Tuesday, August 25, 2020

I Stand Here Ironing Essay

When perusing the short story ? I Stand Here Ironing? composed by Tillie Olsen I examined the story by utilizing both women's activist analysis and the formalist procedure. The creator utilizes an iron as an allegory for how the lady in the story tells the life of her girl and why her little girl is how she is. In a manner the lady spreads everything out on the table and irons it out straight. Many single parents can identify with this story since it tells about the difficulties that some terrible moms? need to confront. In this story Emily was conceived during the downturn. Her mom needed to work since she was a youthful single parent, as read in the story Emily?s father could ? do not suffer anymore?. I accept that the mother thought about Emily she would have rather not leave her with her dads family members. Olsen composed that the character got everything done right she bosom took care of by the clock like they said. Around then ?they? were the male specialists who considered parenthood. As a lady I would think Redmond2 that a lady would recognize what is best for both the mother and her youngster. Before the finish of the story the mother and girl relationship grew somewhat nearer Emily who needed significance found an ability . Emily additionally increased a sense an awareness of other's expectations by dealing with her kin. Olsen utilizes the iron as an illustration various occasions all through the story. In the primary passage the mother says, ?and what you asked me moves to and fro with the iron?. I imagine that the mother is attempting to sift through the great and the terrible for the duration of Emily?s life. She recounts what must be done not what ought to have been finished. The lady understands that her little girl needs importance throughout everyday life. The mother addresses herself on the childhood of her most established little girl Emily contrasted with different youngsters. In the last sentence of the story it peruses ?help make it so that there is cause for her to realize that she is more than this dress on the pressing board, powerless before the iron? What the mother is attempting to state is Emily resembles she is on the grounds that that?s how she brought her up it could be un helped at the time the mother is likewise consoling herself by speculation she could be more awful don?t we as a whole have our deficiencies?

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Carbon Fibres and Composite Material Free Sample for Students

Question: Compose a Research Paper on a Composite Materials of your Choice utilized in Medical Application. Answer: Presentation As indicated by Goodman et al. (2011), a composite material alludes to a mix of at least two materials that are of various sythesis, physical property, and morphology. These materials are frequently consolidated for a minuscule scope. Contingent upon the constituent properties, composites are as a rule intended to (or expecting to) delivering materials with materials planned for satisfying explicit mechanical, physical, or compound prerequisites. Accordingly, Hofmann (2016) brings up that the utilization of composite materials have logically expanded for as long as 40 years and have numerous utilizations in the car, flight related, clinical, and maritime fields among different ventures. Thusly, extraordinary composite biomaterials have been tried and read for use in the clinical field and are regularly marketed for their favorable circumstances of the conventional composite materials that were utilized previously. In the clinical field, most human tissues, for example, skin, bones, ligaments, teeth, and tendon are composites comprised of single constituents whose dispersion, morphology, sum, and properties are the significant determinants of the last conduct of the subsequent organ or tissue as indicated by Paknikar and Kumbhar (2015). A similar report signifies that human-caused composite materials to can also be utilized in making prostheses that are utilized to imitate these organic tissues with the point of guaranteeing thy coordinate their mechanical conduct and reestablish the mechanical elements of the body tissues that have been harmed. This paper presents the history, structure and amalgamation, mechanical properties, potential uses, just as advantages and disadvantages of the carbon-fiber-strengthened, look (CFR-PEEK) composite material whose utilization have been examined, tried, and demonstrated fit for clinical purposes. History of the Composite Material Carbon Fiber, a polymer that is otherwise called a graphite fiber, is an exceptionally solid material and light in weight. Despite the fact that stiffer than steel, its light weight makes it appropriate for use as a crude material in the assembling of different materials (Garry, 2013). The composite material was found in 1879 by Edison Thomas. The researcher supported bamboo silvers and cotton strings at high temperature carbonizing them into a fiber of all-carbon. His innovation prompted the utilization of elite carbon strands in 1958 in Cleveland. CF-PEEK was then presented as a grid where long and short PEEK strands were utilized as the composite network to guarantee the finished result had the characteristics of the two filaments. Notwithstanding the way that they were wasteful, the strands contained roughly 20% carbon with low solidness and quality properties. Be that as it may, the carbon filaments quality potential was acknowledged in 1963 through another assembling procedure at British research community (David et al., 2014). In the clinical field, carbon-fiber-strengthened look materials go from enormous scope segments, for example, x-beam application materials to most imperceptible jolts inside used to help the bones in the body as indicated by Paknikar and Kumbhar (2015). CFR-PEEK materials have for quite a while been received for use in the clinical field in various features. They are generally utilized in the orthopedic procedures for the most part for bone artworks, bone establishing, hip joint substitution, and in the obsession of the bone plates in the body. Hofmann (2016) brings up that CFR-PEEK can be created with elasticity or firmness in the ability of the bone they supplant in the body. Thus, the materials are effectively finding their way into the clinical gadgets as inserts to supplant the inside body organs and tissues. Generally, numerous difficulties have been looked by embed architects in accomplishing acknowledgment from various administrative organizations all around. Be that as it may, the employments of carbon-fiber-strengthened looks are on the ascent because of mechanical progressions and advancements. New clinical applications and composite materials are picking up fame and endorsement in numerous pieces of the US food and medication organization (Garry, 2013). CFR-PEEK are utilized in the detailing of bone developments for inserts, for example, impermanent bone backings and bone fastens chiefly embraced the orthopedic fixes. These materials have been embraced for use in the bioresorbable polymers that can securely separate and be consumed by the body in the revamping procedure of the bone. Sturucture and Synthesis of the Composite In the clinical business, the principal blend necessity is a presentation parameter showing the general benefits of various plans of CFR-PEEK with the essential information that the development and miniaturized scale movement of bones can be utilized for various purposes in a clinical view. What follows is a limited component code that decides the strains in the bone utilized as fundamental parameters in assessing the presentation of the carbon fiber. The CF-PEEK composite is fabricated by the utilization of a crossover texture making out of PEEK and carbon fiber as a network that is then altered and treated by low temperature and oxygen plasma. The procedure is then trailed by X-beam photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier change constricted absolute reflection infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) that are basic I relating the usefulness and harshness of the carbon fiber surface with the PEEK interfacial attachment quality. The plasma treatment is pla nned for expanding the harshness of the carbon fiber surface while the drawn out treatment results into the smoothing. Figure 1: The structure of carbon As indicated by Duraccio, Mussano, and Faga (2015), the basic properties of a composite material are dictated by the length, volume, and arrangement of the carbon fiber it contains. Aside from being solid, carbon filaments have high rigidity and firmness however with low weight. It likewise has a high concoction opposition and is regularly open minded to high temperature and over the top warmth yet with a low warm development as signified by Garry (2013). Mechanical Properties As indicated by Cano and Guilemany (2016), the mechanical property of a composite material can be controlled by the mechanical properties of CFR-PEEK. Carbon strands comprise of solid and slight crystalline carbon fibers for the fortifying of different materials. David et al. (2014) mean that the filaments can be more slender than the human hair yet gets its quality when the strands are bent and laid over a covered and formed into plastics or gum. For these mechanical properties, carbon fiber is adjusted for utilize in the clinical field as well as numerous ventures, for example, the military, car, and aviation. There are two primary types of carbon fiber consolidation utilized in composites for clinical applications. Short CFR-PEEKs that comprise of short carbon strands haphazardly adjusted and are for the most part under 0.4 mm, utilized as makers of the homogeneous material property for the embed. Long CFR-PEEK comprises of carbon filaments basically running the whole width of most composite materials. The long CFR-PEEK has a rigidity that is more prominent than 2000 Mpa when contrasted with the 170 Mpa which is of the short carbon fiber (Aspenberg, 2014). Subsequently, their controlled arrangement of these carbon strands thus helps in giving a wide scope of anisotropic properties that can be controlled for explicit capacities relying upon there the composite material that should be made and the utilization. Figure 2: An outline of the mechanical idea of carbon-fiber-strengthened look Favorable circumstances and Disadvantges of Carbon Fibers Ajioka et al. (2016) indicate that carbon-fiber-strengthened look material is built to create a shifting level of solidness and quality dependent on the number and direction of the carbon filaments utilized. It is consequently simpler to enable the maker to coordinate the flexibility of the unresolved issue supplanted with the composite embed material that will be fixed. Then again, Paknikar and Kumbhar (2015) likewise indicates that utilizing carbon strands as composite materials is simpler since, before their developments, producers were confronting difficulties from modulus crisscross of the then utilized metal inserts. For example, the jumble was frequently delivering pressure protecting; modify stacking, and a periprosthetic bone redesigning process that was regularly inconvenient. Economically accessible carbon fiber composite materials have been tried in a few different ways for weakness cycles however have consistently demonstrated to be successful and safe. Nayeri (2014) indicates that the normal quality for a 4.5mm embed plate is 19.1 Newton meters while that of a comparative 4.5mm treated steel pressure plate is 17.8 Newton meters. The twisting quality of accessible 10-mm CFR-PEEK is averagely 80.3 Nm, while a 11-mm titanium tibial plate bowing quality is 43 Nm. This has demonstrated that the testing for wear flotsam and jetsam of the inserts is essentially lower than the wear trash quality of titanium plates produced using the steel as brought up by Goodman et al. (2011). A similar report means that the recuperating and break decrease are accessible for a standard radiograph. The nonappearance of both MRI and processed tomography implies that CFR-PEEK for the composite inserts has applications for contaminations, spine, and for oncologic cases. Despite the fact that there are a few favorable circumstances of utilizing the carbon-fiber-strengthened look composite inserts for clinical reasons, there are additionally some particular burdens. For example, they can't be shaped subsequently making their utilization in crack obsession restricted to straight diaphyseal henceforth requiring a particular locking screw procedure anatomically intended for the particular break Utech and Boccaccini (2016). Simultaneously, solidness can be advantageous to the beneficiary, yet the a lot of adaptability is too risky as it can prompt pseudarthrosis. The expanded weakness quality of the inserts helps in diminishing any conceivable hazard to exhaustion disappointment. In any case, t

