Monday, December 23, 2019

The Life of Martin Luther - 1037 Words

Martin Luther was a man who impacted the world’s society and history. He marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, which changed the course of Christianity forever. He was a powerful man of God, who reformed the corrupt Catholic Church, rediscovered the Living Word of God, and restored many authentic Christian doctrines. Luther was a man who changed the world. Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Germany on November 10, 1483 to a middle-class family. During his childhood, two of his brothers died by a plague. Soon after his birth, his family moved to Mansfield because of his father’s work as a miner. His father, wanting more security for his promising young son, decided to do whatever was necessary to see that Luther could be a†¦show more content†¦Luther married Katharina von Bora in 1525. Katharina was an ex-nun who, after hearing about the reformation movement led by Martin Luther, escaped her convent with 11 other nuns. She ended up in Wittenburg, and it was there that she met Martin Luther. By that time, both Luther, who was a monk, and Katharina denounced their vows of a monk/nun. The two married in 1525, when she was 26 and Luther was 42 (Erickson). By all accounts, Luther and Katharina had a warm, happy, loving marriage. Luther admired Katharina’s intellect and ability to run the household, something Luther wa s never able to do. While Luther devoted himself to books and scholarship, Katharina kept the household afloat. Together, they had six children, and raised them diligently. They disciplined their children, but in love. Their home was noted for their liveliness and happiness (Erickson). Luther’s house was always a full one. Luther’s household included him, his wife, six children, six of Luther’s sister’s children, and one of Katharina’s relatives. In order to help the family’s financial situation, Luther housed students and guests in his home. There were as many as 30 students and visitors in his house. The house was full of life as children roamed around the house. Students could be found in Luther’s backyard, debating amongst one another, playing chess, gardening, or sharing ideas (Erickson). Luther was one of the mostShow MoreRelatedMartin Luther: A Life, by Martin Marty2696 Words   |  11 PagesMartin Luther was a man of great th ought and constantly went against the feelings and views of other people of his time. Martin Luther was born on November 10th in 1483, in the Saxon town of Eisleben located in Germany. Martin was born of mother Margrethe, who many of his enemies thought of as being a whore and a bath attendant, yet Martin recalled her later on in life as someone who was hardworking and very able and willing to punish him if he had done wrong. Martin Luther grew up in the middle-classRead MoreThe Life And Work Of Martin Luther1529 Words   |  7 PagesMartin Luther experienced true faith and a true mystical experience for the first time when he got stuck in a thunderstorm. Fearing for his life he begged St. Anne that if she took care of him he would become a monk. Luther’s journey began towards the life of God. The path he took, led him through moments of realization and confusion. Martin Luther questioned the church and re-evaluated baptism; yet, he re-enforced the importance of the Euchari st, kept his faith in God and believed every child ofRead MoreThe Life Of Martin Luther King1319 Words   |  6 PagesMornings with Melvyn Bragg on BBC Radio 4. The time is 8:06. We in the studio have decided that following his death yesterday at 9:04pm, we have decided to change our schedule today and instead of â€Å"The Life Of Martin Luther King†, we are going to run a special edition for the series depicting the life of the truly delusional and dangerous character, the mass kidnapper and murderer of several innocent art scholarship students, Frederick Beech. The following programme may upset families of theRead MoreMartin Luther s Life Changing Life1604 Words   |  7 PagesMartin Luther Kjerstine Martin HIST 101-04F May 1, 2016 Thu-ba-lump. A single horse’s hooves hit against the dirt as he runs down the road. Thu-ba-lump. Thunder claps overhead. Thu-ba-lump. Lightning pierces the ground, startling the horse and throwing the rider from it. On his knees, frightened for his life, he calls out into the storm, â€Å"Help me, St. Anne! I will become a monk! (Christian History Magazine Staff, 2000)† While no one knows exactly what happened on this day, it was quiteRead MoreMartin Luther s Life And Accomplishments1595 Words   |  7 PagesHeidi Mouton December 1, 2015 English 3 AP Period 2 Martin Luther Research Paper Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Germany on November 10, 1483. Lutheran father, Hans Luther was of peasant decent. Though he did have minors successes in mining and ore smelting. Hans wanted his son to have a better life by being a lawyer. At the age of seven Martin started school in Mansfield. At the age of 14 he went north to Magdeburg, where he continued his studies. Then again in 1498, he movedRead MoreThe Life and Influence of Martin Luther Essay1339 Words   |  6 PagesThe Life and Influence of Martin Luther Thesis: Martin Luther was by far one of the most influential people in Church history. His doctrine on faith and works was instrumental in the success of the reformation and has since become a cornerstone of the church we know today. Martin Luther was born on November 10th 1483. His father, Hans Luther, had made something out of himself and came to own a copper mine. Desiring to see his own son go even further he pushed him in school. By the time he wasRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr Life1015 Words   |  5 PagesMartin Luther King, Jr. Chronology   1929 | Born on at noon on January 15, 1929.   Parents: The Reverend and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Sr.   Home: 501 Auburn Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia.   | 1944 | Graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and was admitted to  Morehouse College  at age 15.   | 1948 | Graduates from  Morehouse College  and enters Crozer Theological Seminary.   Ordained to the Baptist ministry, February 25, 1948, at age 19.   | 1951 | Enters  Boston University  forRead MoreThe Heroic Life of Martin Luther King600 Words   |  3 PagesThe Heroic Life of Martin Luther King Jr. Based on the information in Britannica School Encyclopedia Martin Luther King Jr. was a historical figure in African American history. He held many things to end segregation. Martin Luther King was a hero in the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, was a Civil Rights activist during the 1950’s until his death on April 4, 1968. He held many non-violent protests against segregation. He gave famous speechesRead MoreThe Life and Work of Martin Luther Essay1531 Words   |  7 Pages Arguably one of the most recognizable names in Church history, Martin Luther rattled the cages of the legalistic, heretical Roman Catholic authorities, and enabled the masses to encounter God in a more direct way from that point on. The New Westminster Dictionary of Spirituality describes him as, â€Å"â€Å"An Augustinian Eremite friar and theology professor at Wittenberg, who emerged as the principal guide and spokesman of the Protestant Reformation, giving his name to the strongest wing of that movement†¦Read MoreI Stand : A Life Of Martin Luther901 Words   |  4 PagesStand: A Life of Martin Luther, Nashville: Abingdon, TN. Penguin Group (USA) inc., 1995. Bainton, was a minister, theologian, And Titus Street Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Yale Divinity School. He specialized in Reformation history and has written many works on the time period. A few of them were: The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, Women of the Reformation in Germany and Italy, Women of the Reformation in France and England, and Erasmus of Christendom. Here I stand: A Life of Martin

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Film Reveiew †American Beauty Free Essays

I chose this film due to its difference to conventional filmmaking, as instead of glorifying the main characters, the area and plot, it shows fault and illustrates the main characters as sad and unhappy. I chose to do this review on the opening minutes of the film describing in detail the camera shots and plot, as it would seem to the viewer watching for the first time. The opening scene is a medium shot of the main character’s daughter lying on a bed talking. We will write a custom essay sample on Film Reveiew – American Beauty or any similar topic only for you Order Now The screen is fuzzy, to give the impression of looking through a video camera. The daughter is talking to someone behind the camera, giving the impression of talking to the viewer or audience. She is talking about how much she dislikes and hates her father (Lester, the main character). This gives the impression of watching a personal film and the viewer is involved, as it appears at first that the character is talking to the audience until the hidden person filming speaks. The scene ends when the character behind the camera offers to kill the girl’s father. The screen goes blank and the film title appears in medium red print on a black background, central to the screen. This sudden change from shot is to represent the plot to end a life, as the transition to a blank black screen. The next shot after the title is a top shot of a typical suburban American street on a slow zoom in towards the road. There is a narrative, male voice over of the main character Lester, describing his death. This would appear to fit with the previous scene of the daughter talking about murdering her father This creates a feeling of curiosity and suspense throughout the film, for the viewer, who is waiting to see what could have created such a gap between father and daughter. This effect of giving away the ending in the first scene is very effective in creating constant suspense throughout the film up to the dramatic climax. It has been used in many films and plays including William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. Gradually when the camera zooms in the shot switches to a bird’s eye view of the main character lying in his bed, alone. This first shot of him shows him as lonely or incomplete even though he has a family. The camera then changes to a close up of his face, which appears sad and disorientated, further showing his dislike for his current lifestyle. There is then a jump cut to a pair of slippers on the floor next to the bed, being filmed from under the bed. This shot represents an ordered and scheduled lifestyle as the slippers must have been placed neatly next to the bed the previous night. The next frame switches to a medium long shot of the main character (Lester) masturbating in the shower. The effect of this is to shock the audience yet at the same time inspire pity at his frustrated and dull life as he continues to narrate over the film about himself, showing little embarrassment. The next scene is a close up of a Rose flower, which is then cut from the plant by a pair of pruning sheers. The Rose is constantly seen throughout the film, as well as rose petals, however rarely alive. They are usually in vases or on show. The roses, I feel, represent the lifestyle of the family. The rose looks perfect and appears very beautiful however it is dead. The family are similar, as they appear to have everything most people want, their health, nice house, money yet they are not happy. The roses are a constant theme throughout the film, I feel to remind us of the families unhappiness. The next frame sees the camera switch to a medium long shot of Carolyn (the main character’s wife) holding the freshly cut rose in her hand. This shot represents that she too was once alive but is now dying inside like the rose. All in all I found this film extremely interesting and thought provoking, I would recommend it to anybody who enjoys twisting plots, amazing acting and some of the most brilliant (and strange) characters in modern day cinema. The slow unravelling of the plot keeps you guessing until the very end of the film, as well as challenging modern day society and depicting modern day family life and the hypocrisy of Suburban America. How to cite Film Reveiew – American Beauty, Papers

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Evaluate the Business Strategy of Xero Company in New Zealand

