Thursday, October 31, 2019

Islamic Rules Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Islamic Rules - Essay Example There are two major sources of this law in the religion of Islam. The first source is the Quran where there are laws that are indicated therein, that govern individuals in the religion of Islam. The second example is an example set by Prophet Muhammad in Sunnah. The sharia law has official status where leaders have different responsibilities basing on their positions of leadership. Shariah has been divided into five main branches which are: Crime and chastisement Economic system Family relations External relations and other relations as well. Bequest and disposal of possessions. There are various rules and regulations that are supposed to be followed by the Muslims in which if not. They are punishable by this same law. This gives a clear impression that they have to do what is expected of them at the right time, place and with the right people. This is to make certain that they show respect to their God just like other religions do. In the contemporary society, Muslims stick to their law making sure that they follow all the rule and regulations to avoid breaking the law. Generally in the Islam religion, there are five major pillars of rules and regulations that all of them are supposed to adhere to no matter what position of leadership they have in their religious hierarchy. All Muslims are following the five pillars because these pillars are the most important parts in Islam religion. According to Islam 101 â€Å"The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life. The five pillars include: Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophet hood of Muhammad Establishment of the daily prayers Concern for and almsgiving to the needy Self-purification through fasting The pilgrimage to Makah and this is especially for those who are able. In other words, the five pillars involve declaring that Allah is GOD and Mohammad is GOD’s messenger, doing prayers on time, alms â€Å"Zakat† giving poor Muslims food, money and so on f or Muslims who are able to do the Zakat, fasting Ramadan, and doing pilgrimage â€Å"Hajj† for Muslims who can do the Hajj. It is strongly believed that if there is any Muslim doesn’t do these five pillars, he or she will not go to heaven unless Allah forgives them since Allah is the source of forgiveness for them. This essay seeks to explain how these laws are implemented in the contemporary Islam religion. Since there are many rules and regulations to be followed, this essay will major on the economic laws, marriage laws and the dress codes. These are the three issues that this essay will cover, explaining how these laws are implemented in the contemporary society, in the Islam religion. Looking at the first issue of discussion under the sharia law which is economics law, there are various rules and regulations that govern the Muslim religion for them to live as expected and carry out activities that are able to make the economy better than how it is. All Muslims who are living in situations that are above the subsistence level must pay alms. These alms are referred to as zakat and they are paid annually. Paying of alms is not a charitable activity carried out by the Muslims rather it is an obligation Muslims in comfortable living conditions are supposed to help those who are living under the poverty line so that they can also live better lives like other people in the society. The amount of alms to be paid by the wealthy Muslims is calculated basing on the

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The film Educating Rita Essay Example for Free

The film Educating Rita Essay Educating Rita tells a story of two people from the opposite ends of life. An uneducated working class woman finally realises the value of education and class and with the assistance of her alcoholic upper class tutor Frank Bryant, she embarks on a journey to gain the knowledge that she deeply yearns for. There are many advantages that a film has over a production of a play. It would be inconvenient and problematic to have lots of settings and changes therefore we immediately know that the film Educating Rita has more advantages over the play. It has close up shots of the characters and different settings. The burning books scene is a great example of this. In this scene Denny (Ritas husband) find a pack of Contraceptive pills which Rita has been taking. Outraged he throws all of Ritas books into a flame. We see Rita and the books through many different angles. One of the shots includes us looking at the burning books from Ritas point. This makes us feel empathy. We also see Rita from where the books are burning. At this point we feel sympathy for her as we see the expression on her face how miserable she is about her books. In the play we would not see Denny burning Ritas books and Rita helplessly just standing there from this amount of angles. We are only able to see the play from one angle which is from out seats. Another advantage that the film has over the play is the added scenes. Added scenes one the most common ways a film can use other methods in order to put across its message. A good example of this method is the scene when Denny finds the contraceptive pills. We do not see this in the play. We see Denny entering the living rooms and tossing the packet on the table. In the film we sense trouble instantly when we witness Denny looking under the floor boards as we earlier saw Rita hiding the pills in the same spot. Throughout the entire film, there are a number of shots that describe the lifestyles of both characters. Ritas journey takes us through her neighbourhood. Through several long shots we instantly understand that the area is almost a dump. The streets are littered heavily, there are abandoned caravans on the sides, two large tanks on the far end of the street which is extremely hazardous and a siren blares in the distance indicates danger. This scene concludes that lower class people who can only afford up to this degree live in an environment like this. On the other hand, Franks environment is the opposite. As Frank walks home we see large amount of space including trees spread out finely, autumn leaves landing swiftly on the ground, parked cars and bird chirping in the distance.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Cardiovascular System in Parabolic Flight and Spaceflights

