Monday, September 30, 2019

California Pizza Kitchen Case Study Essay

California Pizza Kitchen was first created in 1985 in Beverly Hills, California. By 2007 there were 213 locations throughout 28 states and 6 countries. Although 41% of the stores were based in California, keeping with the restaurants theme, the dining model flourished throughout the United States. For the second quarter of 2007, although they were faced with industry challenges such as raised commodity, labor and energy costs, they were still expected to break quarterly records with over $6 million in profits. Although they experienced good performance, the share price had declined 10% to a current value of $22.10. Susan Collyns, CFO, and her team were faced with the decision of a share repurchase program. They had little money in excess cash though, so a repurchase agreement would mean debt financing. A share repurchase would send a positive signal to the market, with future values expected to be high. The financial team also needs to decide on the appropriate capital structure. Because of the low interest rates, CPK can issue the debt needed for a repurchase agreement at a low cost. Also because they have no previous debt, this would not be a large risk and it will in fact increase the value of CPK due to decreased taxes, which comes from the tax shield. The leverage from exhibit 9 has different effects for return on equity and cost of capital. For return on equity, as you increase leverage, the ROE increases as well. At 10% debt/capital, ROE is 9.52%, 20% debt/capital, ROE is 10.19%, and 30% debt/capital, ROE is 11.05%. Using the beta equation to find the effect on cost of equity, you can see that it increases as well when the leverage increases. For 10% debt/capital, the beta of equity is .87 and cost of equity is 14.34%, 20% debt/capital, beta equity is .89 and cost of equity is 14.56%, lastly 30% debt/capital, beta equity is .915 and cost of equity is 14.84%. These increases also mean an increase in risk of the company because of the additional debt taken on. When taking into consideration the WACC equation, there will be an overall decrease in cost of equity to the firm because of the low cost of debt and the additional tax shield. When finding share prices, it is evident they will increase with each debt/capital percent. At 10% debt/capital, the price of stock will go up to $22.35, which is a 1.13% increase in price, and allows the buy back of 1.01 million shares. At 20% debt/capital structure, the price will move up to $22.60, a 2.26% increase  and can buy back 1.99 million shares. Lastly, a 30% debt/capital, the price will move to $22.86, a 2.99% increase and allow the buy back of 2.97 million shares. Again, the added value to the firm can be attributed to the present value of the tax shield that debt allows them to capture. So this allows for the buy back of shares at the new price. In my opinion, I think Susan Collyns should choose the 20% debt/capital structure. Under this structure, they should partake in a share repurchase program and buy back around 1.99 million shares. This will allow for an increase in share price that would please shareholders. There is not a huge level of risk involved in the 20% structure, it leaves room for future expansion but moderates how much debt taken on.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

McDonald’s: The coffee spill

1. What are the major issues in the Liebeck case and in the following incidents? Was the lawsuit â€Å"frivolous† as some people thought, or serious business? The major issues in this case include how hot the coffee should be, when to draw the line on making a case outrageous and how corporations are supposed to please customers without worrying about being sued. I believe that the lawsuit was frivolous because of the amount of money that was being asked for. It is common sense that when you order coffee or any other hot beverage that contents will be hot.I feel that it was the fault of Liebeck and although this is the case, McDonald’s should have paid the medical bills and settled out of court before it was blown out of proportion. 2. What are McDonald’s social (economic, legal, and ethical) responsibilities toward consumers in the Liebeck case and the other cases? What are consumers' responsibilities when they buy a product such as hot coffee or hot hamburgers? How does a company give consumers what they want and yet protect them at the same time?McDonald’s responsibilities are to be honest and fair economically, legally and ethically. Any business should keep the safety of their customers in mind and if an incident does occur, take responsibility. Consumers are responsible for situational awareness. They should pay more attention to what they are doing and if something does occur, consumers should act within reason and not try to get every cent from the company they can. It is impossible to keep everyone happy. 3. What are the arguments supporting McDonald’s position in the Liebeck case?What are the arguments supporting Liebeck’s position? McDonald’s stated that Liebeck had only herself to blame for placing the cup between her legs. It was also stated that Liebeck failed to leap out of the seat allowing the coffee to penetrate her clothing and burning her. A burn expert for Liebeck stated that 170 degree coffe e is capable of causing second degree burns within 3. 5 seconds. It was also argued that 700 complaints, equal to one in every 24 million cups sold, is trivial.This statement was supposed to help McDonald’s but in turn helped Liebeck. 4. If you had been a juror in the Liebeck case, which position would you most likely have supported? Why? What if you had been a juror in the pickle burn case? If I were a juror in this case or the pickle burn case, I would have most likely supported McDonald’s. I feel that people should show a little more common sense when they order food. Most people want to get their food while it is still hot so why don’t people sue when food is too cold?On the other hand, McDonald’s should make the warning on the cup larger and warn consumers as they order. 5. What are the similarities and differences between the coffee burn case and the pickle burn case? Does one represent a more serious threat to consumer harm? What should McDonald's, and other fast food restaurants, do about hot food, such as hamburgers, when consumers are injured? Both the coffee case and the pickle burn case have one big thing in common. Both cases are against McDonald’s.Both cases are based on the same complaint, too hot, but the burns resulted from different sources. As I stated above, fast food restaurants should make labels larger as well as give a verbal warning. Maybe they should make the entire wrapper or cup a warning. I cannot however agree to lower the temperature. I feel that if a customer wishes to have a cooler beverage, ask the server to pour a little cool water in it to cool it off. As far as food is concerned, consumers should have the common sense to wait. 6. What is your assessment of the â€Å"Stella Awards?†Is this making light of a serious problem? I think that the Stella awards are funny. They show us what people are willing to sue over and how outrageous the cases can be. The serious problem that I see is people are losing more and more common sense and businesses are paying for it. 7. What are the implications of these cases for future product-related lawsuits? Do we now live in a society where businesses are responsible for customers’ accidents or carelessness in using products? We live in a society that is growing older.Does this fact place a special responsibility on merchants who sell products to senior citizens? I feel that we are living in a world where businesses are responsible for consumer carelessness and accidents. Senior citizens should be warned over and over if a product is hot but should not place a special responsibility on merchants that sell to senior citizens. As far as implications, for the court systems to remain fair, damages should and need to be given to all but it does not have to be millions and millions of dollars.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

The Benefits and the Drawbacks of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Research Paper

The Benefits and the Drawbacks of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Telephony - Research Paper Example In simple terms, VoIP can be considered to have similar function like that of telephone but this process has many extended features. The project will broadly analyze the importance of this technology and all those areas where it can be widely implemented and applied. The study will also comprise of the scope of development of this particular technology and the extent to which this technology can be made popular and relied upon. Furthermore, all those broad measures will also be highlighted that can be implemented for making widespread application of the technology. Beside the importance, the problems that will be faced while identifying the measures along with the drawbacks associated with this technology will also be listed and discussed upon. The study will also encompass the various issues related with the security and privacy concern associated with the use of VoIP. Additionally, it will also highlight the other essential features of VoIP reflecting its efficiency in terms of cos t of the technology, accuracy, quality, and timely delivery of services among other factors. THESIS STATEMENT The main aim of the study would be to analyze all those broad factors that can prove to provide opportunities of growth for Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology. ... VIEW Identifying the Network System Used In the VoIP Telephony According to Hiwasaki, Ohmuro, Mori, Kurihara and Kataoka (2006), a very high tech networking process is followed in the process of VoIP. The networking system allows uninterrupted communication process both in audio and video modes. The network codifies the signals in such a way that all round clarity is maintained in the overall communication process (Hiwasaki, Ohmuro, Mori, Kurihara and Kataoka 1-7). Defining the Importance of VoIP Telephony for the Business World As per Garrie and Wong (2007), there are various factors that can be considered for determining the importance of VoIP telephony for the business world. Accordingly, if the voice that transmits through the networks is regulated properly over the internet protocols then it would be able to create a positive impact in the overall voice process. Furthermore, if the voice is processed and transmitted from one channel to another in a more precise form then it woul d provide great benefits and this efficiency can also be utilized in a business and can prove to derive much better results. It can be strongly admitted that applicability of VoIP telephony is widely gaining popularity in the business segment as an effective modes of communication. It has been ascertained that VoIP telephony offers quick dissemination audio-visual messages relatively at lower costs and at higher speed (Garrie and Wong 550-574). Evaluating the Benefits of VoIP Telephony in the Global Communication Kerner (2005) suggested that the use of VoIP is becoming widespread and is continuously being utilized in the overall market. It has been argued that the application of VoIP can be made even more efficient if more stress is laid upon providing end to end results. It has been

Friday, September 27, 2019

Solar Energy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Solar Energy - Essay Example Solar energy is energy that is obtained from the sun. The sun is known as a big ball of heat and light that results from the nuclear fusion at is core. This process releases energy that travels in an outward direction to the surface of the sun. A long distance is covered to the surface as the energy transforms and is released as its primarily light energy, sunlight. The two forms of solar energy that make it to the earth are light and heat. Solar energy is often termed as alternative energy to the fossil fuel energy sources like oil and coal Every hour the sun beams on the earth’s surface a lot of energy that can sustain it for a long period. On the surface of the earths orbit, the solar radiation is at a rate of about 1,333 per meter Squared. This is known as the solar constant. Solar energy is a technology that is used with the goal of harnessing sun energy and making it useable. Currently, the technology produces energy that can cater for a major portion of the global energ y demand. The various types of solar power include solar photovoltaic power, solar thermal energy and passive solar energy. Solar photovoltaic power is harnessed when the sun rays are converted to electricity. The quantity produced is reliant of the intensity of sun rays. Solar thermal energy uses the sun rays to heat water and the inside of homes. Passive solar energy is the heating of a building or home depending on the architectural design. The design of the window placement and the sunroom structure helps to keep the house warm. Since non renewable energy like oil and gas continue to become limited resources, people are now seeking to explore the alternative sources of energy that are available. Among the available sources energy, solar energy comes highly recommended. As oil continues to become depleted, the majority of people believe that solar energy systems will be the next source of energy in the future. An advantage of solar energy systems is that it offers people the oppo rtunity of being of self sufficient (Foster 38). People can take advantage of the energy that is produced by the sun as heat from the sun is guaranteed. This energy is converted instantly and can be used for a myriad of purposes. The fact of the matter is the this type of energy is under utilized as we continue to over utilized fossil fuels and risk the danger of it being depleted. On the other hand, solar energy is renewable and is environmentally friendly but we fail to capitalize on it. Solar energy has been confirmed as being efficient in industrial and resident setting and is used for cooking, lighting, space technology, cooling and communication among other uses. It is also deemed that fossil fuel is a form of solar energy that has been stored in organic form. However, since fossil fuels have been deduced to make a major negative impact on the environment and has raised concerns of global warming and pollution, solar energy is steadily increasing its importance in homes and in dustries. As opposed to the restrictions placed on the fossil fuels, there is no limitations place on solar energy availability as the sun produces heat on a daily basis that can be tapped and converted to other forms of energy. There has been a major improvement in solar energy technology and it is making solar energy more affordable (Hough 48). Once the solar panel has been set up, there are no additional costs that are incurred. It is resonated that in the near future, people will be fully dependent on renewable energy, more specifically, solar energy. Background of solar energy Many people have the assumption that solar power is a relatively new form of energy but, this is far the truth. The sun has been a source of energy since the ancient times. The Native American and the ancient Greek were the first to explore solar energy back in 400 BC. They build their houses on the hill sides to take advantage of the heat that was released by the Sun during the day to cool their houses d uring the cold nights. The