Monday, August 10, 2020

Antipsychotics for Borderline Personality Disorder

Antipsychotics for Borderline Personality Disorder September 19, 2019 Tom Merton/OJO Images/Getty Images More in BPD Treatment Diagnosis Living With BPD Related Conditions Your psychiatrist may prescribe antipsychotics for one or more of your borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms.   Why Antipsychotics for Borderline Personality Disorder? The term borderline was coined because early psychiatrists believed that the symptoms of BPD were on the border between neurosis and psychosis. For this reason, some of the first medications tested for BPD were antipsychotics. Although we now know that BPD does not share features with psychosis (and is not a psychotic disorder), research has shown that antipsychotic medications may be effective in reducing some of the symptoms of BPD â€" specifically, anger and hostility, intense mood shifts, and cognitive symptoms, like paranoid thinking. That being said, research shows that antipsychotics are not effective in  improving anxiety, depressed mood, and ?impulsivity in BPD. In addition, while the short-term use of antipsychotics may be effective in BPD, the benefit of frequent and long-term use of antipsychotic is controversial. Types of Antipsychotics There are two main types of antipsychotics: typical and atypical. Typical Antipsychotics. Typical antipsychotics are the older variety of antipsychotic medications, known as first-generation antipsychotics. They are less commonly used due to their potential for serious side effects like movement disorders. Some typical antipsychotics are: Haldol (haloperidol)Navane (thiothixene)Stelazine (trifluoperazine) Atypical Antipsychotics. Atypical antipsychotics are the newer generation of antipsychotic medications, and they produce less of the movement related to side-effects. The six atypical antipsychotics are: Zyprexa (olanzapine)Clozaril (clozapine)Seroquel (quetiapine)Abilify (aripiprazole)Geodon (ziprasidone)Risperdal (risperidone) Side Effects of Antipsychotics Tardive dyskinesia, a side effect that can occur from the long-term use of antipsychotics, involves uncontrollable movements of the face, lips, tongue, limbs, and fingers. Its irreversible, and the risk of developing it is higher with the typical antipsychotics than the atypical antipsychotics. Other potential side effects are called extrapyramidal symptoms, like akathisia, an intense sense of restlessness and agitation. Extrapyramidal symptoms are also more common with the typical than the atypical antipsychotics.  Neuroleptic malignant syndrome  is a rare but very serious condition associated with antipsychotics involving high fever, delirium, and muscle rigidity. While  the atypical antipsychotics are less likely to cause tardive dyskinesia and extrapyramidal symptoms, they are associated with other side effects like weight gain, new onset diabetes, a rise in cholesterol, sexual dysfunction, and heart problems. In addition, some of the individual antipsychotics carry their own unique side effects. For instance, a  rare but potentially fatal side effect of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine is agranulocytosis, a decrease in white blood cells. Regular monitoring of blood counts is required when this agent is used. As shown, there are a number of potential side effects associated with antipsychotics, and they vary by the type (typical vs atypical) of antipsychotic, as well as the individual medication. If your doctor prescribes an antipsychotic, be sure to review the side effects with your doctor and take the medication as directed.   Bottom Line Treating BPD requires an individualized approachâ€"meaning what works for you is likely different from what works for someone else. It will take time for you and your doctor to devise a plan for optimizing your care for your BPD, and this plan may include both medication and psychotherapy. The good news is that there are excellent treatment options available that can help you feel better and get well. A proper discussion and asking the right questions can get you on your way to figuring out the right option for you. Borderline Personality Disorder Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Why We Should Be Forced to Help the Poor Essay - 520 Words

Imagine living in a community where every minute of everyday you are hungry, under clothed, and at risk at death because you are poor. Now imagine waking up and your biggest problem was which sweater to wear with which jeans. Both are scenarios that occur on a daily basis in our countries, some more extreme than others. With that in mind, this raises the question of whether rich nations have an obligation to help those nations in need. People who earn above a certain income should be forced to donate 10% of their money to the poor because, it will help break the vicious circle of poverty, help the society at large to move forward, and lead to a more equitable distribution of wealth. The poor do not have the money to save; all of the†¦show more content†¦In a democratic society, like the U.S.A many successful people started off poor and only through hard work and determination, they manage to educate themselves to get a decent job and pull themselves out of poverty. Singapor e started as a fishing village with little to offer, and was only through the foresight of its government that basic education and health care, plus subsidized housing were provided free or at very subsidized rates to the poor. Today Singapore is an independent and developed country that enjoys some of the best living standards in the world. It also boasts an international financial center. Such success stories can be found in America, Western Europe, and Japan, where the poor at destitute are given a helping hand to advance themselves in society. There is huge disparity in income in all countries and if government policies do not help to narrow the gap it can easily lead to riots. If the poor has no food, no home and no hope for the future they will have nothing to loose but steal and cost chaos. Politicians in democratic countries need to get the popular vote to get elected and usually the poor form a bigger proportion of the population than the rich. An easy way to win the popul ar vote is to promise to take care of the well fare of the poor. In doing so, they need to tax the rich to get funding. This may not be sufficient and super rich should donate to charitable organizations. America has many philanthropists such as the Bill andShow MoreRelated Against Reinstating the Military Draft Essay1504 Words   |  7 Pagesto the country?s well being? Should we, as citizens, be allowed to evade this ultimate obligation by turning it over to the poorer members of society, those who cant find good-paying jobs or training except in the military? In A War for Us, Fought by Them, William Broyles, a Vietnam war veteran and the father of a young man who is a soldier in the Marines, argues that the military draft should be brought back, and this time it should be done right: everybody should be drafted, not just ?the profoundlyRead MoreHealth Care Is A Choice That A Person Makes897 Words   |  4 Pages I believe health care is a choice that a person makes. In this d ay in time people are forced or punished if they do not have health care. The affordable health care program is to cut health care spending so that people can use the money in other places. I think this health care policy does not help Americans in the way it should and that we should have more freedom of choice when it comes down to being forced to have health care. In 2014 the ACA required most Americans have some sort of healthRead MoreEssay on liberalism958 Words   |  4 Pagesis their motto. Those existing in the lower ranks of poverty are of no concern to the upper class, exploiting other members of society are what they do best. The tory we find at the other end of the scale. In tory society tradition rules; taking the groups well being rather than the individual is primary. Somewhere in the middle we have the liberals (some bleeding hearts, some not so much). Reason, rationality, logic, and thought are the theoretical source of legitimacy of the liberal. They believeRead More America Must Create Jobs Essay1475 Words   |  6 Pagesminimum wage. It is an offending disappointment that our fellow countrymen and women must live the way they do. This raises a crucial question whose outcome affects much of the working population. Should minimum wage be raised? And why? There are several arguments being made by economists as to why the minimum wage must be increased. One reason that really pulls on the heart strings is that raising the minimum wage will assist American families. Many of those on minimum wage are working for whatRead MoreAngelas Ashes: the Setting Effects the Actions of the Characters1472 Words   |  6 Pagesof the McCourt family in many ways. br brLiving in poverty and not being able to meet basic needs leads the characters to result to desperate measures such as stopping Frank McCourts education and taking a job to support the family. Frank is forced to take the job mostly because his father is an alcoholic and uses all the dole money and his wages to buy beer instead of feeding his family. Frank describes this pattern of drinking away the money by saying When Dad comes home with the drink smellRead MoreThe Gap Between The Rich And The Poor900 Words   |  4 Pagesreasons that less developed countries have difficulty developing at the pace of other countries. Many different actions can cause poverty. Most people have different opinions on why poverty still exists. â€Å"Nearly equal portions of the public in advanced, emerging, and developing countries, cite the gap between the rich and the poor as a very big problem. And notably, it is the leading economic concern in the eyes of people in major economies such as China a nd Germany, at 42 and 39 percent, respectivelyRead MoreChild Labour and Ethics Essay628 Words   |  3 PagesUtilitarianism We have all heard that child labour is a bad thing, however, lets try and think Ââ€" is it, really? By introducing child labour companies save millions of dollars which are passed to the consumer as a cheaper price on products they buy from our firm, if there are more profits there are more taxes paid to the Government. By having better profit margins our company is able to pay bigger dividends to shareholders thus giving them a better return on their investment and making themRead More Angela?s Ashes: The Setting Effects The Actions Of The Characters1378 Words   |  6 Pageslifestyle of the McCourt family in many ways. Living in poverty and not being able to meet basic needs leads the characters to result to desperate measures such as stopping Frank McCourt’s education and taking a job to support the family. Frank is forced to take the job mostly because his father is an alcoholic and uses all the dole money and his wages to buy beer instead of feeding his family. Frank describes this pattern of drinking away the money by saying quot; When Dad comes home with the drinkRead More Foeign Affairs Essay755 Words   |  4 Pagesview on this issue is that America should pay equal attention to both domestic and foreign affairs. You cannot just focus on one without the other because they intermingle into the same issue. For instance, America’s businesses have branched out all across the world and if those places of business are not ensured safety then both the economy of that particular country as well as our own is affected. Adding onto that, America is not a self-sufficient country. We have to import oil, food, and muchRead MoreHuman Trafficking : Modern Day Slavery1210 Words   |  5 Pages One of the types of trafficking is Labor Trafficking, which helps keep prices cheaper by having cheap workers. If companies do not have people working in factories for very little then a lot of prices would go up crazy like on clothing and furniture. A lot of countries economy are built off sex trafficking which helps the economy significantly. The ongoing â€Å"phenomenon† of human trafficking is not a problem because it helps many countries economies. Human trafficking is modern day slavery

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Innocence versus Sexual Awakening Essays - 1208 Words