Cardiovascular System in Parabolic Flight and Spaceflights Human Spaceflight: Alterations of the cardiovascular system during parabolic flights and spaceflights The purpose of this research is to identify the changes occurring during parabolic flights and spaceflights, where theres weightlessness. The importance of the cardiovascular system in space, is recognised as well as some of its fundamentals based on past researches. In addition, since parabolic flights are a way of experimenting physiological alterations in the human body, instead of actual spaceflights, the procedure needed for the airbus to reach microgravity conditions is indicated as well. Findings, such as low plasma volume, circulatory pressure, central venous pressure, stroke volume and also the heart rate of the cardiovascular system are stated from past investigations. Also countermeasures, such as exercise and diet are also briefly discussed. Introduction Microgravity is the phenomena where objects or people experience weightlessness. Astronauts and objects face microgravity in space, where the gravity is very small (micro) and they float (free fall). Even though astronauts are relatively heavy, they can move easily inside or outside the spacecraft (Wall, 2015). Under microgravity circumstances, the physiology of the cardiovascular system changes and it reacts unlikely relative to the gravity of the Earth leading to body alterations such as redistribution of blood, cardiac arrhythmia and orthostatic hypotension (Zhu, Wang, and Liu, 2015).These changes may occur pre-flight, in flight or post-flight and they may impact the astronauts health. Moreover these changes can affect either healthy astronauts or astronauts with past heart diseases. Due to the environment, the body of the astronaut learns how to adapt under the new conditions and works relatively quickly. In order to investigate and analyse the changes of the human physiology, various microgravity based researches were conducted, not only by spaceflights but also by parabolic flights and bed rest studies. Measurements are taken in three stages of the astronauts body, pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight, known as the long duration since astronauts are sent to space missions while these measurements are taken. Although, for more data, investigators managed to create microgravity condition for 20-30 seconds, using parabolic flights, known as the short-term duration, which is clearly a cheaper way to collect data. Another way to study the adaptation of human physiology in space is bed rest studies, where volunteers spend up to 2 months in a bed, with their head end at an angle of 6ÂÂ ° beneath the horizontal axis. All volunteers eat, shower and exercise while they are in bed. The cardiovascular system In order to analyse the cardiovascular system in space, some fundamentals of the heart should be noted. A healthy cardiovascular system is essential for astronauts going to space, since the heart functions differently in microgravity and it is responsible for many main functions of the body. The physiology of the cardiovascular system in space, therefore will be altered and this can impact the function of the system. Transporting nutrients (e.g. oxygen O2, food) to the tissues of the body, waste removal (e.g. carbon dioxide CO2, by-products) and controlling heat distribution between the body core and the skin (temperature) are some main function of the cardiovascular system (Evans, 2012). Heart is one of the muscles in our bodies which is constantly in action and it is part of the cardiovascular system. This system also includes arteries, veins and capillaries, all known as blood vessels. Additionally, O2 and CO2 are delivered and collected, respectively, to and from various organs, through blood vessels pumped by the heart.ÂÂ   Furthermore, the cardiovascular system is responsible for the blood pumped towards the heart, due to the muscles of the legs (Evans, 2012). The cardiovascular system in weightlessness When an astronaut is bare in space, the cardiovascular system learns how to function in such an environment.ÂÂ   The cardiovascular system changes in microgravity, since the downward force of gravity does not exist anymore, as it existed on Earths environment. Therefore, due to the lack of the gravitational force, blood and body fluids are not uniformly distributed in the body, but more importantly in the legs, where all these fluids shift upwards, towards the head, resulting for astronauts to have puffy faces and less leg circumference (bird legs), as shown in Figure 1. Fluid shift in the body, leads to the increase of the size of the heart, initially, in order to handle the increase of the blood flow. This occurs during the first day of exposure in microgravity. In addition, due to the upward direction of the fluids, astronauts do not feel as thirsty, resulting to the reduction of the fluid levels after the first day and the heart shrinks (Lujan, Bartner, and White, 1994). Figure 1: Illustration of fluid shift level. The fluids are distributed uniformly, pre-flight (left), fluids shift, during flight (bird legs and puffy faces)(middle) and post flight, the pressure is lower in the upper body, due to gravity, causing faintness to the human. (Watenpaugh and Hargens, 1996) Parabolic flights and the cardiovascular system Airbus A300 Zero G is the aircraft used by the French company Novespace for simulation of microgravity through parabolic flights, between 1997 and 2014 as shown in Figure 2. Agencies such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Centre, performed researches using this airbus in the stated period of time, but by 2015 the new Airbus A310 Zero G replaced it. Figure 2: The Airbus A300 ZERO-G as it is flying in an incline of 40ÂÂ ° to reach 0g. (Pletser, et al., 2015) These aircrafts, were built for researches due to testing results before or after space missions, by achieving parabolic flights under weightlessness for 20 seconds (Pletser, et al. 2015). More specifically, the airplane from a steady horizontal altitude, pulls up at an angle approximately 40ÂÂ ° in a period of 20s, resulting to an acceleration between 1.8 g and 2 g and therefore, the engines start to slow down, which leads to microgravity conditions inside the aircraft as it reaches the peak of the parabola. Finally, the aircraft generates an acceleration of 1.8 g to 2 g, while flying back down with roughly 40ÂÂ ° again for 20s and then before returning to its initial steady altitude, repeats the manoeuvre from the beginning, as shown in Figure 3 (ESA, 2004). In addition, parabolic flights can investigate how the cardiovascular system of the human body reacts under 0-g conditions, within this period of time by spending relatively less money than actual spaceflights. Figure 3: This figure illustrates the manoeuvre which the aircraft (thick-black line) follows to generate microgravity conditions and demonstrates the acceleration and the microgravity level as well. (ESA,2004) Between 2010 and 2012, Novespace undertook an experiment based on the reaction of the cardiovascular system during a parabolic flight, using the Airbus A300 Zero-G. The test presents a short duration of microgravity, where the fluids inside the body are distributed. The heart is pumped with more blood than usual resulting to an increase of the blood pressure in the ventricles of the heart. The stoke volume of the cardiovascular system remained constant but the heart rate decreased by 14 min-1. Furthermore, it was stated that astronauts were in an environment, where the body lacked sufficient oxygen supply, known as hypobaric hypoxia condition (HH) and since the study is under a parabolic flight, the gravity was shifting as well. This kind of environment influenced the cardiovascular system, where the data obtained for the plasma volume showed a decrease mostly due to HH, from -52 ml (hypobaric chamber) to -115 ml (parabolic flight) (Limper and Gauger ,2014). Another research, compare d the data for humans in supine posture, under normal gravity and microgravity in parabolic flight (0G), which showed an increase in cardiac filling pressure resulting to the diameter of the left atrium to increase by 3.6 mm. At the same time the central venous pressure (CVP) decreased by 1.3 mmHg but the transmural CVP increased by 4.3 mmHg. Finally, as soon as an astronaut returns to Earth, due to the gravity, the blood flow is reduced and that can cause the astronaut to collapse (Watenpaugh and Hargens, 1996). These results were obtained by researches, in order to investigate the consequences of the cardiovascular system under weightlessness, by avoiding actual spaceflights, where these changes are only temporarily. The cardiovascular system during spaceflights As soon as astronauts enter space, the fluid levels in the body are not uniformly distributed as they were on Earth, which results to alterations of the cardiovascular system. As it was mentioned in parabolic flights, the astronauts are under hypobaric- hypoxia conditions, meaning that the oxygen saturation decreases (SaO2) and hence the oxygen in the blood. It has been stated that the concentration of O2 in the blood can drop down to 75%, where usually this levels should be more than 80%, but if the astronauts stays in space for longer, this concentration will increase back to 85% (Opatz and Gunga, 2014). Moreover, the mass of the heart decreases during spaceflights and therefore the heart rate is less than that on Earth. In 1996, it was reported that the heart rate would increase as the astronaut continuous to be under microgravity circumstances, during a long-term spaceflight (Charles, Frey, and Fritsch-Yelle, 1996). In weightlessness, significant effects were also realised, the c ardiac output increased whereas the systolic and diastolic pressure decreased (Hamilton, Sargsyan, and Martin, 2011). Hence, stroke volume is also reduced, due to hypovolemia which is responsible for hypotension and atrophy of the heart (Levine, 1997). Investigators postulate that plasma volume decreases from the first day and it continuous to reduce throughout the whole spaceflight by 17%. This occurs, because of the negative fluid distribution and the fluid movement towards the extravascular space and therefore the orthostatic intolerance (Alfrey, Udden, and Leach- Huntoon, 1996). A study reported by J.C Buckey et al. 1996, studied the central venous pressure (CVP) in space and stated that the CVP increases during the launch and more in the spaceflight. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) was also analysed in order to figure out how it is affected by microgravity. Furthermore, it was stated that as astronauts enter space, the LVEDV and therefore the total heart volume increases significantly. While the astronaut is in space, the body adjusts to the environment resulting to the LVEDV to decrease (Buckey Jr. and Gaffney, 1996) Countermeasures For short duration exposure, effects are less than actual spaceflights where the duration could be more than 6 months. It is really important for astronauts to be healthy during a mission, therefore some actions should be taken in order to counteract these threats of their physiology. It has been reported that somatic stress in weightlessness effects the cardiac arrhythmia (Romanov et al., 1987). The astronauts must exercise and have a healthy diet, before and during the spaceflight, to ensure the appropriate volume for extravehicular action (Hargens, 2009). Also, the lower body negative pressure (LBNP) should be exercised regularly since it increases the plasma volume (Watenpaugh and Hargens, 1996) and in fact, aerobic exercise keeps the aerobic volume (peak of VO2) constant. For long-term exposure in microgravity, exercising machines, provided in the spacecraft can reduce the consequences of the physiology of the astronaut after returning to Earth. Although, studies have not shown the particular amount and type of exercise, that astronauts should perform, yet (Schneider and Watenpaugh, 2002). Discussion and Conclusion Researches within the last 20 years, examined how the cardiovascular system adapts under microgravity conditions, in order to provide astronauts with a safe working environment and physiology. Astronauts are sent to space to test experiments for the future of science, but their lives shouldnt be at risk. Due to microgravity, several characteristics of the cardiovascular system are affected. The fluids in the body of an astronaut exposed in microgravity, shift head-wards due to the missing gravitational force. Therefore, plasma volume and mean circulatory filling pressure are decreased. Hence, there are effects on the central venous pressure (CVP) and stroke volume, which both are reduced during weightlessness. The heart rate is also declined due to these changes, in order to maintain the arterial blood pressure and metabolism. Some of these parameters can affect significantly the astronauts health and in rare cases may lead to tragedies, since they are long- term flights. Although, w hen subjects are under investigation in parabolic flights, these changes are only temporarily. Also, countermeasures, such as aerobic exercises and healthy diet, before, during and after the spaceflight are required. These actions may reduce the orthostatic hypotension of astronauts during flights but also as they return back to Earth. More experiments will be conducted in the future, where researchers will have an even better understanding of space environment and the physiology in it. References Alfrey, C.P., Udden, M.M. and Leach- Huntoon, C. (1996) Control of red blood cell mass in spaceflight, Journal of Applied Physiology, 81(1), pp. 98-104. Buckey Jr., J.C. and Gaffney, F.A. (1996) Central venous pressure in space, Journal of Applied Physiology (1985), 81(1), pp. 19-25. Charles, J.B., Frey, M.A. and Fritsch-Yelle, J.M. (1996) Cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory function, Space biology and medicine. Reston (VA): American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautic, , pp. 63-88. ESA (2004) What happens to the human heart in space? Available at: http://www.esa.int/esapub/bulletin/bulletin119/bul119_chap4.pdf (Accessed: 2014). ESA (2015) Bedrest and ground studies. Available at: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Research/Bedrest_and_ground_studies (Accessed: 30 January 2017). Evans, J.D.W. (2012) Crash course cardiovascular system, 4e (crash Course-UK). 4th edn. Edinburgh: Elsevier Health Sciences. Hamilton, D.R., Sargsyan, A.E. and Martin, D.S. (2011) On-orbit prospective echocardiography on International Space Station crew., Echocardiography, 28(5), pp. 491-501. Hargens, A.R. and Richardson, S. (2009) Cardiovascular adaptations, fluid shifts, and countermeasures related to space flight., Respiratory Physiology Neurobiology, 169, pp. 30-33. Levine, B.D. (1997) Cardiac atrophy after bed-rest deconditioning: a nonneural mechanism for orthostatic intolerance, Circulation, 96, pp. 517-525. Limper, U. and Gauger, P. (2014) Interactions of the human cardiopulmonary, hormonal and body fluid systems in parabolic flight, European Journal of Applied Physiology, 114(6), pp. 1281-1295. Lujan, B.F., Bartner, H. and White, R.J. (1994) Human physiology in space : a curriculum supplement for secondary schools. Washington, D.C. : National Aeronautics and Space Administration: . Opatz, O. and Gunga, H.-C. (2014) Human physiology in extreme environments. San Diego, CA, United States: Academic Press. Pletser, V. and et al. (2015) European parabolic flight campaigns with Airbus ZERO-G: Looking back at the A300 and looking forward to the A310, Advances in Space Research, 56(5), pp. 1003-1013. Romanov, E.M. and et al. (1987) [Results of long-term electrocardiographic examinations of cosmonauts, Kosm Biol Aviakosm Med, 21, pp. 10-14. Schneider, S.M. and Watenpaugh, D.E. (2002) Lower-body negative-pressure exercise and bed-rest-mediated orthostatic intolerance, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34, pp. 1446-1453. Shelhamer, M. (1996) Parabolic flight as a spaceflight analog, Journal of Applied Physiology, 120(12), pp. 1442-8. Wall, J. (2015) What is Microgravity? Available at: https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-is-microgravity-58.html (Accessed: 30 January 2017). Watenpaugh, D.E. and Hargens, A.R. (1996) The cardiovascular system in microgravity, Handbook oh physiology : Environmental physiology, , pp. 631-674. Â   Â   Zhu, H., Wang, H. and Liu, Z. (2015) Effects of real and simulated weightlessness on the cardiac and peripheral vascular functions of humans: A review., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 28(5), pp. 793-802.

