We Are Blessed to Have Trees & Plants

This poem is written by Ruskin Bond. In this poem the poet shares the thoughts of his grandmother who was of the opinion that the house that has trees around is blessed. For this purpose the poet planted a tree which is six months old and is growing fast. He believes that in six years time the tree would grow and give shade so that his house will also be blessed. I think the world and its inhabitants are blessed to have trees and plants. Trees are important, valuable and necessary to our very existence. It's not too hard to believe that, without trees we humans would not exist on this beautiful planet. In fact, some claim can be made that our mother's and father's ancestors climbed trees – another debate for another site. Still, trees are essential to life as we know it and are the ground troops on an environmental frontline. Our existing forest and the trees we plant work in tandem to make a better world. Below are the reasons why trees are important for us. Trees Produce Oxygen Let's face it; we could not exist as we do if there were no trees. A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year. What many people don't realize is the forest also acts as a giant filter that cleans the air we breathe. Trees Clean the Soil The term phytoremediation is a fancy word for the absorption of dangerous chemicals and other pollutants that have entered the soil. Trees can either store harmful pollutants or actually change the pollutant into less harmful forms. Trees filter sewage and farm chemicals, reduce the effects of animal wastes, clean roadside spills and clean water runoff into streams. Trees Control Noise Pollution Trees muffle urban noise almost as effectively as stone walls. Trees, planted at strategic points in a neighborhood or around your house, can abate major noises from freeways and airports. Trees Slow Storm Water Runoff Flash flooding can be dramatically reduced by a forest or by planting trees. One Colorado blue spruce, either planted or growing wild, can intercept more than 1000 gallons of water annually when fully grown. Underground water-holding aquifers are recharged with this slowing down of water runoff. Trees Are Carbon Sinks To produce its food, a tree absorbs and locks away carbon dioxide in the wood, roots and leaves. Carbon dioxide is a global warming suspect. A forest is a carbon storage area or a â€Å"sink† that can lock up as much carbon as it produces. This locking-up process â€Å"stores† carbon as wood and not as an available â€Å"greenhouse† gas. Trees Clean the Air Trees help cleanse the air by intercepting airborne particles, reducing heat, and absorbing such pollutants as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Trees remove this air pollution by lowering air temperature, through respiration, and by retaining particulates. Trees Shade and Cool Shade resulting in cooling is what a tree is best known for. Shade from trees reduces the need for air conditioning in summer. In winter, trees break the force of winter winds, lowering heating costs. Studies have shown that parts of cities without cooling shade from trees can literally be â€Å"heat islands† with temperatures as much as 12 degrees Fahrenheit higher than surrounding areas. Trees Act as Windbreaks During windy and cold seasons, trees located on the windward side act as windbreaks. A windbreak can lower home heating bills up to 30% and have a significant effect on reducing snow drifts. A reduction in wind can also reduce the drying effect on soil and vegetation behind the windbreak and help keep precious topsoil in place. Trees Fight Soil Erosion Erosion control has always started with tree and grass planting projects. Tree roots bind the soil and their leaves break the force of wind and rain on soil. Trees fight soil erosion, conserve rainwater and reduce water runoff and sediment deposit after storms.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Lee 1 Nadia Lee English 2 Mr. List 19 January 2013 I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings By: Maya Angelou 1. Before I chose this poem, I was thinking about choosing a couple of other ones when I finally realized that this poem caught my eye the most. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings helped me realize the benefits and consequences from both sides in life. I found this poem in Google under the category that said â€Å"poems that talk about life†. If you read this poem and take it literally, than it will mean nothing, but if you take it to the next level by comparing it to life, than it will mean so much more. . The author of this poem is Maya Angelou who is a famous well known poet throughout the world. Angelou is an African American who went through so much pain during her youth years. Angelou was just a child when African Americans were being discriminated by whites. When she was eight years old, her mother’s boyfriend, Freeman, raped and sexually abused Angelou. She then told her brother who later took Freeman to court finding him guilty. After he was released from jail, one of Angelou’s uncles murdered Freeman later turning Angelou into a mute.Angelou stayed mute for five years, but within those years was when she developed a passion for books and literature. Throughout the years, Angelou has written many poems such as On the Pulse of Morning and Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie. 3. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was chosen as the title of this poem because it talks about how people in life struggle through so many things and that we must hold on to hope in order to keep moving on in life. Angelou put this as the title because it represents who she is and Lee 2 what she went through.She knows why the caged bird sings because she is the caged bird. The title tells us that this poem is going to talk about what Angelou felt and her experiences of her youth. The caged bird and Angelou have so many things in common. Both have b een restricted and need to be let free. This title does reflect the overall theme of this poem. It actually explains so much more of the theme rather than the poem itself. I don’t believe that this poem needs an alternative title. It tells the reader everything already. It already touched my heart and I believe that it’s the perfect title. . I would say that this poem would be a lyrical type of poem. This poem expresses a lot of feelings and emotions that allows the reader to understand what the poet felt. This poem expresses the feelings of being alone, locked up and wanting to be free. I believe that the speaker of this poem is someone who is like a bystander. This bystander is observing one bird that is caged and another that is free. The situation is that the caged bird is trying to be like the free bird by spreading out its wings, but can’t because of its oppressor making it impossible for him to fly. 5.This poem is written in free verse meaning that it con tains no definite meter or a pattern of the rhyme scheme. It is divided into six stanzas containing four to eight lines within each stanza. Each line does not contain a lot of words and the poet makes it short and simple. 6. â€Å"The free bird leaps / on the back of the wind / and floats downstream / till the current ends / and dips his wings / in the orange sun rays / and dares to claim the sky. † This is an example of imagery where Angelou allows us to imagine a bird flying in the sky. The poet did not include any sounds devices in this poem.This poem contains many personifications and metaphors such as â€Å"But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams† (metaphor). Angelou uses the caged bird and the free bird as an analogy that talks about her life. 7. This poem talks about two birds, one that is free and another that is locked up. Angelou talks about how the free bird is independent and does whatever it wants while the caged bird just Lee 3 hops around in his c age singing. She is comparing the lives of these two birds. The theme is about Angelou’s struggle to survive and how she grew up in a cruel world.The first stanza talks about how the free bird flies endlessly in the sky and floats down a stream relaxing. This stanza is telling us how there are people in this world who are not afraid of anything and can do whatever they please. To them, there is nothing that is troubling them and life is perfect. The second and third stanza then switches over to the caged bird and talks about how he does not have enough space to walk around. The only thing this bird can do is to sing about his rage. These stanzas tell us that there are those like Angelou who don’t possess what others have and uses the only thing they have.The only thing that they possess is hope and without hope there is nothing at all. The fourth stanza talk about how the free bird is provided with everything it needs. If you compare this to life than it tells us how t here are others who are spoiled and well cared for. The fifth stanza talks about how the caged bird only has his voice because everything he used to have are now gone. Even though some people don’t have what they need, they still make the best of what they have left. The last and final stanza repeats the third stanza. All we can do is to dream and wish for what we want while living life the best we can. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Lee 1 Nadia Lee English 2 Mr. List 19 January 2013 I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings By: Maya Angelou 1. Before I chose this poem, I was thinking about choosing a couple of other ones when I finally realized that this poem caught my eye the most. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings helped me realize the benefits and consequences from both sides in life. I found this poem in Google under the category that said â€Å"poems that talk about life†. If you read this poem and take it literally, than it will mean nothing, but if you take it to the next level by comparing it to life, than it will mean so much more. . The author of this poem is Maya Angelou who is a famous well known poet throughout the world. Angelou is an African American who went through so much pain during her youth years. Angelou was just a child when African Americans were being discriminated by whites. When she was eight years old, her mother’s boyfriend, Freeman, raped and sexually abused Angelou. She then told her brother who later took Freeman to court finding him guilty. After he was released from jail, one of Angelou’s uncles murdered Freeman later turning Angelou into a mute.Angelou stayed mute for five years, but within those years was when she developed a passion for books and literature. Throughout the years, Angelou has written many poems such as On the Pulse of Morning and Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie. 3. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was chosen as the title of this poem because it talks about how people in life struggle through so many things and that we must hold on to hope in order to keep moving on in life. Angelou put this as the title because it represents who she is and Lee 2 what she went through.She knows why the caged bird sings because she is the caged bird. The title tells us that this poem is going to talk about what Angelou felt and her experiences of her youth. The caged bird and Angelou have so many things in common. Both have b een restricted and need to be let free. This title does reflect the overall theme of this poem. It actually explains so much more of the theme rather than the poem itself. I don’t believe that this poem needs an alternative title. It tells the reader everything already. It already touched my heart and I believe that it’s the perfect title. . I would say that this poem would be a lyrical type of poem. This poem expresses a lot of feelings and emotions that allows the reader to understand what the poet felt. This poem expresses the feelings of being alone, locked up and wanting to be free. I believe that the speaker of this poem is someone who is like a bystander. This bystander is observing one bird that is caged and another that is free. The situation is that the caged bird is trying to be like the free bird by spreading out its wings, but can’t because of its oppressor making it impossible for him to fly. 5.This poem is written in free verse meaning that it con tains no definite meter or a pattern of the rhyme scheme. It is divided into six stanzas containing four to eight lines within each stanza. Each line does not contain a lot of words and the poet makes it short and simple. 6. â€Å"The free bird leaps / on the back of the wind / and floats downstream / till the current ends / and dips his wings / in the orange sun rays / and dares to claim the sky. † This is an example of imagery where Angelou allows us to imagine a bird flying in the sky. The poet did not include any sounds devices in this poem.This poem contains many personifications and metaphors such as â€Å"But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams† (metaphor). Angelou uses the caged bird and the free bird as an analogy that talks about her life. 7. This poem talks about two birds, one that is free and another that is locked up. Angelou talks about how the free bird is independent and does whatever it wants while the caged bird just Lee 3 hops around in his c age singing. She is comparing the lives of these two birds. The theme is about Angelou’s struggle to survive and how she grew up in a cruel world.The first stanza talks about how the free bird flies endlessly in the sky and floats down a stream relaxing. This stanza is telling us how there are people in this world who are not afraid of anything and can do whatever they please. To them, there is nothing that is troubling them and life is perfect. The second and third stanza then switches over to the caged bird and talks about how he does not have enough space to walk around. The only thing this bird can do is to sing about his rage. These stanzas tell us that there are those like Angelou who don’t possess what others have and uses the only thing they have.The only thing that they possess is hope and without hope there is nothing at all. The fourth stanza talk about how the free bird is provided with everything it needs. If you compare this to life than it tells us how t here are others who are spoiled and well cared for. The fifth stanza talks about how the caged bird only has his voice because everything he used to have are now gone. Even though some people don’t have what they need, they still make the best of what they have left. The last and final stanza repeats the third stanza. All we can do is to dream and wish for what we want while living life the best we can.

