Assessing Usability Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assessing Usability - Case Study Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that the number of websites and web pages increase exponentially every month. The figure shows the increase in websites over the years. Such an increasing number of websites creates a daunting need for it to be equipped with usable tools and efficient navigational capabilities. Some factors are stated below that enhance the usability of a website. A tag-line should be inserted in the website to portray the main purpose of the product/company/service. This will help the user to understand the objective of the website in a quicker manner. Ensure that navigation is kept easy for the users. Remember that the main page is not the only entry page, therefore, ensure proper relationship exists with the entire architecture of the website. Correct labeling is done on every page to guide the user about his location. Usability guidelines are claimed to be developed by many sources around the world. However, recognized organizations s hould be responsible for the formulation of such guidelines for example; put links for these sites. These guidelines should be considered as standards and should be followed by developers and designers to provide their users with efficient navigation and easy access to information. Following such guidelines makes the user’s visit a pleasant one and stops him from leaving the site for another. Usability can be measured by qualitative as well as quantitative measures; Quantitative measures involve the determination of the pace with which the tasks are performed and how many errors are made during that time. Qualitative measures denote the level of satisfaction that the user has after the usage of the respective tools.

If one of the divisions Essay Example for Free

If one of the divisions Essay Within Judaism there are two major splits, the first is orthodox and the other is non orthodox. Even though they are both on the same branch of religion their belief of how such actions and laws are determined differently on how strict their society is. This does not mean the non orthodox are further from god it’s just the idea they interpretation of the Torah, Talmud and laws are different to orthodox. Orthodox Judaisms main belief is that the Torah, including both the Written Law and the Oral Law, were given directly from God to Moses and can never be altered or rejected in any way. As a result, all Orthodox Jews are required to live in accordance with the Commandments and Jewish law. As well within the UK there are 80% of Orthodox Jews therefore it is open to interpretation that the Orthodox belief is primarily considered the right way to worship. Ways in which we can Orthodox abiding all of Gods laws is by keeping to the 613 commandments set down within the Torah, especially the first 10 for example ‘thou shall not kill’ an orthodox would defiantly not contemplate killing another leaving person even if they were in pain as it goes against the 6th commandment. As well as keeping the commandments the orthodox believe in the idea of physical being and the belief that the messiah is coming and that he will enlighten the world. Others ways which the orthodox Jews are able to express their belief and full holiness by performing areas such as Niddah and holding this family purity to the full extent, for example The Torah describes niddah, as ‘the ritual impurity due to menstruation, and the prohibition of having relations within the time period of a niddah’ this is therefore taken by the orthodox Jews that the are unable to have sexual contact within the woomens monthly menstration and as well she has to stay un touched for two weeks. Another purpose of how orthodox Jews are considered to pursue life the right way is by obeying Koser, ‘a kid should not be cook in its mothers milk’ the orthodox way of dealing with this law is by having milk and meat completelly separate and not eat one another with 4 hours. It can be considered that orthodox way of life is right compaired to Non orthodox because they keep all of the laws from god, they specify in what they believe and have their own way of interpretating them. As well to orthodox Jews the ablity to Keep all of Gods laws giving them this awareness of them succeeding to be striving for holness’ however even though the Orthodox Jews are tring to strive they isolate them selves within there community and try their hardest not to mix with others. On the other hand non orthodox beliefs are more of a modern interperation and shows the possiblity of flexiblity. It can be seen that non orthodox believe in more of a spirtual biding with each others it shows that they do not have to be so forward within their belief and show the world they can abide by all the laws, but on the other hand this spritual awareness allows for the non orthodox jews to have more of a say on what laws they believe in and how they feel the can abide with them and also blend in to society. The non orthadox jews are seen to take an non literal view of the laws for example koser, they don’t really feel it is totally applicable and they eat milk and meat together or they don’t seprate the work services. Unlike the Orthodox jews waiting for the messiah to come the Non orthodox jews believe in the idea that the messiah does not need to a person and they do not require the temple to be re built as they are happy as they are. The non orthodox aspect has an slight area of freewill where it is the Jews own choice to whaet they want to believe in and how they interpretate the laws, guidelines and community. If it was considered that the Non orthodox view was correct because of this idea for there religion to be free and be able to interpretate the laws in their own way and association with modern day then the strict order of Orthodox is wrong because it is strict and unaware of modern times. Even though the orthodox and non orthodox are different sections of Judaism they still both use the synagogue to Worship god but even their ideas in the synangogue are different. For Orthodox Jews, women and men should be seprated and the women aspects are more focused at home and looking after the chicldren, while the men are at work or being Rabbi’s helping in the community, how ever in an Non orthodox synagogue men and women are able to sit together though worship as well women are able to become Rabbi’s as well as working and looking after the children. As well in the non orthodox faith they allow to bring there children up under the faith but also allow for them to make their own decision on the laws, however orthodox children are brought up very strict and abide by every law like their parents and ancestors. To conclude both divisions within Judaism are part of the same religion, they are united in faith and faith to God. So no one group can be wrong as it is down to personal interpretation. As well both splits are right in there own society as it more about there society and community and its just like looking at different cultures instead of the idea one must be wrong as they are the same religion.

Abortion Essay -- essays research papers

Abortion is one of the most controversial issues in America today. Abortion is the ending of pregnancy before birth. There are approximately 1.5 million abortions every year in this country. Abortion was made legal in the 1970s. However, pro-life activists argue that it is murder. Should the government have the legal power to take away a woman\'s right to make decisions regarding her own body? An abortion results in the death of an embryo or a fetus. Abortion destroys the lives of helpless, innocent children. In many countries abortion is illegal. By aborting these unborn infants, humans are hurting themselves; they are not allowing themselves to meet these new identities and unique personalities. Abortion is very simply wrong. Everyone is raised knowing the difference between right and wrong. Murder is wrong, so why is not abortion? People argue that it is not murder if the child is unborn. Abortion is murder since the fetus being destroyed is living, growing and moving. Why is it that if an infant is destroyed months before the birth, there is no problem, but if killed a month after birth, this is inhumane murder? Everyday, innocent, harmless fetuses that could soon be laughing children are being cruelly destroyed. One form of abortion is to cut the fetus into pieces with serrated forceps before being removed, piece-by-piece from the uterus by suction with a vacuum aspirator. Another form consists of bringing the fetus feet first into the birth canal, puncturing its skull with a sharp instrument and sucking out the brain tissue. The remains of the fetus or embryo, as the case may be, are put into plastic buckets and then sent to a dumpster where these precious bones and limbs are disposed. However, how and when an abortion takes place are of little significance to pro- abortionists and other defenders of abortion. Even former abortion practitioners have a new view on abortion. These changes of heart were caused by psychological, religious and scientific reasons. One doctor, Dr. Bernard Nathanson, performed 60,000 abortions and supervised 10,000. Scientific evidence and the use of an ultrasound convinced him he was promoting and participating what he now calls â€Å"the most atrocious holocaust in the history of the United States.† Other doctors refuse to perform legal abortions, saying they should save lives rather than destroy them. Abortion becomes particu... ... life movement will win, because when you hold up a picture of a six month old fetus being stabbed in the neck and all you say is ’choice, choice, choice’ you are going to loose.† In conclusion, a women’s right to choose can justify abortion, but it should be banned because it\'s immoral and life begins at conception. Women have been given the right to have an abortion under the United States Constitution, but this right is still being protested by the people that fight for the unborn\'s rights. It is immoral because it is simply defined as murder. Life begins at conception not at birth. Before a child is born it is given all its supplies to survive. Before birth the child’s heart beats, all its necessary organs have been made present, and gastric juices flow in the stomach. This is a child that dreams, feels pain, and thinks. Some women may look at having an abortion to solve personal conflicts, but in all, women that chose abortion are abandoning their strengths of creation, compassion, and ability to be a mother. After evaluating each side, especially that of the pro-choice movement, and debating each side, I feel pro-life is the movement I st ick with in most circumstances.