Friday, October 25, 2019

rail road expansion :: essays research papers

Following the civil war, railroad construction took off at a fast pace. In the twenty-five years between 1865 and 1890, the miles of railroad track in the United States went from 35,000 to 200,000. The enormous increase in track produced an increase in America's economy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The farming economy was greatly helped by the expansion of the railroad system. The railroad became one of the main and most efficient ways to transport farmers produce. This was especially helpful to farms in remote locations. The expanded railroad system enabled farmers to produce more crops because of the greater potential shipping locations that became available. This also made products such as corn and grain available to locations that the crop wasn't produced in. It made things that used to be a luxury to some regions a common item to have.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The increasing railroad was also beneficial to cities economies that had tracks running through them. It helped the city import and export goods, which helped produce and ship better products in a timelier manner to a larger amount of people and businesses. More potential customers lead to larger factories and companies, which lead to more jobs being available to people. These cities also generated more people coming in by train. It provided people with a time efficient way to travel to visit family and take trips. In a way, the railroad system made the United States seem a lot smaller than it was previous to the civil war.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another way the railroad system changed America was the way people went about their daily life in general. Before arrival and departure times of trains, the concept of time wasn't as important. Afterwards, however, people became accustomed to picking things up, meeting people, or getting on trains at certain times. As distance became less important, time became more important. It is this concept of time that has carried over to the time we presently live in. We are oriented around times and dates, from airline departures and arrivals to work schedules to social events. We no longer view the world as a big place that takes a long time to get from one place to another, but what time we will be there. People today are able to take more trips for fun to see friends and relatives that live away more often because of the quick traveling options we now have. This was not possible in the past.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Boiler Room

Boiler Room Boiler room is a story about a college dropout name of Seth. He likes the feeling of earning fast money, therefore he decided to quit school and start an underground casino in his apartment with a few of his friends. However, his father, who is a federal judge, finds out about the casino. His father then commends him to close down the casino and search for a real job. Seth wants to regain respect and approval from his father, and fortunately he got introduce to a stockbroker company J. T. Marlin. Seth has a great talent in this job and he becomes the best trainee in the firm. He works under the senior brokers, and starting to adapt to the â€Å"Always be closing† philosophy, which means he never take no as the answer and will keep convincing the customers until he objective is reached. Very soon, Seth becoming a successful broker and neglect all the unethical issues he is committing. He not only sells stocks to the rich â€Å"whales†, he also drags the poor workers that can barely afford a new house into the scam. Unfortunately, Seth discovers the truth about the numerous stocks sold by the firm and realizes J. T. Marlin is a boiler room that sells non-profitable stocks. And start to realize that all these times he is forcing customers to buy something that they don’t want or cannot afford. There are quite a few of unethical dilemmas throughout the movie. First of all, Seth and his firm are selling non-profitable stocks to rich people that are interested in high return investment. Moreover, J. T. Marlin teaches their employees to tell untrue statement about the stock and the company in order to attract the clients’ interest toward the stocks. The drug that helps infants to develop is one of the examples they mention in the movie. Also, at the middle of the movie, once the brokers see the rip increase, they will try to push the customers even harder in order to make a fortune for themselves. Furthermore, the more skillful Seth becomes, the more we can see Seth is using different powerful persuasive techniques in order to catch the attention of the clients. On the other hand, it is very unethical for Seth to drag the poor people into buy stock that will never be profitable, because they are selling stock for companies that don’t exist. However, there is still an ethical side of Seth. For example, he tries to protect his father from losing his job due to try to help Seth from trying to get back J. T. Marlin. He also agrees to work with the FBI to raid J. T. Marlin so that no more victims will fall into their scams. And most of all he helps Harry, the poor investor, to get his life saving back in the end. So it is nice to see Seth changes his mind and try to become clean in the end.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Hate Crimes Essay Essay Example

Hate Crimes Essay Essay Example Hate Crimes Essay Essay Hate Crimes Essay Essay Essay #2: What are the roots of the violence/hate crimes today in our contemporary society? What can we do to reduce them? Explain. The world is full of HATE. What is this word? What makes someone HATE someone else enough to kill or harm another human being? Hate crimes are criminal actions intended to harm or intimidate people because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or other minority group status. They are also referred to as bias crimes. Hate crimes have been going on in the world for a long time. I view the crucifixion of Jesus as the first hate crime. Jesus was crucified by the Romans because of religious reasons they didn’t agree with. Did the Crucifixion of Jesus become the root of hate crimes going on in our society? No there is no way to say what became the actual root of hate crimes, but there are a lot of things that could have helped the increase of these crimes. The media, race, and sexuality are the things that have increased hate crime greatly. During the 1900’s the hate crime rate sky rocketed because of race. During this time period African Americans were being lynched because white people refused to see them as their equals. : The whites during this time period went through desperate measures to intimidate the blacks by starting the Klu Klux Klan. The murder of Emmet Till is an example. Emmet Till was a 14 year old boy that was beaten and killed because by two white men because of his race. What white people did to African Americans during that time have put a lot hatred in them, causing them to be angry towards the whites and themselves. In the United States there is a lot of black on black crimes going on. Every day on the news boys and men are getting killed for the dumbest things; such as money, drug, and even women. During the 1990’s, the media depicted a lot of this violence with the whole east coast west coast thing. The east coast versus west coast was a conflict between two very famous rappers: Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. This conflict caused a big issue between LA and New York causing young boys to kill others who was not from the same city as them. The result of the conflict between the rappers was they both got shot and killed within months of each other. There are many different targets of hate crimes and each perpetrator may have many different reasons which they feel justifies their commission of the crime. However in all honesty, there are not a million reasons why hate crimes are committed; there are neither thousands nor hundreds. In fact, there arent even three reasons. There are only two reasons. One is ignorance and the other is stupidity. Some people define those two terms as synonyms. However, I make clear distinctions between them. To me, an ignorant person is someone who makes a poor choice or wrong decision because he/she does not have the proper facts to make a good choice or decision. If that person were to be supplied with the facts of the situation before deciding, they could then make the correct and proper decision. A stupid person is someone who does have the facts regarding the situation, but still makes the wrong choice. Fortunately, there is a cure for ignorance. That cure is called education. Education allows us to make informed choices. That education can come from what we learn in school or what we learn by observing the experiences of others or what we learn from our own experiences. Unfortunately, there is no cure for stupidity. If you educate someone the proper information and facts and they still choose to make the wrong choices, there is nothing you can do. So we must strive to educate ourselves and be willing to educate others by sharing our knowledge and experience when the opportunity presents itself. People, who lack exposure to other people, cultures, and diversity, tend to be ignorant. They fear the unknown or what is foreign to them. So ignorance breeds fear. If that fear is not kept in check, the fear will breed hatred. People tend to hate those things that frighten them. If the hatred is not kept in check, it will breed destruction. People want to destroy what they hate, because it caused them to be afraid. Theres a good possibility that what they were afraid of, was harmless, but they were to ignorant to realize it. So with that being said all we can do is try to reduce it, because with all the stupid people in the world, hate crimes are never going to end. African American Lynching, the Ku Klux Klan, and Hate Crimes. African American Lynchings. N. p. , n. d. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. hangmansknot. com/articles/african-american-lynching. htmam p;gt;. Day of Jesus Crucifixion Believed Determined. Discovery News. N. p. , n. d. Web. 1 Oct. 2012. http://news. discovery. com/history/jesus-crucifixion-120524. html. Ferber, Abby L. Getting to the Roots of Hate Crime. The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost. com, 17 Apr. 2009. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. huffingtonpost. com/abby-ferber/getting-to-the-roots-of-h_b_188193. html. National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere Hate Crimes. National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere Hate Crimes. N. p. , n. d. Web. 11 Oct. 20 12. nationalsave. org/main/hatecrime. php.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Biography of Fences Playwright August Wilson

