President FDR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

President FDR - Essay Example This avidly explains the reason for being elected in office for more than two terms, unlike other presidents that preceded him. As a matter of fact, he was often cited to have realigned politics in America through various domestic policies. As such, he was able to redefine liberalism. Change in American politics was realized after 1932 when he was duly elected in office. He is remembered as the president who was optimistic and active as there are several contributions that were appealing to the American society. His tenure in office marked an improvement in the spirit of nationalism as many were proud of the new developments in the country. First, he was the figure behind annihilation of polio. During this time, polio was a scourge in the United States as it affected a large part of the population. However, after his election, he instigated various ways of reducing the effects of polio on the population. This was highly welcome as it was effective. Secondly, he worked with other elec ted officials in the government for the good of the population (Folsom, 2009). For example, he had close working relationship with the prime minister in Britain, Winston Churchill. Similarly, he worked closely with Joseph Stalin, who was the Soviet leader. With such close working relationship, they were able to lead their troops against the Nazi allied Germans and Japan during the Second World War. Similarly, he was able to offer support to Great Britain and china both financially and diplomatically. However, he remained neutral during this time. This is an approach that enhanced the democracy of America as it was seen as a country full of democracy. Though he was providing financial and diplomatic support to the other countries, he was also focused on ensuring the economy was on a developing track. There are various events that serve as a hallmark to the career of Roosevelt as an American president. Apparently, a number of polls have been cited to rank him as the third or second in the greatest American presidents. This shows he was committed to serving the American population through all times while in office. First, he was the person behind expansion of programs that are initiated by the government (Folsom, 2009). This was an initiative that redefined the government’s role in the United States to serve the entire population. For example, this was an initiative that advocated for social programs that are implemented by the government as it was instrumental in enhancing liberalism. This was a hallmark of strengthening the country for the coming generations as it was a benefit to the whole population. Roosevelt was elected in office at the wake of the great depression. This was a hard time for the Americans as they had to contain the harsh economic times. However, with the newly elected president, the American economy was able to contain depression (Greenstein, 2009). Apparently, the great depression was affecting many countries across the globe and it depended on the government officials and presidents to work out a plan to roll out depression. This was well articulated by the incumbent Roosevelt. In combating the great depression, he was able to create a number of programs in the country to help the population that was widely affected. This was done by creating new deal programs that would benefit the people that are worst affected. First, he created the civil

Politics and Human Rights Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Politics and Human Rights - Assignment Example Such implications include factors disruption in the way of life of individuals and the societies from which such individuals come. For instance, the various kinds of drought, which are associated with this form of climate change, caused the disintegration of the civilization process in north Mesopotamia during the third millennium (National Research Council, 2002, p6). With the rate at which climate change is taking place, these is more need to worry about tomorrow if the society is to avoid further consequences of the problem (Cities Alliance, 2009, p 1). According to Paul Gilding (2011, p24), , the possibilities of the temperatures rising and falling in the coming centuries are inevitable. In his book â€Å"The great disruption: How the climate crisis will transform the global economy† Gilding indicates that in the midcentury, temperatures, at the global level, will temporarily rise above more than one degree centigrade. He additionally explains that, the temperature will further drop below plus one degree centigrade sometime, close to the end of this century. According to the author, the sea level will consequently rise by an approximate of half a meter and continues rising all through the years that follow the century. Noteworthy is the fact that, Significant climatic change will be noticed with every century that possess by. The need for security in the ever changing society is obvious and security in the form of water and food even more important. The rate at which the world population is increasing is however so alarming. This is due to the possible insecurities that such increase in populations comes with. The ever-changing climatic conditions and the global warming factor also makes no matter easy in the already insecure world. The interconnection between crises in the aspects of food, water, and energy and the climatic condition, in the quickly warming

Creating a Plan for Positive Influence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Creating a Plan for Positive Influence - Essay Example In any organization, human capital is an essential asset in achieving set objectives. Therefore, as a team leader, understanding that each team member is unique is a step in the right direction. A team, therefore, presents a host of knowledge, personality, and competencies, which when tapped can yield great results. If the project is to be successful, we must have a plan that incorporates each team member’s attitude, values, emotions, and personalities. Team Performance and Effectiveness Achieving the best performance from a team requires â€Å"paying attention to four important dimensions: team member effort, team member knowledge and skills, team tactics, and group dynamics† (Browning, 2007). Hancock also claims that teamwork is the first step towards team success (1999). Therefore, determining the ability of the formed team to realize its mandate requires consideration of values, attitudes, personality, and emotions of each member. Values Values significantly shape w ork attitude. According to Maxwell, â€Å"Values define a team and give it a unique identity† (2009). He further states, â€Å"†¦a team’s values attract people with like values to the team† (p. 15). The desire to achieve professional goals is often affected by values. Therefore, realizing team success demands redirecting personal values towards set goals. Personality Personality defines an individual's characteristics. Since individuals  strive  to find a  niche  suitable for their personality, team members should be scanned for compatibility (Nettle, 2007). Research has proven that individuals with proactive  personality  have excellent chances of success. Such individuals are motivated and enthusiastic. Attitudes and Emotions In 2001, Elwood & Chapman stated that team success depends more on  attitude  than technical achievement. Thus, a team leader who knows how to build a positive attitude among team members can achieve high  productiv ity. On the other hand, emotions, which are human reaction to stimulus, can greatly affect team performance if not checked. Easily angered persons can bring down the entire team with them. As a team leader, communicating the mission of the team to members is crucial. This will reduce chances of diversion and instill values necessary for success. Employees are organizations’ ambassadors. Therefore, their behaviors play a significant role in organization’s success. As such, any new idea, incorporated into the team, must be done after consultation. This will ensure that the new ideas do not conflict with team member’s personal life, resulting in dedication and willingness to abide. Team Differences The team is made of people with different personalities. However, these differences will not affect the effectiveness of the team in any way. Instead, they will act as the foundation on which the team’s strength lies, knowing that member’s reactions and per ceptions to situations are different. An assessment of the various aspects of the team revealed exciting news, a further indication that we are destined for success. First, the assessment revealed that the team is comprised of individuals with professional work attitude, which means they are aware of the boundary between private life and work. Secondly, it revealed satisfaction of most members with their jobs, which means they put all their effort in team success. Satisfaction, Performance