Increased Competition and Pricepressures in Supply Chain

CD5590 Professional Ethics in Science and Engineering Presentation: Ethics in Supply Chain Management (SCM) Abedullah Zaman Professional Ethics in Supply Chain Management Supply Chain Management Definition: The network of retailers, distributors, transporters, storage facilities and suppliers that participate in the sale, delivery and production of a particular product. In the simplest terms, Supply Chain Management (SCM) lets an organization get the right goods and services to the place they're needed at the right time, in the proper quantity and at an acceptable cost.Efficiently managing this process involves overseeing relationships with suppliers and customers, controlling inventory, forecasting demand and getting constant feedback on what's happening at every link in the chain. Professional Ethics in Supply Chain Management Roots of Ethics Professional ethics is about managing relations which is a crucial part in SCM. Successful companies use supply chains not only to reduce cos t and complement the product but also to nurture long-term valuedadded relationships.Professional Ethics in Supply Chain Management Why society is concerned about ethics within SCM? Environmental Effects Treatment plants for water, treatment of solid waste, gases Health and Safety In Food Industry- uses of pesticides, hormone-treatment of animals Consumer Rights Legislations about right to safety, right to choose, right to be heard. Professional Ethics in Supply Chain Management Ethical Model/Process Economic responsibilities: Supply Products and Services. Legal Responsibilities: Ethical Responsibilities: Obey Laws.Conduct business in a way that is morally consistent with the beliefs of society Professional Ethics in Supply Chain Management Reasons for Increasing Concern about Ethics in Supply Chains The pressure is coming from various sources. A wide range of stakeholders are interested in the social, ethical and environmental performance of the retail industry’s supply chai n. General Public Growing people's awareness of these issues and increasing expectations of companies' responsibilities.Investors and rating agencies It is also coming from investors as socially responsible investment becomes more mainstream. Managing supply chain issues is seen as one indicator of how well a company is run. Professional Ethics in Supply Chain Management Media The media are also becoming more interested in stories about malpractice, as are campaigning groups as they target new sectors and become more skilled at harnessing public opinion. Consumers More educated and discerning consumers.Government and NGOs Public exposure of poor labour standards in some factories and other establishments, often located in developing countries, can inadvertently undermine progress on establishing ethical trade and good labour practices. Professional Ethics in Supply Chain Management Examples Marks & Spencer Ethical concerns about child labour, prison labour, discrimination and terms and condition of work environment. M&S Ethical Global Sourcing Strategy: Global Sourcing Principles Partnership with Suppliers Social Audit and Verification Continual Improvements and SanctionsProfessional Ethics in Supply Chain Management Nike Labour involved in production of footballs. Code of Conduct- Improve working conditions in factories. Forced labor, Child Labor, Compensation, Benefits, Hours of work, Safety and health, Documentations and inspection. Reebok Sourcing Procedure- Supplier list based on â€Å"Fair Factories Clearing House† evaluation. Zero Tolerance Strategy GAP Apparel Outsourcing- Social Responsibility Professional Ethics in Supply Chain Management Addressing Ethical Issues in Supply ChainRole of Certifications Example: World Responsible Apparel Production (WRAP) WRAP is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the certification of lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing throughout the world. Other Regulations International Labour Organisat ion (ILO) Conventions United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Recent issues with SCM Research Trust in Supply Chains Ethical Supply Chain Ethical supply chain should communicate ethical behaviours and fair treatment to all its stake holders. Supply chains must satisfy societal expectationsProfessional Ethics in Supply Chain Management Discussions Child work can be seen as important in developing responsibility and independence as well as contributing to household economy. Should the societies be let isolated by not giving orders to already poor communities? Engagement or Disengagement strategy? Professional Ethics in Supply Chain Management Five Myths about Business Ethics 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Ethics is personal Business and ethics don? t mix Business ethics is relative Good business means good ethics Information is neutral and amoral

Inkwell Accounting Department Essay

The Accounting Department 1. Inkwell has a small finance team. The accounting department is based in the head office of the company, which is located in Birmingham. There are 8 people in the finance team. Each member of the team has their own computer. The team has access to the internet using Firefox and two printers integrated to each computer. 2. Inkwell has one Financial Director, Anil Gupta. Anil’s main job is to manage the overall financial position of the business, ensuring capital investments and corporate strategy is properly dealt with. He has delegated the running of the accounts department to the company accountant. 3. Inkwell has one company accountant, Michael O’Payne who has been in charge of most financial affairs before Anil Gupta joined the company. The others in the financial team report to him. 4. The team consists of one accounts technician, one General Ledger and Inventory Clerk, one Accounts Payable Clerk, one Accounts Receivable Clerk, one Costing Technician and one Payroll and Personnel Database clerk. 5. The accounting department keep a close relationship with the shop staff. The main mode of communication is through email and phone calls, occasionally a member from the team will pay them an unexpected visit. The Accounting Department- Key Internal Stakeholders 1. Anil Gupta, Financial Director, has the overall responsibility for all finance, legal and accounting procedures and systems. He produces annual reports and statutory accounts. Alongside this he deals with financial issues such as banking and also legal issues, such as contacts. Anil has 30% of the company’s shares when joined the directors in 2008. 2. Michael O’Payne, the Company Accountant, has been in the company since the set up of the company. His main duties include running the day to day responsibility of the accounts department. He also produces monthly management accounts and approves payments to suppliers. After observing the company there is a low level of tension between him and Anil. However, Michael still needs to report to Anil, if he likes it or not. 3. Alex Fox, accounting technician, has the responsibility of making sure the accounting system is reviewed and recommend changes, along with other project work. She has to report to both Anil and Michael, however works more closely to Michael. 4. Michelle Labelle, General Ledger and Inventory Clerk, has the duties of maintaining the company’s cash book and keeping control on the company’s inventory. This requires Michelle to keep in close communication with the store managers. She too reports to Michael. 5. Liana Khan, Accounts payable Clerk, has the responsibility of entering all the suppliers’ invoices and credit notes on to the accounting system. She also has to ensure payments are arranged to suppliers. Liana also reports to Michael, her Father in Law. 6. Greg Morris, Accounts Receivable Clerk, has the duties of inputting all data received by customers, as well as credit control duties. These duties include sending out monthly statements to customer, working out discounts and chasing customers who have not paid in the time given. 7. Alan Cook, Costing Technician, has the responsibility of operating the costing system. This means Alan has to work closely with the Sales director in order to reach market prices. Alan uses Quickcost software to do his work and has been doing it for since the company started. He also monitors the cost and profitability of each cartridge on a monthly bases and advises management about variance targets. 8. Sharon Ward, Payroll and Personnel Clerk is responsible for the running of the payroll, both Weekly and monthly and also to make sure the personnel database is always up to date. Sharon uses Sage Payroll systems to process all her statutory forms.

Clinical Neuropsychology Final Essays

Clinical Neuropsychology Final Essays Clinical Neuropsychology Final Essay Clinical Neuropsychology Final Essay Purposes of neurophysiology Terminology What Can be Affected and How Purpose: To determine effects of damage. That is, the deficits, practical consequences, prognosis Client care and treatment planning: o Descriptive evaluation of: clients capabilities and limitations (take care of self? Finances? Driving? Job change needed? , psychological change, impact on self and others o Can retraining be useful? O Explaining to client diagnosis, alterations in behavior and abilities, and treatment plan o Help set realistic goals Provision of rehabilitation: assess and provide! O Individualized! Retraining? Medications, Inc side effects? Surgery? O Repeat testing to examine improvements o Evaluate effectiveness of treatment? Cost worth it? Brain Damage/ Dysfunction Consciousness/ Awareness Emotion/ Personality Attention Executive Functioning Cognition Receptive Memory/Learning Thinking Expressive Cognitive processes Receptive issues related to how we take in and integrate information Memory/ Learning issues related to how we maintain information in our brains and our ability to retrieve it Thinking issues related to the operations our brains perform on that information (organization, conceptualization, application) Expressive issues related to the communication of information or how we act on that information which ranges from alert to coma; disturbances usually reflect brain pathology; also can encompass awareness Activity rate- behavioral slowing common in brain damage, often appearing as slowed processing speed Attention- widely variable across and within individuals (think: fatigue, novel vs.. Typical); limited capacity; types: Focused/selective- concentration, this requires that we filter out extraneous stimul i o Sustained- maintaining attention o Divided- multitasking o Alternating- shifting focus Executive Functioning Set of processes that all have to do with managing oneself and ones resources in order to achieve a goal (I. E. AOL-directed behavior); the conductor of cognitive skills Mental control and self regulation o Planning and straightening o Decision-making o Organizing thoughts and activities o Proportioning tasks o Integrating and managing mental functions o Managing space and time Inhibition of habitual responses o Filtering out irrelevant stimuli Deficits o Diminished capacity for self-control: think impulsive, emotional liability/flattening, problems shifting attention Think hyperactive, careless, difficulty managing emotions o Difficulties in initiating behavior o Decreased/absent motivation (inertia) o Deficits in planning and completing activities needed to reach a goal o Think ADD Emotion/Personality Interplay between: 1. Direct result of damage, 2. Type and severity o f brain damage, 3. Personal and loved ones reactions to deficits e. G. Depression and anxiety Rigidity and COD traits- think getting stuck in current thoughts, no attention shifting Reduced social sensitivity Distinction- often result of frontal lobe damage, often not aware of behavior Lack of awareness, leading to less insight into effects of actions and not showing sensitivity Altered sexual drive and functioning Emotional liability o Pseudopodium state- brief intense affective episodes that are mood incongruent, person can usually identify a mismatch after o Under stress or fatigue, reactions mood congruent but out of proportion in both intensity and length