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Color Compisition and Polarized Light Research Paper

Color Compisition and Polarized Light - Research Paper Example These forms of microscopes are well designed in such a manner that they are capable of photographing the most visible specimens because of their existing anisotropic characters. These microscopes are duly instilled with the polarizers and the analyzers. Polarizers are often placed across the light path just before the given specimen, while the analyzers are usually placed at the optical pathway of the objective camera port and rear aperture).Interaction of the plane polarized light with the birefringent specimen tend to produce two definite wave components in which one of them is ordinary while the other seems to be extraordinary. They are polarized in such a manner that they generate some sort of contrast colors on the mutually parallel planes. Microscopy polarization as a concept thus offers a lot of information regarding the color composition and three-dimensional patterns of a number of samples. This methodology can hence disclose some essential information on the thermal history , as well as the specimen’s strains and stresses. On the other hand, a lot of information and data components can be fully assessed with the crossed polarizer or the plane-polarized light. Crossed polarizer often refers to a situation whereby the analyzer is mutually inserted into the existing optical path; while the plane polarized light occurs when the analyzer is duly removed from the existing optical path. The plane-polarized light offers adequate information on the  specimen’s optical relief, which is mainly obvious within the boundary visibility, and also enhances the refractive index. Materials with higher relief have varying refractive indices with the mounting medium. When rotated around the microscope’s optical axis, the placement of transparent or even translucent materials in plane-polarized light tends to generate greater brightness and colors in

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The Health and Safety Laws in the USA Assignment

The Health and Safety Laws in the USA - Assignment Example Consultation Paper on Civil Liability for Unsafe Products presented by The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong, Product Liability sub-committee (1998) under 2.10 states, â€Å"Provided the consumer has a direct contractual nexus with the seller, the consumer is entitled to damages if the other party has broken an express or implied term of the contract.† In the present case, though the assurance of Edward, â€Å"rich people from the PRC had a plan to purchase classical oil paintings from Hong Kong in the near future for resale in the PRC† was not included in the agreement, it is implied that the oil painting is of merchantable quality. According to section 11(2) of the Control of Exemption Clauses Ordnance, even the liability for breach of implied condition of merchantable quality cannot be excluded or restricted by a contract term. Edward further said that there would be a very great demand for this particular classical oil painting owned by him and thus an appreciation of at least three times in value within 6 months. Eventually, no rich people from the PRC purchased the classical oil painting. The classical oil painting in fact depreciated in value. Therefore, there is a case for liability for breach of implied condition of merchantable quality. Also, Edward has induced Fred to buy the oil painting through his assurance and forecast which could be construed as negligence in giving assurance or forecasting appreciation in the value of the oil paintings.   In addition to the implied condition of merchantable quality, the Control of Exemption Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 71) also deals with liability in tort for negligence.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Effects of Employee Self-Evaluation Research Paper

Effects of Employee Self-Evaluation - Research Paper Example According to the report instead of a self-evaluation from the employee, the reporter suggests an open dialogue regarding his employers' determination. Allow the employee to discuss the company's opinion of their job performance. It should be up to the company to provide reasons based on factual observations as to why a raise is or is not deserved.As the paper highlights by removing the self-evaluation element, you allow the company and the employee the opportunity to discuss the decision maker’s assessment of the employee’s value. If clear guidelines for raises are put forth, the employee has no reason to challenge or debate the employers' conclusion. Clear guidelines eliminate thoughts of personal feelings influencing either party’s' assessment. However Goal oriented raises can increase company morale as well as promote team work by giving the workers a map for success. Management evaluations may ease the anxiety of discussing my opinions to my supervisor. Not a ll positions in my department are staffed by people who feel comfortable speaking eloquently enough to promote themselves or their performance.  Things like attendance and punctuality, work load completion and the ability to meet predetermined deadlines. These can be the foundation for salary increase determinations, along with specific department heads creating goals and expectations unique to that particular departments' productivity requirements.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Library Search Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Library Search - Assignment Example The authors carried out a study through administration of questionnaires to measure the extent of leader-worker exchange and collaboration of nurse-physician analysis. The analysis took place at group level while turnover intention and effective commitment analyzed at individual level. The study took place in five Italian hospitals. The outcome of the study showed that when effective commitment occurs at individual level, then there is a complete mediation of relationship. The relationship exists between leader-member commutation at nursing turnover intention and group level. In addition, the article also revealed that there is great significance in cross-level interaction. Nurses who had high levels of individual effective commitment at individual level revealed reduced level of turnover intention. Increased collaboration at group level makes the relationship stronger between nurse and physician. The article outlines need for organizations to apply management practices leading to promotion of both nurse-physician relationships and high quality nurse supervisor. Furthermore, to retain workforce, the article maintains that organizations should promote individual commitment as well as quality relationship between that exists among staff members. The information I have learnt from this article will be of great significance for me as a nurse in my future practice. For instance, I will constantly use effective interaction with my colleagues at the workplace environment for quality working relationships. A hospital unit is an environment where nurses work and interact on daily basis. I, being a nurse who will work in the nursing industry, must therefore apply interactive characteristics and attributes with supervisors and physicians. I will also try to minimize rate of turnover to promote team cohesion as well as

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Visitor Attraction Management on London Eye UK Essay - 1

Visitor Attraction Management on London Eye UK - Essay Example This essay discusses the origin of the London eye and its birth, and the millions of people, both citizens and tourists that it attracts. Its features and major activities that are inclusive including the recent developments and innovations are discussed. The opportunity section covers a wide range of those opportunities that the management has grabbed and made a fortune out of them. Secondly, the foreseen opportunities like the 2012 London Olympics are also discussed, as well as survey on external environment and how to outwit the rival competitor. The challenges are inclusive of what the attraction has faced since its birth and the future hindrances that may occur as its operations continue. Moreover, the paper discusses the competitive advantage and the factors that would lead to the attraction attaining and sustaining its competitive advantage. Recommendations are given on the issues that need to be evaluated to maintain the stability of the attraction. Marketing strategies like cost leadership and product differentiation are explained. Effective management is also explained in a way that would help the attraction to improve its employee’s performance and at the same time meeting the customer’s needs. The tourist classification is reviewed hence providing management with options on how to continue attracting a good number of visitors. Mainly the role of management in this attraction business is explained through a committed management team and motivated staff, which contribute to success.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Descartes’ Discourse on the Method Essay Example for Free

Descartes’ Discourse on the Method Essay None of the proposed philosophical theories is exact, not even a combination of two or more theories (Sayre, 2011). However, Descartes has unique way of metaphysical argument concerning existence of God. Descartes’ Discourse on the Method (Part IV) ends surprisingly with a claim of God’s existence, which can be deduced from the interrelationship between mind, soul and our existence. Descartes began the fourth section by discussing about himself. The reading up to the point where he gives credit to a supreme being, God, could only suggest that Descartes was discussing about his philosophical thought about his being as a man. However, the discourse twist came when he inferred, â€Å"something indeed having every perfection of which I could have any idea, that is—to explain myself in one word—by God† (Bennett, 2007, p. 16). After this inference, the discourse changed to one that discussed the existence of God. It was at this point that it became clear that the ending would be more of God’s existence rather than a conclusion of Descartes as a human being. The change of discourse from exploration of self to a proof of God’s existence through personal evaluation was indeed an ingenious thought. Most of the times we try to prove existence of God or lack thereof by evaluating what are outside us. However, Descartes made a self-evaluation on intrinsic values of himself as a human being. By deconstructing his strengths and limitations, he was able to realize a fair conclusion about the existence of a supreme being, which we refer to as God. Therefore, the ending was different but offered a concise conclusion on God’s existence despite starting on a different discourse. References Bennett, J. (2007). Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting one’s Reason and Seeking Truth in the Sciences. Retrieved from http://www.earlymoderntexts.com/pdf/descdisc.pdf Sayre, H. (2011). The Humanities Culture, Continuity, and Change: New York: Pearson College Div.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Issues of Oceanview Development Corporation

