Thursday, October 31, 2019

Inescapable power from family (Long Day's Journey Into Night) Research Paper

Inescapable power from family (Long Day's Journey Into Night) - Research Paper Example Family entails the first people we meet immediately after birth. In addition, families are made of people who are genetically close and are this fact gives them common interests, tastes and preferences. People’s emotions and characters are always defined by those they are close to and are directly affected by this closeness; this is why Eugene O’Neill’s play A Long Day’s Journey into the Night portrays an idea of naturalism that flows through people within a family unit throughout their lives (Brantley: New York Times June 21, 2012). Realism is mainly depicted by naturalism. Naturalism dictates the chains of events, occasions, lives and the people at large. What shape the human character are the environment, social conditions, and the hereditary factors; that binds families. A critical analysis of the play vividly shows that it is an idea of naturalism on how family influences the lives of its members in a manner that is inevitable. Naturalism and materialism in the context of different scopes of life and its pre-determinants are basis of the Marxist theory. Families are the units that greatly support one another throughout life. People face many challenges in life and needs come in different forms. The play exhibits the essence of naturalism, Marxism and the need of family; which are evidenced by the constant disturbing realities shown in the play right from the start all the way to the end. At the beginning, James’s wife, Mary, is being treated from morphine addiction and at some point tends to abandon the habit, and being restored into the normal life. However, this is only short-lived. It is clear that the stress in the family is contributing to the scenarios (Brantley: New York Times, May 7, 2003). Edmund’s bad health is distressing the family and James and Jamie’s alcoholism are apparently contributing to Mary’s morphine addiction even if she tries to avoid it. This is a clear example of how the negative elements in a family negatively

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Research on Organizational support and statistical analysis Paper

On Organizational support and statistical analysis - Research Paper Example The type of behavior most likely resulting from organizational support would include increases in both in-role and extra-role performance and the reduction in stress, absenteeism and other negative withdrawal behaviors like turnover and boredom. A second factor affecting the productivity of employees to a given organization is job satisfaction. Job satisfaction can be defined as the amount of comfort and satiety one derives from playing a certain role in a given organization. It is one of the most important determinants of the productivity of employees in terms of the quality of work they deliver, the time they take completing given tasks besides their willingness to work overtime (Chen, Aryee, & Lee, 2005). Besides organizational support and job satisfaction, role overload is the third factor with a big influence on the productivity of the employees to a given company. Role overload is the lack of balance or reasonableness in the number or extent of expectations from a job or positi on holder. It is a result of too many roles at one time for a given individual or roles that are changing and there is the development of too many roles at once for the given individual (Gallardo, Canizares, Guzman, & Jesus, 2010). Employees experiencing role overload have been seen to exhibit stress and other negative aspects at their places of work due o the same. In a survey carried out to determine the extent to which the factors stated above influence the productivity of employees, 479 individuals were approached whereupon 377 of them agreed to participate in the survey. The results obtained pointed to an existing relationship between the productivity of employees on the one hand and the perceived organizational support, job satisfaction and role overload on the other hand (Allen, Armstrong, Reid, & Riemenschneider, 2008). Essay Organizational support has always been one of the most important pillars at the workplace since it has been proven to influence the results of one†™s work to a great extent. It stems from the human nature of being appreciated and recognized for one’s efforts towards the realization of a given goal. Organizations, although meant to generate profits for the several parties with vested interest, are made up of human beings who, as research has shown, get motivated by several other factors besides the usual pay they take to their homes weekly, fortnightly, monthly or as decided upon with their employers. There has been a tremendous increase in the concerns expressed towards the relationship between employees and their organizations (Aselage & Eisenberger, 2003). With this increased concern, several measures have been put in place to improve the working conditions of employees to better their relationship to the companies they work for. It has been found out that employees who are treated well exhibit a higher degree of commitment to the companies they work for compared to those who are poorly treated (Rhoades, Eisenberger , & Armeli, 2001) and show little preference for withdrawing or leaving their organizations (Allen, Shore, & Griffeth, 2003). Since human behavior plays such a big role in the overall work experience, organizations are making efforts to ensure their workforce is more of a family than a robotic

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Six Sigma Concepts in OPD: Process Mapping and Waiting Time