The Real Sinbad the Sailor

The Real Sinbad the Sailor Sinbad the Sailor is one of the most famous heroes of Middle Eastern literature. In the tales of his seven voyages, Sinbad battled incredible monsters, visited amazing lands and met with supernatural forces as he sailed the Indian Oceans fabled trade routes.   In western translations, Sinbads stories are included among those that Scheherazade told during the One Thousand and One Nights, which is set in Baghdad during the reign of the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid from CE 786 to 809. In Arabic translations of the Arabian nights, however, Sinbad is absent. The interesting question for historians, then, is this: Was Sinbad the Sailor based upon a single historical figure, or is he a composite character derived from various bold seafarers who plied the monsoon winds?  If he once existed, who was he? Whats in a Name? The name Sinbad seems to come from the Persian Sindbad, meaning Lord of the Sindh River.  Sindhu is the Persian variant of the Indus River, indicating that he was a sailor from the coast of what is now Pakistan. This linguistic analysis also points to the stories being Persian in origin, even though existing versions are all in Arabic.   On the other hand, there are many striking parallels between many of Sinbads adventures and those of Odysseus in Homers great classic, The Odyssey,  and other stories from classical Greek literature. For example, the cannibalistic monster in the Third Voyage of Sinbad is very similar to Polyphemus from The Odyssey, and he meets the same fate - being blinded with the hot iron spits he was using to eat the ships crew. Also, during his Fourth Voyage, Sinbad was buried alive but follows an animal to escape the underground cavern, much like the story of Aristomenes the Messenian. These and other similarities point to Sinbad being a figure of folklore, rather than an actual person. It is possible, however, that Sinbad was a real historical figure with an insatiable urge to travel and a gift for telling tall tales, though it may be that after his death other traditional travel tales were grafted on to his adventures to produce the Seven Voyages we now know him by. More Than One Sinbad the Sailor Sinbad may be based in part on a Persian adventurer and trader named Soleiman al-Tajir - Arabic for Soloman the Merchant - who traveled from Persia all the way to southern China around the year 775 BCE. Generally, throughout the centuries that the Indian Ocean trade network existed, merchants and sailors traveled just one of the three great monsoonal circuits, meeting up and trading with one another at the nodes where those circuits met.   Siraf is credited with being the first person from western Asia to complete the entire voyage himself. Siraf likely gained great renown in his own time, particularly if he made it home with a hold full of silk, spices, jewels, and porcelain. Perhaps he was the factual foundation upon which the Sinbad stories were built. Likewise in Oman, many people believe that Sinbad is based on a sailor from the city of Sohar, who sailed out of the port of Basra in what is now Iraq. How he came to have a Persianized Indian name is not clear.   Recent Developments In 1980, a joint Irish-Omani team sailed a replica of a ninth-century dhow from Oman to southern China, using period navigational instruments only, in order to prove that such a voyage was possible. They successfully reached southern China, proving that sailors even many centuries ago could have done so, but that brings us no closer to proving who Sinbad was or which western port he sailed from. In all likelihood, bold and footloose adventurers much like Sinbad set out from any number of port cities around the rim of the Indian Ocean in search of novelty and treasure. We will probably never know if any particular one of them inspired the Tales of Sinbad the Sailor. It is fun, however, to imagine Sinbad himself leaning back in his chair in Basra or Sohar or Karachi, spinning another fabulous story to his spellbound audience of land-lubbers.

Brave New World

Brave New World Brave New World Brave New World By Maeve Maddox The phrase â€Å"brave new world† is popular in headlines used to introduce a variety of topics: High School Basketball: Brave new world in regionals The Brave New World of Ferraris in China The Brave New World of  Food Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine Why We Need To Talk Now About The Brave New World Of Editing Genes Internet Eavesdropping: A Brave New World of Wiretapping Welcome To The  Brave New World Of  The Corporate-Sponsored Artist   Cubicles Rise in a Brave New World of Publishing Because â€Å"brave new world† is an expression loaded with negative connotations, some of these uses are more appropriate than others. The phrase originated with Shakespeare. When he put the expression in Miranda’s mouth in The Tempest, he was being ironic. O, wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, That has such people in’t! Miranda is speaking of the men whom her father- Prospero, rightful Duke of Milan- has caused to be shipwrecked on their island. The irony is that five of the eight men who come ashore are not â€Å"goodly† at all; they are dirty rotten scoundrels who represent all that is evil and corrupt in the â€Å"civilized† world of Europe. When Aldous Huxley chose the phrase as the title of his 1932 novel about a future in which society is carefully organized and monitored, he was echoing the idea that what might appear to be wondrous at first glance may in fact be evil. Writers who use the phrase as if it has a positive connotation misunderstand Shakespeare’s use of brave. Modern speakers use brave to mean courageous, daring, intrepid, and stouthearted. We speak of â€Å"brave soldiers† and â€Å"brave explorers† who risk danger to do their work. In Shakespeare’s day brave could mean splendid, showy, grand, fine, and handsome. Miranda, impressed by the appearance of the courtly strangers, was probably using the word with this meaning. In any case, to speak of â€Å"a brave new world† of wine or basketball doesn’t make a lot of sense. The second set of headline examples seems to have been written by people who know what Huxley’s novel is about. Brave New World is set in a future in which technology has reorganized human reproduction so as to produce babies in laboratories. The goal is to eliminate such inconveniences as disease and human dissatisfaction. DNA is manipulated so as to produce three castes of people designed to be happy with different types of work. Should any of these designer people grow up to be nonconformists, they are exiled to remote locations. The headline about gene editing is especially on point. Careful writers will not use the phrase â€Å"brave new world† if all they mean is â€Å"a new set of circumstances.† The phrase belongs only in a context of dehumanization or oppressive surveillance. Brave New World entered the public domain in 2008. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Program vs. Programmeâ€Å"As Well As† Does Not Mean â€Å"And†The Difference Between "Shade" and "Shadow"

Why was the Axis defeated in the Second World War and why did it take Essay - 2

Why was the Axis defeated in the Second World War and why did it take so long - Essay Example ajor issues.1 Firstly, they focused on expanding territorial domination and establishment of kingdoms based on military overthrow of the international order established after the First World War. The second initiative that the Axis partners wanted to achieve was to neutralize or destroy Soviet Communism.2 For instance, on 1 November 1936, Italy and Germany reflected on their common goal, which aimed at destabilizing the order, which was already established in Europe. During this time, they formed the Rome-Berlin Axis, which served as an indicator of friendship between the two countries. After a month, Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany entered into an agreement titled Anti-Comintern Pact. This agreement was directed towards destabilizing the Soviet Union. On 6 November 1937, Italy joined efforts with the Anti-Comintern Pact to strengthen the initiatives of these countries further. Italy and Germany formed the Pact of Steel on 22 May 1939. This agreement led to the formalization of the Axis alliance, including various military provisions followed by these countries. On 27 September 1940, Japan, Italy, and Germany entered into the Tripartite Pact agreement, which led to the formation of the Axis alliance. These Axis powers contribute to various catastrophic errors as the Second World War was going on.3 These issues made the war to take longer than anticipated, based on the coordinated strategies these countries had implemented. This paper discusses the reasons why the Axis was defeated during the Second World War, considering the powers that the countries involved possessed in their respective regions territories. Various events led to the defeat of the Axis alliance and delays during World War 2. The invasion of Greece by Italy is one of the key contributing factors towards the defeat of the Axis alliance. Under the leadership of Mussolini, Italy decided to invade Greece without Germany’s knowledge. The country embarked on this initiative since Germany, which was a

Advantages of Distributed Operating Systems Assignment

Advantages of Distributed Operating Systems - Assignment Example For instance, the design of distributed systems is such that a malicious program can easily be replicated across a large number of machines, and this can result in major damage (Moffett, 2004). To this extent, although distributed operating systems might attempt to enhance high reliability through fault tolerance, it is however clear that fault tolerance is hard to achieve. Secondly, the distributed operating systems are designed with the aim of enhancing performance. Evidence however shows that this is particularly a challenging concept since as these systems attempt to enhance performance; they actually end up conflicting with other properties, especially the reliability and security of the system. For example, in Amoeba distributed operating system, there are many applications that are replicated, an example being the databases (Tanenbaum, et al, 1990). These replications help this operating system to support fault tolerance, there enhancing its performance and reliability. However, it should be noted that as the software and hardware components are increased to enhance fault tolerance, this may end up negatively affecting the security and overall performance of the system. Third, there is evidence to show that indeed distributed operating systems helps to enhance communication. In many of these systems, communication is mainly through messages. This allows for communication in distributed operating system easy and efficient. In many cases, the communication needs in distributed operating systems are of the request/response type (Mullender, 1988). This allows for message passing to be embedded in protocols for the remote operations. In this case, a process sends a request to another process and the request is carried out and the response returned to the initial process. Through such a mechanism, the communication process in a distributed

Environmental studies Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Environmental studies - Assignment Example There is no interference from the government. In the same manner, the environment has a self-control mechanism and can control itself without interference from mankind. Bio-economic modelling seeks to find solutions to environmental problems with this in light. 2. Explain why the Threshold Value Analysis might facilitate rent-seeking behaviour. (LECTURE 11) Threshold Value Analysis might facilitate rent-seeking behaviour because the decision rule for Threshold Value Analysis is that the model should be developed if the benefits exceed the decision-makers analysis of the costs. The decision-maker may be biased in analysing the costs hence leading to rent-seeking behaviour. 3. Contrast the TVA to environmental decision making with the application of a safe minimum standard approach. (LECTURE 11) The decision rule for Threshold Value Analysis is that the model should be developed if the benefits exceed the decision-makers analysis of the costs i.e. if the benefits are above the threshol d. Safe minimum approach standard is used when the benefits are below the threshold. A second threshold is developed below the initial threshold. 4. What is the difference between risk and uncertainty? How does the difference affect the way you would analyse issues of environmental management? (Lecture 12) In risk, one knows the possible outcomes and their corresponding probabilities. Such probabilities are known either from experience or carrying out experiments. In uncertainty, the likely outcomes are known, but their probabilities of occurrence are not known. In analysing issues of environmental management using decision trees, payoff tables or conditional value tables, the probabilities are needed (risk). In case of uncertainty, one has to come up with best guess probabilities. Part B (about 300 words each question) 1. Markets provide a useful source of information regarding people’s preferences. Explain how you would use market data to estimate the costs of protecting a forest from logging. Market data is very essential in estimating the cost of protecting forests. Market data like the economic uses of the forest, the value of products that are produced from the forest resources and the general value of the forest to the community and country at large should be considered. In estimating the cost of protecting a forest from logging, I would first determine all the market data that would be relevant to the particular tree. This includes the cost of using wood to make furniture and as a source of fuel, the cost of paper, the cost of pulp and any other resources that are found in forests. After determining all these costs, the benefits should also be analysed. Benefits like better weather, increased animal life and protection of endangered species should be quantified. These benefits and costs should then be compared using the Threshold Value Approach. A threshold value of benefits should be set e.g. a value of benefits that equals the total cost of be nefits. If the benefits exceed the threshold value, the forest should be protected from logging. If, however, the value of benefits is below the threshold value, another measure should be taken other than banning logging. For example, environmental managers can consider controlling logging. Other methods of economic decision making can also be used. The cost benefit analysis will include comparing the costs associated with the