Biography of Fences Playwright August Wilson Award-winning playwright August Wilson had no shortage of fans during his life, but his writing enjoyed renewed interest after a film adaptation of his play â€Å"Fences† opened in theaters on Christmas Day 2016. The critically acclaimed film not only earned kudos for stars Viola Davis and Denzel Washington, who also directed, but exposed new audiences to Wilson’s work as well. In each of his plays, Wilson shined a spotlight on the lives of the working class African Americans overlooked in society. With this biography, learn how Wilson’s upbringing influenced his major works. Early Years August Wilson was born April 27, 1945, in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, a poor black neighborhood. At birth, he bore his baker father’s name, Frederick August Kittel. His father was a German immigrant, known for his drinking and temper, and his mother, Daisy Wilson, was African American. She taught her son to stand up to injustice. His parents divorced, however, and the playwright would later change his surname to his mother’s, for she was his primary caregiver. His father did not have a consistent role in his life and died in 1965. Wilson experienced fierce racism attending a succession of nearly all-white schools, and the alienation he felt as a result eventually led him to drop out of high school at 15. Leaving school did not mean Wilson had given up on his education. He decided to educate himself by regularly visiting his local library and voraciously reading the offerings there. A self-taught education proved fruitful for Wilson, who would earn a high school diploma due to his efforts. Alternatively, he learned important life lessons by listening to the stories of the African Americans, mostly retirees and blue-collar workers, in the Hill District. A Writer Gets His Start By 20, Wilson decided that he would be a poet, but three years later he developed an interest in theater. In 1968, he and his friend Rob Penny started the Black Horizons on the Hill Theater. Lacking a place to perform, the theater company staged its productions at elementary schools and sold tickets for just 50 cents by herding in passersby outside just before the shows started. Wilson’s interest in theater waned, and it wasn’t until he moved to St. Paul, Minn., in 1978 and began adapting Native American folktales into childrens plays that he renewed his interest in the craft. In his new city, he began to recall his old life in the Hill District by chronicling the experiences of the residents there in a play, which developed into â€Å"Jitney.† But Wilson’s first play staged professionally was â€Å"Black Bart and the Sacred Hills,† which he wrote by piecing together several of his old poems.    Lloyd Richards, the first black Broadway director and dean of the Yale School of Drama, helped Wilson refine his plays and directed six of them. Richards was artistic director of Yale Repertory Theater and head of the Eugene ONeill Playwrights Conference in Connecticut to which Wilson would submit the work that made him a star, â€Å"Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.† Richards gave Wilson guidance on the play and it opened at the Yale Repertory Theatre in 1984. The New York Times described the play as â€Å"a searing inside account of what white racism does to its victims.† Set in 1927, the play details the rocky relationship between a blues singer and a trumpet player. In 1984, â€Å"Fences† premiered. It takes place in the 1950s and chronicles the tensions between a former Negro leagues baseball player working as a garbage man and the son who also dreams of an athletic career. For that play, Wilson received the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize. The playwright followed up â€Å"Fences† with â€Å"Joe Turners Come and Gone,† which takes place in a boardinghouse in 1911. Among Wilson’s other key works is The Piano Lesson, the story of siblings fighting over a family piano in 1936. He received his second Pulitzer for that 1990 play. Wilson also wrote Two Trains Running, Seven Guitars, King Hedley II, Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf, his last play. Most of his plays had Broadway debuts and many were commercial successes. Fences, for example, boasted earnings of $11 million in one year, a record at that time for a nonmusical Broadway production. A number of celebrities starred in his works. Whoopi Goldberg acted in a revival of Ma Raineys Black Bottom in 2003, while Charles S. Dutton starred in both the original and the revival. Other famous actors who’ve appeared in Wilson productions include S. Epatha Merkerson, Angela Bassett, Phylicia Rashad, Courtney B. Vance, Laurence Fishburne and Viola Davis. In total, Wilson received seven New York Drama Critics Circle awards for his plays. Art for Social Change Each of Wilson’s works describes the struggles of the black underclass, be they sanitation workers, domestics, drivers or criminals. Through his dramas, which span different decades of the 20th century, the voiceless have a voice. The plays expose the personal turmoil the marginalized endure because their humanity all too often goes unrecognized by their employers, by strangers, by family members and America overall. While his plays tell the stories of an impoverished black community, there’s a universal appeal to them as well. One can relate to Wilson’s characters in the same way one can relate to the protagonists of Arthur Miller’s works. But Wilson’s plays stand out for their emotional gravitas and lyricism. The playwright didn’t want to gloss over the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow and their impact on his character’s lives. He believed that art was political but didn’t consider  his own plays to be explicitly political. I think my plays offer (white Americans) a different way to look at black Americans, he told The Paris Review  in 1999. For instance, in ‘Fences they see a garbage man, a person they dont really look at, although they see a garbage man every day. By looking at Troys life, white people find out that the content of this black garbage mans life is affected by the same things - love, honor, beauty, betrayal, duty. Recognizing that these things are as much part of his life as theirs can affect how they think about and deal with black people in their lives.† Illness and Death Wilson died of liver cancer on Oct. 2, 2005, at the age of 60 in a Seattle hospital. He had not announced that he was suffering from the disease until a month before his death. His third wife, costume designer Constanza Romero, three daughters (one with Romero and two with his first wife) and several siblings survived him. After he succumbed to cancer, the playwright continued to receive honors. The Virginia Theater on Broadway announced that it would bear Wilson’s name. Its new marquee went up two weeks after his death.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Project Management-Chapter 8 Review Questions Essay Example

Project Management Project Management-Chapter 8 Review Questions Paper Project Management-Chapter 8 Review Questions Paper How does resource scheduling tie to project priority? -resource scheduling is directly tied to the project priority, because of the amount of available resources. The resources available will automatically go towards the project with the highest priority assigned by the organization’s objectives. 2. How does resource scheduling reduce flexibility in managing projects? -Resource scheduling will reduce the flexibility because the scheduling system will reduce slack in increasing the number of critical and near-critical activities. . Present six reasons scheduling resources is an important task. oIt allows the project manager check to see if the resource is adequate and to assess the availability of resource. oIt allows the PM to consider possible alternatives for limited resources oIt allows multiple projects to be worked on at the same time, even if they are utilizing some or all of the same resources needed. oIt allows PM’s to see how much flexibility they have with man aging certain resources. Will help see if the project is assigned a realistic time line oIt will allow the PM to see which resources have priority 4. How can outsourcing project work alleviate the three most common problems associated with multiproject resource scheduling? -Outsourcing is a great way to improve the utilization of limited resources and make sure the project is running smoothly and efficiently and reduce bottlenecks. 5. Explain the risks associated with leveling resources, compressing or crashing projects, and imposed durations or â€Å"catch-up† as the project is being implemented. The risks associated with leveling resources, compressing or crashing projects, and imposed durations are if flexibility is decreased and the risk of project delay is increased. 6. Why is it critical to develop a time- phased baseline? -It is important to develop a time-phased budget because they are critical to having a reliable project schedule. Other systems won’t allow the PM to measure the amount of work completed or manage resources as well.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Search engine marketing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Search engine marketing - Research Paper Example Players in the search engine marketing industry relate to Priceline.com, Rough Guides, Whatsonwhen, Expedia and Lastminute.com. These institutions are re- intermediation and cyber mediation companies that capture significant portions of the market and ensure that new products and services are created (Kennedy & Hauksson, pg.76). They have been modeled to save time and effort for the consumer by ensuring price competitiveness and value added services provision. They contain IDTV models and mobile devices to provide easy interactions with the consumers. Their weakness is that they may be hacked and may contain irrelevant data which is not up to date. They are fast and speedy with regard to information relay. The main question that MediaContact wants answered relates to which channels generate more revenues and which channels bring the highest online reviews (Kennedy & Hauksson, pg.89). To address this issue, an analysis and review of the channels can be carried out so as to determine the most profitable channels as well as the

Friday, October 18, 2019

Nursing capstone phase 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nursing capstone phase 1 - Assignment Example The problem and event are to be defined and described factually, which will include quantitative and qualitative properties/attributes of the harmful outcomes. In this case, this will include a specification of the timing, location, magnitude, and nature of the event. Another component that will be used in this particular RCA will be the collection of data to ascertain that the problem does exist, the length of time that the problem has existed, and the impact the problem has portended on the patient (De Silvestro et al, 2013). The hemolytic transfusion reaction will be analyzed fully prior to examining the contributing factors, which will involve assembling experts from several disciplines that comprehend the situation. A third component of the RCA will involve the identification of possible causative factors, in which the RCA will seek to investigate the sequence of events leading up to the hemolytic transfusion reaction, the conditions that allowed the reaction to happen, and other problems associated with occurrence of the reaction (De Silvestro et al, 2013). As many causal factors are to be identified in this component as possible using various tools. These are appreciation to determine every possible consequences of a specific factor, using the 5 why’s to get to the reaction’s root, breaking down the problem into smaller and more detailed portions, and using cause and effect diagrams. Finally, the RCA will also use the recommendation component by seeking to provide solutions about how to prevent another occurrence of a similar reaction and the prevalent risks in implementing the provide solutions (De Silvestro et al, 2013). This component will involve an analysis of the cause and effect process, as well as identification of changes required for the department. Tools that can be used here include the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, Impact Analysis, and Continuous Improvement Analysis. During

A clue about current socialpolitical issue Essay

A clue about current socialpolitical issue - Essay Example work to pass fundamental values and assumption by using one of the protagonists to show the effect drugs have to young people who engage themselves in drug trafficking. Maria Alvarez work at the rose plantation where she could use the little salary she get to support her family. In her ambition to find a well-paying job and the need to get fulfill Maria, she ends up suffering emotional and psychologically. The author has done his research perfectly, and this enables him to know the major thing that is causing young people to engage themselves in drug trafficking. The argument he present in his play depicts a solid reasoning that Joshua possess as his argument were not based on rumors or wishful thinking hence enabled him to present his work on an empirical manner. The author has tried to convince his audiences that poverty is the main factor that is causing young people like Maria to become mules. However, poverty is not necessary the main cause that is making people be mule but greed is also another factor responsible in causing other people like Maria to join drug traffickers. Therefore, Joshua have is jumping to the conclusion without considering other factors like gluttony which some use to became drug traffickers. Despite, poor economic conditions and moral failures of people such as Lucy, Maria and Blanca, political corruption still contributes to an increase in drug traffickers. Many individual have used their economic and political power to facilitate drug trafficking as they used their political power and money to bribe the police. Therefore, the government must also not concentrate on people like Maria but also on those who are harnessing their financially viable and political power to perpetuate the drug

Classical Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Classical Argument - Essay Example According to Carey, the National Public Radio, states that college students borrow very huge loans to supplement their stay in college. However, the government is also working very hard to ensure that the rates of borrowing loans for college students are low and the government does not care whether the students have borrowed loans surpassing the one trillion dollars. The government is also intending to double these rates since rumor has it, in order to enable the stay of the students comfortable in college. Eventually, this means that not only will the cost of college fees increases at the WVU university increase but also the amount the students will have to pay back in payment for loans are doubling. This arguments and matters may actually discourage other students anticipating on joining college when especially they think about the increasing cost of Fees and increasing money to pay back as loans after college. Although it is a pleasure that the government gives enough loans to the students, it is an advantage to wise students since they can decide to invest. In this case, the loans will help them positively in a better way. On the other hand, it is a disadvantage for the students will incur many debts with the government and thus it may become a great burden to the students who just do not utilize these loans and thus unless they find jobs on time, it may become very hard to repay the loans. Consequently, several changes have occurred in college tuitions over the last several decades. Tuition at colleges in the current generations cannot have any comparison to the college tuitions in the olden days. Following Feldman’s, Myths and Realities about Rising College Tuition, discusses the changes statistically, historically, and in a way that is not biased. In the past days, college tuition fee used to be very affordable and most people could afford it comfortably as compared to the current days where the college tuition fee is very high for the peasants to afford. This increasing of the cost of the college tuition is due to many factors, which include, one, the rising economy. The increasing cost of life has greatly affected the college tuition fee; this is because of the high prices for food and other household equipments and the increasing needs of the people. This in turn causes the lot of straining to the parents or guardians providing and catering for the college students. On the other hand, in the olden days, very few students qualified to join colleges, and thus this became very convenient for the institutions to provide very affordable accommodation, food and quality tuition at an affordable tuition fee. In addition, the cost of living had not yet risen to greater levels thus parents were very comfortable to pay the tuition fee. On the other hand, the government provided little loans to the students since the government also understood that the cost of life was affordable in comparison to the current cost of life in the colle ges. Life has generally become very demanding and expensive and thus the college students require more money. In the current days also, many students got admissions into colleges hence causing lot congestion into the institutions. The institutions require setting up more structures to accommodate the rising population of the institution

