Thursday, December 26, 2019

steroids in Baseball Essay - 1151 Words

Steroids in Baseball: The Future of Baseball nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;It was a warm, sultry night in September. The fans were crazed in anticipation as Mark McGwire stepped to the plate. With a gentle stretch, he paused, patiently poised, waiting for what would eventually be the greatest hit baseball had ever seen. The pitcher, Steve Trachsel, came set. He shot a determined look to the dirt. In a rivalry such as this (Cubs, Cardinals) he did not want to be the one to give up the great number 62. He cocked his arm back, to let loose what would be an eighty-eight mile an hour fastball that most men would not see fly by, but Big Mac was not most men. With one mighty swing, sixty-one was no more, ney sayers were silenced, and the game†¦show more content†¦nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Steroid.org noted only two external side affects (balding,changes in skin) and noted only the following 11 internal changes: Psychic, Feminization, Cardiovascular, Gynecomastia, Growth Deficits, Headaches, Kidney problems, Liver problems, Immune s ystem, Impotence, and Stomachaches. Which all may seem bad but are less of a threat to athletes than most prescribed allergy medicines. The article even goes on to admit, the biggest factor leading to negative side affects is misuse. A regulated and informed usage policy would be very beneficial to the game as well as the athletes themselves. If baseball’s administration thinks that steroids are honestly hurting the game so much, why the delay in finding a suitable means of testing? Players have suggested to Sports Illustrated that: One reason for baseball’s slow response is that by making players bigger the average All-Star weighed 211 pounds last year, compared to 199 in 1991—steroids have contributed to one of the greatest slugging booms in the games history. The single-season home run record was broken twice in four years, while the 60-homer plateau has been surpassed six times. Even lead off hitters and utility infielders are hitting home runs in record numbers( qtd. In Caminiti comes clean. S.I.com). The players understandShow MoreRelatedBaseball and Steroids741 Words   |  3 PagesConfirmation/Argument Despite steroids having multiple negative effects on both athletes and the game of baseball, they also have good effects too. The first positive effect that steroids’ provide would be the fact that steroids help speed up recovery time. When a person is heavily stressed Cortisol is produced to help the body and mind handle the stress. However, because cortisol is so strong; in the process of trying to relieve stress it also damages muscle tissue and slows down the time it takesRead MoreSteroids Abuse in Baseball1746 Words   |  7 PagesSteroid Abuse Hurts Baseball The abuse of steroids among players in Major League Baseball is corrupting the image of Americas Pastime as well as endangering the health of those who use the illegal substances. The lack of testing and punishment for the use of illegal substances like steroids in the Major Leagues portrays a negative image to aspiring young athletes. They see their role models using steroids and becoming better athletes rather than seeing suspensions for the illegal behavior orRead MoreSteroids : The Corruption Of Baseball1287 Words   |  6 PagesSteroids: The Corruption of Baseball Steroids changed the game of baseball for an era by transforming the game from defensively oriented mindsets to who could offensively â€Å"out-slug† one another. Steroids have changed the game of baseball due to the fact that it makes you stronger and the players that use it can hit the ball a lot further than others. Steroids are performance enhancing drugs most commonly used by athletes or bodybuilders so that they can gain more muscle quickly and easily to haveRead More Steroids in Baseball Essay878 Words   |  4 Pages Anabolic and androgenic steroids come in many different forms. The most popular form is a pill and is easy to take. The draw back of the pill is it is hard on the liver and kidneys because it passes through the system in a couple of hours. Another popular form is cream. The cream’s advantage is it is easy to apply and is less harmful to the body. The draw back is it is very ineffective. The last form is injection. Injecting straight into the muscle gives the best results. Most serious athletes thatRead MoreSteroids in Professional Baseball2189 Words   |  9 Pagessurveyed that all the athletes in baseball that were tested for steroids and shown positive should have been banned from the game. In the year 2005 it was discovered that two out of three people agreed with banning the players who made it to the Hall of Fame but tested positive for steroids. Most if not all people consider this action cheating and frown upon its use. How could this be? In today’s readings of sports articles and papers, fans tend to think that steroids give other players an unfair advantageRead MoreEssay on Steroids in Baseball1012 Words   |  5 Pages â€Å"Steroids in Baseball† nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Today in the United States, millions and millions of kids, teens, and adults watch and play in the sport of baseball. It is probably the number one sport looked upon and what is happening to it is a bit discouraging. Players have started â€Å"cheating† by using steroids to help them play stronger and better. They are in league where you have to be the best at what you do to play, and if your using drugs to cheat yourRead MoreEssay on Steroids in Baseball2587 Words   |  11 PagesHall of Shame Baseball has always been known as â€Å"America’s Favorite Pastime†. Over the past decade, the game America knows and loves has been exposed as a game full of cheaters. Major League Baseball(MLB) has had over one hundred players test positive for performance-enhancing substances over the past fifteen years. Performance-enhancing substances increase a player’s ability to produce better stats to help his salary. The past fifteen years of baseball have contained dirty play by some of theRead MoreSteroids in Professional Baseball Essay1185 Words   |  5 Pagesin Major League Baseball is the discussion of the use of steroids and human growth hormones. Both are completely illegal in the sport, and come with drastic consequences. One would think a fifty game suspension as a first offense would scare players away, but for some reason steroids in baseball is occurring more and more often to the disappointment of Major League Baseball. The reason players take steroid s in the first place is to enhance their performance on the field. Steroids make players strongerRead MoreSteroids in Major League Baseball800 Words   |  4 PagesSteroids in Major League Baseball Anabolic steroids have been abused by Major League Baseball players for years, it’s time to forever ban the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs before they ruin America’s past time. Why should athletes be able to cheat when teammates or rivals are competing with honest effort? Every year records are broken and new heights are achieved, the game of baseball is very simple yet very humble, and to deceive the game you love, forever will you be punished. Let me informRead MoreEssay on Use of Steroids in Baseball4327 Words   |  18 PagesUse of Steroids in Baseball Since Major League Baseball all-star Ken Caminiti openly admitted to Sports Illustrated to have used steroids during his career, steroid use as a muscle and performance enhancer has been uncovered and become a big issue Major League Baseball is wrestling with. The â€Å"ongoing and delicate subject, baseball’s dirty, little secret that is no secret anymore,† is a huge and growing problem (Curry B20). Now that light has been shed on the issue, critics are beginning to

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Big Data And The Data - 991 Words

Introduction The term big data came into the picture to refer the big volumes of information’s both the companies and governments are storing. The data may be where we live, where we go, what we buy and what we say etc. all will be recorded and stored forever. More than 90% of data is generated in the past 2 years only and this volume is increasing day by day and doubling for every two years. In this world, the organizations are using the data generated by us and no one knows what they are doing with the collected data. Big data is defined as a lot of structured and unstructured data from different sources, such as E-commerce websites, online transactions, social networks, medical records, internet search indexes, banking and financial services, scientific searches, weblogs, and document searches and so on. Big data also can be described by four V’s: Volume, Velocity, Variety and finally Value. Volume: The term big data itself tells it is related to size. Big data requires processing of high volumes of unstructured data such as data from twitter, network traffic etc. The volume of data varies from one organization to other. Velocity: The term velocity refers to how fast the data is generated and processed to meet the demands and the challenges in the path of growth and development. Reacting quickly enough to deal with data velocity is a challenge for most organizations. Variety: Data today comes in various formats, types, structured, unstructured. For example, the data mayShow MoreRelatedData Mining Of Big Data1646 Words   |  7 PagesData Mining in Big Data Vishesh Shukla Department of Computer Science University of Technology and Management Shillong, India shukla.vishesh07@gmail.com Saurav Utkarsh Department of Computer Science University of Technology and Management Shillong, India saurav.utkarsh@stu.utm.ac.in Sahil Mittal Department of Computer Science University of Technology and Management Shillong, India tousif.raza@stu.utm.ac.in Abhishek Kumar Department of Computer Science University of Technology and ManagementRead MoreThe Big Data1153 Words   |  5 Pagescreate someone’s whole family tree? This is the type of scenario that represents the different facets of Big Data. What does it mean to say â€Å"big data†? Big Data is more than just massive amounts of data stored together. It is more than just data delivered or analyzed fast. Meta Group’s Doug Laney described it as data that has volume, velocity, and variety (2001). This is the 3 V’s of Big Data and is widely used to define it. Additions to this definition include other V’s, such as veracity andRead MoreBig Data3377 Words   |  14 Pagesnumber of articles on â€Å"big data†. Examine the subject and discuss how it is relevant to companies like Tesco. Introduction to Big Data In 2012, the concept of ‘Big Data’ became widely debated issue as we now live in the information and Internet based era where everyday up to 2.5 Exabyte (=1 billion GB) of data were created, and the number is doubling every 40 months (Brynjolfsson McAfee, 2012). According to a recent research from IBM (2012), 90 percent of the data in the world has beenRead MoreThe Big Data Essay1415 Words   |  6 Pages ABSTRACT The promise of data-driven decision-making is now being recognized broadly, and there is growing enthusiasm for the notion of ``Big Data.’’ While the promise of Big Data is real -- for example, it is estimated that Google alone contributed 54 billion dollars to the US economy in 2009 -- there is currently a wide gap between its potential and its realization. Heterogeneity, scale, timeliness, complexity, and privacy problems with Big Data impede progress at all phases of the pipeline thatRead MoreBig Data7004 Words   |  29 PagesBanks, Big Data and High-Performance Analytics Insights on Turning Big Data into Competitive Advantage A selection of articles that appeared in Big Data = Big Gains, a special digital publication by Bank Systems Technology Table of Contents Turning Big Data into Competitive Advantage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Can Banks Play ‘Moneyball’? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 How to Ride the Big DataRead MoreAnalysis Of Big Data, Data Mining, And Data Analytics Essay1080 Words   |  5 Pagesto get the most accurate consumer data to create advertising and marketing plans. Today marketing is more personalized, immediate, and accurate than it ever has been before. The gathering and organizing of this data into useful insights is something that has interested me for quite some time. After I earn my degree, I would love to work for a company helping analyze and sort their market data either through consulting or in house work. Taking thousands of data bits to find patterns in consumerRead MoreArticle On Data Mining With Big Data1734 Words   |  7 Pages25) Ashok Yaganti (Class ID: 46) Article: Data Mining with Big Data (Paper-1) This paper addresses the complications being faced by Big Data because of increase in the volume, complexity of data and due to multiple sources, which produces large number of data sets. With the increase of big data in different fields like medicine, media, social networking etc., there is a need for better processing model which can access the data at the rate at which the data increases. This paper proposed a processingRead MoreData Management, Data And Information Quality For Big Data?1086 Words   |  5 Pagestype of data, and it has a massive amount of processing power, and can handle a boundless number of jobs or tasks. Data Management, Data ingestion, Warehouse, and ETL provides features for effective management and data warehousing for data managing as a valuable resource. The Stream computing features pulls streams of data and then streams it back out as a single flow and then processes that data. Analytics/ Machine Learning features advanced analytics and machine learni ng. Content Management whichRead MoreBig Data and Data Analytics Essay1757 Words   |  8 Pagesa greater outcome and new organizational capabilities. Big data and data analytics are one of those important factors that contribute to a successful company and their updated software and information systems. What are Big Data and Data Analytics? You may ask what big data analytics is. Well according to SAS, the leading company in business analytics software and services describes big data analytics as â€Å"the process of examining big data to uncover hidden patterns, unknown correlations and otherRead MoreData Acquisition And Recording Of Big Data2254 Words   |  10 Pages1 Data Acquisition and Recording Big Data is not just simply come from itself it is been recorded and generated by some data generating source. For instance, if we have our ability to feel and realize the arena around us, from our own heart rate and getting the data of toxins that are present in the air we leave this will produce more than one million terabytes of unparalleled data for every day. Furthermore, scientific experiments will also produce petabytes of data today. Whatever the data that