Issues of Oceanview Development Corporation This report analyses the issues that Oceanview Development Corporation is facing with regards to their endeavor to bid for the property that will be sold by sealed bid at a county tax foreclosure. The two pivotal points of chance events are whether Oceanview will have the highest bid and if the referendum for the zoning change will be rejected by the voters. This is of utmost importance to Oceanview because the acceptance of the bid will require a follow up from the corporation. Otherwise, Oceanview will have a deficit of 10% of the bid as a form of penalty. Hence, Oceanview is at the dilemma of choice on the employment of a market research firm, who is capable of producing a detailed report on the sentiments of a zoning change, which is thereby valuable with respect to the decision that the corporation has to make. The purpose of this case study is to recommend Oceanview on the employment of the market research firm, and weigh the cost of the research with the expected value of the information provided by them. This will be achieved step by step with a decision tree that succinctly displays the sequence of the bidding process. Next, the possibility of entering the bid without the market research information will be explored thoroughly via various mechanisms like Optimistic and Conservative Approaches. To form a comparison for a clearer picture, the branch of conducting a market research will be analyzed. And finally, a recommendation to the employment of the market research firm will be decided by the results of the aforementioned analysis. 1.2 Findings Upon analysis of the data calculations, we concur that the optimal decision that is available to Oceanview is to bid for the property. This is supported with concrete information derived from several methods that, points only to the outcome of bidding for the property. With regards to the branch of having the availability of market research, our team has concluded that while it is an optimal approach to bid for the project when the zoning change approval is favorable, the best decision to make for an unfavorable outcome of the market research is not to bid for the property. We further concluded that by weighing the cost of the market research with the expected value of the data that can be achieved, it is ultimately a wise choice to employ the firm so as to extract more information about the zoning change. Lastly, recommendations will be given as to how we can integrate such a method of decision analysis in other businesses as well. 2. Data Collation 2.1 Decision Tree C:UsersMikePicturestree.png Figure 1: Decision Tree 2.2 Branch Probabilities Sn P(Aà ¢Ã‹â€ Ã‚ ©Sn) P(Nà ¢Ã‹â€ Ã‚ ©Sn) P(Sn|A) P(Sn|N) S1 0.3 X 0.9 = 0.27 0.3 X 0.1 = 0.03 0.27 / 0.41 0.03 / 0.59 0.6585 0.0508 S2 0.7 X 0.2 = 0.14 0.7 X 0.8 = 0.56 0.14 / 0.41 0.56 / 0.59 0.3415 0.9492 P(A) = P(N) = 0.27 + 0.14 = 0.41 0.03 + 0.56 = 0.59 Figure 2: Calculations of the Branch Probability Elements States of Nature Prior Probabilities Conditional Joint Posterior Probabilities Probabilities Probabilities Sn P(Sn) P(A|Sn) P(N|Sn) P(Aà ¢Ã‹â€ Ã‚ ©Sn) P(Nà ¢Ã‹â€ Ã‚ ©Sn) P(Sn|A) S1 0.3 0.9 0.1 0.27 0.03 0.6585 S2 0.7 0.2 0.8 0.14 0.56 0.3415 P(A)=0.41 P(N)=0.59 Figure 3: Branch Probability Table 2.3 Payoff Table Payoff 12 Total Revenue Property cost Construction Expenses = $15,000,000 $5,000,000 $8,000,000 = $2,000,000 Payoff 13 Cost of forfeiting bid = 10% of $5,000,000 = -$500,000 Payoff 14 = 0 Payoff 15 = 0 Payoff 16 = 0 Payoff 17 Total Revenue Property cost Construction Expenses = $15,000,000 $5,000,000 $8,000,000 = $2,000,000 Payoff 18 Cost of forfeiting bid = 10% of $5,000,000 = -$500,000 Payoff 19 = 0 Payoff 20 Total Revenue Property cost Construction Expenses = $15,000,000 $5,000,000 $8,000,000 = $2,000,000 Payoff 21 Cost of forfeiting bid = 10% of $5,000,000 = -$500,000 Payoff 22 = 0 Payoff 23 = 0 Figure 4: Payoff Table The payoffs of the various chance events on the decision tree are labeled in pink, with the corresponding number being derived on the payoff table. 3. Recommendation when market research is not available With reference to the lower branch of the decision tree, where market research is not available(as shown in the figure below), Overview will have to make a decision of whether to bid(D1) or not to bid(D2) in the property. 4 mechanisms will be used to assist the corporation in making the decision. C:UsersMikePicturestree.png Figure 1: Decision Tree 3.1 Expected Value Method Using the Expected Value Method, we have to find out the EV(D1) and EV(D2) so as to make a comparison on the expected values of the two decisions. At node 11, State of Nature Expected Value P(S1) = 0.3 P(S2) = 0.7 $2,000,000 $-500,000 =(2,000,000*0.3) +(-500,000*0.7) =$250,000 Figure 5: Calculation at Node 11 At node 5, Decision Variables Expected Choices P(Highest Bid) = 0.2 P(Not Highest Bid) = 0.8 Value D1 $250,000 (EV of Node 11) $0 =(250,000*0.2)+(0.8*0) =$50,000 (EV of Node 8) D2 $0 $0 $0 Optimal Decision $50,000 (D1) Figure 6: Calculation at Node 5 The calculation using the expected values at node 5 has clearly shown that it is more beneficial for Oceanview to bid for the property because the Expected Value of D1 is greater than the Expected Value of D2. Hence, D1 is the optimal choice. 3.2 Optimistic and Conservative Methods Decision Outcomes of the Highest Bid Not Highest Bid Branches Optimistic (Maxi-max) Method Choices P(Highest Bid) = 0.2 P(Not Highest Bid) = 0.8 D1 =($250,000*0.2) + (0*0.8) =$50,000 $0 $50,000 D2 $0 $0 $0 Optimal Decision $50,000 (D1) At node 5, Figure 7: Optimistic and Conservative Methods Using the optimistic method, our team has discovered that the decision choice of D1 has potential of reaping higher benefits as compared to D2. However, the conservative approach shows that Oceanview will be indifferent between the two choices because they are both equal to zero. 3.3 Mini-Max Regret Method At node 5, Decision Alternative State of Nature S1 Regret S2 Regret D1 $2,000,000 $0 $-500,000 $500,000 D2 $0 $2,000,000 $0 $0 Decision Figure 8: Mini-Max Regret Method Using the Mini-Max regret method, our team has found out that the optimal choice of decision is D1, which reduces the amount of regret that Oceanview is subjected to. 3.4 Conclusion With conclusion, although the Maxi-Min produces a result of indifference between D1 and D2, the other methods all show support for D1 as the optimal decision. However, Oceanview should not base their choice solely on this result because the accuracy of the information is not known. In retrospection, the probability of Oceanview may not be 0.2 because there is a lack of information on the number of bidders at that point of time. With the uncertainty on the number of bidders, the probability of Oceanview winning as the highest bid may drop when the contest for the property increases. 4. Recommendation when market research is available 4.1 Expected Value Approach Our group will use the expect value approach to determine the course of decision to be taken. With reference to Appendix and the decision tree below, at node 4, the EV(D1) is $229,500 while EV(D2) is $0. Hence, it is logical that Oceanview should choose to bid for the property if the result from the market research is favorable. C:UsersMikePicturestree.png Figure 1: Decision Tree On the other hand, at node 5, the EV(D1) is -$74,600 while EV(D2) is $0. In other words, if Oceanview has a choice of decision, they will choose D2, not to bid in the property, when the market research result is unfavorable. 4.2 Conclusion In short, Oceanview should bid for the property when the result for the market research is favorable, and not submit the bid when the prediction is unfavorable. 5.Recommendation to whether the firm is to be employed 5.1 Expected Value Of The Sample Information Expected value of the sample information(EVSI) can be derived from the following equation of, |EVwSI EVwoSI|. The numerical answer of the equation is often compared with the cost of obtaining the sample information. To find EVwSI, the expected value with sample information, we have to find EV(2), which is equivalent to EVwSI. With reference to Appendix, EV(2) = $93,992.50 EVwoSI refers to the expected value without using sample information. In other words, it is the expected value without performing the market research. Referring back to Appendix and the decision tree, node 5 will give us the answer to EVwoSI, amounting to $50,000. Therefore, when we return to the equation, we will tabulate EVSI, which is calculated by $93992.50 $50,000 = $43,992.50. Since this value is greater than $15,000, we can conclude that EVSI is greater than the cost of performing the market research itself. Employing the market research firm will then be an optimal choice since the benefits within is more than the cost required. 6. Integration of knowledge to other business situations A decision tree is a business model that requires the logical thinking of the sequence of events and the expected values within. While the decision analysis with the various mechanisms used for calculating expected values is useful in this case of property bidding, its usage is not limited. Many situations in our daily life that requires decisions which are irreversible, needs the empowerment of the tree to lay down the bigger picture. A close example will be the decision to drill an oil field. The decision to drill an oil field is irreversible in the short run, due to the great cost of machinery usage involved. Hence, a decision tree will allow the companies involved to seek out every possible outcome, e.g. a sudden surge or drop in oil prices, and make an optimal decision. Another situation which the knowledge from the decision analysis can be used is the allocation of resources. One of the main pioneers of allocation efficiency is Vilfredo Pareto. His concept of Pareto Optimal is that we should always allocate resources of the society till a point where, we are unable to make an individual better off without making another worse off. However, how can we ensure that our allocation is efficient enough to cover the needs of everyone in the society? By using the decision analysis route, we can maximize the coverage. For instance, when Government Officials allocate the social budget, they can better envisage the ground situations by using decision analysis. In the manner, the impact of their decision can be calculated and a better allocation is ensured. The third area of business where a decision analysis has much of a use is the market penetration of a new product by a marketer. Very often at times, marketer suffers from product cannibalization, whereby the demand for that new product stripes away customers from the existing merchandizes. While we have enough data on the existing merchandizes to gauge how they will affect the demand for the new product, without decision analysis, it is almost impossible to tell on the converse relationship. With Bayers Theorem and the decision tree, it becomes easier for marketers to understand the full relationship between the new products and the existing ones and they will then make a better decision on the method of market penetration to prevent product cannibalization.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Defining Identity Essay -- Personal Narrative, Identity Essays

There are millions of words across the globe that are used to describe people and uncover their identity, but what is identity? How can you begin to describe something that varies so greatly from one human being to another? Can you create a universal meaning for a word describing human concepts that people often fail to define for themselves? Of course there isn't one definition to define such a word. It is an intricate aspect of human nature, and it has a definition just as complex. Webster's dictionary describes identity as sameness of essential character, individuality, or the fact of being the same person as one claims to be. So your identity can include your name, your age, your job title, or simply characteristics of your body. These things are facts, facts you don't care to share with the world. Just as the word suggests your identity is something by which you can be identified. These are things that describe a person in terms a stranger would understand. This area of identity is proof of who you are. However, your identity is also composed of what you are. They mark your role in society. Who you are and what you do make up your identity. This is essential in the human life span because people are always searching to find where they truly belong in the world. Obviously a word that has such a deep meaning can?t have a shallow definition. The other component of identity is one?s personality. Your thoughts, emotions, and attitudes also have a huge impact on your identity. This part is not something the world can hold to be true, but something you know to be true. This portion of your identity is not something that you have passively acquired, it is something you have experienced and built upon through... ...can go through an entire lifetime and not really know how to define their own identity. In many cases people suffer through a great crisis to discover who they really are. If someone doesn?t know the meaning of their own identity, how can society apply a definition to the word? It leaves people to ponder whether or not there are some feelings and parts of life that simply cannot be explained. When defining the word identity scholars and common men alike must agree to disagree. It is a word so diverse in context that it is seemingly impossible to take it down to a simplified definition. There are some things in life that just aren?t meant to be completely understood, and one?s identity is among these things. Not until a person has a lived out their live could they sit down and tell you how their adventure has shaped them into the person they became in the end.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Corporal Punishment Essay -- Education

