Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Healthcare reform Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Healthcare reform - Research Paper Example The health reforms have targeted three major areas: uniformity of plans across gender, age and people with pre-existing diseases; accessibility to quality healthcare; and rein in cost (Whitehouse). The cost effectiveness would broadly be addressed by enforcing measures to control wastage, fraud and abuse in Medicare. The austerity measures and savings would further enable the healthcare industry to spread medical insurance to larger segment of population who have not been covered under healthcare plans due to lack of finances. $630 billion have been allotted in the budget of 2010 which would be used as reserve for the healthcare reforms over a period of ten years (OMB). Graham (2011) asserts that ‘Affordable Care Act offers the potential to address the needs of racial and ethnic minority populations, by bringing down health care costs, investing in prevention and wellness, supporting improvements in primary care, and creating linkages between the traditional realms of health and social services’. Thus, it can be successfully concluded that reforms initiatives in healthcare would go a long way in promoting equality and non discrimination at all levels of healthcare

Monday, October 28, 2019

Friends Essay Example for Free

Friends Essay A friend is someone who is helpful and kind. A friend is someone who you know and like and who likes you too. A friend is not an enemy. I have many different friends. Friends at school, at church, at sports and even overseas. Friends are special to me. Today, I want to share with you why friends such as all of you, are important to me. Body Firstly, friends provide me with support and courage. They laugh with me when I am happy. They cheer me on when I am in a race. When I win, they celebrate with me. For example, last year, at the Athletics Carnival, we all supported each other in our races. Friends cheer me up when I am sad. They try to make me laugh by entertaining me or tickling me out of my sadness. When I am hurt or feel sick, they care for me. When I have a problem or when I am struggling, they help me out. For example, when I lost my school hat last year, Hannah and Luke helped me look for it after school. I had searched for it everywhere and was ready to give up. But then, Luke spotted a hat which had been blown way out into the oval by the wind. He ran to pick it up and thankfully, it was my missing hat. I do not feel afraid or lonely at school because of my friends. I know they will stand up for me if I get bullied and they will stay by my side. Secondly, friends help me learn and try new things and ideas. Conclusion Friends are important to me. They support me, help me learn and most importantly, are honest with me and care for me. I think it is important that we treat our friends well, with respect and kindness, just like how they treat us. I am thankful for the many wonderful friends I have here at my Public School .

Friday, October 25, 2019

Why Music is Important Essay -- essays papers

Why Music is Important Music education is important for several different reasons. Music is a very valuable resource for students and teachers alike. Research has shown that musical study improves a child's early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, as well as spatial reasoning skills (VH1, 2003, para4). Music helps students to achieve in areas of intelligence. â€Å"Feis, Revecz, the Pannenborgs, Miller, and others are unanimous in finding that musicality and high intelligence go together† (Mursell & Glenn, 1931, p. 20). Studies have shown that preschool children taught with music and songs have an average 10 to 20 points over those without, and by the age of 15 have higher reading and math skills. Another study showed that students that had taken a music appreciation class scored 46 points higher on the math portion of the SAT, and students who had music performance experiences scored 39 points higher than students without any music e xperience (Harvey, 1997, para13). Music impacts most other areas of learning. â€Å"The area holding the greatest prospects for transfer from music appears to be language arts.† (Hoffer, 1983, p. 46) It has been said that music helps concentration during reading. Music is an affective memory aide, because of its use of rhythm, rhyme and melody. Music for young children helps them to learn language because of the rhythms and patterns involved in learning the songs. The involvement of music in education can help to develop oral language skills, listening skills, and an increased vocabulary. Music can help the comprehension of language and basic facts (Dobbs, 1990, 341, 342). Students involved with music education have also been show... ... 10, 2004 from http://www.vh1.com/partners/save_the_music/ This is the website for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, which is dedicated to restoring music programs in schools and raising awareness of the importance of music in education. AMC- American Music Conference. (2004). Music advocacy, supporting research, education and playing music. Retrieved November 19, 2004 from http://www.amc-music.com/ MENC- The National Association for Music Education (1991). Growing up complete: the imperative for music education: The report of the national commission on music education. Retrieved November 20, 2004 from http://www.menc.org/publication/ articles/academic/growing.htm Goldwyn-Kingon, Jacqueline. (2004, November 7). Beautiful Music. The New York Times. Shollenberger, Kyle. (2004, November 28). A Richer Life Trough Music. Philadelphia Inquirer.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Mike and Marty Scanlon Essay

People often have difficulty believing that Mike and Marty Scanlon are brothers, let alone twins. The two men bear a resemblance, but the similarity ends there. Marty Scanlon was always a quiet, well-behaved child. He excelled in all his academic subjects throughout his school years, although he was shy and had few friends. Marty would always be polite to people, but he generally preferred to keep to himself. After college, Marty became a successful network administrator for a large financial company and married his longtime girlfriend. A dedicated family man, Marty spends most of his free time doing home improvement projects and looking after his two children. Mike Scanlon, on the other hand, could never be described as shy. He was the student that teachers dreaded having in their classroom: boisterous, unruly, and indifferent to authority. Mike had many brushes with the law throughout his high school years, for crimes ranging from vandalism to public drunkenness. Mike dropped out o f high school to take a job as an oil-change technician at a local garage; he spends most of free time and money at local bars- at least the ones that haven’t banned him for starting fights. Mike’s current legal trouble surrounds two of his ex-girlfriends, who are independently taking him to court for child support. Mike is unfazed, however; he laughs with his friends that they’ll never get a dime from him. 1. How would Freud explain the personality differences between Mike and Marty? 2. How would you rate Mike and Marty on the Big Five personality traits? 3. Given that Mike and Marty are twins and share some of their genetic makeup, how would you explain the pronounced differences in their personalities? What role, if any, does temperament seem to be playing? 4. Which of the two brothers seems more likely to be achieving self-actualization, and why do you think so? 5. Do Mike and Marty appear to have different levels of intelligence, or do they show intelligence in different ways? Why do you think so?

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Marketing and Converse Question Essay

Need: Protection for the feet Wants: Cheap shoes which are comfortable and customizable. Demands: Emerging artists, designers and musicians wearing Chucks because of their affordability, simplicity and classic look. Now, anti-establishment rock fans beg Converse to feature a shoe by their favourite artist. Question 3 Production concept: The idea that consumers will favour the products those are available and highly affordable, and the idea that the company focus on improving production and distribution efficiency. Product Concept: Costumers will favour the products that offer the most quality, performance and features. Therefore the company should focus on making constant product improvements Selling Concept: The idea that consumers will not buy enough of the products unless it undertakes a large-scale selling and promotion effort. Marketing concept: The marketing philosophy that holds that achieving organizational goals depends on knowing the needs and wants of target markets and delivering that desired satisfaction better than competitors does. Almost every red Chuck converse sold goes to Global Fund. Question 4 Converse sees its role as one of making great products that its costumers want to wear. Beyond that it participates in consumers discussions rather that dictating them. Drawbacks: Converse rides a fine line: How many limited editions and upscale design can the brand produce without losing its image as a non marketing marketer. How popular can the brand become without losing the core costumers who love the precisely because it isn’t popular Question 5 Converse has been very careful in all that it does to remember on very important things for a brand like Converse, where authenticity is the most important trait, the costumer experience should be driven by the costumer.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

How do Jacobs and Dickens create a foreboding atmosphere and build up tension in The Monkeys Paw and The Signalman Essays