Management and Work Culture Essay Example for Free

Management and Work Culture Essay Instrumental to conduct SWOT analysis, and 3. Plan and build strategy based on the work culture How to develop strategic and operational plans by knowing work culture It is integral part of any individual, and organization. It describes shared value of an organization. It helps anyone to understand how things are done. Here is my cultural preferences: well resourced, ethical, and teamwork centered. Knowing my ideal work culture, I can do better planning and formulate the strategies for an organization. My cultural preferences Necessary resources to do high standard work. Using advantages of available resources, one can do better job of delivering projects with high quality standards. Active promotion of equal rights and justice for all. It will create a culture to grow with the company attitude. Fairness among the employees and employer makes everyone trust each other and the employer. Emphasis on social and environmental responsibility. In this culture, work and life balance here. Social and environmental responsibility culture will help employees more committed to the employer. Because organization is not just focusing on profit itself but also understand human values and help communities around them. Interdependence. Culture of interdependence makes everyone connected, and emphasis the important of collaboration between them. It results toward high level of performance, innovation, and productivity. Friendly and supportive colleagues. Friendliness and supports among colleagues is highly important for employees to challenge themselves, confront each other, and share the knowledge between them. Essential Competencies to Conducting (SWOT) analysis Strategizing competency is one of the most essential to do SWOT analysis. Steps to conduct SWOT analysis: 1. Identify mission statement and goals, 2. Review of internal strength and weaknesses, and 3. To find external opportunities and threats that affect the business or an organization. How my competencies relate to the essential competencies for conducting a SWOT analysis Based on competencies and career interests profiler, my strength are 1.

decriminalize drugs Essay -- essays research papers

One the many controversies in our country today, regards the prohibition of illegal narcotics. Deemed unhealthy, hazardous, and even fatal by the authorities that be; the U.S. government has declared to wage a â€Å"war on drugs.† It has been roughly fifteen years since this initiative has begun, and each year the government shuffles more money into the unjust cause of drug prohibition. Even after all of this, the problem of drugs that the government sees still exists. The prohibition of drugs is a constitutional anomaly. There are many aspects and sides to look at the issue from, but the glaring inefficiency current laws exude is that any human should have the right to ingest anything he or she desires. The antagonist on the other end believes that by doing so chaos would result because of the ingestion of said substances. This purely speculation, and we have seen in the history of man that this has never occurred nor is there reason to believe it will happen this time. Many proponents of the current drug laws claim that legalization and/or decriminalization would in turn increase the number of drug users. If a drug is legalized/decriminalized, the price will fall and the quantity of demand will rise. The evidence from prohibition suggests we can expect two broad patterns of response if legalization occurs. First, there will be a small rise in consumption, which will take place to some extent across the spectrum of consumers. People who had never used drugs may choose to use them. Secondly, there will be a change in the nature of the drugs used and in the way in which they will be used. Specifically, there will be a move toward less intensive drug forms and less abusive patterns of use. When drugs are illegal, more damaging drugs drive out less damaging ones. In jurisdictions that liberalize their drug laws, this process will reverse itself. The evidence on this from Prohibition is unequivocal: as soon as repeal occurred, the consumption of hard liq uor dropped by more than two-thirds. In addition, there was a massive shift from higher potency liquor toward the lower-proof varieties of liquor. The vast majority of all people, addicts and alcoholics included, do not consume drugs as a means of destroying their lives. Nor do they consume them intending to become addicted to them. Abuse and addiction are the adverse consequences that sometimes occur when drugs are ... ...its goal and at this rate we as a nation will run out of money long before it does ever come close. The real tragedy of this situation are those who suffer, and those are the ones incarcerated. From the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 1997 3 out of 4 state and 4 out of 5 federal prisoners may be characterized as an alcohol or drug involved offender. The percentage of those in prison for drug offenses was 54.8% in 2002. Prisons are overcrowding and it seems less money is being put into them. Prison sentences are being handed out everyday and the average length of those put in for drugs has doubled from 1986 to 1999. The rehabilitation of these â€Å"criminals† is almost nonexistent. The culture inside of prison hardly reinforces the recovery of the inmates, instead it breeds a criminal culture from which it s hard to escape. In conclusion, the government’s war on drugs has not been successful to date, and shows no sign of victory in the future. I think it that is about time we reconsider what values we hold high and take a second look at the damage that already has been done by the war on drugs. What it comes down to is personal freedom and the constitutional anomaly that destroys it.