Corporal punishment is a very controversial topic that is being discussed amongst educators across the nation. Corporal punishment refers to any physical form of punishment, but in this case it refers to in schools. Currently there are many different terms used to label corporal punishment, for example, it has been called spanking, paddling, caning, lashing, popping, smacking, whipping or beating. Each term carries its own different meaning, but they all represents some form of corporal punishment. Corporal punishment involves the deliberate infliction of pain upon a child, by an adult, as a result of the child's misbehavior or perceived misbehavior. It has been proven scientifically that the effects of it can be detrimental to the emotional and educational needs of children. The most ironic thing I found pertaining to corporal punishment was that most people, (myself included) do not know that it is still common practice in some public schools in the United States. Many states have outlawed it because it was thought to be cruel and outdated. Some of the punishments were very cruel ranging from having students hold a dictionary over their head for an excess amount of time, paddling in front of school assemblies, to football coaches striking players with wooden paddles for not getting good enough grades. All of these practices seem unnecessary, cruel, and demeaning; but all of them were within the means of the law. Almost half of the states in the U.S. have refused to pass legislation banning corporal punishment in public schools. And in most of these states it is still very common practice. Studies show that there is a regional pattern in the states that have not prohibited corporal punishment. It showed that all ... ...ternative means of discipline, there should be no problem with Ohio changing. In fact, schools that have eliminated corporal punishment have reported many positive results, such as increased attendance, higher academic performance, decreased behavioral problems, and better relations between student and school personnel. In view of the harmful effects of corporal punishment and the availability of far better disciplinary methods, it is important that school district provide the leadership necessary to eliminate this form of punishment in all schools across the nation. Corporal punishment in schools leads to greater intolerance and condones using physical violence. The evidence indicates that failing to do eliminate corporal punishment will jeopardize the health and happiness of many children and will heighten the already high levels of violence in America society.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Physical Therapist Essay

Physical Therapist [pic] Ka’Liyah Matthews Workforce Essentials 7th Block Mr. Boyd Advantages One advantage of becoming a physical therapist is that you get to know more people of different age groups, values, cultures, and faiths. The advantages of becoming physical therapist do not end there, qualified and skilled physical therapy professionals receive competitive salaries and excellent benefits as well. Disadvantages Sometimes physical therapist work long hours. They can get overworked, and have a heavy patient load. If working in a hospital they are exposed to all kinds of nasty bugs and viruses. Sometimes they have to hurt people. Job Outlook Although many people are training to become physical therapists, the supply of these workers is expected to fall short of demand. However, employment growth may be restricted by controls on health-care costs. Education Requirements To become a physical therapist, one must have a master’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited institute and a state license. Moreover, he should possess strong interpersonal skills so as to communicate with the patient and his family. The physical therapy job demands scores of patience from the practitioner. Training Requirements Accredited physical therapy programs offer both master’s degrees or doctorates in physical therapy. Applicants need bachelor’s degrees that include prerequisite courses, which are set by each graduate program. To be licensed, graduates of accredited programs must pass state examinations. Many states require continuing education to remain licensed in the field. Salary A physical therapist’s salary may vary slightly according to the type of employer. Most physical therapists are employed by health practitioners and earn about $73,980 annually. Benefits Benefits for salaried physical therapists included paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and retirement plans. Self-employed therapists had to provide their own benefits. Work Schedule Most physical therapists work forty hours per week. Those who prefer flexible hours can usually find part-time or consulting work. Work Conditions Physical therapists usually work in clean, pleasant, and spacious areas. Some therapists treat patients who are confined to hospital beds or their homes. Because they treat patients who may be depressed by their disabilities, physical therapists should be patient and encouraging. They need to be in good health and should be able to work well with their hands. Opportunities for Advancement Experienced therapists can become supervisors of hospital departments. With additional education, they may teach physical therapy. Employment of physical therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, because the population is growing older and likely to need rehabilitation and long-term care. Advances in therapeutic techniques, especially for trauma victims and newborns with birth defects, should create additional demand for rehabilitative care. Personal Qualities Needed Physical therapists must possess problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, patience, manual dexterity, physical stamina, and the ability to work closely with a variety of people. Physical therapists must work well independently, as well as with a team of care givers. From initial examination and evaluation through the discharge of a patient or client, the physical therapist’s responsibility is to work with the individual to ensure maximal function. A love of lifelong learning, a positive attitude, and an outgoing personality would serve you well in this field.