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Carver In Agriculture Essay Example For Students

Carver In Agriculture Essay American educator and an outstanding innovator in the agricultural sciences. Carver was born of slave parents near Diamond, Missouri. He left the farm where he was born when he was about ten years old and eventually settled in Minneapolis, Kansas, where he worked his way through high school. Following his graduation in 1894 from Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (now Iowa State University), Carver joined the college faculty and continued his studies, specializing in bacteriological laboratory work in systematic botany. In 1896 he became director of the Department of Agricultural Research at Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (now Tuskegee University), where he began an exhaustive series of experiments with peanuts. Iowa State University), Carver joined the college faculty and continued his studies, specializing in bacteriological laboratory work in systematic botany. In 1896 he became director of the Department of Agricultural Research at Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (now Tuskegee University), where he began an exhaustive series of experiments with peanuts. Carver developed several hundred industrial uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans and developed a new type of cotton known as Carvers hybrid. His discoveries induced southern farmers to raise other crops in addition to cotton. He also taught methods of soil improvement. In recognition of his accomplishments, Carver was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1923 by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In 1935 he was appointed collaborator in the Division of Plant Mycology and Disease Survey of the Bureau of Plant Industry of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1940 he donated all his savings to the establishment of the George Washington Carver Foundation at Tuskegee for research in natural science. Carver died at Tuskegee, on January 5, 1943. His birthplace was established as the George Washington Carver National Monument in 1943. .

Monday, December 2, 2019

Napoleon And Wellington Essays - Nobility, European People

Napoleon and Wellington The careers of Napoleon Bonaparte and Arthur Wellesley, 1st duke of Wellington, contrasted in many different ways. The manner in which both rose to glory was quite dissimilar. Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Corsica on August 15, 1769 and was thought to be the most formidable military commander since Alexander the great. He was a bright, charismatic child of noble background. As a boy, he was described as good ?willed and generous. At nine, through his father's influence, Napoleon went off to military school in Paris at the expense of King Louis XVI. It was here that it was discovered that he had and amazing brain capacity and was considered a genius, yet nobody could imagine his success and all of the dead bodies he left in his wake for the sake of peace. Wellesley, on the other hand, was born on May 1, 1769, in Dublin and was also of noble background. As an adult, Wellesley would rise to rule the British empire, but as a schoolboy his future looked grim and lacked the genius that Napoleon possessed. His situation became so desperate that he was sent to military school, where his metamorphosis was astonishing. He found that he enjoyed the army and needed it to establish a career in life. He was given the title "1st Duke of Wellington" due to his military successes. In school, Napoleon was always the leader and could always win at games due to his strategies and his impeccability at outwitting the other team. He was attracted to the military for a number of reasons and he had secret weapons such as his extraordinary intelligence. The military schools of Napoleon and Wellesley never engaged in competition so they never met. Napoleon graduated military school in 1785, at the age of 16, and joined the artillery as a second lieutenant. He studied firepower and trained in the artillery, which would help Napoleon become a genius in this field. Meanwhile, in 1787, Wellesley was commissioned to the British army and, although he was extremely ambitious, his youth sometimes showed. In 1790, Wellesley was elected to the Irish parliament and participated in the unsuccessful campaign of 1794-95 against French forces in the Netherlands. Upon returning to England in 1805, he was rewarded with knighthood. After the Revolution began, Napoleon became a lieutenant colonel in the Corsican National Guard but, in 1793, Corsica declared independence, and Bonaparte, a French patriot and a Republican, fled to France with his family. He was assigned, as a captain, to an army besieging Toulon, a naval base that, aided by a British fleet, was in revolt against the republic. Replacing a wounded artillery general, he drove the British fleet from the harbor, and Toulon fell. Napoleon was then promoted to brigadier general at the age of 24 and in 1796 he married Josephine de Beauharnais, the widow of an aristocrat guillotined in the Revolution and the mother of two children. Also in 1796, Bonaparte was made commander of the French army in Italy and due to his victories, he became quite well known and respected by the French. In the same year, Wellesley, now holding the rank of colonel in the army, went to India, where he received his first independent command. Wellesley's brother was appointed governor-general of India in 1797, and Arthur took part in several military campaigns and returned to England in 1805. In 1798, Bonaparte led an expedition to Turkish-ruled Egypt, which he conquered yet his fleet was destroyed. Undismayed, he reformed the Egyptian government and law, abolishing serfdom and feudalism and guaranteeing basic rights. In 1799, he won a smashing victory over the Turks but failed to capture Syria. Napoleon then decided to leave his army and return to save France, where he joined a conspiracy against the government. He and his colleagues seized power in the coup d'etat of November 1799, and established a new regime called the Consulate. Under its constitution, Bonaparte, as first consul, had almost dictatorial powers. In 1802 the constitution was revised to make Bonaparte consul for life and then in 1804 it made him emperor. He reorganized the administration, simplified the court system, and all schools in France were put under centralized control. He standardized French law in the Napoleon Code and they guaranteed the rights and liberties won in the Revolution, including equality before the law and freedom of religion. In 1806, Napoleon conquered the kingdom of Naples and the Dutch republic and destroyed the Prussian army. Napoleon made an ally of Czar Alexander I and greatly

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Biology Notes

Biology Notes 19/25/09•CytoskeletonoMaintains cell shape and provides supportoGives cells mechanisms for movementoSets up tracks for motor proteins to carry things in the cello3 types of components:1. Microfilaments (7 nanometers):a. Made of proteins such as actin and myosinb. May exist as a single fiberc. May be in a bundled. May form a large networke. Important for cell contractionsf. Give the plasma membrane its shapeg. Involved with cytoplasmic streamingi. Making the cytoplasm move and not stay stagnanth. Important for formation of pseudopodsi. Allow for the movement of smaller eukaryotesi. Important for bringing things into the cellj. Important for cell divisionk. Form microvilli2. Intermediate Filaments (8-12 nanometers)a. Found in multicellular organismsb. Form rope-like assemblagesc. Stabilize cell structured. Important for resisting tensione. Form nuclear laminaf. Hold organelles and nucleus in place3. Microtubules (Up to 25 nanometers)a. Hollow cylinders, made of tubulin proteinb. Pr ovide rigid, interskeletal frameworkc. Act as a track for motor proteinsd. Motor proteins associate with tubulini.Dynein: Moves a vesicle towards the negative end (interior)ii. Kinesin: Moves a vesicle towards the positive end (periforate)e. Associated with locomotion appendagesf. Help form the cilia and flagellai.9 on outside, 2 on insideg. Important for forming centriolesi. Centriole: Center of the cell during cell division. Helps move the chromosomes during cell division.9/30/09•Cell Wall (Plant Cells)oMade of celluloseoComplex polysaccharides associated with proteinsoInsulates plasma membrane to prevent rupture==Protects against turgor pressure•Turgor Pressure: Internal pressure exerted on the cell membrane•Extracellular Matrix (ECM)oComposed of fibrous proteins (collagen, elastic fibers)==Allow for rigidnessoGlycoproteinsoIt holds cells together to form tissuesoIt contributes to the physical properties of the tissue==Connective Tissue: Cells associated with the ECMà ‚•Bone•BloodoFilters material that passes between cellsoOrients cell movement==Releases chemical signalsoEmbryonic developmentCh. 5•Cell membranes are bilayered and dynamicoDynamic: Membrane is continuously forming, it can move around, and it can fuse with other membranes•Fluid Mosaic ModeloInterior of membrane is fluid, allowing some...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