Speech about Drugs

It does not matter who I am or what my name is, what really did matters is my experience about this topic and of course the message that m going to pass you at the end of this speech. Marijuana, L SD, Cocaine, Heroin†¦ All these fancy words, what are they all? They are drugs, all different types Of drugs. All Of which have a different affect on our body, some more than others but they all do the same. Lets be honest. Drugs is not as cool as you think they are, they must be taken seriously especially in your age fellow students when it is more likely to want to try new things.Close your eyes. Imagine your life as a drug addict. What you have just thought, I am so convince that it can not be compared to what drugs can do to any of us. Well, test take a deeper look. First of all, let me explain the true definition of the word drug. Drug addiction is a dependence on a legal or illegal drug on medication. When you are addicted is when your body requires the drug in higher doses to ha ve the same effect and to avoid withdrawal symptoms. You have an intense crave for the drug. Most people can not quit and they need help since they can not do it on their own.Also, drugs can cause serious, long term consequences, including problems with physical and mental health, relationships and employment. Based on the observation, the students consume the drugs cause of stress. It is to calm down the instant thought. The students do not realize that the drugs consumption has the negative impact for them, like the intelligence decreases, mental disorder, death and many kinds of disease. Take a moment and think of the signs that someone can have when he is addicted. At first, it is not so obvious to recognize the addict from the healthy human.Usually, If the addict go too long without drugs, he experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety. If you take a deeper look in someone addicts eyes they re usually bloodshot, larger or smaller than usual. He does not eat, sleep and he sudden lose or gain weight. His physical appearance is starting to deteriorating and he has an unusual smells on breath, body or clothing. Not only he lose his words, but also when he is talking his voice tremors.As for his behavior can easily change and the person you knew, it turns out to be someone else that the only thing he cares about is to take his drug dose. He drops in attendance and performance at work or school. He has an unexplained need for money, and he also may borrow or steal money if you effuse to give him. Sudden change in friends, and he frequently getting into trouble, fights or even illegal activities. What about the effects that drugs can do to their victims? Well there are so many, that I have no idea where to start.Firstly, drugs can weaken the immune system and also rate to heart attacks. We all know that drugs such as heroin can be injected. Well, injected drugs can also lead to collapsed veins, infection s of the blood and different kind of diseases such as Aids. Another effect on drugs is that it can cause seizures, stroke and widespread brain mage that leads to problems with memory, attention and decision-making. Do you know that drugs can produce global body changes? For instance they may development breast in men and it can increase body temperature.Drugs speed up the nervous system and give a feeling of happiness and well-being. They prevent you from relaxing and sleeping, you become uncontrolled and jumpy. The drugs can take you, to not only on good ‘trip' that extraordinary things will happen, they can also take you on a bad trip that it turns out to be a nightmare that you can not wake up from. Your life revolves around drug SE. You spend a lot Of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to get them, and recovering from the drugs effects.You become depressed and you lose all interest in life. You also become paranoid, you confused reality from what you are seeing when you are stoned. Another effect is that the drug addicts have the feeling that someone is after them like the police, or someone who wants to hurt them. What about the people around the addicts? Can you imagine what the surrounding environment can think of them when they find out that you became drug addict? First of all, since you can not concentrate to your job responsibilities, one day to another you become unemployment.Say goodbye to your friendships or relationships that you once had. They can also be negatively affected since the people around you can not trust you. Lastly, the most fatal feeling that you can cause to your family is the feeling of disappointment. The family of the addicts usually blame themselves for the addicts mistakes for doing drugs. F-articulately they are some ways that in nowadays a drug addict can help himself. First of all, you have to stand out and refuse to take drugs. Also, you should find out more healthy solutions to your problems tha t you may facing.Last but not least, as a friend of the victim motivate him to seek for help for his addiction. For example, going to rehab or even going to some organizations such as the Narcotics Anonymous (AN) can help you in many ways to stop using drugs. So, you want know who I am or who I was? Well, I was a drug victim that ended up destroying everything in my life. I was the one that changed dramatically and became one of the things that I warned you about. I shut people up, especially my own family. Captioned everyone and when I wanted help it was too late.