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Expanding Business to Singapore Research Proposal - 1

Expanding Business to Singapore - Research Proposal Example Currently the trends of business operations management have visibly tilted emphasizing over contemporary advanced factors that includes focus on globalization, efficient on time production, supply chain efficacy, innovative procedures for product development, customer oriented customized production, leadership cultivation by employee empowerment and ethical deliberation with environmental friendly initiatives. Singapore, that was a main focus of the research proposal is an acceptable choice for international business expansion on the grounds of favorable features of micro environment. The purpose of this research proposal is to align the information and informal values for company expansion under a defined strategy to come up with the best results in terms of profit and sustainability. Thus, it can be stated that an efficient operations management can be achieved through efforts to enhance the potential of an organization through outstanding performance in each of the business functi on. The researcher provides PEST Analysis on the topic of Aspects of Macro Environment as well as the analysis of Strategic management and corporate public affairs. Therefore, the operations management of recent times can be acclaimed far more challenging because of advanced technology of engineering, finance, marketing and information system strategy. In addition, the modifications have further supplemented business sustainability by means of significant element such as capacity planning and forecasting.

Strategic management case study-skf case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic management case study-skf case - Essay Example At such a point in time when the world has become a global village, and when companies need to put extra efforts to get noticed by the customer, it is important for a company to stay focused. SKF, the company which is the focus of this report, needs to maintain a consistency strategy when it comes to the future and what it aims to do with respect to the new decision that it has to make. SKF needs to maintain the strategy that they have been using till now, that is, to price their product at a premium price and play on value based selling, that is, they have designed and developed their product so well that it comes out to be one of the best in the industry and the perception that they have created in the eyes of the consumer is that of a premium product which cannot be easily replicated by any other company. It is important for companies to follow such a strategy in this clutter filled world, and where product differentiation can only be done in perceptions, and not in reality. SKF is thinking of changing its value based strategy to the strategy where it will compete on price and cater to the markets where price is an important factor. This will be a very wrong strategy for SKF, since till now, they have been premium priced and price was never a factor that they even considered. Customers came to SKF when they wanted true value for whatever money that they give. There will be value that will be reflected in the products that they receive. It was a win-win situation for both the consumers and the SKF Company. But this decision to change the strategy to compete on price would take the organization into a wrong direction, and they need to correct themselves as soon as possible. One of the first things that they need to remember is that there should be consistency in the strategy of a company, especially when the strategy has helped the company build the brand name that it has, and has helped it secure the

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Classical Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Classical Argument - Essay Example According to Carey, the National Public Radio, states that college students borrow very huge loans to supplement their stay in college. However, the government is also working very hard to ensure that the rates of borrowing loans for college students are low and the government does not care whether the students have borrowed loans surpassing the one trillion dollars. The government is also intending to double these rates since rumor has it, in order to enable the stay of the students comfortable in college. Eventually, this means that not only will the cost of college fees increases at the WVU university increase but also the amount the students will have to pay back in payment for loans are doubling. This arguments and matters may actually discourage other students anticipating on joining college when especially they think about the increasing cost of Fees and increasing money to pay back as loans after college. Although it is a pleasure that the government gives enough loans to the students, it is an advantage to wise students since they can decide to invest. In this case, the loans will help them positively in a better way. On the other hand, it is a disadvantage for the students will incur many debts with the government and thus it may become a great burden to the students who just do not utilize these loans and thus unless they find jobs on time, it may become very hard to repay the loans. Consequently, several changes have occurred in college tuitions over the last several decades. Tuition at colleges in the current generations cannot have any comparison to the college tuitions in the olden days. Following Feldman’s, Myths and Realities about Rising College Tuition, discusses the changes statistically, historically, and in a way that is not biased. In the past days, college tuition fee used to be very affordable and most people could afford it comfortably as compared to the current days where the college tuition fee is very high for the peasants to afford. This increasing of the cost of the college tuition is due to many factors, which include, one, the rising economy. The increasing cost of life has greatly affected the college tuition fee; this is because of the high prices for food and other household equipments and the increasing needs of the people. This in turn causes the lot of straining to the parents or guardians providing and catering for the college students. On the other hand, in the olden days, very few students qualified to join colleges, and thus this became very convenient for the institutions to provide very affordable accommodation, food and quality tuition at an affordable tuition fee. In addition, the cost of living had not yet risen to greater levels thus parents were very comfortable to pay the tuition fee. On the other hand, the government provided little loans to the students since the government also understood that the cost of life was affordable in comparison to the current cost of life in the colle ges. Life has generally become very demanding and expensive and thus the college students require more money. In the current days also, many students got admissions into colleges hence causing lot congestion into the institutions. The institutions require setting up more structures to accommodate the rising population of the institution

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Strategic management case study-skf case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic management case study-skf case - Essay Example At such a point in time when the world has become a global village, and when companies need to put extra efforts to get noticed by the customer, it is important for a company to stay focused. SKF, the company which is the focus of this report, needs to maintain a consistency strategy when it comes to the future and what it aims to do with respect to the new decision that it has to make. SKF needs to maintain the strategy that they have been using till now, that is, to price their product at a premium price and play on value based selling, that is, they have designed and developed their product so well that it comes out to be one of the best in the industry and the perception that they have created in the eyes of the consumer is that of a premium product which cannot be easily replicated by any other company. It is important for companies to follow such a strategy in this clutter filled world, and where product differentiation can only be done in perceptions, and not in reality. SKF is thinking of changing its value based strategy to the strategy where it will compete on price and cater to the markets where price is an important factor. This will be a very wrong strategy for SKF, since till now, they have been premium priced and price was never a factor that they even considered. Customers came to SKF when they wanted true value for whatever money that they give. There will be value that will be reflected in the products that they receive. It was a win-win situation for both the consumers and the SKF Company. But this decision to change the strategy to compete on price would take the organization into a wrong direction, and they need to correct themselves as soon as possible. One of the first things that they need to remember is that there should be consistency in the strategy of a company, especially when the strategy has helped the company build the brand name that it has, and has helped it secure the