The Definition and Purpose of the Zero Article

The Definition and Purpose of the Zero Article In English grammar, the term  zero article  refers to an occasion in speech or writing where a noun or noun phrase is not preceded by an article (a, an, or the). The zero article is also known as the  zero determiner. In general, no article is used with proper nouns, mass nouns where the reference is indefinite, or plural count nouns where the reference is indefinite. Also, no article is generally used when referring to means of transport (by plane) or common expressions of time and place (at midnight, in jail). In addition, linguists have found that in  regional varieties of English known as New Englishes,  omitting an article is often done to express non-specificity. Examples of the Zero Article In the following examples, no article is used before the italicized nouns. My mothers name is Rose. I gave her a rose on  Mothers Day.Every mile is two in winter.This plant grows in  sandy soil and on the edges of swamps.David Rockefeller was authorized to hold the position of director of the Council on Foreign Relations. The Zero Article in American and British English In American and British English, no article is used before words such as  school, college, class, prison  or  camp  when these words are used in their institutional sense. The students start school in the fall.College provides opportunities for students to learn and meet new people. However, some nouns that are used with definite articles in American English are not used with articles in British English. When I was in the hospital, I often wished there were fewer hours in the day.[American English]When Elizabeth was in  hospital, she was occasionally visited by her parents.[British English] The Zero Article With Plural Count Nouns and Mass Nouns In the book English Grammar, Angela Downing writes that the loosest and therefore most frequent type of generic statement is that expressed by the zero article with plural  count nouns  or with  mass nouns. Count nouns are those that can form a plural, such as dog or cat. In their plural form, count nouns are sometimes used without an article, especially when they are referred to generically. The same is true when the noun is plural but of indefinite number. Dogs love to run around outside.The boy loves to play with toys. Mass nouns are those that cannot be counted, such as air or sadness. They also include nouns that are not usually counted but that can be counted in some situations, such as water or meat. (These nouns can be counted using certain measurements, such as some or much.) Clean air is important for a healthy environment.The man was overcome by sadness when he lost his home. Sources Cowan, Ron.  The Teachers Grammar of English: a Course Book and Reference Guide. Cambridge University Press, 2011.Downing, Angela.  English Grammar. Routledge, 2006.Platt, John T., et al.  The New Englishes. Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1984.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Weekly journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Weekly journal - Essay Example When individuals are unemployed they have less money to spend on goods and services and they are more inclined towards ensuring that their basic needs are met. Due to this they spend more on the basic necessities such as food and clothing and ignore spending money on luxurious products and services such as cars. Another subject that the chapter focuses on is the fiscal and monetary policies that government may use to encourage individuals to spend more. When the government implements an expansionary policy, it allows business to borrow more and due to these businesses invest more (Krugman 148). More investment leads to increase in demand for employees which in turn increases the wages paid to employees. Due to this increase, individuals tend to spend more and they even spend on luxurious items. But if the demand for goods and services continuously increases, suppliers will increase their prices on continuous basis and this would lead to increase in inflation rate and decrease in the number of goods and services that can be purchases by individuals in a particular economy (Krugman

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

The nature of the budgeting and planning process Essay

The nature of the budgeting and planning process - Essay Example The overall purpose of the budgeting process is to ensure that the organization has enough finances of operations and expenditure. The first purpose of the budgeting process is communication, where each department in the organization communicates the need for resources and how the resources will be used. This is done by explaining the volume of activities that the department will engage in and the amount of resources that will be needed. The budgeting and planning process is also important for coordination of tasks in the organization, since the different departments in the organization perform interrelated task (Hansen and Wim, 2004). Coordination of processes is achieved when the different departments provide a plan for their resource allocation and the relation to the resource allocation from other departments. Budgets are also used for planning the activities of the organization for a specified period. This is achieved by preparing budgets that predict resource usage for forthcoming fiscal periods. When these budgets are prepared, the organization can determine the resource needs and, therefore, prepare the necessary financial resources for acquisition of the planned resources. Budgets are also used for control and motivation, where the budgets act as a measure of performance and improvement. This means that the prepared budget is used as a standard of measurement of performance, and the different departments are motivated to improve their performance according to the budget allocated. The nature of the budgeting and planning process is reflected by the characteristics of the budget prepared by the departments and the organization. The budget can be defined as a plan for the allocation of financial resources to the various processes in the organization, therefore, the budgeting and planning process refers to the steps taken to prepare and measure organizational performance using a budget. The requirements of the budgeting and planning process can then be inferred from the above definition of a budget. The budgeting and planning process requires knowledge of the required resources by each department, the expected usage of resources, the forecast of the cost of resources, and the expected financial inflows and outflows. Types of Budgets According to Sean, Garrison and Noreen (2008), budgets can be classified into many types, including zero-based budgets, incremental budgets, fixed and flexibl e budgets. These budgets classifications are done according to the basis for budget preparation, whether the budget is prepared according to activity level, fiscal periods, or resource availability. Zero-based budgeting refers to a budgeting method where each department is required to provide a justification of all the expenses presented in the budget statement. Traditional budgeting methods require a manager to add or subtract amounts from the previous fiscal period budget, however, zero-based budgets start from a zero baseline and all expenditures have to be justified. Conversely, incremental budgets are based on the previous period’

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Evolution Of Cities As A Catalyst To Civilization Essay Example for Free

Evolution Of Cities As A Catalyst To Civilization Essay The paper seeks to explain the dynamics resulting to the civilization and modernization of our time, using the Athens, Rome, and Alexandria, Chinese cum Indian as a part of the explanation. The rise of democratic government as it relates to the development of cities, modern cities. The impact of religion, politics, leadership idiosyncrasy, trade and commerce, caste /Kinship system as it influenced the evolution of the modern city or state. The paper also looks at Contemporary cities in China and Europe. THE ANCIENT STRUCTURES OF CITIES The misconception of cities as related to population or numerical strength is prevalent even till date, but cities are defined from the perspective of population density; the square metres of the milieu, as it affects the problems of population explosion, the ancient had city states and imperial city state, the imperial denotes the undertone in the political system, which further affects the formation of the city or design(Reilly:128-129) The capital city functioned autonomously and even democratically in its activities, the cities in most cases served the egoistic purposes of rulers. Howbeit , the capital cities were much or less commercial hubs, where transactions from neighbouring and internal trade was operating, the influence of trade had a huge impact on the development or evolution of the state ,for instance it was within and without leading to the success of trade. The Utilitarian function of a city-state as posited by Aristotle is subject to debate, the ancient structure, he speaks in an ironic way, and Athens as submitted is overblown in expression an exaggerated existing city-state as disclosed in the strangers view. (Ibid)The cities flowing from the aforementioned creates a divergence from what we have now in the modern day, it lacks a lot of facilities. Athens is further depicted as a peasant village. (ibid, 130). The political structure of city-states is worthy of note here, power was exercised by majority, which is a sharp contrast with our modern cities. The exclusion of women and slaves from vital decision shows a gender imbalance, which in our modern cities to a huge extent has been addressed. The Athenian political system, however allowed for more participation and equality as political positions were occupied by lottery and not voter, per chance. It also allows professionalism cum promotion of skills. The importance of recreation, is also crucial in this paper, as the Athenian cities had time to have fun, the ampitheater,agora ,acropolis were centres of attraction, this in a way shows the evolution of all the good things we enjoy in the modern day ,declaring and affirming, they never fell from the sky. Alexandra the great as a student of Aristotle reveals the development of the city – states, toward complexity and more openness, depicted by architectural designs and imperialism. (Ibid, 134) . Ancient Rome was however characterised by most problems faced in contemporary cities, the cost of living as a good example, the show of power, class division and rule, identity was a paramount phenomenon in Rome. In India, it depicts the evolution of a commercial city other than the duo categorisation of cities, the debate of Indians commercial status is something countered by the existence of caste structures, religious beliefs and norms shaping their activities. The argument of this part is that the ancient states evolved from a small beginning, democratic to some extent to a powerful force to reckon with, this came decadence and other things that are evidenced by Rome. This in a way shows how the present cities react to globalization and liberalism in the context of continual revolution. RELIGIOUS INCLINATION AND THE SURGE TO CIVILIZATION The annexation of new colonies and empires, wars of conquest, created different shapes of emerging societies and cities majorly influenced by commerce and specialization of skills. Religion played a key role in the spread of commerce and its importance in major cities, Buddhism and Jainism were materialistic in approach, they believed in atheistism, making the relevance of gods or Supreme Being invalid, trade and commerce however formed the basis of those that believe in the duo ways of religion, this did not allow them to involve in agriculture as the religion did not allow killing of insects, Buddhism thus lays emphasis on cities. (Ibid, 147-150). The trade of Gupta kingdom represents the impact of trade as a main instrument of networking, spread of ideas as we have in the Contemporary cities, a replica of structures and buildings,governance,systems are always shared in the globe. The spread of these ideas around the ancient empires can be deduced as a mechanism of civilization, as education grew more and more in major cities and empires. The beauty and prominence of Gupta made it a centre of civilization, as pilgrims journeyed as far to visit the city. The political economy path however explains the issue of political democracy and economic perspective, the dependence of the economy on political systems. The political cum economic systems however, dictates the pace of development and progress in the Ancient cities.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Essay --

Who Am I? A look inside Holden, Seymour, and Salinger from three acclaimed works. After World War II J.D. Salinger joined the ranks of the exceptionally adept authors that came about after the heinous second world war. Salinger, fueled by his experiences from the war, addressed many concerns and issues, most of which are timeless. Due to many of his astounding pieces, and his fresh outlook on society, is considered a phenomenal, classic, American author. One that is responsible for many renowned, coming of age novels, as well as a number of agonizing critiques of the society that has been cultured. The Catcher in the Rye and, â€Å"A Perfect Day for Bananafish† are two of his most acclaimed works, both wrestling with the concept concerning the conservation of innocence, a main talking point of Salinger. This is visible through many similarities between the two works. In The Catcher in the Rye, â€Å"A Perfect Day for Bananafish,† and, J.D. Salinger: A Life the characters share common internal conflicts regarding the people that they have become, thi s central conflict aids in conveying Salingers overwhelming claim that when faced with great ordeals, any figurative wounds attained, affect a person in every aspect of life. In The Catcher in The Rye Holden wrestles with the concept of the person that he has turned into. The colossal amount of struggles he has faced, and the lacerations he has gained have remained by his side, altering his everyday, mundane actions. Holden remarks on the painful transition between childhood and adulthood when he is in the Natural History Museum, he says that the, â€Å"best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was.... Nobody's be different. The only thing that would be ... ...today. Salinger gained many mental and physical wounds during his time in the army, both affected his views on innocence and affected him as a person. Both The Catcher in the Rye, â€Å"A Perfect Day for Bananafish†, and J.D. Salinger: A Life have similar views on innocence, however, the way in which the protagonists experienced their realization on the topic was utterly different. In The Catcher in the Rye and, â€Å"A Perfect Day for BananaFish† as well as J.D. Salinger: A Life, Holden, seymour, and Salinger both find themselves with similar internal conflicts regarding the people they have become, in relation to their innocence. The self exploration the three underwent was due to the accumulation of anguish and grief. both The Catcher in the Rye and, â€Å"A Perfect Day for Bananafish† share similar insights, because of Salingers similar themes and his experience in the war.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Case Study: Improving Health by Getting Lean Essay

