Complementary And Alternative Pain Reduction - 1851 Words

Complementary and Alternative Pain Reduction Methods in Healthcare Grace Kavanah The University of Maine Complementary and Alternative Pain Reduction Methods in Healthcare Pain is the most commonly reported reason for coming to the hospital in America. It’s causes have a massive variance, and in many chronic cases the root source of pain can not be articulated at all. When a patient reports pain, the role of the nurse, and the whole healthcare staff, is to aim to reduce that pain. In many cases pain reduction can be attained through nonpharmacologic, complementary and alternative methods (CAM). Using CAM to reduce pain is an ideal scenario for both the patient and the healthcare staff as these alternative methods have fewer negative consequential effects. The following analysis will observe various methods of CAM pain reduction, highlighting two major CAM therapies of interest: music therapy, animal therapy. In addition, the following analysis will discuss how different demographics react to such therapies, with gender, age, ethnicity, and education level playing a role in relation to a patient’s willingness to be open to CAM. Lastly this analysis will discuss the drawbacks of CAM therapies in the medical community today, emphasising a lack of discussion between provider and patient, and the general lack of clinical education surrounding CAM therapies within the medical community. Major CAM Methods Music Therapy PhysicalShow MoreRelatedMassage Therapy As An Effective Alternative Treatment For Pain1581 Words   |  7 PagesMassage Therapy as an Effective Alternative Treatment in Palliative Hospice Care Amanda Oswald ABSTRACT The purpose of this review is to summarize research that indicates massage therapy as an effective therapeutic tool for pain relief, reduction of anxiety and symptom management for hospice patients. INTRODUCTION As an alternative and complimentary therapy, massage is a low-cost, low-risk tool for providing comfort during end-of-life care. The purpose of hospice is to improve quality of lifeRead MoreEssay on Cam Modalities Sci/2011060 Words   |  5 PagesCAM Therapeutic Modalities Cam Modalities SCI/201 Abstract According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine â€Å"CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered to be part of conventional medicine.† (NCCAM, 2007) Science has yet to determine if these therapies are safe. Regardless of the answer there are hundreds of thousands of people today thatRead MoreAlternative Forms Of Medicine For Breast Cancer Rates775 Words   |  4 Pagestechnology have made it possible for patients to undergo treatment as early as possible in attempt for a higher survival rate. However, conventional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy leave patients weak, fatigued, and often depressed. Alternative forms of medicine are being sought out to provide a better experience for these breast cancer patients. This systematic review examines the effects of two such methods: Yoga and acupuncture. Methods An electronic review of CINAHL complete, PubMedRead More# #mine The Effect Of A Smartphone Delivered CBT Intervention In 46 Children1262 Words   |  6 PagesSchatz et al. (2015) reported that there was a significant increase in the use of coping mechanisms in the post-intervention compared to before the intervention. In addition, the authors revealed that the use of CBT in the preceding day reduced the pain intensity in the day that followed. Nevertheless, there was no association between CBT and changes in functional activities. In another related study, Daniels (2015) utilized a quasi-experimental approach and reported results similar to Schatz et alRead MorePatients Having The Scents For Heal : Conceptual Foundations Of Nursing915 Words   |  4 PagesConceptual Foundations of Nursing Summer, 2015 Patients Having the Scents to Heal: Aromatherapy Though widely varying around the world, patients have sought reduction of chronic pains and cures from complementary and alternative medicine. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health defined Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) as â€Å"a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine†Read MoreManual Therapy And Treatment Therapy1154 Words   |  5 PagesManual Therapy In recent years, combining Western medicine with alternative or complementary treatment has become very popular. Complementary and Alternative Medicine, CAM, are composed of herbal medicine, acupuncture, yoga, and manual therapy just to name a few. This paper will focus on Manual Therapy. What is Manual Therapy? Examples of Manual Therapy techniques and what they are used to treat. Who can practice Manual Therapy and what kind of education is needed Also a case study where ManualRead MoreBackground: Humor, Laughter And Play Have Been Therapeutic1162 Words   |  5 PagesCDC (2015), 48.1 percent of Americans reported taking one prescription medication, while 21.8 percent reported taking three or more. Opioid narcotics are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the US (CDC, 2015). They are prescribed for pain control, but have more recently been associated with drug abuse. The CDC (2016) reported that two million Americans either abused or overdosed on prescription op ioids in the year 2014; over half of which were prescribed. Antidepressants are also oneRead MoreAlternative Drugs: Marijuana Essay1588 Words   |  7 PagesAlternative medicines have been argued â€Å"ineffective† by many people, but most consumers find alternatives to be significantly better than most medications and result in less side affects and, in fact, save more money. Among these alternatives I will talk about acupuncture, yoga, religion, foods, and above all, medical marijuana. The medical uses of cannabis are astonishing. Studies prove that cannabis can relieve chronic pain, loss of appetite, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, antiemetic, analgesiaRead MoreThe Benefits of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Essay1495 Words   |  6 Pagesunder the category of complementary and alternative medicine. According to Sandra Augustyn Lawton in Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Teens, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can be defined as â€Å"a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine† (Lawton, 2007, p.3). Although complementary and alternative medicines are often interpreted as the same thing, complementary methods are used inRead MoreMoreover, The Substance Abuse And Mental Health (2011)712 Words   |  3 PagesMoreover, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health (2011) stated that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) involves health systems, practices and products that are not part of conventional medicine. It also added, â€Å"Surveys show that 27–60 percent of chronic pain patients use CAM.† Nonetheless, clinicians are urged to learn about this alternative treatment for pain which raise the possibility of interactions with conventional treatments. Cheatle et al., reports that acupuncture, one of the most

Cult of Thinness Free Essays

The author talks about the different ways in which the American popular culture, families, schools, peer groups, and the health and fitness industry undermine women’s self-confidence as they instill the notions that thinness is beauty and that a woman’s body is more important than her mind. She makes it known that there are many different factors as to why there is such a need to be thin these days and why there are so many eating disorders in our society. She blames the media as one of the leading contributing factors as to why our society is consumed with dieting, being thin, and body image and I agree with this. We will write a custom essay sample on Cult of Thinness or any similar topic only for you Order Now I believe that the media system is corrupt and it influences most of our perceptions, especially women. For example on magazine covers, there are usually pictures of women in bikinis, or even topless showing off their skinny bodies. And in beauty commercials, its usually skinny, tall women used to advertise beauty products. This images and frames are what is branded by media and society as â€Å"looking good† or â€Å"being sexy†; as a result of this, women especially adolescents and young adults compare themselves to these models and feel inadequate. They feel like that is how they are meant to look and may end up dieting or starving themselves or even in more tragic consequences undergo surgery. A 12 year old girl stated, â€Å"When I see those twigs of people in the magazines and on TV, I say, â€Å"I’m going to go on a diet. † You almost want to get thin just so you can wear the right clothes. I watch all my junior high friends – they look like something out of a magazine†. However, the author also talks about some cultures that think that voluptuous, curvy women are a sign of prosperity and also an indicator of their ability to cook and take care of their family How to cite Cult of Thinness, Essay examples