The Heart of Darkness: the Ultimate Choice of Man

The Heart of Darkness: The Ultimate Choice of Man A single word holds the potential to have multiple connotations. Stringing these subjective words into a novel may have a catastrophic effect on the readers. However, a story’s ability to comprise of several different interpretations provides deeper insight and depth. In Joseph Conrad’s novel, The Heart of Darkness, there are various viewpoints one may take throughout the main character Marlow’s journey.But Conrad’s artful use of dualistic symbolism is arguably the most crucial because it highlights the underlying theme, which stresses the dual nature of man and his choice to control his actions. During the entirety of the book, dualism is constantly utilized to contrast separate entities, such as wilderness and civilization. Some may argue the two are merely classifications of environments but in actuality, they represent the effect that order or lack of can have on people. Civilizations consist of laws an d rules to uphold man’s morals to ensure a working and efficient society.But as mentioned in the novel, Marlow says, â€Å"And [London] also†¦has been one of the dark place of the earth†¦I was thinking of very old times, when the Romans first came here†¦Oh yes – [they] did it. Did it very well, too, no doubt and without thinking much about it either, except afterwards to brag of what he had gone through in his time, perhaps. They were men enough to face the darkness†(67-69). London, a symbol of enlightenment, is also once a â€Å"dark place of the earth† until Romans force civilization upon the land. The city is an example stressing how civilization is a learned habit and is not an innate characteristic of humanity.To maintain a stable and harmonious community, it appears necessary to establish a code of ethics to enforce stability on its people. But if defined in this sense, imperialism is clearly a hypocritical attempt to justify exploita tions of the indigenous and primitive states of man and nature alike. The Company in The Heart of Darkness insists it will colonize the people, but this reasoning is extremely ironic because the damage that the jungle has on the white man’s soul exceeds the physical pain of the black men’s toil.Near the beginning of the trip, Marlow distinguishes the feeling of the jungle and says, â€Å"In some inland post feel the savagery, the utter savagery, had close round him – all that mysterious life of the wilderness that stirs in the forest, in the jungles, in the hearts of wild men†¦ He has to live in the midst of the incomprehensible, which is also detestable. And it has a fascination, too, that goes to work upon him†(69). Even if the wilderness is constantly described as dark and savage, it holds a fascination upon civilized men.This is partly due to the incomprehensibility of the wilderness that imposes itself as an ominous, omnipotent force testing one ’s ability to hold onto sanity. Once people enter the wild, their primitive impulses are revealed since they are free to do as they desire without fear of consequence. The jungle is referred to as â€Å"the heart of darkness† not because it unleashes the evil of civilized men, but because it mirrors the darkness already apparent in every being. As Marlow progresses deeper into the jungle, he says, â€Å"The earth seemed unearthly.We are accustomed to look upon the shackled form of a conquered monster, but there – there you could look at a thing monstrous and free. It was unearthly, and the men were – No, they were not inhuman†¦but if you were man enough you would admit to yourself that there was in you just the faintest trace of a response to the terrible frankness†¦ Principles won’t do. Acquisitions, clothes, pretty rags – rages that would fly off at the first good shake. No; you want a deliberate belief†(108-109). Society may restrain savage tendencies, yet it cannot eliminate them.Primeval tendencies are always lurking, and the superficial morals of civilization are much more unstable than it seems at first glance. The acquisitions and material possessions mentioned are considered to be valuable requirements to live an accomplished and successful life. Greed fuels the expedition and it is what overcame Kurtz, who represents what man can become if left solely to his inner desires. On the other hand, Marlow is a civilized soul who is left mostly unscathed by the darkness. In the lawlessness of the wilderness, it is up to the individual to either abide to his morals or sacrifice his soul to the darkness.When men are confronted with the boundless opportunities for sin in the wilderness, they can choose to restrain their internal greed or to accede to their temptations. Conrad uses these two intangible contrasts to stress that man does indeed have a choice in his actions. Even the â€Å"savage† me n who are natives of the jungle are primary examples of restraint in the novel. During the expedition, Marlow characterizes the natives and says, â€Å"Yes; I looked at [the natives] as you would on any human being with a curiosity of their impulses, motives, capacities, weaknesses, when brought to the test of an inexorable physical necessity.Restraint! What possible restraint? â€Å"(116). Desires and impulses of humanity can often fuel their ambitions. At the same time, desires can bring ruin to a man because they may compel him to commit treacherous and evil deeds. However, they cannot be an excuse for man to brush aside his wrongdoings for they do not force him to make any actions. A person’s actions must be judged accordingly, regardless of his or her intended motives or societal status. One’s lack of restraint is exemplified when Marlow says, â€Å"[The helmsman] had no restraint, no restraint-just like Kurtz-a tree swayed by the wind†(129).Before, the h elmsman is a native of the Congo, but he becomes accustomed to the white man’s ways after accompanying the sailors on their journey. The native men of the Congo are both physically and mentally stronger because they are not enticed by material temptations. Association with proud civilized men causes the helmsman to be careless, leading to his untimely death. Instead of upholding his original ideals, the man’s absence of self-control indicates his newfound weakness.Kurtz, a man of great power and wealth, is ironically the ultimate representation of a man blinded by temptation, which deteriorates his willpower and produces a weak and unstable mentality. In his final moments, Kurtz cries out, â€Å"The horror! The horror†(154). These final words are Kurtz’s recognition of the â€Å"horrors† he has committed by allowing temptation to overtake him. In Kurtz’s situation, temptation triumphs and concludes in his death, basically suggesting that suc cumbing to one’s temptations results in the ultimate punishment.Restraint and temptation are dualities implying that everyone possesses a good and evil nature, but the choice to uncover the restraint required to preserve humanity is ultimately left to the discretion of each person. Both wilderness and civilization along with temptation and restraint comparisons symbolize the good and bad within human nature, which is exemplified the most generally by portrayal of light and dark. Conrad twists the usual denotation of light and its common interpretations because light often portrays ignorance and narrow-mindedness in the novel.The dark is ever present in the jungle; hence the title The Heart of Darkness, but it is also strongly characterized by Kurtz. One of the descriptions of Kurtz says, â€Å"The point in his being a gifted creature, and that all his gifts the one that stood out pre-eminently, that carried with it a sense of real presence, was his ability to talk, his words –the gift of expression, the bewildering, the illuminating, the most exalted and the most contemptible, the pulsating stream of light, or the deceitful flow from the heart of an impenetrable darkness†(124).During this specific moment, light is symbolized as a force used to enlighten, while darkness represents the â€Å"impenetrable† evil. Again, it is ironic that the two are juxtaposed together because Conrad clearly states the light cannot pierce the dark, yet Kurtz is evidently a man who wields the power to speak truth and wisdom. Although Kurtz is a man who embodies the darkness of the jungle, he affirms the understanding that all humans have good and evil coexisting within them. Conrad’s abandonment of the traditional connotation of light is noted when Marlow says, â€Å"I know that the sunlight can be made to lie too†¦ â€Å"(151).Surprisingly, the light which is previously portrayed as truth has evolved into the complete opposite. Since his co ntradiction blurs the line between good and evil, Marlow loses the confidence in his previous ability to judge between the two. As a result, both Marlow and the readers realize that nothing and no one can be totally good or evil, and there are no restrictions to which the concept applies to. Perhaps the most controversial statement about light and dark is when Marlow notices a work of art and says, â€Å"Then I noticed a small sketch in oils, on a panel, representing a woman, draped and blind-folded, carrying a lighted torch.The background was somber–almost black. The movement of the woman was stately, and the effect of the torchlight on the face was sinister†(94). The painting can have a multitude of meanings, ranging from the hypocrisy of imperialism, to the unwillingness of any individual to admit his or her wrongs. Many are quick to endorse the wrongs and flaws of others but refuse to defer to their own, as portrayed by the blindfold of the woman.This is the reason why a majority of people live in a false reality of a black and a white perspective on the world, in which there are only two outcomes to a situation. If everyone could concede to an understanding that all entities have a balance between one another, light and dark would be totally different concepts than what they are today. The three major dualities all contribute to highlight Conrad’s fundamental theme, which asserts that all men are composed of both good and evil and have the choice to maintain an optimal balance.Marlow and Kurtz are not as different as they once appeared in the beginning of the book. Each character struggles with the temptation of the darkness, but only Kurtz is totally consumed. The two characters embody two common choices that occur in reality; to either find a balance between good and evil or to be pushed into the extremity of one side. However, it is important to acknowledge that one entity cannot exist without the other, and in the end, only the in dividual can control his or her fate.