1. What perspective(s) of organizational effectiveness best describe the application of lean management practices? Describe how specific elements of that perspective related to the interventions described in this case study. This case study utilized several perspectives of organizational effectiveness to help adapt their goal of lean management. Within the open system perspective the most common strategy is to change the company’s products and services, as well as how outputs are produced (McShane & Von Glinow, 2015, page 9). Sunderland reached out to their external environment for information with borrowing ideas from a nearby Nissan factory and incorporated information learned. Sunderland integrated this information by mapping out their work processes, evaluated their activities, and developed ways to reduce lengthy patient wait times. In order to reach their goals, organizational learning perspective played a big part. Emphasis is placed on human capital with the knowledge and skills employees brought to the table. â€Å"Lean works because it is based on doctors, nurses, and other staff leading the process and telling us what adds value and what doesn’t. They are the ones who know† (McShane & Von Glinow, 2015, page 28). The input from employees helped reduce patient wait time, streamlines the patient pathway from 29 to 11 discrete stages, cut 34 miles of walking per day, reduced 60 percent of supplies used for hip and knee surgery, and improved congestion in the emergency department through varies of hospitals. With all the improvements high performance work practices perspective now takes shape. Involving employees in decision making and giving them more autonomy over their work activities tend to strengthen employee motivation and improve decision making, organizational responsiveness, and commitment to change (McShane & Von Glinow, 2015, page 13). Employee involvement was the key to strengthened motivation, decision-making and commitment to change. 2. Does lean management ignore some perspectives of organizational effectiveness? If so, what are the unintended consequences of these practices that might undermine rather than improve the organization’s effectiveness? In this case study, lean management may have ignored the stakeholder’s perspective if we look at this through the patients view and even the employee’s view. Although the lean management is quicker and more efficient customer care, at what cost comes from this? Wait time has always been a concern for patients but the quality of care over-rules the priority of the needs for the community (stakeholders). The case study in question only gives the point of view from the hospital, not the patient. So with that said, does the patient feel pushed through the system or do they feel they received a high quality of care? This is where corporate social responsibility (CSR) may be corrupted. CSR intentions are to benefit society with no regards to the financial or legal obligations. Looking at the reduction of time and supplies used, there is a push from the employees to rush patients through their medical services to meet their efficiency process. If this is the case, then both the patients and employees are conflicted. 3. In what situations, if any, would it be difficult or risky to apply lean management practices? What conditions make these practices challenging in these situations? In order for lean management to work, you must have management that understands the concept of lean management and how employees play a role in the success of the outcome. Leadership co-working with employees is essential for lean management to be successful. If you have managers or supervisors in place that does not allow employees to have a say in what works and what does not work, the implementation of lean management may result in failure. The conditions that make this challenging are when management decides what solution to use without understanding the real problem. References: McShane, S., & Glinow, M. (2015). Organizational behavior (Seventh ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Difference between Festival in Europe and China

Festivals are said to define who we are. These are sets of traditions that we follow in a certain community. For China and Europe, their festivals are alike in such way that they all prepare extravagantly for the event with costumes, dishes and etcetera (Richardson, 2006). These festivals also commemorate a certain person or event that is of great importance for the people in the country or community. Some festivities like the Saint Valentines’ day and Christmas day are also alike in some ways. For instance, valentines day is the time were people express their love for the people that they care about just like in Christmas.Though Valentines Day connote lovers and couples it still gives the message of love in the same way as Christmas is the day of love and sharing(Pleck, 1999). The color red is also very popular during these festivities since it is the color of love. The atmosphere of the two festivals is the same since there is an air of love, sharing and compassion. People e xchange gifts and they have an icon that represents them. For valentines it is the cupid and for Christmas it is Santa(Elevale, 2007). However they vary in time since the former is on February 14 and Christmas is on December 25.New Year on the other hand is different from the festivals mentioned above. It is more related to other Chinese festivals since they ward off evil spirits through the use of fireworks. This festival is also not about love and sharing but of a fresh start. There are no figures or icons associated with it unlike that of Christmas and Valentines Day. Just like in the Dragon Boat Festival, the main focus is scaring away the evil in the home. The Dragon Boat festival in China is called â€Å"Duan Wu Jie† in Chinese and it is celebrated along with Mid-autumn festival and Chinese New year.It is one of the three major festivals celebrated on the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar and on its fifth day which normally falls on June 5. This is also known as the double fifth day. The fifth day of the month is believed by the Chinese to be the month of the devil since this is the time were disease become rampant. The Dragon Boat festival is done to drive away these evil spirits. This festival has the longest record in history because of its relevance to the lives of its citizens. Through the festival they are reminded to take care of their health and drive away evil spirits.This festival is highlighted by dragon boat races. Contestants ride in colorful boats with dragon designs and they row together with the rhythm of the drums. There are also special dishes that are associated with the festival. A few of these is the hsiung huan wine that adults drink to prevent evil from invading their body and to bring inner peace. Another dish is the tzung tzu which is a rice ball that was believed to e eaten by Chu Yuan before he drowned. Chu Yuan is a Poet who took his own life by jumping off the boat when he felt that there is nothing that he cou ld do to save his country from bad luck.He was known to be a good man y his neighbors so to prevent the fish from eating his body they threw food to the river to feed the fishes. They also right on boats with loud drums to scare the fishes. The fierce dragons are also added to the head of the boat. His neighbors rushed to the river to find his body and that is where the dragon race is said to have originated. It is said that the dragon festival is done to commemorate his death in 277 B. C. at the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (low, 2006).Since then the festival has evolved into eating the rice dumplings instead of throwing them to the fishes and because this festival also reminded them to take care of their health, they hanged herbs at their front doors. The most significant part of the festival is done at 12 noon where they try to balance and egg and make is stand. If they can do it, they will have a lucky year. The festival in Italy on the other hand is different of that in C hina. The focus is on the streets and not in the river. They decorate it with lights and vendors begin to line up the streets.The Festa della Madonna Bruna is a celebration of the people’s devotion to the brown madona (Foschino, 2002). This is where men in horses and costumes parade the streets and they guard the float of the brown madona. The brown Madona is used by knights to protect them in battles. They would paint her face on their shields and on their chariots(Lee, 2000). People try to get a piece of this paper mache ripping it into pieces. The float is then reduced into just chicken wire and a few paper since the devotees have already torn it apart.But this act is not just an extreme form of fanaticism but is supported by their faith. This means that by destroying the old they give way to the new(Bakerjian, 2003). It is rebirth. This festival happens on the 2nd of July. The history of this festival goes as far as 1389, not as old as that in China. They also don’ t have special dishes. The festival is just ended with an extravagant fireworks display at the church(Martin, 2000). These festivals reflect the values and the history of the people who celebrate it. Though some of them may seem a bit peculiar, they bear certain significance to the community.They are celebrated with zest and joyfulness that the entire community is caught up in preparation. It is also anticipated by many. These festivals are important to the lives of the people since they have beliefs that they find necessary for their daily lives. Though these festivals have certain differences, they are intended to celebrate or commemorate the events that are important for the people and their community. It is a way of reliving the history of a community that has paved way into what the community has become. These are the events that shaped the lives of the populace either through religion or common practices.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Billie Holiday essays

Billie Holiday essays Billie Holiday was born on April 7,1915, in Baltimore. Billie Holiday's grandfather had been a Slave in Virgina. Billie's parents, Sally Fagan and Clarence Holiday, were both born in Baltimore. They married as teens, soon after, Sally gave birth to Eleanora Fagan. While growing up, she changed her name to Billie Holiday. Shortly after the birth, Clarence Holdiay deserted his family to tour with Fletcher Henderson's band. Billie saw little of her immediate family. Her mother would just usually leave her in the care of relatives. With the feeling of shame and loneliness Billie gained a inferiority complex. She began to do crazy things and was becoming quite self destructive. When Billie was six years of age her grandmother died. The family blamed the death on Billie's behavior. At ten she was victimized in a violent rape. When older she worked at a brothel where she cleaned the floors and ran old jobs. It was here that she first listened to the music of Louis Armstrong and Bes! In 1927 she moved to New York City. Not knowing any other life she made a living prostituting. But she still kept her dream of singing alive and eventually convinced the manager of a small nightclub in the city to let her sing a few songs with the house band. The crowd loved her singing. She was soon discovered by John Hammond. She preformed under the name Billie Holiday, after one of her favorite film stars, Billie Dove. She got her first recording session with the famous Benny Goodman. Her first recordings were not all that successful but it was obvious to see that a star was beginning to shine. In 1935 she meet up with a pianist named Teddy Wilson, who was in a pick up band. She traveled with the band for a while and hit it off. People were beginning to learn about a great singer who had a fresh new style that was a combination of Louis Armstrong's swinging and Bessie Smith's sound. Over the next seven years she would go on to ...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