J.S. Bach's Cantata 91 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

J.S. Bach's Cantata 91 - Essay Example It will be shown how Bach used the different orchestration techniques to illustrate the differences of emotion and the development of the life of Jesus. There are the use of voices, instrumentation and the use of the words of the Cantata to bring this beautiful piece together. The words of the Cantata were taken from the writings of Martin Luther. In the 16th century, he based his liturgical melodies partly on melodies from the middle ages in the 14th century. It is not known who wrote some of the hymn. One must note that Germany was not a Catholic country. The leise or (hymn) "Gelobet seist du Jesu Christ" was used to replace psalm chorals before sermons at Christmas time.(www.bach-cantatas.com So it was an appropriate title for Bach to use. Bach uses three of the verses. "Jesus was born as a human being and became the Son of God. He is eternal as he is humble as he was born from flesh and blood. We should thank him eternally." He adds an additional 2 verses at the beginning and end (2,3,2). The cantata tells a story of Jesus birth thus the Christmas Cantata. There are 6 movements but 7 verses. Each movement is attached with the use of Kyrie Eleison as the last phrase. The orchestration is typical for his Cantatas - chorus, strings, 3 oboes, 1 bassoon, 3 trumpets, continuous and 1 oboe de cacia) The use of trumpets and oboes was to give contrast to the voices in color, texture and tonal variation. The beginning is a time of praise and joy with the birth of Jesus. In the Overture, there is an long instrumental introduction. The opening choral sings "Gelobet seist du Jesu Christ". The instrumentation introduction is intertwined with the choral. This differs from the heavy choruses of composers like Handel in the Messiah. The horns intertwine with the strings and the voices to show the joy of the birth and Mary and the angels. The choral sings a three note motif which is then used to unite the Cantata The first part as other verses end with the common use of Kyri e Eleison or in German Kirieleis (Our Lord). The 2 techniques are used to join the movements: the use of the Kyrie Eleison and the second point is the music technique of using a motif which is first introduced by the choral in the first verse and then used to join each of the verses. In line 4 and 5, it is used by the choral. The second movement is sung with a soprano recitative answered by a soprano choral (4 out of the 5 phrases) showing Jesus, the son of God is still in bodily form. The strings are used with the continuous only. Bach joins the last phrase with the word Kirieleis to be sung. Jesus has divine power. In the composition, accompanied recitative movement is used in and this is because we are able to get the emotions that are relayed and also the tonal variation are able to depict the support to the song and also the different voices that are used shows and proves that it is not dry but accompanied recitative. The three note theme is carried on by the strings. The third movement start to give form to the Cantata: instruments, recitative, instruments. The oboe introduction will trills and the bassoon are used as an accompaniment. The tenor comes as a solo but sings with the instruments. The constant movement of the instruments gives life. Jesus is maintaining life from Mary in the manger. The three note motif is repeated by the bass but the rhythm is jumpy. Is he the son of

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Coursework Example Water has been obtained as the primary constituent of all living organisms. Be it plants or animals, the water has its role in the process of metabolism. It is required in the process of photosynthesis where light energy is utilized splitting the water molecule such that the hydrogen gets separated and the oxygen is released in the air. Many substances in the body are hydrolyzed by water as well. For example, it is capable of breaking amino acids bonds in proteins and peptide linkages of monosaccharide in polysaccharides. Diffusion of several materials is also obtained through the component of water (Saint, 2004). Water helps in the transport of different substances within the body since it easily dissolves other materials and thus acts as a good solvent. This function of the water also enables the removal of waste products like ammonia and urea from the body. Water being capable of diluting such waste products enables their recycling process in the Nitrogen cycle. Since water is vis cous in nature it also acts a good lubricant and form different lubricating fluids in the body that include mucus, synovial fluid, pleural fluid and pericardial fluid having different functions in the body. Apart from all these functions, water also acts as a supporting medium for several organisms since it is not easily condensed. Overall in the biological systems, water has miscellaneous functions that include maintaining body temperature, as well as dispersal in the process of reproduction (Saint, 2004). 2. Structure of Carbohydrates: Monosaccharide, Disaccharide, and Polysaccharide: Carbohydrates are formed as a result of the combinations of carbon and water molecules. In general the carbohydrates may be represented through the formula (CH2O)n. Here C represents the carbon molecules and H2O represents the water molecules, n being the number of atoms of this combination of molecules. However, in some cases carbohydrates might also contain greater numbers of sulphur or nitrogen mo lecules. If the molecular structure of the carbohydrates is studied, carbons are found to form chains or rings with hydroxyl groups two or more in number along with an aldehyde or a ketone group. There is a carbonyl group at the terminal end of an aldehyde that gets bonded to hydrogen molecule or carbon. A ketone is different from an aldehyde and represents a carbonyl group bonded in between two carbon molecules (Talaro & Park, 2007, p.42). Different configurations are obtained of the carbohydrates. Monosaccharide refers to one of the forms of carbohydrates that represent a simple polyhydroxy aldehyde or molecule of ketone that contain 3 to 7 molecules of carbon. The structure of a disaccharide varies from a monosaccharide in that a disaccharide is formed from two monosaccharides in combination. When five or more monosaccharides combine to form a carbohydrate, then that structure represents a polysaccharide. The monosaccharides and disaccharides are represented by prefix- ose at the end of the name. The name however depends on the number of carbons in the structure. For example, pentose has 5 carbons in it, hexose is composed of 6 carbons, and so on (Talaro &

J.S. Bach's Cantata 91 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

J.S. Bach's Cantata 91 - Essay Example It will be shown how Bach used the different orchestration techniques to illustrate the differences of emotion and the development of the life of Jesus. There are the use of voices, instrumentation and the use of the words of the Cantata to bring this beautiful piece together. The words of the Cantata were taken from the writings of Martin Luther. In the 16th century, he based his liturgical melodies partly on melodies from the middle ages in the 14th century. It is not known who wrote some of the hymn. One must note that Germany was not a Catholic country. The leise or (hymn) "Gelobet seist du Jesu Christ" was used to replace psalm chorals before sermons at Christmas time.(www.bach-cantatas.com So it was an appropriate title for Bach to use. Bach uses three of the verses. "Jesus was born as a human being and became the Son of God. He is eternal as he is humble as he was born from flesh and blood. We should thank him eternally." He adds an additional 2 verses at the beginning and end (2,3,2). The cantata tells a story of Jesus birth thus the Christmas Cantata. There are 6 movements but 7 verses. Each movement is attached with the use of Kyrie Eleison as the last phrase. The orchestration is typical for his Cantatas - chorus, strings, 3 oboes, 1 bassoon, 3 trumpets, continuous and 1 oboe de cacia) The use of trumpets and oboes was to give contrast to the voices in color, texture and tonal variation. The beginning is a time of praise and joy with the birth of Jesus. In the Overture, there is an long instrumental introduction. The opening choral sings "Gelobet seist du Jesu Christ". The instrumentation introduction is intertwined with the choral. This differs from the heavy choruses of composers like Handel in the Messiah. The horns intertwine with the strings and the voices to show the joy of the birth and Mary and the angels. The choral sings a three note motif which is then used to unite the Cantata The first part as other verses end with the common use of Kyri e Eleison or in German Kirieleis (Our Lord). The 2 techniques are used to join the movements: the use of the Kyrie Eleison and the second point is the music technique of using a motif which is first introduced by the choral in the first verse and then used to join each of the verses. In line 4 and 5, it is used by the choral. The second movement is sung with a soprano recitative answered by a soprano choral (4 out of the 5 phrases) showing Jesus, the son of God is still in bodily form. The strings are used with the continuous only. Bach joins the last phrase with the word Kirieleis to be sung. Jesus has divine power. In the composition, accompanied recitative movement is used in and this is because we are able to get the emotions that are relayed and also the tonal variation are able to depict the support to the song and also the different voices that are used shows and proves that it is not dry but accompanied recitative. The three note theme is carried on by the strings. The third movement start to give form to the Cantata: instruments, recitative, instruments. The oboe introduction will trills and the bassoon are used as an accompaniment. The tenor comes as a solo but sings with the instruments. The constant movement of the instruments gives life. Jesus is maintaining life from Mary in the manger. The three note motif is repeated by the bass but the rhythm is jumpy. Is he the son of

Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 67

Summary - Essay Example In terms of recruitment, selection is often done on the basis of qualifications and experience of the prospective job candidate in order to establish if he or she is capable of performing the job. Organization can be loosely described as a group of people working together for a common cause or purpose. For instance, a group of people involved in some sort of business can be referred to as an organization because they are somehow organized and they pull their efforts towards the attainment of the desired goals. Usually, people work for different goals such as the need to obtain profit from their operations and these goals can only be achieved if the people involved are organized. In an organization, people have a clear vision and they are aware of the direction to follow in their operations. Interpretation is a term that is used to describe the process where a person tries to explain the meaning of something. For instance, a piece of art or music can have different meanings and people often try to explain these meanings to other people in order for them to fully understand the message that is being conveyed. Thus, interpretation is an attempt to elaborate the meaning of something which can be interpreted in different

Valentine and Funeral Blues Essay Example for Free

Valentine and Funeral Blues Essay In the poem Valentine by Carol Ann Duffy, love affected the poet in various ways which made her view love in a new and different way, revolving her perspective of love on an onion. In the poem Funeral Blues the poet W. H. Auden was also deeply affected by love, to the point that his lover became everything to him. In Valentine the poet, Carol Ann Duffy, metaphorically expresses her perspective of love through an onion, and uses this unique view of love to illustrate its evolution from good to bad. In the poem (Valentine), Duffy rejects every other romantic gift â€Å"Not a red rose or a satin heart† and â€Å"not a cute card or a kissogram† and instead presents her lover with an onion, granting him with an uncommon yet more meaningful version of love, instead of the usual cliched versions. The poet repeats the phrase â€Å"I give you an onion† to reinforce her choice, showing that she is confident and sure for what she has chosen. She describes the onion as â€Å"a moon wrapped in brown paper† which â€Å"promises light†, the â€Å"brown paper† supports the fact that the onion is a gift, which will be unwrapped to reveal a â€Å"light†. Comparing the onion to the moon suggest a romantic atmosphere, the moonlight symbolises their love being revealed, showing purity and peace. As the poem continues, the poet shows how love evolves â€Å"the careful undressing of love† as the relationship grows, the â€Å"light† strengthens causing the lovers to discover the darker personalities of one another. The poet also hints that, like the moon’s surface, love is bumpy and hard. In the third stanza, Duffy moves onto the negative side of love. As love progresses â€Å"it will blind you with tears† here, the poet uses the tears caused by cutting an onion to illustrate how the excitement of love causes a person to focus on nothing but their lover, overlooking the rest of the world around them. Also, Duffy implies how a person also gets blinded to their lover’s faults and instead focuses on their good features. Another negative affect caused by love are the relationship troubles â€Å"†¦your reflection a wobbling photo of grief† shedding tears while in love is unavoidable –similar to crying while cutting an onion– scarring the relationship. The â€Å"photo† represents their happy memories, which became depressing and heartbreaking to remember. To defend her negative thoughts on love, Duffy states that she is â€Å"trying to be truthful† this supports how she’s greatly affected by love, and is exploring it thoroughly. Carol Ann Duffy suggests how love is passionate â€Å"its fierce kiss will stay on your lips†, a kiss which is usually sweet is contrasted with â€Å"fierce† to exaggerate how the kiss is full of feeling, leaving a stinging feeling on the lips. The word â€Å"fierce† also implies an animal like characteristic provoked by love, as the animal attacks its prey in a â€Å"possessive† way. The poet also brings up a person’s want for a never ending relationship â€Å"faithful as we are, for as long as we are† but in reality, love ends as soon as the â€Å"possessive† need for each other dies out. The poets negative thoughts of a long lasting love are reinforced in â€Å"†¦shrink it to a wedding ring if you like. Lethal† Duffy gives the option of marriage, even though she’s against it and believes that it’ll end badly. The phrase â€Å"shrink it to a wedding ring† emphasises the weakening of love, especially after marriage as it becomes â€Å"lethal† and deadly. The wedding ring will become a burden â€Å"will cling to your fingers, cling to your knife† the repetition of the verb â€Å"clings† implies the painful grip marriage causes, which is then reinforced by the word â€Å"knife† as it slices and hurts the former lovers. In the poem Funeral Blues by W. H. Auden, the poet is mourning over the death of his lover. The poet ignores everything and directs all his attention on the funeral of his lover â€Å"stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone†¦ silence the pianos† as if the outside world is frozen and unchanging. Auden also hints his want for respect towards his lover for requesting â€Å"silence† and his anxiety in â€Å"bring out the coffin, let the mourners come† as if impatiently wanting to start mourning over his love. The word â€Å"coffin† symbolises the death of their love, along with his lover, that their love is forever gone and buried away. In the second stanza, Auden mentions â€Å"aeroplanes circle moaning the sky† here, the â€Å"aeroplanes† is a metaphor for the mourners, as their wails of sadness fill the air around him, â€Å"scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead† the constant crying of the mourners seem to be mocking the poet, always confirming his lovers death, reminding him that he’s never coming back. As the poem continues, the poet realises how truly important his lover was to him â€Å"he was my north†¦ my Sunday rest†¦ my talk, my song† this indicates that he was his lover was everything to him, from the most ordinary â€Å"my Sunday rest† to the most wonderful â€Å"my song†, conveys how powerful their love was and how much it affected them. Auden describes his love as his â€Å"week†, â€Å"noon† and â€Å"midnight† comparing him to time, which is never ending and always present, implying their future together. Their love was so strong that Auden was certain for a future together, never imagining of a life without him â€Å"I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong†, this reinforces how their love has died, that his everything is dead, and therefore part of him is dead as well. At the end of the poem, Auden’s perspective of life changes â€Å"the stars are not wanted†¦ pack up the moon†¦ pour away the ocean† the world has lost its appeal, life has become meaningless and useless. The stars, moon and oceans which usually hold amazing beauty, have become worthless and featureless, similar to the poets life. In the last verse, Auden has completely given up on life â€Å"for nothing now can ever come to any good† he doesn’t see any future for him, he is blinded by his dead lover, nothing can make him happy anymore.