Stock Evaluation Woolworths Limited

Question:rnDiscuss about theStock Evaluationfor Woolworths Limited.rnrnAnswer:rnrnIntroductionrnThe firm that has been used for this stock valuation task is Woolworths Limited which deals with organised retail business with the predominant format being that of supermarkets. The company enjoys a healthy share of around 40% and together with Coles form a virtual duopoly which in the recent years has been challenged to some extent by the entrance of German discount retailers like Aldi. The company besides being present in the grocery and liquor business also has major presence in fuel retailing (in association with Caltex), runs discount department stores, has presence in the home improvement segment besides hotels. The major market served by the company is Australia which accounts for more than 85% of the revenue generated. The company has presence in wide parts of Australia with estimated store strength of about 975 stores and is steadily increasing its presence and market share in th e New Zealand market. The company also has limited presence in selective verticals in South Africa, Hong Kong, India and UK (Woolworths, 2016). The current market capitalisation of the firm is $ 30.77 billion. The given report aims to conduct a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the company taking into consideration the last five year financial statements so as to opine on whether investment should be made in the stock or not.rnRecent Stock MovementrnThe stock price movement of Woolworths during the last one year is captured in the graph shown below (Yahoo Finance, 2016).rnIt is apparent from the above that in the last one year, the stock has delivered negative returns and has underperformed the ASX 200 index. Further, it is also apparent that there is a range bound movement of the stock with support coming in at lower levels and resistance at the higher value of the stock as investors book profits (Geurard, 2013). Considering the competitive nature of the industry and the cur rent macroeconomic conditions that are not ideal for the industry, such kinds of sideways movements are not unexpected. Further, even though the fundamentals of the company remain in place, it seems that the stock is poised to underperform the broader markets primarily on account of industry dynamics, lower fuel prices and lacklustre trading environment (Petty et, al., 2015).rnQuantitative FactorsrnThe impact of various quantitative factors include the trend analysis with regards to the major items in the financial statements namely the income statement and balance sheet along with analysis of selected ratios so as to comment on the financial performance of the firm. The concerned period of interest is from FY2012 FY2016 which constitutes a period of five years.rnrnIncome Statement ItemsrnRevenuernThe revenue growth for the company has been impressive in FY2013 as compared to FY2012 on the back of improved trading environment coupled with rising consumer confidence and increased pri ces of fuel. After a uptrend from FY2012 to FY2014, there has been a negative growth or de-growth witnessed in the revenue in FY2015 and FY2016. The negative growth in these years may be attributed to namely two years i.e. increased competition especially with the entry of international German discount retailers which have increased their market share coupled with sharp decrease in the fuel prices which has adversely impacted the fuel sales. Further, in FY2015, there has been decrease in the number of Caltex outlets which have been added to the revenues and hence the revenue has been lower (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnGross ProfitrnFrom FY2012 to FY2014, there is an increasing trend in the gross profit which has increased from $ 14.46 billion to $ 16.48 billion. The encouraging trend in this regard is the improvement of gross profit margins by 54 bps and 17 bps in FY2013 and FY2014 respectively. The improvement is primarily driven by expanding margins in the Australian food and liquor business coupled with Hotels. Besides, in FY2014, the gross profits were negatively impacted by the decreasing margins in the general merchandise business. However, during FY2015 and FY2016, there have been shrinking gross profit margins which are attributable to the lower prices of fuel coupled with higher competition in the food and liquor segment which is stalling price increases and thus in order to stem the falling market share, the margins have fallen (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnNet Financing CostsrnWith regards to financing costs, there has been an increase trend in this regard from FY2012 to FY2016 which has been briefly interrupted in FY2014 as there has been a slight decrease in the finance costs on the back of stellar performance in FY2013 on the basis of which there has been a reduction in the outstanding debt and hence leading to the decreased expense in the form of finance costs. Additionally, some part of the total interest costs in the various years is al so capitalised which influences the overall financing costs (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnNet ProfitrnWith regards to net profit, there has been an increasing trend from FY2012 to FY2014 but the same has been reversed in the subsequent years and infact in FY2016 the company has reported a loss. While the decrease in FY2015 net profit may be explained on account of lower gross profit margins coupled with increased operational costs, but the losses made in FY2016 can be explained on the basis of loss to the extent of $ 3.1 billion on account of discontinued business (Hydrox Holdings Pty Ltd). Further, there has been a steep rise in the administrative expense by about 21% on a y-o-y basis which has led to steep fall in the operating margins of the continued business operations (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnrnBalance Sheet ItemsrnCashrnFrom FY2012 to FY2015, there is an uptrend with relation to the cash balance which has come down only in FY2016. While during FY2012 to FY2014, the re has not been much change in cash balance, however the FY2015 cash balance is significantly greater than FY2014 corresponding figure which is caused due to lower cash flow on amount of investing due to a weak trading environment persisting in Australia. However, the lower cash balance in FY2016 is primarily attributed to the lower cash flow from operations which have led to decrease in the overall cash balance (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnIntangible AssetsrnWith regards to intangible assets, there has been an increasing trend from FY2012 to FY2014 which has then reversed into a declining trend over the period FY2015 FY2016. While, the decline in FY2015 is only marginal and caused due to discontinued business, the decline in FY2016 is comparatively more significant and prompted by the decline in goodwill to the tune of $350.9 million and this decrease has been witnessed in relation to the continued operations only(Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnTrade and Other PayablesrnThere is an increasing trend in the trade and other payables which is witnessed during the given period i.e. FY2012 FY2016. This is apparent from the fact that trade and other payables have increased from $ 5.24 billion as on June 30, 2012 to $ 6.26 billion as on June 30, 2016. It is apparent that the increase of trade payables reflects towards a greater credit period for the company which to an extent may be driven by the difficult conditions in the retail industry and hence the company would want to minimise the working capital requirements (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnNon-Current BorrowingsrnIn relation to the non-current borrowings, there is a declining trend from FY2012 to FY2015 but has increased only in FY2016. The increase in FY2016 is primarily on account of increase in long term bank loan to the tune of $ 853.2 million. The decrease in the long term borrowings augers well for the company and ensure that the company has less leverage and therefore could raise more debt to wit hstand the competitive environment using deep financial pockets (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnrnShareholders EquityrnThere is an increased equity trend from FY2012 to FY2015 primarily due to increase in issued capital and higher retained earnings on the basis of the profitable operations of the company. The issued capital has seen an incline in every year of the given period including FY2016. As a result of this, the issued share capital has increased from $ 4.37 billion at the end of FY2012 to $ 5.35 billion at the end of FY2016. This highlights that during the period under assessment incremental shares to the tune of $ 0.98 billion have been issued by the company. However, the major increase in equity is on account of increased retained earnings. The decline in equity as on June 30, 2016 could be explained on the basis of sizable reduction in the retained earnings due to loss of $ 3.1 billion incurred due to discontinued business as explained above (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016 ).rnThe selective ratios for the company for the given time period are computed as follows (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnrnrnrnrnParticularsrnrnrn2012rnrnrn2013rnrnrn2014rnrnrn2015rnrnrn2016rnrnrnrnrnReturn on total assetsrnrnrn8.42%rnrnrn10.15%rnrnrn10.13%rnrnrn8.47%rnrnrn-5.25%rnrnrnrnrnNet profit marginrnrnrn3.29%rnrnrn3.85%rnrnrn4.02%rnrnrn3.64%rnrnrn-2.12%rnrnrnrnrnInventory Turnoverrnrnrn11.0rnrnrn10.2rnrnrn9.5rnrnrn8.8rnrnrn9.4rnrnrnrnrnCurrent ratiornrnrn0.9rnrnrn0.9rnrnrn0.9rnrnrn0.8rnrnrn0.8rnrnrnrnrnPrice earnings ratiornrnrn17.93rnrnrn18.05rnrnrn18.01rnrnrn15.83rnrnrn-21.38rnrnrnrnrnDebt ratiornrnrn0.61rnrnrn0.58rnrnrn0.57rnrnrn0.56rnrnrn0.63rnrnrnrnrnThe explanation with regards to the above ratios is offered below.rnROA or Return on Total Assets The ROA has jumped from 8.42% in FY2012 to 10.15% in FY2013 primarily on account of higher percentage increase in net profits as compared to the total asset increase. However, there was a marginal decline in ROA in FY2014 o ver the previous year as the profit increase was marginal and not able to match the percentage increase in total assets. But the real worry is the decline in FY2015 and FY2016. There is a drop in ROA in FY2015 due to the drop in profitability of business operations caused to falling margins of fuel retailing besides higher competition experienced in the food and liquor segment leading to negative growth in revenues. Besides, in FY2016, the company incurs a loss due to discontinued operations which leads to a negative ROA (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnNet Profit Margin There has been a positive trend in the net profit margin during the period FY2012-FY2014 on the back of growing margins in the food and liquor segment coupled with hotels business. This is the result of various initiatives undertaken by the company to streamline the operations and cut down on the overheads costs so as to ensure that the company stays competitive in a market highly sensitive to prices. However, the net profit margins have taken a dip in FY2015 primarily on the back of lower gross profit margins as the competition level increased coupled with higher operational expenses. The decline in margins in FY2016 from continued businesses is on account almost 21% increase in the administrative costs over the corresponding values in FY2014. Further, the discontinued business loss to the tune of $ 3.1 billion has resulted in the PAT turning negative (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnInventory Turnover There is a declining trend in the inventory turnover from FY2012 to FY2015 which hints at higher cash cycle and is not in the best interest of the company or the shareholders. This may be attributed to the continuously rising inventory levels from $ 3.7 billion as on June 30, 2012 to $ 4.87 billion as on June 30, 2015. This may be reflective of the muted sales of the company which may not be in accordance with the expectations of the company. However, at the end of FY2016, there is a decline in the inventory level and hence an improvement in the inventory turnover (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnCurrent Ratio The current ratio for the company has shown very slight variation as from FY2012 to FY2014, the current ratio remains almost constant at 0.9. This may be attributed to proportionate changes in both current assets and current liabilities. However, in FY2015, there is a decrease in the current ratio fuelled by the higher percentage increase in the current liabilities caused due to increased amount of current borrowing in FY2015 as compared to the previous year. In FY2016, even though there is a decrease in current borrowing by almost $ 1.1 billion, but to some extent this is balanced by increase in $ 0.8 billion on account of provisions, the net result of which is that the current ratio has not improved (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnPrice earnings ratio With regards to P/E ratio, there is a slight improvement from FY2012 to FY2013 which may be on account on bet ter financial performance by the company. However, for FY2014, the P/E ratio remained almost static. Then, in FY2015, due to increased competition and falling margins especially on fuel retailing, the P/E ratio was adversely impacted particularly on concerns with regards to growth especially in the short term. The concern continued in FY2016 as earnings became negative on the back of loss to the tune of $ 3.1 billion arising from discontinued business (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnDebt Ratio The debt ratio has shown a marginal declining trend from FY2012 to FY2015 but there has been a reversal in the trend in FY2016. The declining value of debt ratio was favourable for the company implying that the liability as a percentage of debt was on the decline. The increase of the debt ratio in FY2016 is primarily on account of the decrease in total assets brought about mainly in decrease of PPE from $ 10.06 billion as on June 30, 2015 to $ 8.26 billion as on June 30, 2016. This has been brought about due to the discontinued business (Woolworths, 2012; 2014; 2016).rnrnIndustry Comparison and RecommendationrnStrengths of the companyrnrnThe ROA of the company for all the given years (on basis on continuing operations) is greater than the industry average of 1.88%.rnThe current ratio of the company is marginally better than the industry average of 0.88 for FY2012 to FY2014.rnThe net profit margin and debt ratio of the company is also superior to the level of the industry.rnPosition of being market leader with a sizable market share.rnrnWeakness of the companyrnrnThe company needs to improve with regards to short term liquidity particularly considering the competitive landscape of the industry.rnThe overall competitive nature of organised retail industry in Australia.rnThe e-retailing segment of the company lacks strength.rnThe macroeconomic conditions associated are not favourable at the present.rnrnFrom the above, it is apparent that the company in the long run would deliver returns as the business fundamentals remain sound. But in the near to medium term, the stock is expected to be range bound only as the margins made witness more pressure and thus have a downward bias. Clearly, it is best to avoid the retail industry stocks and instead look at companies in other industry segments which offer much better value and growth upside. Hence, taking above factors into consideration, it may be recommended that investment should not be done in the companys stock (Parrino Kidwell, 2011).rnStock Valuation ExercisernDividend paid by Woolworths in FY2016 ($ per share) = $ 1.65717rnPerpetual dividend growth rate (given) = 4% p.a.rnExpected return on Woolworths stock = 9% p.a.rnHence, expected dividend in FY2017($ per share) = 1.6517*1.04 = $ 1.72345rnThus, by applying the Gordon Dividend Discount Model, we get (Northington, 2011)rnFair price of the stock = 1.72345/(0.09-0.04) = $ 34.47rnThus, at current price, the stocks seem to be underpriced. However, it is imperative to note that market dynamics tend to function differently from theoretical prices and it may take a long time before this aberration is corrected as the markets may not be efficient (Kane Marcus, 2013).rnrnReferencesrnGuerard, J 2013,Introduction to financial forecasting in investment analysis, 6th eds., Springer, New YorkrnKane, BZ Marcus, AJ 2013, Essentials of Investment, 9th eds., McGraw-Hill International, SingaporernNorthington, S 2011, Finance, 6th eds., Ferguson, New YorkrnParrino, R Kidwell, D 2011, Fundamentals of Corporate Finance, 3rd eds., Wiley Publications, LondonrnPetty, JW, Titman, S, Keown, AJ, Martin, P, Martin JD Burrow, M 2015, Financial Management: Principles and Applications, 6th eds., Pearson Australia, SydneyrnWoolworths 2012, Financial Report 2012, Woolworths Website, Available online from https://www.woolworthslimited.com.au/annualreport/2012/pdf/WW_AR12_FinReport.pdfrn(Accessed on October 11, 2016)rnWoolworths 2014, Annual Report 2014, Woolworths Website, Available online from https://www.woolworthslimited.com.au/annualreport/2014/files/Woolworths_Annual_Report_2014.pdf (Accessed on October 11, 2016)rnWoolworths 2016, Annual Report 2016, Woolworths Website, Available online from https://www.woolworthslimited.com.au/icms_docs/185841_Annual_Report_2016.pdf (Accessed on October 11, 2016)rnYahoo Finance 2016, Woolworths Summary, Yahoo Finance Australia, Available online from https://au.finance.yahoo.com/q?s=WOW.AX (Accessed on October 11, 2016)rnrn