Question: Discuss about the Evaluate the Business Strategy of Xero Company in New Zealand. Answer: Introduction: The current report aims to evaluate the business strategy of Xero Company in New Zealand. Xero is a software firm based in New Zealand, which is involved in developing cloud-based accounting software for medium-sized and small-sized businesses. It has offices in New Zealand, UK, Australia, Singapore and USA(Hatten, 2015). The products of the organisation are developed as software as a service (SaaS) model and they are sold through subscriptions. Even though the organisation has been relatively young, the joint experience of Drury and Edwards has helped it in accomplishing the targets of the shareholders in the beginning year(Wild, 2014). Therefore, the report sheds light on evaluating the readiness for the global market with the help of EFAS and SFAS framework in the context of Xero. Internal Factor Analysis Summary (IFAS) framework: The IFAS framework is a strategic tool that is used to assess the internal environment of an organisation along with revealing its strengths and weaknesses. The IFAS framework provides clear depiction of the input factors, which both the external and internal parties could be able to understand. In addition, this framework does not need sufficient expertise like involving many personnel or time consumption. Furthermore, this strategic tool helps in identifying only the key factors influencing the activity or strategy of an organisation. Thus, with the help of this tool, the management of Xero Company would be able to develop SWOT analysis, McKinsey matrix or it could use the same for benchmarking to improve its overall organisational performance. The executives of Xero have undertaken two key decisions at the time of developing the SaaS business. In the initial stage, the target market has been chosen strategically to offer various kinds of services. According to the observation of t he Chief Executive of Xero, the large software firms have underserved the small business market; thus, framing a chance for the provider of the right solution. This has resulted in initiation of SaaS for the small-sized businesses and the companies serving them. In addition, with the help of SaaS model, the small organisations could minimise the up-front costs, maintenance needs and estimated monthly expenditure. As a result, it has become popular in the global market. Another decision that the executives of Xero have made was to assure that the firm accumulates necessary funding from the market. In this context, (Hill, 2013)stated that the success of a firm largely depends on the confidence and satisfaction levels of the customers. With the help of adequate funding, Xero has managed to assure the required infrastructure availability for the support of the customers in order to represent stability to the potential clients. Hence, with the help of the above-mentioned strategies, Xero has succeeded in expanding into the global market. The role of the internal factors of Xero could be evaluated with the help of IFAS framework, which is briefly demonstrated as follows: Particulars Weight Rating Weighted Score Comments Strengths: Customer-oriented 0.14 4 0.56 Well-positioned Advanced technologies 0.12 4 0.48 Needs to be improved Adequate funding 0.11 3 0.33 Could opt for raising additional funds through equity funding Positive brand image 0.09 4 0.36 Well-positioned Reduction in operational costs 0.10 3 0.30 Increase in customer rates Effective customer support 0.08 4 0.32 Additional personnel could be recruited Weaknesses: Absence of research and development facility 0.06 1 0.06 Questionable Dominance of the top management 0.07 2 0.14 Questionable Undifferentiated products and services 0.09 2 0.18 Needs to focus on adding new product lines Security issue related to customer data 0.10 3 0.30 Requires implementation of a new security system Absence of time-based contracts 0.04 3 0.12 Extremely ineffective Total 1.00 3.15 Moderately satisfying The overall weighted score varies from 1 to 4, in which 1 is considered as low, 4 is high and the average is considered as 2.5 irrespective of the total number of internal factors used in evaluation. In case, if the overall weighted score is below 2.5, it denotes poor internal position of the organisation. On the contrary, a score exceeding 2.5 depicts effective internal position(Wild, 2014). In the case of Xero, the overall weighted score obtained is 3.15, which denotes that Xero has strong internal position. However, there are certain aspects like time-based contracts, product offerings, technologies and security, which could be improved to strengthen its internal position further. External Factor Analysis Summary (EFAS) framework: The readiness of Xero for the global market could be evaluated with the help of EFAS framework, which is briefly described as follows: External factors Weight Rating Weighted Score Comments External strengths: Growing customer base 0.20 4 0.80 Diversion of financial resources for educating the customers Targeting the small-sized businesses 0.15 4 0.60 Xero has been strong in this channel Service improvement 0.10 3 0.30 Despite constant feedbacks from the customers, there is scope for further improvement Increased efficiency 0.05 4 0.20 Reduced time on manual accounting and ease of access Effective collaboration 0.05 3 0.15 Collaboration in real-life financial data for effective group effort External weaknesses: Providing education to the customers 0.15 3 0.45 Well-positioned Rising competition 0.7 4 0.28 Questionable Development of ecosystem 0.7 3 0.21 Developing stage Unscheduled downtime 0.8 3 0.24 Capable in maintaining 99.99% availability Dependence on internet 0.8 4 0.32 Questionable due to poor connection or user overload Total 1 3.55 Highly effective The overall weighted score varies from 1 to 4, in which 1 is considered as low, 4 is high and the average is considered as 2.5 irrespective of the total number of internal factors used in evaluation. In case, if the overall weighted score is below 2.5, it denotes poor external position of the organisation. On the contrary, a score exceeding 2.5 depicts effective external position. In the case of Xero, the overall weighted score obtained is 3.15, which denotes that Xero has strong external position. Strategic Factor Analysis Framework (SFAS) External factors Weight Rating Weighted Score Comments External opportunities Solid ongoing Customer Relationships (Hatten, 2015) 0.35 4 0.60 Engaging in interacting with the customers to gain knowledge about what they desire and scopes of improvementsy(Ismail, 2014) Solid Communication System (Cassar, 2015). 0.10 4 0.30 Good bonding between the internal and the external stakeholders of Xero Well-designed and successful marketing strategies 0.22 3 0.80 The strategies have been constructed by analyzing the feedback of the consumers and gaining knowledge about the changing market needs Proper leveraging of Strengths (Drexler, 2014). 0.06 4 0.25 Increasing the efficiency of the operational activites Effective employees for handling the sales 0.04 3 0.40 Porper training and knowledge to the employees External threats: Missed deadlines (Bove, 2015). 0.6 3 0.35 Very less Unable to maintain pending work 0.5 4 0.38 Questionable Infrequent cash flow 0.7 3 0.23 Very infrequent High fixed cost 0.5 3 0.40 On the process of improvement Total 1 3.71 Highly effective The overall weighted score moves from 1 to 4, in which 1 is considered as low, 4 is high and the average is taken as 2.5 without even looking at the total number of the external factors used in the analysis. In this case, if the overall weighted score is under 2.5, it reveals an improper external position of the organisation. On the other hand, a score more than 2.5 reveals efficient external position. In the case of Xero, the overall weighted score obtained is 3.71, which denotes that XERO is positioned strongly in the external market (Seethamraju, 2015). Therefore, it can be said that Xero can be implemented successfully in the market. The operational plan for the allocation of the resources to the constructed strategies involves updating the budget and the cash flows for undertaking future forecasting that will be useful for proper resource allocation. It is essential that Xero is ready for the next tax year so that they can construct their financial budget and safeguard the firm from giving out additional tax. The review of the business plan is ideal so that they can introduce changes according to the transformations in the market. Xero even needs to identify the gaps that are available in their operations so that business operations can be secured. Therefore, strategies to allocate the resources are essential. Conclusion The paper that has been prepared concentrates on the accounting software service provided by Xero, who is a partner of Microsoft. The company has been established by looking at the market opportunity that is present in the global market with respect to the small organizations. The company tries to discover the accurate path that will help them enter the global market and outlines the intrinsic factors of the firm with the help summarizing the Internal Factor Analysis. The paper even evaluates the prospect of Xero to enter the international market and operate successfully. This is done by analysis of the external factors that enhance the service of the company. It is vital to understand the external factors as the company has to make necessary actions with respect to them so that they function properly. It is vital for every organization to gain success in the market where they operate and therefore the firm tries undertakes Strategic Factor Analysis Summary so that effective strategi es that can uplift the business of Xero can be identified. The analysis of these strategies will recognize the success of the company and the evaluation of their operational plan helps to deliver the best services to their customers and to remain the market leader. The company maintains the ethical business standard codes while operating in the market thereby gaining the trust of the stakeholders. Recommendation The analysis of the paper reveals that there are room for improvement within the firm, as the demand in the market is continuously changing. It is vital for Xero to maintain a good relationship with its customers and to receive their feedback so that they have an idea of what changes can be made to make their service better and satisfy the customers with ease. Xero requires distributing their financial resources effectively so that every aspect of their operations receive the desired amount and no department is neglected. Proper training and educating the customers are even necessary so that the customers know the importance of SaaS and they can invest accordingly in the software. The implementation of these factors can develop the business of Xero. References: Bove, C. L. ( 2015). Business in action. Pearson. Cassar, G. I. ( 2015). Alternative information sources and information asymmetry reduction: Evidence from small business debt. Journal of Accounting and Economics, , 59(2), 242-263. Drexler, A. F. (2014). Keeping it simple: Financial literacy and rules of thumb. American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, , 6(2), 1-31. Hatten, T. S. (2015). Small business management: Entrepreneurship and beyond. Nelson Education. Hill, C. W. (2013). Global business today. McGraw-Hill Education (Australia). Ismail, N. A. ( 2014). Factors influencing the alignment of accounting information systems in small and medium sized Malaysian manufacturing firms. . Journal of Information Systems and Small Business, , 1(1-2), 1-20. Seethamraju, R. ( 2015). Adoption of software as a service (SaaS) enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Information systems frontiers , 17(3), 475-492. Wild, J. W. ( 2014). International business. Pearson Education Limited. International business. Pearson Education Limited.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Overload and Reversibility Essay Example