Six Sigma Concepts in OPD: Process Mapping and Waiting Time Study on Process mapping, Waiting Time Based on  Six Sigma Concepts in OPD Dr Geetika Verma Dr Geetika Verma, Management Trainee, Department of Patient Care Services, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon. Abstract This study focuses on to identify the various procedures at the outpatient clinic as well as to investigate the possible operational problems that may lead to excessive patients’ waiting time. A patients’ experience in waiting time will radically influence his / her perceptions on quality of the service. The study was carried out in Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon (Haryana) for three months. The subjects were outpatients who came to the outpatient clinic in FMRI. Data was analysed using the six sigma approach.Significant reduction in waiting time was achieved in the outpatient services of department by using the six sigma approach. Doctors were on time in OPD to reduce the delay in the OPD. Patients were coordinated well to the doctors. Keywords: ‘Lean Six Sigma’, ‘Waiting time’, ‘Process mapping’ Introduction Patients’ waiting time has been defined as â€Å"the length of time from when the patient entered the outpatient clinic to the time the patient actually received his or her perception†. Process mapping is a workflow diagram to bring forth a clearer understanding of a process or series of parallel processes. It views the system from the patient perspective following their journey across organisational boundaries. It helps staff understand how complex and confusing processes appear to the patient. It is organisation specific. It is diagnostic and used as a basis for redesign, actively involving frontline staff in the process. (Shows how things actually are). Fig. 1: Patient Process Aim Of the Study The two main objectives of the study were: To study the patients’ waiting time in the outpatient clinic, with a view to identify the factors that affect waiting time and recommend ways of minimising the delay To use the six sigma technique to identify the delay and improve management capabilities. Research Scope This research was done at the outpatient clinic in FMRI. The research methods chosen were to: Directly observe the patients. Interview the patients. Interview the people involved in managing the work process. Literature Research WAITING TIME Defined as the total time from registration until consultation with a doctor. REGISTERATION TIME Defined as waiting time from the moment patients submit a clinic card or referral letters at the counter until getting a call from the counter. During this time the payment process and record classification are made. Registration time is part of patient’s waiting time. SIX SIGMA First introduced by Motorola in 1986, Six sigma is a method to measure the quality of a process to fulfil customers’ needs which approaches perfection. Data and statistical analysis were used to identify defects in processes and reduce variation. With Six sigma, defects in a process can be measured by identifying the best method to eliminate defects and approach ‘zero defect’. Customers’ satisfaction is the main factor. A new and more effective method has to be adopted to ensure customers’ satisfaction. Six Sigma specifies a very high standard of quality achievement. It utilizes a variety of existing project management, statistical and analytical tools. Several toolkits of the six sigma were applied during this study: Descriptive statistics Statistical image shows characteristics of collected data. At this level, data will be presented using the best presentation tools such as histogram, pie charts or others. Flow chart Chart shows description and sequence of the process done. Cause and effect diagram Diagram shows the relationship of a cause that gives rise to a certain problem. Methodology MEASURABLES 1.Total waiting time for the consultation. 2.Time taken for Investigations. SAMPLE SIZE This study conducted at the outpatient clinic, FMRI, was an exploratory and evaluation study. Respondents of this study were selected patients, staffs and doctors at the outpatient clinic. Table 1: Sample Size Retrospective data of 4500 patients was analysed for waiting time during the period August- October 2013. Voice Of Patients was obtained from 150 patients. TYPE OF DATA AND COLLECTION METHODS Several variables monitored in this study were data on patients’ waiting time work process, number of doctors available and number of staffs at the registration counter. Three major collection methods were used in the study: The first method was observation. Data were collected through direct observation on the subjects involved in the various working processes in FMRI. Measurements of time spent from registration until consultation by a doctor were made using a stopwatch. The second method is through interview. In carrying out this research, some of the management staff and doctors were interviewed to obtain information on the working process in the hospital. Voice of patients (VOP) was obtained using standardized questionnaire. DMAIC METHOD (DEFINE-MEASURE-ANALYSIS-IMPROVE-CONTROL) The Six Sigma method which consists of the five steps of: Define Measure Analysis Improve Control (DMAIC) is the roadmap to achieve the objectives of this study. DMAIC STEPS Fig. 2: DMAIC Steps PROCESS FLOW IN FMRI OPD: Fig 3: Outpatient Flow Study was carried out in the GENERAL OPD FMRI Outpatients of 50 per day. Simple Random sampling was followed. Period of Study – AUGUST 2013 TO NOVEMBER 2013. STATISTICAL TOOLS 1. Process Map-Flow Chart that shows description and sequence of the process done. 2. Cause and Effect Diagram Diagram that shows the relationship of a cause that gives rise to a certain problem. 3. Affinity Diagram- Business tool used to organize ideas and data. 4. Descriptive statistics- Analysis of data that helps describe, show or summarize data in a meaningful way. Results And Conclusion DEFINE This is the first step that refers to defining the goals of the project. Process improvement goals may be aimed at increasing market share, the output of a particular department, bringing about improved employee satisfaction as well as customer satisfaction and so on. The goal has to align the patient demands and the strategic goals of the organization. Data mining methods can be used to find prospective ideas for project implementation. In other words, businesses are designing a road map for achieving the targets and goals of the organization. Problem Statement: Three months retrospective data from the department indicates that in August 2013 only 66.64% of patients were seen within 15 minutes by the physician. In September 2013 this decreased marginally to 59.68% and in October 2013 this was found to be 61.68%. OPD WAITING TIME PERCEPTION OF PATIENTS For understanding perception of patients on OPD waiting time, VOC was collected from 150 patients in the OPD. Questionnaire for OPD Patients: 1. Did you take an appointment for OPD visit? a) Yesb) No 2. How did you get the appointment? Through telephone or direct? 3. Are you satisfied with the way your phone call was handled? a)Yesb)No 4. What instruction was given by the counter staff at the time of appointment/arrival? 5. How did you feel at the reception? a) Very good b)Goodc)Badd)Very bad 6. How much time it took at the reception, to attend you? a)0-10 minsb)10-20 minsc)20-30 minsd)>30 mins 7. At what time you were asked to report at the counter and when did you reach the OPD reception? 8. Did any staff brief you regarding the workflow in OPD? a)Yesb)No 9. How long you have been waiting in OPD? a)0-10 minsb)10-20 minsc)20-30 minsd)>30 mins 10. Did any information regarding waiting time in OPD was given to you, at the time of appointment? a)Yesb)No 11. How much time it took for you to interact with doctor after your arrival? a)0-10 minsb)10-20 minsc)20-30 minsd)>30 mins 12. Are you aware of the existing appointment system in FMRI? a)Yesb)No 13. What is your perception on waiting time in the hospital? 14. What would you suggest to reduce waiting time in OPD? 15. Any other suggestions? How long have you been waiting in the OPD for Consultation (Observations): It was observed that 20% patients take prior appointment to consult the doctor whereas 80% patients come Walk- in to consult the doctor. Fig 4: Appointment for OPD Visit 67% patients who come to consult the doctor take prior appointment on the telephone whereas 33% comes directly to get the appointment. Fig 5: Appointment System It was found that 75% of the patients were satisfied with the telephonic call handled whereas 25% patients weren’t satisfied. Fig 6: Satisfaction Level As per as the behavior of the reception of the staff is concerned, it was found that out of 150 patients, 20 patients felt very good behavior; 90 patients felt good, 25 patients felt bad and 15 patients felt very bad behavior from the side of reception staff. Fig 7: Reception Staff’s behavior When process flow was observed to capture the waiting time, it was found that out of 150 patients, 50 patients were attended within 10 minutes; 70 patients were attended within 10-20 minutes; 25 patients were attended within 20-30 minutes and 5 patients were attended more than 30 minutes. Fig. 8: Time taken to attend the patients 75% patients felt that they were briefed regarding workflow in OPD whereas 25% patients felt that they weren’t. Fig.9: Briefing Regarding Workflow in OPD Regarding waiting time it was that out of 150 patients, 60 patients had to wait up to 10 minutes; 5 patients had to wait within 10-20 minutes, 15 patients had to wait within 20-30 minutes and 30 patients had to wait more than 30 minutes. Fig. 10: Waiting Time in OPD 93% patients felt that they were well informed regarding waiting time in OPD whereas 7% patients felt that they weren’t informed well. Fig. 11: Information regarding Waiting Time As per as interaction with doctor after arrival is concerned, out of 150 patients 98 patients interacted within 10 minutes, 12 patients interacted within 10-20 minutes, 26 patients interacted within 20-30 minutes and 14 patients interacted more than 30 minutes. Fig. 12: Time taken for consultation to doctor 51% patients were found aware regarding existing appointment system in FMRI whereas 49% patients were found unaware. Fig. 13: Awareness regarding appointment system in FMRI MEASURE This phase refers to the analysis of the existing system with various measurement techniques for the defects and levels of perfection that exist. In this step, accurate metrics have to be used to define a baseline for further improvements. This helps in understanding whether any progress has been achieved when process improvements are implemented. To identify High level process map the SIPOC has been done. Table 2: SIPOC The various processes involved in the particular project have been described in detail in flow chart: Fig.14: Process Flow Chart NO YES Revisit New Visit Value Analysis: A value analysis was done based on the flow chart and the processes were categorized into Value added, Operational Value Added Activity and Non Value Added Activities. Table.3: Value Analysis ANALYZE The analyze phase was undertaken to determine any disparity that may exist in the goals set and the current performance levels achieved. The understanding of the relationship between cause and effect is necessary to bring about any improvements, if needed. Brainstorming session was carried out and all the causes were listed in the affinity diagram. The Fish Bone Diagram was prepared. The causes which got from the brain storming session have been segregated into non controllable causes, direct improvement causes and controllable and likely causes. Its fish bone diagram for controllable causes only. Table.4: Analysis Phase CAUSE AND EFFECT DIAGRAM: Fig.15: Cause and effect diagram Causes were then ranked on the basis of severity and occurrence as per criteria given. Table.5: Ranking of causes on the basis of severity and occurrence A modified Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) were carried out for Occurrence and Severity only. The top Risk Priority Number was considered for further analysis, using 5WHY. Single Registration counter Time taken to process blood test only Time taken to process blood test and other Investigations. DATA ANALYSIS As per analysis of data, following observations were made: Month August- As per observations, Average Time = 13 minutes. No. of patients seen >15 minutes = approx. 13 % of no. of patients seen > 15 minutes = 25.48% Fig. 16: Observation in Month August Month September- It was observed, Average Time = 17 minutes. No. of patients seen >15 minutes = approx. 17 % of no. of patients seen > 15 minutes = 32.70% Fig. 17: Observation in Month September It was noticed that there was slight increase in the average time, no. of patients seen more than 15 minutes and %age of no. of patients seen more than 15 minutes. The main reasons behind it are: Delay in Doctors’ in time( e.g. Doctor in OT/ On Rounds) Delay in Investigations. Long consultation time. Month October- It was observed, Average Time = 15 minutes. No. of patients seen >15 minutes = approx. 16 % of no. of patients seen > 15 minutes = 30.19%. Fig. 18: Observation in Month October In this month slight improvement was observed as the average time, no. of patients seen more than 15 minutes and its %age decreased slightly. This was due to: Doctors requested to be on time so that patients can’t feel inconvenient. Complete consultation on time. COMPARISON AMONG MONTHS AUGUST, SEPTEMBER OCTOBER: Table.5: Comparison among Months August, September October It was observed when compared the data of three months that: Average waiting time was decreased followed by slight increase. Maximum time for the consultation has decreased within three months. Minimum time was approximately zero in these three months. Fig. 19: Comparison among months August, September October IMPROVE Improvements in existing systems are necessary to bring the organization towards achievement of the organization goals. Creative development of processes and tools brings about a new lease on life for the organizations processes and takes them nearer to organizational objectives. Various project management and planning tools can be used to implement these new techniques and processes. Appropriate usage of statistical tools is important to measure the data, which is necessary to understand improvements done and any shortcomings that may exist. The solutions with their respective Causes are shown below: Table.6: Causes Solutions CONTROL Control phase is the last step in the DMAIC method. This phase is about sustaining the changes made in the Improve phase to guarantee lasting results. The best controls are MONITORING, appropriate CHECKS and balance the quality system for the long run. Recommendations Segregated OPD counters for billing. Separated nursing station for the departments to reduce waiting time. OPD schedule to be blocked for the time duration when the doctors are in procedure or on rounds. Time slot for appointments to be increased from 10 to 20 minutes per doctor. Conclusion: Significant reduction in waiting time was achieved in the outpatient services of the department. Doctors were on time in OPD to reduce the delay in the OPD. Patients were coordinated well to the doctors. Further data analysis will help to monitor and control the waiting time and process flow in the OPD.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Is Mill a Rule Utilitarian? Essay -- essays research papers

D. Vinson Is Mill A Rule Utilitarian?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I don’t believe so. I must begin my argument with two definitions and one assumption. First, Rule Utilitarianism states that right action is defined by whether or not a given action is an instance of a moral rule that tends to maximize utility. Second, Act Utilitarianism states that right action is defined by whether or not a given action maximizes utility. Finally, the Utilitarian Principle holds that right actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. I hope that my assumption will be granted as it is taken verbatim from the text. With these notions as a starting point I believe that I can now show Mill to be an act-utilitarian.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The case for Mill being a rule-utilitarian is a strong one. Mill certainly relies heavily on rules in his treatise and argues that they are useful to the point of necessity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To consider the rules of morality as improvable is one thing;   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  to pass over the intermediate generalizations entirely, and to   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  endeavor to test each individual action directly by the first   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  principle is another.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Further on in the text, Mill even seems to minimize the importance of the first principle by declaring that it is only useful for settling disputes ove...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Vce It Applications Unit 3 Outcome 1