V-1 Flying Bomb in World War II

V-1 Flying Bomb in World War II The V-1 flying bomb was developed by Germany during World War II (1939-1945) as a vengeance weapon and was an early unguided cruise missile. Tested at Peenemà ¼nde-West facility, the V-1 was the only production aircraft to utilize a pulsejet for its power plant.The first of the V-weapons to become operational, the V-1 flying bomb entered service in June 1944 and was used to strike London and southeastern England from launch facilities in northern France and the Low Countries. When these facilities were overrun, V-1s were fired at Allied port facilities around Antwerp, Belgium. Due to its high speed, few Allied fighters were capable of intercepting a V-1 in flight. Fast Facts: V-1 Flying Bomb User: Nazi GermanyManufacturer: FieselerIntroduced: 1944Length: 27 ft., 3 in.Wingspan: 17 ft. 6 in.Loaded Weight: 4,750 lbs. Performance Power Plant: Argus As 109-014 pulse jet engineRange: 150 milesMax Speed: 393 mphGuidance System: Gyrocompass based autopilot Armament Warhead: 1,870 lbs. Amatol Design The idea of a flying bomb was first proposed to the Luftwaffe in 1939. Turned down, a second proposal was also declined in 1941. With German losses increasing, the Luftwaffe revisited the concept in June 1942 and approved the development of an inexpensive flying bomb that possessed a range of around 150 miles. To protect the project from Allied spies, it was designated Flak Ziel Geraet (anti-aircraft target apparatus). Design of the weapon was overseen by Robert Lusser of Fieseler and Fritz Gosslau of the Argus engine works. Refining the earlier work of Paul Schmidt, Gosslau designed a pulse jet engine for the weapon. Consisting of few moving parts, the pulse jet operated by air entering into the intake where it was mixed with fuel and ignited by spark plugs. The combustion of the mixture forced sets of intake shutters closed, producing a burst of thrust out the exhaust. The shutters then opened again in the airflow to repeat the process. This occurred around fifty times a second and gave the engine its distinctive buzz sound. A further advantage to the pulse jet design was that it could operate on low-grade fuel. Cutaway drawing of V-1. US Air Force Gosslaus engine was mounted above a simple fuselage which possessed short, stubby wings. Designed by Lusser, the airframe was originally constructed entirely of welded sheet steel. In production, plywood was substituted for constructing the wings. The flying bomb was directed to its target through the use of a simple guidance system which relied on gyroscopes for stability, a magnetic compass for heading, and a barometric altimeter for altitude control. A vane anemometer on the nose drove a counter which determined when the target area was reached and triggered a mechanism to cause the bomb to dive. Development Development of the flying bomb progressed at the Peenemà ¼nde, where the V-2 rocket was being tested. The first glide test of the weapon occurred in early December 1942, with the first powered flight on Christmas Eve. Work continued through the spring of 1943, and on May 26, Nazi officials decided to place the weapon into production. Designated the Fiesler Fi-103, it was more commonly referred to as V-1, for Vergeltungswaffe Einz (Vengeance Weapon 1). With this approval, work accelerated at Peenemà ¼nde while operational units were formed and launch sites constructed. A German crew prepares a V-1, 1944. Bundesarchiv, Bild 146-1975-117-26 / Lysiak / CC-BY-SA 3.0 While many of the V-1s early test flights had commenced from German aircraft, the weapon was intended to be launched from ground sites through the use of ramps fitted with steam or chemical catapults. These sites were quickly constructed in northern France in the Pas-de-Calais region. While many early sites were destroyed by Allied aircraft as part of Operation Crossbow before becoming operational, new, concealed locations were built to replace them. While V-1 production was spread across Germany, many were built by slave labor at the notorious underground Mittelwerk plant near Nordhausen. Operational History The first V-1 attacks occurred on June 13, 1944, when around ten of the missiles were fired towards London. V-1 attacks began in earnest two days later, inaugurating the flying bomb blitz. Due to the odd sound of the V-1s engine, the British public dubbed the new weapon the buzz bomb and doodlebug. Like the V-2, the V-1 was unable to strike specific targets and was intended to be an area weapon that inspired terror in the British population. Those on the ground quickly learned that the end of a V-1s buzz signaled that it was diving to the ground. Early Allied efforts to counter the new weapon were haphazard as fighter patrols often lacked aircraft that could catch the V-1 at its cruising altitude of 2,000-3,000 feet and anti-aircraft guns could not traverse quickly enough to hit it. To combat the threat, anti-aircraft guns were redeployed across southeastern England and over 2,000 barrage balloons were also deployed. The only aircraft suitable for defensive duties in mid-1944 was the new Hawker Tempest which was only available in limited numbers. This was soon joined by modified P-51 Mustangs and Spitfire Mark XIVs. Seen in silhouette, a Royal Air Force Supermarine Spitfire manoeuvres alongside a German V-1 flying bomb in an attempt to deflect it from its target. Public Domain At night, the De Havilland Mosquito was used as an effective interceptor. While the Allies made improvements in aerial interception, new tools aided the fight from the ground. In addition to faster-traversing guns, the arrival of gun-laying radars (such as the SCR-584) and proximity fuses made ground fire the most effective way of defeating the V-1. By late August 1944, 70% of V-1s were destroyed by guns on the coast. While these home defense techniques were becoming effective, the threat was only ended when Allied troops overran German launch positions in France and the Low Countries. With the loss of these launch sites, the Germans were forced to rely on air-launched V-1s for striking at Britain. These were fired from modified Heinkel He-111s flying over the North Sea. A total of 1,176 V-1s were launched in this manner until the Luftwaffe suspended the approach due to bomber losses in January 1945. Though no longer able to hit targets in Britain, the Germans continued to use the V-1 to strike at Antwerp and other key sites in the Low Countries that had been liberated by the Allies. A German Luftwaffe Heinkel He 111 H-22 with a V-1 mounted. US Air Force Over 30,000 V-1s were produced during the war with around 10,000 fired at targets in Britain. Of these, only 2,419 reached London, killing 6,184 people and injuring 17,981. Antwerp, a popular target, was hit by 2,448 between October 1944 and March 1945. A total of around 9,000 were fired at targets in Continental Europe. Though V-1s only struck their target 25% of the time, they proved more economical than the Luftwaffes bombing campaign of 1940/41. Regardless, the V-1 was largely a terror weapon and had little overall impact on the outcome of the war. During the war, both the United States and the Soviet Union reverse engineered the V-1 and produced their versions. Though neither saw combat service, the American JB-2 was intended for use during the proposed invasion of Japan. Retained by the US Air Force, the JB-2 was used as a test platform into the 1950s.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Why is it important for individuals and organizations to change Essay

Why is it important for individuals and organizations to change - Essay Example Consequently, personal changes facilitate correction of deviant behaviours in people. Through the process of individual change, people incorporate new knowledge and practices that eventually transform into a culture. Therefore, individual change is a prerequisite process for cultural development. At the organizational level, change is significant for optimisation of the status of the institution. Organizational changes facilitate adaptation of the institution to environmental dynamics. Business organizations operate in a highly competitive market that is intertwined with technological and managerial advancements. Organizational changes thus enable firms to implement new management strategies, operational technologies and effective organizational cultures that would preserve or heighten their marketing niche. Additionally, changes are significant in organizations to mitigate operational or managerial crisis. Thus, organizational change is important for the development and implementation of an effective organizational culture (Quinn, 1996). Personally, deep change refers to a change process that is radical in that it is irreversible and individual control over the process is limited. Deep change is underlined with a personal vision that motivates one to pursue the change process independently. Unlike incremental change that is characterised with transactional processes, deep change entails transformational process and leadership. In addition, one should always be ready to encounter risks or even failure while undertaking deep change. Wholesomely, deep change encompasses sustainable changes at both the individual and organizational

Friday, November 1, 2019

Towar Sustainability Tourism in the republic of Cyprus Term Paper

Towar Sustainability Tourism in the republic of Cyprus - Term Paper Example Indeed, various communities rely on tourism to bring economic growth and stability into the community. Nevertheless, many people overlook the potential and environmental impact that tourism brings to a society. In fact, various confirm that many of Less Developed Countries (LDCs) engage in unsustainable tourism development, which generates irreversible and adverse effects that lead to social, cultural, and environmental challenges on the reference economy. Nevertheless, various communities and governmental agencies like European Union and United Nations agencies have been trying to promote sustainable tourism development across the world. However, the LCDs manifest lack of concern to these interventions to lack of knowledge and commitment towards sustainable tourism development and hence the continued unsustainable tourism development. Notably, tourism activities in Cyprus are prone to these dynamics. The republic of Cyprus is a dominant tourist destination because it is seemingly lo cated between three continents where it is at the top right hand corner of the Mediterranean and it is very close to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Before the contemporary development and planning of tourism, the republic of Cyprus had many tourism activities but it was yet to reach maximum development (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). Indeed, there were more than 21,000 visitor arrivals and 4000 beds between 5 towns in Cyprus (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). The Cyprus Tourism Organisation is responsible for the tourist planning and research and the development and marketing of the tourist product in Cyprus (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2013). Established in 1969 by the Republic of Cyprus, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) is a statutory body whose main aim was to organize and promote tourism in the Republic of Cyprus, by using all possibilities and resources available (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). The CTO does not offer travel agent services but focuses on offering assistance to professional bodies, companies and individuals who have an interest in Cyprus' tourism with an overall goal of enhancing economic growth in Cyprus (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2013). Indeed, the CTO had a policy that consistently aimed at attracting high and middle-income visitors to the exclusion of mass tourism (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). Another body that regulated tourism in Cyprus is the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism. This ministry had a mandate of formulating and implementing Government policy on matters pertaining to trade, industry, tourism, and Consumer, in such a way that it will contribute positively towards the further development of the Cyprus economy and the well-being of the population of the island (Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, 2013). The factors affecting tourism activities in Cyprus include the Turkish invasion that occurred in 1974 placing a hold on all economic activity in Cyprus. The invasion sought to divide Cyprus in to two b y invoking the Treatee of Guarantee (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). This jeopardized tourism development in Cyprus as the island lost a huge part of its territory as well as its potential in manufacturing and agriculture. Indeed, there was a closure of most accommodation, entertainment, and catering buildings as well as airports, which limited access top various place in Cyprus (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). This lowered the tourist levels and forced the government to consider

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Googles Human Resource Activities And Its Business Objectives Research Paper

Googles Human Resource Activities And Its Business Objectives - Research Paper Example Google has abandoned the age-old practice of simple delegation; instead, it has adopted a vigorous practice of training and developing strategically important skills of its middle-level executives. Thus, the study has established a substantially positive and dynamic correlation between the former and the latter. In the modern service industry, the role of human resource management (HRM) has been found to be invaluable in meeting the organizational objectives. By taking Google as a case study, it is projected that the needs of the service industry depicting the modern information age industry will be captured in terms of objectives within the context of HRM. In the creation of the appropriate relationship between the organizational objectives at Google and the role of the HRM function, this study makes the inference that the global status that Google occupies will give the best picture of a successful link (Verma, 2006). Therefore, the choice of Google Company for this research study was inspired by its global success in different spheres of operations as its growth trajectory illustrates. Google’s Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) is said to have been formulated from a desire of the top management to harness its resource allocation policies so that positive functional synergi es could be achieved. Google Company has been in existence since 1996 circa and the founders - Larry Page and Sergey Brin – have been in charge of its most critical technical operations. After 15 years of operations, the company has evolved into a gigantic multinational company (MNC) with its stakeholders spread throughout the globe. Its HRM function is influenced by the company’s global operations inspired by its rare market brand positioning unmatched by several of its rivals.

