physical contact with the crime scene. This characteristic helps in two types of investigations. In case of analyzing a crime scene for evidence, the constant contact means contamination which can be avoided because the multispectral imaging can be taken aerially.This feature is also used in the forensic analysis of ancient documents where the contact with the document should be minimal. In such cases the document can be reconstructed with minimum contact. The aerial image taking capability also helps in dangerous locations also, as in the case of finding the location of a minefield. The initial identification of a minefield helps in localizing the area using an airborne multi-band camera. Using light in both the visible and infrared region minefield having both surface mines and well as buried mines can be detected (Sjokvist Lundberg Gu & Ulvko n. . )4. Time and Cost Saving – Using mult ispectral imaging the complete analysis can be done faster than using conventional methods and also cost for producing the same results using the other spectroscopic methods is much costlier. This is because, the wide range of operation of multispectral technique i. e. from ultraviolet to visible to thermal infra red, means that many different physical parameters can be analyzed simultaneously. Also the data has no major spatial co-registration problems.As an example in case of medical diagnostics and forensics, the interface used for multispectral imaging is easy to use and also much cheaper than conventional systems like the 7T MR scanner. Disadvantages of Multispectral Imaging technique Multispectral imaging in not without its faults. Some of them are primarily due to he budget and requirement of the individual area where multispectral imaging is used. 1. Complete Image not provided – Multispectral imaging does not provide complete 3D image. The reason is that this techniq ue does not offer any method to separate the effect of absorption from scatterSpatial resolution – Multispectral imaging due to its optical nature does not provide for complete spatial resolution. Some ways that have been suggested is to examine by contrasting with IR image but with acoustic resolution. In the case of detection of landmines, the problem is that while the technique can judge the presence or absence of mine over an area, the exact location cannot be pinpointed. This means that the technique can be just used to find if the area is contaminated by mines, but the detected rate of each single mine is not high (Sjokvist Lundberg Gu & Ulvko n. d. )System Complexity – Analysis of complex systems poses a problem when multispectral imaging is used. This tendency increases as the system complexity increases. For example , in case of mine detection, the mine field is assumed to have a near perfect alignment which is not always possible in case of real time environm ents (Sjokvist Lundberg Gu & Ulvko n. d. ) 2. Noise Vulnerability – This is one of the critical requirements of any forensic detection techniques. Multispectral image by its very nature are sensitive to any pollutants, which is why the crime scene has to be assumed to be clean from any external influences.The spectral features of any foreign body is more important that its chemical or biological properties, which raises the probability of mistakes as all environmental substances have broad spectral absorbance bands (Miskelly & Wagner 2005) 3. Complexity of analysis – A crime scene can be considered to have a limited number of objects having distinct spectral characteristics. Some experts feels that most of the individual scene should hence be individually analyzed for a accurate reproduction.This means that each scene would have different multispectral properties which would mean a different system, making the detection complex. In addition, this also calls for advance d digital signal processing techniques and the possibility of large quantities of data to be analyzed (Gordon 2001) 4. Usage in Crime Scene – While multispectral imaging is increasingly being used to analyze physical evidence, the first hand usage in crime scenes is not very popular even now. This is because the technique is much too costly for usage for normal forensic departments.In addition, the equipments are not portable enough for it to be easily taken to a crime scene (Gordon 2001) 5. Image recreation – This problem occurs at the time of image recreation. However, not every field faces this problem. In case of document forensics, where the final document has to be reconstructed, specialists observe the complete image before deciding on the parts to include. The image recreation needs human presence however. However, in case of some other forensic scene recreation, the problem might become more difficult.This is because, the image given by a multispectral analysi s is 3D in nature, though not complete. But the image presented or used by an observer is 2D. Hence, the transformation of the image and the components to select the exact transformation is not very easy (MacDonald & Luo 2002) Limitations of Multispectral Imaging Technique Multispectral image techniques need some additional technology boost before they can be successfully used for forensic applications universally. 1. Problems in analyzing details – As has been said earlier, multispectral imaging was used by satellites for recording data.From this distance, any blurring is attributed to distance and smaller details were usually not expected. When the technique was applied for analyzing objects at smaller distances, like forensic analysis of document, initially the results were satisfactory. This means that the results obtained were much better than was observed using the optical techniques employing the RGB technique. However, the problem arose when the details in the documen t were not very clear. (Hill 2005). The image size is also not that of the original image which also makes the alignment difficult.Also the many imperfections which are inherent of the real world, makes it difficult for the technique to be used in the real-time situation. Here, the contamination is almost entirely expected. The noise is however not acceptable while using the multispectral imaging technique. Researches are on for finding a suitable fusion technique which is both adaptive and intelligent enough to take care of these conditions, though it might take some time for this to actually materialize (Danien & Grant 2006) 2.Calibration Errors – There is another problem that might happen when multispectral imaging is used for analyzing details at subatomic levels. The problem is related to precision of the technique and occurs due to imperfect calibration of equipments. The errors means false data being sued as input which raises the error when the output data is analyzed . This in turn effects the spatial resolution when a simple approximation is needed for the temporal evolution. There is also a very high requirement for symmetry as the technique is primarily related to pixel information (Koch Haan & Mancini 2004) . Need for reconstruction software – An imaging software package is essential for making the final image which would be analyzed.The problems lie when this imaging software is not up to the standard. In this case, the entire advantages are in the danger of being lost. Unfortunately, the reconstruction still requires human presence despite the sophisticated software packages available. The output image deciphering from these software have proved to vbe confusing, and hence scientists prefer analyzing in the human presence wheich is a tedious process (Foy & Theiler n. d)Future Application and Trends in Multispectral imaging With the many advantages that can be achieved using Multispectral imaging techniques, the near future will see more research in this field. Forensics will now be the main focus, as because of the accuracy of data that can be found using this technique. There are however many issues that need immediate attention. The most important is the image retrieval software which is very important for the analysis of the evidence by investigators. The area is seeing lot many advances with many tools being developed that target specific areas of forensic work.The second target area is the reduction in equipment size and complexity. Use in satellites did not put a lot of restrictions to the size of the equipment. However, when it is used by investigators for crime scene detection, the size of equipment becomes important. The equipment should also be able to access spaces, meaning that it should be able to cover the entire crime scene. The interest in making smaller electronic devices with higher computer power may prove to be very helpful in this case. In addition, the research is also being done to impro ve the quality of optical systemsFinally, the multispectral imaging technique itself should be improvised such that its susceptibility to noise is reduced. In many cases like landmine detection, a prior analysis of the land is first doe before using the multispectral equipment, which is a good solution Investigators are finding that using multispectral imaging assists in the process of analyzing evidence. Sufficient research in this field to make the technology more efficient, will help it in becoming a universally accepted technology.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Applying Ethics in an Ethical Dilemma Essay