Innocence versus Sexual Awakeming The transition from childhood to adulthood is a complex but universal passage. Both Katherine Mansfields The Wind Blows and D.H. Lawrences The Virgin and the Gipsy embody adolescent angst in their characterization. Matilda and Yvette search for meaning beyond the lives they perceive they are condemned to lead. Both bring about greater understanding of the struggle between a young girls struggle of innocence versus sexuality. In similar uses of metaphor and imagery the stories tell the tale of social convention, romanticism and sexual awakening. The Virgin and the Gipsy is written with little surprise or subtlety in it, as is suggested by the title. Lawrence has a theme of human†¦show more content†¦Each of the two girls has a high spirit infused by passion. Neither actually experiences desire persay but awaken to the idea itself. Yvette dreams of falling violently in love (12) and Matilda hints at love through heading for the open gate (Mansfield 58). Both seem to imply the context of a society that pretends desire only occurs on a limited basis within marriage or class structure, for fear the thought was obscene, (115). Anything outside of that realm of possibility should not be expressed. Mansfield implies the passion that Matilda feels for Mr. Bullen with her heart racing and him waiting for her (55). Matilda feels content upon entrance to her piano teachers home. There is warmth that overcomes her through the smells and images that surround her senses. Matilda has a feeling that they know everything about each other (55) which suggests intimacy on her part. From Mr. Bullens point of view, there is only a portrayal of adult concern as in two instances Matilda is reminded that she is still a little lady (55). Yvette lay and wishes she were a gypsy (52). The life of the gipsy is different in every way from her own, she is smitten by him with her childlike eyes(67) but still paralyzed by the fear of social convention for fear the thought was obscene (115). The gypsies were most outside the world she was brought up in therefore subject to her fascination. The dark and handsome gipsy was a fantasy man for Yvette one inShow MoreRelatedLiterary Analysis : Bram Stoker s Dra cula1285 Words   |  6 Pagestextual evidence, â€Å"When she saw my [Harker] face at the window she threw herself forward, she shouted in a voice filled with menace: Monster, give me my child!†, (Dracula 42) parallels to the duality of ones self, and the way society views ourselves versus how we believe society views us. As Harker battles the self called prison that is the Counts castle, the reality is Harker is losing a fight against his inner desires and the control he was sure he had over them. Symbolically the threat of imprisonmentRead More Conventionality vs Instinct in Daisy Miller and The Awakening3121 Words   |  13 Pages Henry Jamess Daisy Miller and Kate Chopins The Awakening were first published twenty-one years apart, the former in 1878 and the latter in 1899. Despite the gap of more than two decades, however, the two works evince a similarity of thought and intent that is immediately evident in their main themes. Both works display characters whose lives have been governed almost solely by the conventions of their respective societies. Furthermore, both works also attempt to demonstrate to the readerRead MoreHorace Gregory s Short ( But Perfectly Formed D. H. Lawrence : Pilgrim Of The Apocalypse10205 Words   |  41 PagesCHAPTER TWO Inquisitive D. H. Lawrence versus Anally Retentive Mr. Freud Horace Gregory’s short (but perfectly formed) D. H. Lawrence: Pilgrim of the Apocalypse (1933) explains how Lawrence’s two essays on psychoanalysis were motivated by his desire to understand. What he needed to understand was why he was as he was; how the development of masculinity and gender identity were influenced and how obstacles such as an over-possessive mother might impair these developments. Hence, his works onRead MoreThe Vampire: What Boundaries Does the Vampire Threaten? Discuss with R9200 Words   |  37 Pages the boundaries between child and adult. Sexual and human taboo boundaries are threatened, incorporating masculine and feminine as well as gender boundaries. The boundary between conservative and liberatory is threatened, evident in the contrast between Victorian women and the new woman. The threat of conflict between desire and fear; sanity and insanity; the realm of the unconscious versus the conscious, are all evident in the boundaryRead More Comparing Themes in Charlotte and Ruth Hall Essay4461 Words   |  18 PagesHalls to the country, she experiences a freedom of life through nature. She walks, picks flowers, and kisses her husband without worrying about the disapproving eye of Mrs. Hall. While Mrs. Hall criticized her behavior, Ruth’s new freedom showed her innocence as opposed to corruption, as La Rue’s rendezvous shows. Ruth leaves her troubles behind when she leaves the city; when LaRue leaves her city, she only causes more trouble with her manipulative devices on Charlotte. La Rue tries to overcome her past

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The Amber Spyglass Chapter 7 Mary, Alone Free Essays