Monday, October 28, 2019

An overview of the Ozone Layer

An overview of the Ozone Layer INTRODUCTION â€Å"THE OZONE LAYER† The ozone layer is a portion of earth atmosphere that contains high levels of ozone. The atmosphere is divided into five layers: the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, the thermosphere, and the exosphere. The troposphere is the layer closest to earth and is where all weather happenings occur. The stratosphere is located directly above the troposphere, about 10-50 kilometers above the planet, and houses the ozone layer at an altitude of 20-30 kilometers. The mesosphere is located approximately 50-80 kilometers above the earth, while the thermosphere rests at an altitude of approximately 100-200 kilometers above the earth surface. Finally, the boundary of the outermost layer, the exosphere, extends roughly to 960-1000 kilometers above the earth. The ozone found in our atmosphere is formed by an interaction between oxygen molecules (composed of two oxygen atoms) and ultraviolet light. When ultraviolet light hits these oxygen molecules, the reaction causes the molecules to break apart into single atoms of oxygen (UV light + O2 > O + O). These single atoms of oxygen are very reactive, and a single atom combines with a molecule of oxygen to form ozone (O3), which is composed of three atoms of oxygen (2O + 2O2 > 2O3). Need for OZONE LAYER The ozone layer is essential for human life. It is able to absorb much harmful ultraviolet radiation, preventing penetration to the earth surface. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is defined as radiation with wavelengths between 290-320 nanometers, which are harmful to life because this radiation can enter cells and destroy the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of many life forms on planet earth. In a sense, the ozone layer can be thought of as a UV filter or our planets built in sunscreen. Without the ozone layer, UV radiation would not be filtered as it reached the surface of the earth. If this happened, cancer would break out and all of the living civilizations, and all species on earth would be in jeopardy. Thus, the ozone layer essentially allows life, as we know it, to exist. A Dobson Unit is a measurement of how thick a specific portion of the ozone layer would be if it were compressed into a single layer at zero degrees Celsius with one unit of atmospheric pressure acting on it (standard temperature and pressure STP). Thus, one Dobson Unit (DU) is defined as .01 mm thickness at standard temperature and pressure. Since the ozone layer over this area would form a 3 mm thick slab, the measurement of the ozone over Labrador is 300 DU. Ozone depletion: Who is responsible? It is important to recognize the sources of ozone depletion before one can fully understand the problem. There are three main contributors to the ozone problem: human activity, natural sources, and volcanic eruptions. Human activity is by far the most prevalent and destructive source of ozone depletion, while threatening volcanic eruptions are less common. Human activity, such as the release of various compounds containing chlorine or bromine, accounts for approximately 75 to 85 percent of ozone damage. Perhaps the most evident and destructive molecule of this description is chloroflourocarbon (CFC). CFCs were first used to clean electronic circuit boards, and as time progressed, were used in aerosols and coolants, such as refrigerators and air conditioners. When CFCs from these products are released into the atmosphere, the destruction begins. As CFCs are emitted, the molecules float toward the ozone rich stratosphere. Then, when UV radiation contacts the CFC molecule, this causes o ne chlorine atom to liberate. This free chlorine then reacts with an ozone (O3) molecule to form chlorine monoxide (ClO) and a single oxygen molecule (O2). This reaction can be illustrated by the following chemical equation: Cl + O3 > O2 + ClO. Then, a single oxygen atom reacts with a chlorine monoxide molecule, causing the formation of an oxygen molecule (O2) and a single chlorine atom (O + ClO > Cl + O2). This threatening chlorine atom then continues the cycle and results in further destruction of the ozone layer . Measures have been taken to reduce the amount of CFC emission, but since CFCs have a life span of 20-100 years, previously emitted CFCs will do damage for years to come. Natural sources also contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, but not nearly as much as human activity. Natural sources can be blamed for approximately 15 to 20 percent of ozone damage. A common natural source of ozone damage is naturally occurring chlorine. Naturally occurring chlorine, like the chlorine released from the reaction between a CFC molecule and UV radiation, also has detrimental effects and poses danger to the earth. Finally, volcanic eruptions are a small contributor to ozone damage, accounting for one to five percent. During large volcanic eruptions, chlorine, as a component of hydrochloric acid (HCl), is released directly into the stratosphere, along with sulfur dioxide. In this case, sulfur dioxide is more harmful than chlorine because it is converted into sulfuric acid aerosols. These aerosols accelerate damaging chemical reactions, which cause chlorine to destroy ozone. Rocket Launches May Need Regulation to Prevent Ozone Depletion As the rocket launch market grows, so will ozone-destroying rocket emissions, if left unregulated, rocket launches by the year 2050 could result in more ozone destruction than was ever realized by CFCs. Since some proposed space efforts would require frequent launches of large rockets over extended periods. In the policy world uncertainty often leads to unnecessary regulation, this could be avoided with a more robust understanding of how rockets affect the ozone layer. Current global rocket launches deplete the ozone layer by no more than a few hundredths of 1 percent annually. But as the space industry grows and other ozone-depleting chemicals decline in the Earths stratosphere, the issue of ozone depletion from rocket launches is expected to move to the forefront. Today, just a handful of NASA space shuttle launches release more ozone-depleting substances in the stratosphere than the entire annual use of CFC-based medical inhalers used to treat asthma and other diseases in the United States and which are now banned. Highly reactive trace-gas molecules known as radicals dominate stratospheric ozone destruction, and a single radical in the stratosphere can destroy up to 10,000 ozone molecules before being deactivated and removed from the stratosphere. Microscopic particles, including soot and aluminum oxide particles emitted by rocket engines, provide chemically active surface areas that increase the rate such radicals leak from their reservoirs and contribute to ozone destruction. Every type of rocket engine causes some ozone loss, and rocket combustion products are the only human sources of ozone-destroying compounds injected directly into the middle and upper stratosphere where the ozone layer resides. Although U.S. science agencies spent millions of dollars to assess the ozone loss potential from a hypothetical fleet of 500 supersonic aircraft a fleet that never materialized much less research has been done to understand the potential range of effects the existing global fleet of rockets might have on the ozone layer. Since 1987 CFCs have been banned from use in aerosol cans, freezer refrigerants and air conditioners. Many scientists expect the stratospheric ozone layer which absorbs more than 90 percent of harmful ultraviolet radiation that can harm humans and ecosystems to return to levels that existed prior to the use of ozone-depleting chemicals by the year 2040. Rockets around the world use a variety of propellants, including solids, liquids and hybrids. Ross said while little is currently known about how they compare to each other with respect to the ozone loss they cause, new studies are needed to provide the parameters required to guide possible regulation of both commercial and government rocket launches in the future. To reduce the risk that unpredictable and more strict ozone regulations would be a hindrance to space access by measuring and modeling exactly how different rocket types affect the ozone layer. Volcanic Aerosol Clouds and Gases Lead To Ozone Destruction The volcanic gases released during eruptions accelerate reactions that lead to ozone destruction. The researchers found that even relatively small volcanic eruptions can destroy ozone and create localised holes in the stratosphere. Previously, scientists had concentrated on the climatic effects of the tiny particles of volcanic sulphate created from the sulphur dioxide gas emitted during an eruption. For the first time, analysing data from a 2000 eruption of the Hekla volcano, Iceland, the researchers discovered that volcanic gases may also lead to the formation of ice and nitric acid particles. This is a critical finding as these particles switch on volcanic chorine gases, accelerating reactions that lead to ozone destruction. Volcanic eruptions which penetrate the stratosphere can lead to the formation of the type of clouds that promote reactions with volcanic chlorine gases gases that destroy stratospheric ozone and lead to the formation of mini-ozone holes. The ozone hole: Why over Antarctica? When the topic of the ozone layer arises, many people immediately think of the hole over Antarctica, but few know why the hole is actually there. In 1985, British scientists discovered this hole. A special condition exists in Antarctica that accelerates the depletion of the ozone layer. Every Arctic winter, a polar vortex forms over Antarctica. A polar vortex is a swirling mass of very cold, stagnant air surrounded by strong westerly wind. Since there is an absence of sun during Arctic winters, the air becomes incredibly cold and the formation of ice clouds occurs. When the sun returns in the spring, the light shining on the nitrogen oxide filled ice particles activates the formation of chlorine. This excess of ozone destroying chlorine rapidly accelerates the depletion of the ozone layer. Finally, when the polar vortex breaks up, the rapid dissolution decreases. It is evident that the effects of the polar vortex are dramatic.For about two month every southern spring, the total ozone declines by about 60% over most of Antarctica. In the core of the ozone hole, more than 75% of the ozone is lost and at some altitudes, the ozone virtually disappeared in October, 1999. The average size of the ozone hole is larger than most continents, including South America, Europe, Australia, and Antarctica, and the maximum size of the ozone hole in 1996 was larger than North America. Finally, one must note that the hole over Antarctica is truly a hole only in the Antarctic spring, when the depletion is extremely severe due to the vortex. The hole above Antarctica has clearly proven to be detrimental. Plankton, organisms that live on carbon, light, and nutrients such as nitrogen, are near the bottom of the food chain, and are accustomed to low levels of UV. In December of 1994, on the island of Bacharcaise off Antarctica, increased levels of UV radiation decreased the number of photoplankton dramatically. Photoplankton are the main source of food for krill, which in turn are the main source of food for various birds and whales in the Antarctic region. At this time, due to the decreased number of photoplankton, the krill level was so low that it could not support the penguin population. Thus, some penguins were forced to travel up to two hundred miles in search of food, but most returned with none. Furthermore, when summer came, only approximately ten of the 1800 hatched penguin chicks survived. This tragedy illustrates the fact that even underwater creatures are not protected from harmful UV rays, and is a perfect example of the entire food chain being affected due to an increase in the UV radiation as a result of the thinning ozone layer. EFFORTS TO REDUCE OZONE DEPLETION Internationalefforts to attempt to limit the production and release of CFCs began once the role of CFCs in ozone destruction was established. In 1987 the United Nations Montreal Protocol was agreed and came into effect in January 1989. The countries that signed up to the protocol aim to phase out the use of CFCs globally. The main CFCs ceased to be produced by the signatories in 1995, and the European Union ceased using them in 1998, except for a very small amount in limited and essential uses such as medical sprays. Although the Montreal Protocol has been successful, it should be noted that without the subsequent amendments, recovery of the ozone hole would have been impossible. Thehydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were developed to replace CFCs. These gases can still damage ozone if they reach the stratosphere, but