Overload and Reversibility Paper We train to improve our physical abilities, but this can only be achieved by a change in everyday activity. Every type of training that takes place has a principle behind it. These principles are Specificity, Progression, Overload and Reversibility.  Specificity Training must be specific to the activity or sport that you are training for. There is no point going swimming everyday if youre a basketball player. You may wish to work on one particular area, such as building muscles in legs and arms (E.g. Football, Rugby). Specific training will produce specific results, so it is important to remember two things. 1) Individuals will respond different.  2) Each activity will have different demands.  Overload This is making work harder to improve performance. The workload must be extended to improve at a faster pace. This can be achieved in the following ways:  Frequency of training. Start once a week and progress to two times a week etc  Intensity of training. Increase heart rate to a higher level, to increase stamina.  Duration of training. To increase the length of the training session. Progression The training that you are doing must be increased progressively. As your body adjusts to the demands you are putting on your body, you must increase the workload steadily. Do not do too much too soon.  Reversibility Just as progression can lead to an improvement, if you either stop or decrease the training, you reverse and lose the effect. All the hard work you have done will be lost.  I designed the circuit to work mostly on the legs, to increase speed and precision. This can be seen on the design of my circuit. We will write a custom essay sample on Overload and Reversibility specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Overload and Reversibility specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Overload and Reversibility specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Station one is the squat thrust. I chose this as my first station because it is fairly easy to do, and it helps to get the muscles warm. Squat thrusts work on the [GET PART OF BODY THAT IT WORKS ON] muscles, and help to boost the power in the legs. I carried this out by positioning my body as if I was going to do a press-up. Shoot in legs to the elbows and then back to the starting position. Correct technique needs to be used in this exercise, because serious damage can occur to the lower back and legs. Shooting is at station two. This station works on the accuracy of the legs, and helps with acquiring the proper shooting technique. I did this exercise by standing behind the ball, placing my left foot parallel to the ball with my toes pointing towards the target, and kicking the ball with my right foot at my specific target.  After station two is station three with sit-ups. This works on the abdominal area to help with developing a six-pack. This is one of the favourites exercises amongst male teenagers, because it is used to woo and impress female teens. Sit-ups are done with a partner, in a sitting position, hands just behind ears. Legs at right angles, lie back and then curl towards knees while partner holds legs down. At station four there is the passing exercise. This exercise helps ones abilities to perform accurate passes when playing football. The technique for passing is the same for shooting, except more care needs to be taken when passing to a teammate. You have to put yourself in the shoes of your teammate and pass it how you would like someone to pass it to you. There is no point in kicking the ball as hard as possible if you are passing to your teammate who is right next to you. He might not be able to control it. After the passing is the shuttle run at station five. This helps the legs to perform at an increased pace to increase speed, which will in turn be very useful if you need to retrieve a loose ball in a football match. This exercise is done by standing sideways on to the start line, knees slightly bent. Run to the line at the other end of the station, bend down and touch with right hand and then run back to first line and repeat. There is the ladder test at station six. This, amongst all the other stations work on the legs, but this exercise has a somewhat advantage over the rest. It is a mix between using speed and precision to successfully complete it. The aim is to run as fast as possible through the ladder without hitting the ropes. One must try their best to refrain from getting tangled with the ropes. If that happens, he/she could fall and the injuries could be fatal.  All footballers must be able to dribble the football. Station seven is specific to this technique. To complete this exercise, one must be very agile and very precise with the legs. This exercise is done by manoeuvring the ball through the cones, trying desperately not to hit them. The last station on my circuit is the sprint running. This helps the legs to perform at a faster pace and helps footballers to have much more stamina. It is also highly used in small areas because there is no movement. This exercise is done by running on the spot, but with sprinting with high knee lift and fast arm action.  I was motivated by my friends to do this circuit, because they all thought that I was falling behind in my football skills. I asked a friend to help me with completing the sit-up exercise, because I needed a partner to hold my legs down. I felt very good with myself, knowing that my fitness levels were increasing. I did this programme once a day for eight weeks. I spent one minute on each station, and 20 seconds of rest between them and I started to notice changes in my physical appearance after my fourth day. My calves were beginning to get bigger and my hamstrings also begun to get bigger.  To warm up, I did two laps around the circuit to warm up my muscles. After successfully completing my warm up, I started with my stretches [TALK ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STRETCHES THAT I DID]. And to warm down, I simply walked with my hands behind my head for approximately five minutes to increase the capacity of my chest, which make more oxygen available to me to breathe in.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

uncletomscabin essays

uncletomscabin essays Analysis of Uncle Toms Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe The book, Uncle Tom's Cabin, is thought of as a fantastic, even fanatic, representation of Southern life, most memorable for its emotional oversimplification of the complexities of the slave system, says Gossett (4). Harriet Beecher Stowe describes her own experiences or ones that she has witnessed in the past through the text in her novel. She grew up in Cincinnati where she had a very close look at slavery. Located on the Ohio River across from the slave state of Kentucky, the city was filled with former slaves and slaveholders. In conversation with black women who worked as servants in her home, Stowe heard many stories of slave life that found their way into the book. Some of the novel was based on her reading of abolitionist books and pamphlets, the rest came straight from her own observations of black Cincinnatians with personal experience of slavery. She uses the characters to represent popular ideas of her time, a time when slavery was the biggest issue that people were dealing with. Uncle Tom's Cabin was an unexpected factor in the dispute between the North and South. The book sold more than 300,000 copies during the first year of publication, taking thousands of people by surprise. Mr. Shelby is a Kentucky plantation owner who is forced by debt to sell two of his slaves to a trader named Haley. Uncle Tom, the manager of the plantation, understands why he must be sold. The other slave marked for sale is Harry, a four-year-old. His mother, Mrs. Shelby's servant, Eliza, overhears the news and runs away with the little boy. She makes her way up to the Ohio River, the boundary with the free state of Ohio. In Ohio, Eliza is sheltered by a series of kind people. At a Quaker settlement, she is reunited with her husband, George Harris. George's master abused him even though George was intelligent and hard-working, and he had decided to escape. T...

Friday, November 22, 2019

Agroclimate Factors of Oil Palm in Nigeria

Agroclimate Factors of Oil Palm in Nigeria EFE S. I. AWARITEFE O. D. ABSTRACT . Using multiple correlation analysis and student ‘t’test, the Agroclimate factors of Oil Palm production was examined for ten years periods. Result showed that Agroclimate factors (sunshine, temperature and rainfall) are highly correlated with oil palm yield. This is evident from a multiple correlation of 74%. It was also observed that oil palm yield is more in the dry season than in the wet season. INTRODUCTION Any agricultural system is a man-made ecosystem that depends on climate to function just like the natural ecosystem. The main climatic elements that affect crop production are solar radiation, temperature and moisture. These climatic parameters and other depend on them, largely determine the global distribution of crops yield and livestock (Ayoade, 1993). He stresses further that climate elements exert an influenced on all stages of the agricultural production chain, including land preparation, sowing, crop growth and manageme nt, harvesting, storage, transport and marketing. This view has earlier be noted by Oguntoyinbo (1983) when he attributed the donation of the cocoa and kola-nut belt in southwest, oil palm bush in southeast and the north south ridge of river Niger comprising area of groundnut, cotton and rice cultivation to these climate vagaries. However, climate influence on oil palm has attracted the attention of some scholars over the years. Amongst whom are Manning (1956), Broekman (1963), Oshodi (1966); and Hartley (1988). An examination of their views shows that Manning (1956), outlined the rainfall requirements of selected food and commercial crops grown in West Africa, and he opined that the mean annual rainfall for oil palm is between 1500— 3000mm in West African Countries. Devuyst (1963) correlated oil palm yield with the influence of rainfall alone; using the concept of useful rainfall. His work however showed a positive correlation. He regarded rainfall as the sole agent influenc ing oil palm yield, and consequently considers any yield maxima to originate in wet season. Broekman (1963) accepted the view of Devuyst but differs in his finding. He stressed that dry season rainfall is positively correlated with oil palm yield. To him, it is reasonable to except that the amount of rainfall during the dry season will be of particular importance, as moisture is a limiting factor during this period. On the other hand, Oshodi (1966) computed the effective growth energy index for some selected crops in Nigeria. The index was however based on only temperature and rainfall. The Effective Growth Energy (E.G.E) for oil palm in Nigeria is 250-300Â °F. Harley (1988) stated that oil palm yields are correlated with dry season rainfall with measures of effective sunshine, which take into account the distribution of such rainfall in’ the dry season. It is clear from the foregoing that rainfall and temperature correlation with oil palm has been substantiated, however, th e relationship between sunshine and oil palm yield, as well as the joint contribution of sunshine, rainfall and temperature, has not be substantiated. Similarly there are divergent views on the relationship between the seasons and oil palm yield. Also, since the establishment of Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in 1939 there have been a relative neglect in the development of Agroclimatological Research Unit in the institute. While other research units (Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering Research, Agronomy, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Extension and On-Farm Adaptive Research, Entomology, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology and Statistics) have been developed. What exists in that unit is a dilapidated weather station where climate data’s are collected and never used for research purposes. So, the present study of Agroclimatic factors of oil palm yield in Nigeria is borne out of the desire not only to fill the above gaps, but to proffer use ful suggestion that will guide both the oil palm farmers, and the NIFOR officials on the need to plan with the climate of the area. Therefore, the aim of the study is to examine the extent to which temperature, sunshine and rainfall correlate with oil palm yield.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Universal Pocket Prescription Card, Behavioral Economics Paper Essay

Universal Pocket Prescription Card, Behavioral Economics Paper - Essay Example Policy-makers and public or nonprofit administrators need to address the problem of failure to use the universal pocket prescription card by medical care consumers. The study also provides an insight into the economic benefits if using the universal pocket prescription card. The card acts as a remedy to various problems associated with escalating costs of medical care. Policymakers should implement the utilization of comprehensive Pocket Prescription Card because it can be in case there have been changes in the economic, medical cost. Policymakers should implement policies that support the utilization of Universal Pocket Prescription Card (Janssen et al., 2014). Universal pocket prescription cards are cards that are designed to fit a pocket of even a wallet of the user. They provide an easy and very effective strategy in the recording of personal information. The information may include names and dosages of prescribed drugs. The drugs may be over the counter, herbal, vitamins, and even supplements. The card also stores other details such as how the medicine should be and at what time it should be made. Universal medical cards are used to give caregivers more information. They help to minimize the economic problems that might be in the giving of health care (Boyer, 2009). There has been a projection by economists that there will increase in the medical cost. A rate of 7 percent is expected, calling on employees to try and control expenses by changing policies that shift costs to the workers. Because of the costs that might be behavioral economic predicts that people are most likely to adopt the use of universal pocket cards. It is because this reduces the chances for inappropriate prescription and increase opportunities for proper diagnosis. In the United States, it has been shown that non-compliance with medical

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Strategic Management in the Airline Industry Assignment

Strategic Management in the Airline Industry - Assignment Example In the last couple of decades, the advent of low-cost carriers has reinvented the airline industry. These efficient carriers offer no-frills service to travellers flying point-to-point short haul routes utilising efficient ticket distribution through direct internet offerings and utilise standardised short haul aircraft with quick gate turnaround times to maximise aircraft utilisation. South West Airlines is the pioneer in this segment in the US and EasyJet is the industry leader in this segment in Europe. Other significant players in this segment include Jet Blue in the US and Ryan Air in Europe. The 9/11 tragedy, did cause a slump in the airline industry, but also gave valuable lessons. All the major airlines slowly woke up to the inefficiencies in their models and started drastic cost cutting measures translating into better operational efficiencies and improved margins in order to avoid slide into bankruptcy. The low cost airlines were the only ones that were able to manage the downturn due to their business models. The major overhaul in the restructuring has gone a long way in changing the face of the aviation industry. Deregulation opened up the skies and brought in more players increasing the competition many fold. Consolidation is the name of the game and slowly the industry will consolidate into three or four major players and their improved synergies will end up contributing to a stronger airline. This focus on regional traffic will allow low-cost carriers to focus on their niche markets and improve their market share. The low-cost market is less mature in the Europe than the U.S.A, therefore there is more scope for newer routes to be opened up, and newer destinations charted out for a few years before the restructuring and consolidations occur. From the legacy days of large airline companies monopolising the market place, the airline industry has fast become a price-sensitive industry. In the post September 11 era, the airline offerings are more commodity-like, with players who offer the lowest price and efficient services being the most profitable survivors. Most large full service airlines have been facing the brunt of the decline and are fighting for survival, trying to get out of multi-billion dollar losses and bankruptcies. (Source from website: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3884/is_200509/ai_n15613234) In this changed landscape emerged the no frills airlines segment, which have achieved rapid growth in market share into the short haul European market. EasyJet, brainchild of Stelios Haji Ioannou, the son of a Greek shipping magnate who founded the company, based on the low cost, no-frills model of the US carrier Southwest, started in 1995. EasyJet is based on short haul air transport in a price in-elastic target segment and based on the concept that is that if prices are reduced, more people will fly. EasyJet flies to 33 locations in Europe with a fleet of over 120 aircraft and sells over 95% of its tickets through the Internet. It's the leading player in the low cost market after the acquisition of "GO"(A no frills subsidiary of BA), closely followed on its heels by rival Ryanair which has now acquired "Buzz" (a subsidiary of KLM) and expanding as well. Virgin Express of Virgin airlines and British Midland's BMI baby are all competitors in the "no-frills" sector. (Source: Case stud y EasyJet-The spectacular