Almost at the same time, the tempter whom Father Gomez was setting out to follow was being tempted herself. â€Å"Thank you, no, no, that’s all I need, no more, honestly, thank you,† said Dr. Mary Malone to the old couple in the olive grove as they tried to give her more food than she could carry. We will write a custom essay sample on The Amber Spyglass Chapter 7 Mary, Alone or any similar topic only for you Order Now They lived here isolated and childless, and they had been afraid of the Specters they’d seen among the silver-gray trees; but when Mary Malone came up the road with her rucksack, the Specters had taken fright and drifted away. The old couple had welcomed Mary into their little vine-sheltered farmhouse, had plied her with wine and cheese and bread and olives, and now didn’t want to let her go. â€Å"I must go on,† said Mary again, â€Å"thank you, you’ve been very kind – I can’t carry – oh, all right, another little cheese – thank you – â€Å" They evidently saw her as a talisman against the Specters. She wished she could be. In her week in the world of Citt? ¤gazze, she had seen enough devastation, enough Specter-eaten adults and wild, scavenging children, to have a horror of those ethereal vampires. All she knew was that they did drift away when she approached; but she couldn’t stay with everyone who wanted her to, because she had to move on. She found room for the last little goat’s cheese wrapped in its vine leaf, smiled and bowed again, and took a last drink from the spring that bubbled up among the gray rocks. Then she clapped her hands gently together as the old couple were doing, and turned firmly away and left. She looked more decisive than she felt. The last communication with those entities she called shadow particles, and Lyra called Dust, had been on the screen of her computer, and at their instruction she had destroyed that. Now she was at a loss. They’d told her to go through the opening in the Oxford she had lived in, the Oxford of Will’s world, which she’d done – to find herself dizzy and quaking with wonder in this extraordinary other world. Beyond that, her only task was to find the boy and the girl, and then play the serpent, whatever that meant. So she’d walked and explored and inquired, and found nothing. But now, she thought, as she turned up the little track away from the olive grove, she would have to look for guidance. Once she was far enough away from the little farmstead to be sure she wouldn’t be disturbed, she sat under the pine trees and opened her rucksack. At the bottom, wrapped in a silk scarf, was a book she’d had for twenty years: a commentary on the Chinese method of divination, the I Ching. She had taken it with her for two reasons. One was sentimental: her grandfather had given it to her, and she had used it a lot as a schoolgirl. The other was that when Lyra had first found her way to Mary’s laboratory, she had asked: â€Å"What’s that?† and pointed to the poster on the door that showed the symbols from the I Ching; and shortly afterward, in her spectacular reading of the computer, Lyra had learned (she claimed) that Dust had many other ways of speaking to human beings, and one of them was the method from China that used those symbols. So in her swift packing to leave her own world, Mary Malone had taken with her the Book of Changes, as it was called, and the little yarrow stalks with which she read it. And now the time had come to use them. She spread the silk on the ground and began the process of dividing and counting, dividing and counting and setting aside, which she’d done so often as a passionate, curious teenager, and hardly ever since. She had almost forgotten how to do it, but she soon found the ritual coming back, and with it a sense of that calm and concentrated attention that played such an important part in talking to the Shadows. Eventually she came to the numbers that indicated the hexagram she was being given, the group of six broken or unbroken lines, and then she looked up the meaning. This was the difficult part, because the Book expressed itself in such an enigmatic style. She read: Turning to the summit For provision of nourishment Brings good fortune. Spying about with sharp eyes Like a tiger with insatiable craving. That seemed encouraging. She read on, following the commentary through the mazy paths it led her on, until she came to: Keeping still is the mountain; it is a bypath; it means little stones, doors, and openings. She had to guess. The mention of â€Å"openings† recalled the mysterious window in the air through which she had entered this world; and the first words seemed to say that she should go upward. Both puzzled and encouraged, she packed the book and the yarrow stalks away and set off up the path. Four hours later she was very hot and tired. The sun was low over the horizon. The rough track she was following had petered out, and she was clambering with more and more discomfort among tumbled boulders and smaller stones. To her left the slope fell away toward a landscape of olive and lemon groves, of poorly tended vineyards and abandoned windmills, lying hazy in the evening light. To her right a scree of small rocks and gravel sloped up to a cliff of crumbling limestone. Wearily she hoisted her rucksack again and set her foot on the next flat stone – but before she even transferred her weight, she stopped. The light was catching something curious, and she shaded her eyes against the glare from the scree and tried to find it again. And there it was: like a sheet of glass hanging unsupported in the air, but glass with no attention-catching reflections in it, just a square patch of difference. And then she remembered what the I Ching had said: a bypath†¦ little stones, doors, and openings. It was a window like the one in Sunderland Avenue in Oxford. She could only see it because of the light: with the sun any higher it probably wouldn’t show up at all. She approached the little patch of air with passionate curiosity, because she hadn’t had time to look at the first one: she’d had to get away as quickly as possible. But she examined this one in detail, touching the edge, moving around to see how it became invisible from the other side, noting the absolute difference between this and that, and found her mind almost bursting with excitement that such things could be. The knife bearer who had made it, at about the time of the American Revolution, had been too careless to close it, but at least he’d cut through at a point very similar to the world on this side: next to a rock face. But the rock on the other side was different, not limestone but granite, and as Mary stepped through into the new world she found herself not at the foot of a towering cliff but almost at the top of a low outcrop overlooking a vast plain. It was evening here, too, and she sat down to breathe the air and rest her limbs and taste the wonder without rushing. Wide golden light, and an endless prairie or savanna, like nothing she had ever seen in her own world. To begin with, although most of it was covered in short grass in an infinite variety of buff-brown-green-ocher-yellow-golden shades, and undulating very gently in a way that the long evening light showed up clearly, the prairie seemed to be laced through and through with what looked like rivers of rock with a light gray surface. And secondly, here and there on the plain were stands of the tallest trees Mary had ever seen. Attending a high-energy physics conference once in California, she had taken time out to look at the great redwood trees, and marveled; but whatever these trees were, they would have overtopped the redwoods by half again, at least. Their foliage was dense and dark green, their vast trunks gold-red in the heavy evening light. And finally, herds of creatures, too far off to see distinctly, grazed on the prairie. There was a strangeness about their movement that she couldn’t quite work out. She was desperately tired, and thirsty and hungry besides. Somewhere nearby, though, she heard the welcome trickle of a spring, and only a minute later she found it: just a seepage of clear water from a mossy fissure, and a tiny stream that led away down the slope. She drank long and gratefully, and filled her bottles, and then set about making herself comfortable, for night was falling rapidly. Propped against the rock, wrapped in her sleeping bag, she ate some of the rough bread and the goat’s cheese, and then fell deeply asleep. She awoke with the early sun full in her face. The air was cool, and the dew had settled in tiny beads on her hair and on the sleeping bag. She lay for a few minutes lapped in freshness, feeling as if she were the first human being who had ever lived. She sat up, yawned, stretched, shivered, and washed in the chilly spring before eating a couple of dried figs and taking stock of the place. Behind the little rise she had found herself on, the land sloped gradually down and then up again; the fullest view lay in front, across that immense prairie. The long shadows of the trees lay toward her now, and she could see flocks of birds wheeling in front of them, so small against the towering green canopy that they looked like motes of dust. Loading her rucksack again, she made her way down onto the coarse, rich grass of the prairie, aiming for the nearest stand of trees, four or five miles away. The grass was knee-high, and growing among it were low-lying bushes, no higher than her ankles, of something like juniper; and there were flowers like poppies, like buttercups, like cornflowers, giving a haze of different tints to the landscape; and then she saw a large bee, the size of the top segment of her thumb, visiting a blue flower head and making it bend and sway. But as it backed out of the petals and took to the air again, she saw that it was no insect, for a moment later it made for her hand and perched on her finger, dipping a long needle-like beak against her skin with the utmost delicacy and then taking flight again when it found no nectar. It was a minute hummingbird, its bronze-feathered wings moving too fast for her to see. How every biologist on earth would envy her if they could see what she was seeing! She moved on and found herself getting closer to a herd of those grazing creatures she had seen the previous evening, whose movement had puzzled her without her knowing why. They were about the size of deer or antelopes, and similarly colored, but what made her stop still and rub her eyes was the arrangement of their legs. They grew in a diamond formation: two in the center, one at the front, and one under the tail, so that the animals moved with a curious rocking motion. Mary longed to examine a skeleton and see how the structure worked. For their part, the grazing creatures regarded her with mild, incurious eyes, showing no alarm. She would have loved to go closer and take time to look at them, but it was getting hot, and the shade of the great trees looked inviting; and there was plenty of time, after all. Before long she found herself stepping out of the grass onto one of those rivers of stone she’d seen from the hill: something else to wonder at. It might once have been some kind of lava-flow. The underlying color was dark, almost black, but the surface was paler, as if it had been ground down or worn by crushing. It was as smooth as a stretch of well-laid road in Mary’s own world, and certainly easier to walk on than the grass. She followed the one she was on, which flowed in a wide curve toward the trees. The closer she got, the more astounded she was by the enormous size of the trunks – as wide, she estimated, as the house she lived in, and as tall – as tall as†¦ She couldn’t even make a guess. When she came to the first trunk, she rested her hands on the deeply ridged red-gold bark. The ground was covered ankle-deep in brown leaf skeletons as long as her hand, soft and fragrant to walk on. She was soon surrounded by a cloud of midgelike flying things, as well as a little flock of the tiny hummingbirds, a yellow butterfly with a wingspread as broad as her hand, and too many crawling things for comfort. The air was full of humming and buzzing and scraping. She walked along the floor of the grove feeling much as if she were in a cathedral: there was the same stillness, the same sense of upwardness in the structures, the same awe within herself. It had taken her longer than she thought it would to walk here. It was getting on toward midday, for the shafts of light coming down through the canopy were almost vertical. Drowsily Mary wondered why the grazing creatures didn’t move under the shade of the trees during this hottest part of the day. She soon found out. Feeling too hot to move any farther, she lay down to rest between the roots of one of the giant trees, with her head on her rucksack, and fell into a doze. Her eyes were closed for twenty minutes or so, and she was not quite asleep, when suddenly, from very close by, there came a resounding crash that shook the ground. Then came another. Alarmed, Mary sat up and gathered her wits, and saw a movement that resolved itself into a round object, about three feet across, rolling along the ground, coming to a halt, and falling on its side. And then another fell, farther off; she saw the massive thing descend, and watched it crash into the buttress-like root of the nearest trunk and roll away. The thought of one of those things falling on her was enough to make her take her rucksack and run out of the grove altogether. What were they? Seedpods? Watching carefully upward, she ventured under the canopy again to look at the nearest of the fallen objects. She pulled it upright and rolled it out of the grove, and then laid it on the grass to look at it more closely. It was perfectly circular and as thick as the width of her palm. There was a depression in the center, where it had been attached to the tree. It wasn’t heavy, but it was immensely hard and covered in fibrous hairs, which lay along the circumference so that she could run her hand around it easily one way but not the other. She tried her knife on the surface; it made no impression at all. Her fingers seemed smoother. She smelled them; there was a faint fragrance there, under the smell of dust. She looked at the seedpod again. In the center there was a slight glistening, and as she touched it again, she felt it slide easily under her fingers. It was exuding a kind of oil. Mary laid the thing down and thought about the way this world had evolved. If her guess about these universes was right, and they were the multiple worlds predicted by quantum theory, then some of them would have split off from her own much earlier than others. And clearly in this world evolution had favored enormous trees and large creatures with a diamond-framed skeleton. She was beginning to see how narrow her scientific horizons were. No botany, no geology, no biology of any sort – she was as ignorant as a baby. And then she heard a low thunder-like rumble, which was hard to locate until she saw a cloud of dust moving along one of the roads – toward the stand of trees, and toward her. It was about a mile away, but it wasn’t moving slowly, and all of a sudden she felt afraid. She darted back into the grove. She found a narrow space between two great roots and crammed herself into it, peering over the buttress beside her and out toward the approaching dust cloud. What she saw made her head spin. At first it looked like a motorcycle gang. Then she thought it was a herd of wheeled animals. But that was impossible. No animal could have wheels. She wasn’t seeing it. But she was. There were a dozen or so. They were roughly the same size as the grazing creatures, but leaner and gray-colored, with horned heads and short trunks like elephants’. They had the same diamond-shaped structure as the grazers, but somehow they had evolved, on their front and rear single legs, a wheel. But wheels did not exist in nature, her mind insisted; they couldn’t; you needed an axle with a bearing that was completely separate from the rotating part, it couldn’t happen, it was impossible – Then, as they came to a halt not fifty yards away, and the dust settled, she suddenly made the connection, and she couldn’t help laughing out loud with a little cough of delight. The wheels were seedpods. Perfectly round, immensely hard and light – they couldn’t have been designed better. The creatures hooked a claw through the center of the pods with their front and rear legs, and used their two lateral legs to push against the ground and move along. While she marveled at this, she was also a little anxious, for their horns looked formidably sharp, and even at this distance she could see intelligence and curiosity in their gaze. And they were looking for her. One of them had spotted the seedpod she had taken out of the grove, and he trundled off the road toward it. When he reached it, he lifted it onto an edge with his trunk and rolled it over to his companions. They gathered around the pod and touched it delicately with those powerful, flexible trunks, and she found herself interpreting the soft chirrups and clicks and hoots they were making as expressions of disapproval. Someone had tampered with this: it was wrong. Then she thought: I came here for a purpose, although I don’t understand it yet. Be bold. Take the initiative. So she stood up and very self-consciously called: â€Å"Over here. This is where I am. I looked at your seedpod. I’m sorry. Please don’t harm me.† Instantly their heads snapped around, trunks held out, glittering eyes facing forward. Their ears had all flicked upright. She stepped out of the shelter of the roots and faced them directly. She held out her hands, realizing that such a gesture might mean nothing to creatures with no hands themselves. Still, it was all she could do. Picking up her rucksack, she walked across the grass and stepped onto the road. Close up – not five steps away – she could see much more about their appearance, but her attention was held by something lively and aware in their gaze, by an intelligence. These creatures were as different from the grazing animals nearby as a human was from a cow. Mary pointed to herself and said, â€Å"Mary.† The nearest creature reached forward with its trunk. She moved closer, and it touched her on the breast, where she had pointed, and she heard her voice coming back to her from the creature’s throat: â€Å"Merry.† â€Å"What are you?† she said. â€Å"Watahyu?† the creature responded. All she could do was respond. â€Å"I am a human,† she said. â€Å"Ayama yuman,† said the creature, and then something even odder happened: the creatures laughed. Their eyes wrinkled, their trunks waved, they tossed their heads – and from their throats came the unmistakable sound of merriment. She couldn’t help it: she laughed, too. Then another creature moved forward and touched her hand with its trunk. Mary offered her other hand as well to its soft, bristled, questing touch. â€Å"Ah,† she said, â€Å"you’re smelling the oil from the seedpod†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Seepot,† said the creature. â€Å"If you can make the sounds of my language, we might be able to communicate, one day. God knows how. Mary,† she said, pointing to herself again. Nothing. They watched. She did it again: â€Å"Mary.† The nearest creature touched its own breast with its trunk and spoke. Was it three syllables, or two? The creature spoke again, and this time Mary tried hard to make the same sounds: â€Å"Mulefa,† she said tentatively. Others repeated, â€Å"Mulefa † in her voice, laughing, and even seemed to be teasing the creature who had spoken. â€Å"Mulefa! † they said again, as if it were a fine joke. â€Å"Well, if you can laugh, I don’t suppose you’ll eat me,† Mary said. And from that moment, there was an ease and friendliness between her and them, and she felt nervous no more. And the group itself relaxed: they had things to do, they weren’t roaming at random. Mary saw that one of them had a saddle or pack on its back, and two others lifted the seedpod onto it, making it secure by tying straps around it, with deft and intricate movements of their trunks. When they stood still, they balanced with their lateral legs, and when they moved, they turned both front and back legs to steer. Their movements were full of grace and power. One of them wheeled to the edge of the road and raised its trunk to utter a trumpeting call. The herd of grazers all looked up as one and began to trot toward them. When they arrived, they stood patiently at the verge and let the wheeled creatures move slowly through them, checking, touching, counting. Then Mary saw one reach beneath a grazer and milk it with her trunk; and then the wheeled one rolled over to her and raised her trunk delicately to Mary’s mouth. At first she flinched, but there was an expectation in the creature’s eye, so she came forward again and opened her lips. The creature expressed a little of the sweet, thin milk into her mouth, watched her swallow, and gave her some more, again and again. The gesture was so clever and kindly that Mary impulsively put her arms around the creature’s head and kissed her, smelling the hot, dusty hide and feeling the hard bones underneath and the muscular power of the trunk. Presently the leader trumpeted softly and the grazers moved away. The mulefa were preparing to leave. She felt joy that they had welcomed her, and sadness that they were leaving; but then she felt surprise as well. One of the creatures was lowering itself, kneeling down on the road, and gesturing with its trunk, and the others were beckoning and inviting her†¦ No doubt about it: they were offering to carry her, to take her with them. Another took her rucksack and fastened it to the saddle of a third, and awkwardly Mary climbed on the back of the kneeling one, wondering where to put her legs – in front of the creature’s, or behind? And what could she hold on to? But before she could work it out, the creature had risen, and the group began to move away along the highway, with Mary riding among them. How to cite The Amber Spyglass Chapter 7 Mary, Alone, Essay examples