Psychological Disorders and Therapy Essay

I. Introduction Schizophrenia is not only the most dreaded psychological disorder but also one of the most heavily researched. Some important new discoveries link schizophrenia with biological factors, such as brain abnormalities and genetic predispositions. Schizophrenia is one of the most heavily researched psychological disorders. Several factors have been proposed as causes of schizophrenia, from biochemical imbalances in the brain to faulty family relationships and socioeconomic environment. Although a great deal of interesting research has been carried out, to date no single factor has been isolated as the cause of schizophrenia. II. The Understanding and Search for Causes Schizophrenia a) Brain, Structure, Function and Abnormalities Recent advances in the measurement of brain structure and function have set the stage for comparing normal individuals with those suffering from schizophrenia. One brain-imaging technique, computer-assisted tomography, or CT scan, uses many low-energy X-rays of the living brain taken at a number of different points and integrated into pictures by a computer. Studies using this technique show that many individuals with schizophrenia have enlarged brain ventricles, compared to normal persons. Some researchers believe a link sexists between the enlarged ventricles and the lower frequency of alpha waves observed among individuals with schizophrenia. The idea that imbalances in brain chemistry might underlie schizophrenia has long intrigued scientists. Strange behaviors, they knew, can have strange chemical causes. The saying â€Å"Mad as a hatter† refers to the psychological deterioration of British hatmakers whose brains, it was later discovered, were slowly poisoned as they moistened the brims of mercury-laden felt hats with their lips (Smith, 2003). Scientists are beginning to understand the mechanism by which chemicals such as LSD produce hallucinations. These discoveries fuel hope that a biochemical key to schizophrenia might be found. One chemical key to schizophrenia involves the neurotransmitter dopamine. When researchers examined patient’s brains after death, they found an excess of receptors for dopamine (Wong, 2000). What is more, drugs that block dopamine levels, such as amphetamine and cocaine, sometimes intensify schizophrenia victims overactive to irrelevant external and internal stimuli. Modern brain scanning techniques reveal that many chronic schizophrenia patients have a detectable brain abnormality. Some have abnormally low brain activity in the frontal lobes (Cohen, 1999). Others, most often men, have enlarged, fluid-filled areas and a corresponding shrinkage of cerebral tissue (Andreasen, 2000). b) Genetic Factors A popular line of research in recent years has been the search for a genetic link in schizophrenia. Several approaches to the study of genetic relationships have been used. Overall, results of this research are consistent with a genetic basis for the disorder. For example, identical twins are more likely to share schizophrenic diagnoses than fraternal twins, whether the twins are reared apart or together. The greater the severity of schizophrenia, the more pronounced this relationship is. Furthermore, children whose parents both have schizophrenia are three times more likely to develop the disorder than are children with only one parent with schizophrenia, whether children are reared with their parents or not. Children who are reared by an adoptive parent with schizophrenia but whose biological parents are normal do not have higher rate of schizophrenia (Kestenbaum, 2001). The most convincing evidence for a genetic relationship comes from research showing a characteristic defect on c hromosome 5 among family members who have some types of schizophrenia (Sherrington, 2000). Naturally, scientists wonder whether people inherit a predisposition to these brain abnormalities. The evidence strongly suggests that some do. The 100-to-1 odds against any person’s being diagnosed with Schizophrenia become 10-to-1 among those who have an afflicted identical twin. Although there are only a dozen such known cases, it appears that an identical twin of schizophrenia victim retains that 50-50 chance whether they are reared together or apart. Adoption studies confirm a genetic link (Gottesman, 2001). Children adopted by someone who develops schizophrenia are unlikely to â€Å"catch† the disorder. But adopted children do have an elevated risk if a biological parent is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The genetic contribution is beyond question. But the genetic role is not so straightforward is beyond question. But the genetic role is not as straightforward as the inheritance of eye color. After all, about half the twins who share identical genes with a schizophrenia victim do not develop the disorder. Thus, behavior geneticists Susan Nicol and Irving Gottesman (2000) conclude that some people â€Å"have a genetic predisposition to the disorder but that this predisposition by itself is not sufficient for the development of schizophrenia.† c) Psychological Factors If, by themselves, genetically predisposed physiological abnormalities do not cause schizophrenia, neither do psychological factors alone. As Nicol and Gottesman report, â€Å"no environmental causes have been discovered that will invariably, or even with moderate probability, produce schizophrenia in persons who are not related to a schizophrenic.† Nevertheless, if genes predispose some people to react to particular experiences by developing schizophrenia, then there must be identifiable triggering experiences. Researchers have asked:   Can stress trigger schizophrenia? Can difficulties in family communications be a contributing factor? The answer to each question is a strong, clear maybe. The psychological triggers of schizophrenia have proved elusive, partly because they may vary with the type of schizophrenia and whether it is a low-developing, chronic schizophrenia, or a sudden, acute reaction to stress. It is true that young people with schizophrenia tend to have unusually disturbed communications with their parents. But is this a cause or a result of their disorder? It is true that stressful experiences, biochemical and abnormalities, and schizophrenia’s symptoms often occur together. But the traffic between brain biochemistry and psychological experiences runs both ways, so cause and effect are difficult to sort out.   It is true that schizophrenic withdrawal often occurs in adolescence or early adulthood, coinciding with the stresses of having to become independent, to assert oneself, and to achieve social success and intimacy. So is schizophrenia the maladaptive coping reaction of biologically vuln erable people? Most of us can relate more easily to the ups and downs of mood disorder that to strange thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors of schizophrenia. Sometimes our thoughts do jump around, but we do not talk nonsensically. Occasionally we feel unjustly suspicious of someone, but we do not feat that the world is plotting against us. Often our perceptions are distorted, but rarely do we see or hear things that are not there. We have felt regret after laughing at someone’s misfortune, but e rarely giggle in response to bad news. At times, we just want to be alone, but we do not live in social isolation. However, millions of people around the world do not talk strangely, suffer delusions, hear nonexistent voices, see things that are not there, laugh or cry at inappropriate times, or withdraw into their private imaginary worlds. Because this is true, the scientific quest to solve the cruel puzzle of schizophrenia continues. d) Environmental Stress Approaches to schizophrenia have not been exclusively biomedical. Even studies of identical twins show that more than half these pairs do not have share diagnoses of schizophrenia. Because they do share all genetic material, there must be environmental factors that also contribute to the disorder, either by protecting constitutionally vulnerable individuals or by precipitating symptoms of the disorder (Kestenbaum, 2001). One way of conceptualizing the relationship between the environment and schizophrenia is through the concept of stress. A stress hypothesis holds that individuals are genetically vulnerable to the disorder. III. Treatment Behavioral Therapy Voluntary behaviors are strongly influenced by their consequences. This sample fact enables behavior therapists to reinforce desired behaviors, while withholding reinforcement for undesired behaviors. Using operant conditioning to solve specific behavior problems is called behavior modification, a therapy that has raised hopes for some cases thought hopeless. Retarded children have been taught to care for themselves. Autistic children have learned to interact. People with Schizophrenia have been helped to behave more rationally on the hospital ward. Physical   methods or therapy This includes electroshock therapy and brain surgery. It consists of passing electric currents through the brain, producing convulsion coma. Psychoanalysis A procedure requiring that the patient and analyst meet for hour- long sessions several times a week for many months. During these hours the analyst helps the patient bring into consciousness the repressed conflicts that have caused the illness. If the treatment is successful, the patient learns realistic methods of dealing with conflicts. The technique of free association is an important part of psychoanalysis. The patient is encouraged to talk about whatever comes to mind, without regard to apparent relevance or propriety of the material. The analyst helps the patient to understand the meaning of this material. Patients develop resistance in their efforts to talk freely, and it is the analyst’s task to help them overcome such resistance. Resistances are usually associated with feelings of guilt in regard to fantasies about hostility, dependency and sexuality. IV. Conclusion Schizophrenia literally translated means â€Å"split mind.† Split mind refers not to a multiple-personality split, but rather a split from reality that shows itself in disorganized thinking; disturb perceptions, and inappropriate emotions and actions. The schizophrenia victim experiences an altered world. Minute stimuli, such as the grooves on a brick or the reflections of a voice, may distract attention from the whole scene or from the speaker’s meaning. Worse, the person may perceive things that are not there. Such hallucinations are (sensory experiences without sensory stimulation) usually auditory. The person may hear voices that seem to come from outside the head and that make insulting statements or give orders.   The voices may tell that patient that she is bad or that he must burn himself with a cigarette lighter or even commit murder. Less commonly, people see, feel, taste, or smell things that are nonexistent. Such hallucinations have been compared to dreams breaking into waking consciousness. When the unreal seems real, the resulting perceptions are at best bizarre and at worst terrifying.