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Alternatives to fossil fuels Essay Example for Free

Alternatives to fossil fuels Essay The conventional source of energy like coal, the petroleum, etc, will probably be exhausted up within a time that the humanity might foresee. In addition, according to Hordeski (2002), fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, coal must be discovered and extracted before they can be conducive to mankind. This is a costly and time-consuming job. Meanwhile, the quantity of these fuels is limited. Therefore, it is proved that the global resources consumption is undue. Their supply is virtually unlimited or they can be replaced as needed. Because of less pollution, recycling, larger power and higher efficiency, the nuclear power seems to be more than a good choice definitely. This essay will first outline the effects of the over-consumption of global natural resources, which followed by going to assess the viability of using nuclear power as a alternative in a long-term. Last but not least, the essay will point out that the measure should be first considered as a priority currently. Abundant clean energy is all that humankind expected in the modern time. As a new energy, nuclear power plays an important role in the current world. Kurdsunoaeglu (2000) points out that nuclear power plants generate electricity without release of chemicals which cause atmospheric pollution and global warming. However, using nuclear technology more effectively will probably help people avoid such danger and threat. Moreover, burning fossil fuels continually, which place carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, will cause changes in the climate that maybe catastrophic for human. Furthermore, the escalating price of fossil fuels will raise the price of everything else the location of the remaining reserves is the source of much of todays international disorder (A white-hot elephant 2006). Therefore, exploring the nuclear power has become the urgent project to face for the aim of less pollution. Because the energy converted relatively balance, the nuclear energy can be recycled. Recycling the nuclear power will reduce harmful emissions. Furthermore, people could make use of good things of small quantities of emissions which so much as are just thrown away as waste. The president of Spain has agreed to a widely consultative process to find a solution to what to do with existing radioactive waste (Spain says Adios to nuclear powe:Fourth European country to begin phase out 2006). The effort would lead to a new energy system that will save more energy during transformation. Nuclear energy is obtained by nuclear fission and radioactive decay, both of which extract energy with a costless way, and also bring us an alternative choice of energy source without any pollution. On the other hand, the ways of recycling the nuclear power are comprehensive. Under the modern technology, industry, agriculture, environmental protection, health and medical community, scientific research are all dying for the technology of recycling nuclear power. At the present moment, the function this technology has drawn out its maximum utility in some fields. Compared with other alternatives, nuclear power can produce bigger energy. Studies show that the total annual solar energy input to the earth is more than 15,000 times as great as the earth current yearly use of fossil and nuclear fuels. The term photovoltaic comes from the Greek word for light, photos and voltaic which refers to the unit of electromotive force. The discovery of the photovoltaic effect goes back to the French physicist Becquerel, who conducted experiments with a wet cell battery and found that the battery voltage increased when its silver plates were exposed to sunlight (Hordeski, 2002). On the face of this fact, once completely put it into the use, nuclear power will display the energy with the amount that beyond imagination. According to Hordeski (2002), Nuclear power stations operate on the same principles as fossil fuel plants except the heat from the fossil fuel is replaced by a heat from a controlled nuclear reactor. This means if only the produce of energy conversion keep balance, nuclear power can keep a higher efficiency. Opportunities for nuclear power are distributed broadly around the world, and nuclear power can help to address concerns over sustainable energy resources (Advertising in Cooperation in the Energy Futures of China and the United States, 2000). Engineering a new energy system will provide stewardship for all life on earth. Renewable energy is effectively infinite in supply. Presently the cost of using nuclear power is very high. This is due to that using the nuclear power needs a very high scientific and technological content. The deficiency in this plan is very clear. The process of using nuclear power is very complicated. Energy is generally divided into two categories: stored and transient. The stored forms of energy are potential, kinetic, internal, chemical, and nuclear. Chemical and nuclear energy represent the energy bound up in the structure of the molecular and atomic compounds (Hordeski, 2002). In the long and complicated course of exploring and using this energy, the sufficient manpower, physical and financial resources are unprecedentedly needed. The risk still exists in using the nuclear power. Elliott (1997) stresses the longer term prospects for nuclear power are unclear. Fission reactors use a fuel (uranium), which although still relatively abundant, will not be available indefinitely; fast breeder reactors, which in effect would stretch the availability of the fuel, have yet to be operated commercially and pose what some people regards as significant safety and security risks. Finally, nuclear fusion remains a long-term possibility, but as we may predict that, even if the technology comes to be perfect, it also has problems. As discussed by (Cimbala, 2000) nuclear optimists assume that these states will reason as past nuclear powers have about the costs and risks of nuclear brinkmanship or war, the international society still have to appeal for an effective and peaceful way in using nuclear power resources in behalf of benefiting the humanity. The challenges of nuclear power are widely recognized to be in four aspects: cost, operational safety, the safe disposal of nuclear waste, and the prevention of the proliferation of nuclear weapons (Advertising in Cooperation in the Energy Futures of China and the United States, 2000). Focus on these four challenges, there are several available solutions to deal with. Firstly, the governments may use mass media as vehicles for propaganda to support the peaceful use of nuclear energy; enhance the use of nuclear energy security and persist the principle of use nuclear power. Bent, Orr and Baker (2002) claim that if national leaders explained the importance of developing a sustainable energy policy, and pushed hard for one, the people would follow their leadership. Most people are keenly aware of the urgent energy challenges and are prepared to make sacrifices to ensure that the world has an adequate, secure, sustainable, and affordable energy supply. Secondly, every country should be dedicated to produce a new energy system to develop the new technology and reduce the cost of nuclear power. A fully implementation of this system would stop the use of fossil fuels and launch an entirely new energy infrastructure. An economist, Joseph Schumpeter makes convincing arguments that new products and innovation are the driving force of an expanding economy (Robert, 1992). The universities which are equipped with high quality research offices should set the specialized field to appeal for more talents who design to be nuclear experts. The educational policy will advance the development of the top technology. The third point, increasing funds for scientific research to improve the use of nuclear power and technology is another important policy to support the reasonable use of nuclear power. Laurence (2002) maintains that Homo Technologist must implement the energy system that utilizes no fossil fuels. An energy system based on renewable energy and fusion reactors has been proposed. Governments should establish special funds to support this scientific research. In addition, the public should be educated in how to use energy more effectively, because it is important to bear in mind that making the nuclear power become the focal point in the area of energy utilization in the future is an essential work for all the world. In conclusion, facing the environmental concerns and energy shortage, seeking available alternatives to replace the conventional energy sources becomes an urgent matter at the present time. There are several energy resources that are renewable. People have to find long-term alternatives to substitute fossil fuels to overcome the new energy challenges. Thus, nuclear power is going to become a new energy which has comparatively more powerful energy and higher efficiency. However, the use of nuclear power has some flaws. As mentioned in the former part, it always goes with the higher costs, potential risks and desires for highly advanced technology. Facing these problems, scientists are drawing some strong points to offset its own weakness, devoting themselves to developing the nuclear technology. Besides enhancing the use of nuclear energy security, the governments are also required to increase the funds to support the scientific research for making nuclear power more effective, safer and more economical to serve humanity.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Bored - Father :: essays research papers fc

There is a phrase that people here time and time again, but don’t truly understand the meaning of it until the phrase can be applied to their own lives. â€Å"You don’t realize what you have until it’s gone.† Atwood’s poem is a direct reflection of this quote. Her poem â€Å"Bored† talks about how she hated the repetitiveness of her daily events with her father. But it was only until he had passed on was it that she truly did realize how much she missed those daily events. Sometimes people don’t understand how important others mean to them until it is too late. I found the poem â€Å"Bored† to be very well written and very touching. Atwood did a good job of describing how easy it is to overlook some of the better things in life. This poem revolved around repetition. And it was the repetition that makes the reader aware of the love that Margaret has for her father. Her poem starts with â€Å"All those times I was bored out of my mind. Holding the log while he sawed it. Holding the string while he measured, boards, distances between things, or pounded stakes into the ground for rows and rows of lettuces and beets, which I then (bored) weeded†(588). Atwood is obviously conveying to the reader that the time she spent with her father wasn’t what she considered of much importance and actually disliked it. This is because she only saw it as work and as a constant hardship of recurrence on herself. She never comprehended that these days with her father were the better days of her life, and she only wishes she could have them ba ck. â€Å"Why do I remember it as sunnier all the time then, although it more often rained, and more birdsong†(589)? Another aspect that can be derived from this poem is Atwood’s father’s obvious intentions to give her an awareness of the many adversities life can obtain. He has made sure she leads a life that doesn’t result from a spoiled childhood. He made her attentive of a hard days work, which is probably one of the best things a father can teach his child. It is absolutely essential that parents in general teach their children the many hardships life may behold. This gives the child a better direction in means of future obligations. Atwood describes her father’s ambition to show her some of the finer things in life and the beauty of nature and nature’s way of life.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Healthy Eating Essay

Healthy means having or indicating good health in your body or mind. Being healthy means feeling good. Being healthy is one of the better things in life. When a person is healthy, that person would be able to do or achieve anything in his or her own way. A healthy person is a happy person. Even if a person is healthy, they could still become ill. Being healthy is everything dealing with you in body and mind. In body, the person could be strong and healthy. In mind, the person has a feeling of goodness and achievement towards themselves. They feel good about themselves and people can see a good change in them. The person will have positive thoughts and not negative thoughts. Eating the right kinds of food keeps your body healthy and makes you feel good. When a person is healthy, they tend to feel good about themselves and their body. Eating healthy, being active, and feeling good about you are the key ingredients to having a healthy lifestyle. When a person eats healthy food, like one of their daily food groups in the food pyramid: grain, poultry, dairy, and etc. they will be able to have enough strength and energy to last them a whole day. When you keep your body strong, well, and clean, you are being healthy. In order to be healthy, the person will have to eat the right kind of food, exercise daily, take a shower, keep him/herself clean, and stay well. People who are healthy are likely to have the background of being and staying drug free. Junk food is not one of the things people eat to be healthy. Eating junk food affects your body and can make you sick. In order for a person to be healthy and stay healthy, they have to exercise daily, eat the right kinds of food, staying clean, and that person would feel good about themselves in the inside and outside. In the inside, they will feel good about themselves. That person won’t be worrying about their weight or how their appearance may look like because they feel beautiful in the inside just by staying healthy. In the outside, the person will feel good and strong. They will have a positive self-esteem about themselves. They can be able to do or achieve anything that comes into the person’s way without having negative thoughts. If a person were to eat a lot of junk food, drink a lot of soft drinks, and do things that could destroy their health, they are destroying their body. If they don’t eat the right kinds of food, exercise daily, and stay clean, they could kill themselves faster and they could easily catch a sickness and die from it, because they don’t have enough strength to fight the sickness. In their mind, they will have negative thoughts and not positive thoughts. They will put themselves down and also everyone around them, including their loved ones. They won’t have the strength to do anything, except just sleep, eat, and talk. In other words, they will become very lazy, because they won’t have enough energy to do anything. So, in order to stay healthy, we have to eat the right kinds of food, exercise daily, and stay clean so that we can feel good about ourselves inside and outside. If we don’t eat healthy and stay healthy, we might become lazy or catch a sickness really fast and die. So, I leave you with this quote â€Å" Healthy Me, I Feel Good†.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Big Fat Tax Analysis