I would never have thought that the hardest part of this assignment was to find a good example of a business organization behaving ethically in an ethical dilemma. There are numerous cases of businesses behaving unethically. The list of businesses behaving illegally is similar to a who’s who of top companies. However, I did find one company that appears to have based their business on ethics. The 3M Corporation continually tries to infuse their ethics into their organization, even when they expand into other countries. Applying Ethics in an Ethical Dilemma In March 2011, industrial conglomerate 3M, formerly known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, started to build manufacturing facilities in Russia’s Tyumen and Samara regions. The total investment was approximately fifteen million US dollars. The new facility will produce an insulation material Thinsulate, a very thin, synthetic petroleum based insulation, used in clothing. All branches of the United States military use Gore-Tex cold weather gear and Thinsulate is one of the key materials used in the clothing (Romanova, 2011). Building the plant was the easy part; the difficulty was getting into Russia. According to the Berlin-based Transparency International’s 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index, Russia is ranked 154th among 178 industrialized countries for its corrupt practices (Barr & Serra, 2010). One of the problems 3M faced was the managerial mindset in Russia. They do not recognize or reward their subordinates for exceptional performance. They only care about current profits and they do not plan. Because of the countries high levels of corruption and political instability, they try to get everything they can right now, because they are in fear of what can potentially happen tomorrow. Due to all these factors, most multinational  companies have avoided investing in Russia (Shama, 1997). The environment for business in Russian is full of obstacles. Corruption, bribery and paying of protection money are synonymous in business culture. 3M is different from the few other international companies that operate in Russia, that try to distance themselves from such practices by simply banning them. 3M Russia actively promotes not only ethical behavior but also the personal security of its employees. 3M Russia also strives to differentiate itself from competitors by being an ethical leader. For example, it holds training courses in business ethics for its customers and employees. (Langlois & Schlegelmilch, 1990). Ethical Framework Applied by the Organization In order to understand the ethical frameworks that drive this corporation, I feel it is imperative to read their principle statement. 3M employees and third parties to which this principle applies must make good, ethical decisions based on 3M’s fundamental values of honesty, integrity, promise-keeping, fairness, respect, concern for others, and personal accountability. When the law and 3M’s Code of Conduct are silent on the issue, employees must nevertheless make decisions that are legal, ethical, and consistent with the Code of Conduct (Thulin, 2012). Initially, the ethical framework the 3M Corporation used appears to be the Utilitarian approach. Defined as, create the greatest good for the greatest number sometimes referred to as maximizing the good in the world (Dahl, Mandell, & Barton, 1988). In this theory, we weigh the positives against the negatives and against the cost versus risks. This theory emphasizes that all people should reap the benefits in a society, a community or a family. I believe 3M felt that since they were expanding globally into a new continent or country, they were trying to bring their solid ethics with them. 3M faced a difficult task of bringing ethics into a country that unfortunately, ranks low for their ethics (Barr & Serra, 2010). Another ethical framework I believe the 3M Corporation used in establishing their new factories in Russian is the deontological approach. This states that actions judged as ethical or unethical based on the inherent rights of  an individual and the intentions of the actor (Dahl, Mandell, & Barton, 1988). In Deontology theory, an individuals or organizations code of ethics is not supposed to be situational but they should be constant and always followed, to ensure that in when facing adversity their morals remain the same. When 3M went to Russia, they could have easily changed their ethics to fit the societal norm but they did not. They maintained the same high level of ethics as they do in other countries with less corruption, bribery and payments of protection money. They not only maintained it at a higher level, 3M even taught classes to their employees on ethics. For some, this was their first exposure to structured ethics training. Many deontologists believe that the rights of individuals reside in â€Å"natural law.† The individuals are a means and not end (Dahl, Mandell, & Barton, 1988). In their principles, all employees must apply honesty, integrity, promise-keeping, fairness, respect, concern for others and personal accountability (Thulin, 2012). They even emphasize when a situation occurs that is not covered by law or plainly outlined, they hold their employees responsible. They should make decisions that are fair, honest and above all in keeping with the company’s policy on ethics Negative Consequences of the Decision Negative Consequence of the situation is that board members in Minneapolis Minnesota decided to enforce American ethics in another country. Although the decision, based on good intentions, begs the question, do we have the right to enforce or impress upon our workforce in another country American ethics. Often the United States and American companies receive accusations of nation building, or where we go into another country and try to impress American laws and customs onto the indigenous population. Do we have the right to endanger our employees to make ourselves feel better? Here in America, corruption, bribery, and paying of protection money is socially unacceptable. When that is the norm, do we have the right to force our beliefs on another country or culture? For example, when the United States Armed Forces works with a foreign Army or government, we try to follow the host’s countries rules. When I was in Iraq, it was illegal to possess, purchase or consume alcoholic beve rages. It was illegal to possess, purchase, and download any pornographic material. Iraq is a strongly Muslim  country, and those are two of its major offenses to their faith. We changed our policies to comply with the host countries norms and values. Should our businesses follow that same example, to protect its workers and its interests? Conclusion Ethical Frameworks attempt to provide a guideline for how an organization or even a society should interact with one another. The strength of this analysis is that it showed that when an organization practiced good ethics, the principles are truly universal. The behavior of the 3M Corporation in their expansion into Russia should be the norm not the exception. When foreign organizations with different ethical codes of conduct meet, they should be able to create a common ethical cooperation framework, keeping strong basic values and adapting moral principles to best meet everyone’s needs. References Barr, A., & Serra, D. (2010). Corruption and culture: An experimental analysis. Journal of Public Economics, 94(11), 862-869. Thulin, I. (2012, February 24). 3M Code of Conduct – Principles. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/businessconduct/bcmain/policy-/principles/ Romanova, M. (2011, March 11). American 3M to Expand into Russian Regions. Russia Briefing News. Retrieved October 11, 2014, from http://russia-briefing.com/news/american-3m-to-expand-into-russian-regions.html/ Shama, A. (1997). From exploiting to investing: A survey of US firms doing business in Russia. The International Executive, 39(4), 497-518. Langlois, C. C., & Schlegelmilch, B. B. (1990). Do corporate codes of ethics reflect national character? Evidence from Europe and the United States. Journal of International Business Studies, 519-539. Dahl, J. G., Mandell, M. P., & Barton, M. E. (1988). Ethical frameworks of â€Å"Tomorrow’s Business Leaders†. International Journal of Value-Based Management, 1(2), 65-81.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Jessie Pope Essay