Construction Economics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Construction Economics - Assignment Example The industry provides services such as maintenance, repairs and rehabilitation of existing structures. The industry comprises of three main sectors, which include building construction, heavy and civil engineering and specialty trade contractors. The building and construction sector includes contractors who build buildings for residential, industrial and commercial purposes. Heavy and civil contractors build roads, bridges, sewers and other major projects mostly relate to state infrastructure. Specialty deals with carpentry, painting and other works that relate to all types of construction. The industry teds to enter recessions first and often the last to recover. Most economic factors, which lead to recession, affect the construction industry. Inflation is one of the major causes of recession where consumer goods become expensive resulting to a drop in customer spending. In instances when the economy is expanding, there is increased consumer spending due to better wages and high disposable income. During the economic boom individuals have disposable income, which they use to buy durable goods and assets such as apartments and homes (Samuelson & Nordhaus, 2004 p. 56). In addition, the state acquires more tax revenue, which it utilizes by developing infrastructure. All three sectors of the construction industry indicate tremendous growth during this period. ... This happens in the initial stages of economic contraction. The Federal Reserve additionally, increases the lending interest rates and mortgage rates leading to reduced loans. The monetary control and inflation affect the construction industry even when they are in the early stages of inflation. The fluctuating interest rates results to an increase in the number of defaulters since they are unable to pay (Agapiou et al, 1998, p. 56). Federal Reserve increase in interest rates and reduced money supply result to weak housing market. The increase in lending affects the housing market, which comprises of the building sector of construction industry. Those already building houses are unable to continue due to escalating prices brought by rise in energy cost and fluctuation of currencies. Economic recession heavily affects the construction industry even in the early stages due to initial reduction in customer sending that result to a decrease in the demand of housing due to oversupply. Rec ession affects the industry more when compared to transport, education and financial industries. In addition, housing prices fall leading to a rise in foreclosures. Schmalensee (1987) says that the recession results to a rise in unemployment and thus a decline in the number of construction works (132). An imbalance in supply and demands slows the construction of residential building due to increase in interest rates. For example during 2007 recession total construction in United States declined by 28% (Department of labor). During recession, the government reduces its spending since its budget is normally under strain. This results to a decline in heavy and civil sector of the construction industry, which heavily relies with government projects such as roads and

Crime is the result of individuals making choices to commit crime; it Essay

Crime is the result of individuals making choices to commit crime; it is not the result of their social circumstances. Discuss this statement - Essay Example Due to these involvements with other criminals, the individuals view crime as desirable – something that can be used appropriately in social situations (Akers, 1998). Other people make them think that crime is something that can be condoned, and so they do it on their own, as they see it fit into their own lives. When it comes to teenagers, they learn how to engage in crime in the same way that they would learn how to conform to the needs of society (Matza & Sykes, 1961), despite that crime is not socially condoned. There are three mechanisms by which a person learns crime from others: differential reinforcement, beliefs, and modeling. The differential reinforcements are the rewards or punishments that a person gets from committing a criminal act. If a criminal is not caught, they are unable to be punished – they have only seen the reward to what they do. If they are caught and are punished, they can be conditioned to see that crime is a negative thing and is not condoned by society. A criminal might use their own mindset of beliefs on criminology to help others to see that what they are doing is not wrong. They try to get others to see things from their point of view. When modeling criminal activity, an individual does what might have been done to them: they influence others. The control theory focuses on the conformity that an individual goes through that may cause them to engage in criminal acts. Many sociologists wish to find out why people involve themselves in crime, while others want to know why people conform to begin with. Once again, we are back to the powers of influence and modeling. The control theory has to do with how much restraint a person is willing to put on him or herself to avoid partaking in criminal acts. Once a person gives in to conformity, they are no longer following their own unique rules about how to go about life and keeping to their morals. The labeling theory states that once a person is labeled a criminal, and

RE Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

RE - Term Paper Example Although God is considered to be a part of just the Christian-based religions, there are many people that would be shocked to find that even in religions where God, as Himself, does not exist, the deities of that religion take on the same purposes and qualities of God. Even in the religions that do not acknowledge any form of a god still has a deity or religious being that fulfills the same duties and requirements. Religions such as Buddhism, folk religions, and Hinduism regard God in ways that are entirely unique and beneficial to their religious paths, with many of these beings not considered God-like, or god-like, at all. Buddhism is a religious path as well as a philosophical lifestyle that, despite its age, has found itself the center of most New Age practitioners. Unlike most organized religions, Buddhism does not recognize a supreme, invisible being in the same sense that the Christian-related religions do. In Buddhism, the person honored and followed is Gautama Buddha, the original founder of Buddhism. Gautama Buddha was also a teacher of Buddhism, promoting and teaching peace, harmony, and enlightenment through meditation, yoga, and other activities to help center and ground the mind and body. While the Buddha did not perform miracles, and nor was he worshipped or prayed to, just merely honored and regarded in the highest light, he still fulfilled what it meant to be the god or deity of a religion (Armstrong, 2004). He was the person that his followers looked up to and viewed as their leader, as well as the one who could direct the practitioners onto their individual paths of enlightenment. As previously mentioned, Buddha was not worshipped in the typical sense that God or a deity would be worshipped. He was simply viewed as the founder and teacher of this spiritual and philosophical path. After his death, his monks, similar to the apostles of the Christian faith, took over passing on the information, knowledge, and teachings onto those that wished

Marketing Planing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 1

Marketing Planing - Essay Example The first IKEA Store was opened in Almhult, Sweden to showcase the entire furniture range to the common people. The main objective of the company was to offer exclusive furniture range at an affordable price for the common people. In the year 1940 the company published its first advertisement in reputed newspaper and also sent 800000 catalogues across Swedish homes (IKEA, 2013h). The furniture range was tested at the Swedish design laboratory for proving its genuine quality. The unique selling proposition of IKEA showroom is its wide availability of products ranging from candlestick to coffee tables and exclusive sofa sets (IKEA, 2013c). In addition to the variety of products the inclusion of the restaurant to each store outlets of IKEA was very popular among the customers. The company is famous for manufacturing the four legged easy to assemble table. In spite of the global economic crisis IKEA has witnessed an increase in the sales of furniture by 1.4 percent in the year 2009 from 2008 (IKEA, 2013e). The company yielded profits from the UK sector in spite of the slow economic growth in furniture industry. Figure 1: Annual Sales of IKEA Market Planning Changing &Assessing Capability The market planning method helps in developing plans which help in identification and satisfaction of customer needs. One of the major elements of market planning is to identify the customer needs and requirements through market research and development. Understanding customer requirements is necessary to develop a product as per customer specifications and requirements. Initially, the IKEA furniture range had shades of European design which reflected the European culture and heritage. IKEA was aware of the refined taste of the Europeans and it reflected in the furniture designs. IKEA came up with a unique idea of providing customers with elegant designs at minimalistic prices. This marketing strategy worked wonders for IKEA and the company started yielding huge amount of profits. When the company opened its first American store in Philadelphia in the year 1985 the market seemed to be a very good prospect for IKEA however, the cold behaviour of the American towards IKEA furniture range took the management by surprise. IKEA revamped its marketing strategy completely and renovated the entire furniture range. The marketing tactics worked wonders for IKEA and the sales of the company skyrocketed immediately. By the end of the year 2008, USA became the second largest furniture market after Germany for IKEA. This incident taught IKEA a lesson that the customers of different countries have different requirements and tastes and products should be developed accordingly. Before entering the Asian markets the management of IKEA did their homework well and studied the Asian culture carefully. For example the designs of the IKEA stores in China were similar to that of Chinese homes with attractive colours. IKEA also started paying heed to specific customer needs and requi rement for example when a woman would shop with her husband, her husband would get bored so a tool section was introduced for the comfort of the customers. The customer knows that the publication of the

Learning and Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Learning and Development - Essay Example This report has recommended a multi-tiered and large-scale structural change to the Mumbai, India call centre. The first stage of the change involves the implementation of a training program. The next stage implements employee and customer evaluation practices that establish employee raises, as well as employees who can assume supervisory positions. While statistical models are greatly implemented during this phase, the next evaluative phase implements qualitative research methods to identify individuals for career counseling practices. These individuals will receive career counseling and then be given the option to receive higher levels education and then an upper level management or executive position with Acorn’s operations in the United Kingdom. Finally, the report has demonstrated that human resources contribute to both competitive advantage and business strategy. Introduction Organizational culture and behavior spans a wide array of elements and concerns. One witnesses a great many elements related to organizational concerns in the Acorn call centre that was recently opened in Mumbai, India. Opened in 2003 the Acorn India call centre is an off-shoot of the company’s main United Kingdom operations. While some cultural elements were considered in establishing this centre, including voice and accent training and cultural awareness, it is clear that there is a degree of dissonance between practice and perception. What has emerged is an organization that is experiencing high turnaround and an organizational culture that feels they are not a part of the main United Kingdom operations. Some of the most prominent theories have considered the nature of organizations as conforming to trends and values within the specific institutional environment Leong (1993, p. 42). Referred to an institutional theory this perspective offers an overarching perspective on organizational culture Leong (1993, p. 42). In terms of establishing organizational culture itâ⠂¬â„¢s recognized that such elements are established both within the employee community as well as in the structure the management and executives establish Leong (1993, p. 42). Within the context of Acorn institutional challenges have emerged as the company structure in the United Kingdom has not applied readily to its Mumbia, India operations. This research advances with the overarching contextual recognition that because of this organizational culture major changes needed to be implemented in relation to learning and development and career management. Specific considerations are given to the organization’s training programs, demographics, and in-built career advancement practices. Analysis Learning and Training While career elements constitute perhaps the greatest focus for needed organizational change at Acorn, more foundationally staff training constitutes a major area of concern. Just as Acorn has failed to establish a career management program the organization has also fallen short in establishing adequate training mechanisms. One of the central thorough-puts of this analysis then is the recognition that before Acorn has the necessary corporate infrastructure to implement the career system that will satisfy their employees at the Mumbai call centre it must first establish a