How do Jacobs and Dickens create a foreboding atmosphere and build up tension in The Monkeys Paw and The Signalman Essays How do Jacobs and Dickens create a foreboding atmosphere and build up tension in The Monkeys Paw and The Signalman Paper How do Jacobs and Dickens create a foreboding atmosphere and build up tension in The Monkeys Paw and The Signalman Paper Essay Topic: Literature The Black Monk The Haunting Of Hill House To Build a Fire The main idea of a mystery story is to give the readers something to wonder about. You have to give them the clues one by one and lead your reader to a conclusion they werent expecting. A good mystery story will keep a reader guessing until they see the final twist and then everything they didnt understand before fits into place. This is definitely true in The Signalman. One of the techniques that Dickens uses to create a feeling of uneasiness and tension can be seen right from the very beginning. In the very first paragraph there is a sense of the unexplained: There was something remarkable in his manner of doing so (instead of the signalman looking up to where the narrator stood, he turned himself about, and looked down the Line. ), though I could not have said for my life, what. The vocabulary Dickens uses also adds to the atmosphere and it is well worth a close look at this. Words such as violent, clammier and earthly dead smell build up the sense that the narrator is in a dangerous location and that something terrible is about to happen. This sort of language use can be found throughout the tale. The angry sunset Dickens describes adds to the effect, as does the clammy and wet stones of the way down. These are indicative of a ghost story, and even the tunnel is described in such a way as to make us wonder about it. The description of the tunnel itself could very well remind us of the mouth of hell, which is appropriate because of what happens later in the story. terminating in a gloomy red light, and gloomier entrance to a black tunnel, in whose massive architecture there was a barbarous, depressing, and forbidding air. So little sunlight ever found its way to this spot, that it had an earthy deadly smell; and so much cold wind rushed through it, that it stuck chill to me, as if I had left the natural world. Charles Dickens uses repetition quite a lot to build up the feeling of fear and uneasiness, and this is particularly effective at the end. There is also the description of place, and the damp unpleasantness like he has left the natural world. The colors he uses are often associated with evil, such as red and black, and its with language like this that Dickens makes the audience uneasy and feeling that something is about to go wrong. Any comments on words such as monstrous will be useful, as will the miming of the actions. That is quite a visual effect and gives the full eerie effect at the end when the signalman dies. The repetition of words and phrases adds to the uneasiness of the story Below there! Look out! Look out! For Gods sake, clear the way! The use of the references to the supernatural and the story the signalman tells all add to the feeling of fear. Even the narrator says that he felt a slow touch of a frozen finger tracing out my spine. These are techniques in ghost stories, made more chilling by the fact that they are foreshadowing what is to come. Everything about the place and the signalman seems to be unnatural and uneasy. The spot is isolated and the feeling of fear and unease is built up by the speakers comments: The monstrous thought came into my mind as I perused the fixed eyes and the saturnine face, that this was a spirit, not a man. The signalmans behavior is at times inexplicable and this is contrasted with the exactness with which he does his job. There is definitely something odd about him. His manner seemed to make the place strike colder to me. The man himself is most mysterious, and the narrator was uncertain of whether he was man or spirit or even slightly disturbed because, there was something in the man that daunted me. All this contributes to the building of the tension, as does the eeriness of the signalman believing that he had seen the narrator before, despite the narrators certainty that he had never been there. The signalman himself even suggests some supernatural connection part way into the story. The draw of the signalman is so great that the narrator goes back to hear more. For the first time the specific reference to the gesture of waving frantically to clear the way becomes so important. The signalmans story is chilling. The language is indicative of a ghost story, like damp stains, frozen finger tracing my spine, disagreeable shudder. There are also rational explanations for what had happened. The tales of the appearances of the spectre are fearful, as are the narrators reactions, such as pulling his chair back from the floorboards where the young lady was laid. The wind, personified as wailing, also adds to the effect of the story. There is conflict between what the two people heard and saw the previous evening, but both agree that the spectre is not there now. The signalman gains empathy because he is aware that danger is imminent but he is powerless to do anything. Another technique that is used to prolong the suspense is the fact that the narrator could not see anyone nor hear the bell ring when the signalman claimed the spectre was there. The dismissing of events as a coincidence builds up tension, as we feel sure he is going to be proven wrong. The twist in the tale is so effective because everything has been building towards this, but we did not fully understand what was to happen. The third evening concludes the story. The narrator sees the figure waving in the mouth of the tunnel, but it is not supernatural: The nameless horror that oppressed me, passed in a moment, for in a moment I saw that this appearance of a man was a man indeed. The way Dickens talks directly to the audience in this story, is a good way of fully involving the reader in the mystery. It raises questions that he then leaves unanswered and unravels later. The death was that of the signalman himself, and the visions he had seen had been the premonition of his own death. There is the repetition of the action and also of the words that the signalman said were haunting him. The Monkeys Paw is based upon the unexpected happenings of a supernatural tale. Mr. White meets up with an old war buddy and invites him to his home for an evening visit. The purpose is to complete a story he had told of a monkeys paw and an old fakir. Sergeant-Major Morris has brought the paw with him and tells the story. At the beginning of the story, the mood is mysterious and ominous, created by these details: a cold, wet night; a house in an out-of-the-way place; a visitor tells of faraway places and strange events. Mr. White, his wife and son soon learn that the soldier had his three wishes granted and would rather have the paw destroyed than pass it on to anyone else. When pressed for more details he tells his hosts that the first owner used his third wish to wish for death and that was how he came into possession of the paw. With that he tosses the paw into the fireplace, but Mr. White rushes to the hearth and retrieves it before it is completely destroyed. The soldier leaves and warns them to wish for something sensible. At the sons urging, the father wishes for some money (two hundred pounds). Nothing immediately happens and they turn in for the night. Of course, only trouble can follow. Sergeant- Major Morris has warned the White family that the wishes come true almost like a coincidence, and his reactions to the paw show he is afraid of what it can do he throws it on the fire to destroy it, he turns white when he is telling of its history and is frightened when Mrs. White makes the joke about wishing for four pairs of hands. Once the wish has been made and the paw moved, we fear that gaining the two hundred pounds is not going to be a positive experience for the Whites. The story is neatly divided in three sections and primarily deals with three characters -Mr. White, his wife and their son. In the first section we are introduced to the wish motif and the family makes their first wish. In the second half they make their second wish. In the third and eeriest portion the husband ends their ordeal with a final wish -the only wise wish the family ever made. The old fairy tale motifs are all present and indeed Mrs. White at one point says Sounds like the Arabian Nights. There is some making fun of the whole idea and we get the idea that the family does not totally believe in the powerful magic they have come into contact with. Jacobs describes the son as frivolous and he mocks the idea by telling his father to wish to be an emperor to escape his nagging wife, Mrs. White asks the husband to wish her to have four hands and they all laugh at the prospect of getting what one truly desires. The reader knows only too well that this family is doomed. The foreshadowing events the author uses to prepare the reader for the events to come are: Morris says the paw has a spell on it -foreshadows negative reactions once someone wishes upon it, perhaps even Herberts death; Morris presses Mr. White to throw the paw away which foreshadows bad things to come, including Herberts Death, Herbert sees a vision in the fire and feels a shiver when he grasps the paw which foreshadows his own demise. When Mr. Mrs. White realize that in following the sons suggestion for money they have altered their lives in a horrible way they panic. The money comes to them as compensation for a horrible accident at the factory where their son worked. He has died at the hands of the machinery. Mrs. White immediately wants to wish her son back to life and runs to find the paw. There is a struggle and an argument. The family is beginning to learn that there is strange magic at bother, that they truly can defy the laws of nature. The husband is reluctant but is powerless at the maniacal urging of his wife and when he refuses to make the wish she does so herself. To some extent The Monkeys Paw depends on horror brought about through the death of a main character in the story. Herbert is killed in an accident because of the first wish and we experience revulsion at the thought of him being brought back to life. The story builds up to a climax at the end, and although we understand what will happen next, it has far more impact being left at the pinnacle of the action. It is at this point that Jacobs uses the best tool of the writer of a ghost story -the power of suggestion. We feel the terror of the husband and know the longing of the wife for her son. The terrible knocking at the door, the fact that the wife rushes downstairs while the reader remains upstairs with the husband who dare not move from his spot. While he envisions what must have happened to his son, remembering the accident and imagining something hideous crawling out of a fresh grave, his wife frantically tries to open the door but has trouble with the bolt. The reader is wondering as well: Will she see her son? What will happen to her? What kind of family will they be with a dead son returned from the grave? The word it implies that Mr. White believes whatever is on the other side of the door is not human. He believes perhaps it is his sons dead corpse. The word it creates suspense and a sense of fear. The husband at last makes the final and inevitable wish -the only sensible wish made while the paw was theirs those brief fateful days. And the story ends with an eerie image complete with a poignant sound effect that sends a final frisson up your spine: A cold wind rushed up the staircase and a long loud wail of disappointment and misery from his wife gave him courage to run down to her side, and to the gate beyond. The street lamp flickering opposite shone on a quiet and deserted road. It is certain that the echo of that misery-filled wail reached all the way to the cemetery where no doubt it settled like a mournful shroud on the still undisturbed grave of their hapless son.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Fighting Music Piracy essays

Fighting Music Piracy essays Ah Internet, what a phenomenal invention! These days absolutely anything is possible to do and to get through the Internet. For instance, some of the most popular positive activities include the availability to instantly access the museums and libraries all across the world, as well as being able to learn about the latest news and events in a matter of seconds. Without doubt, Internet serves the major benefit by providing the immediate access to friends, family, and business associates through email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and other Internet mediums. Obviously, the whole concept of being able to shop from home without making a step out of the door, or even better, without getting up from the chair is always a great help. Also, Internet can provide a trivial knowledge, along with entertainment such as music, movies, books, radio and others. In other words, Internet these days simply became a speedy alternative to the U.S. Postal Service, a tool for enriching the minds of many and a worldwide shopping mall at the same time. Unfortunately, besides the vast amount of benefits that Internet brings to people, it also has become a home to the number of controversial, illegal and even criminal activities that were introduced to the society in the past couple of years. It is easy to see the significance of those unfavorable activities by just simply analyzing the fact that Internet provides an easy access to pornography, which for some reason children, sometimes, seem to be able to find even easier than the adults. Viru and malicious software that affects our home and business computers are extremely popular these days as well. Needless to say, just one big word SPAM, along with the deceptive marketing and scams, brings a lot of head ache to people. This could seem to be like a full list of disadvantages, but unfortunately it is not full just yet. Take a second and see if you can think of any other kind of a massive...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The History of How Dogs Were Domesticated