Jessie Pope was a journalist who wrote recruitment poems for the Daily Mail during the First World War. The poems she did write were positive propaganda poems for the war; her objective was to stimulate patriotism in the readers so that the men would join the forces. Pope wrote a persuasive poem where she compared war to a game. This is illustrated in the title ‘Who’s for the game?’ It shows that her attitude to war was that it was a great big event that everyone should take part in one way or another. The title is a short and punchy question inviting anyone to answer. This gives the wrong impression of the war, it is misleading and Jessie Pope – either intentionally or mistakably. Pope was ridiculed for doing this, but if she did write the actual reality of war, no one would really want to join, therefore the aim of the poem would not be fulfilled and the British army would have no chance of wining in the war. Stanza one begins again by referring to the war as a ‘game’ for the above reason and also emphasises that it is the ‘biggest’ game ever known, war is not a game where you may loose points but where it is likely to loose a limb or loose your life. By her saying war it the game, ‘the biggest that’s played,’ Jessie Pope gives a false notion in the first line and makes war sound remarkable when clearly it is not. The ‘game’ is then repeated to enforce excitement even more. Pope goes on to imply it could be a violent game, appealing to the masculine instinct whilst there is a comparison between ‘the red crashing game’ and the red blood shed in war, she makes it seem like a boxing match. Jessie Pope continues to base the poem on a game by stating: ‘Who’ll grip and tackle the job unafraid?’ This shows that Pope’s outlook on the war was it was not for cowards but men who will fight for their country and protect their families in every way they can. This is compared to a game like rugby, which was a popular sport amongst men at this time, whilst meaning who will rise essie Pope was a journalist who wrote recruitment poems for the Daily Mail during the First World War. The poems she did write were positive propaganda poems for the war; her objective was to stimulate patriotism in the readers so that the men would join the forces. Pope wrote a persuasive poem where she compared war to a game. This is illustrated in the title  Ã¢â‚¬ËœWho’s for the game?’ It shows that her attitude to war was that it was a great big event that everyone should take part in one way or another. The title is a short and punchy question inviting anyone to answer. This gives the wrong impression of the war, it is misleading and Jessie Pope – either intentionally or mistakably. Pope was ridiculed for doing this, but if she did write the actual reality of war, no one would really want to join, therefore the aim of the poem would not be fulfilled and the British army would have no chance of wining in the war. Stanza one begins again by referring to the war as a ‘game’ for the above reason and also emphasises that it is the ‘biggest’ game ever known, war is not a game where you may loose points but where it is likely to loose a limb or loose your life. By her saying war it the game, ‘the biggest that’s played,’ Jessie Pope gives a false notion in the first line and makes war sound remarkable when clearly it is not. The ‘game’ is then repeated to enforce excitement even more. Pope goes on to imply it could be a violent game, appealing to the masculine instinct whilst there is a comparison between ‘the red crashing game’ and the red blood shed in war, she makes it seem like a boxing match. Jessie Pope continues to base the poem on a game by stating: ‘Who’ll grip and tackle the job unafraid?’ This shows that Pope’s outlook on the war was it was not for cowards but men who will fight for their country and protect their families in every way they can. This is compared to a game like rugby, which was a popular sport amongst men at this time, whilst meaning who will rise essie Pope was a journalist who wrote recruitment poems for the Daily Mail during the First World War. The poems she did write were positive propaganda poems for the war; her objective was to stimulate patriotism in the readers so that the men would join the forces. Pope wrote a persuasive poem where she compared war to a game. This is illustrated in the title ‘Who’s for the game?’ It shows that her attitude to war was that it was a great big event that everyone should take part in one way or another. The title is a short and punchy question inviting anyone to answer. This gives the wrong impression of the war, it is misleading and Jessie Pope – either intentionally or mistakably. Pope was ridiculed for doing this, but if she  did write the actual reality of war, no one would really want to join, therefore the aim of the poem would not be fulfilled and the British army would have no chance of wining in the war. Stanza one begins again by referring to the war as a ‘game’ for the above reason and also emphasises that it is the ‘biggest’ game ever known, war is not a game where you may loose points but where it is likely to loose a limb or loose your life. By her saying war it the game, ‘the biggest that’s played,’ Jessie Pope gives a false notion in the first line and makes war sound remarkable when clearly it is not. The ‘game’ is then repeated to enforce excitement even more. Pope goes on to imply it could be a violent game, appealing to the masculine instinct whilst there is a comparison between ‘the red crashing game’ and the red blood shed in war, she makes it seem like a boxing match. Jessie Pope continues to base the poem on a game by stating: ‘Who’ll grip and tackle the job unafraid?’ This shows that Pope’s outlook on the war was it was not for cowards but men who will fight for their country and protect their families in every way they can. This is compared to a game like rugby, which was a popular sport amongst men at this time, whilst meaning who will rise essie Pope was a journalist who wrote recruitment poems for the Daily Mail during the First World War. The poems she did write were positive propaganda poems for the war; her objective was to stimulate patriotism in the readers so that the men would join the forces. Pope wrote a persuasive poem where she compared war to a game. This is illustrated in the title ‘Who’s for the game?’ It shows that her attitude to war was that it was a great big event that everyone should take part in one way or another. The title is a short and punchy question inviting anyone to answer. This gives the wrong impression of the war, it is misleading and Jessie Pope – either intentionally or mistakably. Pope was ridiculed for doing this, but if she did write the actual reality of war, no one would really want to join, therefore the aim of the poem would not be fulfilled and the British army would have no chance of wining in the war. Stanza one begins again by referring to the war as a ‘game’ for the above  reason and also emphasises that it is the ‘biggest’ game ever known, war is not a game where you may loose points but where it is likely to loose a limb or loose your life. By her saying war it the game, ‘the biggest that’s played,’ Jessie Pope gives a false notion in the first line and makes war sound remarkable when clearly it is not. The ‘game’ is then repeated to enforce excitement even more. Pope goes on to imply it could be a violent game, appealing to the masculine instinct whilst there is a comparison between ‘the red crashing game’ and the red blood shed in war, she makes it seem like a boxing match. Jessie Pope continues to base the poem on a game by stating: ‘Who’ll grip and tackle the job unafraid?’ This shows that Pope’s outlook on the war was it was not for cowards but men who will fight for their country and protect their families in every way they can.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Focused observation 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Focused observation 3 - Essay Example Children of this age also question a lot including ‘how’ and ‘why’ and of course they are talkative. Based on this background and since preschoolers are always filled with enthusiasm I decided to teach them few basics by adopting the fun and play method. One must remember that this age requires a strong foundation on which the growing and learning years can develop on. My action plan involved the delivering the messages of determination and lending a helping hand. I decided to perform a puppet show that narrated the ‘incy-wincy spider’ rhyme. On hearing this all the children became interested to know more and looked on in anticipation as I kept the suspense brewing. The first step was to make a spider and by involving all the children I began teaching them about insects and spiders. My aim was through the process of creating, sticking and coloring the spider the general fear that most children possess about insects, hopefully will be erased. During this process the children began asking various questions about insects such as, how do insects fly? What do insects eat? And the interesting part was the creation of the spider’s legs wherein most children were curious to know why they have two legs and a spider has eight legs. Once the spider was ready next on the agenda was to manufacture rain. Interestingly another opportunity to teach the children about the conservation of water and to protect what God had made i.e. the environment. Therefore after the lecture about rain and how they could save water in their own little ways, the next step involved the developing of rain. Instead of utilizing water as rain I developed a plan wherein with the help of beans I involved the children in painting and the portrayal of raindrops on a chart. The children enjoyed themselves dipping the beans in blue paint and dabbing the same on the chart paper. And I took