they are less likely to since their extra hydrogen atom allows them to be destroyed in the lower layers of the atmosphere. These gases are also controlled under the Montreal Protocol and were phased out after 2004. The gases that replaced both the CFCs and HCFCs are hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs), which do not contain any chlorine atoms and so have no ozone depleting effect. Unfortunately, many of them are powerful greenhouse gases and could contribute to global warming if emitted in large quantities. SincetheCFCshaveatmospheric lifetimes of about 50 to 100 years, and take 5 to 10 years to reach the upper atmosphere where they are broken down, the atmosphere reacts slowly to the cuts made in emissions of these gases. Stratospheric ozone should begin to increase as the amount of chlorine and bromine decreases. However, ozone is affected by changes in other gases, such as methane, temperature changes due to climate change, and also indirectly by particles from volcanic eruptions. Compoundscontainingbromine, such as methyl bromide (mainly of natural origin) and the brominated CFCs (halons: used mainly as fire retardants), are also ozone-depleting chemicals. While the total amount of chlorine in the lower atmosphere peaked in 1994, and is now slowly declining, the total amount of bromine is still increasing. An assessment by the World Meteorological Organization in 1998 estimated that global and Antarctic ozone levels would return to pre-1980 levels by 2050, and in 2003 evidence suggested that the rate at which ozone is disappearing had indeed slowed down markedly, although estimates as to when ozone can return to a proper balance have now been revised to the latter half of the 21st century. However, many factors influence ozone, and future levels are not completely predictable. SOCIAL ASPECTS The most obvious, and perhaps most important connection between society and the ozone layer is the fact that scientific research suggests depletion of the ozone layer directly and indirectly endangers the health of the population. Research has focused on connections between the depleting ozone layer and skin cancer, immuno-suppression, cataracts, and snowblindness. Ozone depletion and skin cancer: What is the connection? Exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer and causes damage to the DNA in the skin cells. DNA is extremely sensitive to UV radiation, especially UV-B radiation. UV radiation is located in the optical radiation portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, while UV-B radiation is a subdivision of the ultraviolet spectrum and consists of a wavelength of 280 to 315 nanometers. Thus, DNA is especially sensitive to radiation with a wavelength between 280 and 315 nanometers . When UV radiation hits the skin, it can cause the cell to lock up and scramble or delete DNA information. This action causes confusion in the DNA, and the body loses control of the growth and division of the cell. If the conditions are right, the cell may become cancerous. It is important to note that not all affected cells turn into skin cancer, for many can repair themselves. However, continual exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer due to cumulative damage of the DNA. Skin cancer can be divided into two categories: melanoma and non-melanoma. The melanoma form of skin cancer is the more dangerous of the two. This type of cancer has the ability to spread quickly throughout the body and invade other cells. On the other hand, non-melanoma skin cancer is not to be taken lightly either, but is a less serious form of the disease. Non-melanoma skin cancers are not usually life threatening, and removal is relatively routine. However, treatment does include radiation therapy or surgery. The concern of many is that sunburn may lead to increased risk of acquiring skin cancer. Some forms of cancer are associated with sunburn, while other forms are not. Melanoma skin cancer is a form that sunburns may play a leading role in. Jan van der Leun, a Dutch scientist, explains that, light hitting the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, triggers the production of some substances which diffuse into the dermis below. The dermis is filled with blood vessels, and the c hemical substances cause them to dilate, making the skin red and warm to the touch. The bottom line is that UV ray exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. However, controversy lies around the question of whether or not the depletion of the ozone layer will lead to more sunburns, and in turn, more skin cancer. Some scientists suggest that the skin will gradually adapt to higher UV-B levels as the ozone gradually depletes. The opponent to this theory would state that the thinning of the ozone layer would lead to more human UV-B exposure. This increased UV-B exposure would, in turn, increase the damage to the DNA making it difficult for the cell to correct the damage before it divides. This damage accumulates over time and increases the chances that a cell will turn cancerous. In addition, since UV-B radiation damages the immune system, it is much more likely that a cell will turn cancerous.In animal studies, immunosuppressive effects caused by UV-B have indeed been shown to play an important role in the outcome of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Furth ermore, states that for the non-melanoma skin cancers, the evidence is compelling and there are estimates that each percentage decrease in the stratospheric ozone will lead to a two percent increase in the incidence of these cancers. Thus, if the ozone depletes by ten percent over a certain time period, 250,000 more people would be affected by these cancers each year. Due to controversy in the scientific community, it is difficult to clearly state whether or not ozone depletion will lead to an increased risk of skin cancers, but scientists agree on the fact that UV-B radiation plays a large role in the formation of cancer. Thus, it may very well be that as the UV filter we call the ozone layer thins, the increased amount of UV-B radiation posed on human skin may contribute to an increased amount of skin cancer. Yet, one can only weigh all the evidence and speculate, for science has yet to provide a cut and dry answer for society to base its judgments on. DISCUSSION Regardless of the details of the arguments, it is obvious that the depletion of the ozone layer is a serious problem that poses many consequences to society. Although scientific controversy exists, the possibility seems high that the depletion of the ozone layer will prove detrimental if action is not taken. For example, research shows the strong possibility of a number of health risks associated with increased UV-B exposure as a direct result of the thinning ozone layer. These health risks include skin cancer, immuno-suppression, cataracts, and snow blindness. Furthermore, the possibility that increased UV-B radiation results in lower crop yields should provide a wakeup call to those who feel the thinning ozone layer is not a problem. For if we are not able to breed UV-B resistant plants, the worlds food supply would become dramatically decreased, resulting in higher levels of famine and malnutrition. Studies from Antarctica tell society that increased UV radiation can directly affect the food chain. Recall the decrease in food supply as a result of reduced levels of photoplankton in Antarctica. This may seem like an isolated, non-significant, and remote problem; however, this incident illustrates the dangers of reduced food supply and alteration of the food chain as a result of the thinning ozone layer. Even though the photoplankton were located at the bottom of the food chain, the whole chain was affected. In the future, problems like this could potentially affect the global food web and result in an overall decrease in food supply. Thus, realize that the dangers posed by ozone depletion are real now, and will be in the future, if action is not taken. Take Action: Teamwork does the trick Although the earth will be able to heal itself if the CFC level continues to stay as it is, the depletion of the ozone layer is still a problem that society should be concerned with. In order for earth to repair the damage humans have posed on the ozone layer, society must take an active role. There are many tasks individuals can involve themselves in to help combat the problem of ozone depletion. First of all, one can simply check product labels for ozone friendly status. Many companies have gone to great lengths to remove CFCs from their products. These products do not do as much damage to the ozone layer, and thus, are denoted as ozone friendly. A collaborative effort by society not using products with CFCs is a major step toward the healing of the ozone layer. Unfortunately, many products still used in society are detrimental to the ozone layer. For example, CFCs marketed under the trade name Freon are used in appliances with refrigerants such as refrigerators and air conditioners. When individuals must dispose of products with refrigerants in them, certain actions must be taken in order to prevent the CFCs from escaping from the disposed product. For example, when an agency, such as a waste hauling company, comes to pick up the unwanted appliance, check to make sure refrigerant-recovery equipment is used by the agency. This equipment allows for the disposal of refrigerants without damage to the ozone layer. Society can also help the problem of ozone depletion through education, as well as through various donations. If individuals contribute time or money to environmental agencies focused on healing the ozone layer, the agencies will be able to organize activities promoting the understanding of the ozone problem. If society is educated through these means, more individual efforts will be taken to make ozone smart decisions such as using ozone friendly products. Although thinning ozone may not directly affect the generation growing up today, future generations depend on the actions taken now. Thus, it is important for society to recognize that the thinning ozone layer is a problem and to take action in order to ensure the safety and survival of future generations. Result It is very much clear from the above discussions that there is an urgent need of the hour to realize the importance of the very critical ozone layer which is just like a god gift to human civilisation. It acts as a protection shield which prevents the dangerous and harmful UV rays entering the earth surface. It job is to filter those harmful particles present in the rays that can lead to severe destruction of mankind, wealth and property. The impact of ozone depletion can be seen on the world`s economy today it has slow down the progress of not only any particular nation rather it is a global phenomenon which is hindering development. According to surveys conducted it has been seen that year 1998 observed max. decline in amount of ozone depletion. SUMMARY The ozone layer is essential for protecting society from harmful UV radiation by acting as a filter. However, this protective layer has been thinning due to three main sources: human activity, natural sources, and volcanoes. Human activity is responsible for the most damage to the ozone layer, thus, society should recognize that much can be done to prevent ozone layer damage. In 1985, in a region over Antarctica, the yearly polar vortex had caused the ozone layer to deplete so greatly, that it could be classified as a hole. In 1996, this hole was large enough to cover Antarctica. The depletion of the ozone layer does not come without problems. Scientific research has suggested the probability that increased UV-B radiation as a result of the thinning ozone layer leads to increased cases of skin cancer, immuno-suppression, cataracts, and snowblindness due to radiation damage of the DNA. Additionally, experiments have shown a correlation between increased UV radiation and crop damage due to UV radiation damaging the plants DNA. Some scientists, however, feel that this will not be a problem in the future due to the possibility of breeding UV resistant crops and plants. Many national governments and agencies recognized the problem of ozone depletion, and therefore, united in 1987 to sign the Montreal Protocol. This agreement was implemented to decrease CFC levels in order to help protect the thinning ozone layer. Clearly, ozone depletion is a dangerous problem due to possible disease outbreaks and famine as a result of increased UV-B radiation. However, society can collectively attempt to combat this problem by relatively simple means such as education and the practice of ozone smart behavior. For if society acts now, future generations will be handed a safe and healthy planet.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Adults with Learning Disabilities Essays -- Technology Education Essay