Airplane Crash Survival Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Airplane Crash Survival - Assignment Example This research will begin with the list of item collected. The pilot who was among the survivors instructed how to gather all items that had been left after the crush, and listed them down in the order of importance. The items were listed as follows; newspaper for starting fire, liquid lighter for lighting fire, small axe for cutting woods, can of coconut oil and large chocolate bars, which would provide food, a map and compass for direction, extra shirts and pants for the extreme weather. Additionally, large heavy-duty canvas for making a tent, red lipstick for marking the map, lastly the batteries and toothpaste for freshening. After the survival of the plane crush, the pilot stressed that they had to work as team in order to survive in the jungle. Their Primary objective was to survive the extremely cold and snowing weather whilst trying to find help. The author was tasked with the responsibility of fetching woods and setting up fire, while his teammates were tasked with erecting a tent using the large piece of canvas. The following day, their focus shifted to finding help. According to the map that they collected after plane crush, the nearest town was 20 km away. The team tasked the author with role of reading the map and the compass in locating the nearest town since he had some background knowledge in surveying and navigation, while his teammates cleared the bushy forest for their passage.... Concerning leadership, the activity exhibited the fundamental role of leadership in an organization. The presence of a leader, who was the pilot, ensured effective delegation of tasks and provision of guidance in attaining the set objective. The STAR team model The performance of the pilot, the team leader together with the activities of the team members can further be explained with the STAR team model. According to Maginn, the STAR team model seeks to identify what a team leader and team need to focus on. The model combines various teamwork theories such as those proposed in the Tuckman’s model, leadership theories, and theories relating to the surrounding of the team and teamwork (pg 155- 160). The STAR team model focuses on an individual’s strength with the objective to enable the individual attain his/her goals leading to happiness. Thus, the application of the model ensures teamwork, which results to flourishing of individual as they use and develop their strength s. In our activity, the pilot assigned tasks to each survivor based on his or her strengths, which ensured attainment of the set goal. The model also explained that coming together of individual strengths and teamwork creates natural flow of performance and results, which are rewarding to the team. Contribution of members to the outcome of the activity Though every member executed distinctive tasks, the tasks culminated into the success of the team. Specifically my contributions were collection of firewood and lighting of the night fire. I further ensured that the fire kept burning through the night to scare away wild beasts. In addition, my expertise in map and compass reading enabled the team to find the location of the nearest town. Shortcoming in the leadership and

Boeing Porter's Five Forces Industry analysis Assignment

Boeing Porter's Five Forces Industry analysis - Assignment Example This is mainly because they are highly entrenched in their airport hubs, making it difficult for new companies to find space in these air ports (Clougherty and Zhang, 2008). Furthermore, smaller airports do not have enough passing traffic that can make these new airlines companies to post some profits. High fuel prices are one of the most dominant barriers for new airline companies (Mouawad, 4). This is because it accounts for approximately 50% of the costs that these airline companies are able to incur (Peoples, 2012). The high number of mergers is also another reason that prevents new companies from entering the market. These companies manage to control a large segment of the market, making it hard for new entities to penetrate. Companies such as Hawaiian airlines, Allegiant Air, and Spirit Airlines managed to survive this competition by creating their own niche market, hence avoiding direct competition with these major airlines (Fojt, 2006). There is also a high level of research and development budget that is required for new entrants into this market. It is virtually impossible to compete in this industry, when the new company does not have information about its competitors, target market, etc (Williams, 2002). Acquiring this type of information requires a great deal of research, which is very expensive. Furthermore, the airline industry has loyal customers, who will only take the national carrier. Based on these facts, threats of new entrants to Boeing are low. The intensity of competition facing Boeing is very high. This is because the industry comprises of large airline companies offering the same services. The airline industry does not have any market leader, and their strategies are not different (Fojt, 2006). This is the reason why most airline companies are forming mergers for purposes of competing efficiently with their competitors (Grundy, 2012).

Schindler Elevators Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Schindler Elevators - Essay Example Large corporations have a responsibility to ensure that they fulfill their promises of quality and confidence. While large businesses have thousands of customers, dissatisfying one customer or not fulfilling customers’ expectations can significantly affect the reputation of a company. Companies rely upon word of mouth, and after building a reputation that has prevailed for years, one incident can change the perception of their customers forever (Ouchi, 1981, p. 82). Once a company makes a mistake, they will take numerous actions to compensate the customer or let the public know their viewpoint regarding the incident. Some mistakes are forgivable and only affect the company’s short-term sales while other mistakes may even cause the company to file bankruptcy or go out of business (Ohmae, 1982, pp. 45-48). Accidents that cause death, injury, or serious mistreatment of customers may result in a boycott of the company’s products, as well (Schendel, 1979, p. 45). Smal ler mistakes such as faulty products or malfunctioning goods may only result in the company having to replace the products and refund the customer (Barney, 1986, p. 1236). Discussion Japan is a market with very high context culture and very strict standards of adherence to cultural practices. The Japanese are not sympathetic towards other cultures and do not allow international companies to take advantage of using different social norms when they conduct business in Japan. Japanese customers expect extremely high quality standards and do not tolerate even slight deviances from those standards. It is mandatory to please Japanese customers and mistakes are not easily forgiven. Operating in this rigid environment was the renowned company, Schindler Elevators. The company was established by Robert Schindler in 1875 in Germany. Little by little, the company grew and expanded into other areas such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Today, Schindler is the world’s leading supplie r of escalators and elevators and is responsible for making some of the world’s best transport systems. It is also responsible for transporting approximately 700 million people daily (Schindler, 2006; Fink, 1986, pp. 76-79). However, Schindler Elevators is seriously suffering from decreasing market share and sales in Japan and it is even unable to find employees in the Japanese market because of an accident that occurred with one of its elevators. Schindler’s bad reputation also caused it to lose service contracts. The accident that got Schindler into trouble occurred in 2006 in Minato Ward, Tokyo. A 16-year old boy was getting off a Schindler elevator with his bicycle while the doors were ajar. The elevator began to move upwards and the boy was crushed between the doorframes and died instantly. The Japanese were outraged. Immediately following the accident, Schindler gave a press conference. While Schindler sympathised with the victim’s family, the company also maintained that there was no fault in the quality standards of the elevator and it asserted that the company was very particular about its safety standards. This press conference was followed by a series of additional press conferences in which Schindler explained the accident but did not apologize to the victim’s family or meet them. The Japanese expected an immediate and complete apology, but it took nine days for the Schindler Company to apologize after the accident, and the Japanese did not consider it a full apology (Japan Times, 2009). The public perception was that the company was arrogant and lacked high quality standards and a sense of responsibility. The Japanese are not used to companies that do not perceive responsibility as an

The Importance of Christmas Celebration Essay Example for Free

The Importance of Christmas Celebration Essay Among all the festivals, holidays and traditions all people celebrated during the year, Christmas remains the most observed and most popular. It is purely a global celebration. This season is the most joyous time of the year. The traditions surrounding the celebration of this season are almost as numerous as the people who celebrate it and may change from place to place. Through the years, the holiday has been adapted to local customs, culture and history and so has produced an amazing variety of Christmas traditions around the world. Christmas celebrations are all about dressing up in style, throwing parties, decorating Christmas trees, eating sweets, exchanging gifts, dancing to the tunes of Christmas carols, rejoicing in the festive spirit, playing games, singing songs and merry making. But, what is the really importance of Christmas celebrations? The significance of Christmas is known to all the people, all over the world. It is celebrated normally on the 25th of December and is a religious holiday. In fact, Christmas is celebrated all over the world as the day when Jesus Christ was born, we celebrate his coming into this world, but at the same time Christmas also symbolizes a very deep significant truth of spiritual life. Jesus is recognized as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Jesus Christ is in reality the personification of Divinity. The birth of Lord Jesus happened at a time when ignorance, greed, superstition, hatred and hypocrisy prevailed on earth. Purity and morality was forgotten and neglected. Christ was born and he actually transformed the lives of people. He gave a new spiritual turn to peoples lives. Jesus is the real meaning of Christmas, the hope we have in Him, the awesome plan of the Father. The great sacrifice of the son and the love that He has given us. There came a real change upon the land with His birth. People started upon a whole new way of life. A new era dawned for the entire world. With the birth of Christ, Christianity essentially begins; thus, Christmas also celebrates the beginning of Christianity. Small but wonderful point of deep significance is connected with Christmas celebration. It is the time when all Christians come together and celebrate Christmas with great zeal. Christmas brings happiness to the life of Christians. The deep significance related to Christmas indicates the religious awakening comes to seeker, who is ideally humble and poor in spirit. Quality of true humanity is fundamentally crucial. Then we find out holiness, renunciation and simplicity for the pride of learning. There are still enough people in the world who look upon Christmas as a special time to give. It is a time when thinking about us is overshadowed by the want to help others less fortunate and therefore, Christmas is a time of sharing and caring unlike any other times seen throughout the year. It is a time when local food banks can count on the generosity of their community members to give what they can to help those who just cannot help themselves. It is a great time to focus on love and hope. It is a celebration of humanity and mankind. It is also express his message of love, tolerance and brotherhood. Christmas is the most precious time of year for friends and family to gather and show their love and appreciation of each other. It is a joyful time to reflect on the past, talk about the present, and dream of the future. It is a time to give, share, and receive and most important for peaceful co-existence. It is time we learn to forgive each other and allow peace to reign in our hearts. Christmas is one of the biggest reminders that God has a plan for today and tomorrow. It is what is in your heart, whether you are religious or simply spiritual or even a non-believer. Christmas is an annual wake-up call for us to be kind to one another, to set aside differences, and to reach out a helping hand to those in need. It is associated with peace and goodwill and of course, magic. It is the remembrance that Jesus was born and was our savior.