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | IT Applications Unit 3 Outcome 1 Revision Notes| | | | IT VCE Feb 2013| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | IT Applications Unit 3 Outcome 1 Revision Notes| | | | IT VCE Feb 2013| Table of Contents Revision2 Section 1 – Purpose of a Website2 Blogs2 Chat Rooms2 Forums3 Social Networking3 Wikis3 Section 2 – Websites and Data4 Why Organisations Acquire Data Via Websites4Why Individuals and Organisation Supply Data Via Websites4 Techniques for Acquiring Data on Websites4 Techniques for protecting the rights of individuals and organisations supplying data4 CSS/CMS5 Static Websites5 Dynamic Websites5 Content Management Systems5 Introduction5 Content Creation5 Content Management6 Publishing6 Presentation6 Pros and Cons7 Software7 Cascading S tyled Sheets (CSS)7 IntroductionError! Bookmark not defined. Revision Section 1 – Purpose of a Website * To provide information and news (inform)Static Website (no interaction) * To promote an opinion (persuade)Blog To teach (educate)Wiki * To answer questionsForum * To entertain * To provide information and news (inform) * To promote an opinion (persuade) * To teach (educate) * To answer questions * To entertain Blogs * Diary entries, commentary, news, pictures and videos * Mainly one way communication * Have feedback so readers can leave comment * Most are text based * Examples Videoshttp://ryanedit. blogspot. com. au Audiohttp://www. abc. net. au/services/poadcasting Photoshttp://www. photoblog. com/stuartbarbara * Technorati (http://technorati. com )is a popular search engine Chat Rooms Online messaging services * Communication in real time (synchronous – existing or occurring at same time) * Many are commercial * Let communities interact quickly * Textbox, Scrolli ng Window * To join need to register, given a username and password for security * Avatar is an identity/nickname users assumes to protect their name * Moderator is a person who monitors communication to ensure people follow rules, they have power to ban, discipline, warn and educate users. * Rules No abusing No trolling (deliberately post inflammatory messages to get a reaction) Don’t flood Example: http://www. wireclub. com Forums * Also known as message boards * Multi-user threaded message application * Posted messages is form of conversation between users * Thread is a continuous conversation/post & replies on a specific topic * Hierarchical – forums divided into boards (main topics) and sub-boards (sub-topics) * Example: http://forums. whirlpool. net. au * Have their own netiquette/etiquette/rules: No spamming (flooding server with data) Posts must be on-topic (OT) Personal Arguments with individuals should be taken No trolling No abusing Read rules Give posts tit lesBanned topics not to be used Social Networking * Sites allow people to communicate with others * Present information about themselves * Some are special-interest (e. g. green living, Indian people, genealogy, teenagers) * Others (e. g. Facebook, Twitter) have no specific theme. * Have a profile page * Problems: Stalking Grooming Posting Persona Information Posts will last forever Employers have sacked workers Wikis * Examples: Wikipedia, Wikispaces * Online software tools that let a group of people contribute to the development of a document or knowledge base. * Needs some control over editings Prevent accidental or deliberate damage to the aggregated information. * Wikipedia – anonymous edits need to be approved by a moderator. * Controversial topics may be locked so only registered user, or specific users can edit them. Section 2 – Websites and Data Why Organisations Acquire Data Via Websites * Cheap * 24 hour customer access * Instant * Efficiency * Effectiveness Increased accuracy if visitors enter own data Less chance of error Can be processed automatically once entered Type data easier to read * Access to global market * Can use prompts (* – shift+8) to collect right data Can use controls radio buttons to enforce data integrity * Use validation tools to make sure it’s in right format (DOB – dd/mm/yy) * People are put off by having to email, write or phone Why Individuals and Organisation Supply Data Via Websites * Purchasing of goods and Services * Social Networking * Exchanging Information * Immediate results * Anonymity * Voting/Polls Techniques for Acquiring Data on Websites * Collating data from entries in a web form * Providing a web forum * Online chat Techniques for protecting the rights of individuals and organisations supplying data * security protocolsSSL or TLS encryption. Transport Layer Security  (TLS) and its predecessor,  Secure Sockets Layer  (SSL), provide communication  security  over theà ‚  Internet * File encryption * Logins with usernames and passwords. * Using Captcha to deter robotic logins. * Automatic timeout of idle connections. Very commom in the financial sector * Requiring strong passwords CSS/CMS Static Websites * Each page is produced by hand, using GUI web editor (e. g. Dreamweaver) or raw HTML code * Pages never change without being edited * Can be dull and unresponsive to current conditions Imagine a static eBay site where the finishing time of all auctions had to be entered by hand every second. Dynamic Websites * Constantly changing – e. g. eBay * Can respond to events and the profile of the user * Can be achieved to a degree with Javascript (e. g. a countdown timer on a static page) Content Management Systems Introduction A content management system (CMS) supports the creation, management, distribution, publishing, and discovery of corporate information. It covers the complete lifecycle of the pages on your site, from providing simple tools to create the content, through to publishing, and finally to archiving.It also provides the ability to manage the structure of the site, the appearance of the published pages, and the navigation provided to the users. The functionality of a content management system can be broken down into several main categories: * content creation * content management * Publishing * presentation Content Creation At the front of a content management system is an easy-to-use authoring environment, designed to work like Word. This provides a non-technical way of creating new pages or updating content, without having to know any HTML.The CMS also allows you to manage the structure of the site. That is, where the pages go, and how they are linked together. Many even offer simple drag-and-drop restructuring of the site, without breaking any links. Almost all content management systems now provide a web-based authoring environment, which further simplifies implementation, and allows content updating to b e done remotely. Content Management Once a page has been created, it is saved into a central repository in the CMS. This stores all the content of the site, along with the other supporting details.This central repository allows a range of useful features to be provided by the CMS: Keeping track of all the versions of a page, and who changed what and when. Ensuring that each user can only change the section of the site they are responsible for. Integration with existing information sources and IT systems. Publishing Once the final content is in the repository, it can then be published out to either the website or intranet. Content management systems boast powerful publishing engines which allow the appearance and page layout of the site to be applied automatically during publishing.It may also allow the same content to be published to multiple sites. Of course, every site looks different, so the CMS lets the graphic designers and web developers specify the appearance that is applied by the system. These publishing capabilities ensure that the pages are consistent across the entire site, and enable a very high standard of appearance. This also allows the authors to concentrate on writing the content, by leaving the look of the site entirely to the CMS. Presentation The content management system can also provide a number of features to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the site itself.As an example, the CMS will build the site navigation for you, by reading the structure straight out of the content repository. It also makes it easy to support multiple browsers, or users with accessibility issues. The CMS can be used to make your site dynamic and interactive, thereby enhancing the site’s impact. * Examples – WordPress, Joomla, Drupal Videos to Watch * http://www. youtube. com/watch? feature=player_detailpage&v=VdvEdMMtNMY * http://www. youtube. com/watch? feature=player_detailpage&v=jexUS43sdeQ * http://www. youtube. com/watch? feature=player_ detailpage&v=VdvEdMMtNMY * http://www. outube. com/watch? feature=player_detailpage&v=RUSAJ_2ZqNI * Database-driven software that creates pages when needed and tailor-makes them for the time, the circumstances, the user * The CMS fetches content (e. g. text, data, pictures) from the database and creates a webpage with pre-defined formatting chosen by the webmaster. * The same pages might look different for each person viewing it (e. g. their ‘My eBay’ pages, or their Facebook pages. ) Pros and Cons Pros * Site maintenance is far easier and quicker * Sites become dynamic and pages change automatically Easier to manage assets (pictures etc) * Better looking sites * Site has a consistent appearance across all pages * Far less chance of 404 errors or bad links Cons * Must install CMS software onto your webserver – some are expensive * Must learn how to use the CMS * Can be expensive/slow to convert an existing static site to CMS Software Webmaster creates content (e. g. body text) Media (pix, videos etc) are stored in the database The CMS combines content, media, formatting to create web pages which are sent to the visitor’s browser Cascading Styled Sheets (CSS) CSS * Instead of repetitively formatting lots of types of text in the same way, define the formatting in a CSS file and just mark text with the style it needs * To change the look of main headings, change the definition of HEADING1 once in the CSS file. * Don’t have to find and change every piece of HEADING1 text across the site * Far quicker, easier * Creates consistently formatted sites * E. g. CSS file contains â€Å"Heading 1 = Bold, TNR, size 20† * In a webpage, some text is tagged as being â€Å"Heading 1† style. CSS Tutorial * http://www. w3schools. com/css/

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Backgrounder to Deputy Minister