In the article â€Å"Big fat tax is no gut buster† author Susie O’brien attacking the new tax on the fast food industry. By the opening slogan, â€Å"DON’T tax the big mac† she asserts her position on the tax. Written in bold the slogan immediately catches the eye and as it cleverly rhymes is very memorable. The author continues in cementing her standing on the issue by saying that a junk food tax is not the answer and the rhetorical question that, â€Å"why should reducing our weight start with our wallets? Her target audience with this piece would be those for the tax as she argues that there are downsides to a tax on fast food as well as alternatives that could be better. The image plastered in the centre of the article shows a man made of fast food. It relates to the subject of the article yet despite the amount of greasy fast food also seems appetising. The author also states that she is definitely for helping overweight Australians however that a fa t tax is not the answer.We see colloquial language which creates a feeling of comfortability with the author when she states a fat tax is such a, â€Å"one-pronged solution† whilst also dismissing the idea as small-minded. The tone she has written in persuades readers to agree as she says, â€Å"it (government) can remove every damned junk food vending machines from gyms, sport club houses and schools. † The power in which the author says this makes her statement a real rallying point as if she is part of a protest.Whilst loaded language like â€Å"damned† and the rhetorical/loaded question of â€Å"why do so many parents reward kids for playing sport with a packet of chips? † This sentence gives readers who do this a sense of guilt whilst those who don’t may find it amusing. She then goes on to give the audience someone else to blame for their fat with the rhetorical question of, â€Å"Why not start by cracking down on irresponsible food labellin g? She continues on with fact and research as she states that all our foods are, â€Å"choc-full of toxic ingredients like saturated fats, trans fats, palm oil and high-fructose corn syrup, which is one of the leading sweeteners in food, but is very hard for the body to effectively break down. † This makes the author seem knowledgeable on the subjects which can persuade readers into trusting her as she clearly knows what she’s talking about. The author gives many alternatives to a fat tax which seem simple to impose as well as logical to reducing obesity rates.The author proposes ideas such as setting up safer pedestrian walkways so that people (especially kids) may walk to places such as the local shops/schools. Inside these alternative solutions she can now turn it back on the fat tax by using loaded sentences such as, â€Å"Why does every social solution seem to involve taking money out of my pocket and putting it into Treasury? † as well as, â€Å"In short, if it (the government) wanted to, it could stop this problem in its tracks. But instead it's being told merely to increase taxes.Talk about punishing the victim. † The author befriends her audience and makes it seem like she’s one of us/on our side so that it persuades readers to come round to her view. Her use of rhetorical questions makes readers come to assumptions that she wants them to. Whilst also giving them someone to blame in the government alluding that they are simply out for out money. Her powerful final sentence, â€Å"So let's forget fads like tax on fast food, that will just make takeaways more expensive and will do nothing to change the way people live their lives.Let's do more to change every single day to make life healthier for everyone. † leaves readers with a sense of duty and that the author’s aim is simply to help us, the people persuading us to be against the fat tax. Susie O’brien uses rhetorical questions and loaded langua ge to coax readers into making assumptions about the government and the fat tax. Clever slogans and imagery helps her arguments be memorable as well as logical. She creates someone to blame as well as alternative solutions which makes a fat tax seem small-minded. This persuades readers to agree with her postion.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

GPA Chart Conversion to 4.0 Scale

GPA Chart Conversion to 4.0 Scale SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Are you looking for an easy way to understand just how your final class grades become GPA decimals? If so, then you've come to the right article. In just two simple charts, I'll show you how this conversion works for both a weighted and unweighted GPA. Why Are Grades Converted to a 4.0 Scale? Typically the grades you get in high school are either letters or percents, but on your transcript that number will be converted into a GPA. The GPA is a quick, helpful way for a college admissions officers to get a sense of your skills, intelligence, and willingness to challenge yourself. And looking at one number beats having to go through each person’s transcript grade by grade, for thousands and thousands of applicants! Colleges typically use a 4.0 GPA scale so that all GPAs are standardized. Rather than trying to compare a bunch of letter grades, percentages, or different GPA scoring scales, colleges convert all those scores to the 4.0 scale. That makes it easy to accurately compare the grades of students from all over the country and world. // For example, say one student went to a school that uses letter grades on transcripts, another went to a school that uses percentages, and a third uses the 4.0 scale. Comparing, say an A- average to a 93% average to a 3.5 GPA is much more difficult than converting the grades and percentages to the 4.0 scale and having three numbers that are easily comparable. Going through grades one by one: probably like sorting these noodles in order of height and width. The Unweighted GPA Conversion Chart Most high schools will convert all your final grades into a scale ranging from 0.0 to 4.0. This unweighted GPA scale treats your grades the same, no matter whether they come from Standard, Honors, or AP/IB classes. Here’s how unweighted grades convert: Letter Grade Percentile Standard GPA A+ 97-100 4.0 A 93-96 4.0 A- 90-92 3.7 B+ 87-89 3.3 B 83-86 3.0 B- 80-82 2.7 C+ 77-79 2.3 C 73-76 2.0 C- 70-72 1.7 D+ 67-69 1.3 D 65-66 1.0 F Below 65 0.0 Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. // But my AP apples were way harder than your Honors oranges! The Weighted GPA Conversion Chart Many schools also calculate a weighted GPA, ending up with a scale that ranges from 0.0 to 5.0. The weighted GPA tries to account for the fact that different level classes have different degrees of difficulty. The way this scale differentiates between harder and easier classes is by adding .5 to Honors and adding 1 to AP grades. This would mean a B in an AP class is equal to an A in a regular-level class for your GPA. Here’s how weighted grades convert: Letter Grade Percentile Honors GPA AP/IB GPA A+ 97-100 4.5 5.0 A 93-96 4.5 5.0 A- 90-92 4.2 4.7 B+ 87-89 3.8 4.3 B 83-86 3.5 4.0 B- 80-82 3.2 3.7 C+ 77-79 2.8 3.3 C 73-76 2.5 3.0 C- 70-72 2.2 2.7 D+ 67-69 1.8 2.3 D 65-66 1.5 2.0 F Below 65 0.0 0.0 We're just happy weighted GPA doesn't require actual weights. Does your school report your GPA as weighted or unweighted? What would your GPA be, considered on a 4.0, 5.0, or 6.0 scale? Use our tool to calculate your unweighted and weighted GPA to figure out how you stack up against other college applicants. You'll also get our proprietary college core GPA calculation and advice on where to improve to be a better college applicant. // What’s Next? Ready to use these numbers to calculate your GPA? Check out how to calculate your unweighted GPA and yourweighted GPA. If you’re curious whether colleges look at your weighted or unweighted high school GPA, then check out our guide on weight vs. unweighted GPAs. Worried about what your converted GPA means? We explore what’s a good GPA, what’s a bad GPA, and what colleges think. Ready to work, work, work to get that GPA up?We've got four strategies for raising your GPA fast, and how to keep your GPA high over your whole high school career. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: //

Monday, November 4, 2019

Commercialization of Organ Transplants Assignment

Commercialization of Organ Transplants - Assignment Example From the report it is clear a huge number of patients are now on a waiting-list for organ-transplantation surgery. Unfortunately, many of them die while waiting for a transplant. The research carried out by the SRTS (Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients) shows that the number of transplanted organs both, from deceased and living donors, has remained practically unchanged from 2002 to 2011, whereas the number of patients with diseases of vital organs increases constantly. More or less visible changes occurred in liver and kidney transplantation, while heart donations remained almost unchanged and pancreas transplants have even reduced. This leads us to the first advantage of commercialization of organ transplantations. It is an effective way to incentivize the growth of available organ transplants and save many lives. As the essay declares commercialization of organ transplantation is a very ambiguous issue from the point of view of ethics. On the one hand, it is highly commendable to donate an organ to others, because it is a real â€Å"gift of life''. Moreover, most religions, for instance Christianity, Islam and Judaism, have nothing against transplanting organs from a deceased person, unless he or she objected that while living. Since the body belongs to God after person’s death, but not to relatives, religions allow using it to save others’ lives. In this case commercialization will result in even higher supply rates of organs. Bigger supply will in turn reduce waiting time and, all in all, more people will get a second chance to live.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

COMPERATIVE STUDY TO DETERMINE THE BEST DIANOSTIC IMAGE MODALITY IN Essay

COMPERATIVE STUDY TO DETERMINE THE BEST DIANOSTIC IMAGE MODALITY IN PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD) - Essay Example Similar to pathology in the coronary arteries, the pathologic hallmark of the lesions involves plaques of atherosclerosis with calcium deposition, thinning of the media, patchy destruction of muscle and elastic fibers, fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina, and thrombi composed of platelets and fibrin (Duerschmied et al., 2006, 310-315). According to statistics delineated in different articles, the primary sites of involvement are the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries comprising 30% of symptomatic patients; the femoral and popliteal arteries consisting of 80 to 90% of patients, and the more distal vessels, including the tibial and peroneal arteries making 40 to 50% of patients (McDermott, 2006, S2). Mechanically and topographically, atherosclerotic lesions occur preferentially at arterial branch points, which are sites of increased turbulence leading to altered shear stress, and hence injury to the tunica intima. Epidemiologic and demographic data suggest that the distal vasc ulature is most commonly involved in elderly individuals, mostly in patients with diabetes mellitus (Marso and Hiatt, 2006, 921-929). The history and physical examination are usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). An objective assessment of the severity of disease is obtained by noninvasive techniques. These include digital pulse volume recordings; Doppler flow velocity waveform analysis; duplex ultrasonography, which combines B-mode imaging and pulse-wave Doppler examination; segmental pressure measurements; transcutaneous oximetry; stress testing, usually using a treadmill; and tests of reactive hyperemia (Mohler, III, 2003, 2306-2314). In the presence of significant PAD, the volume displacement in the leg is decreased with each pulse, and the Doppler velocity contour becomes progressively flatter. Duplex ultrasonography is often useful in detecting stenotic lesions in native