Reliance Industries Limited Business Environment Analysis

Reliance Industries Limited Business Environment Analysis Business environment is the constraints and opportunities that surround our businesses. This is about exploring the nature of the business in which it is being carried out. The analysis in this essay will be on business environment in which Reliance Industries Limited operates. Reliance Industries Limited or RIL is commonly known as Reliance. The company was founded by Shri. Dhirubhai H. Ambani in 1977 the company was initially started as a textile company and led its evolution as a world leader in materials and the energy value chain The Companys operations can be classified into four segments namely: Petroleum Refining and Marketing business Petrochemicals business Oil and Gas Exploration Production business Others There are two types of business environment INTERNAL and EXTERNAL environment Before coming on to the external forces, the internal forces should be made clear. The internal forces are those forces which are controlled by the organisation itself such as the resources knowledge and decision making Reliance in the above context has a wide variety of resources such as well qualified employees and infrastructure As far as knowledge and decision making is concerned Because Reliance recruits very well qualified persons thereby it reflects when it comes to the decision making process of the company External business environment comprises of Political, Economic, Social and Technological factors. These factors can have appositive as well as a negative impact on the company. There are two types of external business environment i.e. micro and macro External micro factors are companys suppliers, transporters, agents, distributers, and wholesalers. External macro factors comprises of Political, Economic, Social and Technological factors. The external micro factors can be influenced by the organisation whereas macro factors cannot be influenced by the organisation Polypropylene market in India Over the past forty years polypropylene growth has exceeded that of other major plastics and has become the largest volume commodity resin. Throughout the history of PP through research efforts of various companies, PP has continued to rapidly evolve with new generation of catalyst and post reactor technology. Because of the improvements made to process and application technology, this polymer has developed into one of the cost-effective bulk thermoplastic. Polypropylene is the worlds fastest growing polymer with an average growth rate of about 7-8%. It is very important for a company to understand and try to manage the external micro factors i.e. PEST forces as discussed above (P)OLITICAL FACTORS Political factors include government policies relating to the industry, tax policies, laws and regulations, trade restrictions and tariffs etc. As in any part of the world, political influence is highly essential to start a business in India. Especially if you are planning to start a multi-billion business, some sort of political patronage is an absolute necessity. Not only for safeguarding the interest of the company but even to begin the process of getting the required sanctions, one requires hold in the high echelons of politics and administrative circles. Reliance industries also hold a high echelon of political and administrative circles so as to safeguard the interest of a company and for getting the required sanctions. (E)CONOMICAL FACTORS The economic factors relate to changes in the wider economy such as economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and inflation rate, etc. These factors comprise of Government intervention in the free market, infrastructure quality, economic growth rate, availability of labour, wage rate of labour. (S)OCIAL FACTORS Social factors often look at the cultural aspects and include health consciousness, population growth rate, age distribution, changes in tastes and buying patterns, etc. Safety of a person overrides all the production targets is the Health, Safety and Environment Policy of Reliance. Occupational Health Centres (OHCs) have been established to provide education on health and awareness issues, diagnostic camps and health exhibitions are also arranged. RIL also offers periodic medical examination of all the employees (including Contractors employees) along with their family members. In case of any hospitalisation RIL employees are supported by consistent co-operation and cashless hospitalisation amenities from one corner of a country to another. The company also provides fully equipped hospitals in all its major townships. The company also helps conduct Periodic potable water sampling analysis and health audits for the canteens and guest houses. A new initiative was launched by RIL called (CASHe) programme i.e. Change Agents for Safety, Health workplace Environment. This initiative was launched to promote healthy workplaces and reduce health and safety risks. It has also facilitated the Syndicate to advance its enactment on the occupational health and safety front. The companys long term objective is to address all environmental initiatives as they want to become more positive about water conservation, carbon neutral and conduct the maximum possible recycling and reuse of wastes. The company has further been reinforced in context of companys management framework with roles responsibilities, group standards and defined structures. RILs Patlganga plant has changed over to use of a cleaner fuel. This resulted in substantial reduction of suspended particulate substance and sulphur dioxide releases in the air. RIL has indoctrinated a practice to be in coordination with nature and in this circumstance, afforestation, upkeep of green belts and promoting lush green surroundings as they have decided to planted around 1,00,000 plants at the OT, gardens, vermin-compost of waste and its use as manure, they also reuse treated water for horticulture activities as a routine. (T)ECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS The technological factors relate to the application of new inventions and ideas such as RD activity, automation, technology incentives and the rate of technological change. RIL has always laid emphasis on RD, technology development and innovation. The reliance Group (RTG) undergoes various research and technology functions which help them produce improved value supply by leveraging all the abilities, and creating new prospects at the interfaces. At the time of recession also RIL did not even step back their zeal to innovate helped them convert the adversity into an opportunity. The company launched a ground-breaking initiative called mission kurukshetra which was aimed at emerging the organisation to rise to the occasion and also help the company to emerge stronger. This initiative not only helped in combatting the challenges with a win but also identified serial ideators; the enterprise facilitated them by rewarding them for their leadership. The Leading Expert Access Programme (LEAP). The people at RIL are inspired by leaders and also provide them access to global thought. The RIL draws an agenda on innovation with the help of The Reliance Innovation Leadership Centre (RILC) which helps the company to stay amongst one of the most innovative companies in the world. RIL continues its journey to make improvement a way of life and want to confirm that the growth of the next generation are led by innovation. Advantages of PEST analysis: PEST analysis is an effective and efficient tool, which provides a framework to an organisation for effective decision making. By making effective use of PEST analysis, one can ensure affirmative orientation of the business organisation. PEST analysis also helps an organisation in avoiding decisions which should not be taken. PEST analysis helps in making lawful decisions for the companies which are willing to enter into a new market. Disadvantages of PEST analysis: PEST analysis considers only the external business factors, but in reality all the factors should be considered in order to make effective decisions for an organisation. Most of the data gathered through this analysis is based on assumptions, which sometimes may not prove to be fruitful for an organisation. The rapid changes in the world economy can also make it difficult in analysing PEST factors for an organisation. Another factor which comes under consideration is the SWOT analysis of the company SWOT stands for strengths weakness opportunities and threats. RILs SWOT analysis is as follows: (S)TRENGTHS Consolidations: There are only two main players of in petrochemicals and a solid consolidation has been seen in last few years as 85% of polymer capacity is with these companies namely reliance and haldia (W)EAKNESS Low bargaining power from the suppliers: The input prices form nearly 50-60% of the raw material costs. Reliance being a petrochemical player does not have much of a negotiating power counter to the suppliers. Therefore they always remain unprotected to the prices of the raw material. Low bargaining to from the customers: As there is an increase in the input cost therefore the companies are not able to offer any price reductions or bargains to the customers. (O)PPORTUNITIES Low per capita income: Currently, domestic per person polymer consumption is nearly 4 kgs while if we see the global average it is nearly 20 kgs. This tells the fact that there is huge scope of volume expansion in INDIA as the market to be selected is very massive.therefore there is a massive scope of product development. Also, currently, India has a chemicals trade deficit of about US$ 1.5 bn a year, which leaves enough investment opportunities in the industry. (T)hreats Customs duties: The polymer industry has a protection from overseas competition by leveraging high import duties imposed by the government. However, of late, Import duty on polymers has been steadily reduced and is currently at 20%. As part of its commitment to various multilateral and bilateral trade agreements, the government is likely to reduce duties.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Pomegranate: Histological Study