Writing Money versus Heart

Writing Money versus Heart When you have spells of no feedback, and your family and friends do not take your writing seriously, what do you do? There lies the crossroad. The point of decision between writing for reward and pats on the back. . . or writing for sanity and joy. If you do one, you wonder why you cannot have the other. But in reality you understand that heavy focus on one always robs from the other. I was at the bank recently, and the banker asked me what I did for a living. I said I was an author. He asked more. I explained I retired from the federal government at 46 to write, and Ive been doing it every since. Oh, he said. Now you can just have fun. I smiled and accepted the back-handed, ignorant, meant-to-be-nice compliment. After all, I needed his help. But the comment stuck with me for days after. Add to that the comment of my father. Facing dementia, he calls almost daily, forgetting whatever we talked about the day before, usually asking, Am I interrupting anything? I usually  say that I am working, which means at the computer writing. This week he replied, Are you working, or just writing? Of course, you dont scold an old man for not understanding. Then theres the old friend from years ago who hub But then a reader asked me to read her essay and offer feedback before she entered a contest. A very reputable contest, so I gave it a look-see. It blew me away. The piece was poignant, deeply personal, and gripped me through the entire 5,500 words. It made me wish I had the liberty to only write from the heart and only for me. Wishing that making a living didnt factor into the equation. As a reader, take a second to respect the author. Whether you loved the story or tossed it in the trash, somebody on the other end poured tons of time and heart into creating that book. As an author, take a second to remember that you have to write for you first and foremost. You have to love living inside your stories before anyone else can. And if the book doesnt sell, well, you created a world for yourself. . . designed And as a successful author, take a moment to measure if youre still loyal to the writing. Because its that umbilical cord connection that birthed you and got you started. Dont get so independent, or so successful, that you dont recall that writing is what sets you mentally free.

Wait Until Dark Anaylsis essays

Wait Until Dark Anaylsis essays Part 1: Which subcatagory does this movie fit Out of the suspense thriller subcatagories I think this movie is a mixture of two; the psychotraumatic thriller and the thriller of moral confrontation. Although this movie doesn`t completely fit into one catagory, it is a definitive suspense thriller. The definition the book gives of psychotraumatic thriller is " a thriller organized around the pschotic effects of a trauma on a protoganist`s current involvement in a love affair and a crime or intrigue". The book goes on to say that the protagonist is "always a victim of some past trauma and often real villains take advantage of his or her masochistic guilt". Wait Until Dark fits the definition of the psychotraumatic thriller in many ways. Firstly, the main character, Susie, is newly blinded. She is married to Sam but isn`t sure if he is having an affair or not. Susie is also manipulated by real villains in the form of henchmen out to get a doll full of drugs that serendipitly landed in the hands of Sam. While Sam leaves Susie at home these villains enter the home using disguises and pretending to be a cast of different people in a plot to get the doll. These henchmen play on Susie`s lack of self confidence due to her blinding. This movie also fits equally as well into the definition of the moral confrontation thriller which is "organized around an overt antithetical confrontation between a character representing good or innocence and a character representing evil". Susie is clearly good. Her naieve character is eager to please and determined to prove her capability. The villians are evil, caught up in a world of murder, drugs and thievery (the exception being the character Mike Talman who tries to redeem himself at the end of the movie by attempting to save Susie). Some of the empasized dualities between good and evil in this movie is the clothing and the slang. Susie ...

Top 25 US Colleges for Geology Ph.D. Studies

Top 25 US Colleges for Geology Ph.D. Studies Where did most geology professors get their Ph.D.s? Of the teaching faculty of American universities, a study by the American Geological Institute found that an overwhelming 79 percent earned their geoscience doctoral degree from just 25 institutions. These same schools granted 48 percent of the doctorates held by all faculty at the time of the survey. Here they are, ranked from first to last, with their current post-graduate degree programs. This is not the only way to rank colleges, but these ones are all top-notch. In some cases, the doctoral program may no longer by offered by the institution. 1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology  Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) offers undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral programs. They have an active professional organization of graduate students, the EAPS Graduate Student Advisory Committee. 2. University of California, Berkeley  Department of Earth and Planetary Science offers Master of Arts and doctoral programs. 3. University of Wisconsin, Madison  Department of Geoscience offers Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees. 4. University of Washington  Department of Earth and Space Sciences offers Master of Science and doctoral programs. 5. Columbia University  Department of Earth Environmental Sciences offers a Ph.D. in Earth and Enviromental Sciences and a Masters degree in Climate Society. 6. Stanford University  Department of Geological Sciences offers M.S., Engineer, and Ph.D. degrees. 7. Pennsylvania State University  Department of Geosciences offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees 8. Harvard University  Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences admits students for the Ph.D. degree only. 9. University of California, San Diego  Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers three Ph.D. programs, including Geosciences of the Earth, Oceans, and Planets. 10. University of Michigan  Earth and Environmental Sciences has a Ph.D. program. 11. University of California, Los Angeles  Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences has M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Geochemistry, Geology, and Geophysics Space Physics. 12. California Institute of Technology  Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences has a doctoral degree program and you may also be awarded a masters degree en route. 12.  University of Illinois (tie) Department of Geology offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and notes that the oil and gas industry aggressively recruits in Illinois. 14. University of Arizona  Geosciences department offers M.S. and four-year Ph.D. programs that are research-based. 15. University of Minnesota  Department of Earth Sciences - Newton Horace Winchell School of Earth Sciences 16. Cornell University  Earth and Atmospheric Sciences has a Geological Sciences field with Master of Engineering, Master of Science, and doctoral degrees. 17. Yale University  Department of Geology Geophysics has only a Ph.D. program. 18. University of Colorado  Geological Sciences offers Masters of Science and doctoral degrees. 19. Princeton University  Department of Geosciences offers only a Doctor of Philosophy degree. 20. University of Chicago  Department of the Geophysical Sciences offers a Ph.D. program. 21. Oregon State University  College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. 22. Johns Hopkins University  Morton K. Blaustein Department of Earth Planetary Sciences offers a doctoral program. 23. University of Texas, Austin  Department of Geological Sciences 2 3.  Texas AM University (tie) Department Geology Geophysics offers Master of Science and doctoral degrees. 25. Ohio State University: No longer lists a doctoral program, but offers BS and BA in Earth Sciences. Thanks to the American Geological Institute for this information, reported in Geotimes May 2003.