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms Essay Example for Free

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms Essay I. Importance of Study Found in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, a group of Norwegian psychologists conducted an observational longitudinal study to discover whether or not there is a relationship because Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms (PTSD). Mette Senneseth, Kjersti Alsaker Gerd Karin Natvig, conducted this study. According to the journal, the aim of the study was to examine HRQoL and PTSD symptoms in the people that attend Accident and Emergency departments (AE), due to the fact that they suffer from some type of psychosocial crisis (Alasker et al. 2011, 403). Hereafter, this is referred to as Research 1. The study done in Research 1 revealed that there has been an interest in researching one’s quality of life, and how it correlates with one’s health. The term HRQoL refers to the â€Å"effects of health, illness and treatment on QoL† (Alasker et al. 2011, 403). There have been a number of studies that suggest that traumatic life events, including, but not limited to, sexual assault and military combat, have a negative effect on HRQoL. Additionally, poor HRQoL is not only associated with PTSD symptoms, but they are related to differences and modification in HRQoL, and there is a negative correlation between the two (Alasker et al. 2011, 403). The researchers hypothesized that people who seek help at AE, suffering from such psychosocial calamites, have lower HRQoL than the general population of Norway at the time of the study, and that the participants will have improved HRQoL after two months (Alasker et al . 2011, 403). In addition, a second hypothesis predicts that participants who have high levels of PTSD symptoms at the time of the study will have reduced symptoms after the conclusion of the study at two months. Lastly, the third hypothesis wraps the study up by predicating that high levels of PTSD symptoms are associated to low HRQoL scores in a follow-up experiment (Alasker et al., 2011, 403). Found in the Cyber-psychology, Behavior and Social Networking Journal, a group of researchers conducted a study to compare the effects of VR-graded exposure therapy (VR-GET) versus treatment as usual (TAU) on people suffering from combat related PTSD (McLay et al. 2011, 223). Robert Mclay, Dennis Wood, Jennifer Webb-Murphy, James Spira, Mark Miederholf, Jeffery Pyne and Brenda  Wiederhold conducted this study. Hereafter, this is referred to as Research 2. The doctors responsible for conducting this study found that there has only been one â€Å"randomized, controlled proof-of-concept† study that was specifically designed for Active Duty Service Members suffering from PTSD (McLay et al. 2011, 223). Also, the doctors wanted to extend the â€Å"already found research gathered† from victi ms of PTSD, and take the study one step further. The researchers of Research 2 hypothesized that â€Å"patients with combat-related PTSD would be more likely to experience clinically significant improvements in VR-GET than treatment as usual† (McLay et al. 2011, 224). VR-GET is a virtual reality stimulation that combines graded virtual reality exposure with â€Å"physiologic monitoring and skills training† (McLay et al. 2011, 224). Also, VR-GET promotes engagement with, rather than escaping the events and experiences that prompt a traumatic episode. II. METHODS In regards to Research 1, the participants in the study had to meet three criteria before they were able to participate. During the recruitment period, the researchers found participants who were attending the AE due to a â€Å"psychosocial crisis and who consulted a psychiatric nurse,† were 18 years of age or older, and those who were able to both read and understand Norwegian (Alasker et al. 2011, 404). A total of 113 were asked to participate in the study. Of those 113 people selected, 99 of the people participated in the baseline study, and 41 participated in both the baseline study, and the follow-up study. Aforementioned, this was an observational longitudinal study, where participants were observed repeatedly over a long period of time. There were two types of instruments that were used for the research in Research 1. The first instrument that was used was a SF-36 Health Survey, which is a â€Å"36 item self-report questionnaire that assesses eight domains of physical and MH ranging from 1-100† (Alasker et al. 2011, 404). In this survey, the higher score reveals the best HRQoL, and the lower score reveals the poorest HRQoL (Alasker et al. 2011, 404). The second instrument that was used for this study was the Post-traumatic Symptom Scale (PTSS-10), which is a ten item self-report questionnaire that â€Å"assesses the presence  and intensity of symptoms† (Alasker et al. 2011, 404). On the PTSS-10, scores range from 10 to 70, and a score of 35 or greater results in a PTSD diagnosis (Alasker et al. 2011, 404). In addition to the two questionnaires, participants were encouraged to go to consolations at the AE. The number of consultations that each participant attended varies throughout the study. In regards to Research 2, â€Å"participants for the study were all Active Duty Service Members who had been diagnosed by a military mental health professional as having PTSD† related to military combat (McLay et al. 2011, 224). At the end of the baseline assessment, those who were qualified to participate in he study were asked to draw a piece of paper out of an envelop, making the selection of treatment completely random, and giving the participants an equal chance of choosing either treatment. There were a total of twenty people that participated in this study; ten assigned to the VR-GET and another ten assigned to TAU (McLay et al. 2011, 225). The two methods of Research 2 consisted of the VR-GET and the TAU. The participants that were assigned for the VR-GET had a sequence of sessions that consisted of different activities. First, the therapist would meet with the participant and discuss their trauma history. In the second session, participants were asked to reveal their more traumatic stories of their military combat and tours. In later sessions, the participant used the virtual reality helmet to relive their most traumatic events, based off of the information that was gathered about them in the earlier sessions. In each session, the participants were observed on their ability to face their fears and anxieties (McLay et al. 2011, 225). â€Å"Participants assigned to TAU could receive any of the regular services available to them at the NMCSD and NHCP. These two facilities offer full spectrum of PTSD treatment, including, but not limited to, cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and group therapy† (McLa y et al. 2011, 225). III. ANALYSIS/RESULTS Analysis The researchers for Research 1 used the two self-report questionnaires to gather their data. In addition, the researchers processed the data using  statistical analysis with the help of SPSS16 Processor for Windows (Oslo, Norway). The researcher for this study wants to compare the results of the two surveys with the general population of Norway, and to succeed with that, they used SF-36 data through the Norwegian Coordinated Living Conditions Survey from 2002, consisting of 5131 people (Alasker et al. 2011, 405). In Research 2, it was found that participants in the baseline study had lower norm-based scores in all eight HRQoL domains in comparison to the general population of Norway. In the follow-up study, two months later, the â€Å"participants still had lower norm-based scores than the general population of Norway, but participants had improved their HRQoL in five of the eight domains from the baseline study to the follow-up study† (Alasker et al. 2011, 406). In regard to the PTSS-10 questionnaire in Research 1, among the participants in the baseline study, 79% of them had a PTSS-10 score that was 35, expressing high levels of PTSD symptoms (Alasker et al. 2011, 406). At the follow-up, â€Å"59% of the participants had a PTSS-10 score that was 35, which shows high levels of PTSD symptoms, which can indicate a risk of developing PTSD† (Alasker et al. 2011, 406). The researchers for Research 2 aimed to identify which of the VR-GET or TAU would yield a greater percentage of participants with a â€Å"clinically meaningful reduction in PTSD† (McLay et al. 2011, 225). The researcher succeeded in deepening their research by investigating the â€Å"difference in CAPS scores at an initial assessment and then at the post-treatment assessment in VR-GET versus TAU† (McLay et al. 2011, 226). The CAPS is a â€Å"rating scale for PTSD that corresponds with the 17 symptoms of PTSD† (McLay et al. 2011, 226). Participants were classified according to whether or not they had a 30% of larger reduction of their PTSD based on the results of their CAPS. ii. Analysis Results Taking a look at Research 1, and the question concerning whether or not there is a link between PTSD symptoms and HRQoL, researchers looked at the differences in SF-36 scores between PTSS-10 subgroups in a follow-up study (Alasker et al. 2011, 406). â€Å"The PTSS-10 high scoring and low scoring subgroups at the 2-month follow-up differed in all eight of the HRQoL domains in the follow up study† (Alasker et al. 2011, 406). In addition, the PTSS-10 low scoring participants had improved HRQoL in six out of the eight domains (Alasker et al. 2011, 407). In regards to Research 2, all ten of the participants assigned to the VR-GET were assessed with the CAPS at the post-assessment. Seven out of the ten participants showed an improvement of 30% or more on the CAPS. On the other hand, out of the ten participants that were assigned to the TAU, one did not complete a CAPS assessment. Nevertheless, one out of the nine returning participants receiving the TAU revealed more than a 30% improvements on the CAPS (McLay et al. 2011, 226). â€Å"There was no significant difference between VR-GET and TAU average CAPS scores both before and after the treatments, but there was indeed a significant difference in the average CAPS score over the course of the entire treatment† (McLay et al. 2011, 226). IV. DISCUSSION Results Summary Concerning Research 1’s first hypothesis, participants of the study reported lower HRQoL compared to the general population of Norway in all eight HRQoL domains (Alasker et al. 2011, 408). In regards to the second hypothesis, participants in Research 1 reported high levels of PTSD symptoms at the time of the baseline experiment. Furthermore, PTSS-10 scores did improve from the time of the baseline experiment to the follow-up. The results show that PTSD symptoms decrease for people suffering from a psychosocial crisis in the 2 months after attending the AE (Alasker et al. 2011, 408). Lastly, concerning the questions if there is a link between the level of PTSD symptoms and HRQoL in the follow-up study, the researchers found that a â€Å"high level of PTSD symptoms after a two month period were linked to lower HRQoL† (Alasker et al. 2011, 408). Results for Research 2 Strengths and Weaknesses In regards to Research 1, there are many strengths and lurking variables that should be pointed out. One strength of the study was that they  progress of the study was completely up to the participant. The participant had the option as to how may consultations they wanted to attend, and the varied decisions led to different results. Another strength of the study was that they used instruments that were both appropriate to the study, and reliable. On the contrary, there were several confounding variables in Research 1 that must be acknowledged. First, there is no evidence that anyone in this trial was on any sort of anti-depressant or medication that would affect his or her scores on the SF-36 and the PTSS-10. Also, there are so many different traumatic events that would cause someone to show symptoms of PTSD. The study should limit its participants to those who experienced similar types of trauma. As for Research 2, there were also strengths and weaknesses to the study. As for its strengths, the doctors did a good job through their selections process to select a small group of people who were highly qualified for this study. Also, the exam that was used to measure the severity of the participants PTSD was based off of seventeen symptoms of PTSD, whereas the instrument used in Research 1 (PTSS-10) only focused on ten symptoms of PTSD. Lastly, the ten-week span of the study was appropriate in yielding results. Just like any other study, there are confounding variables that need to be identified for Research 2. Although the goal was to get the participants in for a reassessment at the conclusion of the study (ten weeks), reassessment for some did not occur until as far as 36 weeks. With that being said, participants have plenty of time to have a relapse, or more time in combat that can result in more severe PTSD. iii. Future Directions The researchers of Research 1 suggest that a â€Å"randomized control trial with a control group is needed to investigate the effect of the psychosocial interactions that are given to this group† (Alasker et al. 2011, 407). In addition, they suggest that it is crucial to get more, information about the long term effects of acute crisis intervention on PTSD symptoms and HRQoL â€Å"given by psychiatric nurses to participants† (Alasker et al. 2011, 410). The researchers of Research 2 also have some suggestions for further directions of this research. It was stated that other studies on the topic  of virtual reality therapy on PTSD victims, improvements in symptoms aren’t visible until sometimes three months after treatment. For future studies there needs to be a longer wait time for the follow-ups so that there can be the most accurate results. In addition, the journal states that careful monitoring of the participants is also something that needs to be done more thorough in the future because a participants overall health, aside from PTSD, must be taken into consideration when the researchers are making observations and conclusions about the participants (McLay et al. 2011, 226). Works Cited Mette Senneseth, Kjersti Alsaker, Gerd Karin Natvig. (2011). Health-related Quality of Life and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Accident and Emergency Attenders Suffering From Psychosocial Crises: a Longitudinal Study, Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(2), 402-414. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.rocky.iona.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=6c7164f6-d4f6-4ce6-8a46-f1ad579caf63%40sessionmgr15vid=5hid=24 Robert N. Mclay, Dennis P. Wood, Jennifer A. Webb-Murphy, James L. Spira, Mark D. Wiederhold, Jeffery M. Pyne, Brenda K. Wiederhold. (2011). A Randomized, Control Trial of Virtual Reality-Graded Exposure Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Active Duty Service Members with Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking Volume 14, Issue 4. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.rocky.iona.edu:2048/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=61603dcf-c639-423e-8f1e-365db0b36d61%40sessionmgr13vid=4hid=24

Monday, October 14, 2019

Analysis of Gun Shot Residue using Electron Microscopy (EM)