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Efficiency Wages Models of Unemployment †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Efficiency Wages for Models of Unemployment. Answer: Introduction: The economy of Greece has been going through a lot of turbulence and its repercussions have affected many indicators of macroeconomics. Unemployment is one such macroeconomic indicator of the country which has been severely affected. The aim of this paper to answer questions related to the unemployment in Greece. The unemployment of Greece is measured by taking the percentage of the labours who are working out of the total workforce of the country. In the case of Greece, the unemployment has been similar to the figures of European Union as a whole till 2008 (Farber Valletta, 2015). However, due to the financial mismanagement and the crises after the year 2008 the unemployment rate fell sharply compared to the European Union. There are two types of problem in the country in terms of unemployment. First one is the long run unemployment which is also called the natural rate of unemployment. This is not the result of the mismanagement it has committed in the past. Another problem of the economy is the cyclical unemployment which fluctuates around the normal rate as a result of the changes in the business cycle and the national product of the economy. Menzio (2016) stated that negatively sloped GDP of the country also reflects in the employment of the country as well. According to the figure 2, the falling GDP of the country shrank the economy increasing the frictional unemployment in the economy. In the case of Greece, the unemployment rate is not measured correctly as it does not include many types of individual in the overall labour participation of the country. Kaplan Menzio (2016) pointed out that it does not include the individuals who have stopped looking for jobs. Taking advantages of inaccuracy the individuals, despite not being unemployed claims the benefits from government increasing the burden of the government even more. Since the financial crisis in the year 2008, the overall GDP of Greece started to fall at a steady rate. Hence the long term problem of the country in terms of unemployment is increasing normal rate unemployment which has increased to 20.1% in the year 2016. Apart from that, the short run short run cyclical rate of unemployment is also there relating to the fluctuations in the business cycle of the Greek economy. The main reason for the unemployment in case of Greece is the lowered foreign investment in the economy. Job market shrank following the crises survived by the country in the year 2008. Therefore the shortage of demand for labour is the main cause of unemployment in case of this country. The government of the country, in order to increase the labour productivity, introduced the efficiency wage in the year 2009. However, as the theory suggests the unemployment of the country increased more than the increase in the productivity of the labour. Frictional unemployment is the major component of severe unemployment in case of Greece. Since the dip in the GDP of the country, the average time to get a job has increased and hence the frictional unemployment increased. Structural unemployment in Greece arose as the labour requirement for unskilled labour reduced. These unskilled labours were of no match for the existing technical jobs of the economy leading to an increase in the structural unemployment. Currently, the unemployment figure of Greece stands at 20.1% which is very high compared to the other nations of the world. It is in equilibrium only because of the presence of demand for skilled labours. It is recommended to the government to increase government spending against increased inflation as it would stabilise the unemployment rate of the country. Reference Farber, H. S., Valletta, R. G. (2015). Do extended unemployment benefits lengthen unemployment spells? Evidence from recent cycles in the US labor market.Journal of Human Resources,50(4), 873-909. Kaplan, G., Menzio, G. (2016). Shopping externalities and self-fulfilling unemployment fluctuations.Journal of Political Economy,124(3), 771-825. Kroft, K., Lange, F., Notowidigdo, M. J., Katz, L. F. (2016). Long-term unemployment and the Great Recession: the role of composition, duration dependence, and nonparticipation.Journal of Labor Economics,34(S1), S7-S54. Weiss, A. (2014).Efficiency wages: Models of unemployment, layoffs, and wage dispersion. Princeton University Press.

Monday, March 23, 2020

Building Effective Teams

Introduction Leaders need to build a strong team that can realise its goals by incorporating certain aspects of effective team building. Such aspects would ensure that the team is efficient and effective in its roles. In this context, team members must be aware of the objective of the team and specific periods for realising the set targets. A team must have a method of sharing responsibilities and leadership roles. This ensures accountability within the team. A team should have a clear purpose and concrete outcomes from inputs of its members.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Building Effective Teams specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Effective Team Building A clear purpose is a characteristic of effective team building. All members of a team should agree on the team’s goals. Shared goals and responsibilities enhance team effort by providing a clear sense of direction. All members should contribute in formulating objectives (Mealiea and Baltazar, 2005). A clear purpose would ensure that all members of the team have clear roles and responsibilities. Moreover, other members will also support such roles and the purpose of the team. Team building requires definitive decision-making strategies. This eliminates challenges related to prolonged and unproductive discussions, which could hinder the team’s effort. A definitive process of making decisions ensures that all team members contribute, and they may resort to consensus to overcome contentious issues. Members must express their opinions and review all areas of disagreements. Building a team requires an open communication system. This allows members to exploit communication channels to express their opinions and offer relevant feedback, as well as share information among themselves. Communication must reach all members of the team. Moreover, it should be consistent through various channels of communications. This ensures that all members are up to speed on the team’s progress and setbacks. Effective team building requires shared leadership. In this regard, the team carries out leadership roles like â€Å"contributor, collaborator, challenger, facilitator, and controller† (Mealiea and Baltazar, 2005). These roles are not exclusively for the team leader. However, shared leadership roles will differ based on the prevailing circumstances and skills of members of the team. Moreover, different members may also have different responsibilities in leadership. This is a participatory style of leading a team. Team members can suggest various ways of improving team activities and services. Participation by team members in various activities enhances decision-making processes within the team. Members can also rely on the group participation to facilitate self-efficacy and development of new strategies. Listening and acknowledging contributions of other team members can facilitate building of effective team. Team members should discuss and formulate strategies for problem solving (Taggar and Brown, 2001). Members of a team could use listening to enhance interpersonal sensitivity and understanding. Listening ensures that all channels of communication within the team are open for contributions and criticism. Listening also facilitates interaction among members of the team.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Summary There are several approaches used in building effective team, but they depend on the prevailing conditions and characteristics of members. The role of the team leader remains imperative in ensuring a successful team that can realise its objectives. Leaders can only realise the overall purpose of the team if they have a clear framework that guides their roles and team activities. The framework should show a clear purpose of the team, decision-making strategie s, listening, communication channels, relationships, and shared leadership and members’ responsibilities among others. Building effective team requires action-oriented approaches and practical solutions to challenges associated with team building. References Mealiea, L., and Baltazar, R. (2005). A Strategic Guide for Building Effective Teams. Public Personnel Management, 34(2), 141-160. Taggar, S., and Brown, C. (2001). Problem-solving team behaviors: Development and validation of BOS and a hierarchical factor structure. Small Group Research, 32(6), 698. This research paper on Building Effective Teams was written and submitted by user Kali Kirk to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Preditory Nature essays

Preditory Nature essays The Internet offers an amazing array of options to everyone. However, with that freedom also comes danger. The advent of the Internet has given once reclusive and hard to find criminals a wide-open playground. The crimes perpetrated on the Internet range from victimless white-collar crime to serious and sometime violent cyber stalking. Girls, boys, women and men are all vulnerable to attack and exploitation. Some cases may only amount to simple verbal harassment, but others have led to a darker and final end...death. Hello, J how are you CUTEGal?...Im fine, how are you CyberGuy?...Oh, not bad I just got back from the lake, I was using my new Jet Ski...Really! I love Jet Skiing, of course my Mom thinks its too dangerous...Oh, its not dangerous its a ton of fun!...so you like Jet Skiing, by the way how old are you?...Im 15...Cool...my sister is 15 too, she went with us to the lake. Sounds innocent doesnt? Its just a couple of young kids talking on a chat line about Jet Skiing. If you look at their profiles you would find that CUTEGal is a 15 year-old girl who likes water sports, volleyball and boys. CyberGuys profile shows a 16 year-old boy who plays football and baseball, likes to go out with his friends and so on. However, CyberGuy is really a 38 year-old convicted pedophile in search of his next victim. What makes this even more unsettling is that this is not simply good narrative...it could be real. The details of similar stories will be explored further, but first it is important to look at some aspects of the Internet as it applies to cyber crime. We will review issues with cyber stalking and crimes against children, other associated crimes both on and off the Internet, what the government and local authorities are trying to do, and some real-life examples of what happens when thin...