Formicidae Biodiversity in Texas Vegetation

Formicidae Biodiversity in Texas Vegetation A COMPARISON OF FORMICIDAE BIODIVERSITY IN NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE VEGETATION IN SOUTH TEXAS A study to determine how ant communities in non-native vegetation, specifically in Cenchrus ciliaris, differ from native vegetation in south Texas. ABSTRACT When non-native grasses become invasive, they can alter plant communities and can therefore, potentially affect arthropods due to their relationships with the vegetation they reside on. Cenchrus ciliaris is a non-native grass to the United States and is commonly known as buffel grass. Its drought resistance and quick propagation has made buffel grass invasive and has changed the ecosystems they now reside. Ants will be sampled from patches in native vegetation and buffel grass in San Ygnacio for 12 months. This study seeks to determine how ant communities in predominantly Cenchrus ciliaris, differs from relatively undisturbed native vegetation in south Texas. I pursue to compare ant richness between native vegetation and buffel grass as well as compare richness and abundance between native ant species and non-native ant species. I expect the results to demonstrate lower ant richness and abundance in the locations with buffel grass and higher abundance of invasive species in buffel gr ass. Introduction The introduction and spread of invasive plants is a cause of concern worldwide (Blossey 1999; Didham 2005). The ability of humans to travel between different countries around the world has facilitated the introduction of non-native plants to new locations. These new environments usually lack the natural predators and other natural biological control factors, thus causing these plants to become invasive. (Keane Crawley 2002; Tallamy 2004). Invasive plants can also have characteristics that aid their establishment and survival. For example, some of these plants can have a higher tolerance to drought or can propagate more quickly. They can also create unfavorable conditions for native plants by altering soil litter and nutrients (Bakker Wilson 2001). Therefore, invasive plants can often out-compete native plants, resulting in lower vegetation diversity and abundance (Pimentel 1999; Bakker Wilson 2001). Many species of plants have been introduced into the United States, and although a relatively small percentage of these species negatively impact the ecosystems they invade, studies should be done on specific invasive plants to determine the negative impacts they may be causing to the environment. Buffel Grass Cenchrus ciliaris is a non-native grass to the United States and is commonly known as buffel grass. It is native to most of Africa, southern and southwestern Asia, and Italy, Sicily. Buffel grass was originally introduced to Texas (U.S.A.) and northern Mexico in the 1930s and 1940s to improve pasture in overgrazed habitats and to develop new rangelands (Cox et al. 1988). Its drought tolerance and high biomass productivity made it the most popular grass to use in these countries (Arriaga et al. 2004). Due to its commercial value and impact as a weed it is considered a contentious species. Although the agricultural benefit of buffel grass is controversial, buffel grasslands can be a threat to biodiversity because they are created by invading and removing native plants (Arriaga et al. 2004; Cox et al. 1988). The threat that buffel grass poses to the native vegetation and alteration of the ecosystem, can have an effect from birds to arthropods. Buffle grass appears to provide a less suit able habitat for breeding birds, especially bird species that forage on or near the ground (Bingham et al. 2006). While changes in plant litter can alter arthropod abundance (Wolkovich 2009).   Buffel grass is also associated with increased severity of fires by a buffel grass-initiated fire invasion feedback (Miller et.al 2010). Despite the serious environmental effects buffel grass may cause, there are no national strategies to manage it (Marshal et al. 2011).   Understanding the effects buffel grass has on biodiversity in south Texas can bring insights on whether there is a serious threat to other native vegetation and ecosystem functions. Arthropods: Formicidae Arthropods have many ecological roles within an ecosystem, functioning as prey resources for many taxa, as important predators, and as pollinators and seed dispersers (Isaacs et al. 2009). Recent studies document how plant invasions contribute to arthropod abundance (Wolkovich 2009). Changes in the vegetation cover can have an effect on arthropod diversity and are therefore used as indicators of negative effects on an environment. An important arthropod that is very diverse, does not fall into a single functional group, and can be classified as herbivores, predators, and detrivores, are ants (Triplehorn Johnson 2005). Ants (order Hymenoptera, family Formicidae) are relatively well-studied and easy to identify to the species level (Wolkovich et al. 2009). Structure and composition of ant communities can reflect the nature of the environments in which they reside on. Ants are also commonly used as bio-indicators in studies for fire management, pesticide contamination, and habitat dist urbance (Burbidge 1992).   Reduction in ant species abundance, diversity, and richness has been documented when alterations of ecosystems occur, for example, an increase of invasive plants (Burbidge 1992; Wolkovich et al. 2009). Therefore, this study will be measuring ant richness and abundance to determine how ant communities in non-native vegetation, specifically in Cenchrus ciliaris, differ from native vegetation in south, TX. This will further our understanding of the effects that buffel grass has on the ecosystem. METHODS Study Sites Study plot areas were selected in San Ygnacio, TX. The study area was comprised of a mixture of grasses and shrubs. Native grasses included knotroot bristle grass (Setaria parviflora), Texas Grama (Bouteloua rigidiseta), Common Curly Mesquite (Hilaria belangeri) and tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus). Predominant native shrubs included honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), guajillo (Acacia berlandieri), and blackbrush (Acacia rigidula). The non-native grass was predominantly buffel grass. The soil in the study site was mostly sandy and dry. The native areas where traps will be placed were selected based on the abundance of native vegetation and lack of buffel grass, while the areas for the non-native traps will be placed where buffel grass is the most predominant plant. Sampling It was determined that surveying arthropods was a more cost-effective and accurate design for assessment of biodiversity (Oliver Beattie 1996) Direct sampling with pitfall traps seems to be the optimal collection method for surveying ants so it will be the method of collection that will be used in this study (Jaffe Romero 1989). There will be six pitfall traps placed in predominantly native vegetation and six pitfall traps in areas that are predominantly invaded with buffel grass. The pitfall traps will contain either propylene glycol or alcohol glycol for trapping and conservation of the arthropods. These traps will be place at ground level and will each be labeled accordingly; N for native and B for buffel grass. Each of these traps will have their GPS coordinates and the nearest vegetation to the traps recorded. They will be left out for a week and they will be collected by hand for a year. Ant Sorting and Identification After the traps are collected ants will be sorted into separate vials labeled with their respective trap number and date. All the other arthropods collected in the traps will be sorted to order. Ants will be identified down to species in Dr. Motts lab following a set of identification keys. The data collected will be recorded and data analysis will be performed. Species richness, abundance, and evenness will also be calculated. RESULTS DISCUSSION With this study, I expect to see a difference in biodiversity, richness and abundance between native vegetation and buffel grass. I expect a decrease of these in buffel grass. I also would like to analyze and compare the abundance and richness between native and non-native ants between native vegetation and buffel grass. This could bring insight on the effect buffel grass has on non-native species of ants and determine if it facilitates their settlement. If there is a difference in diversity more studies should be made on the impacts buffel grass has in the ecosystem to further understand the negative effects and determine management techniques. CONCLUSION Cenchrus ciliaris, buffel grass, is an invasive grass that can alter and cause negative effects to the ecosystems they invade. This study will provide insight to the effects this grass truly has on the environment and determine the ecological impact of buffel grass. This will be achieved by comparing ant biodiversity, richness and abundance in native vegetation and, buffel grass.   I expect the results of this study demonstrate a difference in ant diversity between native and non-native vegetation and that further studies can be made to determine buffel grass management. REFERENCES Arriaga, L., Castellanos, A. E., Moreno, E. and Alarcà ³n, J. (2004). Potential ecological distribution of alien invasive species and risk assessment: A case study of buffel grass in arid regions of Mexico. Conservation Biology 18:1504-1514. Bakker, J., and S. Wilson. 2001. Competitive abilities of introduced and native grasses. Plant Ecology 157:117-125. Bernays, E. M., and M. Graham. 1988. On the evolution of host specificity in phytophagous arthropods. Ecology 69:886-892. Bingham, R., Brennan, L., Flanders A. A., Fulbright, T., Kuvlesky, W., Ruthven, D., and R. Zaiglin, 2006. Effects of Invasive Exotic Grasses on South Texas Rangeland Breeding Birds (Efectos de Pastos Invasores Exà ³ticos en las Aves que Nidifican en los Campos de Pastoreo del Sur de Texas). The Auk 123: 171-182. Blossey, B. 1999. Before, during, and after: the need for long-term monitoring in invasive plant species management. Biological Invasions 1:301-311. Burbidge A. H., K. Leicester, S. McDavitt, J. D. Majer. 1992. Ants as indicators of disturbance at Yanchep National Park, Western Australia. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 75: 89-95. Cord E.C. Changes in Arthropod Abundance and Diversity with Invasive Grasses. Texas AM Kingsville. Cox, J. R., M. H. Martin , F. A. Ibarra , J. H. Fourie , N. F. G. Rethman , and D. G. Wilcox . 1988. The influence of climates and soils in the distribution of four African grasses. Journal of Range Management 41: 127-139. Didham, R. K., J. M. Tylianakis, M. A. Hutchinson, R. M. Ewers, and N.J. Gemmel. 2005. Are invasive species drivers of ecological change? Trends in Ecology and Evolution 20:470-473. Isaacs, R., J. Tuell, A. Fiedler, M. Gardiner, and D. Landis. 2009. Maximizing arthropod mediated ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes: the role of native plants. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 7:196-203 Jaffe, K., and H. Romero. 1989. A Comparison of Methods of Sampling Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Savannas. Biotropica 21:314-352 Keane, R. M., and M. J. Crawley. 2002. Exotic plant invasions and the enemy release hypothesis. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 17:164-170. Marshall N.A., M. Friedel, R.D. van Klinken, and A.C. Grice. 2011. Considering the social dimension of invasive species: the case of buffel grass. Environmental Science Policy 14: 327-338. Miller G., Friedel M., Adam P., and V. Chewings. 2010. Ecological impacts of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) invasion in central Australia does field evidence support a fire-invasion feedback?. The Rangeland Journal 32: 353-365. Oliver, I., A. Beattie. 1996. Designing a Cost-Effective Invertebrate Survey: A Test of Methods for Rapid Assessment of Biodiversity. Ecological Applications 6: 594-607. Pimental, D., L. Lach, R. Zuniga, and D. Morrison. 1999. Environmental and economic costs of nonindigenous species in the United States. BioScience 53:53-65. Steinberg, P. 2001. Prosopis glandulosa. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. Stromberg, J.C. 1993. Riparian mesquite forests: A review of their ecology, threats, and recovery potential. Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science 27:111-124. Tallamy, D. W. 2004. Do alien plants reduce insect biomass? Conservation Biology 18:1689-1692. Tallamy, D. W., and K. J. Shropshire. 2009. Ranking lepidopteran use of native versus introduced plants. Conservation Biology 23:941-947. Triplehorn, C. A., and N. F. Johnson. 2005. Borror and DeLongà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s introduction to the study of insects: 7 th edition. Brooks/Cole, Belmont, California. Ueckert, D.N. 1974. Influence of Defoliation by the Cutworm Melipotis indomita on Control of Honey Mesquite with 2,4,5-T in West Texas. Journal of Range Management 27:153-155. Van Auken, O.W. 2000. Shrub invasions of North American semiarid grasslands. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 31:197-215. Ward, C.R., OBrein, C.W., OBrien, L.B., D. E. Foster, D.E. Huddleston E.W. 1977. Annotated checklist of New World insects associated with Prosopis (mesquite): Technical bulletin no. 1557. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Field Manual.