Adults with Learning Disabilities The field has not quite reached consensus on definitions of LD, and there are professionals as well as members of the public who do not understand them or believe they exist. For example, in a Roper (1995) survey of 1,200 adults, 85% associated LD with mental retardation 66% with deafness, and 60% with blindness. In Rocco's (1997) research, faculty "questioned the existence of certain conditions or if they existed, the appropriateness of classifying the condition as a disability" (p. 158). However, most definitions describe learning disabilities as a group of disorders that affect the ability to acquire and use listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or math skills (Gerber and Reiff 1994; National Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities Center 1995a; National Center for Learning Disabilities 1997). These difficulties vary in severity, may persist across the lifespan, and may affect one or more areas of a person's life, including learning, work, and social and emotional fun ctioning. Federal regulations for implementing the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act use the term "specific learning disabilities" disorders in one or more central nervous system processes involved in perceiving, understanding, and using verbal or nonverbal information (Gerber and Reiff 1994). "Specific" indicates that the disability affects only certain learning processes. Although adults with LD consistently describe being labeled as stupid or slow learners (Brown, Druck, and Corcoran in Gerber and Reiff 1994), they usually have average or above average intelligence. People with learning disabilities are the largest segment of the disability population, and growing numbers of col... ..., DC: NALLD, 1995b. (ED 387 988) Reiff, H. B.; Ginsberg, R.; and Gerber, P. J. "New Perspectives on Teaching from Successful Adults with Learning Disabilities." Remedial and Special Education 16, no. 1 (January 1995): 29-37. (EJ 497 555) Riviere, A. Assistive Technology: Meeting the Needs of Adults with Learning Disabilities. Washington, DC: NALLD, 1996. (ED 401 686) Rocco, T. S. "Hesitating to Disclose." In Proceedings of the 16th Annual Midwest Research-to-Practice Conference in Adult, Continuing, and Community Education, edited by S. J. Levine, pp. 157-163. East Lansing: Michigan State University, October 1997. Roper Starch Worldwide, Inc. Learning Disabilities and the American Public. Roper Starch Worldwide, Inc, 1995. (ED 389 101) Telander, J. E. "The Adjustment of Learning Disabled Adults." Ph.D. diss., Biola University, 1994. (ED 372 586)

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Ralph Waldo Emerson, Transcendentalism

Romanticism was a movement of American literature that swept the country throughout the 19th century. Within Romanticism, was the Transcendentalist Era, which began in the early 1800s (Gura 4). Transcendentalism is difficult to define, but its core ideas are embodied in the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson is not only known as one of the most influential transcendental writers, but as the unofficial leader of the group of transcendentalists and the first to really create and express the ideas that this group of people shared (â€Å"Transcendentalism† 19). Simplicity, non-conformity and individuality over reasoning are only some of the ideas that make up Transcendentalism (â€Å"Ralph Waldo Emerson† 239). These fundamental beliefs of transcendentalism are evident in Emerson’s works, specifically â€Å"Self-Reliance,† and â€Å"Nature. † Emerson is a strong advocate for never changing one’s self for anyone else and always avoiding the temptation of conformity. As the title clearly states, â€Å"Self-Reliance† is one of Emerson’s essays that proposes the idea that one should rely on one’s self to gain knowledge and should not conform to the likeness of others (Koster 38). In February of 1833, Emerson began writing about many of these thoughts and ideas in his journal. In 1841, â€Å"Self-Reliance† was written and published based off of the topics written about in his journal, but was revised several times as Emerson expanded on this idea of relying on one’s self and being one’s own person (Koster 37). Within â€Å"Self-Reliance,† Emerson introduces the idea that â€Å"there is time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance and that imitation is suicide† (â€Å"Self Reliance† 267). This clearly portrays transcendentalism, as it states that once a person changes their personality, he is essentially losing himself and everything that makes him who he is. Emerson also suggests that even taking on the opinions of others, contradicts a person’s own thoughts and his abilities to speak anything true to just himself (â€Å"Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson† 317). Aside from conformity, Emerson also mentions that â€Å"envy is ignorance,† which continues to display transcendental ideas by stating that one should not be jealous of what others have. Emerson believes that would be wasting valuable time wanting what one does not have, instead of appreciating the simple things that one has already obtained (â€Å"Self Reliance† 276). Jealousy also does not allow time for one to strive to acquire other goals, if an individual is constantly wishing for things she does not have. Emerson further conveys transcendental ideas in â€Å"Self-Reliance† with the belief that a person must remain an individual to make an impact on the world and the lives around him (â€Å"Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson† 317). This idea is depicted in the quote, â€Å"to be great is to be misunderstood† (Emerson, â€Å"Self Reliance† 274). To support this quote, Emerson listed a variety of successful people of the past including Pythagorus, Socrates and Newton. He explains that they were all misunderstood at the time, but they chose to remain true to what they believed in and are now some of the most influential and inspiring people one can think of (â€Å"Self Reliance† 274). The final major aspect of transcendentalism within â€Å"Self-Reliance† is the concept of trusting one’s self. Although it is important to also trust others, â€Å"by trusting the self, man is but confiding himself to the all-embracing, benevolent universal being or the over-soul† (Koster 38). meaning that by trusting one’s self, one is essentially putting all her trust in this divine spirit, that cannot be physically seen, but can be understood and guide one through the challenges of individual life (Koster 38). In order to achieve all that one strives to accomplish, one must trust herself because â€Å"nothing can bring you peace but yourself [and]. . . the triumph of principles† (Emerson, â€Å"Self Reliance† 292). According to Emerson, â€Å"nature, in the common sense, refers to essences unchanged by man,† but he did not stop there with his analysis of nature and its effect on man and society (â€Å"Nature† 182). Within the essay â€Å"Nature,† Emerson clearly depicts transcendental beliefs concerning the way he believes people should embrace nature. Transcendentalists strongly believe in the concept of inspiration by nature, meaning that spending time in nature will inspire one to achieve new goals (â€Å"Ralph Waldo Emerson† 239). Emerson mentions that â€Å"in the woods is perpetual youth,† which describes the effect nature has on a person (â€Å"Nature† 184). He feels that when one spends time in nature, she feel as if she is eternally younger. Emerson believes this is true because once a person becomes an adult they are tired and weakened by all that is surrounding them and the commitments that must always be kept, but when one is only surrounded by nature, faith and reason can be restored (â€Å"Nature† 184). Emerson also mentions, though, that â€Å"the power to produce this delight does not reside in nature, but in man,† meaning although nature is capable of making one feel things that seem impossible, the drive behind making this happen, is still essentially one’s self (â€Å"Nature† 185). Within this essay, Emerson also enforces the point that nature is the center of human existence, which is another concept accepted by transcendentalists. He displays this idea in the first chapter of â€Å"Nature,† by discussing everything that nature offers to those willing to accept it. The key idea, though, is that one must be open to understanding nature in order to obtain its benefits. Emerson portrays this idea by stating that â€Å"all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence,† further demonstrating the transcendental idea that nature influences human existence (â€Å"Nature† 183). Not only does Emerson believe that nature is always available to influence one’s self, but he always believes that nature is in existence solely to aid a person in their life journey. This idea is described in the second chapter of â€Å"Nature† when Emerson states that â€Å"all the parts [of nature] incessantly work into each other's hand for the profit of man (â€Å"Nature† 186). This idea clearly relates to transcendental ideas, as transcendentalists firmly believed that one can be inspired by nature and that nature is essential to human life (â€Å"Ralph Waldo Emerson† 239). One final concept, depicted in â€Å"Nature,† that is understood by transcendentalists is the idea that God and divinity can be found in nature. Within the first chapter of â€Å"Nature,† Emerson states that he is â€Å"part or particle of God† when he is in the woods (â€Å"Nature† 184). In other words, Emerson feels that when he experiences nature alone, nothing else is important. He believes all other aspects of human existence seem foreign, but a person is able to feel that they have become one with God, to the point that they are a part of Him (â€Å"Nature† 185). Ralph Waldo Emerson not only wrote about the concepts he believed in, but also led a life that followed each and every one of these beliefs. He began his life as a teacher, followed by a pastor at his church, but was not satisfied with either of these career choices. He then began writing and speaking in front of crowds about the things he felt strongly about (â€Å"An Emerson Chronology† xvii). Emerson was not afraid to stand out from the crowd and always stayed true to himself, as he spoke out against slavery and supported the Emancipation Proclamation (â€Å"An Emerson Chronology† xix). He fully embraced his idea that one should trust himself and remain an individual. Emerson certainly spent enough time embracing the opportunities that nature made available to him, all ideas which he spoke about in his writing. Many people of his time did not agree with or fully comprehend the things he believed in, but this was essentially his goal because â€Å"to be great is to be misunderstood† (â€Å"Self Reliance† 274).