The Crusades Essay Research Paper Crusades were free essay sample

The Crusades Essay, Research Paper Campaigns were Christian military expeditions organized chiefly to recapture Palestine during the Middle Ages. Palestine, besides called the Holy Land, was of import to Christians because it was the part where Jesus Christ had lived. Palestine lay along the eastern seashore of the Mediterranean Sea, and Muslims had taken control of it from Christians. The reformers, who came from Western Europe, organized eight major expeditions between A.D. 1096 and 1270. This was a period when Western Europe was spread outing its economic system and increasing its military forces. The Crusades were a portion of a wide Christian enlargement motion. Kings, Lords, and 1000s of knights, provincials, and townsfolks took portion in the Crusades. They had two ends, to derive lasting control of the Holy Land and to protect the Byzantine Empire, a Grecian Christian imperium centered in southeasterly Europe, from the Muslims. But many reformers besides fought to increase their power, district, and wealths. We will write a custom essay sample on The Crusades Essay Research Paper Crusades were or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The reformers won some conflicts and established a reformer land along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, but their triumphs had no lasting consequence. However, the Crusades increased already bing contacts between the West and the East. These contacts led to extra trade and commercialism. The reformers failed to carry through their chief ends. They recaptured the Holy Land for a clip but could non set up enduring control over the country. Western and Eastern Christians united to contend the Muslims. But dealingss between the two groups of Christians, particularly as a consequence of the Fourth Crusade, became so acrimonious that they led to a heritage of hatred. The Byzantine Empire fell to the Ottoman Empir vitamin E in 1453. In add-on, the pope’s prestigiousness declined because some Catholic Popes used the Crusades for personal and political addition. However, the Crusades besides enriched European life. For illustration, they farther stimulated economic growing by conveying increased trade between metropoliss that bordered the Mediterranean Sea. The Italian metropoliss of Venice, Genoa, and Pisa prospered and grew powerful by transporting reformers and their supplies to the Middle East, where these metropoliss gained privileges in districts conquered during the Crusades. Goods from Asia passed through these districts on the manner to the metropoliss in Italy. Western Europeans besides learned how to construct better ships and do more accurate maps during the Crusades. They began to utilize magnetic compasses to state waies. The Crusades were of merely modest importance compared to the great commercial enlargement or the rise of monarchies in Western Europe. In the heads of the people of the crusading epoch, nevertheless, the Crusades seemed really of import. Historians one time thought the reformers who returned to Europe acquainted Westerners with the goods and ways of life in the East. The historiographers thought that this contact greatly influenced life in the West. As a consequence of the Crusades, historians one time argued, Europeans were introduced to such points as sugar, silk, velvet, and glass mirrors. Modern historiographers, nevertheless, reject these statements. They say that Europeans had known of sugar, silk, velvet, and glass mirrors before the Crusades. These historiographers point to a broad sum of interchange between Muslims, Byzantines, and Europeans many old ages before the Crusades. Venice, above all, had served for many old ages as a nexus between the East and West.