This pilot project was launched on January 7, 2007. Taking into consideration the relentless criticism in important newspapers, magazines and TV channels, about the alarming increase in the drug demand level among both male and female high school students, a Committee was appointed by the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry to initiate the modalities of Awareness Campaign with the active co-operation of School Managements.The Ministry, instead of taking direct responsibility for implementation of the project, created a special fund with an initial contribution $ 50,000 for contingent grants and selected two NGOs for implementation of the project. The issue presented before the NGOs was simple and direct. â€Å"Can the Awareness Campaigns deliver tangible results in the area of drug demand reduction? † The problem and the scenario: This is the first of its kind familiarization program conducted for the benefit of the representatives of the NGOs.The objective is to train the traianers from the point of view of this Awareness Campaign. The NGOs selected have the experience and expertise of working among the drug addicts, for over a decade. Five representatives from each NGO attended the session, one of them was the Chief Coordinator, and the rest were field level personnel. The guideline /handouts specially drafted by the Implementation Committee constituted by the Ministry for the training course were given to them. There are twenty four High schools in the District â€Å"A† selected for the program.Each NGO was allotted 12 Schools. The above initiative was in response to the directions of the Cabinet to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This time-bound program is directed to be completed within a period of three months. The Deputy Minister of the Department was asked to personally monitor the program and present the report within the time stipulated. The strong reason for associating NGOs is: By experience it is observed that drug demand reduction is mainly a socio-spiritual initiative.The typical government approach bogged down to procedures, did not deliver the results in the past. a) Making the Deputy Minister take direct responsibility of this important social issue: According to the inputs before the Cabinet, the situation relating to the drug scenario in the schools has been alarming. Very inconvenient questions were raised in the Parliament about Government’s lethargy in not properly addressing the issue. The need for a sense of destination and direction to the combustible school-going generation in this age group was felt by the members of the Parliament.On a careful study of the scenario, the following reasons were cited by a Committee specially constituted by the Ministry to send the report to the Cabinet. What are the reasons for such moral collapse of the youngsters at the formative stage of their life? Five major issues were cited: a) Economic prosperity. The children get more than requir ed pocket money. The reasons and sources for children having more cash than is necessary for their normal needs however could not be ascertained. The students were not willing to share this information with the counseling team.b) The friendship-net of the drug-addicts is fast expanding. The teachers are afraid to take strong action against the students lest they will be charged under the various provisions of the Child Abuse Act. c) The same was the issue with the parents. In a few cases the children had initiated legal action against the parents under the above Act. d) With the divorce rate touching 55%, every second family was a broken family. Denied of love in the house and in the absence of a happy social interaction with the immediate family members, children looked out for other sources of enjoyment.e) The peer-pressure of the senior students was too much to resist. In some cases, the senior students did not hesitate to take recourse to coercive methods to drag the unwilling f riends to the drug joints. Deputy Minister’s accountability: â€Å"Deputy ministers are accountable to their Ministers, and to the Prime Minister through the Clerk of the Privy Council. (4) Deputy ministers are also accountable to the Public Service Commission and the Treasury Board for authorities directly delegated or assigned to them relating to financial and human resource management.(5) One of the Deputy Minister’s fundamental responsibilities is to support the Minister’s accountability to Parliament. Deputy Ministers and other departmental officials appear before parliamentary committees on behalf of their minister by answering questions and providing information, but they explain rather than defend or debate policies. Public servants do not have a public voice, or identity, distinct from their minister; they are anonymous. †(The Accountability†¦. ) The Deputy Minister has the dual responsibility in implementing the program.Even though the init ial grant of $50,000 was made available by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (the Deputy Minister’s own Ministry), further grants totaling to $ 5,000,000, for the broad implementation of the project all over the State were due shortly from the Finance Ministry, to be disbursed in two monthly installments. â€Å"As noted earlier, Deputy Ministers are assigned specific powers directly or through the Treasury Board under certain provisions of key acts of public administration without reference to their Minister.Specifically, the Financial Administration Act confers directly on Deputy Minister’s responsibility for the prudent management of resources allocated to their department, in compliance with certain Treasury Board policies, regulations, standards, and periodic audits. Responsibility relating to personnel management, including appointment, employer-employee relations, and the organization of the department, are assigned to deputy ministers directly by a number of acts†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Review of†¦)Therefore, the Deputy Ministers have multiple accountabilities. To their Minister and the various Statutory Commissions constituted by the Government for controlling. But the Minister of the Department is the immediate and legal boss and he is answerable to the Minister, as for the general Management of the Department. The Deputy Minister needs to control and ensure that appropriate systems, management processes and instruments are maintained properly so that the performance monitoring goes on smoothly.The role of the Internal audit system for inspection and evaluation is very important and the surprise element of deployment of the staff designated for the purpose helps for a neat and clean administration. Irregularities and malpractices in the disbursement of financial allocations/grants need to be reported to the Deputy Minister well in time, for timely action. In the present case†¦. The Awareness Campaign conducted by the two N GOs had salutary effect on the students. Stunning facts came to the light that about 45-50% of the girl students, smoked, took alcohol and drugs. The percentage among the boys was about 70%.Mostly it was peer pressure, and as found during the Campaign, secret drug joints functioned in the vicinity of the educational institutions. Some peddlers visited the students at conspicuous places nearby on fixed days of the week. But the contents of the Awareness Campaign, lectures on the harmful effects of drugs, practical demonstration through slides/video/audio etc. had desired effects on majority of the students. Many openly declared that they were quite ignorant about the drastically damaging effects on health, by intoxication. Some students volunteered to attend counseling classes at the offices of the NGOs on regular basis.Such awareness campaigns have created highly positive effects on the impressionist minds of the youth. The above observations will place the Deputy Minister in a stro ng position to recommend to the Finance Minister for release of the intended grant of $ 5,000,000 for conduction of such Awareness Campaigns as a matter of policy, all over the State. For one round of Awareness Campaign consisting of two lectures on two altenative dates, expenses devolved are $ 1000, per day. An ad-hoc department is created in the Ministry by transferring suitable senior personnel on deputation basis and junior staff by fresh appointment.A skeleton Section has been formed to look after the immediate administrative needs. The priority of this Ministry is to build up diligent cadres who have a high sense of responsibility in relation to ethical morality. To involve in Awareness Campaigns related to drug demand reduction, one needs to develop missionary zeal. One needs to have a vision, not the legal government-employee relationship only. By saving one individual from deep drug addiction, an entire generation is rehabilitated. Conclusion: Can the Awareness Campaigns de liver tangible results in the area of drug demand reduction?The answer is in the positive. In view of the social conditions obtaining today, when the children are not assured the love they desire and deserve from the parents, due to reasons mentioned above, the School seems to be the place where they can get life-building exercises and lessons. Some of the reformed students have volunteered to actively participate and don the role of reformers, for the benefit of children in other schools. This is a highly positive development. It is now proved beyond doubt that holistic approach to cure drug addicts gives permanent results and the chances of relapse are minimal.So, the intended policy of the Government to associate NGOs that have the socio-spiritual approach, seems to be sound and adoption of this system is throughy recommended. ————— References Cited: Article: The Accountability of Deputy Ministers before Parliament (PRB-05-48E). www. parl. gc. c a/information/library/PRBpubs/prb0548-e. htm – 29k Article: Review of the Responsibilities and Accountabilities of Ministers †¦ This is the general accountability of deputy ministers to the Treasury Board†¦ www. tbs-sct. gc. ca/report/rev-exa/ar-er04_e. asp – 21k

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Monday, October 21, 2019

Code Of Hammurabi

Code Of Hammurabi The Code of Hammurabi is considered the earliest known legal document in its entirety, which is a collection of laws and edicts of the Babylonian king Hammurabi. It was uncovered by a pair of French archaeologists at Sussa, Iraq during 1901. Hammurabi established this law code in attempt to establish justice in his hand. He was basically trying to unify his people by having them follow a specific code that included moral values, economic activity, and everyday life.˜ Main Features of the Legal System The code is composed of 28 sections, which appears to be an amendment to the common law of Babylonian. First, it begins with the proper directions for legal procedures and the statements of penalties for unjust accusations, false testimony, and corruption among judges. After, follows laws involving property rights, loans, deposits, debts, domestic property, and family rights. Then follows laws indicating the punishment to physicians causing malpractice or damages caused in other trade s or professions.Code_of_Hammurabi.jpgThe Code of Hammurabi states that the basis of criminal law is that of equal retaliation, or in other words, "an eye for an eye. The law offers protection to all citizens of Babylonian of every class. The laws provide cover for the weak and the poor, including women, children, and even slaves against injustice at the hand of the rich and the powerful.˜ Examples of Laws 1. Anyone who bring an accusation against a man, and the accused go to the river and leap into the river, if he sink in the river his accuser shall take possession of his house. But if the river prove that the accused is not guilty, and he escape unhurt, then he who had brought the accusation shall be put to death, while he who leaped into the river shall take...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Barcode Scanners and Smart Cards

Barcode Scanners and Smart Cards Introduction In an age of technological revolution, the use of information systems in computers has become essentially paramount and the overwhelming vast majority of major supermarkets worldwide has become dependant on it, the consumer demands speed and convenience and the supplier has a strong emphasis on accuracy and providing those needs that inevitably cannot be displaced, only to become better at the least, which has been happening through time. The consumer as well as the supplier needs a method where a product can be instantly recognised, and deliver an on the spot price as well accumulate more than one product not to mention information that both parties can benefit from, and not to mention be rewarded for their loyalty in recognition of their custom. The use of technology in the business sector in the supermarket chain cannot be declared such a name without such a system; however this report is not to testify its perfection, but more to exemplify its reliability, importanc e and future advancements. Why Barcode Scanners? All products to be sold in a supermarket has a barcode embedded on it NO exception, this resembles vertical black lines and a row of numbers, a barcode scanner is a computer peripheral for reading the barcode printed on those surfaces, it is connected to a computer that indentifies what is being scanned and displays on screen the information stored about that particular image and number which is required in a store. The most common scanner used but not necessarily the best is laser scanners, that uses a beam to capture the image and process it. It is believed the essential reason for using a barcode scanner is accurate accumulation of multiple items scanned. Barcode scanner are not limited to the cashiers section for the sake of buying goods and simply checking out, there are anti-theft devices on many supermarkets on the store exit, so if one were not to pay for an item, the anti-theft barcode reader would pick up an items barcode as unregistered on the database or simply put paid for. With today’s advancements there are also self checkout spots were the consumer can simply scan the items themselves, so it’s quite obvious the wonders of barcode isn’t quite going anywhere. Why Smart Cards? Smart cards in supermarkets usually are used as a loyalty scheme. A loyalty scheme is when the consumer gets points for purchases and gets rewarded with coupons or discounts for future purchases. In some cases you may have to reach a certain limit before you are entitled to use your reward. A smart card is like a credit card in shape and its size, smart cards have an embedded microprocessor, and it is under a gold pad on the front of the card, although magnetic strips are still used and popular. It can store the consumer’s details and products purchased if it were to be ready available. Having a smart card is optional but it is beneficiary as you can gain points, which will be stored on the computer system. It also worth noting, not only it inputs data into the smart chip as well as on the central computer, it can also be edited, or certain numeric information deducted in others words points in exchange for rewards

Friday, October 18, 2019

Charles Chaplin's City Lights Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Charles Chaplin's City Lights - Movie Review Example The present research has identified that â€Å"City Lights† can be categorized as a â€Å"romantic comedy† since Charlie Chaplin’s humor is similar to that of Ben Stiller who more often than not uses physical happenings make his audience burst out in laughter. Even though it is has been categorized in the silent movies, the film City Lights was not entirely a silent movie. Though there is no dialogue, there are sound effects throughout the movie, which includes music, and symbolic sound effects. The starring Charlie Chaplin uses sound to set the environment and comedic moments, rather than using his voice to narrate the story, A perfect example of this technique is depicted immediately after the opening credits when the town mayor is about to preside over the unveiling of a statue and is making his speech, but instead of the viewer hearing the speech, he or she gets what it can be referred to as â€Å"Charlie Brown talk.† The starring puts a word narrative on the screen to make the audience know the purpose of the speech. The script is well written and directed that nothing is lost with the absence of dialogue since the audience understands from the beginning, what goes on in scenes and thus get the comic effects being expressed. Any audience watching this movie for the first time quickly relates to the main characters. This indeed explains the perfectness with which the movie was written and directed since the intended purpose is achieved at the end of the viewing. Charlie Chaplin played a tramp, today the best definition that can suite a tramp is a homeless person. During the Great Depression in the USA, almost a quarter of American works were jobless and many of them struggled to make through the daily life. In regard to this depression, Chaplin is in the same situation and thereby depicts the life which these destitute go through. The film City Lights contain the melodrama, the grace, the effortless physical coordination, the baw diness, the pathos and most important of all the slapstick.