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Cost of Healthcare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Cost of Healthcare - Essay Example This increase in cost of healthcare is most likely to impact the public in a number of ways. It is of crucial significance to note that the increase in cost of healthcare is good to the economy for a number of reasons. The increasing cost of healthcare is important in strengthening the economy. It is likely to result in increase in taxes thereby creating more money thus strengthening the economy (Pear et al, 2014). However, it is prudent to acknowledge that the increase in cost of healthcare may negatively impact the consumers in a number of ways. This may involve the increasing costs of medical insurance to such consumers. In this regard, it is prudent to note that the healthcare costs should be reduced. This is because the high healthcare cost is most likely to raise the cost of medication and hospital. This can be attributed to increased costs of living to the people. Renter, E. (2014). Health Care Costs Expected to Rise in 2015: Are You Ready? Retrieved on 9th June 2015 from http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health- insurance/articles/2014/10/21/health-care-costs-expected-to-rise-in-2015-are-you-ready Pear, R., Abelson, R. & Armendariz, A. (2014). Cost of Coverage Under AffordableCare Act to Increase in 2015. Retrieved on 9th June 2015 from

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Budgetary Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Budgetary Planning - Essay Example In the meantime, if the employees find it difficult to attain the targets then it might instead be de-motivating for them (University of Gothenburg. â€Å"Budget-A Perfect Management Tool†). Organizations can allocate certain percentage of budget in order to motivate the employees when they are performing well in an organization. For instance, the company can arrange for travel program for the sales support team that attains the target on a stipulated period of time. In such cases, the company will bear the complete expenses of the employees sent for travelling along with the family (University of Gothenburg. â€Å"Budget-A Perfect Management Tool†). Such kind of budgets can assist in motivating the employee to a great extent and thus can assist the organization to attain its objectives within a short period of time. It is to be remembered that such budgets help to augment the performance of the employees and thus increase their productivity as well. Budget is one of the significant sources of motivation for the employees. Hence, it is crucial for an organization to plan budgets in a way so that it can be utilized for the purpose of motivating the employees. It is to be remembered by the employers that the budgets will have no motivational effects unless they are accepted by the managers involved as their own personal target. In such circumstances, the employer needs to make the managers involvement compulsory in such activities. It is a well known fact that the demanding budgets are seen as more applicable in comparison to less difficult targets. However, negative attitudes can result in if they are viewed as too complex. Therefore, in such circumstances, allocation of budget needs to be done properly so that it serves as a motivational tool. Acceptance of budgets is facilitated when good upward communication exists. The use of departmental meetings can be quite helpful in encouraging the managers to accept

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Cats and Dogs Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cats and Dogs - Assignment Example Actually, dogs are considered to be the descendents from wolves. It is widely held that dogs have evolved from the wolves which had made their entry to the northern hemisphere in search for foods. Cats, on the other hand, find its origin in the Felidae family. It is believed that cats have been evolved around 12 millions years ago. (Carney, 2011) A major physiological difference between cats and dogs is that the sense of hearing is better among cats compared to dogs. The hearing part of their body has been created in such a way that they can hear the kittens as well as the rodents’ ultrasonic sounds. (Carney, 2011) The sense of smell is much better among dogs than cats. Dogs generally have wet noses which help in dissolving the scent molecules and thus help them in detecting those smells that can not be perceived by any human being. Hence, dogs are used to catch criminals by the police forces across the countries. Cats do not possess such characteristics. (Carney, 2011) Dogs are considered to be the most loyal creature. Dogs are very faithful to their masters. Dogs obey their master’s orders instantly. Dogs are also very protective about their masters. Cats, on the other hand, are regarded as one of the most independent and distrustful creatures. Although, cats are quite responsive to their owners than the strangers, but they are not as loyal as dogs to their masters. (Carney, 2011) The cat lovers very often argue that dogs are more expensive to maintain than cats. Dogs need substantial grooming and special types of foods to make them healthy and look good. Cats, on the other hand, do not need such maintenance costs. One needs only a little box, some toys and a food bowl for a cat. While dogs need regular bath, it is not quite necessary for cats to be bathed frequently as cats are quite efficient in taking care of their personal hygiene. (Carney, 2011) Dogs are considered to wonderful companion for human being as they form a habit of adjusting