Monday, September 16, 2019

The Future of Biopsychology-Obesity

NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET Learner: Consuela Kelly-Crisler THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETELY FILLED IN Please Follow These Procedures: If requested by your mentor, use an assignment cover sheet as the first page of the word processor file. Use â€Å"headers† to indicate your course code, assignment number, and your name on each page of the assignment/homework including this assignment cover sheet. . Keep a Photocopy or Electronic Copy Of Your Assignments: You may need to re-submit assignments if your mentor has indicated that you may or must do so.Academic Integrity: All work submitted in each course must be the Learner’s own. This includes all assignments, exams, term papers, and other projects required by the faculty mentor. The knowing submission of another persons work represented as that of the Learner’s without properly citing the source of the work will be considered plagiarism and will result in an unsatisfactory grade for the work submitte d or for the entire course, and may result in academic dismissal. PSY5106Dr. Nicol Moreland BiopsychologyAssignment 8 Faculty Use Only The Future of Biopsychology- Obesity Consuela Kelly-CrislerNorthcentral University Biopsychology PSY5106 Dr. Nicol Moreland December 9, 2012 A person is considered obese when his or her weight is 20% or more above normal weight. The most common measure of obesity is the body mass index or BMI. A person is considered overweight if his or her BMI is between 25 and 29. 9; a person is considered obese if his or her BMI is over 30. â€Å"Morbid obesity† means that a person is either 50%-100% over normal weight, more than 100 pounds over normal weight, has a BMI of 40 or higher, or is sufficiently overweight to severely interfere with health or normal function (What is Obesity? 2012).Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than he or she burns. For many people this boils down to eating too much and exercising too little. But there are ot her factors that also play a role in obesity. People tend to gain weight as they get older, even if they don’t alter their eating habits. This is because the human metabolism slows down as we age. We don’t need to take in as many calories as we used to in order to maintain the same weight. Therefore, we store more of the food we take in as fat. Women tend to be overweight more often than men because men tend to burn calories at a higher rate (What is Obesity? 012). Obesity and thinness seems to have a have a nature versus nurture component. If a patient’s biological mother is heavy as an adult, there is approximately a 75% chance that she will be heavy. Likewise, the children of thin parents have a 75% chance of being thin (What is Obesity? 2012). This doesn’t mean that the child of obese parents has to be obese, though. Many find ways to keep the weight off. Genetics are important, but lifestyle choices such as eating and exercise habits are, too. Less a ctive people tend to require less calories than more active people; they don’t need as much fuel because they’re doing less work.Physical activity also causes the body to burn calories faster on average, and decreases appetite. People exercising less is thought to be a leading cause of obesity over the last 20 years. Psychological factors also influence eating habits and obesity. Many people eat in response to negative emotions such as boredom, sadness, or anger. People who have difficulty with weight management may be facing more emotional and psychological issues; about 30% of people who seek treatment for serious weight problems have difficulties with binge eating.During a binge-eating episode, people eat large amounts of food while feeling they can't control how much they are eating. (Obesity Facts, 2012) Obesity can be caused by illness, though people blame more cases of obesity on illness than is actually true. Illnesses sometimes responsible for obesity include hypothyroidism (poorly acting thyroid slows metabolism), depression, and some rare diseases of the brain that can lead to overeating. Social factors, including poverty and a lower level of education, have been linked to obesity.One reason for this may be that high-calorie processed foods cost less and are easier to find and prepare than healthier foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits. However, the link between low socioeconomic status and obesity has not been conclusively established, and recent obesity research shows that childhood obesity, for instance, is also increasing among high-income groups. The best methods of obesity treatment are dieting and physical exercise. Obese people should adjust their diet to reduce fat and sugar consumption, and increase dietary fiber.Anti-obesity drugs can also be effective in conjunction with a healthy diet, reducing one’s appetite and/or fat absorption. Some obese people require stomach or bowel reduction surgery in order to lose w eight. The smaller stomach allows them to consume less food and still feel full. Obesity is a leading worldwide cause of preventable death, and authorities view it as one of the most serious health problems of this century. While in some cultures, obesity is a sign of prosperity and childbearing, in the Western world, it is frequently viewed negatively.While whether to consider obesity as its own separate disease is a matter of some debate, it is certainly a factor in many physical and mental ailments. Obesity is associated with angina, myocardial infarction and between 21 and 34% of ischemic heart disease, depending on which research you read. Body-mass index levels associated with obesity also double a person’s risk of heart failure and deep-vein thrombosis and cause over 85% of cases of hypertension (five times the normal risk). Obesity is also associated with higher levels of LDL cholesterol and lower levels of HDL.Obesity also has a variety of dermatological affects, inc luding stretch marks, acanthosis nigricans, lymphedema, cellulitis, hirsutis and intertrigo (Bray, 2004). Obesity has also been shown to be linked with type 2 diabetes in 64% of cases in men and 77% of women’s. Sixty percent of patients diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome are obese, as are six percent of the infertile. Obesity is related to many complications in pregancy, including hemorrhage, infection, increased hospital stays for the mother and increased NICU requirements for the infant.Obese women are twice as likely to require a Cesarean section and are at a high risk of preterm births and low birth weight infants. Children born of obese women have a greater risk of anencephaly and spina bifida, cardiovascular anomalies, including septal anomalies, cleft lip and palate, anorectal malformation, limb reduction anomalies, and hydrocephaly (Haslam, 2005). Obese women have a nearly double risk of stroke compared to normal-weight women, while men have twice as great a c hance. Those who are obese have a rate of dementia 1. times greater than those of normal weight. Women obese at the age of eighteen have a greater than double chance of contracting multiple sclerosis. Obesity has also been shown to cause approximately five percent of cancers, including breast, ovarian, esophageal, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, gallbladder, stomach, endometrial, cervical, prostate, kidney, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma (Bray, 2004). In addition to these physical effects, obese people are less likely to get married and make thousands less than their normal-weight counterparts, on average.Depression is also linked to obesity, though an increase in BMI has been linked to a decrease in the risk of suicide. Several studies suggest that many physicians treat obese patients differently. In a 1969 survey of physicians, obese patients were described as â€Å"weak-willed,† â€Å"ugly,† â€Å"awkward,† and â€Å"self-indulgent. † In a more recent physician survey, one of three doctors said they respond negatively to obesity, behind three other diagnostic/social categories: drug addiction, alcoholism, and mental illness. A comparable study found that two-thirds of doctors believe obese patients lack self-control, and 39 percent feel they are lazy.Two studies of nurses showed similar results. These attitudes carry over into the work world, where a job or a promotion is often denied simply because of how much one weighs. Obesity research and treatment is a very provocative subject. A 2011 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association proposes that states consider removing obese children above the 99th percentile from their homes. The author views temporary foster care as part of the remedy for childhood obesity by providing an environment where the children would be exposed to proper nutrition and activity levels.During the separation period, the parents could also be educated on the best ways to assist their child in coping with their issue. Due to the relationship between obesity and low income (low income families can’t easily afford nutritious food, and low earners are often distracted from their family issues, whether by a second job, or by concerns like drug or alcohol abuse) and education (low income families usually aren’t as educated, which bleeds over into health issues like obesity) this solution seems severe but grounded in science.Detractors point out that the home environment is only one contributing factor to obesity, and that a child’s obesity isn’t automatically considered abuse under the law. They cite studies showing that children get more of their food away from home, limiting the influence of even educated and involved parents. Also, neither the potential effectiveness of the proposal in terms of reducing obesity or the potential harm to the family unit caused by the removal have been substantiated. Psychological damage could in fac t be inflicted, both to the parents and child, by causing them to feel at fault for the obesity.This could lead to self-esteem issues, depression and more. This is without even taking into consideration the harm done by taking a child away from his or her parents, even on a temporary basis. Another treatment, as novel as the last if not as heavy-handed, is the potential for virtual-reality treatment of obesity. Virtual reality, also being used to treat psychological disorders like anxiety and addiction, allows clinicians to offer exposure therapy in the comforts of their own offices without the problems sometimes posed by actual exposure.The benefit to the patient comes from being in a safe environment where they can let themselves connect emotionally with the treatment. Virtual reality has already been shown to induce a variety of controlled changes in the body, to include the sensation of a fake limb or an out of body experience. Researchers have even used virtual reality to give male subjects the feeling of being in a female body. From this point, it's only a small leap to giving an obese person the sensation of being in a a normal-weight body.In one experiment, scientists discovered the neural systems involved in VR improvement of body image. This, combined with an adaptation of therapy used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, is being used the help patients identify and change habits contributing to eating disorders and obesity. The first twenty minutes of the VR sessions are used for the therapist to get an understanding of the patient's concerns and experiences related to food. The patient does most of the talking, while the therapist guides the session. The second twenty minutes are devoted to the actual VR session.The simulation can create a number of environments, like a classroom, apartment, or pub, to recreate some of the experiences the patient detailed to the therapist. The simulation also includes a body-image room, where the patient can cr eate an ideal VR body and compare it to their real one. The last twenty minutes are used to discuss the patient's VR experience. In terms of ethical considerations, the first needs to be how much the government, communities and families are obligated to ensuring obese people get the treatment they need.It is very easy to dismiss obese people as having â€Å"done it to themselves,† since many cases could simply be prevented by eating better and exercising more. Mental illnesses are, by and large, viewed differently by much of the public than physical ailments. A person who doubled in size due to a war injury that prevented them from exercising, for instance, would likely garner more sympathy than a person who simply doubled in size because they went to McDonald's four times a week. This, of course, influences the discussion on how much the government should be obligated to pay for medical care of the obese.Much like the arguments against smokers being covered by public assista nce against the effects of their bad habit, a case can be made for whether tax dollars should pay for an obese person's weight-reduction surgery or triple bypass. While the legitimacy of these concerns can probably never be agreed upon yet by the majority, the government's responsibility to educate people on preventative measures and healthy choices cannot be minimized, and the effects of those programs should not be overlooked.Some scientists acknowledge the responsibility of the obese for their conditions, but believe that it should only be a treatment focus if it did not harm the patient's mental health. Those scientists also take issue with the public opinion stigma against obese people, due to the additional burden it places on patients. In the Western world especially, obese people are often considered lazy, overeaters or both. It is not ethical to assume this is true in all cases, those researchers say, and not ethical to create policy or legislation based on those assumption s, either.Those assumptions can only be used positively in the shaping of preventative suggestions (anyone will benefit from more exercise and better eating, obese or not, so it's acceptable to suggest them to everyone). Another consideration is what obese patients themselves consider acceptable in terms of treatment. Studies sow that obese adults prefer interventions that are non-commercial, don't fall back on common stereotypes and promote lifestyle changes (health initiatives and exercise) rather than simple weight loss (dieting, bariatric surgery).Care should be taken to ensure that treatment of obese patients does not impact their mental health negatively, by reinforcing social stigmas, negative self-image, instilling disregard for the positive social and cultural aspects of eating, disregarding the patient's privacy and personal freedom in decision-making. One model, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics stewardship model of public health, recommends public programs that do not at tempt to coerce adults to lead healthy lives, minimize introduction of interventions with-out consent; and minimize interventions that are unduly intrusive and in con? ct with personal values. The stewardship model also incorporates an intervention ladder, ranging from ‘no intervention’ to ‘eliminating choice’ altogether. Eliminating choice, under this model, would be reserved for serious public health issues, such as an infectious patient requiring quarantine in order to ensure the safety of the general population—something obviously more serious than an obese patient. Restricting choice would take the form of removing unhealthy ingredients or foods from stores and restaurants (as in the recent limit on the size of fountain drinks in New York City).Guiding through disincentives or incentives is on another level of the spectrum, by making it not worth a person's effort to do something, or vice versa—higher medical insurance premiums for obese people who are doing it to themselves, for example. It is a model that clearly illustrates ways in which the government can support public health without becoming overbearing and infringing on people's rights. In summary, obesity is a major public health issue with far reaching consequences to a fair majority of the population. It is detrimental to those who suffer from it, both mentally and physically.Its physical effects are literally a head-to-toe list of increases risks of illness and injuries. Its mental effects include damage to patients' self-image, which can bleed over into how the patient deals with work, social situations, parenting and every other aspect of life. There are numerous factors involved in an obese person's condition; genetics, upbringing, cultural values and mores, living environment and socio-economics. Some people become obese due to pre-existing medical concerns, while others achieve the condition by eating the wrong things and not exercising enough.Once t hey do reach an obesity-qualifying body-mass index level, they can expect (in the Western world, at least), they can be expected to be held responsible for their condition no matter how it was reached, and to be treated differently simply because they're not at a normal weight. Treatments for obesity range from the tried-and-true to the newfangled and from therapeutic to overbearing, with varying degrees of efficacy. Some involve the government, while others simply a life coach, dietician or trainer. Opinions on how to handle obesity fall at varying points on a wide spectrum.The most logical source of information on how obese people should be treated—obese people themselves—tend to prefer an approach that helps them change their lives as a whole in order to lose weight and prevent harmful behaviors, rather than one that consists merely of a change in diet with no measures against become obese again at a later date. The ethical concerns in treating obesity include how t o best treat obesity without making the patient feel worse about their problem and how much responsibility should be borne by someone other than the obese person themselves (i. . , the government). Future treatments for obesity may very well take a more holistic approach rather than simply tackling the separate components of diet and exercise. Scientists have taken steps toward mapping the areas of the brain involved with impulse control and self-image, and developing ways of modifying behaviors using this information may prove useful in stemming the tide. Similar discoveries may fuel new ways of educating people on how to prevent obesity in the future as well, rather than only ways of reversing it after the fact.And of course, the more understanding we have of obesity and its causes, the more tolerant and accepting we should become as a whole towards people suffering from it. References What is Obesity? (2012) Retrieved December 7, 2012, from http://www. webmd. com/diet/what-is-obe sity Bray GA (2004). Medical consequences of obesity. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. Haslam DW, James WP (2005). Obesity. Lancet Childhood Obesity Prevention. (2012). In Root Cause. Retrieved October 14, 2012, from http://rootcause. org/childhood-obesity-preventionObesity Facts, Causes, Emotional Aspects and When to Seek Help. (2012). In WebMD. Retrieved October 14, 2012, from http://www. webmd. com/diet/what-is-obesity? page=2 Pinel, J. P. J. (2009). Biopsychology (7th ed. ). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon Hahler B (June 2006). An overview of dermatological conditions commonly associated with the obese patient. Arendas K, Qiu Q, Gruslin A (June 2008). â€Å"Obesity in pregnancy: pre-conceptional to postpartum consequences†. Calle EE, Rodriguez C, Walker-Thurmond K, Thun MJ (April 2003). Overweight, obesity, and mortality from cancer in a prospectively studied cohort of U. S. adults†. Relationship Between Poverty and Overweight or Obesity. Retrieved December 7, 2012, from htt p://frac. org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/are-low-income-people-at-greater-risk-for-overweight-or-obesity/ Meetoo D. The imperative of human obesity: an ethical reflection. Br J Nurs 2010; 19: 563–8. Nuffield Council on Bioethics. Public health: ethical issues. London: Nuffield Council on Bioethics; 2007. Available at: http://www. nuffieldbioethics. org/public-health (Cited 9 December 2011).