Regent Park Mosque Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Regent Park Mosque - Coursework Example The Muslim community in the United Kingdom was officially presented with the Masjid as a gift from the government of Britain. This was aimed at enabling Muslims in London to create a centre for Islamic culture and build a mosque with an aim of providing an opportunity to carry out affairs related to their Islamic faith (Hodges, 2009, p. 57). This gift was greatly accepted by a mosque committee which comprised distinguished Islamic diplomats and Islamic residents living in the United Kingdom. This gift was presented to the Muslim community with the intent of paying tribute to thousands of Indian Islamic soldiers who had passed on while fighting for the British Empire. The British Empire at this time had more Muslims than Christians. In 1947, the London Central Mosque was registered by the mosque committee as a trust corporation named London Central Mosque Trust Limited. To date, the board members of the trust committee comprise Muslim countries’ diplomatic representatives whom the Court of St. James’s has accredited. The main objectives of the mosque committee included: first, to build a mosque on the provided site and secondly, to establish a cultural and religious centre for Muslims who resided in the United Kingdom at that time, and future generations. ... The cost of building the mosque was partly covered by Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal’s contribution of â‚ ¬2 million. In 1977, the mosque was finally completed with a total cost of â‚ ¬ 6.5 million. According to Hodges (2009), Regent’s Park Mosque is the United Kingdom’s centre for Islamic focus for Muslims and Islam. Apart from the mosque being a place where Muslims offer daily prayers, it also provides several services that include offering education to children located in central London and its environs. It provides conference facilities and serves as a convention centre. The centre also offers counseling and wedding halls for hire as well as fairs among other services. Regent’s Park Mosque symbolizes the presence of Islam and Muslims in London and the United Kingdom as a whole. The mosque is distinct from other buildings in London due its golden dome shape and the minaret (Hodges, 2009, p. 62). The prayer hall is designed in such a way that it is facing Mecca. It also has a distinguishing red carpet feature with a vast mosaic decorated dome as well as a huge chandelier located at the centre. In one prayer session, the mosque has the capacity to accommodate up to 1400 worshippers. The mosque can be extended to accommodate additional 4,000 worshippers during festivals and even more when the worshippers overcrowd in the main court yard (Hodges, 2009, p. 79). The London Central Mosque receives up to fifty thousand Muslim visitors during the two main Islamic festivals. During these periods, the mosque is overflown with Islamic worshippers from within London and outside. The central mosque of London is an active place receiving visitors and worshippers on a daily basis (Hodges, 2009, p. 79). The

Introduction to Combustion and Fire Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Introduction to Combustion and Fire - Case Study Example For example, when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are exposed to high energy sun rays, chlorine and bromine atoms are released. These chlorine/bromine atoms act as catalysts in the breaking up of ozone molecules. Free radicals are atoms or molecules possessing one or more unpaired electrons. Free radicals are formed as intermediaries of reactions. One of the most common free radicals is the hydroxyl free radical (HO∙). Ions, free atoms, and free radicals are reaction intermediaries. While ions are charged species, free radicals are groups containing unpaired electrons, and free atoms are single atoms without charge. Ions can exist in a stable equilibrium, but free atoms and free radicals are highly unstable and react with other atoms or molecules soon after formation. During bond formation, an electron from 2s orbital is moved to 2pz orbital. This process requires a small amount of energy as the energy gap between 2s and 2p orbitals are less. So the new electronic structure is 1s22s12px12py12pz1 Pentane has a molar mass of 72.15 gmol-1. For 1 mole of pentane, mass is 72.15 g. As calculates earlier, at temperature 298.15K and pressure 1.013Ãâ€"105 Pa, the volume of 1 mol of pentane is 2.447Ãâ€"10-2 m3. A reaction where the products are in the most stable state is known as a complete chemical reaction. In the fire, a complete chemical reaction with no fuel and oxygen left is known as a stoichiometric reaction. The reaction mixtures in such a state are stoichiometric mixtures. The stoichiometric oxygen to fuel mass ratio r is determined from the equation. The equivalence ratio () which describes the state of the reactant mixture, is defined as (Quintere, 2006): Concentration is a measure of the packaging of particles per unit volume and its unit is moles per dm3 or moldm-3. A mole is a unit to measure the amount of substance. One mole of a substance contains 6.023Ãâ€"1023 atoms, molecules, or ions.   

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Digital Evolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Digital Evolution - Essay Example Looking at it in high level, Barrett tackled what is going on around the world referencing significant improvements in technology that has changed the face of humanity and of the world. He then moved on to discuss the importance of such technologies highlighting his company’s contribution to the evolution of technology. With this, Barrett pointed out two important opportunity areas where technology can be utilized to not only change how things are done but to deliver benefits to the population. These are the areas of healthcare and education. Based on the profile of Barrett, it could be noted that he has a strong advocacy for improving education in the United States as well as the rest of the world. Being a staunch supported of research in the academia, Craig together, with Intel, has made significant partnerships with educational institutions to promote and fund numerous research programs. With Intel focused on product-oriented research devoting around $6 billion annually for research and development, he strongly believes that research is vital for innovation and moving the nation and the world. Because of this, he has poured significant investments in research with these institutions to help improve and build on technology as it exists at the moment with a vision in fulfilment of what Gordon Moore has postulated and predicted decades ago. In relation to his company Intel, it has been reported that Barrett’s concern is capitalizing on the rapidly evolving digital world. The prospects on the electronic sector are really great. As believed by Intel, standardization is key to ensure that the different technologies produced and provided by different companies will work together. As such, Intel is looking into the expansion of manufacturing products that people actually want (What does the future hold for Intel, Apple and Microsoft?,  2004). Finally, Barrett in his 2004 article has

A Training Program for Persons with Mental Retardation Program Assignment

A Training Program for Persons with Mental Retardation Program - Assignment Example The test development can be traced back to the 1980s. In 1986, there was a trial version of it created by a student pursuing Masters Degree under one of the authors. The test operates on samples of the elderly population. In its first test, normative data was provided differently in groups of respondent ages, (50-69 and 70+ years) and the National Adult Reading Test Estimated IQ (NART-IQ) group (85-89,100-114,115 and above). This test was conducted on 186 men and women (50 to 96) inhabiting England, and the majority of those tested came from Bristol Area. Unfortunately, there is little validity evidence to underscore conclusions made from the LLT experimentation on the elderly people. As said before, the exam is purely conducted on the elderly people though not in groups but as solo individuals. The exam, however, faces criticism due to its minimal levels of validity in evidence purported to have been gathered and therefore not appropriate for clinical applications. (Coughlan. A Holl ows, S.p.22) 2 The Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) is developed with the aim to identify people who are most probable to have substance dependence malady (is). The test can be of use in a forensic setting if one wants to know whether an individual’s behavior is dependent on substance dependence. It has been noted that behavioral traits of people dependent on substances vary a lot.     The test was authored by Miller, Glenn. A and published by The SASSI Institute. It has been reviewed in the book ‘’the fifteenth mental measurements yearbook’’ by Plake, Impara, and Spies (2003). The test includes face valid and items that are considered subtle that have no relationship with substance abuse. Materials used for the test includes guides that have instructions for administering, filling in the scores, interpreting and manuals providing information on validity, reliability and development. Examples of professionals’ inferences that may be extracted on the premise of scale scores include awareness of the negative effects of substance abuse, evidence of emotional pain, and risk of being in touch with the legal or judicial institutions and people. The test is applicable to adults and Adolescents between 12 and 18years.The SASSI’s room for easy administration, scoring and analysis and the availability of computer styles for relia ble storage of data and analysis makes the test instrument highly useful in producing valid results in research ventures. For example, the Adult SASSI-3 has helped identify persons who have high chances of substance dependence problem with a total objectively-tested accuracy of 93%.The Adolescent SASSI-A2 has a 94% overall tested accuracy. 3 The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th ed. (WAIS-IV) is used to examine IQ or Cognitive functioning and is designed to target adults who fall in the 16 to 90 years age bracket. The exam looks into cognitive ability using a basic group of 10 subtests that aim at four specific areas of intelligence: perceptual reasoning, verbal comprehension, working memory and speed of processing.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Consumerism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Consumerism - Essay Example On the second thought economist would not suggest such a thing if they have not seen or observed the importance of practicing it. The website thefreedictionary.com (2007) gave two definitions regarding consumerism. The first one was stated as "the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically beneficial, economic theory - (economics) a theory of commercial activities (such as the production and consumption of goods)" and the other one as "a movement advocating greater protection of the interests of consumers crusade, campaign, cause, drive, effort, movement - a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end" If we are to tackle the issue with regards to the contribution of citizenship to it, consumerism as a theory on increasing of consumption of goods is beneficial, and then this claim would be in effect if the support of the citizen pertaining local goods and services is evident. ... The first thing that a local consumer must consider and think is the fact that local products are dependent on local consumers and local market and producers deem the importance of local market more than foreign market- the need here is the support of the local market in order for the local products to earn its name and made an impact to the society. Like the stages that most of the producers and marketers undertake, considering and penetrating the local market is their outmost priority in order to earn its reputation and to be able to penetrate a much higher market like the foreign market. In this case, it is established that the need of the support of the local citizens where the product has been produced. To further understand the aforementioned premise and the study per se, it is important to know the definition of citizens as a local market. The definition as well as recognition of these people as an important part of consumerism would further help us in analyzing their participation in this study. The website wikipedia.com (2007) implied two meaning with regards to citizenship. The first definition reads as "citizenship is membership in a political community (originally a city or town but now usually a country) and carries with it rights to political participation; a person having such membership is a citizen. It is largely coterminous with nationality, although it is possible to have a nationality without being a citizen (i.e., be legally subject to a state and entitled to its protection without having rights of political participation in it); it is also possible to have political rights without being a national of a state" In the given definition of wikipedia, its second definition seems to be the appropriate area of interest in this study. The next