Monday, September 9, 2019

Second Writing Assignment Primary Sources Case Study

Second Writing Assignment Primary Sources - Case Study Example The speech by Beveridge represents a statement of expansion and social growth across the borders, which formed part of the American ambitions. In this speech, Beveridge asserts the notion that America is the leader of universal democracy that is entitled to benefit all mankind irrespective of where they are. He believes that united states are endowed with a mission to spread its enlightened politics, culture, economics and religion to all corners of the world whether they are willing to receive it or not. According to Beveridge, the Americans are endowed with a talent to exercise control of the world, a talent they should not hide1. Manifest Destiny is an ideology by in this speech that supports imperialism in various ways. It supports the notion of Anglo-Saxon racial superiority since Beveridge believed that his race is superior to others and should thus conquer others in the whole world. Beveridge believed that Americans were justified to displace the natives as they expand across the continent in the name of civilization. Beveridge had no soft words for his opponents. Due to this, he considered opponents of imperialism as infidels to gospel who would make America lose their territories. He argued that those against American imperialism were against the wishes of God, making him differ with his opponents who argue that continuation of American isolationist policies is inherently selfish. He urged his opponents that imperialism is a policy that enabled the Americans to preserve the spirit of their founding fathers who had restrained the wilderness. According to Paris, evident destiny delivered Beveridge with more decent and challenging reason to participate in grand activities against other territories beyond the foundation of commercial supremacy. According to Beveridge, the American-Spanish war the most holy wars ever waged by one nation against the other since it

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Response 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Response 3 - Essay Example Bernice didn’t care that no one approved of her choice, or that it tore her family apart; she just wanted to achieve her goal of flying as a woman in the Air Force service. I also admired Jeff, though, because, as mentioned above, he had a lot of heroic qualities. Also, I used to be a painter, so I related to this aspect of the character, and also, I used to like to read adventure books and comics that had the same sort of subplot as Jeff’s. After the commencement of extermination of the Jews by the Nazis, there were many responses to Nazi persecution by the Jews in various forms both collective and individual. There were factors that encouraged both rebellion and the inhibition of rebellion and resistance. For example, in a Jewish ghetto, often resistance would be held back by community leaders because of the fear that any Jews caught gathering weapons or planning escape would bring down punishment on the whole community. This was not outlandish thinking, either, because this is exactly how the Nazis meted out justice for individuals: against the whole community. On the other hand, there were organized rebellions and resistance, bolstered by internal support as well as a reaction to external reasons. This is why I think it is important to focus on characters like Jeff, who were very active and heroic in resistance. One thing that may have hindered Jewish resistance during this time was that there was the problem that Jews who did fight back or escape often faced an ambivalent setting in other nations. After the early twentieth century, and arguably long before this as well, the climate in Europe was changing towards a status quo which was turbulent, to say the least, towards those of the Jewish faith: â€Å"at the end of World War I†¦ groups blamed the Jews for the social disruption, political instability, and economic crises that ensued† (Leventhal 2008) At this time, around 1934, the Nazis also began to persecute Jews. Laws were passed

CRTICAL THINKING COURSE REFLECTIONS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

CRTICAL THINKING COURSE REFLECTIONS - Essay Example nderstood the importance of using evidences and got the point of reasonable way of thinking and using language, which made me openminded and practical in communication. The most difficult for me were to start using the principles of critical thinking, because sometimes it’s hard to remind yourself that you should keep a logical line while speaking and argumentation. Probaby, this skills will authomatic after some time of constant using them. All the problems in learning this course I see in myself, because the information I learned requires to continue working on it and practicing all the time while communicating. But at least I started noticing that I’m progressing. The most important thing I learned is how to reason persuasively: a constructions of arguments, logical including them in my use, an adpatation of arguments according to an audience, and how to present evidences. The second important thing is that I learned strategies and roles in communication, which make me more efficient and help me not only influent on people, but also to consider communicative situations more soberly, to analyse. Actually, so far as this course is a kind of compilation of logics, philosophy of language and rhetoric, it is primarily important for general development of thinking, which helps to look differently not only at language or communication, but at the way how both people and yourself consider an incoming information. So I think this the very last thing is even more important than the skills I acquired during the course. So now I can see a key concepts and ideas of both what I want to say and what people tell me, I see how important arguments are, and how convincing they may be, or how to formulate definitions, which is often very useful in explanations and clarifications. And many views like these, which I started to use unconsciously. Anyway, even if I can’t practically use all the skills and information I’ve learned yet, but still it is a great pleasure to feel

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Advertising and promotion strategy Essay Example for Free