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Thesis topic: Violence in the Movies

Studies have recognized a direct link showing the effects of movie violence exposure and the increase in violent crimes and behavior involving today's children. Positive evidence points to the fact that the high quantity of violence in movies and on television has harmful consequence on today's youth. Reiner (1999) states, â€Å"Of course we can point fingers at Hollywood† (p28); however, the responsibility lies with all of us. With the constant exposure to violent crimes on television and in movies, it is shown to make it more acceptable in the minds of our youth to act cruel or violent toward others in various ways. Hollywood is responsible for too much violence in movies and there is a need for creative executives to take responsibility for what they produce. It is everyone's responsibility to address this issue (Reiner, 1999). The mind set seems to be that the T. V. bad person did it and got away with it, I can too. Over time, it becomes less of an issue, no big deal. What or who is hurt or damaged does not matter any longer. With the inability to differentiate between real and pretend, good and bad, right and wrong the inappropriate behaviors, crudeness, obscenity, physical violence, law breaking, anger, and hatred to name a few increase significantly. According to Harbert (1993), his three-year-old daughter Emily â€Å"totally changed the way I look at television. † What our children see on television does affect them (Allen, 2004). With this increase, the seriousness of offences amplifies to further deteriorate the behavior of our youth. Conclusion: Close consideration must be paid to decreasing violence on television for the long-term benefit of our children. The negative effects of the continued exposure to violent movies and television shows are proven to have a permanent effect on how conflicts are resolved. Quotation and Paraphrase from Article 1 Direct Quotation: Reiner (1999) states, â€Å"Of course we can point fingers at Hollywood. † Paraphrase of above quotation: Hollywood is responsible for too much violence in movies and there is a need for creative executives to take responsibility for what they produce. It is everyone's responsibility to address this issue (Reiner,1999). Quotation and Paraphrase from Article 2 Direct Quotation: According to Harbert (1993), his three-year-old daughter Emily â€Å"totally changed the way I look at television. † Paraphrase of above quotation: What our children see on television does affect them (Allen, 2004).

Computer Hackers Essay

The sub culture group of hackers has been around since the 1960s. The underground sub culture of hacking has evolved into a mainstream open community. Some famous hackers like Eric Corlery, Gordon Lyon, Gary McKinnon, and Kevin Mitnick have done their fair share of infiltrating network bases all over the United States. These people have a unique mindset that allows them to crack these codes set up by government officials. Eric Raymond tries to classify this group of people as crackers because they crack codes of computers but the community wanted to keep the name hackers. Regardless of the name the community of people is smart and can break down your computer at anytime. A hacker is a person who finds a weakness in a system and exploits it. Some motivation for hackers can be money, challenge, or pure adrenaline rush. There is a difference between a cracker and a hacker. Crackers are normally considered when people are involved with computers. There are several types of hackers all over the world. White hat hackers breach security for no reason at all. The term white hat means ethical hacker. A black hat hacker breaks into secure networks to destroy data or to make the networks not useable for those who are allowed to use it. Black hat hackers have a process called pre hacking to help them determine which network to hack. The hacker first looks for an open port to gain access to. After that is done the hacker will find ways to get vital information about the network to get into the system. Hackers will even go above and beyond to engage activities like dumpster diving. Dumpster diving is when people actually dive into a dumpster to get information like documents that can help them breakdown the network. A grey hat hacker is a combination of white hat hacker and black hat hacker. A grey hat hacker will surf the internet just to crack the network and charge the administrator to set up a firewall. Basically the hacker sets up the administrator without letting them know that they broke into their system. A social status among hackers is the elite hacker. These hackers are the most skilled in their field. Script kiddie hacker is the hacker that attempts to hack with pre packaged software. A neophyte is a non experienced hacker who really does not know what they are doing. They are new to the whole sub culture of hacking. A blue hat hacker is one who is outside of the security consulting firm who looks for places that have been exploited to patch up the weakness. Some attacks a hacker use are network enumeration, vulnerability analysis, and exploitation. There are techniques like vulnerability scanners, password cracking, and packet sniffer, spoofing attack, and rooting attack. A vulnerability scanner is a tool used to quickly check computers on a network for known weaknesses. Hackers also commonly use port scanners. These check to see which ports on a specified computer are open or available to access the computer, and sometimes will detect what program or service is listening on that port, and its version number. Password cracking is in essence guessing what the password could be to the administrator server. A packet sniffer uses data packets to catch the store data in the computer. Also hackers used techniques like intimidation, helpfulness, and name dropping to get people within a company to give out information regarding the servers so they may be able to attain the network information. At times these hackers come out successful. With so many worms and viruses like the Trojan horse a hacker can infiltrate your server and get all your information. There have been programs like Norton and MacAfee to help cut down on hacking. This sub culture like the thrill of breaking down walls and seeing what they are not suppose to see. Between people not being smart about certain things they do online and the hacker for setting them up, this issue of hacking can be a big problem. Not everything that is hacked is bad because government plans have risen to show what bad things they have created to ruin America. At the end of the day make sure you log out your account and get antivirus software to keep your account, your  account.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Mass Hysteria on Salem Witch Trial

What is mass hysteria? Mass hysteria is when most everybody develops a common fear that often spirals into a panic. The tragic story of the Salem Witch Trial contains mass hysteria back in 1692. In my two articles â€Å"Salem Witch Craft Trial† and â€Å"Mass Hysteria in Upstate New York† have similar problems. In both articles I will be explaining how mass hysteria played a key role in both of these issues. In the article â€Å"Salem Witch Craft Trial† it tells the history of the mass hysteria behind the whole Salem witch craft trials.The mass hysteria occurred from 1692-1693 and lead to many people dying. There were one hundred and forty arrests, nineteen hangings, one rock crushing and several people dying in jail while awaiting their trial. Everything that Salem had was to get rid of their witches in the city. In January 1962 two girls named Elizabeth and Abigail had fell out in church and start writhing on the floor. The doctor was convinced that it was witc hcraft.The pastor was asked â€Å"Who did this† and the two daughters said â€Å"Tituba the slave, Sarah Good a homeless woman and Sarah Osborn. † Tituba confess that she was a witch and was order to hurt girls. Tituba also told that were more witches in the town of Salem. The two girls start pointing people that could be witches who would spend months chained in jail. Over a hundred of Salem's prominent people would be incarcerated and suppose witches would visit the girls and torture them.Overall, nineteen people were hanged, one pressed to death and four others died in prison awaiting trial. What I learn from the articles that the people was scared of witchcraft. After Rev. Parris daughters were hurt, they start to kill people that were supposed to be a witch. Over hundred people were being killed during this time because of witchcraft. The mass hysteria in this article was the fear of having witches in Salem. With that being the mass hysteria a lot of people died.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Do you think that intercountry difference, affect HRM practices and Essay

Do you think that intercountry difference, affect HRM practices and strategies Discuss and debate the specific activities an in - Essay Example ..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...8 a.Role of International Human Resource Manager †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦8 b.Resource-based View †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.10 c. Required Competence †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.11 Conclusion †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..12 Introduction Intercountry differences refer to substantial distinction and variant geopolitics and economic relations adopted and practiced within specific respective region, including the dissimilarities of opportunities present in a social sphere (The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 2005, pp. 1-10). Some people would perceive that this egregious disparity violate their sense of being especially if there is little that can be done to transform the divergence between advanced and emerging country. Is this situation affecting corporate human resource management strategies and practices? This paper will critically discuss human resource management within the context of intercountry differences using peer-reviewed journals and books sourced from online publication and books from the library. The researcher will likewise demonstrate the significance of the importance between corporate and human resource (HR) strategy, including the management of performance and development. Researcher will likewise synthesize the inter-relationship between the key areas of organizational strategy and HRM. It is further hoped that researcher will be able to demonstrate the significance of wider environmental context in the d rafting and formulation of HRM strategy. The researcher will use qualitative study in the explication of the subject using descriptive narratives that are sourced from secondary peer-reviewed journals and books. Qualitative study offers complex textual descriptions about organizational experiences and observations notwithstanding the differing behaviours, beliefs, opinions, emotions, and relationships (Strauss & Corbin, 1990, p. 12). It is a generally used effective tool in identifying factors, social norms, socioeconomic conditions, and other causes associated in this study. Researcher maximize the historical and contemporary evidences to elucidate the subject matter hand and in correlating strategic human resource management with business management offshore. Whilst delving into the inter-country differences and its affects to human resource management, the researcher will likewise appreciates the contemporary values of the society that have serious implications in this study. Suc h encompassed concerns on beliefs, behaviours, objects, and characteristics, adhered by the populace in a society, including the oppressive system of governance, have strong influence in their decision-makings (Plummer, 1983, p. 18). Review of Literature Organizational strategists noted that human resource management is influenced by variegated factors and influences emanating from socio-political, cultural, and economic disparities. Intercountry inequities and disparities The market, which is less perfect, reflects such inequalities in power and wealth that is also deflected to opportunities and the manner on how resources are allocated and on how potentials are maximized (The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development,

Thursday, September 12, 2019

A College Degree Should Not Be This Difficult Essay

A College Degree Should Not Be This Difficult - Essay Example Her family, lacking a tradition of higher education, can't help her seek out a college or encourage her in her quest for help. Her situation is further complicated by a high school that has failed to adequately prepare her for the required entrance exams and college level courses. For thousands of seniors like Shelia, college is a dream that will never be realized. The difficulties of access, expense, and preparation have become more than just obstacles, they have become barriers that have left a college education out of reach. To assure that all students have an equal opportunity for a college degree, the process needs to be made less difficult.The most important tools an incoming college student can possess are attitude and motivation. These are only acquired by years of planning by the family for the student's eventual enrollment. Contacting schools, selecting a proper program, and preparing the student to move away and get an education may not be forthcoming from a family who has never experienced attending college. These students will have difficulty when they are faced with a new environment, new experiences, new cultures, and a lack of adequate expectations. Families that fail to encourage college will produce poorly motivated students that won't be able to develop the attitude necessary to succeed in college.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Meaning of Globilazation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Meaning of Globilazation - Research Paper Example who are engaged in artistic media have pointed out that YouTube plays an important role in popularizing pop-culture and music to a broader scale globally. In accordance to the current culture, gaining popularity around social culture is an important step in life that almost everybody in the world is currently aspiring to achieve. Contrastingly, YouTube has developed legal policies that govern sharing of immoral images globally while also ensuring enough protection concerning potential copyrights infringements. Some of the global impacts of YouTube include: Despite the fact that YouTube was initiated in the United States, it has gained recognition across different cultures globally. Some countries such as china do not allow their citizens to stream or download video files from YouTube platform. Having been designed as a free interactive platform, YouTube embraces accessibility of over 70 million clients and new entrants across the globe. Moreover, YouTube acts as a center of interactive culture thus leading to the creation of one independent culture known as social culture that allows sharing of idioms and norms of varied societies as a single society. In conclusion, YouTube can be used to share world remorseful events such as an enactment of peace to offer tribute to those died while fighting for the benefit of the society (Gorman & McLean, 2009) Burgess et al. (2009), argues that through internet infrastructure and video sharing platforms, YouTube has enabled societies of different cultural backgrounds to share ideas across a bigger coverage of an audience. Such sites are not only meant to share musical files, but they also act as appropriate social grounds for business personalities to promote their wares while politicians and medical personnel’s globally also a similar platform to post speeches of vital concern. Most of all, YouTube and other related sites have been used by personalities of different religions to address issues of faith globally. It can be