Hepatoprotective Effect of Pomegranate: Histological Study ORIGINAL ARTICLE A HISTOLOGICAL STUDY OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF POMEGRANATE, IN MINOCYCLINE TREATED GUINEA PIGS Dr. M. Nadeem Siddiqui Dr. Sarwath Fatimee Dr. Hemant Kumar Dr. Bashir A. Sheikh ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the hepatoprotective effects of pomegranate on drug induced autoimmune hepatitis produced by minocycline. Material and Method: This experimental study was conducted in the department of anatomy, basic medical sciences institute, Jinnah post-graduate medical centre, Karachi. 30 adult male guinea pigs taken and divided in three groups, A, B and C, respectively with each group having 10 animals, Group A served as control, Group B was treated with minocycline 0.02mg/Gram body weight and Group C was given the minocycline along with pomegranate in the dose of 0.9 mg/ Gram body weight. On the completion of study, the animals were sacrificed and liver were removed for the histological examination under light microscopy in haematoxylin eosin staining. Results: The HE stained slides were studied and showed the normal architecture of liver in group A animals, distorted pattern of hepatic cords with marked infiltration of inflammatory cells in group B animals, and less altered pattern of hepatic cords with less infiltration of inflammatory cells in group C animals approximately similar architecture to control group. Conclusion: Use of pomegranate with minocycline can prevent hepatic damage particularly the autoimmune hepatitis. KEY WORDS: Minocycline, Pomegranate , hepatotoxicity , autoimmune hepatitis. INTRODUCTION Drugs are the most common cause of liver injury. More than 900 drugs toxins and herbs have been reported to cause liver injury.1 Drug induced autoimmune hepatitis (DIAH) has been reported to be caused by several drugs.2 Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the liver.3 marked by prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells.4it is an acute and potentially severe side effect, particularly often reported after the long term use of minocycline.5 A significant proportion of patients with autoimmune hepatitis have drug induced hepatitis, mainly because of this drug.6 Minocycline, a semi synthetic, broad spectrum antimicrobial tetracycline available since 1972 is widely prescribed as systemic antibiotic for acne vulgaris which is given for a prolonged period ( month to years).6 Foods rich in natural antioxidants have been proposed as a tool to prevent and cure liver damage.7 The pomegranate is one of the important dietary sources, that exhibits strong anti oxidant and an ti-inflammatory properties.8 Its main constitute, ellagic acid, have been proven to antagonize in vitro to inhibit the pro-inflammatory mechanisms.9 MATERIAL METHOD This experimental study was conducted for 8 weeks by taking 30 adult male guinea pigs of 450-650 weight at animal house of BMSI, JPMC, Karachi and divided them into three main groups i.e., A,B and C that comprises 10 animals each and receiving standard laboratory diet ad labitum. Group A served as control, group B was given minocycline 0.02 mg /G body weight / day orally based on human consumption for the duration of one year, while group C was given minocycline in the same dose along with pomegranate 0.9 mg /G body weight /day orally. At the end of the experimental period, all the animals were sacrificed under ether anesthesia and liver was removed to be fixed in 10% formalin for 24-48 hours. The tissue samples taken from the organ were then dehydrated in ascending strength of alcohol, cleared in xylene, infiltrated and embedded in paraffin wax. Tissue blocks were made and 4-5 ÃŽ ¼m thick sections were obtained by cutting them with microtome. The sections then mounted on glass slide s and were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The morphological changes in normal architecture of liver lobule were observed under light microscope with the help of 8X ocular, 40X objectives and graded according to the infiltration of inflammatory cells within the three zones of hepatic lobule 8. The grading was done as follows: Grade O (normal N) : no infiltration of infiltration of inflammatory cells in any zone. Grade I (mild M+) : infiltration of inflammatory cells within zone I Grade II (moderate M++) : infiltration of inflammatory cells within zone II Grade III (marked M+++) : infiltration of inflammatory cells within zone III RESULTS The present study was design to observe the minocycline treated animal and pomegranate protected animal in guinea pigs. Observations and results of microscopic examination were compared with control animal. The minocycline treated group B animal showed the distorted pattern of hepatic cords, dilated central vein with marked congestion, and some swollen hepatocytes with piknotic nuclei. Areas of marked infiltration of inflammatory cells especially lymphocytes and plasma cells observed in zone III of hepatic lobule. The microscopic examination of pomegranate and minocycline treated group C animals showed the architecture of hepatic lobule in comparison to control group A that is less distorted of hepatic cords and less dilated central vein, while infiltration of inflammatory cells is markedly decreased and limited to zone I when compared to group B animals n: number of animals N: normal M+ : Mild. M+++ : Marked DISCUSSION The histological examination of hepatic lobules in haemotoxylin and eosin stained sections of control group A showed normal architecture as described by Young et al.10,11 In the minocycline treated animals of group B the architecture of hepatic lobule has markedly changed when compared to group A. It showed the irregular distorted pattern of hepatic cords, increase in vascularity and irregular shape of hepatocytes with pyknotic nuclei. This is in agreement with Lawrenson et al. who described the comparative changes in hepatic architecture after the use of minocycline that showed the necrotic and inflammatory changes with distorted pattern of hepatic cords.12 This is also concluded by Kumar et al. who also showed the necrotic changes and plasma cell infiltration with distorted pattern of hepatic cords in autoimmune hepatitis.13 Group C animals treated with pomegranate and minocycline simultaneously demonstrate the protective effects on hepatic architecture. The hepatic cords showed regular arrangement of and the hepatocytes were normal in shape, while the hepatic lobules showed less accumulation of inflammatory cells when compared to Group B animals. This is in accordance with the study of Novarro et al. who proved that after the treatment of pomegranate in hepatoma the pattern of distorted hepatic cords become normal.14 This is also in concurrence with the study of Middha et al. who concluded that utilization of pomegranate, ultimately improve the hepatic architecture by providing the protection against oxidative damage.15 CONCLUSION From the results of this study, it can be concluded that pomegranate has proved to be highly effective in preventing the hepatic damage produced by minocycline particularly minocycline induced autoimmune hepatitis. So use of pomegranate should be promoted in daily life, particularly in those patients who are on long term minocycline treatment. Figure 1: HE stained 4 micron thick sections of minocycline treated liver, showing dilated central vein (CV), distorted hepatic cords with numerous pyknotic nuclei (PN) and marked infiltration of inflammatory cells (IC). (Photomicrograph X400). Figure 2: HE stained section 4 micron thick of pomegranate protected in minocycline treated liver, showing less dilated central vein (CV), more regular hepatic cords (HC) with normal nuclei and less infiltration of inflammatory cells (IC). (Photomicrograph X 400). REFERENCES Mehta N, Ozick L. Drug-induced hepatotoxicity.Mar 28 2008, From http:// emedicine.medscape.com/article/169814.: Bjà ¶rnsson E, Talwalkar J, Treeprasertsuk S, Kamath PS, Takahashi N, Sanderson S, Neuhauser M, Lindor K. Drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis: clinical characteristics and prognosis. Hepatology. 2010 Jun;51(6):2040-8. Manns MP and Vogel A. Autoimmune Hepatitis, From Mechanisms to Therapy.  HEPATOLOGY2006;43:S132-S144. Aldenhoven M, van Enk JG, Avis WA. Czaja AJ. Minocycline-induced autoimmune hepatitis. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2013;157(3):A5465. Drug induced hepatitis with autoimmune features during minocycline therapy. Abe M, Furukawa S, Takayama S, Mlchitaka K, Mlnami H, Yamamoto K, Horiike N and Onji M.Internal Medicine. 2003; 42 (1): 48-52. Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect of pomegranate peel and whey powders in rats. Ashoush IS, El-Batawy OI, El-Shourbagy GA. Annals of Agriculture Science ;2013: 58 (1): 27-32. Coursodon-Boyiddle CF , Snarrenberg CL,. Adkins-Rieck CK, Bassaganya-Riera J,2 Raquel Hontecillas R, Peter Lawrence P, Brenna JT, Jouni ZE, and DvorakB. Pomegranate seed oil reduces intestinal damage in a rat model of necrotizing enterocolitis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2012 September 15; 303(6): G744–G751. Dell’Agli, M, Galli ,GV,Bulgari, M, Basillico, N, Romeo, S, Bhattacharya D, Taramelli, D, and Bosisio, E 2010, ‘Ellagitannins of the fruit rind of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) antagonist in vitro the host of inflammatory response mechanisms involved in onset of malaria’, Malaria journal, vol. 9, pp. 208. Young B, Lowe JS, Stevens A, Heath JW. Wheater’s Functional Histology ; A Text and Colour Atlas. 2006 :290-294. Kasper DL, Fauci AS, Longo DL, Braunwald E, Hauser SL, Jameson JL. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 2005; 16th Edition: 1808. Lawrenson RA, Seaman HE, Sundstrom A, Williams TJ, Farmer RDT. Liver damage associated with minocycline use in acne. 2001;4: 333-349. Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N, Mitchell RN. Robbins Basic Pathology.8th Edition. 2007; 8th Edition: 633. Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N, Aster JC. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 2010; 8th  Edition: 855 Navarro M, Amigo-Benavent M, Mesias M, Baeza G, Gokmen V, Bravo L, Moralesa FJ. An Oxidative pomegranate seed extract ameliorates oxidative stress of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture. 2014; 94: 162-167. Midha SK, Usha T, Pannde V. AReview on antihypergycemic and hepatoprotective activity of Eco-Friendly Punica Granatum peel waste. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013. From http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/656172.

The Presentation of Bill Sikes in Oliver Twist Essay -- English Litera

Analyse the presentation of Bill Sikes in the novel Oliver Twist. You should refer to aspects such as the author’s viewpoint, language and the social and historical contest. I am going to write a detailed and accurate piece of writing in the form of an essay to answer the statement above. I will do this by using quotes from the book, my own theories on what the author is trying to portray Bill Sikes as and also my own knowledge of the Victorian era. I will be looking at specific areas, which I feel will help me write a more concluding and correct account of the story â€Å"Oliver Twist.† I will focus on areas such as Bill Sikes behaviour towards others, how characters around Sikes react when he is there and how backgrounds and phrases reflect the character of Sikes. The author of this novel, Charles Dickens has written throughout in 3rd person, I believe he has done this to show Sikes as the character he really is, a mean thoughtless and thuggish person in society, this makes the reader believe that he was actually there witnessing the life and times of Sikes. It is therefore written in an omniscient kind of way, as you feel as though Charles Dickens was watching over Sikes as if God like. I have interpreted to be quite a good way in writing the story because Sikes is anything but an angel, as he goes around stealing and bullying people into doing things for him, like his dirty work. This gives a contrasting effect on the story. It is written in 3rd person to create a judging description on the other characters. This has made characters such as Oliver and Nancy seem good people and then characters like Fagin, Dodger and Sikes seem bad ones. By adding such things as prostitution, thieving (pick-pocket... ... murderer. Dickens may have also written about Sikes ‘accidentally’ hanging himself because if the hundreds of people who had gathered and were know after him, caught up with him, then he would of got hung by them in the town anyway. Why the chase is on to catch Sikes, hundreds of people hear of what he has done and want to see him brutally killed because they believe that it would be justice. â€Å"Each little bridge (and there were three in sight) bent beneath the weight of the crown upon it. Still the current poured on to find some nook or hole from which to vent their shouts, and only for an instant see the wretch†. This shows how much Sikes was hated in his last few moments alive. I also believe that justice was done when Sikes died, he was a bully, a woman beater, a murderer, a kidnapper and both physically and verbally cruel to everyone he met.