Chemistry of hazardous materials Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Chemistry of hazardous materials - Essay Example The sooner the explosive is named, the quicker a response team can put together a plan of action. Explosives are classified by DOT (2012): Explosives must have a driver that is physically and mentally fit to understand all local, state, and federal laws regulating explosive transport. The Department of Labor (2012) explains that no smoking or weapons can be carried on their transport. Metal should be covered so no spark occurs. These transports should not be left alone. Like other hazardous materials, explosive transports shall be clearly marked as such. Finally, the Department of Labor (2012) requires a working fire extinguisher that drivers are trained to use in the transports. Explosives are different from other hazardous materials due to the mass destruction caused. For example, an explosion can destroy a road, railway, or ship and everything in the vicinity. A toxic gas leak can lead to evacuations, but can be cleaned up with little or no life loss. The property damage is less as well. Once something explodes it cannot be taken back. It damages, kills, and can potentially lead to other explosions. These are a few reasons explosions are different from other hazardous

Management and Society Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management and Society - Assignment Example However, I would like to offer some clarification and deliberations over the issues that need to be addressed, before the problem is curtailed permanently (Blackman 119-123). Further, I would like to differ with the accounts given, regarding the causes of the massive death and the reduction of the world’s bee population. First, I would like to acknowledge that the recent bee population reduction of 2012 is critical, and its impacts will be felt in the present as well as the future. The areas where I would like to differ with your recommendations of addressing the problem include that I would like to point out that pesticides are not used by fruit farmers only, but also vegetable farmers among others, who are similarly affected by the problem at hand (Harding 229-232). Secondly, I would like to point out that the elimination of pesticide use will result in major economic and environmental impacts in the short as well as in the long term. These impacts include that the productio n of fruits will reduce acutely, which will reduce the economic health of the farmers as well as the economy in general. Besides this, the immediate banning of pesticide use will affect the potential of the agricultural sector, which is likely to cause a food supply imbalance in the future. The solutions to this problem, from my point of view, include that your institution, my company and the farmers can channel resources and research towards the exploration of the problem, in an in-depth manner. Through the in-depth exploration of the problem, the combined forces will expose the specific causes of the colony collapse disorder. I have full confidence in the fact that the problem of pesticides may be a contributor to the problem, but it is not the only cause of the colony collapse disorder. For example, scientists have noted that the problem could be traced to the effects of a virus infection in the bee world, which could be the cause of the massive reduction. Considering these alter native causes of the problem – it is important to note that through the implementation of the strategy you directed my company about – which is requiring all fruit farmers to stop the use of pesticides, may not stop the reduction of the bee population. This is mainly because pesticides may not be the main contributor to the bee population-reduction crisis (Blackman 119-123). Alternatively, the research to be administered through the cooperative efforts of your institution, my company and the farmers can also explore the specific effects of pesticide use and the reduction in bee populations (Harding 229-232). Through the study, the study teams will draw inferences on the alternative ways of reducing the impacts of pesticide-use on the current crisis. Further, this study could incorporate other farmers and groups using pesticides, and not fruit farmers alone, because the other group may be the main contributor to the pesticide release problem. Through the different outlo oks, the study will offer inferences on the best channels of exploring the possibility that the problem is caused by the use of pesticides. Further, in the case that the studies show that a relationship exists between pesticide use and the reduction in bee populations, we could petition the manufacturers of the pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids. By

Compare and Contrast Zombie and Vampire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Compare and Contrast Zombie and Vampire - Essay Example These have made the creatures to appear as if they are similar and related creatures which might not be the true. Although they bear striking similarities such as being undead beings (supernatural), immortal and inhumane in nature, they also differ pronouncedly in their theories of origin, physical characteristics, modes of feeding and the extent of powers that each possesses. These are discussed as follows. The most obvious and common similarity between vampires and zombies is that they both arose from the dead. Both the vampire and the zombie are dead human beings that have been brought back to life by the use of supernatural powers such as black magic or sorcery. They might differ in other characteristics though, but their original roots are traced back to people who once lived normal human lives and died, but now continue to exist as the undead and totally different from their former selves in terms of characters and abilities. For centuries, vampires are believed to be undead, immortal, demonic and superstitious beings that were condemned to eternal suffering by unclear forces and supernatural beings of nature. They are immortal in the sense that they can’t be killed by normal phenomena that would claim a normal human being’s life such as poison, accidents and diseases. They are though, believed to lose their immortality when subjected or exposed to some special substances and conditions like the religious cross, roses and the garlic. Similarly, zombies are corpses that have been revived using Voodoos and other magical powers; mostly in the Haitian folklores. They too are immortal just like the vampires and are under absolute control of their creators who uses them as their slaves who have the powers to rip them of their immortal status. They are total subjects of their creators since they lack their own will. A zombie being under total control of their creator, it lacks the ability to