The History of How Dogs Were Domesticated The history of dog domestication is that of an ancient partnership between dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and humans. That partnership was likely originally based on a human need for help with herding and hunting, for an early alarm system, and for a source of food in addition to the companionship many of us today know and love. In return, dogs received companionship, protection, shelter, and a reliable food source. But when this partnership first occurred is still under some debate. Dog history has been studied recently using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which suggests that wolves and dogs split into different species around 100,000 years ago. Although mtDNA analysis has shed some light on the domestication event(s) which may have occurred between 40,000 and 20,000 years ago, researchers are not agreed on the results. Some analyses suggest that the original domestication location of dog domestication was in East Asia; others that the middle east was the original location of domestication; and still others that later domestication took place in Europe. What the genetic data has shown to date is that the history of dogs is as intricate as that of the people they lived alongside, lending support to the long depth of the partnership, but complicating origin theories. Two Domestications In 2016, a research team led by bioarchaeologist Greger Larson (Frantz et al. cited below) published mtDNA evidence for two places of origin for domestic dogs: one in Eastern Eurasia and one in Western Eurasia. According to that analysis, ancient Asian dogs originated from a domestication event from Asian wolves at least 12,500 years ago; while European Paleolithic dogs originated from an independent domestication event from European wolves at least 15,000 years ago. Then, says the report, at sometime before the Neolithic period (at least 6,400 years ago), Asian dogs were transported by humans to Europe where they displaced European Paleolithic dogs. That would explain why earlier DNA studies reported that all modern dogs were descended from one domestication event, and also the existence of evidence of two domestication event from two different far-flung locations. There were two populations of dogs in the Paleolithic, goes the hypothesis, but one of them- the European Paleolithic dog- is now extinct. A lot of questions remain: there are no ancient American dogs included in most of the data, and Frantz et al. suggest that the two progenitor species were descended from the same initial wolf population and both are now extinct. However, other scholars (Botiguà © and colleagues, cited below) have investigated and found evidence to support migration event(s) across the central Asia steppe region, but not for a complete replacement. They were unable to rule out Europe as the original domestication location. The Data: Early Domesticated Dogs The earliest confirmed domestic dog anywhere so far is from a burial site in Germany called Bonn-Oberkassel, which has joint human and dog interments dated to 14,000 years ago. The earliest confirmed domesticated dog in China was found in the early Neolithic (7000–5800 BCE) Jiahu site in Henan Province. Evidence for co-existence of dogs and humans, but not necessarily domestication, comes from Upper Paleolithic sites in Europe. These hold evidence for dog interaction with humans and include  Goyet Cave  in Belgium,  Chauvet  cave in France, and  Predmosti in the Czech Republic. European Mesolithic sites like Skateholm (5250–3700 BC) in Sweden have dog burials, proving the value of the furry beasts to hunter-gatherer settlements. Danger Cave in Utah is currently the earliest case of dog burial in the Americas, at about 11,000 years ago, likely a descendant of Asian dogs. Continued interbreeding with wolves, a characteristic found throughout the life history of dogs everywhere, has apparently resulted in the hybrid black wolf found in the Americas. Black fur coloration is a dog characteristic, not originally found in wolves. Dogs as Persons Some studies of dog burials dated to the Late Mesolithic-Early Neolithic Kitoi period in the Cis-Baikal region of Siberia suggests that in some cases, dogs were awarded person-hood and treated equally to fellow humans. A dog burial at the Shamanaka site was a male, middle-aged dog which had suffered injuries to its spine, injuries from which it recovered. The burial, radiocarbon dated to ~6,200 years ago (cal BP), was interred in a formal cemetery, and in a similar manner to the humans within that cemetery. The dog may well have lived as a family member. A wolf burial at the Lokomotiv-Raisovet cemetery (~7,300 cal BP) was also an older adult male. The wolfs diet (from stable isotope analysis) was made up of deer, not grain, and although its teeth were worn, there is no direct evidence that this wolf was part of the community. Nevertheless, it too was buried in a formal cemetery. These burials are exceptions, but not that rare: there are others, but there is also is evidence that fisher-hunters in Baikal consumed dogs and wolves, as their burned and fragmented bones appear in refuse pits. Archaeologist Robert Losey and associates, who conducted this study, suggest that these are indications that Kitoi hunter-gatherers considered that at least these individual dogs were persons. Modern Breeds and Ancient Origins Evidence for the appearance of breed variation is found in several European Upper Paleolithic sites. Medium-sized dogs (with wither heights between 45–60 cm) have been identified in Natufian sites in the Near East dated to ~15,500-11,000 cal BP). Medium to large dogs (wither heights above 60 cm) have been identified in Germany (Kniegrotte), Russia (Eliseevichi I), and Ukraine (Mezin), ~17,000-13,000 cal BP). Small dogs (wither heights under 45 cm) have been identified in Germany (Oberkassel, Teufelsbrucke, and Oelknitz), Switzerland (Hauterive-Champreveyres), France (Saint-Thibaud-de-Couz, Pont dAmbon) and Spain (Erralia) between ~15,000-12,300 cal BP. See the investigations by archaeologist Maud Pionnier-Capitan and associates for more information. A recent study of pieces of DNA called SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphism) which have been identified as markers for modern dog breeds and published in 2012 (Larson et al) comes to some surprising conclusions: that despite the clear evidence for marked size differentiation in very early dogs (e.g., small, medium and large dogs found at Svaerdborg), this has nothing to do with current dog breeds. The oldest modern dog breeds are no more than 500 years old, and most date only from ~150 years ago. Theories of Modern Breed Origination Scholars now agree that most of the dog breeds we see today are recent developments. However, the astounding variation in dogs is a relic of their ancient and varied domestication processes. Breeds vary in size from the one pound (.5 kilogram) teacup poodles to giant mastiffs weighing over 200 lbs (90 kg). In addition, breeds have different limb, body, and skull proportions, and they also vary in abilities, with some breeds developed with special skills such as herding, retrieving, scent detection, and guiding. That may be because domestication occurred while humans were all hunter-gatherers at the time, leading extensively migrant lifeways. Dogs spread with them, and thus so for a while dog and human populations developed in geographic isolation for a time. Eventually, however, human population growth and trade networks meant people reconnected, and that, say scholars, led to the genetic admixture in the dog population. When dog breeds began to be actively developed about 500 years ago, they were created out of a fairly homogenous gene pool, from dogs with mixed genetic heritages which had been developed in widely disparate locations. Since the creation of kennel clubs, breeding has been selective: but even that was disrupted by World Wars I and II, when breeding populations all over the world were decimated or went extinct. Dog breeders have since reestablished such breeds using a handful of individuals or combining similar breeds. Sources Botiguà © LR, Song S, Scheu A, Gopalan S, Pendleton AL, Oetjens M, Taravella AM, Seregà ©ly T, Zeeb-Lanz A, Arbogast R-M et al. 2017. Ancient European dog genomes reveal continuity since the Early Neolithic. Nature Communications 8:16082.Frantz LAF, Mullin VE, Pionnier-Capitan M, Lebrasseur O, Ollivier M, Perri A, Linderholm A, Mattiangeli V, Teasdale MD, Dimopoulos EA et al. 2016. Genomic and archaeological evidence suggests a dual origin of domestic dogs. Science 352(6293):1228–1231.Freedman AH, Lohmueller KE, and Wayne RK. 2016. Evolutionary History, Selective Sweeps, and Deleterious Variation in the Dog. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 47(1):73–96.Geiger M, Evin A, Snchez-Villagra MR, Gascho D, Mainini C, and Zollikofer CPE. 2017. Neomorphosis and heterochrony of skull shape in dog domestication. Scientific Reports 7(1):13443.Perri A. 2016. A wolf in dogs clothing: Initial dog domestication and Pleistocene wolf variation. Journal of Archaeolog ical Science 68(Supplement C):1–4. Wang G-D, Zhai W, Yang H-C, Wang L, Zhong L, Liu Y-H, Fan R-X, Yin T-T, Zhu C-L, Poyarkov AD et al. 2015. Out of southern East Asia: the natural history of domestic dogs across the world. Cell Research 26:21.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Debt and Taxes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Debt and Taxes - Essay Example The study recommends that there be further research on the best ways of finding a balance between the two. Debt and Tax Introduction With increased concerns on the fluctuation of the world’s economy, governments have been on focus on the way they have handled these shifts. Borrowing and taxation have been largely used by various governments through fiscal policy to offset the imbalances that have been created by constant economic downfalls. Most governments have historically relied on domestic taxes for the facilitation of various expenditures. However, with pressure that arises from budget deficits, it is usually common to hear of governments borrowing to make up for the deficits in their expenditure plans. In addition, for an individual borrower, it is usually a general principle that the amount loaned out is considered to be part of income and therefore subjected to taxation. Consequently, it has been generally concluded by many researchers that taxation is the best way to ensure that firms utilize debt in their capital structure. Such is the complex relationship between debt and tax that there are various dynamics towards the two concepts as illustrated in economics. In view of the mentioned relationship between tax and debt, this paper will explore the various issues that come up as a result of the close examination of the two concepts. The economic implications, justifications of fiscal measures with relation to the two and other arguments on the relationship between the two concepts will be discussed. This will be done through use of available literature on the two issues. As a result, the paper will finally make conclusions with regards to the relationship and implications of taxation and debt policies by governments. In addition, the paper will identify and recommend the areas on the two concepts that will need further research. To begin, it is important to understand the significance and meaning of the two terms with respect to the underlying d iscussions. Taxes are the main fiscal policy instruments largely employed by federal governments to ensure that there are balances on earnings in particular areas of the economy as well as have a resource pool for the financing of public expenditure for the benefit of the citizens. Taxation is therefore a tool used by treasury to ensure that citizens and firms operating in the economy contribute to a larger pool where the government can draw funds for its smooth functioning as well as provide basic amenities and services like healthcare, education and security to all citizens (Simpson 4). There are various categories of taxes with respect to various economies. The United States’ economy, for instance, has three basic categories of taxation. Simpson (6) enlists them as progressive tax, regressive tax and proportional tax. On the other hand, debt is as a result of borrowing by the government, firms or an individual. Usually, the most debts attract interests which are paid on to p of the money borrowed for a specified period of time. As a result, taxation is connected with debt because the interest payable is classified as income and is therefore subjected to taxation. Taxation is used by government for fiscal policy measures that may be aimed at regulating the economy. For instance, in cases where there is a slow economic growth, governments may reduce taxation to some sectors to encourage borrowing and expenditure which therefore translates to growth.

Assess the intent and impact of publicityoriented legal challenges to Essay

Assess the intent and impact of publicityoriented legal challenges to physicianassisted suicide - Essay Example (Egendorf PAS occurs when a doctor, upon the requests of the patient, provides a lethal overdose of medication for the patient to self-administer explicitly knowing that it will enable the patient to commit suicide. Euthanasia, on the other hand, is where the doctor himself administers the lethal overdose. PAS is also ethically and legally distinct in the case wherein the doctor provides medication with the goal of only relieving pain but understanding that death could occur as a secondary effect. There are currently three places in the world where PAS is legal namely the state of Oregon in the United States and the Netherlands. United Kingdom is also considering the legalization of PAS. The prescribed medication involves a lethal dose of barbiturates that is taken in liquid or in tablet form. (Emmanuel, 1998) Due to the fact that PAS involves termination of life of an institution that was tasked to save lives, the issue has been hotly debated primarily on moral and legal terms. Those on the supporting side argue that individuals should have control over the timing and manner of their own deaths. Some argue that actively bringing about one's death is no different legally than refusing life-sustaining treatment. However, opponents contend that legalizing assisted suicide will cause many problems. They fear that vulnerable individuals may be coerced into suicide as a result of financial pressure or fear of burdening their families. Religious opposition to assisted suicide is often based on the belief that God, not humans, should make the choices regarding death. With PAS, doctors are actually actively "killing" patients by making a lethal dose available whereas treatment refusal would only result to a passive involvement in the death of an individual. (Emmanuel et al, 2000) The issue is further complicated by the fact that the legal considerations has not been defined and determined once and for all. IntheUnitedStates, only one state, Oregon, has adopted a law specifically allowing physician-assisted suicide. In November 1994 voters in Oregon approved a ballot measure adopting the Death with Dignity Act, which authorized physicians to prescribe lethal doses of medication for terminally ill patients. However, opponents of assisted suicide challenged the constitutionality of the law and prevented its enforcement. In 1997, after the U.S. Supreme Court determined that the states have the authority to regulate this issue, the voters of Oregon again approved the act. However, in November 2001, the US attorney general came out with a statement that physicians involving themselves in assisted suicide would nevertheless be violating federal drug laws.() While they may not be liable to criminal prosecution, physicians would have their permission to prescribe med ication revoked by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Also, the DEA would not bother examining the medical records of patients in enforcing federal drug laws and would instead get all the names of the physicians involved in PAS in a regulatory body created by the Oregon Death with Dignit