Analysis of Gun Shot Residue using Electron Microscopy (EM) Nathan Dean Thompson Review of the composition of gunshot residue (GSR) in coherence with its characteristics when analysed using electron microscopy (EM) and energy dispersive electron techniques. The key piece of evidence residing at incidents involving firearms is the gunshot residue (GSR) that is created when a gun is fired. Gunshot residue (GSR) can also be labelled as cartridge discharge residue (CDR) or firearms discharge residue (FDS) produced from firing a firearm. Gunshot residue contains a multitude of burned particles (potassium nitrite) however not all of the particles are burned and some particles remained unburned (Bailey et al, 2013), the discharge of a firearm initially produces a plume of airborne particulates; this plume contains a diverse mixture of vapours and particles that originates due to the upsurge of the cartridge from the firearm. Due to the organic disposition of the propellant, it has been proven that it can be difficult to analyse the GSR’s organic make-up from the propellants residue, although various techniques have been reported leading to promising analyses. Forensic analysts therefore typically use the inorganic components originating mainly from the primer to detect GSR particles on items in relation to the incident. The particular particulate of importance is composed of lead (Pb), barium (Ba) and antimony (Sb), each in varying quantities. The combusted material escapes the weapon through the openings as vapours and solidifies as particulate that varies in shape and size from submicron to over 100 microns (ÃŽ ¼m) when exposed to the rapid temperature change between the vapour and the particulate. The three major components in the primers compound play important roles in the formation and identification of GSR; the initiator component consists of lead styphnate, the oxidizer component consists of barium nitrate and the fuel component consisting of antimony sulphide (Schwoeble and Exline, 2000). Available to GSR analysis are a vast array of techniques that can be used individually or coupled together for analysis of GSR particulates. Electron Microscopy (EM) is microscopic technique uses a particle beam of electrons to illuminate the specimen to produce a magnified image. Electron microscopes have an increased resolving power than a standard light microscope as of their ability to achieve magnification levels of up to 2 million times, whereas ordinary light microscopes are limited to useful magnifications below 2 thousand times. The electron microscope uses electro-charged and electromagnetic lenses to control the magnitude and intensity of the electron beam before focussing it to form an image. In conveyance, the electron beam first gets diffracted by the specimen, and then the lenses re-focus the beam into a Fourier-transformed image of the diffracted pattern for the investigation of the targeted area of the sample. Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM-EDX) has developed to become the technique of choice for GSR analysis due to it being widely available, spatially judicious and non-destructive. SEM looks at identifying different particles that have a light molecular weight, while the heavier elements rely on a technique known as x-ray diffraction (XDF). The electrons interact with the samples atoms that get detected through the detector, stored and produce signals containing information about the samples surface topography, composition and other elemental properties like conductivity. Throughout the interactions of primary electrons secondary particles; these electrons arise due to inelastic collisions between primary electrons (the beam) and loosely bound electrons of the conduction band (more probable) or tightly bound valence electrons. The energy transferred is sufficient enough to break the bond that binds them to the solid and are ejected. The interaction ejects electrons typically have ≈ 5 50 eV. 50 eV is an arbitrary cut-off point at which anything below this value is deemed to be secondary electrons. In SEM-EDX the spectra produced through the analyses of the backscattered electrons provides qualitative information of the particles present due to the high proportion of the numerous scattering effects. However the backscattered particles produced by the ionic beam customarily undertakes a single scattering event; this single event also encourages for the quantitative understanding of the particles energy levels and through being stored electronically and then gets presented on a spectra. The particle spectrum (EBS) allows for the calculation of the total charge being deposited against the dissimilarity of the charges present within the matrix’s signal as a function of depth; this allows the X-ray absorption to be calculated accurately thus further enabling the quantitative analysis of the constituent elements. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is also a non-destructive method of analysis but lacks spatial resolution and also suffers from quantification problems. While SEM coupled with Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM-WDX) utilize a micro calorimeter detector which offers a greater enhanced sensitivity to detect minute trace elements compared with SEM-EDX but is incapable of providing quantitative information for the type of element present (Molina et al., 2007). Micro Particle Induced X-ray Emission (ÃŽ ¼-PIXE) uses an ionic beam consists of protons with energy values between 2 and 3 MeV to produce the same intensity of X-ray emissions as the SEM-EDX technique (Romolo et al, 2013), however ÃŽ ¼-PIXE detects elements at the value of mg kgÃâ€" ¾1 due to the lesser primary bremsstrahlung background of decelerated charged particulates produced by protons. Previous preliminary work has shown that ÃŽ ¼-PIXEs sensitivity levels are far greater than those of SEM/EDX to the trace elements in GSR particles (Christopher et al, 2013). Furthermore similar studies have recently demonstrated that ÃŽ ¼-PIXE coupled together with Particle Induced Gamma Emission (PIGE) technique is capable of providing an unprecedented characterization of the GSR particles that arise from primers not containing lead. Multivariate analysis confirms the validity of the approximations used in order to streamline the method, thus increasing the validation of the analytical procedures used. This procedure has the ability to provide reproducible and quantitative measurements of a population of GSR particles. A quantitative and discriminative protocol for populations of GSR’s is unprecedented, thus the grouping behavior of the particles from three cartridge designs from one manufacturer can be shown. The method was shown to be non-destructive even under unrealistically prolonged analysis times. Relocation of the particles from SEM technique was demonstrated down to diameters of 1 ÃŽ ¼m, and new developments in the technology could lower this limit in the near future (Dockery and Goode., 2003). The reproducibility of the method for reanalysis of the same set of particles showed variations in the measured concentrations for most elements of around 10% and to those that reflect the spatial inhomogeneity in the particles as well as the precision of the protocol. Two populations of particles from the hands of the shooter of the same make of cartridge could not be discriminated under the same protocol, however the discrimination between the three different makes of ammunition was obtained with a significant separation value with above 99% confidence rating after analysis of the shooters hands. This is particularly interesting in forensic science because we have studied three makes all containing lead, antimony and barium in the primer. Correspondingly, particles produced by one make of cartridge and compared with different firearms were not discriminated (Christopher et al., 2013) (Romolo et al., 2013). SEM-EDX is not a technique which should be dependent on upon the determination of firearm discharge by an individual, nor is it a reliable technique to determine self-inflicted sustained wounds or not self-inflicted. Moreover a positive GSR result may be of use, while a negative result produced is not helpful as the result may indicate that a person discharged the firearm post to death or whether the firearm was discharged prior to death. When the different types of cartridge shells or cases, belonging to a multitude of different firearms are recovered from the crime scene, the GSR particles are thoroughly compared and analysed, with a known ‘control’ source compared against the samples obtained from the suspect can lead to the inconclusive match between the particles morphology and characteristics and the discussion of the evidence in court. This is because of the sensitivity of the technique utilized to analyse trace elements and its inability to offer quantitative information from single particles having much lesser sensitivity levels to analyse light and heavy metals. Therefor this creates a requirement of a technique that retains its non-destructive nature with the enhanced sensitivity to analyse both light and heavy metal particles more efficiently (French and Morgan, 2015), yet it has a much greater proficiency than SEM-EDX to collect chemical information from singular GSR particles and quantify th is information allowing for greater judgement between multiple sources. The effectiveness of sample sizes is significant at low particle numbers. However their evidential value might still be added even at their low number of particles by excluding possible sources for a GSR sample. However there are still implications to be measured that arise from forensic investigation and the observation of analysis to be considered, including the need to prevent contamination of the sample through primary, secondary and possibly tertiary transfer during the collection phase, as well as the importance of acknowledging the potential risk of contamination that will result in the loss of integrity and the evidential value in court that might arise through firearm incidents reconstruction for further evidential analysis is also stressed. Through the means of experimental studies, present techniques can be advanced to further improve the dynamic understanding of GSR dynamics of transfer, depositing and assisting in forensic reconstruction of firearm incidents. References Christopher, M, E., Warmenhaeven, J, W., Romolo, F, S., Daghi, M., Webb, R., Jeynes, C., Ward, N, I., Kirkby, K, J., Bailey, M, J., (2013). A new quantitative method for gunshot residue analysis by ion beam analysis. Analyst. 138, (16), 4649-4655 Molina, D, K., Martinez, M., Garcia, J., Daimio, V, J., (2007). Gunshot residue testing in suicides: part1: analysis by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray. Journal of Forensic Medical Pathology. (3), 187-190 Schwoeble, A, J and Exline, D, L., (2000). Current methods in Forensic Gunshot residue analysis. 1st ed. New York: CRC press Romolo, F, S., Christopher, M, E., Donghi, M., Ripani, L., Jeynes, C., Webb, R, P., Ward, N, I., Kirkby, K, J., Bailey, M, J., (2013). Integrated Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) in Gunshot Residue (GSR) characterisation. Forensic Science International. 231, (1-3), 219-228 Rosenberg, M, B and Dockery, C, R., (2008).Determining the lifetime of detectable amounts of gunshot residue in the hands of a shooter using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Applied Spectroscopy. 62, (11), 1238-1241 Dockery, C, R and Goode, S, R., (2003). Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for gunshot residue on the hands of a shooter. Applied Optics. 42, (30), 6153-6158 French, J and Morgan, R., (2015). An experimental investigation of the indirect transfer and deposition of gunshot residue: further studies carried out with SEM-EDX analysis. Forensic Science International. 247, 14-17 Weblearn, [online] accessed 27th April 2015, available from https://bblearn.londonmet.ac.uk/webapps/portal/execute/tabs/tabAction?tab_tab_group_id=_1_1>