Analyzing Psychological Disorders Essay -- Schizophrenia Interview

Introduction: In this paper, I will be interviewing for a psychologist position with a top company. I will be asked about my understanding of the causes and treatment(s) of schizophrenia and I will discuss the following: areas of the brain affected, causal factors, associated symptoms, the neural basis, appropriate drug therapies. I have been given four different case studies of disorders in which I will choose two of them to analyze. I will be discussing my understanding of the problem presented in each of the two case studies from the perspective of a biopsychologist. I will also be including each problem’s relation to the nature-nurture issue and any relevant portions of the Basics to Biopsychology text. I will be applying any helpful drug interventions or solutions and discussing the positive or negative aspects of these drug interventions or solutions. Schizophrenia: Out of all of the psychological disorders, schizophrenia is the most damaging and affects nearly three million American’s today. This disorder causes a person to lose all sense of reality, which causes one to have delusions, hallucinations, extreme suspicion, and symptoms vary between men and women. The ages of which symptoms are experienced are late teens to early twenties in men and late twenties to early thirties for women. While those who suffer from schizophrenia may seem to make some progress in recovery, usually all will exhibit marked symptoms throughout the course of their life. Causes and Triggers: While schizophrenia is considered to be a complex brain disorder, many different things contribute to the causes of this disorder. Genetics, behavioral, and developmental reasons are some of the likely causes while stress, trauma, and viral inf... ...depression/medication.htm HelpGuide.org. (2001-2010). Anorexia Nervosa - Understanding the Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. Retrieved December 12, 2010, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anorexia_signs_symptoms_causes_treatment.htm The Lundbeck Institute. (2002-2005). Schizophrenia - Aetiology. Retrieved December 11, 2010, from http://www.brainexplorer.org/schizophrenia/Schizophrenia_aetiology.shtml The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2010). Anxiety Disorders. Retrieved December 12, 2010, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml All Psych and Heffner Media Group, Inc. (1999-2003). Psychiatric Disorders. Retrieved December 12, 2010, from http://allpsych.com/disorders/mood/majordepression.html Geitner, C. (n.d.). Dysthymic Disorder. Retrieved December 11, 2010, from http://www.bipolarhome.org/understanding.html Analyzing Psychological Disorders Essay -- Schizophrenia Interview Introduction: In this paper, I will be interviewing for a psychologist position with a top company. I will be asked about my understanding of the causes and treatment(s) of schizophrenia and I will discuss the following: areas of the brain affected, causal factors, associated symptoms, the neural basis, appropriate drug therapies. I have been given four different case studies of disorders in which I will choose two of them to analyze. I will be discussing my understanding of the problem presented in each of the two case studies from the perspective of a biopsychologist. I will also be including each problem’s relation to the nature-nurture issue and any relevant portions of the Basics to Biopsychology text. I will be applying any helpful drug interventions or solutions and discussing the positive or negative aspects of these drug interventions or solutions. Schizophrenia: Out of all of the psychological disorders, schizophrenia is the most damaging and affects nearly three million American’s today. This disorder causes a person to lose all sense of reality, which causes one to have delusions, hallucinations, extreme suspicion, and symptoms vary between men and women. The ages of which symptoms are experienced are late teens to early twenties in men and late twenties to early thirties for women. While those who suffer from schizophrenia may seem to make some progress in recovery, usually all will exhibit marked symptoms throughout the course of their life. Causes and Triggers: While schizophrenia is considered to be a complex brain disorder, many different things contribute to the causes of this disorder. Genetics, behavioral, and developmental reasons are some of the likely causes while stress, trauma, and viral inf... ...depression/medication.htm HelpGuide.org. (2001-2010). Anorexia Nervosa - Understanding the Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. Retrieved December 12, 2010, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anorexia_signs_symptoms_causes_treatment.htm The Lundbeck Institute. (2002-2005). Schizophrenia - Aetiology. Retrieved December 11, 2010, from http://www.brainexplorer.org/schizophrenia/Schizophrenia_aetiology.shtml The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2010). Anxiety Disorders. Retrieved December 12, 2010, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml All Psych and Heffner Media Group, Inc. (1999-2003). Psychiatric Disorders. Retrieved December 12, 2010, from http://allpsych.com/disorders/mood/majordepression.html Geitner, C. (n.d.). Dysthymic Disorder. Retrieved December 11, 2010, from http://www.bipolarhome.org/understanding.html

Organic foods

Organic foods are defined as foods without pesticides, antibiotics,or gefetically altered organisms. Organic farming began in the late 1940’s in the united states, and in recents years it has grown into a multi-billion dollaer industry. Sales for organis foods in the past decade have increased annually by 20%. Its 20% growth is ten times as much as non-organic food’s growth. Organic food makes up only a fraction of the food market even though there are over ten million consumers. The sales of organic foods are expected to climb to over 6 billion dollars within the upcoming years. Soil is also a crucial component of the organic process. Soil is said to be organic when it has been deemed ‘clean’ for three years. Making a commitment to healthy eating is a great start towards a healthier life. Beyond eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and good fats, however, there is the question of food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. How foods are grown or raised can impact both your health and the environment. This brings up the questions: What is the difference between organic foods and conventionally grown foods? Is â€Å"organic† always best? What about locally grown foods? Organic food, natural cleaners, green businesses, even organic clothing; natural and organic products continue to be the centre of attention for those seeking a healthier lifestyle, but just what is organic food, is this organic trend long-lasting, and what organic food facts provide compelling reasons to grow, shop, cook and eat organic food. Today, organic food accounts for 2% of global food sales and is growing at an average rate of 20% each year. Today, you can have your organic food delivered, buy it online, at your local grocery store, grow it yourself and order organic food at many restaurants. This continuing rise in demand creates a need for regulations to protect both consumers and farmers. Organic food is not the same thing as natural food. Natural refers to the way a food is processed rather than the ingredients. A food that is free of additives and preservatives, but contains commercially-produced ingredients, is considered natural. Organic food contains primarily organic ingredients, while natural foods may be made with items grown with the aid of chemicals as well as genetically modified ingredient and it is not just apples and bananas. Nearly every food available also has an organic version in today’s market. Organic milk, chicken, and even pasta can be found right on the shelves of your neighbourhood supermarket. Many leading food manufacturers are creating organic food in convenience packaging to fit into modern lifestyles. Canned organic tomatoes and frozen organic peas are among many options. Organic food is not bland and tasteless. In fact, most people claim organic ingredients are fresher and more flavourful than conventionally grown foods. Chemical residues, added ingredients, and hurried, mass production detract from the natural juices within fruits and vegetables. Organic food is free of chemicals, leaving nothing but pure, fresh flavour. Regulations and procedures for organic certification are still relatively new but organic farming and cultivation are not. Farmers were using natural, chemical-free methods of growing long before pesticides and fertilizers were available. As more research continues to reveal the dangers of these chemicals to both humans and the planet, consumers continue to explore the benefits of organic food. The advantages of arganic food are that you can choose to grow and/or buy food that is healthier for you, and the environment; cooking and eating organically also often offers more flavor and better tasting foods. Use organic farming methods and organic gardening tactics such as organic garden fertilizer and compost to grow your food; the organic food advantages and organic food benefits are significant for you, your family and the planet. Organic food benefits have been a hot topic for more than a decade now but it wasn't until relatively recently that these advantages were supported by more than just hearsay. Extensive research conducted over a number of years has proven that organic food not only tastes better than commercial foods, but it is also better for us and our children, as well as our animals, wildlife, and the environment as a whole. Care and maintenance of soil, and preventive farming methods like crop rotation create fruits and vegetables that contain up to 50% more vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients than intensively farmed foods. Encouraging natural and organic farming methods and gardening practices, will allow organic soil to rebuild and contribute healthy vitamins and minerals to feed the crops, and you. Organic foods have higher levels of many disease-fighting antioxidants and essential vitamins, including Vitamin C. Industrial pesticides and fertilizers used in intensive farming contain synthetic, toxic chemicals, residues of which remain in the food they are involved in producing. Organic farming uses natural, synthetic-chemical-free methods that produce foods much safer for the humans, as well as the animals, that consume them. And if you grow your own fruits and vegetables, using organic garden fertilizer, natural pesticide methods, and organic soil Such chemicals are responsible for a number of common allergies and have also been linked to serious diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. An organic diet significantly lowers these risks. Organic foods Organic foods are defined as foods without pesticides, antibiotics,or gefetically altered organisms. Organic farming began in the late 1940’s in the united states, and in recents years it has grown into a multi-billion dollaer industry. Sales for organis foods in the past decade have increased annually by 20%. Its 20% growth is ten times as much as non-organic food’s growth. Organic food makes up only a fraction of the food market even though there are over ten million consumers. The sales of organic foods are expected to climb to over 6 billion dollars within the upcoming years. Soil is also a crucial component of the organic process. Soil is said to be organic when it has been deemed ‘clean’ for three years. Making a commitment to healthy eating is a great start towards a healthier life. Beyond eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and good fats, however, there is the question of food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. How foods are grown or raised can impact both your health and the environment. This brings up the questions: What is the difference between organic foods and conventionally grown foods? Is â€Å"organic† always best? What about locally grown foods? Organic food, natural cleaners, green businesses, even organic clothing; natural and organic products continue to be the centre of attention for those seeking a healthier lifestyle, but just what is organic food, is this organic trend long-lasting, and what organic food facts provide compelling reasons to grow, shop, cook and eat organic food. Today, organic food accounts for 2% of global food sales and is growing at an average rate of 20% each year. Today, you can have your organic food delivered, buy it online, at your local grocery store, grow it yourself and order organic food at many restaurants. This continuing rise in demand creates a need for regulations to protect both consumers and farmers. Organic food is not the same thing as natural food. Natural refers to the way a food is processed rather than the ingredients. A food that is free of additives and preservatives, but contains commercially-produced ingredients, is considered natural. Organic food contains primarily organic ingredients, while natural foods may be made with items grown with the aid of chemicals as well as genetically modified ingredient and it is not just apples and bananas. Nearly every food available also has an organic version in today’s market. Organic milk, chicken, and even pasta can be found right on the shelves of your neighbourhood supermarket. Many leading food manufacturers are creating organic food in convenience packaging to fit into modern lifestyles. Canned organic tomatoes and frozen organic peas are among many options. Organic food is not bland and tasteless. In fact, most people claim organic ingredients are fresher and more flavourful than conventionally grown foods. Chemical residues, added ingredients, and hurried, mass production detract from the natural juices within fruits and vegetables. Organic food is free of chemicals, leaving nothing but pure, fresh flavour. Regulations and procedures for organic certification are still relatively new but organic farming and cultivation are not. Farmers were using natural, chemical-free methods of growing long before pesticides and fertilizers were available. As more research continues to reveal the dangers of these chemicals to both humans and the planet, consumers continue to explore the benefits of organic food. The advantages of arganic food are that you can choose to grow and/or buy food that is healthier for you, and the environment; cooking and eating organically also often offers more flavor and better tasting foods. Use organic farming methods and organic gardening tactics such as organic garden fertilizer and compost to grow your food; the organic food advantages and organic food benefits are significant for you, your family and the planet. Organic food benefits have been a hot topic for more than a decade now but it wasn't until relatively recently that these advantages were supported by more than just hearsay. Extensive research conducted over a number of years has proven that organic food not only tastes better than commercial foods, but it is also better for us and our children, as well as our animals, wildlife, and the environment as a whole. Care and maintenance of soil, and preventive farming methods like crop rotation create fruits and vegetables that contain up to 50% more vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients than intensively farmed foods. Encouraging natural and organic farming methods and gardening practices, will allow organic soil to rebuild and contribute healthy vitamins and minerals to feed the crops, and you. Organic foods have higher levels of many disease-fighting antioxidants and essential vitamins, including Vitamin C. Industrial pesticides and fertilizers used in intensive farming contain synthetic, toxic chemicals, residues of which remain in the food they are involved in producing. Organic farming uses natural, synthetic-chemical-free methods that produce foods much safer for the humans, as well as the animals, that consume them. And if you grow your own fruits and vegetables, using organic garden fertilizer, natural pesticide methods, and organic soil Such chemicals are responsible for a number of common allergies and have also been linked to serious diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. An organic diet significantly lowers these risks.