Friday, October 18, 2019

Computers and technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Computers and technology - Essay Example Through technology, ill-intended people have been able to steal the identity of others and orchestrate terror attacks amongst other crimes. For example, someone can misuse the internet, impersonate a public personality, and tarnish their reputation in the process (Anderson & Goodman, 2002). On the other hand, computers and technology have helped in globalization of trade and other important economic activities. Similarly, information technology has been assimilated in business activities through systems such as supply chain management systems, inventory management systems, and customer relationship management systems (Atkinson & McKay, 2007). According to Egbu and Botterill (2002), information technology can be defined as the software, hardware and management database amongst other technologies used to process, distribute and store information. This technology is responsible for electronic business operations, management of business models and improved efficiency in commercial as wel l as personal operations. Information technology is enabling many establishments innovate ways of increasing their competitiveness and profitability as well as managing their business processes (Atkinson & Mckay, 2007). Many activities in most companies are now conducted electronically with the use of information technology. This requires less effort and the technology can be used to link similar institutions located in different areas. Therefore, different bureaus and offices around the world can be linked with software technology and improve efficiency in their operations (Anderson & Goodman, 2002). Literature Review The use of technology has been integrated into many aspects of business such as sales and advertising. Technology has become an instrument of value for the maintenance and development of prolific business-customer relationships. However, the issue of ethics in the utilization of technology has been overlooked for a long time now (Anderson & Goodman, 2002). According B ush, Bush, and Orr (2010), many users find no need to conduct ethical procedures on the use of technological products; as a result, it causes ethical loopholes and weaknesses in technological platforms. Technology is perceived as an instrument for changing business operations, whereby there is a substantial integration of various business activities with technology (Egbu & Botterill, 2002). For instance, inventory in a company is no longer managed using books and files, instead, managers are able to track inventory by use of technological devices such as barcodes scanners, thereby managing inventory effectively. Therefore, it is through some of these changes that technology has been able to dominate activities in industry and trade amongst other significant sectors of the economy. Galimberti (2009), states that technology has not only taken over the economical domain of many countries and organizations but also dominated the political arena. A good example is the political revolutio ns that occurred in countries such as Tunisia and Egypt, whereby some citizens mobilized others using social media (Safranek, 2012). Therefore, through technology, different solutions are formulated to solve problems and innovate new ways of doing things such as detecting fraudulent activities in bank systems or monitoring sales trends for a given product to avoid excess production,

International financial management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

International financial management - Essay Example Most investors in the UK and other parts of the world choose to place a portion of their portfolios in foreign securities. The decision, however, should involve an analysis of various mutual funds, exchange traded funds and bond offerings. To be successful in this venture of overseas investment, the company must begin first by determining the risk that characterizes the investment climate of the countries under its consideration. This would involve a careful analysis of both the economic, political and business risks associated with such investments in these countries (Michalet, 1997, p.19). The main factor to be considered by the company before investing overseas would be the types of the markets to be penetrated. There exist the developed, emerging and the frontier markets. The developed markets are those that consist of the largest and most industrialized economies whose economic systems are well developed, with politically stable environments and where the rule of law is well ent renched. These markets are considered by several economists to be the safest investment destinations, but with lower economic growth rates often trailing those of countries in earlier stages of development. An investment analysis of such markets would concentrate more on the current economic and market cycles and less by the political considerations. This would be the situation when the firm decides to invest in the United States of America (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, 2011, P.77).

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Economic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Economic - Essay Example Subsequently, the bulk off the sloppiness emanate from the irregular investment decisions of that JP Morgan undertook. According to Greenberg and Eavis, managers were admitting the bank has a lower quality of risk management that was not sophisticated enough to cushion it from the $2bn loss. Dimon was adamant that the execution of the hedging strategy was inappropriate and poor. This revelation of the loss was causing ripples in the Stock markets of the US and did affect the share price of JP Morgan. The loss dented the share value of the investment bank by 9.3% on Friday and for a bank that was previously recording significant earnings, this was shocking to its stakeholders2. The bank has enlarged its credit quantities over several years of trading in profitable investment projects, which were subject to exhaustive monitoring from management. However, recently JP Morgan did not incorporate these stringent measures into the diverse hedging strategies of the bank thus resulting in the disastrous loss in their earnings. In 2007, there was discontent of various stakeholders of the company in the manner The Chief investment Officer (CIO) Bruno Iskil was utilizing the corporations resources in undertaking unnecessary risks. In addition to the financial woes, the CEO of JP Morgan was suggesting the company could further experience losses of $ 1 billion due to the inevitable economic turbulences. This supposition will increasingly injure the share prices of the bank, which will dwindle further downwards3. This can discourage potential clients from trading in the stocks of JP Morgan since they will be of a lower value. This factor will diminish their confidence and the clients will not be enthusiastic to deposit their savings in JP Morgan. Furthermore, Fitch, a credit rating agency, did downgrade the bank and was affirmative that this decline could extend unless JP Morgan acts upon the

Concept of analysis of Compliance Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Concept of analysis of Compliance - Assignment Example Nurses can embrace a transactional or interactive process in order to form a client partnership, which allows a client to make choices in decision making about a prescribed behavior. Rationale The purpose of the study is to show the attributes and factors that influence nurses compliance in relation with standard precautions in order to shun occupational exposure to bacteria and pathogens, by using a qualitative research methodology. These are the set of guidelines aimed at protecting nurses from exposure to infectious pathogens since nurses can acquire infection during nursing care provision due to exposure to microorganisms, and this can be through needle sticks or exposure to air-borne transmitted micro-organisms. Compliance is of interest to nursing in order to avoid microorganisms’ exposure. It is a legal obligation for the nurses to adhere to the laid down guidelines in the profession. On hand hygiene, use of hand gloves is a requirement by law to prevent exposure to bod y fluids (Taylor 2006). Nurses should implement every component of standard precaution while conducting a clinical practice and take measures to keep away from exposure to pathogens. All nurses are also obliged to use the necessary means to protect their health by use of face masks and gloves. To prevent vulnerability to diseases, some nurses need to take preventive measures since their immune system is weak thus easy for them to be infected due to regular contact with sick persons. This is aimed at reducing risk of infection since nurses are continuously exposed to pathogens. Several nursing procedures such as giving bed bath require patients contact thus very easy to be infected (Baker & Feder, 1997). The risk is not only to the nurses, but also the individuals they come into contact with, more so the family members. Reason for compliance is to prevent occupation exposure. This can occur in different ways; it can be by direct or indirect transmission, airborne transmission and muc us membrane exposure. In the late seventies, the first preventive legislation was issued to help health care practitioners and protect them from microorganisms (Baker & Feder, 1997). It required nurses to treat each patient potentially infectious. It was revised requiring all nurses to use preventive and protective equipment in every case of exposure anticipated. Compliance creates a practitioner-patient partnership. Research has shown the importance of creating a relation in determining compliance level with prescribed treatment (Taylor, 2006). It describes a shared process, which leads to an agreement between prescriber and patient about the aim of drug treatment and how to achieve them. It enables the patient to participate fully and to influence the outcome ultimately. Information by patients informs the decisions made thus information leaflets are given with medicine supplied to each patient. This makes it essential for patients to discuss any information with the appropriate p ractitioner. Attributes to compliance are important in relation with standard precautions. Effective recommendations for nursing practice should be compatible with values among target groups and less controversial (Kanouse, Kallich & Kahan, 1995). It should not require much change to the already existing routine and have a precise definition, with specific actions and advice in different

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Economic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Economic - Essay Example Subsequently, the bulk off the sloppiness emanate from the irregular investment decisions of that JP Morgan undertook. According to Greenberg and Eavis, managers were admitting the bank has a lower quality of risk management that was not sophisticated enough to cushion it from the $2bn loss. Dimon was adamant that the execution of the hedging strategy was inappropriate and poor. This revelation of the loss was causing ripples in the Stock markets of the US and did affect the share price of JP Morgan. The loss dented the share value of the investment bank by 9.3% on Friday and for a bank that was previously recording significant earnings, this was shocking to its stakeholders2. The bank has enlarged its credit quantities over several years of trading in profitable investment projects, which were subject to exhaustive monitoring from management. However, recently JP Morgan did not incorporate these stringent measures into the diverse hedging strategies of the bank thus resulting in the disastrous loss in their earnings. In 2007, there was discontent of various stakeholders of the company in the manner The Chief investment Officer (CIO) Bruno Iskil was utilizing the corporations resources in undertaking unnecessary risks. In addition to the financial woes, the CEO of JP Morgan was suggesting the company could further experience losses of $ 1 billion due to the inevitable economic turbulences. This supposition will increasingly injure the share prices of the bank, which will dwindle further downwards3. This can discourage potential clients from trading in the stocks of JP Morgan since they will be of a lower value. This factor will diminish their confidence and the clients will not be enthusiastic to deposit their savings in JP Morgan. Furthermore, Fitch, a credit rating agency, did downgrade the bank and was affirmative that this decline could extend unless JP Morgan acts upon the

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Unit 3 Group Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Unit 3 Group Project - Essay Example Doing so harshly might provoke a harsher reaction and thus this will be refrained from under any case whatsoever. Some of the potential issues that can rise owing to the patient information getting available to one and all includes making the patient a laughing stock amongst not only the hospital staff but also the connected links, which includes the friends circle of these hospital employees. Moreover, personal details getting open to one and all, means that there is no privacy involved and this comes directly under the ethical and moral perspective. One should keep in mind that ethics have to be practiced no matter how trying the circumstances are. A person must never let go of the ethical norms and values within his own self. The chances of electronic transfer of these files and more than that getting their print outs can leave a bad taste in the mouth for the readers who see it as well as the people connected with the hospital admin as they will start viewing it as a breach of conduct on their part, let alone their respective personalities. Patient’s information file must be kept confidential since he has invested in the hospital concerning his past track record with regards to health. The hospital staff is morally and ethically bound to safeguard the records and pertinent patient information and at no point in time leak the same for public viewing. A better way to safeguard these files is to make sure that the files are password protected and only the in charge official gets to see these details. Technology needs to make sure that it plays a positive and ethical role in the whole context. Electronic availability of patient information can play a very pivotal role in that patient’s insurance acts which he has to file for returns or claims in the future and thus in no manner it should be kept open for anyone to see. This would ensure that a complete trust