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Implementation of RfId Technology in Libraries Research Paper

Implementation of RfId Technology in Libraries - Research Paper Example In addition, the paper will look at this by identifying the benefits of this form of technology to the libraries, then go to an extent of comparing these to the benefits, and make a decision. e. Motivation The development of technology and their applications to help make work easier in modern organization has motivated this research. Libraries have significantly remained in the rear in terms of equipment used in transmitting their services to the public and for effectiveness and usefulness in the classification of lent and borrowed books; the use of this knowledge is sought. The essay will begin by a foreword after which the synopsis of the knowledge is sought and after this, we will see the benefits of this technology to the libraries and couple with this is the identification of the obstacles faced when implementing this. A conclusion in form of decision or summary will ultimately follow. Overview of RFID technology Technological advancement is something good when it comes to the i mprovement required in performance and reduction of the costs. The development of this form of technology started all the way in 1945 when the British developed a simple form of the technology to help them in the identification of the aircrafts for the enemies and theirs. Between the 1960’s, and 70’s, the system was further developed for the security and safety of nuclear material and here the equipment and the personnel got tagged (Ngai et al, 2010). In 1977 this new knowledge was made for use by the civic sector, this was suggested by a group of conglomerates, and it is at this time and by the companies that several applications of this technology were explored. Partly, the motivation behind the development of the technology was the failure by the bar code in identification. In... The essay begins by a foreword after which the synopsis of the knowledge is sought and after this, we will see the benefits of this technology to the libraries and couple with this is the identification of the obstacles faced when implementing this. A conclusion in form of decision or summary will ultimately follow. Tis article makes a a conclusion that at the click of a mouse, RFID systems have enabled book tracking, customer compliance and most importantly, the safety of library workers. With all the benefits RFID technology provides, it is no wonder most libraries in the world today are choosing to embed RFID tags in their books as well as developing their own RFID safety systems. Like many technologies today, once libraries adopt the use of RFID systems, it is often hard for them to go back to initial systems because of the current efficiency they experience. The impact of information technology advancement is currently evident in every sector and field across the world. RFID technology is becoming more pervasive in the education sector and it is widely being used in libraries and has become a boon to the field of library, especially in relation to securing and library resources, archives and materials. There is need for the development of RFID technologies and infrastructure that are less c ostly in order to enhance their use in libraries. It is evident that RFID use in libraries poses serious privacy and security implications hence their need for the development of advance security protocols and procedures.

Monday, September 9, 2019

Research Approaches in the social world Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Research Approaches in the social world - Essay Example The role of the human services professional is to make an analysis and evaluate the needs of the clients of the employers they are working. Their work is focused on the alleviation of problems of the community and so work closely with it. Human services careers which require a high level of expertise often necessitate the candidate to have a master’s degree in human services. However, people with a bachelor’s in human services have also worked their way to higher salaries from entry-level positions (Chance 2011). In this regard, I have chosen the role of a social worker working in the broader field of human services. Social work has a lot of scope. Social work professionals have regional as well as overseas opportunities for working (James 2007). For a human services graduate there are a number of options available with respect to the nature of the organization he or she can join. For instance, NGOs, government organizations, clinics, hospitals etc are potential employm ent places for human services graduate seeking to go in social work; therefore, employment can be sought both in the private and the public sector. There are employment opportunities for human services professionals in the military too. ... he military, a social worker is required to give guidance and advice to individuals who ask for it and to have a one-to-one session with the client if required. The social worker assumes a number of roles while working with the community. Looking closely at the roles and responsibilities of a social worker, I believe that I have many characteristics that make me eligible to work join social work. One of the main roles of a social worker is that of an educator, educating the clients about various issues (Chechak 2011). For this purpose, the social worker needs to have adequate knowledge of the subject and must be able to relay the information effectively to the client. In this regard, I believe that my social skills and participating in extracurricular activities during my academic life as well as my experience as a volunteer for social work have all contributed in the development of experience and professional attitudes. The client may ask any question from the social health worker a nd so I should adequately increase my knowledge about the common social issues and think up of interventions. Moreover training programs in the field of public health can also go a long way in increasing knowledge about the common health ailments of the society. If I intend to work in as a social worker with a background of human services, I would need to take training for Management of Equal Opportunity Programs etc. Another characteristic of a social worker is that he is an enabler and convinces the client to change his attitudes to suit his wellbeing. The social worker is responsible for providing support and hope to the client. The worker plays an integral role in the identification of the strengths of the client and in promoting them (Chechak 2011). In this regard, I believe that my

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Reflective Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5500 words

Reflective Leadership - Essay Example dents enabling them to understand the ways in which particular theories can be applied and put into practice as well as to identify the practices which are in complete alignment with theories and concepts (The higher education academy, 2009). The reflective learning process has been of great help to me over the 10 week sessions. The reflective log helped me to identify my own self in the best possible way. I was able to have a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses that I possessed. The self reflections allowed me to realize as well as question my underlying beliefs and values. In addition, the learning process enabled me to acknowledge and argue probable assumptions as well as theories over which my feelings, ideas and actions were based. Most importantly, I was able to recognize the key areas of improvement that needs to be brought about in me. The sessions that I attended made me concur to the ideas on leadership set forth by empirical researchers. Leadership according to me is a key determinant of the success of any entity be it a business organization or a sports team. Being a project lead of the company that I currently work for has made me understand about various aspects and dimensions of leadership. Although my experience was relatively lesser than my cohorts who were present along with me in the session but my lob position was unbelievably unique among all the job mentioned job positions mentioned by various holders who attended the session. This enabled me to provide as well as gain a different perspective of leadership.

Saturday, September 7, 2019

The Use of E-Commerce and E-Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Use of E-Commerce and E-Business - Essay Example In the report, it is evident that different industries are improving all the processes at the organization level. In a different industry, in the past, the management was focusing on increasing production and generating revenues due to these two factors they were able to attract their franchisees that they have to show interest in their brands. But now they can reduce the total costs and can enhance their brands with the adoption of innovative technologies. The integration of marketing and procurement operations with e-commerce showed that the persons who are involved in supply chains assure that the integration of innovative technologies is warmly welcome. For electronic business, there is need of training of the staff persons and the notable thing is that they must have to observe the importance of the benefits of electronic systems. The electronic business is a continuously changing area and the electronic systems are very flexible and can be modified and upgraded according to the needs of the organization. The electronic business technologies are serving as an important management tool for increasing the overall performance of the supply chains.The e-procurement in different industries is in an infancy state and a rapid increase is expected in the functionality of e-commerce that would assist in making strong relationships with suppliers and buyers using electronic environment. From the benefits of e-commerce, it is obvious that it would increase the rate of adoption of innovative technologies, if the doubts related to e-commerce, are reduced to a level of utmost satisfaction of industry experts. The said research would help the industry experts in all the areas of different departments to better plan for the future adoption of IT/IS or e-commerce technologies. When the firms have to switch from traditional approaches to innovative online solutions then it would help the firm in significant savings, improvement in the production and increase in the operatio nal efficiencies. Using electronic systems e.g. e-procurement there would be better communication between business partners.