4 Pieces of Career Advice You Should Ignore

4 Pieces of Career Advice You Should Ignore I hope you’re coming to this site because you’re seeking solid career advice- and more importantly, that you’re finding it! However, not all career advice is created equal. You should feel free to ignore â€Å"advice† like the tips below. They can seriously hamstring your career path progress or get you stuck in a job that makes you stressed and unhappy.1. â€Å"Do your best to fit in.†Everyone wants job security, and conventional wisdom often tells us that to get it, you should be a cheerful and accommodating member of the team. While being a good team player is going to be necessary in every job you have, that doesn’t mean you have to be a drone who looks, thinks, and acts like everyone else around you. Don’t be afraid to speak up (while still being professional and considerate about it) and be yourself.If you’re afraid to be honest about who you are, or express your ideas, that could be a symptom that the job or the company j ust isn’t the right fit for you. Trying to flatten yourself in the name of getting along will definitely shortchange you in the long run. There could very well be a better fit out there, where the authentic you will be welcomed with open arms.2. â€Å"Follow the money.†To an extent, we’re all mercenary creatures- we have to be, if we want to provide for ourselves and our families (and in my case, a dog with extravagant taste in kibble). That doesn’t mean salary should be the only consideration when accepting or staying at a job. If you’re unhappy or unchallenged at your job but you find that you’re staying there because you’re afraid of earning less elsewhere, that’s a red flag. Think about the minimum salary you’d feel comfortable accepting, if it meant doing a job where you felt the work was meaningful and in line with your goals.3. â€Å"Never turn down an opportunity.†If you applied and interviewed for a job, there’s a good chance you want it. But it’s also possible that during that process, you discovered that the position might not be as great a fit as you expected. They offer you the job anyway- what do you do?It can be hard to say no, especially if it’s a profitable or prestigious upgrade for you. This is a case where you need to listen to your gut. If an opportunity just isn’t right for you, it’s okay to turn it down. Your best interests aren’t just served by your bank account or your job title.4. â€Å"Do what you’re passionate about.†This one sounds great. Who doesn’t want to love their work? In reality, it can be kind of a rabbit hole, where you’re chasing a career path that will never bring you much in the way of fulfillment or stability. If you love music, â€Å"rock star† isn’t the most realistic career goal. If you have an idea for a novel, quitting your job to spend all day at a coffee house with your laptop might not be the wisest decision.If you can find tangible job opportunities in your ideal field, great! Otherwise, maybe a freelance career on the side is the best way to go. Having your passion projects separate from your main career path will help give you balance, while also making sure you can pay the bills.When it comes to any career advice, make sure you’re looking at it in the light of whether it’s best for you. What works for my professional life might not work for yours, and vice versa. It’s always okay to say â€Å"This just isn’t right for me,† and find the strategies that get you where you want to go.

Assignment from readings

8-17 Fairfax Recreation Center (Internal Controls at a Fitness Center) The Fairfax Recreation Center is a neighborhood fitness center equipped with an indoor swimming pool, exercise equipment, and a running track. The Center is open seven days a week, from 8:00 A. M. to 10:00 P. M. Stationed just inside the front doors is a turnstile. An employee oversees access through the turnstile. Before anyone can enter the facility, they must either present their membership card or pay a $6 daily fee. When the employee at the turnstile collects cash for daily fees, he or she also has the visitor complete a waiver form. The employee then deposits the cash in a locked box and files the forms. At the end of each day the Recreation Center accountant collects the cash box, opens it, removes the cash, and counts it. The accountant then gives a receipt for the cash amount to the employee on turnstile duty. The accountant takes the cash to the bank each evening. The next morning, the accountant makes an entry in the cash receipts journal for the amount indicated on the bank deposit slip. Susan Porcano, the Fairfax Recreation Center General Manager, has some concerns about the internal controls over cash. However, she is concerned that the cost of additional controls may outweigh the benefits. She decides to ask the organization’s outside auditor to review the internal control procedures and to make suggestions for improvement. Assume that you are the outside auditor. Indicate weaknesses in the existing internal control system over cash admission fees and recommend one improvement for each of the weaknesses you identified. Organize your answers as follows: 9-15. Identify one or more control procedures (either general or application controls, or both) that would guard against each of the following errors or problems. a. Leslie Thomas, a secretary at the university, indicated that she had worked 40 hours on her regular time card. The university paid her for 400 hours worked that week. Apply a separation of duties control. The data processor will input the hours worked and that can be verified by the accounting manager for accuracy. Another control that can be added to this is to establish a limit in the AIS for total hours worked so that no value above that number can be inputted. This will detract from more hours worked being inputted in the first place. b. The aging analysis indicated that the Grab and Run Electronics Company account was so far in arrears that the credit manager decided to cut off any further credit sales to the company until it cleared up its account. Yet, the following week, the manager noted that three new sales had been made to that company—all on credit. Utilization of administrative controls would work in this instance. When designing the IS, there should be the ability to note an account for lack of payment and temporarily suspend the account until necessary action is taken. c. The Small Company employed Mr. Fineus Eyeshade to perform all its accounts receivable data processing. Mr. Eyeshade’s 25 years with the company and his unassuming appearance helped him conceal the fact that he was embezzling cash collections from accounts receivable to cover his gambling losses at the race track. The duel observation control and separation of duties would work here. Have two people document the receivables as they come in and have Mr. , Eyeshades reconcile the accounts based off of that. d. The Blue Mountain Utility Company was having difficulty with its customer payments. The payment amounts were entered directly into a terminal, and the transaction file thus created was used to update the customer master file. Among the problems encountered with this system were the application of customer payments to the wrong accounts and the creation of multiple customer master file records for the same account. The AIS should incorporate an unfound record test and also a check digit control procedure. This will ensure that the account number being entered is correct and that no other file has been produced. e. The Landsford brothers had lived in Center County all their lives. Ben worked for the local mill in the accounts payable department, and Tom owned the local hardware store. The sheriff couldn’t believe that the brothers had created several dummy companies that sold fictitious merchandise to the mill. Ben had the mill pay for this merchandise in its usual fashion, and he wrote off the missing goods as ‘‘damaged inventory. ’’ Ben does not appear to be a manager, so there should be a separation of duties with in the accounts payable department. The documents should be prepared by Ben, but should also be verified by a manger. There should also be internal audits that would bring to light any redundancies on approving officials or names within the organization. 9-16. Identify one or more control procedures (either general or application controls, or both) that would guard against each of the following errors or problems. a. A bank deposit transaction was accidentally coded with a withdrawal code. Feedback mechanism in the form of a receipt will identify this incident. The use of an edit test would check for b. The key-entry operator keyed in the purchase order number as a nine-digit number instead of an eight-digit number. AIS should have a check for the number of digits in that field. If the field is only 8 digits then it should be formatted not allow for anything more or less. c. The date of a customer payment was keyed 2001 instead of 2010. A feedback mechanism such as a payment slip/receipt would be used to verify the information. Also, a reasonable test would be appropriate to ensure that the date is not past a certain value. d. A company employee was issued a check in the amount of ? $135. 65 because he had not worked a certain week, but most of his payroll deductions were automatic each week. An edit test of sign†¦. meaning ensuring that the value was a positive number†¦. rejecting a negative value in the payroll system. e. A patient filled out her medical insurance number as 123465 instead of 123456. Edit test of reasonableness†¦the insurance number field would have to fall within a valid range of values to be accepted. f. An applicant for the company stock option plan filled out her employee number as 84-7634-21. The first two digits are a department code. There is no department 84. Unfound record test would work for this. If the master file is not found for department 84 then the master file would reject the transaction. g. A high school student was able to log onto the telephone company’s computer as soon as he learned what telephone number to call. The use of biometrics wouldn’t allow the student just to know a phone number and be able to log onto computers h. The accounts receivable department sent 87 checks to the computer center for processing. No one realized that one check was dropped along the way and that the computer therefore processed only 86 checks. A batch control document with a list of all the checks that need to be processed is appropriate. On the document will also contain a total dollar amount of all the checks.