Food and Culture Individual Country Project Lab Report

Food and Culture Individual Country Project - Lab Report Example which took place between Mexico and the US, which took place between 1846 and 1848, in which the US was attempting to take control over independent Texas. In the end, the US army defeated the Mexican leading to the signing of the peace treaty between Texas, New Mexico and California in which Mexico lost its land by almost a half. The events that took place in Mexico right from independence fostered the economic, political and social assimilation of different social groups contained by the nation and made the state and nation building stronger. The most relevant civil wars that took place that made a lot of significance in Mexican history are the Mexican Revolution that took place in 1910. The war led to an estimated loss of life of about one million Mexicans. The war ultimately ended with the formation of the new constitution at the beginning 1917, but it still lasted a few decades before peace to finally set in the nation. The reconstruction after the revolution affected all aspects of the society and gave a totally new significance to the nation. Put simply, the Mexican culture simply stands out from other cultures. The differences and variations that one can find in Mexico can be incomprehensible. Mexican people are generally renowned for their artistic and creative nature. In addition, they take such pride when it comes to culinary matters. It is not strange to find people in a hot debate about food. It is what defines them as a culture. The dances are also unique to the nation only, although most modern societies are adopting them and changing them in one way or another (Sanchez, 28). Unlike their neighbors, the dominant language in Mexico is Spanish, which can be said to be as a consequence of being colonized by Spain. Mexico possesses a comprehensive and refined culinary culture, with a vast variety of local dishes. However, there are three main common dishes that constitute the heart of most Mexican foods: beans, corn and hot peppers or as commonly

How did Ptolemy I come to adopt the title of king after Alexander the Essay

How did Ptolemy I come to adopt the title of king after Alexander the Great's death How did he come to adopt the title of 'Soter' meaning Saviour What controversial evidence surrounds these events - Essay Example Though Ptolemy became known to history initially as the â€Å"friend, confidant, and later general of Alexander† and later as his predecessor, there was no indication from any historical accounts that Alexander wanted Ptolemy to be his successor (Bingen and Bagnall, 2007, 15). But it has been clear from historical documents that Ptolemy was close to Alexander (Worthington, 2003, p.137). It was by the year, 330 that Ptolemy â€Å"succeeded Demetrius† and became the aide-in-hand of Ptolemy as he was already a senior leader in the â€Å"Macedonian army† (Ellis, 1994, p.10). Green (1990) has observed, â€Å"Ptolemy was one of the few to realize that limiting his ambition would actually get him farther in the long run† (p.9). But once Alexander died, he was not sitting idle as well. After taking over the responsibility of governance of Egypt, the first thing he did was to attack and conquer â€Å"the rich North African State of Cyrenaica† without attaining any permission from Perdiccas (Green, 1990, p.13). On the political front, Ptolemy is known for the first ever application in history â€Å"of a philosophy of monarchic power† once he succeeded Alexander as the king (15). But later historians (eg:- Bosworth, 1976) have also pointed out that Ptolemy manipulated the facts in his history of Alexander, a text from which supposedly the most authentic historian of Alexander, Arrian, drew his facts to retell the story (117). It has been observed that Ptolemy exaggerated his own achievements and downplayed his rivals’ ones in this text (Bosworth, 1976, 117). And the result was that whatever history that exists about Alexander, incorporates within it, the exaggerated self of Ptolemy also. Ptolemy himself had told the story of Alexander but this book is now lost somewhere in the quagmire of history (Ellis, 1994, 7). Hence, it is through the work of Arrian (1907), that now we know the story of Alexander, of course as told

Food and Culture Individual Country Project Lab Report

Food and Culture Individual Country Project - Lab Report Example which took place between Mexico and the US, which took place between 1846 and 1848, in which the US was attempting to take control over independent Texas. In the end, the US army defeated the Mexican leading to the signing of the peace treaty between Texas, New Mexico and California in which Mexico lost its land by almost a half. The events that took place in Mexico right from independence fostered the economic, political and social assimilation of different social groups contained by the nation and made the state and nation building stronger. The most relevant civil wars that took place that made a lot of significance in Mexican history are the Mexican Revolution that took place in 1910. The war led to an estimated loss of life of about one million Mexicans. The war ultimately ended with the formation of the new constitution at the beginning 1917, but it still lasted a few decades before peace to finally set in the nation. The reconstruction after the revolution affected all aspects of the society and gave a totally new significance to the nation. Put simply, the Mexican culture simply stands out from other cultures. The differences and variations that one can find in Mexico can be incomprehensible. Mexican people are generally renowned for their artistic and creative nature. In addition, they take such pride when it comes to culinary matters. It is not strange to find people in a hot debate about food. It is what defines them as a culture. The dances are also unique to the nation only, although most modern societies are adopting them and changing them in one way or another (Sanchez, 28). Unlike their neighbors, the dominant language in Mexico is Spanish, which can be said to be as a consequence of being colonized by Spain. Mexico possesses a comprehensive and refined culinary culture, with a vast variety of local dishes. However, there are three main common dishes that constitute the heart of most Mexican foods: beans, corn and hot peppers or as commonly