Friday, September 6, 2019

Renaissance (1300-1650), the Industrial Revolution Essay Example for Free

Renaissance (1300-1650), the Industrial Revolution Essay Throughout history, slavery has played a very prominent role in shaping the worlds societies and economies. Across three time periods in particular, slavery throughout the world has notable similarities and differences in areas such as the status of slavery, the way slavery influenced society, and the motivation for a civilization to practice slavery. These time periods are the Renaissance (1300-1650), the Industrial Revolution (1700-1900), and World Wars I and II (1914-1945). Renaissance The time period known today as the Renaissance was, as its name means, a â€Å"rebirth† of Greco-Roman values. It was a reaction against the Dark Ages and stood in stark contrast to the medieval time period before it. The practice of slavery was no exception. Whereas slavery had fizzled out during the Dark Ages, it was instituted again during the Renaissance. Slavery in the Renaissance began in Spain, and for a while the Spanish played the primary part in the slave market. Soon, though, slavery spread to the other parts of Europe. This was especially true with the case of the Italian city-states in which the Renaissance boomed. As the Renaissance grew in Italy and as the city-states expanded, slavery became more and more widespread until Italy became a main user of slaves (Hooker). In contrast to slavery in the later periods of the Industrial Revolution and the two World Wars which is explained later in this essay, slavery in the Renaissance was not solely based on race, but mostly religion (at least in Europe; another type of slavery was practiced in America during the Renaissance, as explained later). Europe and Africa at that time was divided between Christians and Muslims, and so slavery in nations dominated by either religion was based on captured people from the other religion. In other words, in the Renaissance, Christians mostly enslaved Muslims and Muslims mostly enslaved Christians. In the case of the Italian Renaissance, Muslims slaves came from â€Å"Spain, North Africa, Crete, the Balkans, and the Ottoman Empire† (Hooker). The vast majority of slaves at the beginning of the Renaissance were white (Hooker). But as the Renaissance progressed, black slaves began to be used more and more widely. In the beginning of the Renaissance, these African slaves were acquired through Arabs in North Africa, who also held them as slaves. When the Portuguese started exploring the African coast, they participated in a black slave market, shipping slaves to the Americas and back to Europe (Guild). El Mina was the first slave trading post set up by the Portuguese on the West Coast (â€Å"Gold Coast†) of Africa (Guild). Thanks to enslaved Africans, the Portuguese were especially successful in their plantations in the islands off the west coast of Africa known as the Cape Verde, where they transported many of the Africans they enslaved to work in plantations there (Gascoigne). While most slaves in the Industrial Revolution did hard labor in fields, most slaves in the Renaissance were domestic slaves. This means that they did work in the home, doing duties for their masters around the house. Rich people in the cities almost always had one or more slaves. Instead of the brutal, inhumane treatment of slaves common in the Industrial Revolution, slave-owners during the Renaissance commonly integrated their slaves into the family. In both the Industrial Revolution and the Renaissance, masters claimed all rights for their slaves; they did with them what they willed. Therefore, there arises the similarity between all three time periods in that commonly the slaves were used as sex slaves, although sex slaves in the World Wars were used mostly just for sex, not for hard labor. When masters in the Renaissance had an illegitimate child with a slave, the child was not a slave but was free (Hooker). However, when a child was born to a slave and its master in the Industrial Revolution, the child became a slave like its mother (â€Å"Master-Slave†¦). While most slaves were domestic in the Renaissance, another form of slavery was surfacing, slaves used for cheap labor in plantations. In the Renaissance, slaves were starting to be used in plantations, mostly in America, but also in plantations in Italy and off the coast of Africa (Gascoigne). So, in both the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution, at least some slaves were used for hard labor. The Portuguese were the first to put slaves to work in plantations, and slaves soon came to be used on plantations in the Americas by nations such as Spain, Holland, France, England, and the Netherlands. The first slaves they enslaved in these colonies were the native peoples, but soon, the native population began to dwindle. Since Portugal had been exploring the coast of Africa and since Africa had a booming population of people, Africans became the people they predominantly enslaved (Guild). Thus, racial slavery was started. Blacks came to be viewed as lower than human, and this view spread to all the nations which came to have plantations in America. Millions of blacks were imported to plantations for sugar, spices, tobacco, coffee, etc. during the span of the Renaissance (Hornsby). Industrial Revolution Slavery went through many changes during the course of the Industrial Revolution. At the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, slavery on plantations that had developed in the Renaissance continued to grow in the Americas. With the success of the plantations in America, what is known as the triangular trade began to form, and this trade majorly affected the world’s economies and prosperity. This system of trade is known as the triangular trade because the directions of travel for the trade were in the shape of a triangle—from Europe to Africa to the Americas and back to Europe. Items such as weapons, liquor, jewelry, and products made from cotton were taken to Africa from Europe and traded for slaves. These were loaded on ships and taken to the Americas. Conditions in the ships were horrible. Thousands of slaves were chained in very tight spaces in the ships. Disease permeated the hold where slaves were kept. Slaves laid in their own excrement and urine, and were fed barely anything. Many slaves died or committed suicide—an average of 16% of slaves. When the horrible trip was over, the remaining slaves were auctioned and sold in slave markets to plantation owners in the Americas. The products made in the plantations, such as tobacco, coffee, sugar, spices, and molasses which could be made into rum were then shipped to Europe, completing the trade system. The British were the primary traders in this system, but other nations participated (Gascoigne). Slavery greatly affected the Industrial Revolution. It made it possible to create and grow products in a shorter period of time and for less money. All the master had to do was to provide food, which he have very little of, so slaves provided very cheap labor. In the case of America, slaves operated the new inventions such as the cotton gin to make cotton products easier. This greatly affected the economy of America. The prosperity in the South boomed as agriculture continued to see success. This cotton industry and therefore the textile industrial majorly drove the Industrial Revolution in America. It became the primary export and cash crop. Hundreds of thousands of slaves were imported until 1808, when the American slave trade was banned. Still, hundreds of thousands of slaves were moved across America to the South and West to work on cotton plantations. These plantations and slavery in general brought in a huge profit for the American people. A similarity between slavery in the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution can be seen here—both used slavery as a catalyst for economies (â€Å"Africans.. †). But a difference is that most slaves in the Renaissance were domestic slaves in homes and were considered part of the family (Hooker). However, most slaves in the Industrial Revolution were plantation slaves and were considered less than human and were subjected to incredibly harsh treatment by their masters. However, near the Industrial Revolution, there was more of an awareness of the brutalities of slavery and more of a movement to stop it than the Renaissance. The final time period that will be discussed in this essay is the World Wars from 1914 to 1945. World Wars Forms of slavery used during World Wars I and II from 1914 to 1945 were very different from slavery before it and slavery after it. The wars during this period of history had a huge impact on all aspects of society, and so the status of slavery and the motivation for slavery was largely based on the huge wars taking place. During World War I and the time after it before World War II, outright slave traffic continued to be curbed in the areas of the world still practicing slavery. The slave trade still continued underground between countries in eastern Africa, especially Ethiopia, and the Middle East, especially Arabia. Throughout this period before World War II, there were outrages about revealed underground slave trades with enslaved Africans in Liberia and the Congo, and enslaved Native Americans in northern Peru (â€Å"Slavery†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). Joseph Stalin was the dictator of the Soviet Union from 1927 to 1953. During his regime, millions of people were forced to work in labor camps. This was in accordance with the USSR’s Labor Code, which stated that all citizens must labor for the government. Prisoners, enemies of the state, and other convicts were sent to do hard manual labor in Siberia during this time. Citizens were accused of being enemies of the government and sent to work without a trial and without much grounds at all. Like in the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution, Stalin used his massive free labor force to build up the Soviet Union’s economy and to industrialize the nation. Labor projects included building roads and railroads, building houses and power plants, mining, cutting trees, working in fields, etc. The workers were given nothing but food. One third of all the workers died from the poor environment in which they worked and from starvation and the cold. They were brutally treated on unjust bases. Therefore, this â€Å"corrective labor,† as it was called, is really slavery at its core. World War II was the instigation of several other types of slavery, also, such as POW slavery, Holocaust slavery, and sexual slavery. Nazi Germany captured enemy civilians and soldiers and brutally enslaved them to fill the gaps in the workforce. Much of the weaponry made by the Germans during World War II was made by slaves. One manufacturing company alone – Krupp—held 100,000 slaves by the end of the war. Many of these slaves died from exhaustion, starvation, and lack of basic necessities. They were kept in stables like livestock. Those that didn’t die were forced to work in German factories and farms. In 1944, Germany held 9. 5 million slaves—7 million civilians and 2. 5 million captured soldiers. Russian women that the Germans captured were held as domestic slaves, and Russian adolescents that the Germans captured were apprenticed to German businessmen. Not only were the Germans notorious for their brutal system of slavery for prisoners of war, but even worse, they enslaved innocent Jews and other â€Å"undesirable† people during the Holocaust. As a method of exterminating them, these people were sent to labor camps where they were treated even worse than the prisoners of war. Children from 6-years-old up were forced to work in these camps. Slaves mined, built weapons, sewed, etc. Slaves there were driven to work too hard in tight spaces with the poorest of living conditions. They had poor and meager food rations and a shortage of shelter and clothing. Loads of people died from diseases such as tuberculosis, from being overworked, from the cold, and from starvation. Their corpses were systematically burned in huge crematoriums (Sylvester – everything above). The fact that there were scandals about slavery and labor camps during the time period of the World Wars indicates a similarity and difference between this time period and the Renaissance/ Industrial Revolution. A similarity is that all three time periods had some forms of slavery to enhance nations’ economies and extract resources. But a difference is that slavery in the World Wars was looked down upon and was underground, whereas it was not in the Renaissance. But there lies a similarity between the World Wars and the Industrial Revolution, in that in both, measures were enacted to end slavery and the slave trade. However, World War II had labor camps for prisoners of war and specific races, which had never been done before. It also had sexual slavery, which though it had been practiced before, never to the extent it was carried out in World War II. Some captured slaves in the World Wars were used as domestic slaves, as they were in the Renaissance. But in the World Wars, there was not the worldwide slave trade there was in the Renaissance and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Part 222 Introduction The 18th century English poet William Cowper’s poem, â€Å"Pity for Poor Africans,† accurately portrays the world’s mindset throughout history about slavery. A line from that poem reads, â€Å"I pity them [slaves] greatly, but I must be mum, for how could we do without sugar and rum? † This sums up much of the world’s motivation for millennia for slavery. Throughout history, slavery has been a way to easily derive resources and produce goods. It has played a very prominent role in shaping the worlds societies and economies. Though it may have struck a chord with peoples’ consciences, the world did not know how else to get luxuries and how to live without them, and so the world allowed this horrific practice to go on. This essay details more of how slavery was used as an economic stimulus, how the world finally took action against it, and what forms of it still were used after this action took place. Across three time periods in particular, slavery throughout the world has notable similarities and differences in areas such as the status of slavery, the way slavery influenced society, and the motivation for a civilization to practice slavery. These time periods are the Renaissance (1300-1650), the Industrial Revolution (1700-1900), and World Wars I and II (1914-1945). Conclusion As one can clearly see, slavery has been a major factor in affecting and molding the world’s economies and societies throughout all of history. It has gone through major changes, affecting the world as a whole, especially in three time periods, namely, the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and World Wars I and II. Throughout all three and under many names, it was used as cheap labor to easily produce goods and advance civilizations’ economies. This slavery did, and it played a massive role in getting the world to where it is today. Without slavery, America might not have been industrialized or industrialized as quickly. Without slavery, we would not have the manufactured goods we have today. However, I am by no means condoning slavery; if slavery had not been practiced, millions of innocent, beautiful people would have lived their lives in freedom and would not have been torn away from their homeland, families, and livelihood to go labor without profit for people who abused and beat them. The Civil War would have been largely prevented if it weren’t for slavery. Though slavery was mostly domestic in the Renaissance, this does not make it any better. Also, the plantation slave emerged in that time period, and the triangular trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas continued well into the Industrial Revolution. Men achieved luxury through the pain and misery of others. Thankfully, mankind realized, though later than it should have been, how deplorable this system was. Finally, they put an end to it through abolitionist movements that spread throughout the world at the end of the Industrial Revolution. Yet, slavery continued in several other forms into the 20th century. Throughout the time period of the World Wars, labor camps emerged. Though these were seen as punishment for criminals and war prisoners, they were slavery at root, used to industrialize and make transportation routes, weaponry, etc. These labor camps were even used against innocent Jews and other â€Å"undesirables† during the Holocaust. Unbeknownst to the world for a time, even outright and brutal slavery was still used as exemplified by King Leopold of Belgium. Sexual slavery is another often overlooked form of slavery that had been carried out through past time periods like the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution but that was executed en masse by the Japanese during World War II. Still today, the pernicious act of slavery continues to be practiced, though concealed to the world, in underdeveloped countries of the world. Let us hope that mankind’s conscience continues to overshadow its greed and that slavery continues to be fought until it is completely wiped out the whole world over.