Monday, October 14, 2019

China One Child Policy Essay Example for Free

China One Child Policy Essay Imagine a world where one can’t just simply go to the supermarket because there is not enough food. A world where pollution is a daily reality, the air too thick to even breath and the water virtually undrinkable. A place you can no longer buy consumer goods because there isn’t enough materials to make them. This could become a reality, but preventing it has always been on the minds of the Chinese government. War and epidemics had struck China for years, but after the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, sanitation and medicine improved and prompted rapid population growth. This combined with the movement created by Mao Zedong, China’s previous communist leader, led to rapid population growth that gave China’s monumental population. This monumental mistake took its toll in the food supply when Mao emphasized steel production over farming, food supply slipped behind population growth; by 1962 a massive famine had caused some 30 million deaths. After the population leveled off, the government continued the camping to reduce China’s population. In 1979 the Chinese government introduced a policy requiring couples from Chinas ethnic Han majority to have only one child. Depending on where they lived parents can be fined thousand of dollars for having an extra child without a permit and can be forced to abort the child and then be sterilized. With all this in mind I not only believe that the one child policy with some adjustments can be a good solution to the overpopulation and issues related to it but also it is a necessary policy. With changes to the policy will greatly improve China’s people living environment and standards. Without this policy we can face serious issues concerning food supplies, depletion of natural resources at a rapid rate, poverty,spreading of diseases due to lack of proper medical care, overcrowded cities that can lead to heavy pollution, inadequate housing, lower life expectancy and higher death rates, educational facilities may not meet the population requirements,and finally lower employment opportunities that lead to unequal distribution of wealth. All of this could become a reality without the proper population control provided by the policy. Society a highly structured system of human organization for large-scale community living that normally furnishes protection, continuity, security, and a national identity. Some essential things that are required for the flourishment of a society are essentials such as food and water. This are non debatable requirements for cities to rise, survive and thrive. Over population can bring many obstacles and difficulties that could impede us from thriving as a society. Some include heavy pollution that is caused by factories that are needed to meet the demands of the big population. This pollution can be precipitated into the water sources can lead to the spread of diseases such as cholera and typhoids. Although higher population number will produce more food the earth can only support so much. Even with genetically modified (GMC’s) the land can only be used so much before it runs put of nutrients and then become useless. The overuse of the land will lead to soil erosion from trying to meet the food demands of a huge population. Air pollution can cause the spread of diseases such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, heart disease and even diabetes. This will lead to millions of death and could potentially wipe out entire populations and cause poor living conditions. The lack of proper medical care will be one of many factors also contributing to the decline of living standards and lower living expectancies which means higher death rates. Thomas Malthus wrote theories that predicted living conditions over many centuries. He stated that over population will cause more disadvantages that will outweigh the advantages. Some might said that in his theory he didn’t take into account the advances in technology that is essential to the prosperity of a country. I don’t argue that Malthus may not have taken that into account but it still doesn’t change the fact that earth has a finite carrying capacity. No matter how technology progresses or gets better it will be limited by the resources that we can get. Resources are limited. Technology could provide ways of using this resources more efficiently but no matter what we do it will always lead to the depletion because of higher demand caused by overpopulation. Although technology can solve many of our problems it has a great limitation. That limitation is us. The overcrowding of cities may lead to educational facilities not being able to provide the proper learning environment and fail to teach the population. This will cause high levels kids falling behind and not be able to contribute and move on to high level jobs in science, math or engineering which will slow down the rate of progression in technology, and without it we won’t be able to meet the demands of a large population. Over population can cause lower employment opportunities that will leave many families in poverty. This will cause and uneven distribution of wealth that can cause the crime rate to go higher. Less jobs means the economy would be very limited or there will be a lot of jobs but minimum wage jobs. Families would be forced to sends their children to work so they can help support the family instead of sending them to school. With a smaller population more high level jobs can be given and more money means better standard of living and high life expectancy levels. Wealth can provide many things such as medical care, adequate housing,etc. All of this can be avoided with population control policies such as the one child policy. There is a lot of disadvantages that can cause a disastrous future. So we need to ask ourselves if that will be a life wen want to live in. The answer will always come down to no. The one child policy has harsh effects that are controversial. The forced sterilization and abortion of women is one of the horrid realities that the policy makes possible. But this doesn’t change the fact that the policy is a necessity. I completely agree that this must be change. New regulations can be put into place that are more passive and more widely accepted by the majority. The one child policy is a necessity that helps our society in many ways. The advantages of having this policy far outweigh the disadvantages. It keeps China’s prosperity and encourages great economic wealth and progression. So I urge you to consider all of the points made and see that the one child policy is not only a smart choice but also a great one.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Americas Desire to Enter into World War I Essay -- America and World

World War I, known as the Great War prior to World War II, was a global war which began in Europe on July 1914 and ended on November 11, 1918. The Central Power, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, were at war with the Allies, Great Britain, France, and Russia. These alliances posed a threat when Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist; at this time, Germany urged the Austro-Hungarian Empire to reciprocate and Serbia turned to Russia for help. A chain reaction began and soon Europe was entangled in a world-wide war. In 1917, the United States entered the war, joining the Allies due to issues with Germany, despite supposed reluctance. Woodrow Wilson, the President of the United States throughout the duration of World War I, proved through foreign policy from 1914-1917, the United States’ citizens’ and governments’ evident desire for war from April 1917 to November 1918, and the United Statesâ€⠄¢ domestic effects from the war from April 1917 to 1919 that the United States was eager to enter World War I. President Wilson asserted in 1917, â€Å"I think that you will agree with me that, in view of this [submarine] declaration†¦this Government has no alternative, consistent with the dignity and honor of the United States, but to take the course which†¦it announced that it would take†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany, and so it happened. President Wilson’s alleged ‘neutrality’, the Preparedness Act and war declaration were foreign policies executed in the United States from 1914-1917 that validate the fact that the government, as well as American citizens, was eager to enter World War I. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared neutrality in the United Stat... ...ight in World War I through Woodrow Wilson’s unwilling demonstration of American foreign policy from 1914-1917, the American desire for war from April 1917 to November 1918, and the domestic effects in American from the war from April 1917 to 1919. World War I helped the United States achieve a boom in its economy before the Great Depression and strengthened ties between the members of the Allied Powers. Work Cited Bailey, Thomas A., and David M. Kennedy. The American Spirit. 9th ed. Vol. 2. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1998. Print. Beasley, Mark W. Liberty, Equality, Power: A History of the American People. 2nd ed. Vol. 2. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace &, 1999. Print. Faragher, John M., Mari J. Buhle, Daniel Czitrom, and Susan H. Armitage. Out of Many: A History of the American People. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2011. Print.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

The History of the Psychedelic Movement :: Psychedelic Movement Buddhism Religion Essays

The History of the Psychedelic Movement In an attempt to synthesize my own personal academic area of interest, that is: the history of the psychedelic movement in twentieth century America, with the content of the Asian Religions course, I have elected to study the relationship between the influx of Buddhist philosophy and the psychedelic counter-culture movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s. The subject, although highly specific, has nonetheless generated intellectual interest substantial enough to warrant a sub-field of study, in terms of Buddhist/American History examination. This paper will focus on the thought of the main harbingers of this movement, specifically Aldous Huxley, Alan Watts, and Dr. Timothy Leary. This study will also examine the corruptions of classical Buddhist philosophy wrought by these intellectuals concerned with integrating the psychedelic experience in an Eastern context. The connection between Buddhism and psychedelics in the American experience is a subject of contention because of t he controversial associations of chemically altered perception as compared to traditional Bodhicitta, or the mind of enlightenment. The author Emma Layman, in her book Buddhism in America, asserts: â€Å"Of all the Buddhist groups in America, those focusing on meditation have been most attractive to young people from the drug scene, and it is these groups that have taken the strongest stand against drug use. The psychological literature as well as the literature on Zen abounds in descriptions of the altered states of consciousness experienced under the influence of LSD-25 and other hallucinogenic drugs. Descriptions of these drug-induced states often compare them with the experience of satori or enlightenment which may result from Buddhist meditation. Frequently the opinion is expressed that, under certain circumstances, the LSD experience is a satori experience. † The popularity of Buddhism in America became most pronounce in the period after World War II. It is interesting to note that the United States had just concluded the most devastating war in human history, with the first use of the atomic bomb on the Empire of Japan, yet the Japanese of style Buddhism took hold in America more than other school after the war. It could be said that the main figure head of Japanese, or more precisely, Zen Buddhism, in America was the author and intellectual Dr. D.T. Suzuki. In terms of the American expression of Buddhism, Suzuki had more influence over the interpretation of Zen philosophy than any other writer of the time.