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Essay --

At the beginning, Nick Carraway, the protagonist, gives his backstory. He recently moved into a house he rented in West Egg, which is a district in long island. It is full of â€Å"new rich† (people who recently got their money.) East Egg, however, is full of people who were born rich. The people that live in these places are the same, but different. Nick lives near a mysterious man named Jay Gatsby. He lives in a huge mansion and is always throwing awesome parties. Nick goes to a dinner with his cousin from East Egg, Daisy, and her husband Tom Buchanan. At the dinner, Nick meets Jordan Baker, a pro golfer. Tom leaves the room for a phone call. The call is from his lover, Myrtle Wilson. Jordan leaves because she has a golf tournament the next day, and Daisy and Tom suggest that Nick and Jordan get into a relationship together. Nick goes home to see Gatsby outside staring a green dock light. Later, Tom and Nick are riding a train to New York, but Tom forces Nick to get off with him to the valley of ashes. He is going to George Wilson’s garage to see Myrtle Wilson. Tom brings her and Tom to an apartment he keeps just for his affair in New York. There they have a â€Å"party† with Myrtle’s sister, Catherine, and the McKees. They discuss rumors about Gatsby and get drunk. Tom gives Myrtle a dog. Later, she starts to talk about Daisy, and Tom gets angry and tells her to stop talking about her. She continues so she breaks her nose. Later, Nick is home when one of Gatsby’s servants brings him an invitation to his party. Nick goes to the party where he sees that Jordan is also there. While there, they hear people discussing Gatsby’s background and what they have heard. They try looking for Gatsby, but run into a man reading books in Gatsby’s libra... ... sees Gatsby outside of Daisy’s house. He tells Nick that Daisy was driving and he’s waiting to see if Tom is going to hurt Daisy. The next day, before Nick goes to work, he goes to Gatsby and finds out that he was at the Buchanan’s all night and nothing happened. Nick stays to talk with Gatsby about his love for Daisy. One of Gatsby’s servants tells him he wants to drain the pool, but Gatsby intends to use it soon. Nick later explains that when Wilson found out about Myrtle’s accident, he thought the other car belonged to her lover. So he tried to find out who owns the car. He knows that Tom knows whose car it is. Later, he shows up at Gatsby’s mansion. Gatsby is in his pool, on a raft, looking at the sky, when Wilson shoots him and then shoots himself. Nick shows up and sees Gatsby dead. For the funeral, Nick tries to get people to the funeral but nobody will go.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Stop the Harassment of Sex Offenders Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive

Stop the Harassment of Sex Offenders      Ã‚  Ã‚   People shied away from him, as people often do when confronted with a powerful stench. Jesse could not help it, hygiene was not so high on his list of priorities, finding food and shelter were a bit more important. He could not find employment even though he was hardworking and educated. Jesse wanted to work, and as a college graduate, he should have ample opportunity to do so. However, Jesse's life had taken a severe downturn. Shortly after graduation, he met a girl at a bar who was willing to 'celebrate' with him. One thing led to another as things are frequently prone to do and Jesse indulged himself. Unfortunately, the girl was only sixteen (a very mature sixteen), her father learned of Jesse's actions and had the boy arrested. He was convicted of statutory rape and received a slap on the wrist - so to speak. You see, Jesse was now a sex offender and had to register with the state police; his name, address, telephone number, and picture were published and put on the Internet. Almost immediately, he began receiving threatening phone calls and all job prospects dried up. His life was over.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Even though the above is a total fabrication, it still rings true. According to the Charleston Gazette, in 1994, seven-year-old Megan Kanka was kidnaped and killed by a twice convicted sex offender who lived in her neighborhood. People in her neighborhood did not know of his past (Internet: Don't...). This brought about the spread of the so-called 'Megan's laws', states must now keep registers of sex offenders. Some states go a step further with these laws. Janet Reynolds of the Hartford Advocate reports that, in addition to the registry, California legislature voted to make che... ...ck to well lit areas at night, and try not to walk around alone at night, you could even take a self-defense class. Let people make amends for their mistakes and get on with their lives.       Works Cited    "Don't Panic. Use Offender List Wisely." Editorial. Charleston Gazette 30 Sept. 1998. Available at   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://wvgazette.com/Editorial/PANC0930.html    "Phone Number Mix-up Wreaks Havoc." The Herald Dispatch 4 Oct. 1998, 3 C.    Reynolds, Janet. "The New Scarlet Letter." Hartford Advocate 1997. Available at   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.hartfordadvocate.com/articles/scarlet.html    Searls, Tom. "List of Sex Offenders Sends Up a Red Flag". Charleston Gazette 1 Oct. 1998.    Snyder, John. Letter. The Brown Daily Herald 5 Feb. 1998. Available at   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.theherald.org/herald/issues/020598/aclu.f.html      

Friday, October 11, 2019

How the Bible Shows God as Creator Essay

The Bible has many different ways of showing God as the creator of the universe. Many people use the Bible to reflect on what God did for them, so that they are able to live as they do now. The Judaeo-Christian belief is that everything has been created; therefore there must have been a creator. They believe that this creator is God. Before there was anything there was God. God is self existent and eternal, He never began and He will never end. God is the creator so therefore has never been created. He was able to make everything from ex nihilo instead of actual matter. The book of Hebrews agrees with this, ‘†¦ we understand that the universe was formed at Gods command, so that what is seen is not made out of what is visible. ‘ Also because He is creator†¦ or just a period of time, but when He created time he gave everything a definite beginning according to His will. When God was creating the different parts of the world, He says ‘let there be†¦ ‘ and there is. This shows God as creator because all He has to do is to want something to be in a particular shape and format and it is. God took control over every single thing he made and moulded it into what He wanted it to be like. When He finished creating something ‘he was pleased,’ showing that everything He made was perfect. He dominates the beginning of the Bible with all the things that He has made himself. No one else comes into the book for some time because it is all about God, showing his dominance. The story does talk of the creation but in nearly every sentence it talks of how God created or God said or saw, it focuses on God as the creator. The second creation story is that of Adam and Eve. God makes a man from dust and breathes his own breath into him. Later on He creates a woman from one of Adam’s ribs and they are each others true companions. This story shows God as creator because it is showing God creating humans in His own image; they are separate from animals because of God breathing His own breath into Adams body. This gives our lives more meaning and purpose, God wants to live closely to humans and wants people to know about Him and live with the creator’s concerns in mind. God is responsible for everything in the universe. ‘ Discuss. Many Christians would agree that God is responsible for everything because He made our world. He purposely chose to make everything the way it is today for a reason, so if He is the one who made it all therefore it should be God who takes the responsibility of the universe. You could argue that because God made everything and He made it so that it was supposed to be perfect, then how can he allow natural disasters and disease to occur. God is omniscient, therefore everything that is happening in our world, God has chosen that to happen, everything is there for a particular reason. When God crested the world He gave us free will but He still created it, so in a way we think we have our own free will but because God is omniscient then He has already chosen what will happen to us. Human beings could be seen as God’s robots, doing what we have been programmed to do. We have a responsibility to do good whilst we are on the earth because that has been programmed into us through God when He first created Adam and Eve. However other Christians may disagree that God is responsible for everything because humans are the ones who actually live on the earth, whereas God is not actually part of this world. Human beings were given the breath of God when He created the first man and this has been passed onto all humans throughout history. By giving us a difference from animals, gives humans a higher state of hierarchy. By having this power higher than all other things on the earth it makes us responsible for the world and it is up to humans to look after it. When God created Eve she ate from the tree of knowledge which God had forbidden. This created original sin, as Eve had given into the temptation of the snake and the tree and gone against what God had said. Some Christians believe that it is Eve then who is the root of all evil. If eve had not eaten fruit from the tree, then the world might have been a better place. God gave them the chance of free will and wanted to see if they could resist temptation and because they couldn’t we are now still suffering for that mistake. So it is not God who was responsible for that but actually human beings and that is why evil occurs in the world. It is almost a warning sign from God to keep taking care of the world he created. I don’t think that there is one right answer for this question. God did create the world; therefore we are all under his power. However no one in the world is perfect and we all make mistakes and a lot of the time those mistakes can affect lots of people, until it grows into a worldwide thing. As God did give us free will then I think that makes us partially responsible for the world and space maybe not the universe.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Highline Financial Services Essay

Every origination needs to separate themselves from their competition. From offering the newest and latest products to offering outstanding service. Highland Financial Services Itd. Is no different from other companies. Standing out from other organizations is critical for the company’s success. Managing partner Freddie Mack must use the information that he has been provided with to find if he may need to hire or layoff any personnel for the upcoming year. Doing this accurately will help the company reach their goals and insure the companies well being for the future. Freedie Mack will need to use moving average date technique. This technique that averages a number of recent values, updated as new values become available (Stevenson, 2012 p. 84). Freedie must use the following equation. Ft=Man= n E i-t At-i/n= At-n†¦+At-z+At-1/n. By taking amounts from each quarter in the corresponding service areas and dividing the values, Freedie will get the percent’s of growth. The example would be from year one, quarter one, service A and year two using service A quarter one (60/72=1.2% growth projection and then taking the 1.2% and multiplying this by 72). This would give the organization an 86 in service column A for year three, quarter one and so on for each quarter as we will see in the table below. Freedie would use this date to determine the growth or fall regarding the demand. He can use this to predict several years in the future using this technique. Using this technique is easy and easy to understand (Stevenson 2012, p.85). The observations from the technique are the service scores gradually are increasing with the average growth if 1.19% in service A, 1.15% growth in service B, and .98% in service C. Service A and B are growing at a higher pace, while service C is growing slower. To grow the service areas faster, Highland Financial Services Ltd. should offer higher service standards within the current service areas in the coming quarters and years. One option the company may want to explore is better training to up sell the better service package to their clients. This potentially would raise sales and allow them to hire more employees. Freedie should be concerned the organization is not growing in the service area C column. All but quarter three are down, the organization must do something to improve the service  for this quarter by looking into their operations strategy. Depending on what the companies current operations strategy is, they may want to revisit the strategy. Freedie must use up to date information on demand forecasting for the organization. One thing that they can do is use shorter time frames versus long term forecasting due to economy or other outside obstacles. Using short time frame forecasting will allow the organization flexibility if they need to adjust their forecast (Stevenson 2012, p.109). The organization should not layoff any personnel, but rather hire more staff for the business needs as they arise. While the trend shows a raise in service over the next year, they may want to plan for the future and look more into the next few years rather than just one year. Doing this will allow them to hire an appropriate amount of people and be able to train them to be ready for the upcoming business gain and future success of the business. Table below shows the forecast for Year 3 and the four quarters within the year. References: Stevenson, W, J. (2012) Operations Management, 11th edition, New York, N.Y: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.