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Globalink Understanding diversity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Globalink Understanding diversity - Assignment Example It has also discussed the best practices to manage organisational diversity. The micro analysis of organisational behaviour helps any business to understand the potential conflict issues within the individuals of the organisation. Most of the conflicts generate from the diversified work force of any organisation (Robbins and Judge, 2012). The workforce of this organisation is mainly diversified by age, race, and ethnicity. The organisation possesses different generation of workforce such as baby boomer, generation X and generation Y (Ibec, 2015a). The baby boomers of the organisation are mainly the sales managers who are within the age bracket of 45-65 years. Generation X employees or the supervisors fall in the bracket of 28-45 years. On the other hand the generation Y employees who are the call centre operative are aged between 20-27 years. These generation diversity causes difference in work related expectation and characteristics. These differences between these generations can be judged to understand the reasons behind the conflict within the workforce. The study of the differences of these employee generations has provided a clear view about the potential reasons of the conflict. The difference in work ethics, skill sets and attitude towards the jobs are causing conflict between different generations of the employees in the organisation. The different level of tolerance of these groups is creating conflict within the employees of different levels. The absence of proper interaction and communication is also causing problems within the employees and their managers. Another reason behind these conflicts is the cultural and racial diversity of the organisation. The employees of this organisation are from different race, religion and ethnicity across the world. The training procedure and work patterns of the organisation are not well designed as per the language and

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

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

Memo - Case Study Example s, the amount will not be included in the income statement until the cash payments are made.Under the accrual basis, the $2000 will be included in the income statement immediately after the sale, while the cash payment will be done on a later date(Master Movers 4). Using the accrual basis of accounting, the business expenses are recorded on the income statements in the period when they occur, which is a different period from when the payments are made. In the cash basis, the expenses are only recorded on the income statement after they have been paid out. Ff Master movers, For example, spends $2000 on advertisement under the cash basis, the $2000 will be included in the income statement only when then cash is paid out while under the accrual basis, the $2000 will be recorded on the income statements when they get the bill, and before the amount is actually paid out. The main reason the profits realized in the income statement for the past financial period were lower than expected was because the records were made in line with the cash basis of accounting, thus leaving out most of the transactions. The transactions included in the Master Mover’s record mostly contain the transactions that were already paid up in cash leaving out those that were yet to be paid up. If all the transactions carried out over the financial period were included in the records, the profits would be higher (Master Movers 2). The cash basis of accounting is mostly considered for small businesses and management of personal finances where most sale payments and payment of bills are done immediately. The accrual basis can be considered as the best accounting method for Master Movers because considering the matching principle of the accrual accounting method; the company’s expenses should match with the revenues earned over the same financial period. Income statements prepared under the accrual accounting method include all the revenues earned, and all the expenses incurred over the

Sunday, October 27, 2019

A Disorder That Affects The Endocrine System Medical Essay

A Disorder That Affects The Endocrine System Medical Essay The patient chosen to partake in this project is a 54 year old male of Asian origin, diagnosed 8 years ago, at 46 years old suffering from Type II Diabetes. Health Issue Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder that affects the endocrine system, as it is this system that controls and regulates the hormones (chemical messengers) release into their target cells. Therefore, diabetes is caused by irregular levels of insulin in the bloodstream. There are two types of the disease diabetes, type I and type II. Type I diabetes is diabetes that occurs because the beta cells (those that produce insulin), of the pancreas are destroyed. It is known to be an autoimmune disease, initially recognised in patients under the age of 40, however, the disease can develop with age. The only treatment and method of survival for this type of diabetes is to be solely dependent on insulin. Type II diabetes is caused by either insulin deficiency or body resistance to the insulin. As time progresses, extrinsic insulin treatment will be required to ensure the regulation of glucose in the bloodstream. Type II diabetes is most common in older people, especially those people that are obese and are of Asian nationality. In a normal healthy person, when food is eaten it is digested and broken down into molecules of glucose which is absorbed into the bloodstream and into the cells that require it for energy. However to do this, insulin, a chemical messenger produced by the beta cells in the pancreas, is required to act as a key, complementary to the receptors on the plasmalemma of the glucose requiring cells. However, people suffering from diabetes may be producing the insulin required, yet the receptor becomes less responsive to the insulin or resistant to the insulin produced. Additionally, receptor downregulation occurs which is a process whereby, in a patient that eats unhealthily there is extreme levels of glucose in the bloodstream so the body trys to maintain and regulate homeostasis, so in a process of positive feedback, receptor downregulation occurs which increases the amount of glucose in the blood which is toxic. Furthermore, the body may start producing less insulin than required which prevents glucose entering the cells. Therefore, there is an accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream which leads to hyperglycaemia. The main symptoms of the disease are: Fatigue usually occurring because the patient is unable to use the glucose for energy. Polyuria which is passing urine as the body tries to excrete the excess glucose from the body. Nocturia, passing urine at night. Blurry vision or decreased vision. Slow healing of any cuts and wounds. Polydipsia which is increased thirst. Unusual weight loss as the body is unable to use the glucose for energy so the body breaks down the stored fat and proteins instead. Itching, thrush or any urinary tract infections as generally the infection rate will increase as there are high levels of glucose in the blood stream. Walker et al (2002): Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, page 632 describes that the diagnosis of diabetes should not be based solely on one reading on a prick reading as they should be only used to identify people who may be at risk of diabetes such as screening. Diagnosis is usually established via a venous blood sample verified by thorough lab testing. TALK ABOUT NICE GUIDELINES HERE for blood glucose levels for diagnosis of diabetes Treatments The treatments that are generally used to control blood sugar levels are: Lifestyle changes the patient should be advised to introduce an exercise regime and suitable diet (there is no strict diet for diabetic patients, so patients are advised to eat healthily). However, if this cannot control the blood sugar levels then patients require oral antidiabetic drugs. Oral Antidiabetic Drugs Campbell, Ian (Jun 2007) Oral Antidiabetic Drugs: their properties and recommended use, Prescriber Volume 18 Issue 6 page 58 outlines the use of each antidiabetic drug. First-line Drug Therapy Sulfonylureas Types of Sulfonylureas include gliclazide, glibenclamide, glipizide and glimepiride, which work by stimulating the release of insulin into the bloodstream. As stated in the BNF (March 2010), Sulfonylureas must not be given to obese patients or overweight as these drugs can encourage weight gain. Also there is a very high risk of hypoglycaemia as some Sulfonylureas drugs (glibenclamide) are long acting and should NOT be prescribed to the elderly. Side effects include; nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. Biguanide Types of Biguanide include metformin which improves insulin action. BNF (March 2010) describes that Metformin works differently to the Sulfonylureas drugs as it decreases the action of gluconeogenesis, therefore, limiting the amount of glucose being produced by substrates such as amino acids, glycerol etc. Metformin is usually given first priority to people who are overweight, so unlike Sulfonylureas drugs can be given to the elderly. Another benefit of this drug is that it does not lead to hypoglycaemia but has many more side effects including abdominal pain, anorexia and taste disturbance. Second-line Drug Therapy Glitazones (given with biguanides or sulfonylureas drugs as double therapy) Types of glitazones include pioglitazone and rosiglitazone Glitazone drugs work to reduce the insulin resistance and improve the sensitivity to insulin. However, taking these drugs increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and many other side effects including reports of liver toxicity, alopecia, anaemia etc. Prandial glucose regulators Regulators include repaglinide and nateglinide. These second-line therapy drugs can be used as monotherapy or used with metformin. Sexton, John et.al (2006): Pharmaceutical Care made Easy, page 66 describes how these drugs work differently to the Sulfonylureas drugs, by stimulating the increase of insulin using different receptor sites. Side effects of this drug include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation and nausea. Insulin There are three types of insulin that can be administered to treat diabetes. Fast-acting insulin is insulin that is said to be neutral because they are soluble, working to reduce the glucose in as little as ten minutes but only work for a few hours so are suitable for patients that require insulin after a meal. Intermediate-acting insulin is insoluble insulin which takes about one to two hours to work effectively. To cover a whole day this insulin has to be injected twice daily. Long-acting insulin is insulin that lasts a whole day and so does not to be administered more than once each day. Diabetic Complications Diabetes MUST be controlled to prevent serious microvascular and macrovascular complications which deter the health of the patient further. Microvascular Diseases Peripheral Neuropathy this is when there is impairment or damage to the nerves, especially on the feet, leading to vibrations and muscle pain, eventually the patient will not be able to feel the feet at all. Nephropathy this is when the kidneys become swollen and larger than normal, because of excess fluid in the kidney and can be discovered by testing on urine for a certain chemical called albumin. If high amounts of this substance are found in the urine, then the patient is suffering from nephropathy which can lead to kidney failure. Retinopathy blindness in diabetic patients is common, therefore, regular screening is undertaken. Control over blood sugar can prevent retinopathy, and if detected early, the eyesight can be recovered by laser eye surgery. Macrovascular Diseases Cardiovascular Disease Walker, John et.al (2002) page 636 discusses that the risk of someone with diabetes having a myocardial infarction is the same as someone without diabetes having a second myocardial infarction. This highlights the importance of controlling diet and advising patients to stop smoking. Peripheral Vascular Disease this is when the blood vessels near the heart or around the heart are affected which increases the risk of suffering from a myocardial infaction or suffering from cardiovascular problems such as hypertension. Microvascular and Macrovascular Diseases Diabetic Foot Ulcers this is the combined result of having many of the diseases above such as neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease and not controlling the amount of glucose levels in the bloodstream. Therefore, this leads to glucose deposits on the toes of the feet which become prone to infection. Therefore, patient education is of utmost importance to prevent ulcers appearing. Social/Psychological Impairment and Management of the disease The patient found coping with the disease very difficult, soon after diagnosis lost his job, unable to cope with the physical requirements and unable to drive the patient felt vulnerable and insecure, lost confidence and a sense of independence. Therefore, the patient fell in depression and financial worries increased .The family also felt that learning to manage the disease was difficult. However, education available provided the information required to deal with diabetic emergencies most common being hypoglycaemia which could lead to coma. Furthermore, the patient suffered from retinopathy which is a microvascular diabetic complications Therefore, in order to correct the patients eyesight the patient had to undergo a few laser treatments. Medicines/Treatments Role of Pharmacist The pharmacists first and most important priority is the patient; hence the pharmacist initially must follow a certain care cycle and criteria to ensure maximum contribution to proper care of the patient. Therefore the patients care began with a broad assessment, gathering the information to identify symptoms, all problems and complaints and potential problems. This was when many of the symptoms of the patient were recognised as diabetic symptoms such as fatigue, passing urine excessively etc. The pharmacists role at this point is to prioritise the patient and to advise and explain to the patient to see the patient as soon as possible. Once the patient was diagnosed the pharmacist was able to think about the outcomes of care and how to achieve the desirable outcomes. To do this, the pharmacist counselled the patient in accordance to the severity of the diabetes. The pharmacist at this point discussed lifestyle changes, such as moderate alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy diet, and introducing a sufficient exercise regime and the variety of antidiabetic drug therapy treatment options. Once the suitable drug therapy was identified for the patient, the pharmacist was able to provide and support the patient, by creating a rapport with the patient, providing and establishing self-confidence and asking questions. The pharmacist also counselled the patient by discussing each and every drug in an Medicines Use and Review (MUR) service which taught the patient how to administer i nsulin properly and effectively, the most common side effects, how to take medication and when to take medication (such as medication that must be taken with a meal or medications to be taken only in the morning etc.), and generally talking about how the patient is coping with the disease. The patient was also advised to join a diabetic clinic so that the patient and patients family could attend to receive important information about how to identify when a person is in a state of hypoglycaemia (eg. tremors, sweating, palpitations, drowsiness), and also giving details on how to avoid serious diabetic complications. In general, the pharmacist has a duty of professional conduct to act in a way to benefit the patient which is publicised in the seven MEP Guidelines (YEAR). 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Area for Improvement Reflection