Friday, October 11, 2019

4ps of 759 Store

759 Store is one of the famous supermarkets in Hong Kong. Many people love to buy 759 Store’ products because of the lowest prices. Their marketing strategy is â€Å"small profits, quick returns† which mean they sell their products at low price in order to increase the stock turnover rate and earn the profit faster. However, some research shows that the price of the local products in 759 Store are much lower than others competitors and some of other retailer shop owners pointed that 759 Store are underpricing their products intentionally in order to eliminate other competitors.Since 759 Store’ strategy is â€Å"small profits, quick returns†, their products’ price have to be lower than the same products in outside market in order to earn profits form each products. Also, customers never complain on the low price of products and they will appreciate that if the shops can reduce the product price further. 759 Store has provided some discounts on differ ent combination of products in order to attract more customers. This strategy provides a quick return on stocks and rapid cash inflow to 759 Store.Since 759 Store want to extend their market share, they have intention to do the predatory pricing which means to reduce other competitors profits by underpricing, when others competitors can not afford their operating cost and shut down, the price will rise back to original level and the shop can monopolize the whole market. Some research shows that 759 Store’ sales can barely cover the costs of their products which indicate that some of their products’ price are even lower than the cost. They can easily built up the connection of customers and meanwhile they can eliminate the competitors.Many small business or retailers have been closed because they can’t afford their operating cost with declining profits. The owner of 759 Store has decided to expand his business in order to earn larger market share. Although underp ricing will not violate the law, is it ethical to do so? According to AMA code of ethics in marketing, practicing predatory pricing is unethical. It is an anti-competitive measure to protect market share from new or existing competitors which involves temporarily pricing a product low enough to end a competitive threat. 59 Store should have ensured the fairness of their business and don’t engage in predatory pricing. Also AMA code of ethics have mention the openness of a business which means to create transparency in marketing operations. Many owners of small business have contracted 759 Store about their problematic pricing strategy, but 759 Store still insist in selling their products with low prices. This indicate that 759 Store is lack of communication with others and do not accept the criticism form others. According to 4Ps marketing model, the only ethical issue of 759 Store is pricing. 59 Store represents ethically on other 3Ps. For example, they ensure their products are safe, their products and packages have least impacts on the environment. Also, they do not have any deceptive or misleading advertising or bribery in promotion and there are no gray marketing exist. To improve, 759 Store should deal with their pricing problem. First of all, they should stop practicing predatory pricing and the major reason of them to do so is supplier specifically selling their products to 759 Store at low price.Since 759 Store have many branch in Hong Kong, they can perform bulk purchases to the suppliers and ask for the discounts which is impossible for others small retailers to do so. Therefore, I suggest that suppliers should have fixed price to sell their products to all retailers and do not offer any discounts. Any other method the stop the problem is that 759 Store stop selling local products and focus on selling Japanese products since most of the customers are buying Japanese products form 759 Store and it can avoid affecting other competitor because th e problematic pricing is occurred on local products only.If 759 Store can focus on selling Japanese products, they probably can gain larger amount of profits because price of Japanese Yen are declining currently which leads to a lower price of imported Japanese goods. Also, 759 Store should communicate more with the suppliers and accept the criticism form others in order to ensure the openness of the business. Reference: Major Ethical Issues in Marketing: 4 Ps Model. (2004). Retrieved from http://www. powershow. om/view/13014e-NmEyN/Table_Major_Ethical_Issues_in_Marketing_4_Ps_Model_powerpoint_ppt_presentation. AMA Code of Ethics. (2003) (pp. ). Retrieved from http://www. helleniccomserve. com/marketingcodeofethics. html. Abandon the local goods fought Japanese food blaze trail(2008). Retrieved from http://stock. appledaily. com/News/Detail? articleId=15777657&issueId=20111107. How about Japanese Yen?. (2012). Retrieved from http://www. 759store. com/video2. php.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Euthanasia: Kantianism vs Utilitarianism Essay

The deliberate act of ending another’s life, given his or her consent, is formally referred to as euthanasia. At present, euthanasia is one of the most controversial social-ethical issues that we face, in that it deals with a sensitive subject matter where there is much uncertainty as to what position one ought to take. Deliberately killing another person is presumed by most rational people as a fundamental evil act. However, when that person gives his or her consent to do so, this seems to give rise to an exceptional case. This can be illustrated in the most common case of euthanasia, where the person who is willing to die suffers from an illness that causes great pain, and will result in his or her demise in the not-so-distant future. In this case, killing the person would seem to be the most humane and reasonable thing to do, whereas keeping the person alive would be akin to torture; which is also presumed to be a fundamental evil act. But euthanasia, in essence, is murder, and this might lead one to ask whether there can ever be an exception to murder? And if one were to make an exception in this case, what would then prevent us from making exceptions in other cases? In the worst case scenario, would this not leave an opening for cold-blooded murders to kill people without their consent, and make false claims that they did have their consent? There are a variety of positions, based on the numerous ethical theories that have been developed, that one can take in order to resolve the issue of euthanasia; but the positions I will be looking at in particular, are the positions based on John Stuart Mill’s ‘Utilitarianism’ ethical theory, and Immanuel Kant’s ‘Categorical Imperative’ ethical theory. According to Utilitarianism, euthanasia can be morally justified, whereas according to Kantianism, euthanasia is not morally justifiable; but I will argue that neither position provides an adequate resolution to the issue, due to the significant flaws that are inherent in the reasoning that led to their particular positions. According to Utilitarianism, ethics is primarily an empirical science; essentially implying that the moral standard must be based on human experiences, and not abstract principles that are largely impractical. Hence, based on an understanding of human experience Utilitarianism proposes that the ultimate end of every human action is simply pleasure, and the absence of pain. This fundamental idea then forms the basis for Utilitarianism’s Greatest Happiness Principle which states, â€Å"actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. By happiness is intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain, and the privation of pleasure† (Mill, 7). Also, Utilitarianism asserts that actions are judged as moral solely based on their consequences, and not on their motives. So, if a person acts out of good intentions, but does not produce beneficial results, then his action does not qualify as a moral action. Finally, Utilitarianism asserts that an action is good only if it promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest amount of people. Therefore, an action that slightly increases your own pleasure, but in turn, dramatically decreases the pleasure of other, according to Utilitarianism is not moral action. Thus, in the context of the case mentioned in the introduction, the Utilitarian position on euthanasia would go something as follows: With respect to the individual who is willing to die, he/she would simply be happiest dead, and unhappiest alive. With respect to the people who care for the individual, they would be happy that he/she is alive, but unhappy at the same time because he/she is in great pain; or if the individual underwent euthanasia, happy because he/she is no longer in pain, but unhappy because he/she is dead. So, in applying the Utilitarian principle to this case, the greatest happiness for the greatest amount of people occurs when the person is dead. The reason being that the people who care for the person are both happy and unhappy regardless of whether the person is dead or alive, but the person will only be happy if he/she is dead. Therefore, since euthanasia meets the moral standards set by Utilitarianism, it would support the act of euthanasia as a morally sound action. Unlike Utilitarianism however, Kantianism states that ethics is a purely a priori discipline, thus, independent of experience, and that ethical rules can only be found through pure reason. Also contrary to Utilitarianism, Kantianism asserts that the moral worth of an action should be judged on its motive and the action itself, and not on its consequences. Based on these ideas, Kantianism propose that an action is good only if it performed out a ‘good will’; which is the only thing that is good, in and of itself. To act out of a ‘good will’, one must act in accordance with a categorical imperative. According to Kant there is only one categorical imperative, which is to â€Å"act only on that maxim in which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law† (Kant, 528); and can also be formulated as â€Å"act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never simply as means, but always at the same time as an end† (Kant, 532). Essentially, the categorical imperative states that your actions must not result in a practical contradiction, which can be determined by conceptualizing all other people performing the same act. To illustrate, if I were to make a promise with no intentions of keeping it, and I imagine all other people doing the same, then very idea of a promise would cease to have meaning, and thus, my action would give rise to a practical contradiction, and consequently, be immoral. Finally, the categorical imperative is an unconditional ought, which means that an action must be performed solely out of duty to the categorical imperative, without any ulterior motive, in order for it to be a moral action. Thus, with regard to euthanasia, Kantians would reject the act of euthanasia as a morally good action based on their reasoning that an action is good only if it acts in accordance with a categorical imperative. Taking the categorical imperative in terms of being able to act in ways that can, without contradiction, become a universal law, if one were to universalize killing another person – which is the fundamental act in euthanasia – this would result in a practical contradiction. That practical contradiction being if everyone were to kill one another, then there would be no people left in this world, and as a consequence, the very idea of murder would lose its meaning. Also, if one were to formulate the categorical imperative in terms of treating others (including oneself) as ends rather than means, euthanasia would violate the categorical imperative, in that the person is treated as a means by killing himself, to reach the end goal of eliminating the pain. Therefore, since euthanasia does not meet the moral standards set out by Kantianism, it would not support the act of euthanasia as a morally sound action. However, as I stated in my thesis, I believe that Utilitarianism, and Kantianism do not provide an adequate resolution to the issue of euthanasia, because of the significant flaws in their reasoning. With Utilitarianism, the significant flaw in their position lies in the fact that it is built on the false assumption that the consequences of actions can be predicted, when in actuality they cannot. For example, it is possible that the person, who underwent euthanasia because of the pain he/she suffered, could’ve been misdiagnosed and fully recovered shortly after. Also, inspired by his/her new life, the individual went on to form a charity that raised money for research in pain treatment, thereby increasing the happiness for a great many. Thus, under the utilitarian system, keeping the person alive in this scenario would have been the morally justified act, whereas killing the person would not have been. With Kantianism, the significant flaw in their position lies in the fact that they make an absolute, immutable statement – do not murder – without any consideration for the context in which murder takes place. It is unreasonable, and bordering on foolish, to claim to adequately resolve special cases of murder such as euthanasia through a simple, general statement without taking into consideration its context. Though it is indeed reasonable that deliberately killing another for the sake of harming them is an immoral act, in euthanasia, a person is killed by another only by their own consent, and for the most part, with a good motive. When a person is suffering tremendously and is most likely going to die anyways, it does not at all seem unreasonable to kill him. In fact, killing the person would seem to be the most humane act one can perform, and in not killing the person, and keeping him/her alive in such a state of pain and agony, would be like an indirect form of torture; which in Kantianism is not a moral act. Thus, for these reasons, the positions of Utilitarianism and Kantianism on euthanasia are inadequate in resolving the issue of euthanasia, and euthanasia still remains as a significant social-ethical problem in our contemporary society. Works Cited Mill, J. S. (1984). Excerpts from Utilitarianism, On Liberty and Considerations on Representative Government, 1, 4-42. London: Dent. Kant, I. (1956). Excerpts from Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals, trans. H. J. Paton, 61-62, 64-67, 74, 80-92, 95-107. London: Unwin Hyman. Reprinted in E. Sober, Core Question in Philosophy: A Text with Readings, 520-540. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2001.