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Service Industry in Context - T-Mobile Research Paper

Service Industry in Context - T-Mobile - Research Paper Example As of the recent times, the company has generated revenue of around 14.8 billion by the process of handling its operations with an employee strength of over 34,500 employees (Deutsche Telecom, 2012, p. 18). The company’s planning and strategy based operations are initiated from the US based headquarters which is located in the Bellevue area in Washington. Talking in terms of customer statistics, it can be said that the company offers it product and service offerings to around 33.3 million customers in the US, by using technology platforms like the GSM, UMTS etc (t- mobile.com – b, 2012). The well known and highly reputed global telecom company has a wide array of products and services that appeal to customers around the world. Talking in regards to the product portfolio offered by the globally reputed telecom company, the company manufactures and markets telecommunication devices of latest technology like the Smart phones, Windows phones as well as the smart phones of v arious well known global mobile companies. The company’s product offerings also comprises of various other technological devices like the tablets, headsets, mobile chargers etc (t- mobile.com – c, 2012). In the US, the company is a national level service provider whose service offerings for the US market comprises of various essential and useful telecommunication services like voice, wireless messaging as well as high speed data service. (t-mobile.com – d, 2012). The company’s service portfolio comprises of data communication plans for mobiles and computers, which are highly segmented to suit the individual needs of the customers on the basis of their consumption usage. The company also provides high speed data connectivity services like the Broadband services as well as 4G services to the customers located in the United States. In an attempt to provide a significant amount of value to the customers, it can be said that the company has also focused on the process of eliminating the charges of the mobile devices with regards to the data plans and thereby providing and promoting more transparency in the pricing plans of their services to the customers. Talking in terms of financial performance of the company in the recent times, it can be said that the company generated a revenue total of around $4.9 billion in the sales of telecommunication equipments in the third quarter of this year, which is an increase of around 6.4% while calculated on a year on year basis. The company also recorded revenue of around $4.3 billion in terms of total service revenue for the third quarter of this year. Talking in line with the average revenue per user (ARPU), it can be said that the company generated $27.35, which is an increase of over 12% on a year on year basis. The average revenue per user recorded an increase because of the significant rise in monthly 4G subscriptions by the customers. The company apart from providing a stellar performance in t erms of revenue generation in the third quarter of this year has focused on the process of developing the customer base of the company in a move to achieve significant operational efficiency of the company. As a result, the company has recorded

Monday, February 3, 2020

Describe the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of chronic Essay

Describe the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of chronic leukemia - Essay Example This is when leukemia cells grow more rapidly. One of the most common symptoms of chronic leukemia is swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. Other symptoms include fever, bone pain, weight loss, night sweats, reduced immunity, abdominal discomforts, and fatigue among many others. In the initial diagnosis, key factors include lack of significant circulating blasts, frequent thrombocytosis, and mild anemia. Chronic leukemia patients exhibit a cytochemical abnormality, characterised by low leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (Schiller 2003). A record of low leukocyte alkaline phosphatase is associated with relatively low levels of granulocyte colony- stimulating factor. Additional laboratory features include elevated elastase and uric acid levels. However, in order to confirm the disease, a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy is required to all patients considered to have chronic leukemia (Wiernik 2001). This helps not only to verify the diagnosis, but also to offer some essential information concerning the stage of the disease. In general, patients with chronic leukemia are diagnosed with immature leukocytes in their blood, and include increased number of white blood cells taking abnormal shapes (Skeel and Khleif 2011). However, the red blood cells and platelets tend to appear to be less than the normal quantities. Due to its nature of slow progression, chronic leukemia may not call for immediate treatment. However, it is vital for persons with this type of leukemia to seek frequent check ups for proper monitoring of the disease (Moini 2012). Nevertheless, there are five stages involved in treatment of this type of leukemia: chemotherapy is one of them and it is used to kill leukemia cells, which involves use of anti-cancer drugs (Swearingen 2008). Radiation is also used to kill cancer cells, which involves exposing them to high-energy radiation. Interferon therapy is