Dark side of technology Essay

The nature of these machines makes it possible for discrimination against ordinary persons. Ordinary persons who may have a predisposition towards certain tendencies could be found out and victimised even though they have yet to commit a crime they have the brain pattern of a criminal. This is the dark side of technology.  More research is needed to determine whether or not there are differences between criminals and ordinary persons. There is room for these tests to be manipulated by either the prosecution or the defence. Which ever team pays for the tests can get the results that they so desire.  Over sensitivity of the machinery needs to be controlled for in the tests in order for their reliability to be increased, and their usefulness enhanced.  More research needs to be done to determine if there are genuine differences between the brains of criminals and ordinary persons.  If the tests are genuinely able to discover differences between criminals and ordinary persons then maybe abnormalities can be controlled for before criminal behaviour is expressed. Deregowski  Depth Cue- Depth cues are (hints, guides, cues) which provide information about the spatial (positioning relative to each other) relationships among objects (three dimensional) in a picture (two dimensional).  Familiar Size- The cue whereby objects, which are further away in the picture, are drawn smaller than objects of the same size which are closer.  Overlap Cue- The effect of a nearer object obscuring parts of a more distant object.  Perspective- This is given by the convergence of lines depicting edges which are parallel in the real world, but which appear to come together as they move into the distance e.g. a railway track. A person using a depth cue will extract a completely different meaning from a picture than will a person who is not using such pictures.  Various drawings of an elephant, an antelope, a person, a tree, a road, some hills and a flying bird were shown.  Empirical Test  The tests are empirical because numeric information was collected. How many persons made different responses e.t.c  These tests involved showing pictures and asking questions.   What do you see?  What is the man doing?  Which is nearer the antelope or the elephant? Methodology The questions were asked in the subjects, native language. This means the results were not affected by confusion resulting from the use of the interviewers language or from translations. They understood exactly what they were being asked.  There was a potential problem with classification. If questions were answered correctly according to western standards it was automatically assumed that they were three dimensional perceivers. This could have impacted upon the results.  The tests may not have been measuring cultural differences as noted but instead, educational and social levels. Evidence for this is provided by persons of better educational and social levels performing better on the tests. Remember children have better access to western culture and education than do adults. Additionally higher educational and social levels provide persons with access to western culture. Deregowski reviewed Hudson’s work and put forward some different opinions. This means the results could have been a consequence of interpretation.  The study includes information from different time periods. The results may have been as a result of this time elapse. For e.g. the info collected from Zambian school children-information was presented from both 1960 and 1972. There culture and circumstances may have changed tremendously during the time elapse.  Adults and children were differentiated. Therefore a comparison could have been made to take into account changes in culture. Note Hudson found that children had higher rates of three dimensional perception than did adults. [note-Deregowski found that both adults and children had difficulties making three dimensional perceptions] Ecological Validity  The Subjects may have been put in artificial categories which were a consequence of the test-three dimensional and two dimensional perceivers.  Persons are not normally required to view pictures under these conditions (circumstances) as existed during the study.  The tests may have been picking up differences in educational and social levels and not culture as was suggested.

Article Review Draft

I am reviewing literature that relates to my research topic of how the Information genealogy affects the employment rate in the logistics field. I have assembled 16 individual books, articles, and or sources that will support me in my research of my hypothesis. My goal of this review is to properly order and summarize the data have accumulated, and to determine areas in which further research and focus is required (Crewel, 2014). The first article that is going to be absolutely critical to my research is the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2015) Occupational employment statistics estimates.This isn't an article but more specifically a database of information collected by U. S. Overpayment organizations in order to calculate nationwide employment rates. The data is collected on a monthly basis by the U. S. Census Bureau and from a sampling Of sixty thousand households. The employment databases goes back to 1942, however for purposes of my study I will just use recent information from the last 10-15 years. While this data is subjective, it offers strong set of supporting historical employment trends in logistics career fields, and is the current standard in U. S. Employment information (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015). In a research article by (Anderson, German, & Scrum, 1 997), the authors look to provide empirical research into the impacts of downsizing or reducing the amount of employees on logistics performance. Two main conclusions are reached; companies that have reduced their logistics workforce have a perception of improved logistics performance but in reality they have the same indicators as firms that have not reduced their workforce. The other conclusion is the reduction of workforce contributes greatly to the lack of loyalty, decreased moral, and vastly increased stress levels.This article provides interesting argument that tit firms striving to reduce employee number totals; reduction equally increases negative aspects as well. The article (Jackson, 20 01 ) clarifies the beginning of the Internet age and details what and when it came into existence, as we know it today. The development of the Internet was a collaborative team research effort created in U. S. Governmental agencies around 1960. The Internet was not a viable option for civilian society until 1990. This article will allow me to accurately focus on the proper time frame of Internet availability to the logistics community.I will not rely solely on the information in this article and back up the findings of this article with the data in a similar Internet origin articles. Additionally this article makes clear that the many supporting technologies and infrastructure developments positively contributed to the advent of the Internet. In the article by (Laser, 2004), he explores the ways and methods that the Internet, computers, and software with communications affect logistics and specifically transportation. This study confirms the vast importance of technology in revoluti onize modern logistics areas.One important aspect of this particular article is the mint that no matter the technological innovation, location still drives transportation speed, timeliness and efficacy. I can utilize this important realization with other aspects of research and technology application and ensure my internal bias is reduced. The key takeaway I came away with is that no matter how much information or data is improved the location and distance of transporting goods and materials will always persist. The article One on One by (Roberts, 2004) is an interview with the vice president of the company Oracle, Greg Tennyson.This interview captures the strategies ND leveraging of technologies in order to increase profitability of logistics operations within the realm of shipping raw materials globally. Specifically useful to my research is the discussion of â€Å"offspring† logistics operations. â€Å"Offspring† is described as transitioning logistics operations fr om the L] . S. To overseas markets, which offer vastly cheaper labor and trade restrictions. India is a primary market utilized by Oracle in this article. I believe that the perspective of cheaper overseas labor cannot be mistaken for the advances in informational technologies.This article will further reduction of y bias by tempering it with different empirical data supporting a theory that labor reductions in logistics may be due to cheaper labor in different regions of the globe. Despite the increase of offspring, the article still reiterates the central importance of communications technologies in order to synchronize the complex and intricate global transactions. The article from (Atkinson, 1 999) discusses the usage of communications and web-based technologies in order to develop logistics cost savings.The specific technology discussed in this article is Collaborative, Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CUFF). CUFF is the Internet based communications business solution u tilized by many fortune 500 companies today including Wall-Mart. The article details the successes of this technology from a cost savings perspective. The key point of this study in relation to my research is the importance of communications, not only externally to a logistics company, but internal as well. Communication enables timely delivery of information and ensures needs are forecasted and met.Technology and automation coupled with advanced communications technology is integral with the future Of logistics. In another article from (Atkinson, 1999), the author cuisses the expansion of the Internet in the logistics sector and the development and maturation of E-commerce. E-commerce is commerce that takes place between two or more organizations electronically. Early on in the inception of the Internet, many logistics companies were reticent to employ Internet based technologies in fear of security issues.Those companies that mastered the web-based technologies were rewarded by re duction in costs and labor efficiencies. The main learning point of this article is the fact that it correlates using technology and the Internet with reducing labor forces and Ewing more productive with less people employed. With the article by (McGovern, 1998), it is undeniable that the Internet is a crucial area for growth in logistics sectors. The only argument about the Internet as it pertains to the logistics industry is how to apply and utilize it in the best manner possible.The main issue with this article in regards to my research is the fact that it pertains mainly to visibility and communication and does not include hard data with employment statistics. While can use the perspective and insight provided additional support with numerical data will be more relevant to use in my study. I can always use and improve upon the information provided in this study. The article is quite old (1998) in reference to the subject of my research.I will be able to use all information here as either pre or post Internet and in that way even older articles can provide much-needed context. With infill article by (Williams, 2001) he provides additional support to the origins of the Internet. This article analyzes three components of logistics, inventory control, order processing and transportation. The Internet impacts all three areas in positive ways in the article. One area this article could be of more assistance to my research reports is again more usage of empirical data and numerical figures on employment and how that relates to performance.In conclusion the articles summarized together present a consistent gap of research in regards to how informational technologies impact the employment of logistics employees. I believe can utilize the data surveys from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and incorporate supporting documentation to identify that informational technologies did and continue to reduce employment opportunities within the united States of America. Can cont inue to refine my literature or more clearly define the scope of my research question in order o synchronize the availability of research available at this time.