Why Do People Bully

Types of and reasons for bullying behavior Questions/Main Ideas/Vocabulary Ask questions you think are important Write questions directly across from the answers In your notes Leave a space or draw a pencil line separating questions Highlight key vocabulary Notes/Answers/Definitions/Examples Write headings larger or in a different color Take sufficient notes with selective (not too much verbiage) & accurate paraphrasing Skip a line between Ideas and topics use billeted lists and abbreviationsCorrectly sequence information Types of Participants: Bully – Someone who hurts somebody emotionally and/or physically. Sometimes It Is Intentional, sometimes It Isn't. Victim – The person who receives the action of the bully. 1 OFF Active Bystander – Acting on behalf of the victim. Why People Bully: Becomes involved. Cultural Causes – Unrealistic for people not to be influenced by violence in our culture. Institutional Causes – If there is no rule enforcing no bullying then it makes the bullying more likely to occur.Social Issues – Some people think that bullying others is funny or even being the class clown. The negative behavior causes people to bully more because they think â€Å"hey why not? Everybody else is doing it! It must be the new thing† Family Issues – Families that encourage violent behavior and the adults in that family who don't teach their kids right from wrong tend to have children who get in trouble a lot or maybe they don't do so well in school. They are also most likely to be the bully.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Report Lab Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Lab Report Example in feeding as it has different mouth parts and mainly feeds on nutrients whereas the adult is specialized in the process of reproduction and dispersal. The type of food consumed between the larva and the adult is entirely different, and this, therefore, enhances their survival. The adult has the secondary characteristics of flying, walking and crawling and therefore even the type of diet it consumes is entirely different from the larva (Kay 3). The organism had both the crypsis and aposematism coloration as a defense mechanism. In crypsis, as exemplified by Kay, 1969, the camouflaging is as a result of the background as was evidenced in the experiment. The phenotypic aspect of the organism in terms of behavioral change in the environment must come into play before coloration occurs. The aposematism effect referred to as warning coloration was observed when there was a striking contrast in terms of background color. The organism died after a period of two weeks as a result of exposure to direct heat from the sun. This in turn led to the destruction of the newly formed chitin that could have provided the protection of the internal organs. The presence of chitin is vital in the life of the organism as this feature offers protection and helps in reproduction through molting process (Kay 5). The death of the organism may result due to different reasons. For instance, improper feeding or harsh environmental conditions minimizes their chances of

Monday, October 7, 2019

Case study assignment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Case study assignment - Coursework Example ‘Open Systems’ Approach and Icy Foods Open system approach is fundamental to the survival based on external stimuli (Kreitner, 2009). Open systems approach came into effect after World War II when management began thinking that organisations are no more a self-contained unit – free from external influences. The company under discussion namely Icy Foods began its operations in 1999 and continued to grow exponentially at least until 2005. The Smiths adopted a very flexible policy approach for organisational management as that suited to them most for meeting market needs. The informal way of working in Icy Foods encouraged workers to learn varied skills passing through different departments as per the needs. Even the company operated night shifts and weekend working when order book forced them to do so. In fact, the Smiths’ approach was quite flexible in people management. It can be gauged from the fact that employees were trained in several areas of company o perations providing them enough liberty to move where they find themselves more suitable. The Smiths were always keen to invite employee view points on operational aspects to bring efficiency in the operations. The fact remains that employees enjoyed considerable freedom in their overall working including their freedom related to leave. Icy Foods paid them above industry average apart from paying bonuses to high performing workers. The Smiths also motivated workers by declaring monthly awards for performers. The management motivated their workforce to deliver their best in many ways and that is reflected in low rates of employee turnover. Thus, Smiths’ were largely following open systems approach responding well to environmental influences; however, things changed when Icy Foods became a subsidiary of one of the large super market chains namely Megastar Plc. Megastar Lacked Open Systems Approach in Managing Human Resources Brown and Grundy (2012) emphasise that human resource (HR) "strategy is very much a part of an open system with many interdependencies" (p 34). Management of the Megastar not only streamlined the operations but also rationalized the product portfolio keeping only four products while discarding remaining. It is true that the company did a commendable job on operational aspects improving efficiency by 35 percent; however, the company fared badly on human resource development aspects. Employee turnover and absenteeism increased significantly. Employees remained grossly unsatisfied with the management because they were not involved in the decision making. They felt that decisions are thrust upon them by managers and headquarter. It is quite clear that in the process to improve operational efficiency of the firm, the management moved away from the ‘open systems’ approach of management. Trained Workers and employees are not only an important but scarce resource for any organisation and ‘open systems’ approach dicta tes that they must be not only preserved or retained but also allowed to develop within the organisation. It is a fact that new management improved the efficiency of the organisation without making it effective to external influences. Environmental Influences Play Critical Role Cole (2005) argues that several environment factors such as economical, social, technological, or political along with competitive forces keep on exerting influence on any organisation. Most of these external environmental factors are not in control of the firm –

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Zoloact Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Zoloact - Essay Example The website will also comprise of images, graphics, triangulation bars, and animations of Zoloact. Additionally, the website will include a shopping cart, which will allow potential customers to order the drugs when they access our websites. Furthermore, the website will include the prescriptions necessary for the drug and the diseases that are cured by the drug. Still, Zoloact website will include a review section whereby patients who have used the drug will give a response on drug use experience. Besides, an inquiry section will be developed where patients can ask questions related to the drug. Market Research Zoloact, as a bisphosphonate drug faces various threats and competition from its competing drugs. Alendronate (Web) notes that the current market valuation of bisphosphonate drug is $ 4.6 billion. However, the market demand of the drug is expected to decrease by 5-7 % each year (Alendronate Web). This is because of the increased awareness of the need to keep healthy by eating calcium containing food components for the elderly. Zoloact, as a bisphosphonate alternative drug, will aim at providing the best medical care to such patients by ensuring that the drug prevents loss of bone mass to the elderly.

Saturday, October 5, 2019

Scrabble Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Scrabble - Essay Example Matt Graham is a thirty two year old. He works in the comedy industry where he is a standup comedian. His mode of dressing of dressing is actually shabby. As Fatsis (2001) states, he wears flannel shirts that he does not button over old T-shirts. The jeans that he puts on are torn and do not fit him well. When he speaks, he speaks so fast that it seems his mind is running ahead of his thoughts. Matt is an individual who does not care much about his health. This is showed by the amount of pills that he takes each day. He has a five by seven card which he has divided into two columns. In one column, he has written the names of twenty pills which he takes in the morning on an empty. In the other column, he has written seventeen more that he has to take with breakfast. He does not care of the warnings indicated on the labels. Rather, he claims that they turn him around more than anything. He also has a damaged knee which pains him much but he refuses to see an orthopedist to check out th e issue. This supports the point that he does not care much about his health (Fatsis, 2011). According to Fatsis (2001), Matt is affected by insomnia. It is indicated that he does not sleep much. Especially on the night before the day when Matt shall play a best of five games against an opponent to find out the world Scrabble champion. The eating habits of Matt are quite out of order. On this particular morning, Matt does not eat much. Matt also chooses not to relax as opposed to the notion that a moment of relaxation and reflection before a very important game is needed. It seems that Matt has very peculiar ways of going about his time and actions before the finals. This peculiar ways may be as a result of the consumption of pills. It is suggested that if Matt is tested for drugs, then he would actually be banned for life. But Matt is lucky as drugs are not tested

Friday, October 4, 2019

Stage 2&3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Stage 2 - Essay Example It is from this perspective that adolescent girls become an important subject of discussion due to the fact that adolescent girls have been found to be easily influenced by socialization, social influences, peer pressure, and social acceptability (Koplan, Liverman and Kraak, 2005). In effect, adolescent girls are more likely to make purchases of particularly food and nutrition products not necessarily because of the personal experience or education they have with the food, cosmetic or drug but because of the influences they receive from peers to purchase. It has even been established in research that due to the physical and biological changes that these girls experience at adolescence, they become more concerned about their bodies at teen ages and thus look for every means possible to appear as they find pleasing in their own eyes (Lackey and Kaczynski, 2009). Because of some of the key variables discussed about teen girls on their physical and biological changes and the quest for mo st of them to achieve a perceived perfect body appearance, this group has often become the target group for most advertisers in the food and nutrition industry. Due to the existing delight from the girls themselves, the advertisers often portray their food, cosmetic and drugs to have the potential of making these girls achieve the perfect bodies that they require or desire for themselves. As reflected in the second research question that seeks to answer the question of ways that advertisements influence the perception of girls on food products and services, Hindin, Contento & Gussow (2004) note that food products and services advertisements do not always represent the holistic truth about what they seek to portray. Rather, they target the intuitions of their audience. This way, they only emphasize on things which when audience hear will draw them to making purchase products advertised. This means that the case is not always holistic or true in what the girls are told in advertisemen ts. Where there is lack of holistic presentation of information, the advertisers have been accused of keeping key information on products that has to do with side effects and risk effects of their food, cosmetic and drugs (Luder, Melnik and DiMaio, 2008). Based on the review above, the second research question will be particularly important in answering because it will open the understanding of girls on the purpose for advertisements and the need for more holistic approach to be taken towards the making of purchases rather than basing sorely on what is presented in advertisements. By holistic approach, reference is made to the need not to base decisions on only what is presented on the face of advertisements but also take time to read extensively about advertised products and services from other sources. Once this is done, the aim for the first research question will be achieved because girls are going to be offered more and more options and bases for taking decisions on purchases. Where the accusation is also with false advertisement, the reports have been that what advertisements present is not what the products or services can really offer. In some other cases,

Thursday, October 3, 2019

The Reason Why Women Live Longer Than Men Essay Example for Free

The Reason Why Women Live Longer Than Men Essay Scientists are finally beginning to understand one of life’s enduring mysteries why women live, on average, longer than men. The new research describes how mutations to the DNA of the mitochondria can account for differences in the life expectancy of males and females. Mitochondria, which exist in almost all animal cells, are vital for life because they convert our food into the energy that powers the body. Dr Damian Dowling and PhD student Florencia Camus, from Monash School of Biological Sciences in the U. S., worked with Dr David Clancy from Lancaster University to uncover differences in longevity and biological ageing across male and female fruit flies that carried mitochondria of different origins. They found that genetic variation across these mitochondria were reliable predictors of life expectancy in males, but not in females. Dr Dowling said the results point to numerous mutations within mitochondrial DNA that affect how long males live, and the speed at which they age. He said: Intriguingly, these same mutations have no effects on patterns of ageing in females they only affect males. All animals possess mitochondria, and the tendency for females to outlive males is common to many different species. Our results therefore suggest that the mitochondrial mutations we have uncovered will generally cause faster male ageing across the animal kingdom. The researchers said the mutations can be entirely attributed to a quirk in the way that mitochondrial genes are passed down from parents to offspring. Dr Dowling said: While children receive copies of most of their genes from both their mothers and fathers, they only receive mitochondrial genes from their mothers. This means that evolution’s quality control process, known as natural selection, only screens the quality of mitochondrial genes in mothers. If a mitochondrial mutation occurs that harms fathers, but has no effect on mothers, this mutation will slip through the gaze of natural selection, unnoticed. Over thousands of generations, many such mutations have accumulated that harm only males, while leaving females unscathed. The study builds on previous findings by Dr Dowling and his team who investigated the consequences of maternal inheritance of mitochondria in causing male infertility. Dr Dowling added: Together, our  research shows that the mitochondria are hotspots for mutations affecting male health. What we seek to do now is investigate the genetic mechanisms that males might arm themselves with to nullify the effects of these harmful mutations and remain healthy.