Sunday, January 26, 2020

An Introduction To The Philippines

An Introduction To The Philippines The Philippines is an island nation located in the Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia. It has 7107 islands. And has a total area of 300000 square kilometers. At the north side of Philippine the Taiwan is located. At the east side the Pacific Ocean, Indonesia and Malaysia at the south and South China Sea at the west. The capital city of Philippines is Manila which is located in the island of Luzon at the northern part. The total population of Philippines is 98 million. The climate of Philippines is tropical. The culture of Philippines is influenced by Spanish and Chinese. Most of the people having also Spanish surnames. It has generally west European culture, people of Philippines are Christian. Islam is more popular in island of Mindanao. The Philippines has developing economy with agricultural and service sector base. The poverty line is 40% it means 40% of the population remain be poor. The large trading partners of the Philippines are the US and Japan. Philippines is a presidential unitary republic with the president at the apex, as the head of state, the head of government and the commander in chief of the armed forces. He is elected by popular vote, every 6 years. Government policies are design to promote industrial development. 1.1 ECONOMICAL ENVIRONMENT : Economic environment of business has reference for economic systems to operate the business. The business sectors also continue economic relations with govt, capital market, worldwide and households sector. It would affect the trends and formation of the economy. The outer factors that influence with the following points. Economic Conditions :- The economic circumstances are safe in the country. Per capita income, national income, allocation of income and assets, Economic resources, economic growth etc are also affected to prepared the business strategies. Economic growth and business cycle are easily defined the economic environment. System :- The economic system also impact on business endeavor. Economic system of a Philippines also considered socialist, capitalists, mixed or communist. Economic Policies :- The government also decided budgets, economic planning, economic industrial regulation, law of business. Industrial guidelines to control on price and wages, trade and transportation polices the size of national income, demand and supply of different merchandise. Economic Growth :- The economic growth impacts the strategies of business. It helps in rising the economic growth and expenses in consumption. It provides opportunities to the industries for the expansion. v. Currency Exchange :- Current exchanges have direct impact on the environment of business. The rupee was devalued in1991. The Indian products cheaper in the world market and boost exports of India. ECONOMIC CONDITION 2.1 GDP of Philippines : The GDP growth rate provides an aggregated measure of changes in value of goods and services produced by an economy. The GDP growth rate of Country from 1998 to 2012 is average 1.08%. The domestic economy accelerated in the second quarter of 2012 to 5.9% from 3.6%. The earlier year boosting the first semester growth to 6.1% from 4.2%. The resilient Services sector remained the main driver of growth supported by the sustained growth of manufacturing and the return of construction. Philippines is a recently industrialized country in the Southeastern Asia. The most important industries of Philippines are food processing, textiles and garments, automobile parts and electronics. Philippines have also treasury of chromites, nickel, copper, coal and newly discovered oil. Philippines GDP Growth Rate This chart is all about the past data for Philippines growth rate. [Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph/sna/2012/2nd2012/2012qpr2.asp] 2.2 Per Capital Growth in Philippines : In 2011, it was at 1.98% in Country and it was published by World Bank report in 2012. The Growth rate of GDP per capital depends on continuous local currency. The GDP Divided by Mid Year Population. The GDP of Purchasing Price is total of all resident products in economy (+) product taxes (-) any subsidies which is not included in value of the product. This is calculated without making deduction for depreciation of fictional assets. It includes a chronological chart, news and estimate for GDP. In Southeastern area of Philippines is newly industrialized country. Philippines Predicting food processing Textiles and Garment, Electronic and automobile parts and also significant reserve of Chromate, Nickel, Copper, Coal and Recently Discovered Oil. [Source: http://www.kedingeconomics.com/philippines/GDP.Per.Capitagrowth.Annual.Percentwb.data.html] 2.3 PPP Philippines : Philippine has long familiarity with public-private partnership, initiatives and serves as future investment with aggressive PPP promotion. The Government is to attract private partners to invest only in traditional infrastructure Projects like Power, Transportation and Water Sectors and in Non-Traditional Infrastructure similar to information and communications technology, health and property development. The Partnership addressed in 1990s and it help out to improve road network quality, transport linkages and social Services. [Source: http://www.ppp/gove.ph/] 2.4 International Reserve : Countys beginning gross global reserve is significantly increased up to US $79.3 Billion in July.BSP Governor Amando Letangco said that foreign reserve were US $3.2 Billion higher than GIR of US $76.1 Billion, The Level of GIR Increased in end of July, Due to Foreign exchange operations. The funds of the Country are deposited in foreign currency. The Philippines acquire income from investment in a foreign country of the BSP and gain revolution on BSP gold holdings arising from increase in price of Gold in global Market. The Import of goods and payment of services and income adequately cover in 11.7 months and also corresponding 10.7 times. Philippines short term outer debt based on original maturity. [Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breadkingnews/201208/] ECONOMY OF PHILIPPINES Population : 95.9 Million GDP (PPP) : $351.4Billion : 6.1% growth in 2012 : 5.5% 5-year compound annual growth : $4,700 per capita Unemployment : 7.3% Inflation (CPI) : 3.60% FDI Inflow : $1.7 billion for 1st Half Quarter 1 Peso : 1.3134 Rupee and 0.0243 Dollar The Philippines ranks 19thout of 41countries in the Asia Pacific region. And 44th the biggest economy on the earth. According to HSBC estimates. The stock market is one of the best performers in the region. The peso reached a 4 year high against the dollar about the same time. Economy has been on a solid path of economic expansion. The govt. has pursued a series of governmental reforms to increase the industrial environment and build up private sector for reduce unemployment. But regulatory efficiency has been not improved. And over last 5 year the economy has been develop at average annual rate of 5%. Rule of Law : The rule of law is not on level and authorized structure is poor in independence and efficiency. The judiciary is independent but there is political interference. There is some progress due to government anti corruption efforts to eliminate corruption and fix efficiently. Limited Government : Government spending Spurs on 6.4% growth in 1st Quarter. Taxable Income Tax Rate More than But less than 0 P10,000 5% P10,000 P30,000 P500 + 10% of the Excess over P10,000 P30,000 P70,000 P2,500 + 15% of the Excess over P30,000 P70,000 P140,000 P8,500 + 20% of the Excess over P70,000 P140,000 P250,000 P22,500 + 25% of the Excess over P140,000 P250,000 P500,000 P50,000 + 30% of the Excess over P250,000 P500,000 P125,000 + 32% of the Excess over P500,000 in 2000 and onward Corporate tax rate is 30% and Regional are taxed at 10% on taxable income. The VAT an environmental tax with overall tax is 12.8% of total domestic income. If any taxpayer fail to pay VAT component in the sales invoice or official receipts shall be penalized as : Fine of not less then P1,000 but not more than P50,000 and Suffer custody of not less than 2 but not more than 10 years. Regulatory Efficiency : The business regulatory environment has improved considerably. Although launching a business still takes more than the world averages of seven procedures and 30 days, the overall process has become less costly. The time and cost involved in dealing with licensing requirements have been notably reduced. The labor market remains structurally rigid, but existing regulations are not particularly burdensome. Inflation is modest. Open Market : The trade weighted average tariff rate is 4.8 percent, and layers of non-tariff barriers further inhibit more dynamic gains in trade. Despite a strong desire to attract longer-term foreign investment, systemic inefficiency exacerbated by heavy bureaucracy discourages dynamic growth in investment. The financial sector, which is gradually modernizing, remains relatively stable and sound. [http://www.heritage.org/index/pdf/2012/countries/philippines.pdf] ECONOMIC POLICIES 4.1 Monetary Policy The international Monetary Fund will look into the countrys progress on the monetary and fiscal policy and assess the 2 year old Aquino administration by short staff visit which is commence. The most accurate forecasters agree on that Monetary authorities are trying to control foreign investment in the Peso arguing that Asias best performing currency has strengthened too much. The economic momentum has built up from decreasing of monetary policy may boost the country is growth in2012 is 5.8% and up to 7 % is 2013. And the govt.s success in containing the budget deficit has been given monetary authorities considered liberty. In 2011 the govt. incurred a budget deficit of 197.8 billion which was less than two third of 2010. The size of economy in overspending in 2011 comprised only 2% less than 3.5% recorded in2010. The debt stock of 2011 settled at P4.95% trillion or 50.9% of gross domestic. [http://business inquirer-net/49369/bsp-monetary-policy-expected-to-push-up-ph-economy] 4.2 Fiscal Policy : The Philippines long term foreign currency credit rating raised from BB to BB+. It kept rating outlook at stable. According to Presidential spokesman Ricky Carandang the Philippines can still afford to undertake public spending without put in to danger its overall financial position. And the govt. doesnt want a strong peso to delay competitiveness of exports. The Philippines economy grew by 6.4% in 1st quarter, it is one of the highest in Asia and upgrade is a vote of confidence for the country. According to finance secretary Cesar V Purisima, that this gives more confidence to continue with the work towards macroeconomic stability, fiscal sustainability and inclusive economic growth. [http://www.philstar.com/Artical.aspx?article Id=824407 publication Sub Category Id=] 4.3 Deficit Policy : The Financial Secretary Cesar Purisima said that the govt. spent P19.90 billion and the deficit was manageable, expressing, confidence the full year fund shortfall would staying within 2.6% of GDP or P279 billion. The govt. continued rise in revenue collections so that the fiscal position remains under control. So this wide fiscal space will gives the advantage to finance infrastructure projects and social programs that curb poverty and promote equality. Jan-May deficit P22.79 billion. The govt.s self imposed 1st half ceiling of P109.34 billion and it spent P668.43 billion in 1st five month of year up 13.1% compared to last year. And revenues reached P645.64 billion. For May revenue grew 9.4% to 131.4 billion while spending reached P151.3 billion. Purisima said that the govt. is committed to reach its 5.6% growth in 2012 and recorded 6.4% expansion in 1st three month. The Philippines suffered a P 197.8 billion budget deficit last year which is equivalent to 2% of GDP. [http://business-inquirer-net /67459/Philippine-budget-deficit-shoots-up] 4.4 Foreign Trade Policy : According to the Global Enabling Trade Report 2012, the rank of Philippines is 72nd out of 132 countries. It measured the factors, policies, services, areas of market access, border administration transport and communication infrastructure and business environment. In the area of market access the Philippines jumped 14 from 64 and in terms of efficiency of import-export procedure it looks 48 spot from 55. And access to imported inputs at competitive prices identifying potential market and buyers corruption at the border and other concerns it places 62 out of 132 countries. The trade chief attributed the countrys improvement in ranking to the debt of Trade and Industrys effort to facilitate trade across borders like the Doing business in Free Trade Areas an awareness campaign has aimed to help stakeholders into understand new markets and instruments like free trade agreement. It reforms to improve the ease of doing business in country through the Philippines. Business Registry (PBR) and Business permits and license streamlining (BPLS) programs for local govt. [http://businessinquirer-net/63369/Philippines-climbs-20-nitches-up-in-business-destination-ranking] 4.5 Balance of Payment : The inflow of foreign currency exceeded than the outflow in Feb and Philippines balance of payments hitting a surplus of $588 million. BOP is recorded of the countrys commercial transaction with the rest of world. It helps beef up the countrys total reserves of foreign exchange or gross international reserves (GIR).It stands at a record high of $78 billion. According to economist the unfavorable global economy that investors have tendency to pull out funds from emerging markets like Philippines. So it create depreciation pressures on local currencies. But with enough reserves of foreign exchange the Bangko Sentral ng philipines can buy pesos and reduce its depreciation and it will hit a surplus of at last $2.8 billion by end of 2011. Due to increase in employment in US an economist said that it would lead to increase in demand for imported goods from Philippines. [http://bus.inquirer.net/50127/bsp-balance-of-payment-stood-at-surplus-in-feb] GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICAL GOVERNMENT 5.1 Import : Philippines import were worth 5101 million USD in June of 2002 until 2012,Philippines averaged imports 4155.20 million USD reaching an all time high of 5848.00 million USD in July of 2008 and low record of 2226.00 million USD in January of2002. Philippines imports mostly considered electronic products, mineral fuel, industrial machinery and equipment, transport equipment, lubricants, steel and iron. Mostly import partners are Japan, china, Singapore, South Korea, United States. Here we include the chart with historical data for Philippines import. Philippines Imports [http://www.tradingeconomics.com/philippines/imports] Export : Philippines exports were worth 4314 million USD in June of 2012. From 2002 until 2012, average export of Philippines 3681.10 million USD reaching an all time high of 5325.00 million USD in September of 2010 and record low of 2506.00 million USD in February of 2009. Major exporter of electronic products like processors, chips, and hard drives (more than 50% of total exports revenue) and other major exports include apparel and clothing accessories, wood crafts, coconut oil and furniture. Philippines major export partners are United States, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, china. This page includes a chart with Philippines historical data of Philippines exports. Philippines Exports [http://www.tradingeconomics.com/philippines/exports] 5.2 Corporate Income Tax : The domestic and foreign resident corporations income tax rate in Philippines is 30%, based on net taxable income. Domestic company payable company tax on all income derived from sources outside and within the Philippines. Foreign corporations, whether resident or non-resident are taxable on income derived from sources within the Philippines. Non resident foreign corporations are ,in certain circumstances, subject to a final withholding tax on passive (investment) incomes at rates higher than the applicable tax rates applying to domestic and foreign resident corporations. Resident companies are created or organized under the law of Philippines or foreign companies licensed to engage in business or trade in the Philippines. The corporate income tax rate for domestic and foreign resident corporations is 30%, income tax excluded from are dividend received from domestic corporations, interest on Philippines currency bank deposits and other monetary benefit from deposits substitutes and trust funds and arrangements and final taxes, interest income derived from the foreign currency deposits is include final tax of 7.5% ,other interest earned by domestic and foreign resident corporations is included 20% final withholding tax. Special economic tones enterprises registered with economic tone authority are taxed at the rate of 5% on gross income in lieu of national and local taxes and real property tax. Gross sales or gross revenue derived from the business activity within the Ecozens, sales returns, net of sales discount and allowances less the cost of sales or direct costs but before deduction made for expenses of administrative and losses during the taxable period. [http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=226Itemid=347] India 2005-36.59 2006-33.66 2007-33.99 2008-33.99 2009-33.99 2010-33.99 2011-32.44 2012-32.44 The corporate tax rate is 32.445% .Domestic companies tax rate is 30%, profits from life insurance business in India are taxed at the rat of 12.5%.foreign companies are taxed at the rate of 40%. A minimum alternate tax (MAT) is levied at 18.5% of adjusted profit of companies. The tax payable is less than 18.5% of book profits. Dividend distributed from domestic company. Surcharge and education cess is above taxes is applicable.5% surcharge in case of foreign companies is applicable. The total income is in excess of INR 10 million. Education cess of 3% is applicable on income tax plus surcharge wealth tax is imposed at a rate of 1% on the value of specified assets held by the tax payer in excess of basic exemption of INR13million.transaction tax of securities transactions in equity shares and units of equity oriented funds. [http://www.kpmg.com/global/en/whatwedo/tax/tax-tools-and-resources/pages/corporate-tax-rates-table.aspx] HOW ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF PHILIPPINE AFFECTS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS? The Philippines has certainly had a steady flow of positive economic news recently. On July 4, Standard Poors raised the countrys debt rating to just below investment grade, the highest rating for the country since 2003 and equivalent to that of Indonesia. The Philippines is the 44th-largest economy in the world today, according to HSBC estimates. But if current trends hold, it can leap to the No. 16 spot by 2050. The Philippine stock market, one of the best performers in the region, closed at a record high after the recent S. P. rating upgrade, and the countrys currency, the peso, reached a four-year high against the dollar at about the same time. With $70 billion in reserves and lower interest payments on its debt after recent credit rating upgrades, the Philippines pledged $1 billion to the International Monetary Fund to help shore up the struggling economies of Europe. The gross domestic product of the Philippines grew 6.4 percent in the first quarter, according to the countrys central bank, outperforming all other growth rates in the region except Chinas. Economists expect similarly strong growth in the second quarter. We have made a very bold forecast for the Philippines, but I think justifiably so, said Frederic Neumann, a senior economist at HSBC in Hong Kong. A high population growth rate, long considered a hindrance to prosperity, is now often seen as a driving force for economic growth. About 61 percent of the population in the Philippines is of working age, between 15 and 64. That figure is expected to continue increasing, which is not the case for many of its Asian neighbors, whose populations are aging. 6.1 Trade Economy : The GDP per capita growth (annual %) in Philippines was last reported at 1.98 in 2011, according to a World Bank report published in 2012. Annual percentage growth rate of GDP per capita based on constant local currency. GDP per capita is gross domestic product divided by midyear population. GDP at purchasers prices is the sum of gross value added by all resident producers in the economy plus any product taxes and minus any subsidies not included in the value of the products. It is calculated without making deductions for depreciation of fabricated assets or for depletion and degradation of natural resources. This page includes a historical data chart, news and forecats for GDP per capita growth (annual %) in Philippines. Philippines is a newly industrialized country in the Southeastern Asia. The nations most important industries are food processing, textiles and garments, electronics and automobile parts. Philippines also has significant reserves of chromite, nickel, copper, coal an d recently discovered oil. In addition, the Philippians economy relies on remittances as a source of foreign currency. philippines gdp per capita growth annual percent wb data 6.2 Domestic Price : The Philippine domestic economy shrunk to 3.7 percent in 2011, after a stellar growth of 7.6 percent in 2010. Growth was mainly undermined by the severe state under spending as well as the frail external environment. Outlook for 2012 is relatively sanguine with the government hinging its optimism on robust consumer demand and a more vigorous public spending. However, downside risks to growth persist with the global recovery poised to remain slow and uncertain. 2011 domestic economy tepid at 3.7%. The Philippine domestic economy grew by 3.7 percent in 2011, almost half of its 7.6 percent growth in 2010. The growth is within the latest forecasts of the National Economic and Development Authority (3.6-4.0 %) and the International Monetary Fund (3.7%). However, the growth figure is well below that assumed by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (4.5-5.5%), Asian Development Bank (4.7%), and the World Bank (4.2%); and is significantly off the growth target of the Philippine Development Plan (7.0%). Notable is the countrys poor economic performance relative to its neighbors. Except for Thailand, most Asian economies registered higher gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates than the Philippines in 2011. Gross national income (GNI)1 likewise slumped to 2.6 percent from 8.2 percent in 2010. This resulted from the significant contraction of net primary income (NPI),2 which slowed to a negative 0.9 percent, a turnaround from the 10.0 percent growth in 2010 6.3 Labor Force : Unemployment down to 7%. The countrys labor force numbered at 61.9 million in 2011. Of this number, 2.8 million were unemployed registering an unemployment rate of 7.0 percent. Moreover, the service sectors share of total employment increased from 51.8 percent in 2010 to 52.1 percent. Agriculture accounted for 33.0 percent of the employed while industrys share was 14.9 percent. Although the economy managed to generate more than one million jobs in 2011, the quality of employment is still a concern given the substantial increase in the underemployment rate as well as in the number of unpaid family workers. Latest data showed that the underemployed numbered at 7.2 million 6.4 Inflation : Headline inflation is within target. Headline inflation averaged 4.8 percent in 2011, well within the 3.0-5.0 percent inflation target for 2011 but higher than the 3.8 average recorded in 2010. A rise in the prices of food items had been recorded mainly due to the adverse effect of typhoons on agricultural food supplies. Core inflation,3 on the other hand, averaged 3.6 percent The government is particularly bullish on having higher investments in 2012 as investment pledges registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority surged by 47 percent in the first two months of the year. The PSEis breaching of the 5,000 mark for the first time in March 2012 is also said to bode well for the equities market. Likewise, private construction, particularly in the property subsector, is anticipated to remain robust given the upward momentum in office demand and investments in low-cost housing. Demand for commercial spaces will continue to be buoyed by the BPO sector, the revenues of which are slated to grow even further this year by 20 percent. The residential sector is also expected to receive continued support by the robust demand from families of overseas Filipinos. Consumer spending will similarly be sustained by the favorable inflation outlook and the continuous inflow. 6.5 Unemployment Rate : Unemployment means the number of people actively looking for a job divided by the labor force. Unemployment depends on the number of non-employed people who found the job and the people who lost their current job. Unemployment related to labour force, participation rate and employment rate. The unemployment rate of Philippines is 7.2 % which we can show that in the graph. 6.6 Private Sector Development : The stimulus package presented by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is known as the economic resiliency plan. The package included personal income-tax relief for low- and middle-income earners, reduction in corporate income tax, higher social spending on cash transfers and job-creation schemes, as well as a series of infrastructure projects. Although the reforms were not entirely new, the package led the Philippines to being acknowledged as Asias more socially responsible stimulus plans thanks to its focus on agriculture and social services that directly benefit the poor population. The fall in agricultural commodity prices helped support personal disposable income. As a result personal household budgets were minimally effected. The social component in their reforms may be credited with the largest impact due to the focus on poverty. The Philippines must sustain the reform movement in order to spur investments, increase growth, generate higher employment, and alleviate poverty for the fast growing population. Their reforms have already generated 34 consecutive growth quarters, created 8 million jobs, and maintained the lowest inflation in a generation. Most importantly poverty has decreased while revenue increased and has allowed the nation to invest in human and physical infrastructure. With sustained reform and their economic resiliency the Philippines may soon be a prime investment opportunity in uncertain world economic and financial conditions.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Identification of Bloodstain Patterns