Wider Professional Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Wider Professional Practice - Essay Example LLS refers to relevant social and political reforms and national policies while devising its own guidelines and procedures. As the sector that exists to support and deliver lifelong learning, government policy in a range of areas plays a considerable role in influencing the future development and the demand for skills within the LLS workforce. One of the most important government green papers that it refers to is Every Child Matters (ECM). Every Child Matters is a reform that has reshaped the overall behaviour in Britain towards child welfare, care and education. Where the lifelong learning sector intends to introduce education from the grass roots level, it adheres strongly to the ECM policy structure. As ECM covers various aspects of child welfare and care relating to health, safety, enjoyment, achievement, positive contribution in society and achievement of economic well being, it relates closely to LLS since lifelong learning is an attempt at achieving a better quality of life (Francis and Gould, 2012). However, this correlation gives rise to a need to evaluate if ECM provides an effective framework for institutions and professionals in LLS to follow and also if the LLS framework and policies of institutions working for and within LLS actually adhere to the framework devised by ECM. LLS practice is strongly governed by a Professional Code of Conduct that was introduced by IfL as guidelines for teachers working in LLS (Francis and Gould, 2012). This Professional Code of Conduct ensures that teachers working within the LLS must provide personalised care to children and young people, be alert to signs and symptoms that children may be at risk of harm and expedient in reporting them. It is important to note that educational institutions where special or vulnerable children are being tutored, reforms introduced by LLS have played a major role ensuring children’s

Speaking in Gods Name -Islamic Law, Authority and Women Essay

Speaking in Gods Name -Islamic Law, Authority and Women - Essay Example Apparently, one unspoken approach perceived by the author was that of a participant in a continuing conversation. On the other hand, a rational reader may take the words to mean as it was written regardless of how others may think about it (Abou El-Fadl 2). Various religious denominations and sects like Judaism, Christianity and Islam have their independent views on the idea of nineteen (19) angels guarding the portals of hell. But, the author maintains the questioning sense of how the passage could be interpreted and understood to spur critical thinking (Abou El-Fadl 2). Nevertheless, with due respect, current Islamic legal systems have seemingly adopted more of what the prophet of Islam provided in the Hadith than what Allah has provided in the Qur’an. Having two famous books, the Hadith and the Qur’an led many followers in the 21st century a question, which of the two is binding and which is not from the point of view of legitimacy (Abou El-Fadl 2). For example, a lot of sources revealed repression of Muslim women in many different forms took place as a result of bias in implementing guidelines because of the seeming confusion on whether to follow the Qur’an or the Hadith (Abou El-Fadl 3). The author proposed the use of the Qur’an as a legal basis for dealing with women because obviously, the Qur’an is more supportive of women than the Hadith. Besides, interpretations must be limited to the 21st-century setting to cope with the evolution of people which is clearly according to the will of Allah. On the other hand, this would greatly bridge the divide among believers, men and women.  Ã‚  