Aided System for Visually Impaired using Intel Galileo Gen-2

Aided System for Visually Impaired using Intel Galileo Gen-2 Aided System for Visually Impaired People in Bus Transport using Intel Galileo Gen-2: Technical Note K. Bommarajua, A. Manikandanb and S. Ramalingamc Dept. of Electronics and Communication Engg., Government College of Engg., Trichy, India ABSTRACT: Visually impaired people have difficulty in travelling and accessing information about public transportation systems. Several systems have been developed for helping visually impaired people to use the city bus. Most systems provide dual-way communication and require costly and complex equipments. The purpose of this study is to reduce the difficulties faced by visually impaired people while boarding in city buses, using an interactive wireless communication system. The system comprised a user module and a bus module to provide a direct one-to-one connection to reduce the difficulties due to many-to-many communication. When the user triggers the switch, the user module immediately sends out the information. If the bus module receives the matched signal, it buzzes and the warning LED flashes to notify the bus driver that someone is waiting to board on the bus. The interactive wireless communication aid system is a valid and low-cost device for assisting visually impaired people to use city buses. KEYwords:  Wireless communication; Visual impairment; Public transportation Citation: K. Bommaraju, A. Manikandan and S. Ramalingam. 2017. Aided System for Visually Impaired People in Bus Transport using Intel Galileo Gen-2: Technical Note, Int. J. Vehicle Structures Systems, 9(1), 219-223. doi:10.4273/ijvss.9.1.06 Introduction The use of public transport is vital to the productivity and independence of visually impaired people. Supporting visually impaired people to use the public transport can increase their chances of education and employment and reduces the financial burden on their families. In most physical environments, the visually impaired people have difficulty in accessing information about bus stops, terminals, vehicles, schedules, maps, and directories, which prevent them from using the public transport effectively. Knowing the location of the bus stop and the time when the bus arrives are the difficulties faced by the visually impaired people. Some position navigation systems have been developed to solve the problem of locating bus stops. Advanced public transportation services (APTS), including bus dynamic information display method with the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, have been developed by many countries. APTS [1] helps with the bus-stop voice reporting systems to provide more information for visually impaired people about the arrival of the bus which they want to board. Some APTS combined special handling devices were designed to provide dynamic information for visually impaired people. In Taiwan, the Taipei city government utilized an experimental system named broadcasting bus, that announces the bus number upon arriving at the bus terminal, to serve the visually impaired in 2002. The APTS named e-bus system started to be deployed in Taipei city since 2005 [3]. Using these technologies the number and the waiting time of the buses were shown on the light-emitting diode (LED) screen at the smart bus stops using GPRS facility. Only 20 percent of bus stops are planned to build. A survey of 400 passengers in 1998 revealed that the smart bus stops are not sufficient when equipped only with the voice reporting system because the voice information confused when many buses approached the sam e terminal at the same time which was a disadvantage of using many-to-many communication. The APTS with bus-stop voice reporting system and handheld devices might not provide a solution to this important issue. A survey showed that it would be very helpful if somebody could alert bus drivers about their boarding on buses. Various systems have been developed for visually impaired to communicate with bus drivers. Mehra et al. developed a user-triggered bus identification system in 2010. The user could select a particular bus and send signals by user module, and then a small LED starts flickering in the drivers control panel. The system offered only one-way communication. Bischof et al.developed a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system named NAVCOM. The authors proposed that blind people need a feedback to make sure whether the bus drivers get the original message. Another bus identification system designed by El Alamy et al. involves a bus station controller to identify users and send signals to buses with radio frequency. This system will say the information of the bus number when there is a 2-meter distance between the bus and the bus station. In Taipei, bus drivers are forced to leave the bus stop as soon as possible because most time several buses arrive at the same bus stop simultaneously. Visually impaired people are often ignored at bus stops if no one informs bus drivers about waiting passengers [2]. The aim of the present study is to reduce the difficulties faced by visually impaired people while taking buses with interactive wireless communication design. The interactive feedback system allow visually impaired people and bus drivers to receive the transmitted signals from each other and improve the success rate of boarding correct buses [4]. Project moto The moto of our project is to help the visually impaired people to transport easily and also we added some extra features through which the deaf could also be benefited in bus transport. So our project is like a knife which is sharp at both the ends and is going to help the people in two ways. Adults also can know which bus is going to arrive at that moment. So all the people in the society can use this system. We are very interested in doing such a project for our society. There are two modules user module and bus module. The user module will be handled by the user or it can also be placed as common in the bus stop also, so that all the people can use it and then if it is handled by single user alone then he or she can only use it. The bus module is fixed in the place where the driver can notice it. Hardware design For the development of our project, we use two modules. One at the bus driver-bus module One at the passenger-user module Here we are using both transmitter and receiver at both the module. The process, here is that the passenger waiting at the bus stop should switch on the passenger module, it sends out the signal, that signal is received at the receiver of the bus module. Then automatically the alarm sound will be produced and then the LCD will display that there is a passenger is waiting at the nearby bus stop, and then an LED will be glowing there. There are many components that are used for this process. Two types of ICs are used one is coding IC and the other is decoding IC. Fig. 1: Intel Galileo Gen-2 Here the signal is transmitted and received using RF transmitting and receiving modules. For various indicating purpose we use different types of LCD such as warning LED to glow while the buzzer buzzes and the power LED to indicate the status of the module whether it is in ON or OFF state. The main component of our project is Intel Galileo Gen-2 board which is used in Adruinio programming platform as shown in Fig. 1. The speciality of this board is that it can be used as a PC after installing an OS through SD card. It also has some special features that it can be connected to LAN and access internet, it has 20 digital pins which can be used as input/output and 6PWM output pins. We can also connect USB cable to it to transfer programming to it. It works with a power supply of 7-15V DC input. The coding IC HT12E is a 18 pin IC as shown in Fig. 2 mostly used for Radio Applications. The main purpose of this IC is to convert parallel input to serial output. It has 8 address pins and 4 dat a pins, used as an encoder. It has an active low enable pin and works on the voltage level of 2.4-12V. Fig. 2: Encoding IC Fig. 3: Decoding IC Fig. 4: System framework of the user module and the bus module In Fig. 3, the decoding IC HT12D is also a 18 pin IC and converts the serial input to parallel output. Which does the opposite process on the coding IC. Operates at the voltage level same as coding IC. The block diagram shows the components connection of both user and bus module. System development In a real environment, the interaction between visually impaired people and bus drivers are many-to-many relationship rather than a one-to-one. For technological simplicity, in our system we used a one-to-one interactive communication system. The collision of communication data over the one-to-one interactive wireless communication leads to the poor stability and low accuracy of wireless communication. The signal communicates through two distinct frequency bands: 434MHz and 315MHz. The interactive wireless communication system has two modules: a user module for the visually impaired (Fig. 4), and a bus module (Fig. 5) for bus drivers. The hardware was developed according to the interactive design. The user module consists of a wireless transmission module (434MHz), a wireless receiving module (315MHz). The bus module consists of a wireless transmission module (315MHz), a wireless receiving module (434MHz). When the user module sends out a signal, it is transmitted through the 434MHz band to the bus module, which then sends reply through the 315MHz band to the user module. In this way by using different frequencies for transmitting and receiving signals, the problem of wireless data collision between users is avoided. Outcome measure A basic requirement of this system is the wireless communication distance. If the wireless communication distances were shorter than buses stopping distances, conversely, if the wireless communication distance was too long, it was possible that the bus driver would have received the information from a waiting user too early. To avoid such situations, the maximum transmission distance of this system must be less than 100 meters. The outputs are displayed in an LCD which are taken snapshot for both transmitter in Fig. 5 and receiver in Fig. 6. 5.1. Transmitter: Fig.5(a) : Transmitter Initial Stage Fig.5(b) : Transmitter After Request Fig.5 (c): Transmitter After press Key pad 5.2. Receiver Fig.6(a):   Receiver Request of the blind person in the bus module Fig.6(b):   Receiver- Indication of the blind person Conclusions Thus this system improves the confidence of the visually impaired to take city buses and travel to their desired destination. This system is flexible to any climatic conditions. Thus by using our project visually impaired people can use the public transport facilities in an efficient manner. References: A. Montarzino, B. Robertson, P. Aspinall, A. Ambrecht, C. Findlay, J. Hine and B. Dhillon. 2007. The impact of mobility and public transport on the independence of visually impaired people, Vis. Impair. Res., 9, 67-82. https://doi.org/10.1080/13882350701673266. E. Neuville, M. Izaute and L. Trassoudaine. 2009. A way finding pilot study: The use of the intelligent public vehicle by people with visual impairment, Br. J. Vis. Impair., 27, 65-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/0264619à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…’608097747. Survey on Difficulties in Daily Living of above 6 Year-Old Physically and Mentally Disabled, Report on Physically and Mentally Disabled Citizens Living Demand Survey, 2000, Taiwan Ministry of the Interior, Taipei, Taiwan, 329. W.R. Wiener, P. Ponchillia, E. Joffee, J.R. Kuskin and J. Brown. 2000. The effectiveness of external bus speaker systems for persons who are visually impaired, J. Vis. Impair. Blind., 94, 421-433. T.P. Hatlen and L.A. Myers, Advocating in behalf of blind and visually impaired bus travellers, Access to Mass Transit for Blind and Visually Impaired Travelers American Foundation for the Blind, 87-91. Hsiao-Lan Wang , Ya-Ping Chen , Chi-Lun Rau   and Chung-Huang Yu. An Interactive Wireless Communication System for Visually Impaired People Using City Bus Transport. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(5), 4560-4571; doi:10.3390/ijerph110504560.