Advertising and promotion strategy Essay Since the inception of the company’s first outlet in Cleveland, Mississippi in the year 1987, Back Yard Burgers depended mostly on the word of mouth publicity to spread awareness and promote its home cooked burgers. New outlets that opened in the subsequent years expanded not only the company’s consumer base and revenue but also stressed the need for aggressive marketing strategy to sustain the increased cost of operations. Back Yard Burgers started advertising on the television in the year 1993. The initial advertising campaigns were titled â€Å"the great burger wars† that took a punch at the competitors. In June 1994 the company launched a series of campaigns that featured Dennis R. Phillipi, a popular comedian in Memphis who soon became famous as Dennis the â€Å"Back Yard Burgers Guy†. The commercials projected the burgers as bigger, tastier, and healthier than those offered by the competitors due to its grilled cooking method that melted most of the fat. The advertising campaigns were effective in increasing sales and raising the revenue by 10 to 15%. Launch of new products and subsequent commercials on the television featuring Dennis Phillipi was an effective strategy. The company used the audio of these commercials in radio advertising that was cheaper. In addition the company also used direct mail advertising. The company collects 1% of taxable sales from each franchisee and company-operated restaurants that goes to the national advertising fund. 50% of this fund is utilized for marketing promos through various channels like radio, television, and print media. The rest 50% is used for market research, new product testing, and development, improvising on the operational front. The company’s marketing director monitors product launch and new restaurant opening promotions and marketing managers with a well-trained staff. The management works in collaboration with the franchisees towards advertising and promotion of its restaurants. The advertising fee earned by the company increased from $314,000 in July 1, 2006 period to $318,000 in June 30, 2007 period. The $4000 increase over the earlier period is accounted to the 1% of sales that goes to the national advertising fund as per company policies. The company also recorded an increase in the advertising expense from $668,000 in the July 1, 2006 to $814,000 in June 30, 2007 that attributes to approximately 5% of the net restaurant sales on advertising in the past year. (see annexure for the comparative income statements). The company has been stressing on the advertising and promotion strategy but it has not been very effective. There are some important points that can be highlighted in this respect. †¢ The company has not been able to create brand loyalty and brand awareness in spite of good quality products and effective marketing strategy. This could be attributed to low brand visibility. This can be remedied with aggressive market campaigns that aim at the younger generation since this is the biggest consumer segment for the fast food industry. Strategies that aim for deeper market penetration, fun logo that people can relate to enjoyable food and moments are essential for brand positioning. â€Å"Fun logo† is a concept that the consumers can equate with good times. The simple logo of McDonald’s is easily identifiable and children and youngsters can spot it from a distance – this is one of the best examples of effective brand positioning. †¢ The other concept that the Back Yard Burgers can adopt is the use of bright color-coding for their outlets and the signboards. A bright color scheme attracts the younger generation and gives it an inviting look. The uniformity in look and feel of the franchisee restaurants and the other company-operated restaurant is essential to make an easily identifiable picture in the consumer minds. †¢ In running a successful brand promotion campaign the essential point is to identify the consumer segment. Who are the consumers and the target focus group for this chain of restaurants? The children and adolescents who form a major chunk of the consumer group typically favour the fast food industry. The working people segment is another segment that will stop by for fast and filling food in their office hours. Fast service food is ideal meal for this segment. Campaigns attracting these two segments will create brand awareness and spell higher revenues for the company. †¢ Last but not the least the quality of food and service efficiency is the crux of the fast food industry. A good and satisfying meal will have the consumers returning for more. The satisfied and happy customer will not only promote brand loyalty but will have high recommendations regarding the food and service to their friends and families. This is the greatest form of publicity that a fast food outlet can expect.

Friday, September 6, 2019

Graduation Rate Trends in California Essay Example for Free

Graduation Rate Trends in California Essay In California, graduation rates among public high schools students declined from sixty nine percent in 1992 to sixty five percent in 1996 (Plucker, ET all). In 2000, the State managed to exceed the national graduation average rate for public high schools for the first time in that decade. Before that year, California had always being between half to four points below the national average (Plucker, ET all). Johnson (2008) quotes from the 2008 Sacramento County Children’s Report Card report by stating that graduation rate in the high schools has fallen with fewer students meeting the requirements needed to join either California State University or The University of California. According to the report, the high schools graduation rate declined from 85. 1 percent in 2000/1 to 79. 6 percent in 2006/7. In the same report, it was revealed that the percentage rate of graduates (high school) who meet the GSU and UC requirement fell from 34. 4 % in 2002 to 22. 