P2P File Sharing And Its Influence Essay Example for Free

P2P File Sharing And Its Influence Essay With the advancement of technology we have moved into the digital word, into the days when property transactions are physically tangible. Now property more specifically intellectual property sharing ha s become common and is done easily over the internet using. P2P file sharing software easily available over the internet. In corporate network where this is done by making use of file servers, but on the internet it is done through the peer-to-peer model where files are stored and shared over the personal computers of the person. Most people engaging in such activities both provide and download such files from the internet. In the P2P network uploading the file is not necessary you can easily share the file with a person. P2P allows clients to share files online throughout some unofficial network that can be provided by both the users using the same download software. File sharing gives you access to a wide variety of information. Copyrighted material, pornography or viruses are all just a click away. (Ardenghi, Jorge and Javier Echaiz) On a daily basis numerous users share files with each other online. Be it music, games, software’s, videos etc. Software that can connect people to each other is usually freely available. Although these software are freely available over the internet they come with great risk, for example when sharing files with users, the user can use the same program to access information which you do not mean to share with people over the network. You can also download copyrighted material that could put you into legal problems. Or you may unsuspectingly download pornography when it is named something else. Also sometimes closing the window may not actually close the program and this could actually put you into a greater security risk. These â€Å"always on† connections are an invitation for users and sometimes hackers and preachers to access your private information and use it to their advantage (Sebastian Rupley, pp. 1). Importance of P2P: P2P networking has generated load of interest over the internet in a very short span of time. Daily thousands of people become part of this network. P2pP software systems like Kazaa and Napster are the most highly ranked and most commonly available P2P programs. Several businesses and websites have been promoting â€Å"peer-to-peer† technology to be the future of the Internet’s world of networking Having existed for many years now, P2P technologies promise to radicalize the word of networking. Although P2P file sharing software has created a lot of controversy over the legality issues as well as its fair use (Erik, pp. 1). P2P sharing has become the single most famous internet application over the past 10-15 year. Although people see it as P2P file sharing rather than P2P networking. To access the world of P2P networking a user just has to install a suitable P2P client application. Several P2P software and P2P networks applications subsist. Some P2P functions work only with a single P2P system, while others functions cross-network. Similarly, some P2P networks sustain only one request, while others sustain numerous requests. The importance of P2P can be seen from the fact that daily a lot of people are entering into the world of P2P sharing. P2P allows for quicker file sharing between users and it has become the household name for computer users all around the globe (Erik, pp. 1). Every passing day the importance of P2P is increasing at a rapid speed. Important files are shared over a P2P network. This save a lot of time that is wasted in attempt to first uploading the file over the internet and then allowing for the user to download the files from the link. When the user’s computer acts as an online server there is no need to upload the material over the internet first for the other user to download it. Now the user himself can download or share the data directly from the other user’s computer. This has solved a lot of issues like shortage of space. Plus most P2P software allow for continuation of download in case the software collapses or if the link is broken for some reason. The file does not have to be downloaded over and over again. (Duchechene, Anne and Patrick Waelbroeck, 565-570) Meaning to the Average American: Today to the average American the use of P2P sharing for downloading songs, videos, software, game etc has become part of their household. Research has shown that 60% of the young Americans downloading things of the internet are over the age of 12 and are mostly in their teenage. The young American teenager has been affected the most the P2P sharing around the world as clearly shown by the stats (Scholastic, 10). It means a great deal to the average American for the simple fact that the average American is able to save a lot on the downloading of free music from over the internet, even though there is enough awareness over the internet as this being illegal. But still as long as you don’t get trapped who minds if it’s illegal. The average American downloads at least 20 files at an average on a daily basis using their P2P software. In America the most commonly used software is Napster which is accessible free over the internet. A typical American is involved more in downloading illegal stuff instead of making use of this advancement of technology constructively. This sharing method is being used somewhat constructively in business environments where important data is being shared without having to be uploaded. Also this method saves a lot of space on the computer and also saves a lot of valuable bandwidth and time from being wasted. In case of the average American this is just a way of downloading free music, software, games etc. The average American who makes use of the P2P network mostly belongs to the teenage. These individuals spend most of their time downloading free music which is mostly illegal as it is copyright material and people sharing such music should be punished. But most of the times these individuals who are sharing these files are not from the US but in fact belong to some country where piracy is not that big a crime or is not punishable. These people easily share pirated material over the sharing software and the average American is more than happy to make use of the material as it does not cost them money (Scholastic, 75). Mostly the average American is aware of the intellectual property rights and he also knows that it is an act which is punishable by the US law but still they do not refrain from illegal file sharing as it is cheap and it is hard to detect, and what is hard to detect is hard to punish. Most of the average Americans are also aware that this is theft of intellectual property rights and it is same as stealing from someone. As when the music is transferred using file transfer or P2P software, the singer or the real owner of the music does not get any loyalty for it. Also the average American uses it to download pornography. This is something that the average user of the P2P in America watches. These are young individuals who are still in their teenage (well at least over 60% of them are). These individuals firstly use the internet without supervision which gives them the authority to do whatever they like over the internet and with the advancement of the P2P software they do not have to search much, they just have to make use of their P2P software, search for the required item and there it is, ready for them to download and watch. The P2P software that is being used mostly does not have a restriction clause in them or do not warn viewer about the age limit before they download the files for viewing. The advance broadband internet technology also make it easy and quicker for these young P2P file users to download pornography and watch it, with the new software they can even stream it while it downloads. Influence of P2P on American Pop culture (music, movies, TV shows etc) The birth of pop took place in the downtown sanctions of New York City at the end of the disco era. The new age music caught the attention of those MCs, who were capable of lyrically painting tapestries of anecdotes that were witty and stylized autobiographies. A pop prodigy was accompanied by a DJ who was able to produce a unique sound to go along with the lyrical flow. The beginning of Pop began when the Music composers introduced a DJ and tried to keep the attention of the crowd when introducing the next DJ. Before long this became a common practice where an MC was performing with a particular DJ, one example is Will The Fresh Prince Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff. In 1979, a huge fan following for pop had developed along with entry of new comers, which secured the hold of pop on the music industry. In 1990 gangsta rap a sub-category of pop was developed. A lot of argument was made on the lyrics used as encouraging brutality, promiscuity and the utilization of drugs. The culture of pop is a challenging culture to some extent. It is a way to express the fight in opposition to the ethnic unfairness against the white Americans. So this makes it a way of expression for the African Americans and obviously a defending act for the way to communicate for their racial differences. A P2P computer system utilizes assorted connectivity of users and accumulative bandwidth rather than sharing resources provided by low number of servers. The important thing in understanding a P2P network is that all customers offer equivalent resources. Computer users with the same type of P2P application can remotely access each others hard drives and can share files Such a network is useful in many purposes, mostly known for file sharing containing audio, video or any kind of data available in digital format. One of the oldest and commonly known P2P file sharing software is Kaaza. Its file trading music tool was the number one search engine of 2003 as music and multimedia continues to dominate Americas online mindshare as reported this week by tech news world. Nowadays, it’s clear that Kaaza and other such software’s are most popular mainstream culture for file sharing. The problem with this is that music and all the other industries are worried that why would anyone actually pay for an album or a movie when anyone and everyone can get it online for free. Sharing of movies, music albums and TV shows is becoming very common among amateurs. One influence this has on American culture is that some books or movies which are for specific age are now available to children of all ages as keeping a tap over their downloading activities has become impossible. Now a thirteen year old kid can easily get any rated movie by just giving the wrong information about his age. The culture is tied together by the links. Culture from all around the world have borrowed and also contributed to the jargon of pop and also changed the meaning of some words to fit their own use. Some consider the language of pop to be rude, sexist, violent, focusing on the darker aspects of the society, and also considered as being nothing more than a bunch of babble. But being able to climb the tower of babble; making use of the process of abstraction, will help us understand as to why the language of pop has become so forceful in today’s society. Abstraction is the process whereby we reach a point where we ignore a great amount of stimuli and focus on a limited few; classifying it according to the characteristics and the reality of our experiences through a unique filter system which is influenced by our cultural and personal experiences. Possible P2P copyright violation and security problem: Numerous studies have shown that sharing of file has had an unconstructive blow on record sales. As already discussed Sharing of movies, music albums and TV shows is becoming very common among amateurs. Such distribution hardly brings any income to the producer. One biggest possible copyright violation problem brought in my P2P networks in another such network known as Anonymous P2P network in which users are anonymous by default. This P2P network is specially becoming famous due to many reasons including data retention and lawsuits against bloggers. Such networks may also hold appeal to user who wishes to share copyrighted files like music movies etc. Users who normally use anonymous P2P networks usually require secrecy as to the contents they put on sharing which may my include material which is not only illegal but also incriminating. One of the first P2P system, Napster was shut down in 2001 by some major entertainment firms on the basis that as these file sharing system made it possible to not only share files but also to make illegal copies of copyrighted material while others are still running. According to survey conducted by MPAA, the movie industry lost around 6. 1 billion which is 75% higher than they predicted. In the US alone the movie studio’s lost 1. 3 billion in 2005. Unauthorized services that allow data as free download to other users such as songs, music and movies is blamed for falling sales. Security problems that arise by P2P networks can cause companies to lose millions worth of source code due to disguising files using P2P technologies. P2P covering tools, such as Wrapstar (a freeware service which can cover a . zip file with corporation resource code, as an MP3 of a song hit) as a result an accessory outside the company can use Morpheus to download the disguised file. To the companies security this looks like a common transaction, even if the company has frowned upon employees using P2P in music sharing without a clue that their company has just been robbed, and possibly millions worth of software has been lost. Another security risk involving P2P networking allows your network to be open to various forms of attack, break-in, and espionage. P2P does not carry new virus to the system, just common threats such as virus attacks and worms. One major risk of P2P network is unconsciously allocating files that are confidential. (Banerjee, Anirban, Faloutsos, Michalis, and Laxmi Bhuyan, 1273-1275) Laws kept up with changing technology: Private property is mainly known as the original way to present ideas, may it be the symbols and words. All this is represented as products or services of an individual. Music is also included in such a property. Copyright defines the rules for ones owned property. May it be novels or poems, films or musical works? These all are includes on literary and artistic works. Artist work can include the photography, paintings, illustrations, sculptures or drawings or any kind of architectural designs. Copyrights are compulsory on any kind of trademarks or patents. P2P is the mainly notorious action on the internet these days. The industry now is using latest strategies; including advising ISP’s (internet service providers) to slash off the accounts of customers who are common sharers of files. Gaspary, Luciano Paschoal, 4797) According to the FCC, the federal law is desecrated if vulgar programming is aired at any time. The contents are ought to be obscene, when it succeeds throughout 3 divided checks. Concerning modern principles to a usual individual, it has to be created, as an entire, attractive to the prurient attention; portray or illustrate, i n a deliberately unpleasant technique, sexual behavior particularly classified by appropriate regulation; and deficiency of severe legendary, imaginative, supporting, or methodical importance. The FCC has described transmit offensiveness as language or material that, in context, depicts or describes, in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards for the broadcast medium, sexual or excretory organs or activities. (M. Fattah, Hassan, pg 44). It does not, however, augment to the echelon of vulgarity. Conclusion: When it comes to downloading software, it is easily done through P2P software. Using the P2P software the average American also downloads software for free, software for which in normal circumstances they have to pay a fee. This too is an illegal activity but something that has not been looked in to as deeply as the issue of the download of illegal music using the P2P software. This is mainly because the download of music over the internet is something that is measurable and not a lot of average American users are interested in downloading software from the internet. Although all good things come with some disadvantages, p2p sharing is one of them. It is very easy to just search up files and download the. But it is an illegal act. Because many files are copyrighted, and since there rights are preserved, it is ethically wrong to go against them. American pop culture is affected in such a way that, many people take the disadvantage of it, but breaking the official rights of the music. Pop music is now a culture in many countries. This culture is effecting the youth in such a way that they are now more in to bad deeds, rather than right ones. â€Å"Intellectual property illustrates nicely that property is a legal right rather than a physical thing. Intellectual property applies to allow owners to exclude others from intangible resources like certain secrets that businesses have, the copying of various creative expressions, and the reproducing of inventions and marks that identify the producers of goods and services. Property is a legal right to exclude, not a physical thing, and the object of a property copyright includes the reproduction of music for commercial profit. The market resource is diminished for the copyright owner when file sharers misappropriate music