A Training Program for Persons with Mental Retardation Program Assignment

A Training Program for Persons with Mental Retardation Program - Assignment Example The test development can be traced back to the 1980s. In 1986, there was a trial version of it created by a student pursuing Masters Degree under one of the authors. The test operates on samples of the elderly population. In its first test, normative data was provided differently in groups of respondent ages, (50-69 and 70+ years) and the National Adult Reading Test Estimated IQ (NART-IQ) group (85-89,100-114,115 and above). This test was conducted on 186 men and women (50 to 96) inhabiting England, and the majority of those tested came from Bristol Area. Unfortunately, there is little validity evidence to underscore conclusions made from the LLT experimentation on the elderly people. As said before, the exam is purely conducted on the elderly people though not in groups but as solo individuals. The exam, however, faces criticism due to its minimal levels of validity in evidence purported to have been gathered and therefore not appropriate for clinical applications. (Coughlan. A Holl ows, S.p.22) 2 The Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) is developed with the aim to identify people who are most probable to have substance dependence malady (is). The test can be of use in a forensic setting if one wants to know whether an individual’s behavior is dependent on substance dependence. It has been noted that behavioral traits of people dependent on substances vary a lot.     The test was authored by Miller, Glenn. A and published by The SASSI Institute. It has been reviewed in the book ‘’the fifteenth mental measurements yearbook’’ by Plake, Impara, and Spies (2003). The test includes face valid and items that are considered subtle that have no relationship with substance abuse. Materials used for the test includes guides that have instructions for administering, filling in the scores, interpreting and manuals providing information on validity, reliability and development. Examples of professionals’ inferences that may be extracted on the premise of scale scores include awareness of the negative effects of substance abuse, evidence of emotional pain, and risk of being in touch with the legal or judicial institutions and people. The test is applicable to adults and Adolescents between 12 and 18years.The SASSI’s room for easy administration, scoring and analysis and the availability of computer styles for relia ble storage of data and analysis makes the test instrument highly useful in producing valid results in research ventures. For example, the Adult SASSI-3 has helped identify persons who have high chances of substance dependence problem with a total objectively-tested accuracy of 93%.The Adolescent SASSI-A2 has a 94% overall tested accuracy. 3 The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th ed. (WAIS-IV) is used to examine IQ or Cognitive functioning and is designed to target adults who fall in the 16 to 90 years age bracket. The exam looks into cognitive ability using a basic group of 10 subtests that aim at four specific areas of intelligence: perceptual reasoning, verbal comprehension, working memory and speed of processing.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Bilbo Baggins Fake Facebook Essay Example for Free

Bilbo Baggins Fake Facebook Essay Bilbo Baggins on Fakebook! Create a Fake Facebook Profile Wall using this generator Tw eet 0 Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes. It is NOT affiliated with Facebook or any other social networking site. Bilbo Baggins Edit Profile Friends [add] Gandalf Thorin Hello all! My life has been a very calm, peaceful life that has been cozy and comfortable. I come from a noble ancestry and a happy, content family. I live in a hole called Bag End in a snug little village under a hill. I loved my life, even though it was a quiet life. Not much thrill in my daily experience of eating, cleaning, smoking, and relaxing, but that is how I liked it,in my own little world you could say. This all changed one day when an experience I had started a domino affect on my life with many adventures involved. It all started that one day while sitting on my porch, smoking a pipe, looking into the landscape when a mysterious man with a long beard, great staff, and massive dark blue cloak approached me. I recognized him as Gandalf, the famous wizard of the country . He asks me if I want to go on an adventure, but I quickly dismiss this question and excuse myself back into my house. I thought this would be the last time I would see him in a long period, but the next day, Gandalf plus 13 other dwarfs burst into my house clearing out my pantry during the process. Apparently I was chosen to be a burglar in this huge adventure to go to a dragons den and steal all the treasure that Smuag, the dragon, was guarding. The treasure originally belonged to Thorins grandfather dwarf, Thror who was the King at that time. Smuag the dragon killed and scattered all the people of Thrors village and has been at the mountain guarding the treasure ever since the incident. I then am basically forced to go on this mission but it was technically not forced because hey, who doesnt want an occasional adventure instead of the usual daily life? So I go on this adventure and fight off goblin, wolves, find secret rings, fight off extremely large spiders,travel miles and miles, get rescued multiple times, rescue others multiple times, find the treasure with a mad dragon to go with it, and start a war. You could say I had a pretty interesting experience. In conclusion, when I came home I found out people thought I had died because I had been gone for so long, so in reaction to my presence, people were completely shocked to see me. I lose many of my possessions because they were being auctioned off, but in the end, Im back at my cozy home at Bag End after a crazy, exciting adventure ,that was all worth it in the end. That was my experience. [Add Post] Thorin Friend Explanation- Thorin is chosen to be a friend of Bilbo because over the journey, they started to trust each other more and have a friendly relationship near the end of the journey. In the beginning when Thorin first meets Bilbo, he doesnt have much faith and belief in him and doesnt really communicate with him at first. Then when the story starts to go on, Thorin gets more respect for Bilbo and becomes more friendly to him. earlier today | comment. Gandalf Friend Explanation- Gandalf was chosen as a friend of Bilbo Baggins because first, he started the whole adventure by choosing Bilbo to be the burglar in the first place. He then helped Bilbo throughout the story giving him wisdom, teaching him lessons, and making a friendly relationship with him. They helped each other when needed, backed each other up, had conversations, and bonded with each other which are all things friends do. earlier today | comment Smaug the Dragon Non-Friend Explanation-Smaug would not friend Bilbo and Bilbo wouldnt want to friend Smaug for many reasons. First, Bilbo stole the treasure that Smaug was guarding. Second, when Bilbo and the others reached the dragon and the mountain where the treasure was, Bilbo and Smaug didnt really start off on the right foot with each other, you could say. Last but not least, Smaug wanted to kill Bilbo and i dont think you would want to be friends with someone trying and wanting to kill you. These are some main and obvious reasons why Bilbo wouldnt friend Smaug. earlier today | comment www. classtools. I than had to free all of them and fight off swarms of giant spiders wanting us to be there next meal. Another adventure I had in my journey was when me and my accomplices were trying to get away from the goblins and wargs at the same time. They were both chasing after us looking for revenge for deeds we had done earlier to them, like kill their leaders. We didnt know anywhere else we could go when we were in a forest so we decided to climb into the trees so nobody could reach us. This didnt necessarily work because once the goblins came, they lit the bottom of the trees on fire so basically, we were in a pickle. We were about to be ripped to shreds by the wargs and goblins eventually because the fire was slowly reaching up the tree, when suddenly the Lord of the Eagles and many other eagles swooped down and saved us from the terror that awaited us. My last adventure that was also very interesting was escaping the elves and having to save my friends then escape. I had to slip everyone out by secretly going to everyones cell with my magic ring on,which made me invisible. I then said that I will make sure nobody is left behind, and this is what i made true. We all escaped into barrels that were being released downstream for a party the elves were having later on and even though it was bumpy ride, it got us where we needed to go. I will never forget these experiences I had and have never wished that these events didnt happen since. earlier today | comment Carter Brydon Likes This I like his story and how he went through many challenges and achieved his final goal. This story seems like a fun, entertaining book that will hook the reader with its many exciting events and sequences. earlier today | comment Paige Brydon Likes This I thought that this experience that Bilbo was a very interesting adventure. I havent read the book but based on the summary and main idea of the book, I am drawn into reading the book because of the fantasy world but with amazing detail as well. After I will have read the book, I feel it would satisfy my want to read it and I will enjoy the book while reading it. earlier today | comment Bilbo Baggins FOR MORE INFORMATION- One cultural aspect of the life of Hobbits is that since we are small, we like to be in small, compact areas that are cozy and comfortable for our size. We dont like to be out in the open because of our size. We then feel too vulnerable out in the open because we arent the strongest race, you could say. This then leads to my second cultural aspect of being very peaceful and not having much tension with others. Since we are very vulnerable and small, we like to be on the good sides of others because even though we can put up a fight if needed, there arent many guarantees we will be on the winning side of these fights. We like having a simple, farming and calm life. The last cultural aspect is that we are very unique. We are normally very shy but under the right circumstances we can achieve great things. We look and act different then other species like humans. We are very social and caring for others but like to keep to our own business. We are short ans stout but we are proud of ourselves . earlier today | comment _ www. classtools. net/fb/96/NCMPe2 2/3 10/2/12 Bilbo Baggins on Fakebook! Create a Fake Facebook Profile Wall using this generator www. classtools. net/fb/96/NCMPe2 3/3