I Am a Victim of Advertising Essay -- Business Media Advertising

I Am a Victim of Advertising You could call me a shop-a-holic, as most of my friends do, but I call myself a lover of fashion. Sitting in my room, I look in my closet at all my belongings and wonder what else I want to buy. Abercrombie, Guess, J Crew, Armani Exchange, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Banana Republic are just a few of the name-brand items that clutter my room. And I want more. I've never stopped to question whether I'm getting what I'm paying for, though I've always been a "smart" shopper, a sale shopper. But, as I learn more about my future field, marketing, I realize that I am a victim of advertising. All the things I want and buy are influenced by what magazines, television, and other advertisers tell me I need to want and buy. Everyone wears clothes. They can be a statement, a style, or a definition of who you are. They can also be a simple necessity. For me, clothing has meant different things. As a child, I wore what my mother gave me or the hand-me-downs from my sister. I never questioned how I looked, but I liked to dress up. In middle school, I became more concerned with my appearance, like most girls. I tried to keep up with the fashion, but what defined the fashion? Magazines and television were the big ones for me. I wanted to look beautiful; thus, I wore what the beautiful people showed me I should wear in hopes that I could be just as beautiful, or at least as fashionable. I had a huge desire to be fashionable, because in being fashionable, I believed I could be popular. As I look back upon those middle school days, I am amazed at how concerned young people can be about their image. Children become so concerned at such a young age with being popular and looking beautifu... ...t someone of the opposite sex. Smoking, drinking, socializing, and looking great in expensive clothing are the images of an attractive person. Advertisers use our weaknesses to tell us what is new, what we should be like, what is cool, and what is hot. Because human nature makes us want to be popular and glamorous we follow the lead ads give us. Is it the victim's fault for believing, or the fault of society for allowing advertisers to do so? These are the questions I often ask myself as I enter the field of marketing. It is very easy to use human insecurities as a means of targeting consumption, but is it right? How will we ever know unless we step back and stop reading magazines and watching television? How will we know unless society and advertising break their bond? Until then, I will remain a victim of advertising. And so will almost everyone else.

Group Participation Contract Essay

In my opinion, the most important factor that aids a team to work effectively is to have an established goal that each member works toward. When each individual is aware of the direction of team, they can consistently contribute their ideas and insights to achieve that goal. Therefore, my primary objective in this course is to actively seek the best ways to achieve the goal at hand. Once a certain goal has been established, I need to remind myself and my team members of that same goal in an on-going basis; so that the team won’t diverge from the direction it must be headed. By continually mentioning the goal that was agreed-upon, it keeps the team moving together which is vital to success. Each member must know how far the team has developed their steps to achieving the goal; therefore it would be a real disadvantage when one member is behind. Also, the most fundamental attribute that must go with teamwork collaboration is team cohesiveness and a high level of commitment. Without working together and committing to one another, a team will most likely fail. Each member must trust one another and agree that each individual will give them the same level of dedication as one another. My goal is to give my team members all that I can offer and hopefully, learn as much as I can from them to enhance the results. In order to reach this goal, I have to actively listen to my team members and see what they have to offer. Teamwork is about giving what you have and learning what you can.

Fakeer of Jungheera as a Love Story Essay

The Fakeer of Jungheer is a long poem by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio. He was born on 18th April, 1809 in Kolkatta, West Bengal. He was a lecturer and poet. He is considered to be an academic and educator During his time Literary Movement of Bengal Renaissance was undergoing. He was an Indian poet and assistant head principal at the Hindu College of kolkatta. He was a radical thinker and one of the first Indian educators to disseminate western Education and science among the young men of Bengal. He died of Cholera at the age of 22. Long after his death, his influence lived among his former student, who came to be known as young Bengal and many of whom became prominent in social reform law and journalism. Inspired by the scenic beauty of the river Ganga, he started writing poetry. He was generally considered an Anglo-Indian being of mixed partuguese desent, but he was fired by patriotic spirit for his native Bengal and considered himself Indian. He wrote many wonderful poems in English before his untimely death of which. The Fakeer of Jungheera was one of the most important landmark in the history of patriotic poetry in India. As he considered India to be his mother he worried about Indian social, political and religious problem. He also worried about the class and caste discrimination. In his days Bengal faced many problems of caste and creed. The reassessment and inclusion of Derozio in the canon of Derozio in the canon of Indian writing in English has to do with many factors, like communism, religious aspects, colonial aspects. In ‘The Fakeer of Jungheera’ Deroiz mixed the tantric, Hindu, Mythological, Islamic and Cristian tradition. He got the idea about writing the poem of spiritual love from Baital Pachisi. As the story goes, if King Vikram remains stead fast in his love for his queen he can resurrect her and once more both can find happiness together. The dauntless fortitude and courage that The King exemplifies by passing through the horrible ordeals in the graveyard leading to h is triumph, inspire conclusion to the tragic death of the Fakeer in the arms of his beloved Nuleeni. If the Nuleeni can again be resurrected in the arms of the Fakeer if she can pass through the horrors and temptations of life. Fakeer and Nuleeni are two star crossed lovers like Romeo and Juliet. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet were the children of two enemies whose love brought the tragic end. Here, in ‘The Fakeer of Jangheera’. Fakeer is the follower of Islam. Fakeer means saint a person who has renounced the world but here he loves a lady Nuleeni who is married and also an uppercaste Female. Nuleeni was married to a Brahmin. Her husband dies in an early youth. Naleeni, the beloved of Fakeer never loved her husband. In the days of never loved her husband. In the days of Henry Derozio Indian subcontinent was cought by many evils like ‘Sati Pratha’ killing girl child by boiling the still born baby in the hot pot of milk etc. Nuleeni belonged to a conservative Hindu society in the nineteenth century. She was pure and beautiful she doesn’t went to end her life behind a person whom she never loved. Nuleeni was brought to the spot where her husband is to be cremated. Women were singing songs praising sati. They sang of going to heaven but poor Nuleeni was lost in the thoughts of Fakeer. She refuses to die on the funeral pure of her husband and esapes with the bandit faker to his cave in Jungheera to a life from death; She escaped death but she starts a life of forbidden love though frightened by violent social norms she believes that her lover’s courage and her anfailing love will finally make them victorious. Her fair and beautiful face brightens the dark social setting of the poem and mitigates the bold audacity of the Fakeer who snatches her from the midst of a group of mourning upper caste Hindu at the Funeral. In the intense bond of love they forgot the society. They forgot their caste discrimination. They forget strength of power. They Forgot strength of power. They Challenged the man made norms of the society. Both of them completely forgot themselves and did not realize that their lives were at risk. Fakeer, bravely snatched her from the hands of so called upper-class people. Would they tolerate this insult of taking away of female by weaker sect. Here, the brave rebellion of the weaker sect draws the attention to the inequality of the sexes and social malaise rampant in Bangali Society of the time. In can say that the poem makes an important stage in the use of social themes in literary texts endorsing a syncretistic tradition quite popular in 19th century Bengal. Instead of be laboring upon the misery of slavery, Derozio embarked upon a mission of resolving some of the inherent evils of Hindu society especially the practice of widow burning. The romantic atmosphere is raise due to the development of Hindu-Muslim love affair. The Fakeer of Jungheera is in two cantos of twenty eight and twenty four stanzas respectively written in the iambic, anapestic, trochaic and dactylic meters to suit the different rhythems ranging from the normal spoken voice and slow description to the racy battles and the chant of priests and women. The poem starts with nature’s description and then takes many twists. The poem deals with many ser ious issues of social evil along with the tragic love affir as the protagonist of the poem is a robber Fakeer who belongs to some unidentified Muslim sect, While the heroine, the widow Nuleeni, comes from an upper caste Bengali Hindu family. Derozio uses Cristain Imagery, Such as heaven and angles flitting about. He juxtaposes this imagery against the Hindu tradition of sati and muslim prayers. He imitates the English Romantic poets like wordsworth, shelly and Coleridge. In the poem, the imagination is marvelous. Derozio breaks all the norms of writing of the contemporary poem writing. It was not easy for the contemporary writers to break the established laws and at the same time challenging the upper-class of the cosecant. He wanted to eradicate the social evils that slowly swallowed the society. This Hindu-Muslim love story arose great sensation. The poet was marginalized in his time. The poet paints the heroine as a ‘perfect’ Bengali beauty – with large black eyes, black in braided tresses, a pale lily complexion and majestic walk. When she arrives at the funeral her eyes searched somebody when he comes she escapes with. He, her lover Fakery had to fight before taking his beloved with him. At the F akeer’s cave. Nuleeni and he lived very happily. They both are lost in the materialistic. They both are lost in the materialistic imaginative life. They are lost in their world. But Nuleeni in the midst of happy life always feared of some unseen danger. Here, the midst of happy life always feared of some unseen danger. Here, the description of nature seems to be one with the feeling of the love. The first canto of the poem mainly deals with the fantastic description of nature, the funeral procession of a Bengali upper-class Hindu family’s son, the escape of the widow with her faker lover to his cave. The upper-class widow lived with many maid lives happily in the cave of her Fakeer lover always waiting for something unseen to harm them. She smelt something wrong. She worried for she doesn’t want to depart from her lover at any cost. Many a times through the poetry we see her lost in her world, sometime. We see Fakeer lost in his dreamland. As happens in ancient Greek tragedies and Shakespearean tragedies, their tragic doom and mistake of risking their life were waiting for them. As they were run-away lovers Nuleeni’s father – the so called upper-class widow’s father would definitely revenge him. Now, Derozio sees love between a Hindu and a Muslim as transcending religion, though this could be Derozio’s own atheistic vision of religion categories based on his rationalistic temper. There was a hardening of identity of Bengali Muslims in the subcontinent as Islam provided ‘a sense of belonging’ to the Muslim community. In the absence of powerful Muslim leadership in 19th century Bengal, the ulema emerged as the leaders. Britishers were partial too. On one hand the prohibited sati system on the other hand they allowed being sati with permission. The hardening of religious categories in colonial Bengali lays the ground for the inevitable conflict that ensues in the second canto. In the beginning of the canto the end lies. The popular belief that love for a woman can lead any god-fearing young man away from the worship of Allah. Then starts the tragic events one by one. The father of beautiful widow Nuleeni determines to avenge Fakeer. He goes to Shah Shiva the king of his time. He requests him to send his army with him to avenge the Fakeer. The uncertainty of life and death begins at this stage. Nuleeni’s father comes to the place where the lovers lived with the army to avenge his insult. He did not even think of his daughter’s happiness or love. Now Fakeer has no choice, if he runs away from the battle field. He would be caught and punished. He decides to fight back the army of Nuleeni’s father. The story at this point becomes somewhat sketchy but the robber Fakeer decides to make a lost stand and fight. However Nuleeni fears that the dubious hour might bring doom : Let me warn the that our doom so bright may darkly end – as darkly speeds the night – But the Fakeer is confident of Victory. Ere long I’ll worn thee in my breast again – With the ‘battle cry’ of ‘the moslem ringing afar’ to fight the ‘royal cavalry’, he is mortally wounded with a lance. Nulleeni cradles him in her arms and dies together with him – he ‘eloquence had all burned out’. She becomes a free agent to choose her destiny; she prefers to die together with someone she loves than with her husband whom she does not. In ancient India woman were allowed to choose their life partners on their own. In our Epics sita, Rukmani, Sati, Parvati (The incarmation of Sati) Draupadi, Subhadra, Kunti, Gandhari, Sanyogita etc. Choose their husband on their own. In absence of Pritiviraj Chauhan Sanyogita put garland on his statue and took her with him – such was grand and glorious past culture of India which was ruined due to foreign invasion. Nuleeni did not die behind her husband. Now, she is free here to die with Fakeer. She did not die with her husband because she did not love him but she loved Fakeer beyond anything else in the world. For him she left all the luxuries of her life, He also risked his life to be united but they were doomed to depart. Nuleeni decides to die behind him. The Sanskrit word sati means a ‘good and vitreous woman’ who was truly devoted to her husband. And according to the Hindu tradition these virtues found expression is the ultimate act of self-immdation. Women who sacrificed themselves continued to be called sati long after they were dead and usage of the term ‘to the sacrifice alone, the act as well as the agent. The secular and universal ideas that Derozio espoused in his poetry do not go well with the separatist and divisionary politics of modern India. These are some of the revisionist consequences of modernity. However, the ‘modes of social life’ that emerged in the early nineteenth century in response to modernity in India now take us ‘beyond modernity’ into the information age. If India must shine it must do so within its own traditions and Derozio occupies a central place in it. The poet through the impossible and bold story of love – affair between Hindu upper-class widow and a Muslim lower class Fakeer reflected and criticized the evils of Indian Society.