The analysis of bloodstain patterns can be a decisive part of a forensic investigation. The patterns of bloodstains may concur with or challenge the sworn statements of witnesses, victims, and suspects. Such bloodstain patterns simply identify the source of the blood and the direction of the blood’s flight path, but during the process, the events of the crime can be reconstructed with reasonable accuracy. Unfortunately, the old method of analyzing bloodstain patterns, which uses strings, requires much time and effort. It is also subject to human error.To reduce human error, mathematical calculations are used instead, along with a computer software program known as Back Track. Yet, a three-dimensional representation of the results of bloodstain analysis will be more convincing in any court representation. Therefore, in an effort to revolutionize this aspect of forensic investigation, a concerted effort by four researchers from three agencies, Ottawa Police Service, Carleton Uni versity and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, was conducted using the AutoCAD software. The researchers were Kevin Maloney, A. L.Carter, Scott Jory, and Brian Yamashita. The results of their studies were reported in an article published by the Journal of Forensic Investigation, in 2005, volume 55, issue 6, and pages 711 to 725. The article attempts to demonstrate how the combined use of AutoCAD and Back Track programs can create three-dimensional representations of a bloodstain analysis. Summary and Critique The overall purpose of Maloney, Carter, Jory, and Yamashita is to explore the possibility of creating a three-dimensional representation of an analysis of bloodstain patterns.They utilize a simulated crime scene that is typically used at the Canadian Police College. The choice of this crime scene is to have known bloodstain patterns with which the results of the combination of Back Track and AutoCAD can be compared. Both the impact angles and the glancing angles of the bloodstain t rajectories were incorporated into the program. The comparison shows that the computerized calculations of virtual strings created by the Back Track program match the known location of the blood source, with an average error of six centimeters only. These results prove the precision abilities of the said software.However, a major weakness of this study is its unquestionable reliance on the Back Track program. This program has many limitations and it was even pointed out later in 2006 by Andy Maloney (the relationship to one of the researchers is not described). For example, the Back Track is incapable of computing angled surfaces (Maloney, 2006). Yet, despite the limitations, the efficacy of using the program is grounded on established theory and supported by experimental validation (Carter, 2001). There would be expected errors but these are assumed to be insignificant in the overall investigation.At the same time, the software is known to undergo updates and modifications. The gre atest strength of this research is the launching of a better interface between the laboratory science of the forensic team and the assessment abilities of the court. The AutoCAD program has a feature that locks the virtual strings and enables any user to view them from different perspectives. The three-dimensional representation of the analysis of bloodstain patterns is, as the researchers concluded, â€Å"extremely useful in court presentation† (Maloney, et. al. , 2005, p. 724).This article, as well as the research study that it describes, can be considered as a milestone towards a revolutionary aspect of bloodstain pattern analysis. Instead of numbers presented in tabular form or in picture graphs, the results of the analysis can be presented in three dimensions. In three dimensions, the court presentation becomes more realistic, more convincing, and more enlightening, such that the jury can make better assessments. But this article, as far as the advances in forensic scien ce in general and in bloodstain pattern analysis in particular go, can be considered somewhat obsolete.There are now new software or computer programs that can be utilized to produce the same three-dimensional results (Kanable, 2006). This means that in conducting an analysis of bloodstain patterns, a forensic investigator has other options, aside from the combined use of the Back Track program and the AutoCAD. But this wider range of technological tools does not detract from the greatest significance of this article. This article, in great detail and with diagrams, shows how the observed and calculated data are translated into three dimensions. Thus, this article is a recommended reading for every forensic science student.Bibliography Carter, A. L. (2001). The directional analysis of bloodstain patterns theory and experimental validation. Canadian Society of Forensic Science, 34 (4), 173-189. Kanable, R. (2006). HemoSpat: New bloodstain pattern analysis software to hit the market. Law Enforcement Technology, August issue. Retrieved September 28, 2007 from the website of Officer. com at http://www. officer. com/publication/article. jsp? pubId=1&id=32890 Maloney, K. , Carter, A. L. , Jory, S. , & Yamashita, B. (2005). Three-dimensional representation of bloodstain pattern analysis. Journal of Forensic Identification, 55 (6), 711-725.