SCO vs. IBM :: Businesses Microsoft Essays

SCO vs. IBM Abstract On March 6, 2003, The SCO Group filed a $1 billion lawsuit [1] against IBM. The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that IBM has violated contractual obligations it has with SCO by incorporating parts of AIX (IBM’s UNIX derived operating system) into Linux – the open source version of UNIX. The lawsuit has not gone to court and, when it finally does, may take upwards of a year to settle. Nevertheless, a preliminary look is worthwhile. Since the time of the initial filing, the rhetoric has escalated and it has become clear that the ramifications of the suit are much broader than just IBM vs. SCO. SCO’s claims, should they be proven, would not only have a major impact on Linux, but could also claim other casualties – chief among them the Open Source movement. After some introductory material, this paper examines the potential effects and provides an ethical evaluation. If one assumes that SCO’s claims are valid, Linux is in serious trouble, and a black-eye will be placed on the face of the Open Source community that will not quickly heal. But, even if SCO prevails, it’s far from clear that they’ve â€Å"done the right thing†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Introduction On March 6, 2003, The SCO Group filed a $1 billion lawsuit against IBM. Central to the lawsuit is the claim that IBM has violated contractual obligations it has with SCO by releasing into the public domain AIX source code as part of enhancements the company has made to the Linux operating system. Why does SCO care? Because SCO claims to hold the copyright to the UNIX operating system [2]. AIX is a derivative of UNIX – not only is UNIX source code used as the basis for AIX but IBM (and a host of other UNIX vendors) readily admits this and pays licensing feeds to SCO. Linux, on the other hand, is open source. Its source code is freely available for usage, viewing and modification. SCO’s claim is simple – IBM is illegally distributing its intellectual property by placing it into Linux and thereby diluting the value of UNIX. Over the last few months, there have been a number of key developments that are beyond SCO and IBM’s current spat. Of particular interest: SCO stopped releasing its Linux distribution – asserting that the Linux is derived from code that is copyrighted by SCO [3].

Dbq the Renaissance

The Renaissance was primarily thought of as being a period in which the revival of learning flourished, and the arts changed for the better and ideas became more focused life on earth. It was a time when new ideas of individualism, the thought of secularism and the interest in human ideas jumpstarted a new and freer lifestyle for everyone. The new ideas formed in the renaissance made enough impact on the world them and ever since that it deserves to be called its own era. The medieval times was filled with ideas based just around the church.As the Renaissance began, the arts developed into a freer and move creative society based on more Greek and Roman ideas. â€Å"Finding the feudal and ecclesiastical literature and Gothic art of the Middle Ages uncongenial to their taste, they turned for inspiration to the civilization of Roman and Greek antiquity. † (Document 1) This shows how the mind of the Renaissance where done with all the ideas that dominated the world throughout the Middle Ages. The Renaissance artists wanted art that showed human beauty where as in the Middle ages art was very gothic and based in religion.Renaissance art is more lifelike than in the art of the Middle Ages, which was very blocky. They went to the Greek and Romans for all kinds of inspiration for example art. Based on the information given in Introduction to Classical, medieval and Renaissance Art the styles of the classic period and Renaissance and Classical Periods share many similar Characteristics but almost nothing in common with the Medieval period. In the Middles Ages arts main purpose was to teach those about religion who could not read or write. As the Renaissance started the ideas moved to show the importance of people and nature.This is a clear shift that helped define the difference between the two period and it will help support many of the other reasons as well. Along with the arts learning increase exponential. One of best ways to show an increase in learning is t he amount of colleges in a country. Based on the facts given in document 8 it is clear to see the large increase of schools in the height of the Renaissance. In the mid to late 15th century when the world was in the height of the Renaissance 31 new University’s were founded compared to 10 in the 12-13 century in all of Europe besides Italy who entered the Renaissance early.This is clear fact proving that Europe was in a shift to a society not only based on the Church but in schools and learning. Leonardo da Vinci helped illustrate some of the ideas that where new and completely unheard of before the Renaissance. In Document 6 he showed the study of human anatomy. This is new because in the Middle ages the study of human beings and things on our planet where very limited. Majority of learning was done in the Church with relation only to the Church. In 1596 Johannes Kepler the author the Document 7 made observations on orbits and geometrical considerations.Using science to prov e ideas is new to the world and would be frowned upon by the church in medieval times. Art and Learning are two major agreements for the fact that the Renaissance was its own period and helped shape the world, as we know it. There was one point that applied to both art and learning that completely set the Renaissance apart from the medieval times. Which was the study of secularism. â€Å"it is in the true order that mortal men should first care for mortal things† W. H, Draper (document 4) What he is saying played apart in all major parts that have been mentioned.For example art the Renaissance was known for its painting and sculpture with interest in nature and real people going real tasks. This is very different from the medieval times where it was based on the church and what they wanted to show. Also in the learning of the period ideas of Human Anatomy started to emerge as well as geometry and orbits (documents 6/7). With the Renaissance coming back to the â€Å"real worl d’ it marked a change in history. All aspects of life have changed thanks to the ideas that started in this time period.As well as some of the greatest artist and philosophers to ever live. The ideas that came out in the Renaissance where Cleary enough to call its own period in time. The revival of learning flourished, the arts and ideas became more focused life on earth. Though exact start and end dates are not clear everyone should be able to comprehend the importance of this Renaissance and say that it the information provided is enough to prove that The Renaissance period has a place in history which is completely different then the Medieval times.

Putting an End to Poverty

A young boy walks through the mud bare-footed towards his one room shack. He opens the waterlogged door to find his young mother feeding his eighteen month old sister cold beans. He walks towards the kitchen, which is really just a three-legged table, a lawn chair and a stove, and scoops the remaining beans from the stove onto a plate for himself. He gives his mother a kiss on the cheek and walks towards his corner of the room. His mother wipes a tear from her eye. Tonight she did not eat dinner with her children; she did not eat at all just as she had not eaten the night before. This scene did not happen in a third world country like one might have believed. It happens everyday here in America. With the Presidential Elections quickly approaching, the candidates should focus on certain issues such as poverty and welfare. To help put a stop to poverty, the candidates must focus on the children living in the destitution, the education of the families, and the monetary wages of the families that are often making less than $15,000 a year. Politicians believe these things to be true in order to cut down on the poverty level. Putting an end to poverty starts with the children of the families. Vice President Al Gore feels very strongly about this. If the government provides nutritional support programs and food stamps, the likelihood that the children will become mature and flourish increases. Galbraith feels the same was as Gore. â€Å"If the children, though badly fed at home, are well nourished at school†¦ then there is a chance that the children of the very poor will come to maturity without inhibiting disadvantage. † (Galbraith, 246) If the physical well being of the children is watched very closely, then this would decrease the probability of poverty when the children are adults. Programs that could help the poverty level include Gore†s idea to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). By doing this, the EITC would reduce poverty and child poverty rates. The EITC has already lifted 4. 3 million people out of the poverty level, 2. 3 of which were children. â€Å"(If the) physical well-being of the children is vigilantly watched†¦ then there is a chance that the children†¦ will come to maturity†¦ (246). † Secondly, the Governor of Texas, and Republican candidate for the 2000 Presidential Election feels that education is an important way to end poverty. George W. Bush feels that giving federal funds towards school districts in poverty-stricken areas will help expand the number of children and families that will rise above the poverty level. â€Å"We will give schools new freedom to excel in exchange for proven results. When a school district receives federal funds to teach poor children, we expect those children to learn. And if they don†t, parents should get the money to make a different choice. † (George W. Bush www. vote-smart. org/speeches/mtv. phtml? func=speech=m00) Bush also feels that money should be given to those children that are pursuing secondary education. Providing a $1,000 grant to students who took Advanced Placement and college classes in high school is just one example to encourage students of all social classes to try their hardest. Bush also provided the idea that better and safer schools should be built in the impoverished areas. Like Bush, Galbraith feels that education is a very important issue in the fight to end poverty. â€Å"The effect of education and related investment in individuals is to help them overcome the restraints that are imposed by their environment. (246) If the government helps to make the schools more effective in teaching, then the schools will make the poverty level more effective in decreasing. Lastly, the government must help families learn how to manage their finances. The two major candidates for the Presidential Election did not cover this topic. Obviously Mr. Gore and Mr. Bush did not feel that this would have been a successful idea. Galbraith on the other hand, feels that this is very important to help rid the country of poverty. The only way to solve the problem of poverty is to help people help themselves. † (245) One might, however, realize that society would not want the government so closely involved in their lives. This issue would not be of concern towards the Presidential Candidates, but of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). So in that sense, the government is involved with the finances of the people of America, whether they like it or not. The hopes of a nation are to get rid of all poverty. They want to feed and cloth and educate the little boy that lives in the one-roomed shack. They want to teach the parents of that little boy so that way, they can be hired at better paying jobs; they want to help the people with their finances. The man that wins this presidential election is going to have to understand that there is poverty out there, and that there are things that he can do about it. William Pitt once said â€Å"Poverty is no disgrace but it is damned annoying. † Galbraith answered that with â€Å"In the contemporary United States, it is not annoying but it is a disgrace† (247). The leaders of today should help diminish the poverty level from a disgrace to non-existent.