Friday, October 25, 2019

Penelope and Alcestis as Ideal Greek Females Essay -- Homers Odyssey

Penelope of the Odyssey and Alcestis of Alcestis as Ideal Greek Females   Ã‚   Although there is some disagreement concerning the Greek’s definition of the ideal female, there is little disagreement that two women represented this Greek ideal. The character of Penelope of Homer's Odyssey 1 and Alcestis of Euripides' Alcestis 2, came to represent the same ideal of female excellence. The Greeks referred to this ideal female as a sophron woman. The qualities possessed by a sophron woman are tangible; she is a good housekeeper, a nurturer of her husband, a child-bearer. She is chaste, graceful and does not like to talk about sex with other women.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Helen F. North in an article regarding the etymology of sophrosyne, the word originated in the Homeric epics as saophrosyne, which implies "soundness of mind" and is used only in relation to men.4 The word implies both "self-knowledge" and "a sense of propriety," putting one in mind of the inscription at Delphi. It is notable that in relation to men, sophrosyne does not carry specific behavioral connotations, as it does when it comes to be applied to women. Penelope's story, set in the time immediately proceeding the Trojan War, is one of strategic waiting. The Odyssey begins with stasis; simultaneously, Odysseus' departure from Ogygia and Telemachos' coming of age set the events of the epic in motion. As a woman, Penelope has no momentum of her own, but must operate on that of her kyrios. This is not to imply that Penelope is by definition powerless, but it is worth noting that the sphere of her effectiveness is actively determined by the wishes of the men responsible for her. In fact, Penelope faces a drastically reduced role whether Odysseus returns or... ...ophrosyne as the Virtue of Women in Antiquity." From Marcovich, Miroslave, ed. Illinois Classical Studies II (1977): 36. 4 Ibid: 37. 5 Ibid: 36.    Works Consulted Diana Buitron-Oliver and Beth Cohen,   "Between Skylla and Penelope: Female Characters of the Odyssey in Archaic and Classical Greek Art," pp. 29-58. "Female Representations and Interpreting the Odyssey," by Seth Schein, pp. 17-27. Richard Brilliant, "Kirke's Men: Swine and Sweethearts," pp. 165-73. Helene Foley, "Penelope as Moral Agent," in Beth Cohen, ed., The Distaff Side (Oxford 1995), pp. 93-115. "The Odyssey, History, and Women," by A. J. Graham, pp. 3-16, and Jennifer Neils, "Les Femmes Fatales: Skylla and the Sirens in Greek Art," pp. 175-84. Lillian Doherty, Siren Songs: Gender, Audiences, and Narrators in the Odyssey (Ann Arbor 1995), esp. chapter 1.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Properties of Hydrates Essay

Purpose: The purpose of the â€Å"Properties of Hydrates† lab is to study hydrates, and be able to identify them. This lab also focuses on observing the reversibility of hydration reactions by hydrolysis, and also testing substances for efflorescence of deliquescence. Procedure: A.Identification 1. Place 0.5 grams of each compound (Nickel Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Tetraborate, Sucrose, Calcium Carbonate, and Barium Chloride) in a small dry test tube. 2. Heat gently with a burner flame and observe carefully. If droplets of water appear on the test tube it may be a hydrate. Note the nature and color of the residue. 3. Let the tube cool, and try to dissolve the residue in a few cm3 of water, warming if necessary. A true hydrate will dissolve in water, producing a color similar to that of the original hydrate. A carbohydrate will give off water, but tends to char. The residue will also often be a caramel color. B.Reversibility 1. Gently heat a few crystals of about 0.3 grams of hydrated Cobalt(II) Chloride, CoCl2 x 6H2O in an evaporating dish until the color change appears to be complete 2. Dissolve the residue in the evaporating dish in a few cm3 of water from the wash bottle 3. Heat the residue to a boiling and carefully boil it to dryness. Note any color changes. 4. Put the evaporating dish on the lab bench and let it cool. C.Deliquescence and Efflorescence 1. Place a few crystals of Na2CO3 x 10H2O, CaCl2, KAl(SO4)2 x 12 H20, and CuSO4 in an a separate evaporating dish next to the CoCl2 prepared in part B. 2. To see weather the samples gained or lost mass, weigh each of them on a top-loading balance and record to the nearest hundredth. 3. Weight them again after an hour to detect ANY changes in mass. 4. Observe the samples occasionally. Note any structures in color and structure  and degree of wetness. D. Percent of Water in Hydrate 1. Clean crucible and its cover, and also make sure that crucible tongs are clean. Put over fire, and let cool. 2. Weight the crucible to the nearest thousandth. Handel with tongs 3. Obtain a sample of an unknown hydrate, and place about 1 gram in the crucible. 4. Weight the crucible, cover and sample on the balance. 5. Put the crucible on the clay triangle, with the cover off center to allow water vapor to escape. 6. Heat again, gently at first, and then with the bottom red for about 10 minutes. 7. Center the crucible cover, and let it cool to room temperature. 8. Weight the cooled crucible and with its cover and contents. 9. Examine the solid residue. 10. Add water until the crucible it two thirds full. Warm gently if the residue doesn’t readily dissolve. 11. Does the residue appear to be soluble? Waste Disposal: Dispose of the Copper mixture, and the Aluminum mixture in the correct bowl under the waste hood. All of the acids and bases can be disposed of down the sink. If the compound isn’t water soluble put in the organic container. Chemical Principles in the Laboratory: Experiment 6 Conclusion: The purpose of the Properties of Hydrates lab was to be able to identify if a substance was a hydrate or not. In lab, experiments where conducted to see if a compound was a hydrate or not. In order for the compound to be deemed as a hydrate it had to: 1. Release water upon heating 2. The anhydrous residue had to be water soluble 3. Exhibit reversibility If, and only if the compound showed that it could exhibit all three of these  properties, could it be distinguished a hydrate. In part â€Å"A† of the experiment, Nickel Chloride and Sodium Tetraborate were the only two compounds that were true hydrates. Both of these showed water residue when heating, where soluble in water after heating, and converted back to it original color after performing the first two experiments. Some of the other compounds had positive results for one or two test but not all three. For example, Sucrose, when heated, water residue appeared on the test tube, and was soluble in water, but the compound didn’t show reversibility. In part â€Å"B† of the experiment, CoCl2*6H2O was heated, dissolved, and then heated again to show that it was a true hydrate. When the Cobalt Chloride was heated, it turned from the color of fuchsia pink, to a light blue. And then after being dissolved into water, the compound turned back to its original color of fuchsia pink, demonstrating reversibility. The color change in this compound shows that by adding water to the anhydrous residue, that the same bonds that were broken my dehydrating the compound where reformed when adding water. In part â€Å"C†, four compound, plus the Cobalt Chloride mentioned above were tested for deliquescence, and efflorescence. Only one compound turned about to be efflorescent, which means that it lost water, which was Sodium Carbonate. The compounds mass before sitting out was 50.645g, after being exposed to the conditions of the laboratory for an hour, the sample weight 50.603g losing approximately 0.042g over the period of an hour. The Calcium Chloride (gained 0.258g), Copper Sulfate (gained 0.007g) and Cobalt Chloride (gained 0.068g) where all deliquescent, meaning that again mass while sitting in the laboratory. The Potassium Aluminum sulfate, exhibited stability while sitting out for an hour, neither gaining nor losing mass. For part â€Å"D† of the experiment, the percent of water in the unknown hydrate was %12.290. The closet percent of the given facts of the unknown was Barium chloride (BaCl2*2H2O), which has %14.8 water in it. This percent was found by using the formula below: % water in hydrate=(mass of water in hydrate/mass of the entire hydrate) The wide range of difference between the percent of the given and the unknown could have been due to the fact that there was wood debris in the unknown sample . This could have thrown off the amount of water present in the sample, and messed up the amount of water able to evaporate.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Critical Evaluation of Institutional Factors Impact on Outward/Inward