Monday, October 14, 2019

Rehabilitation The Key In Changing Offender Behaviour Criminology Essay

Rehabilitation The Key In Changing Offender Behaviour Criminology Essay Behaviour can be explained through biological, learning or cognitive theories. This essay briefly analyses each of them in order to come to an agreement whether prison-based rehabilitation programmes should be abolished in times of financial cutbacks. Research evidence indicates that although much of our behaviour has biological roots as suggested by twin and adoption studies, it does not necessarily mean behaviour cannot be changed. Applications of cognitive and learning theories have proven that behaviour can be changed for the better. Although only certain types of rehab programs are effective in changing criminal behaviour, it nevertheless implies that behaviour is more nurture than nature. Rehabilitation: The Key in Changing Offender Behaviour In recent decades, incarceration rates (ABS) have displayed an upward trend across Australia. This, along with an increasing rate of recidivism(ABS) has contributed to a growing amount of criticism on the effectiveness of prison based rehabilitation programmes. According to Vennard, Sugg and Hedderman (1997) prison based programmes designed to rehabilitate offenders have been criticised on two main grounds. Firstly, that they over simplify the roots of offending behaviour by not considering other determinants of crime and secondly, that they are ineffective at changing criminal behaviour. This nothing works (Martinson, 1974) attitude has changed in recent years to a cautious optimism, supported by growing research that some types of intervention can be effective at reducing re-offending. It is therefore paramount that some, if not most rehabilitation programs continue to operate despite financial cutbacks. The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs depends on how criminal behaviour is acquired. Is it the result of an individuals genetic makeup that makes them a criminal or is it the environment in which they are raised that governs their behaviour? From the biological theories of behaviour to the behaviourist perspective on learning, there is one general theme of how genetic and environmental variables interact (Burton, 2009). Biological accounts of behaviour Family studies (Joseph, 2001; Raine, 2003; Schmitz, 2003) concluded that genetics can cause a tendency for criminal behaviour but they also found that an individuals personality could be, and often is, modified by the environment. Twin studies done by comparing identical twins or fraternal twins, is a type of genetic study that confirms this. Tuvblad, Eley and Lichtenstein (2005) examined 1226 pairs of twins for signs of heritability in anti-social behaviour (ASB) and found that although ASB in females were explained by genetic influences, males showed no significant mediation between aggressive behaviour and heritability. Furthermore, they found significant shared environmental effects in males. This suggests that the presence of ASB, a major factor in criminal behaviour (Joesph, 2001;Morley Hall, 2003) can be altered through environmental influences and therefore changeable through rehabilitation programs. On the other hand, adoption studies suggest that behaviour is more nature than nurture. In a review of adoption studies, Joseph (2001) found that most adoption studies concluded that adopted-away children who were born to parents with a criminal background were more likely to engage in criminal activity than adopted children whose parents had no criminal background. However Joseph (2001) also established that the majority of adoption studies found no significant role of genetics in violent crime. This suggests that there are some environmental influences on behaviour Besides heritability, certain biological chemicals are also known to influence behaviour. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that has been shown to be related to ASB.A study by Elliot (2000) found that low MAO activity results in a lack of control which can lead to impulsivity and aggression, and by further association, ASB. Aggressiveness and impulsivity can also be increased by the neuro-chemical serotonin. As Lowenstein (2003) states, studies point to serotonin as one of the most important central neuro-transmitters underlying the modulation of impulsive aggression. Since chemical levels can be changed through diet, by incorporating a special diet in a rehabilitation program, it can improve the chances of successfully rehabilitating an offender. Although there is a lack of recent research evidence into this possibility, several past studies (Schauss 1981;) Schoenthaler, 1983 ) suggest that it is possible to manipulate behaviour through diet. Behaviour through learning The notion that criminal behaviour is a learned behaviour has been around for a long time. Sutherland (1947) put forth the theory of differential association which postulates that criminal behaviour is learned in association with those who have criminal attitudes and values. An individual learns favourable or unfavorable definitions of the legal code and he or she learns criminal behaviour if they accumulate an excess of definitions favourable to violation of law over definitions unfavourable to violations of law (Sutherland 1947). This theory suggests that behaviour can be changed. According to the theory, individuals become criminals principally because they have been isolated from groups whose behaviour are law-abiding or because of some circumstances have made them associate themselves with criminals frequently. Therefore, if criminals are to be changed, they must become members of anti-criminal groups or their present pro-criminal group relations must be changed (Cressy, 1955). Cressey (1963) did a follow-up experiment on drug addicts by applying his principles formulated in his 1955 article on the differential association theory on a drug rehabilitation program. Sixty-six percent of the drug addicts who stayed on the program for at least three months and 86% of those who remained on the program for at least seven months did not revert back to drug use. The differential association theory is not perfect however. Burgess and Akers (1969) criticised Sutherlands theory due to its lack of attention on individualism and failure to take into account of personality traits. Using Skinners principles of operant conditioning, they further developed Sutherlands differential association theory to address these issues. They called their revision, the differential association-reinforcement theory. Burgess and Akers(1969) argue that criminal behaviour can be explained as a function of the reinforcement or punishment a person receives from the environment. In other words, behaviour that produces a reward will tend to be performed more frequently in the future, while behaviour that is followed by punishment will tend to decrease in frequency. Differential reinforcement occurs when under certain environmental conditions, one behaviour leads to greater or more frequent rewards than does another alternative behaviour. The behaviour that receives greate r reinforcement- e.g criminal behaviour-becomes dominant over the alternative behaviour, such as law-abiding behaviour. Consequently, through this process of differential reinforcement, certain environmental conditions can increase the probability of criminal acts by individuals. A study on the effects of imprisonment(punishment) and probation (reinforcement) on juvenile offenders demonstrated the effectiveness of applying the differential reinforcement theory in rehabilitation. Tsytsarev , Manger and Lodrini (2000) found that the incarcerated group had a higher likelihood of re-offending whilst the probation group had a lower likelihood of re-offending. Cognitive approach Among the range of offender programmes designed to reintegrate offenders into society, those which are increasingly favoured are those that seek to address an offenders way of thinking, reasoning and associated behaviour, otherwise known as cognitive-behavioural techniques (Vennard et al, 1997). Cognitive-behavioural techniques assume that offenders are shaped by their environment and have failed to learn certain ways of behaving (McGuire, 1995;Vannard et al, 1997). This does not mean criminal behaviour is solely attributed to individual factors. McGuire (1995) explains that it also takes into account the social conditions which affect individual development and is not in conflict with other explanations of criminal behaviour, such as the theory of differential association. Rehabilitation programmes based on this approach tend to teach offenders to confront their crime, understand why it happened and develop ways of controlling their behaviour. The success rates of these rehabilitation programs have been well documented. Feindler and Ecton (1986) (as cited in Vennard et al, 1997) developed a programme for young offenders which successfully taught them how to control anger.(example) while McDougall et al. (1987) reported significant anger reductions among inmates in young offenders institutions who had undergone an anger management programme combining cognitive procedures, specifically self-instruction and self- statements to use in situations of anger. More recently, Lipsey (2009) examined the effectiveness of various intervention programs, including rehabilitation. Of the 548 interventions analysed, he concluded that punishment or deterrence-based interventions such as boot camps actually increased recidivism. In contrast, programmes that were multi-model and had a more behavioural or skills-oriented had the most impact in reducing recidivism. In a different research review, Landenberger and Lipsey(2005) showed that progra ms based on cognitive behavioural techniques are effective with juvenile and adult criminal offenders in various criminal justice settings, including prison, residential, and parole. They found that it was even effective with high-risk behaviour such as rape. Conclusion With the current focus on punishing criminals through longer prison terms and harsher fines, rehabilitation must not be neglected as the vast amount of research literature indicates that behaviour can be changed. The financial gains from turning a criminal into a law-abiding, productive citizen far outweigh the temporary savings from abolishing rehabilitation programs. Equally important is that we continue to provide more resources to rehabilitation programs in order to better understand, and change something that is constantly evolving human behaviour. Kelvin Mui

Sunday, October 13, 2019

The Detective Story Genre: Arthur Conan Doyles Sherlock Holmes Storie

The Detective Story Genre: Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes Stories One of the most popular literary forms is the detective genre. The most remarkable detective author of all time is the late nineteenth century writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. His most prominent works are the famous Sherlock Holmes stories. These novels and short stories set the standard for the genre. Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories can be considered a model for detective fiction because each is centered on a mystery, Sherlock is a brilliant detective, and clues are a prerequisite for success. The very essence of any detective story is the mystery. Unlike murder mysteries, which have a lot in common with detective stories, Holmes's problems are not invariably as severe as homicide. These mysteries are not usually insignificant though, and "Often they have to do with theft or murder" (Adventures). The first mystery may be an important and confusing conundrum, but there is often a more worthy case that presents itself after the first has commenced. This adds a level of intrigue to the tale because "The first story leads towards dissolution, the second towards restoring order" (Horsley). In each adventure, someone has been or is in danger of being wronged by another person, and comes to Sherlock for help. This creates "A clear and unambiguous triangle of characters - the investigator, the victim, and the transgressor" (Horsley). All of this is incorporated into the author's puzzle. Something important and immoral is done in every detective story. Whether the detective is clearing a client of blame or prosecuting someone, he is always on the right side, and working against the wrong. The detective may not always complete his j... ...1 Feb. 2003. http://web12.epnet.com/ Horsley, Lee "Sherlock Holmes - Modernist Thought, Modernist _____Cities, and the Solving Intellect." 31 Mar. 03 _____http://www.crimeculture.com/359/Holmes.htm "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes." Magill on Literature. EBSCO _____Publishing. 21 Feb. 2003. http://web12.epnet.com/ "Arthur Conan Doyle." Magill on Literature. EBSCO Publishing. 21 _____Feb. 2003. http://web12.epnet.com/ Jenson, Jens Byskov "The Man Sherlock Holmes." 23 Feb. 2003. _____http://sherlock-holmes.hypermart.net/sherlock.html Leadbetter, Claire "Why Were Sherlock Holmes Stories So Popular?" 31 _____Mar. 03 _____http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis/8950/holmes/shpaper.htm "The Greek Interpreter." Magill on Literature. EBSCO Publishing. 21 _____Feb. 2003. http://web12.epnet.com/

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Computer Crime :: essays research papers