5 % in 2006 (Johnson, 2008). On the other hand, Mitchell (2008) reports that in Los Angeles, the number of public school students graduating has fallen for two consequent years (2006/7). She attributes this to the policy requiring all the students to pass an exit examination if they will have to get a diploma. The study also shows that decrease in the graduation rate can be attributed to the experiences of students while at the middle school and the quality of the high school teachers (Mitchel Sberg, 2008). According to San Jose Mercury News, the administration of exit exam was the reason for the decline in the graduation rate in the year 2006 (the first class sat for the exam). The rate of the high school graduates fell by four percent in California that year (Dave, 2007). However, despite the general decline in the number of students who are graduating, the number from the minority students is increasing (Nierstedt 2008). Experts have projected that the rate of graduation will continue falling over the next five years and that will definitely cause a decrease in college applications. On the other hand, due to the rising numbers of the graduating minority groups such as Asians and Hispanics colleges’ diversity will increase (Nierstedt 2008). The graduation rate in California among the blacks is increasing as compared to that of the whites students. For example, Pomona College in California has a graduation rate of black students being eighty-three percent, which is below that of other similar institutions. However, if compared with graduation rate of the white students, the rate is higher because the rate of graduation for the later is eighty one percent (Edwards, 2009). In addition, the methods that are used to calculate the rate are criticized because of the variations that are gotten if checked by different institutions. For example, California data shows that its graduation rate is better than the national average. However when the rate is analyzed by ethnic or racial groups, the results show that the number of African Americans and the Latinos is lost disproportionately (Koehler, 2004). Seventy percent of all the students in Californian schools graduate but two out of every five black Americans never graduated in 2000(Olmos, 2008). According to Patrcia (2008), Latino and African American students are less likely to graduate from high schools when compared to the white or Asian students. Also about one third or a quarter of all the public high schools students in California do not graduate. There is an allegation that there are States, California included that inflate graduation rate. The Education Trust based in Washington stated that â€Å"many States hide behind false data† with the study conducted showing that California had once reported that its graduation rate was eighty seven percent while in the real sense it was approximately seventy one percent (Eslinger, 2005). The report by the US Department of Education shows that the rate of graduation in all secondary schools is seventy percent with some schools in poor urban areas of California with a rate of forty four percent. This has been attributed to high costs of education and political and social factors (Douglass, 2008). Of all the 2004 high school students who sat for The California High School Exit Exam, only less than a half passed the exams a situation that forced the education board to postpone the use of the results as a graduation requirement until 2006 (Warren, 2008). Many young people in the State of California do not complete high school, many of them being African Americans and the Latinos (WestED, 2008). Fifty three percent of LAUSD students (freshman) never graduate four years later when compared to thirty eight percent of County freshman and twenty eight percent of California ninth graders (California Department of Education, 2009). A report by the Los Angeles County, Sheriff Lee Baca gave a report that associates the increase in criminal activities with the low rate of graduation among students. The reports suggests measures to increase the rate of graduation which include participating in high quality preschool, check and use of connect programs (to monitor whether high risk students are in school and connect them with needed services) (Bagchi, 2008). To improve the situation, several researches have been undertaken to get the main reason why the rate of graduation is moving down. The University of California Linguistic Minority Research Institute has initiated the California drop out research project. The main objective of the research is to synthesize the researches that already exist and also to be in a position to make the policymakers and the public know the nature and the solutions to this problem(California Dropout Research Project, 2008). The report also suggests claims that the government of California is not doing enough to reduce the decreasing rate of graduation and more investment should be done to contain the situation (FCIK, 2008). The California Get Real coalition has proposed that Career technical education expansion can be useful in increasing the graduation rate in California (Price, 2007). On the other hand, Eccles (2008) states that students should be motivated to continue with their studies by building a stronger student teacher relationship. Students should also enroll in CTE programs as they increase their chances of graduating (Bates, 2008). REFERENCES Bagchi, S. (2008). Improving Graduation rates can cut crimes. Los Angeles: Heartland Institute. Retrieved March 5, 2009, from http://www. heartland. org/publications/school%20reform/article/22869/Improving_ Graduation_Rates_Can_Cut_Crime. html Bates, S. (2008). Facts about Academic success, drop-out rates, and career technical education. Retrieved March 5, 2009 http://www. citea. org/images/resources/Facts_about_academic_success_dropout_rates_ and_CTE pdf California Department of Education. (2009). Student Enrollment and Graduation Trends for LAUSD, Los Angeles County and California. Retrieved March 5, 2009 from http://www. afabc. org/chevron%20texaco%20brochure-2. pdf Douglass, J. A. (2008). Wrong Trajectory. Retrieved March 5, 2009, from http://alumni. berkeley. edu/california/200805/freespeech. asp Eccles, J. (2008). Can middle school reform increase high school graduation rates? Retrieved March 5, 2009, from http://www. edcoe. k12. ca. us/departments/curriculum_instruction/documents/ CILC082008_DropOutMiddleSchoolReform. pdf FCIK. (2008). Drop out Prevention report. Retrieved March 5, 2009, from http://www. fightcrime. org/ca/dropout/index. php Rumberger, R. (2008). California Dropout Research Project. Retrieved March 5, 2009, from http://www. lmri. ucsb. edu/dropouts/about. htm Johnson K. (2008). Report: High school graduation rates decline in Sacramento County. Sacramento Business Journal. Retrieved March, 5 2009, from http://www. bizjournals. com/sacramento/stories/2008/11/17/daily7. html Mitchell, L. Sberg. (2008, June 21) Graduation rates declining in L. A. unified despite higher enrolment, study finds. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March, 5 2009, from http://articles. latimes. com/2008/jun/21/local/me-grads21