Leadership Profile Essay

I am currently the Director of the Patient Care Management Department at one of the local for-profit hospitals. We have gone through some tremendous changes since I have been there. When I started at the hospital, we did not have a director we only had a team leader and the hospital was up for sale. April 2012, the team leader decided to resign. I was then nominated by my co-workers to step up to the team leader position. Immediately the hospital was sold and they posted a job listing for director of our department. For the next year, there were only a scant number of interview prospects for the job listing. I then decided that I should tackle this job opportunity, so I applied. In the midst of all of this, the new owners brought in a consulting firm for our department. The consulting firm mentioned to upper administration that there was great talent already in the department to fulfill the director position. In May 2013, I was promoted to director. I currently oversee the day to day operations in the department. Leadership Weakness I consider Welch’s core principles of voice and dignity to be an area of development. As indicated in Welch’s book Winning â€Å"every person in the world wants a voice and dignity, and every person deserves them†. As an evolving leader, this will be a principle that needs further development. I need to learn to conduct my voice in a professional manner so that I am heard and well respected. I also want to allow my team to have a voice and dignity in the workplace. I want them to bring all their brain power to the table (Welch, 2005) and make sure they know they can do this. Leadership Profile I was given a task to handle in my department even though it really should have been assigned to another department. I did not want to turn anything down being the new person and fear of having a voice, so I accepted the responsibility of writing the policy. I started to work with one of my team members to write the policy. My team member came to me one day and stated â€Å"I really do not mind helping write this policy but it should really be the other department†. I listened and once she was finished I scheduled a meeting with the director of the other department. I met with the other director to discuss that his department should really take a handle on writing this policy and that we would help in any way possible. I had a voice and was listened to because the other department has now been assigned the policy writing. This has impacted me as a leader because we all should have a voice. Everyone in the work-place deserves to be heard. Winning states that not â€Å"everyone’s opinions should be put into practice or every single complaint needs to be satisfied†, however this team members opinion did need to be heard. If I would not have given her a voice, we probably would still be writing the policy. Voice and dignity in relation to my D/C management style, I am very direct and straightforward (â€Å"Everything Disc Management Online Profile†, 2008). This is where I need to be mindful when speaking, that I do not come across as harsh. The voice and dignity principle that I plan to improve will take specific steps. I plan to execute methods within our department that will consistently allow every ones voice to be heard. I will set up monthly meetings where everyone will be able to discuss any concerns or ideas to better improve our workflow. I will keep meeting minutes where I can go back to address these Leadership Profile concerns and see where we can make changes and even collaborate with other team member’s hospital wide. The team will also know that they can come to me at any time or day to discuss issues and that I will listen openly and confidentially if need be. This will give them a chance and opportunity to feel included in the task at hand. Leadership Strength Winning states that â€Å"leaders relentlessly upgrade their team, using every encounter as an opportunity to evaluate, coach, and build self-confidence†. I consider this to be a strength of mine. Before I took this new position, I knew that I had to get the best team together if we wanted to succeed. I had evaluated two employees that were not capable of performing the daily job duties, and released them. I did lots of research on my prospective employees and hired the best. Now that I have a fully qualified team, I am constantly looking for ways to enhance the department and their skills. I also look daily to entertain one’s self-confidence if appropriate. This is a passion of mine to acknowledge others when they have earned it. As indicated in Welch’s book Winning â€Å"when you become a leader, success is all about growing others†. I feel this has impacted me as a leader because I take pride in helping and watching others grow. The growth of others represents my management style in that I am results-oriented. I like to see the end product of my team members. With my style I also need to be conscious not to be so demanding. To further improve on leadership rule number one, I would like to incorporate a monthly evaluation tool that can also be part of their quarterly review. This will allow me to be managing Leadership Profile their production throughout, instead of waiting to the end to do the quarterly review. I believe when waiting until the end of the three month period to do the quarterly review, we lack the ability to constantly upgrade because things are missed or forgotten. This makes the quarterly review less worthy and a disadvantage to the team, the team member and myself. Recommendation As a young leader, I want to learn from the Jack Welch Management Institute and apply my learning daily. I hope to accomplish becoming a more effective leader in the near future. Leadership Profile References Everything DiSC Management Online Profile (2008). Resources Unlimited (3rd edition). Inscape Publishing. Welch, J. (2005). Winning. New York, NY: HarperCollins

The Impact of the Internet on Traditional News Media Research Paper - 1

The Impact of the Internet on Traditional News Media - Research Paper Example Introduction The widespread use of internet has drastically changed the conventions of different news media. The cyber world has hastened the pace and spread of news in an amazing manner which downgraded even the scope of scoops. The advent of internet has thus marked a lot of changes in news media and subverted even the concepts of news upside down. The impact of internet on TV and Print media The vast and ever spreading world of cyber space contributed a lot to the growth of news media and triggered a revolution in the field of communication system. For a journalist, let him associate with either print media or visual media, internet is a powerful source to collect news. In olden days, as we know, the exchange of messages was carried out by the so-called messengers. Later postal system came into exist which made the communication system a little bit comfortable to share something between two people of different corners. The inventions of telegraph and wireless technological system opened the new vistas of exposition and exchange. In modern epoch, for any person who wants to know more about a topic or a news event can easily find out the detailed information by logging on websites. Thus, internet is undoubtedly a good source of news for both the reader and the journalist. In olden days the prime source of news for the newspapers was only the reporters deployed in the diffe rent places.

Ethical Leadership is Mostly about Leadership Integrity Essay

Ethical Leadership is Mostly about Leadership Integrity - Essay Example It has been determined that very ethical leaders lead the most successful organizations in the world and these leaders have steered them towards this path. Those organizations which have been seen to collapse or are on the verge of collapsing recently have been led by leaders who have turned out to be very unethical in their practices and these practices has led to the mistrust of their leadership both from within their organizations, and also from the public which the organization has to serve. The lack of confidence in an organization due to the unethical practices of its leaders leads to a mistrust from those who receive the services of such an organization and in the process, the customers of such an organization may choose to look for alternative organizations that provide the same services and have a more credible leadership. Scandals that arise due to matters of ethics within an organization are very difficult things to deal with and they not only affect the leadership of such an organization but they also affect the employees or subordinates and their families. It is therefore best for leaders within every organization in the world to ensure that they maintain the highest standard of ethical leadership that can be achieved within the organization (Sama and Shoaf, 2008, 39 - 46). It is a fact that the integrity of the leadership within an organization is what determines its following of ethics (Perles, 2002, 59 – 66). If the leadership is corrupt, then the practices of the organization will more likely than not be corrupt because the leaders will not be working for the organization’s best interests but for their own interests.