Computer technology has brought us into an era that is no longer run by man but instead is dependent on computers due to their incredible capabilities. Mankind has progressed further in the last fifty years than any other period of history. This reason is due to the introduction of computers. Everyone’s daily activities are affected, in some way or the other by computers. With the computer things that were impossible have now been easily accomplished. The computer allows us to store large volumes of data into a much more reduced high-density form. This allows a lot less space to be used than the classic way of paper files. It has allowed an increase in speed which improves the production of business or any other activity you may be doing. Calculations can be done in milliseconds and even worldwide connectivity and communication. With the introduction of the computer a new form of crime was born. These crimes referred to as computer crimes are varied and some are a lot more serious than others. Computer crime can involve criminal activities such as theft, fraud, forgery and mischief, all which are easily defined and subject to criminal sanctions. The computer has also brought along with it a host of potentially new misuses or abuses that may, or should be criminal as well.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The problem with today’s computer crimes are that the criminal justice systems have not been able to keep up with the technological change. Only a few countries have adequate laws to address the problem, and of these, not one has addressed all the legal, enforcement and prevention problems. The problem with the legal system is that it has always been a system with limits. The system mainly deals with physical items as its central core. But with the new understanding of the value of data, the system came up with “intellectual property'; as a means to cover these intangibles. Some people want to use this information in ways which would horrify us. We have called don the legal system to settle the matter but no one really knows what the rules are. Technology is growing much to fast for the legal system to keep pace with. In an effort to manage these crimes federal and state governments have passed laws criminalizing “unauthorized access'; and data transmission. Many groups have called for laws, regulations, and constitutions to regulate the electronic field. These efforts are ineffective.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is a huge confusion on the value of data and information.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Hca 220

Week 3 DQ 1 due Tuesday Day 2 Post a 150- to 300-word response to the following discussion question and apply the concepts and teachings from the weekly readings by clicking on Reply: ?n the field of health care administration, why is it important that everyone within the facility use medical terminology correctly? How can using correct medical terminology improve patient outcomes and services within the facility? What could be some potential problems if medical terminology is used incorrectly?RESPONSE: Using the right medical terminology on healthcare can first stop the common cause of deaths in patients of medical errors. Some medical terms have the same abbreviations and may sound and look alike but different meanings. We as healthcare professionals have to be aware because verbal or written orders like scope or scopy may look similar but two different meanings. I work as a secretary and half the time I verify my orders with medical staff just to make sure of no mistakes.When the floor is busy I have to pay extra attention to details for instance a tube of blood may come out from a cesarean section and you won't know if its a cord blood gas or just regular cord blood order Reading back orders are confirming orders will help to decrease medical errors. Effective communication is the key to working towards teamwork and that's what medical professionals have to know. If orders are not correct, they may result to medication errors of giving the wrong dose of medicine or re drawing blood on a patient which can been avoided. Improper treatment is a major concern that should not be risked.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

McDonald’s: An Iconic Chinese Restaurant

McDonald’s is an iconic figure in America, almost every household has eaten there at least once, but what about other countries around the world? In Golden Arches East: McDonald's in East Asia, James Watson uses the logos rhetorical appeal to make his points about the iconic McDonald’s status in China throughout McDonald’s in Hong Kong. He does this most effectively via his many uses of evidence he gathered from talking to the Chinese people in Hong Kong that patronize the restaurant, evidence gathered from speaking with the management of the McDonald’s in Hong Kong and his own observations. James Watson’s McDonald’s in Hong Kong begins by showing the reader the importance of food to the Cantonese customer. Cantonese people are proud of their food and most of the older generations are able to describe a single meal in detail many years after eating it. The author goes on to describe how McDonald’s has incorporated themselves into the local culture by accepting and embracing local beliefs instead of trying to change them and by being adaptable in the running of the business. Watson also describes the emergence of a new culture springing out of the American based business by bringing former non-practices like celebrating birthdays into practice and providing areas safe for younger generations to form their own identities through group activities. Food is an integral part of human life all over the world, but in China food is also an integral part of human society. Older generations of Chinese people are frequently able to describe in exact detail a single meal from start to finish including where the food came from and what dishes were used in the serving of the meal. As evidenced within the text Mr. Man â€Å"recounted–in exacting detail–the flavor and texture of each dish, the sequence of spices, and the order of presentation† (77). This is worthy to note only because the meal, according to the author, took place fifty years prior (78). Clearly, Mr. Man is an older gentleman at the time this interview takes place, but other generations of Chinese people also place importance on food. Children did not celebrate birthdays in China until recently and the parties that are held are ranked by the type of fruit on the cake. Watson states, â€Å"the birthday cake is an infallible status marker among younger consumers; specifically, the type and quality of fruit used to decorate the cake is what matters most† (104). This is used as evidence to back up the previous statement that â€Å"Around the age of four, Hong Kong children begin to develop a fine-tuned sense of social distinction that is reflected in consumption patterns† (104). These observations and interviews clearly show the evidence to back up the claims and arguments made by the author. McDonald’s restaurants are not the first fast food restaurants to be introduced to Hong Kong although the franchise entered the country in 1975. â€Å"By the time McDonald's opened its first Hong Kong restaurant in 1975, the idea of fast food was already well established among local consumers† (80). There were fast-food places, operating since the 1950’s, that sold quick Chinese delicacies for the lunch crowds already in place and accepted by the culture. The author uses this information to begin effectively establishing how well McDonald’s restaurants are faring in Hong Kong. The reason for the success of the integration and subsequent popularity, according to the author, comes from many different areas. The manager took deliberate steps to make sure that the people knew that the restaurant was foreign, going so far as to keep the name of the restaurant in English for the first few years (82-83). Afterwards, when the manager had decided it was time, he decided to translate the name phonetically instead of literally. â€Å"Mr. Ng decided to capture the sound of â€Å"McDonald's,† in three homophonic characters, rather than create a name that would convey meaning–thus making the company appear to be a Chinese enterprise† (83). McDonald’s is not seen as a foreign institution, but is an accepted Chinese restaurant (107). The McDonald’s chain has succeeded in becoming an icon in China’s new popular culture (86). Children often are seen entering these restaurants after school to study or get together with their friends. They have birthday parties as young children and, according to the author, it is â€Å"the students, with their book bags and computers, who have claimed McDonald's as their own† (106). The author uses the argument that study space is limited in Hong Kong to help the reader visualize the reasons for the children and teens to go to McDonald’s in order to study for exams and meet with friends. Watson states, â€Å"Interviews with teenagers revealed that McDonald's is perceived as a place that offers more space, in the literal sense of distance between tables, than any other public eatery in Hong Kong (save for the more expensive restaurants)† (106). Clearly, McDonald’s is seen as a safe place for children and teens to gather and spend time without fear of violence and the author even states that McDonald's staff keep a sharp watch for possible fights or disruptions, but trouble of this nature rarely breaks out in fast food restaurants. Managers know by sight most of the gang members in their neighborhood and sometimes delegate a (large) male employee to shadow potential troublemakers-standing uncomfortably close to them, watching every move (105). It is for these reasons, among many others, that McDonald’s has the iconic status in China that it does. By setting themselves as the standard, based upon the evidence given by the author through observations, interviews with clientele and interviews with the management, McDonald’s restaurants have become an integral part of Chinese society. The arguments put forth by the author, as evidenced in this paper, make for an effective argument about the importance of McDonald’s on Chinese society. By using quotes from clientele and management alike, Watson backs up his statements and beliefs enough to make them wholly reliable. The inclusion of facts gleaned from the McDonald’s corporation also serves to support his conclusions he has reached that McDonald’s is part of a new cultural era in Hong Kong.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Brave New World Critical Lens Essay

â€Å"I have freedom,† you say? Do you really? Perhaps, in some ways, you do. But in the end, you’re just another puppet being controlled by invisible strings whether you know it or not. â€Å"Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains,† Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said. In society, man is â€Å"chained† and controlled by the government, by pressure of conforming to the social norms, by wealth and social class, and by one’s desires and emotions. Prior to birth, man is not restricted by such factors but that is merely a fleeting moment as he is slowly exposed to more and more of the world. I agree that â€Å"everywhere [man] is in chains,† but on the contrary, I believe man is already chained from the start—that man is never free. In the novel, Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley, babies are â€Å"decanted† and conditioned to play out their predestined roles in the World State. As early as the embryonic stage, babies-to-be alr eady have their fates determined for them. In addition to conditioning, a drug called soma that induces a false sense of happiness dominates these people’s lives. As long as there is society, there will be shackles. Subjects of the World State were pre-separated into specific caste levels through processes such as the Bokanovsky Process, hypnopaedia, and Pavlovian conditioning. As mere embryos, they were already being trained for their predestined fates. By the time they reached the end of the â€Å"assembly line,† freedom did not exist anymore. They were enslaved to society. They were conditioned to strictly love and enjoy the aspects of their own castes and dislike the aspects of other castes. â€Å"We also predestine and condition. We decant our babies as socialized human beings, as Alphas or Epsilons, as future sewage workers†¦ (13)† stated the Director of Hatcheries matter-of-factly. How can man be born—or in this case, decanted ¬Ã¢â‚¬â€free if he can’t even make his own major life decisions or think for himself? Aside from conditioning, World State citizens so easily obeyed the government because they lived in such a â€Å"perfect† world that there just wasn’t anything to complain about. Generally, they didn’t have any problems in regards to sickness, death, desires, old age, passion, relationships and other issues that were often associated with an â€Å"unstable† society. â€Å"People are happy; they get what they want, and they never want what they can’t get.  (220)† If anything â€Å"bad† happened, all they had to do was take a tablet. â€Å"And do remember that a gramme is better than a damn. (55)† The World State government kept their people in â€Å"bottles.† â€Å"’Each one of us, of course†¦goes through life inside a bottle,’ stated Mustapha Mond. (222-223)† The government expected everyone to act according to the standard of infantile behavior—of simple satisfaction, ignorance, and lack of self-restraint and they condemned anyone who acted otherwise. Citizens of the society were encouraged to take soma when distressed and attend social events and activities and so on. It was through such ways that the people were kept distracted and obliviously controlled. These â€Å"socialized human beings† were so ignorant of the shackles around their limbs that they didn’t even try or think to take them off. When a man is born with chains—metaphorically speaking, of course—he is unaware of them. And if he is unaware of them, then there is no way for him to escape them. Such is the case with the people of the World State. They are conditioned to accept and even enjoy whatever path that is laid out in front of them. In this illusion of a perfect world, everyone is happy and without a care as the government does all the thinking for them. Ultimately, people of the World State are permanently trapped in a stage of â€Å"infancy†Ã¢â‚¬â€even upon their deathbeds.