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Hybridity Concepts In Postcolonial Studies

Hybridity Concepts In Postcolonial Studies The flow of information and the movement of people in this ever evolving, interconnected and interactive world have been a profound reason in the creation of new cultures in the form of mixing of local and foreign ideas and values. This kind of mixing is a tiny part of the loose and slippery meaning of hybridity. The term hybridity is used in many areas such as hybrid economy (the mixture of private enterprises and government active participation in global economy) (Koizumi,2010); hybrid cars, hybrid language (creole and patois), and most importantly in relation to this study is in the arena of hybrid cultures (Tomlinson,1999; Coombs Brah,2000). Easthope (1998) contends that hybridity can have three meanings; in terms of biology, ethnicity and culture. In biological science, hybrid could mean the composition of genetic component in human being, animals or plants. In the second and third definitions, hybridity can be understood to mean an individual who possesses two or more ethnic and cultural identities. However de Toro emphasises that the meaning of hybridity in modern cultural theory has nothing to do with the biological and zoological origin of the term (de Toro, 2004). Hutnyk (2005) on the other hand reveals that the term hybridity and syncretism seem to serve the inner cultural aspects of colonialism and the global market. Several key thinkers in the realm of hybridity includes among others Homi Bhabha, Robert Young, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Stuart Hall and Paul Gilroy, who draw upon related concepts from Deleuze, Derrida, Marx, Fanon and Bakhtin to name a few.(Ref) In particular, Bhabha has developed his concept of hybridity from literary and cultural theory to describe the construction of culture and identity within conditions of colonial antagonism and equity (Meredith, 1998; Bhabha, 1994; Bhabha, 1996). In socio-cultural milieu, hybridity is used as an explicative term and hybridity became a useful tool in forming a discourse of racial mixing which was seen as an aberration in the end of 18th century. The kind of hybrid during this era was largely referring to inter marriage of black and white and the offspring were identified as the hybrid product. It has also been referred to as an abuse term in colonial discourse for those who are products of miscegenation or mixed-breeds. Papastergiadis in Werbner Modood (2000) on the other hand asserts that the positive feature of hybridity is that it invariably acknowledges that identity is constructed through a negotiation of difference and that the presence of fissures, gaps and contradictions is not necessarily a sign of failure. (ibid:258). Therefore hybridity can be seen in both negative and positive forms. Ashcroft, Griffiths and Tiffin (2006) assert that hybridity occurs in post-colonial societies as a result of economic and political expansion and control and when the coloniser diluted indigenous peoples (the colonised) social practices and assimilate them to a new social mold. They also further explain that hybridity extends until after the period of imperialism when patterns of immigrations from rural to urban region and from other imperial areas of influence; such as Chinese and Indian labourers coming in into the Malay Peninsula during the labour intensive period. However, with the end imperialism, with the rising of immigration and economic liberalisation, the term hybridity has profoundly been used in many different dimensions and is one of the most disputed terms in postcolonial studies. It can take many forms including cultural, political and linguistics. It is important to note that hybridity can be interpreted in many different accounts from a slight hybrid to the extreme of culture clash. In the postcolonial studies the term hybrid commonly refers to the creation of new trans-cultural forms within the contact zone produced by colonisation (Ashcroft et al.,2003). One other dimension of this term is the hybrid talk which is associated with the emergence of postcolonial discourse and its critique of cultural imperialism.(elaborate) Easthope (1998) on the other hand asserts that in his discussions of hybridity, it has no fix definition except in relation to non-hybridity: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦that the opposition between difference and absolute presence needs to be relativised by introducing more than one concept of identity, that a coherent, speaking subject cannot live in the gaps between identities. (p.347). Pieterse (2001:221) maintains that New hybrid forms are significant indicators of profound changes that are taking place as a consequence of mobility, migration and multiculturalism. In addition, cultural diasporization (Hall, 1990) signifies a new form of identity as a result of interculturality and diasporic relations (Anthias,2010). However, Anthias (ibid:620) postulates that: If hybrid social identities are now the characteristic identities of the modern world, then struggles over cultural hegemony and the underlying mechanisms that support it, become increasingly empty signifiers; merely to occupy the space of the hybrid constitutes an emancipator human condition. In addition, de Toro (1991,1996a) contends that hybridity is always inherent to culture, identity and nations but it is the object of reflections and definitions of different settings and also applied in very different fields. Correspondingly, de Toro suggests that one has to understand the notion of hybridity in a broader metacontext and has to see hybridity as mixing systems at the base of the combination of different models and processes. The discussion of hybridity in this study focuses on the contemporary debate about culture, ethnicity and identity which underpins de Toros model of hybridity as a cultural category. The main argument of this study is the problematic nature of managing the differences of cultural, ethnical and religious groups in Malaysias plural society in the quest for the construction of shared Malaysian identity. The discussion of hybridity in the Malaysian context in this study therefore is not about finding a midway to the solution of differences in cultures and identity but to identify a space where cultural, religious and ethnic difference can be celebrated. In as much the arguments in the succeeding sections deal with ethnicity, culture and religion, this study does not attempt to explicate an in depth discussion of the cultural theory concept. However, cultural theory will be reviewed at a surface level. In the linguistics setting, Bakhtin (1981) puts forward the notion of linguistic hybridity. He, according to Young (1995) delineates the way in which language, even within a single sentence, can be doubled-voiced. Bakhtin affirms that linguistic hybridity mixes two social languages within the limits of a single utterance but differentiated by other factors of those social utterances. Simplistically, it describes the ability to be simultaneously the same but different (ibid:20). Young further postulates that for Bakhtin, hybridity describes the process of the authorial unmasking of anothers speech, through a language that is double-accented and double-styled. Bakhtin (1981) divides his linguistic hybridity into two; intentional hybridity and unconscious or organic hybridity. The former occurs when a voice has the ability to ironise and unmask the other within the same utterance. The organic hybridity , on the other hand occurs when two languages fused together: . the languages change historically primarily by hybridization, by means of a mixing of various languages co-existing within the boundaries of a single dialect, a single national language, a single branch, a single group of different branches, in the historical as well as paleontological past of languages. (Ibid:358). The language hybridity phenomenon is one of main discussions in this current study as the multicultural society evolves in Malaya then Malaysia respectively, languages evolve in tandem. The discussion involves the emergence of Malaysian English or Manglish in social interactions of the populace within ones own ethnic community or with the other communities at large. This is argued in the discussions and findings chapter of this current study. The section that follows discusses in greater detail of hybridity in the light of Bhabhas (1998) work on cultural diversity and cultural difference. Understanding Bhabhas concept of hybridity in relation to cultural diversity Bhabhas conception of hybridity is developed from literary and cultural theory by which he identifies that the governing bodies (coloniser) translate the identity of the colonised (the other) in tandem with the essentialist beliefs. This action of translation however does not produce something that is known to the coloniser or the colonised but essentially new (Papastergiadis, 1997). Bhabha believes that it is this new blurred boundaries or spaces in-between subject-position that are identified as the locality of the disruption and displacement of predominant influence of colonial narratives and cultural structures and practice. Bhabha (1994) claims that the difference in cultural practices within different groups, however rational a person is, is actually very difficult and even impossible and counterproductive, to try and fit together different forms of culture and to pretend that they can easily coexist. As he affirms: The assumption that at some level all forms of cultural diversity may be understood on the basis of a particular universal concept, whether it be human being, class, or race, can be both very dangerous and very limiting in trying to understand the ways in which cultural practices construct their own systems of meaning and social organisation (ibid:209) There is truth to a certain degree to the statement above in terms of the universality of cultural diversity applied in many pluralistic countries including Malaysia. However, to a larger extent, this present study, at a later stage would render the limitations of that statement amidst difficulties and multitudes of problems in inter-ethnic relationship; Malaysian society has proven its ability to be one of the select few which are able to prove that the differences in cultural practices could be the catalyst not hindrance or counterproductive amongst different groups to coexist. This concept of the third space is central and useful in analysing this current study in terms of its interstitial positioning between cultural and ethnic identity with that of a negotiated identity (shared identity) in the Malaysian context. Bhabha believes that the process of cultural hybridity gives rise to new and unidentifiable, a new era of negotiation of meaning and representation. For him controversies are inevitable and unavoidable in a multicultural society as negotiations happen almost in all circumstances including socio-politics and economy down to minute affairs such as in classrooms context. The implication of western colonial legacy which had changed cultural ideology of a former colonised nation is central to the modern discourse of negotiation and instead of questioning the legality of certain cultural status assigned to immigrant cultures, it is inevitable but to accept, admire and celebrate diversity in ways which are appropriately befitting the society as a whole. The significance of the hybridity concept Post-colonial cultural politics assertions: integration and assimilation to unification As a result of hybridisation, dominant culture becomes diluted and more dispersed; less integrated and can then be negotiated. The process of cultural hybridisation allows greater opportunity for local culture to be emphasised thus presents a greater likelihood for more people to feel the sense of belonging. (Canclini,1995;Pieterse,2004). Hybridity needs to be considered as a continuous transaction of renewals and compromise of the practices of identity A more analytical perspective that reviews the assumption about culture and identity from us-them dualism to a collective sense of both. Therefore acceptance and conciliation of both difference and similarity. 5.0. The Third Space Appropriation of The Third Space to the study Otherness Stereotyping in Post Colonial Studies 9.0 Applying hybridity, otherness and stereotyping to the construction of shared identity Identity in Plural Society Propagating and espousing a new conception of shared identity New opportunities, new challenges to develop a collective sense of identity Identity is multiple, overlapping and context-sensitive (Kwame Appiah in Koizumi) New conception of self hybrid self rejects singular identity and adopt a fluid context-dependent identity Classification of identity formation: inherited and acquired (social and psychological) The Construction Malaysian Identity Summary