Confucianism in Korea Essay Example

Confucianism in Korea Essay Example Confucianism in Korea Essay Confucianism in Korea Essay Confucianism Characteristics Year of Introduction debatable. Generally assumed to be around the 4th century. Determined ethical values and social norms in modern Korea Worked as the most important and efficient system for the governing of the nation Neo-Confucian domination and Transformation of the Korean Society during the Jones Dynasty, especially after the 17th century GHz Xis Synthetically Thought as State Ideology, covering all aspects of life Philosophical Conception of man and the world: Innate oddness of man, God Fundamental Ethics The moral and political requirements 1. Three Guiding Principles (San Gang -E?) . Five Moral Relations (Www Lung Fee*) 3. Five Constant Regulations (Www Change Three Guiding Principles (San Gang _E?) 1. The Subordination of a Subject or to Ruler 2. The Subordination off Son to his Father 3. The Subordination off Wife to her Husband Have Moral Relations (www Lung 1 . 2+5: Closeness between father and 2. Righteousness between the ruler and the subject 3. *Fiji: Differentiation between husband and wife 4. Kjiff: Hierarchy between the older and the younger 5. Trust between friends Five Constant Regulations (Www Change E ¤) 5. Constant and Unchanging as natural laws, remaining the name for all time and guiding all other virtues Humaneness (E) Righteousness Propriety (lie) Wisdom (B) Faithfulness (f*) Gender Issues Three Rules for Women Women must follow their fathers, husbands and sons 7 Legitimate Reasons for Divorcing a Wife Disobedience to parents-in-law Unable to give birth to a son Unchristian Jealousy Having a serious disease Being too talkative Theft From ($k) Three Exceptions 1 . No place to return (none to depend upon) 2. Observed the three year mourning rite 3. Helped her poor husband to become rich NEE-t- ¤-, FBI*-E-, R-?-, *- ¤-, 6-*-, if a ¦. Ifs ¶Z-,  ¶-x-. It is hard to understand that a husband should divorce his wife when she could not give birth to a son and had a serious disease, for these two things are not under human control. Morality Human Nature Modernity Desire Self-Control Altruistic Community Consumption Competition Individualism silence/Lech: tool for satisfying desire Law/Order: control conflicting interests Legacy on Modern Korea 1. Ethical Values Hierarchical (kjiff) Complicated Respected Words and Expressions Authoritarianism Anti-Feminist values 2. Family-oriented Culture Emphasis on Filial Piety Book of Family Tree and Membership to the Clan Union Ancestor Ritual 3. Passion for Learning Miracle of the Han River Demagnification and Confucianism Publication The pen mightier than the sword. 4. Saving Face Culture Modern Debate on Confucianism in Two Popular Korean Books Proof. Kim Kenyon-al Proof. Choc Beyond-Chloe Confucianism is like a Still valuable for Korea fatal virus. Ancestor Rites consultants naively emphasizes ten correct practice of ancestor rites The Book of Family Ritual: commemoration of ancestors became primarily a responsibility of eldest sons Filial piety is the highest virtue quintessentially expressed in the veneration of ancestors Confined to the kinship group Confucius: Sacrifice to spirits which are not those of ones own is mere flattery. Played an indispensable role in reinforcing the cohesion of family and lineage 3 Main Ancestor Rites 1. Funeral Rites 2. The Mourning Observances 3. The Continuing Sacrifices to the Spirit of the Deceased Primarily a responsibility of eldest sons Filial piety Confined to the kinship group Reinforce the cohesion of family and lineage: a continuing sense of wholeness Though not gods, the ancestral spirits are believed to take an interest in their progeny as they did in their life time.

Excel-based Candidate Short-lister Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Excel-based Candidate Short-lister - Essay Example The intelligent rule is based on the numbers of ‘A’ grades in the essential criteria requirements which is then sorted again by the number of ‘A’s in the desired criteria. This gives a more scrutinized level of sorting, for selecting the most qualified candidates in case of huge number of candidates satisfying the requirements. Moreover, each page is enhanced with a ‘Save’ and ‘Print’ option so as to ease the operation of saving the work and printing them whenever required, during the process. The below screen shot shows the initial screen of the tool. Figure1. Initial screen of the Candidate short-lister tool For easy navigation, View application data and view shortlisted data options are added in the initial sheet, which when clicked will take us to the respective sheet. The desired and the essential criteria for the job description are added in the respectively columns without any space between the cells and also between the head ing and the data as shown in figure 2 and ‘Generate Application_data Sheet’ is clicked. This will create template for the Application data sheet for entering the application data (shown in figure 3). Figure2. Entering the essential and desired criteria for the job description Figure3. ... p, which when clicked will shortlist all the candidates satisfying the given requirements based on their grade and creates a report in the shortlisted Candidates sheet(figure 5). The minimum qualifying grade used in this selection process is also given in the Shortlisted Candidates sheet in pink line. If the user is not satisfied with the number of shortlisted candidates and want to maximize or minimize the result, they can edit the field and refine the search (figure 6). Figure4. Data are entered manually in the application data sheet In case, if we want to sort the report to choose a required number of candidates, we can use the Intellisort option in the shortlisted candidates sheet, which will internally perform a sort based on the number of ‘A’ grades in the essential criteria and again on the number of ‘A’ grade in desired criteria. This is shown in figure 7. Figure 5. Short-listed candidates Figure6. Refine search by editing the options in pink line Fi gure7. Sorting the candidates using Intellisort If we want to shortlist only the top 5 candidates for interview scheduling, we can click the Shortlist Top 5 button on the Shortlisted Candidates sheet which will internally perform an intellisort and selects the top 5 candidates and creates a report on the Top 5 Candidates sheet (figure 8). Figure8. Selecting the top 5

Consumer Behavior Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Consumer Behavior - Case Study Example The performance of iPod in the market can even be considered by market researchers as considerably illogical due to the fact that its features are opposing the norms of normal market trends such as affordability and flexibility in features yet continuously controlling the market with a significantly high market share. Compared to other products such as Nokia, the iPod is relatively high end, being exclusive in the features and having a very distinct appearance and characteristics. Although the product is neither affordable nor flexible in the features, it is highly recognizable thus considered to have transcended to ‘cult status’ or have subculture of its own. 2. The iPod product then can be considered as an agent for shifting culture in terms of technology. Initially the iPod users can be described as a diverse group who undergo a certain influence which can result to a transformation to the group known as the iPod users who are proud and confident of the product they are using to the point of accessorizing the said products regardless of the need or the price of such activity. Due to the said effects brought about by the introduction of the iPod in the market, the tradition of listening to music had been introduced to a world of new possibilities and limitless capabilities. The continuous improvement of the iPod technology can even be observed currently with the introduction of new features such as iPhone and iTouch which are included in the growing power and coverage of the iPod