Essay Critical Evaluation of Institutional Factors Impact on Outward/Inward Foreign Direct Investment This aim of this essay is to evaluate the impact of institutional factors on outward and inward FDI. This will be done by determination of the major FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) factors, evaluation of the role of institutional factors and investigation of institutional factors impact on inward and outward FDI flows.Several sources (Aswathappa, 2012; Jensen, 2012) have identified FDI as an investment, made by a company based in one country (home country) into another company, which is based in other country (host country), in order to obtain certain degree of management control over that company. Recent evidence (Ho and Rashid, 2011) has demonstrated that a tendency for a firm to engage in foreign investment depends on a combination of different factors and elements.Dunning (2011) has argued that company has to satisfy three conditions in order to successfully engage in internation al activity, which are ownership (know-how, technologies), localisation (natural resources, low production costs) and internationalisation. This theory is quite unique because it is developed by several important FDI determinants such as natural resources, production efficiency, strategic assets and market size. Nachum (1999) has argued that in accordance with Hymer’s firm’s specific advantages theory, companies are engaging in FDI if they possess specific advantages e. . access to raw materials, economy of scale, marketing advantages, etc. Aswathappa (2010) has suggested another FDI determinant which is ‘follow the client/rival’. If one of the clients builds a foreign facility, it is reasonably for the company to follow the client and also build a foreign facility in order to continue cooperating with the client. If one company goes to the foreign market it draws the attention of other similar companies, that can potentially exploit similar opportunity an d therefore follow the rival.The same source has also stated that market size is another crucial FDI determinant, which play important role for foreign investors. Nevertheless, Seyoum (2011) has argued that FDI inflows cannot be only determined by such variables as qualitative and skilled labour, availability of natural resources, technologies or modern infrastructure. It is essential to highlight the importance of role of institutional factors in attracting foreign investors. It was suggested by Solomon (2007) that foreign investors are seeking for countries with stable political and social institutions.As it was figured out by Benassy-Quere, et al. (2007) the main institutional factors are: efficient protection of civil and property rights, economic and politic freedom and stability and corruption. Moreover, Globerman and Shapiro (2003) have stated that good institutions (well developed financial system, private property protection, government services, etc. ) have positive impact on both inward and outward FDI. Nevertheless, in some cases quality of institutions depends on FDI for instance, Chinese MNE’s value natural resources more than sound legal system or political stability (Kolstag and Wiig, 2012).According to Jensen (2012) host country’s political regime is one of the most important determinants of FDI. It is considered that authoritarian regime is rather more stable than democratic. The same source has assumed that democracy may be influenced by the interests of the particular groups, which can increase tax rates, trade barriers or implement protectionism policies in order to protect domestic companies from foreign MNE’s. A study carried out by (Knutsen, et al. , 2011) has stated that authoritarian regimes can reduce labour costs supressing human or different organisation rights e. g. hild labour and trade unions and therefore decrease costs for foreign investors. Nonetheless, there is counterargument provided by the same source s (Jensen, 2012; Knutsen, et al. 2011) which suggests that democracy has rather more positive effects on FDI that authoritarian regime. It was argued that reduced child labour can increase education level and trade unions can bring more social stability. In some cases MNE’s are able to influence democratic country’s government in their favour. Moreover, investments in non-democratic countries may hurt reputation of the foreign investors and decrease demand for their products at home market.Recent evidence (Hatchondo and Martinez, 2011) has argued that foreign investors enjoy sound legal protection system. Another source (OECD, 2008) has suggested that higher protection standards results in the greater positive impact on FDI. It was also argued that governments with free market economy have more efficient legal protection system than countries where economy is heavily influenced by government e. g. China. Free market economy is based on ownership, therefore MNE’s from such countries value property rights and they tend to select host countries with the same regulations and laws (Hsu, Zhang and Long, 2007).Level of corruption, is quite contradicting aspect of inward FDI. It is mostly assumed to have negative impact on FDI. Firstly, it brings additional costs, if foreign investors have to bribe someone. Secondly, corruption involves more uncertainty and risk because it is done in illegal way. Furthermore bribed contracts cannot be enforced in court. This issue is also able to impact on outward FDI, because investors tend to exclude possible risks and uncertainty (Wei, 2000; Knutsen, et al. , 2011). However, Egger and Winner (2005) have suggested that corruption may be beneficial for the FDI.The authors have described an idea of â€Å"grabbing hand† and â€Å"helping hand†. It was said that, indeed, corruption bring additional costs and uncertainty for foreign investors and acts as the host country’s â€Å"grabbing handâ⠂¬  but it is only in the short run. It was stated that in long run corruption might be attractive for foreign investors. Corruption allows speeding up bureaucratic procedures or can help to avoid regulatory and administrative restrictions and therefore it will act as the â€Å"helping hand†. Ultimately, if the revenue effects are bigger that costs effects corruption is likely to be positive for FDI.In accordance with several studies (Wells, 2001; Azemar and Delios, 2008) it was figured out that taxes have relatively small impact on IFDI (Inward Foreign Direct Investment). The authors have stated that in some cases foreign investors are much likely to focus on large market size with rather high tax rates than on country with small market size and much lower tax rates. Nevertheless, it was suggested that countries with excessive tax rates are much likely to kill IFDI however the countries with reasonable tax rates may exert little or almost no influence on IFDI.Furthermore, i t was also mentioned that tax havens demonstrate that countries (or regions) with extremely low tax rates are important determinant of the IFDI e. g. Delaware in the USA. Peng and Parente (2012) have stated that bureaucratic regulations and heavy taxation on domestic earnings in Brazil have pushed two thirds of the OFDI stock to tax havens. Another interesting idea was proposed by Wells (2001) it was argued that if host countries policymakers have better understanding of how tax policies can affect the foreign investors, they would be more successful in terms of attracting FDI’s.For, example tax holiday policy could stimulate IFDI flows. A number of authors (Kolstag and Wiig, 2012; Kalotay and Sulstarova, 2010) have figured out that OFDI (Outward Foreign Direct Investment) may be heavily influenced by government or political changes. One of the best examples is Chinese â€Å"Open Door† and â€Å"Go Global† policies, it was argued that those changes has increased total Chinese OFDI from 3. 3% in 1996 to 10% in 2006 (Kolstag and Wiig, 2012). However, it was also described that most of the Chinese companies are state owned and their activities reflect political objectives e. . focus on natural resources. Political changes and stability is significant push factor. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, many Russian privately-owned companies were actively engaging in OFDI. The reason of that issue is that they tried to avoid uncertainty and find safe environment with stable political environment (Kalotay and Sulstarova, 2010). As it was figured out by several authors (Levent, 2006; Garcia and Navia, 2003) financial institutions are important ‘Push’ factor of OFDI. Financial conditions of the home country affect the decision to invest abroad.If home country has poor financial system e. g. no access to financial support, unstable deposit base, high interest rates, etc. than the MNE’s are much likely to seek countries with wel l-developed financial institutions. Another finding was proposed by (Kolstag and Wiig, 2012) arguing that in some countries e. g. China, financial institutions are more cooperative with foreign investors that with the domestic companies, therefore companies are pushed to go overseas in order to obtain access to financial institutions.Witt and Lewin (2007) have stated that misalignments between the firms needs and home country institutional conditions are pushing firms to go abroad. The authors have demonstrated that countries with relatively high societal coordination are slowly adapting changes in the extra-institutional environment and results as the misalignments between firms and home institutions. For example, in year 2003 Germany had high social contributions and taxes as well as others rigidities which have impacted on both OFDI and IFDI flows.It was argued that every seventh German entrepreneur was planning to partly move abroad, every ninth was planning to move all producti on abroad and every thirteenth was thinking of relocating HQ (Head Quarter) abroad. Therefore, firms tend to seek the most appropriate for them institutional environment and if there is no such in home country, they are much likely to go abroad. Summarising all of the issues, it was figured out that most of the institutional factors have quite significant impact on IFDI and OFDI. The research has demonstrated that such nstitutional factors as political stability, governmental regime, corruption, legal system, financial institutions, etc. have serious impact on FDI. Nevertheless, there are some situations when other non-institutional factors may be more important, for instance China is focused more on the natural resources more than on the good institutions or market size might be more important for foreign investors than taxation issues. It was also found out that some institutional determinants may have impact on both outward and inward FDI flows.For example, political stability or corruption, these two factors may be applicable for both types of FDI flows. However, some of those institutional factors are better applicable for IFDI rather than OFDI or vice versa. References Aswathappa, K. (2010). ‘Intrernational Business’, 4th Edition, pp. 100-112. New Dehli: McGraw Hill. Azemar, C. and Delious, A. (2008). ’ Tax competition and FDI: The special case of developing countries. Journal of the Japanese and International Economies’. 22 (1), pp. 85-108. Dunning, J (2011). New Challenges for International Business Research: Back TotThe Future, pp. 90-200. UK: Edward Elgar. Egger, P. and Winner, H. (2005). ‘Evidence on corruption as an incentive for foreign direct investment’. European Journal of Political Economy. 21 (4), pp. 932-952. Garcia, A. and Navia, D. , (2003). ‘DETERMINANTS AND IMPACT OF FINANCIAL SECTOR FDI TO EMERGING ECONOMIES: A HOME COUNTRY'S PERSPECTIVE’, pp. 21-23. Spain: Banco de Espana. Globerman, S. and D. Shapiro (2002). ‘Global Foreign Direct Investment Flows: The Role of Governance Infrastructure’, World Development, 30, 11, 1899–919. Hatchondo, J. C. and Martinez, L. (2011). Legal Protection to Foreign Investors. Legal Protection to Foreign Investors’. 97 (2), pp. 175-187. Hsu, C. , Zhang, W. and Lok, L. , (2007). ‘The Business and Investment Environment in Taiwan and Mainland China’, pp. 200-205. Singapore: World Scientific. Jensen, N. , (2012). ‘Politics and Foreign Direct Investment’, pp. 8-14. USA: University of Michigan Press. Kalotay, K. and Sulstarova, A. (2010). ‘Modelling Russian outward FDI’. Journal of International Management. 16 (2), pp. 131-142. Kolstad, I. and Wiig, A. (2012). What determines Chinese outward FDI?.Journal of World Business. 47 (1), pp. 26-34. Knutsen, C. H. , Rygh, A. and Hveem, H. (2011). ‘Does State Ownership Matter? Institutions Effect on Foreign Direct Investment R evisited’. Business and Politics. 13 (1), pp. 1-31. Levent, I. (2006). ‘Global Development Finance 2006: The Development Potential of Surging Capital Flows’, pp. 107-110. Washington: WB Publications. Nachum, L. (1999). â€Å"Home country and firm-specific ownership advantages: A study of US, UK and French advertising agencies†. International Business Review. 8 (5), pp. 633-660. OECD, (2008). Private Sector Development in the Middle East and North Africa Making Reforms Succeed’, pp. 124-126. France: OECD Publishing. Paul, J. (2008). ‘International Business’, 4th Edition, pp. 235-240. New Dehli: PHI. Peng, M. and Parente, R. (2012). ‘Institution-Based Weaknesses Behind Emerging Multinationals’. RAE. 52 (3), pp. 360-364. Quere, A. , Coupet, M. and Mayer, T. (2007). ‘Institutional Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment’. The World Economy. 30 (5), pp. 764-782. Seyoum, B. (2011). ‘Informal Institutions and Foreign Direct Investment’. Journal of Economic Issues. 45 (4), pp. 917-940. Solomon, B (2007).Three Essays on the Impacts of Risk and Uncertainty on Foreign Direct Investment and Remittances Flows into Developing Countries, pp. 53-55. USA: ProQuest. Wei, S. -J. , (2000). ‘How Taxing is Corruption on Internal Investors? ’, Review of Economics and Statistics, 82, 1, 1–11. Wells, L. (2001). ‘Using Tax Incentives to Compete for Foreign Investment: Are They Worth the Costs? ’ pp. 97-100. USA: WB Publications. Witt, M. and Lewin, A. , (2007). ‘Outward foreign direct investment as escape response to home country institutional constraints’. 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