The Impact of using New Technology in Art Exhibitions Dissertation

The Impact of using New Technology in Art Exhibitions - Dissertation Example The traditional exhibition industry has been altered with the addition of technological dynamics. Technology in this field has not only enhanced the emotional expression of art but also made networking more efficient. It has affected the way viewers observe and appreciate art and exhibitions. It has even widened the spectrum of viewers by creating the interest of more and more people. Advancements in technology offer many benefits to the museum industry but these benefits are accompanied by challenges as well. The plans of Minsheng Art Museum can shed some light on the impact of modern technology on its business. This impact may not necessarily be for the best and this will be analyzed later in the paper. Technology has greatly influenced our lifestyle and will continue to do so in the future; therefore, its impact cannot be ignored. Minsheng Art Museum has introduced several innovative methods in its business of exhibitions. These technological methods involve the use of Ipad, Itouc h and Iphone and their relevant applications. Moreover, the museum’s management has initiated contact with Apple to promote its business and Apple has orally assured its support. This cooperation will give birth to a fully digital art gallery that will include guidance system, app client software, on-line exhibitions and virtual exhibitions. This plan is still in the early stages therefore the precise details are unavailable. However, the museum has already started using official micro-blogging. The idea of using the cellular technology springs from the growing interactive relationship between the audience and their high-tech cell phones. The experience of art galleries and exhibitions can be encompassed in this user-phone interaction and that it how it will be promoted among cellular users. Cell phones have become more personal in nature in this modern day and age. Moreover, they do not just serve the purpose of establishing contact with fellow humans. Cell phones have now e ntered a whole new era where they have become high-tech machines. These machines hold great importance to their holders as they represent their personalities. Cell phones have become so advanced that they can even serve the purpose of a mini computer. All of these attributes make cell phones the ideal candidate to promote art and history. Museums have the opportunity to use this technology to provide their audience with a virtual experience of what they have to offer. Apple products have become extremely popular among the youth as it offers a wide range of applications. These applications present a great opportunity to exhibition curators. Museums can use these applications to spread their message. This message in turn promotes the museum and attracts more people. The museum has resorted to the use of online social media for marketing as well. Facebook and twitter could not be used in China so that is why the museum uses Weibo which is an online social media website like Facebook. T he museum promotes its exhibitions through Weibo. This is similar to the use â€Å"What’s app† in Iphone. Iphone or Ipod applications can be used as navigator for the exhibition. This technology is already available in Iphone but the key is to know how to use it to promote this business. These applications can serve their purpose by helping the audience make up their opinion about the exhibition. The museum can provide information on the content of the exhibition on such Iphone applications. This was the audience can

Hamburger and Tropical Hut Essay Example for Free

Hamburger and Tropical Hut Essay This pie chart shows the market shares of a fast food industry that the McDonald’s corporation has 13% share, Yum! Brand’s Inc. 10%, Doctor’s Association Inc. 9%, and Wendy’s have 4% of shares. While the other’s has 64% of share, including the share of a Tropical Hut. I. Introduction Tropical Hut is one, if not the oldest, fast food joint in the Philippines. It started in 1962 when the Que family had this idea of putting up a coffee shop within the confines of their supermarket, thus, Tropical Hut Hamburger was born. Now, it has more than 50 branches nationwide and still growing, proving that it can hold its stance in the fast food arena. Tropical Hut Food Market, Inc. (THFMI) started its operation as a small sari-sari store and is owned by the Que family. In 1962, the business has grown into a grocery store and expanded rapidly into a Supermarket. It was also in this year that the concept of a Coffee Shop within the Supermarket was launched with the introduction of Tropical Hut Hamburger: The Company was incorporated in February 1965. In 1972, Mercury group of Companies, Inc. acquired the Company with the introduction of a Drugstore within the Supermarket. II. Market SituationÃ'Ž Before Jollibee, before McDonalds, before Burger King, before anyone else, it seems, there is Tropical Hut Hamburger. And hamburger it is, indeed the best it could ever be. But that was long ago. Now, Tropical is just a vestige of its former self. Everyone suspects that their hamburger is where Jollibees came from They almost have the same taste. Their fried chicken is also just like Jollibees, but this time it was Tropical who copied it. Tropical has other food selections, like Bistek (a local version of beef steak er strips) and other sandwiches. However, the place is not world class. It is not as clean nor as well kempt as McDonalds or Jollibee. And they have a very poor image. Although food is good, you wouldnt want to be seen there.

Multiple Churn Prediction Techniques And Algorithms Computer Science Essay

Multiple Churn Prediction Techniques And Algorithms Computer Science Essay Abstract-Customer churn is the business term that is used to describe loss of clients or customers. Banks, Telecom companies, ISPs, Insurance firms, etc. use customer churn analysis and customer churn rate as one of their key business metrics, because retaining an existing customer is far less than acquiring a new one. Corporates have dedicated departments which attempt to win back defecting clients, because recovered long term customers can be worth much more to a company than newly recruited clients. Customer Churn can be categorized into voluntary churn and involuntary churn. In voluntary churn, customer decides to switch to another service provider, whereas in involuntary churn, the customer leaves the service due to relocation, death, etc. Businesses usually exclude involuntary churn from churn prediction models, and focus on voluntary churn, because it usually occurs due to company-customer relationship, on which the company has full control. Churn is usually measured as gross churn and net churn. Gross churn is calculated as loss of previous customers and their associated recurring revenue, generated by those customers. Net churn is measured as sum of Gross Churn and addition of new similar customers. This is often measure as Recurring Monthly Revenue (RMR) in the Financial Systems. INTRODUCTION Predicting and preventing customer churn is becoming the primary focus of many enterprises. Every enterprise wants to retain its each and every customer, in order to maximize maximum profits and revenue from them. With the introduction of business and management systems, and automation of operation flow, corporates have gathered lots of customer and business related data during the daily operating activities, which give data mining techniques a good ground for working and predicting. Lots of data mining algorithms and models have emerged to rescue from this issue of customer loss. These algorithms have been widely used, from past decades, in this field. For prediction of customer churn, many algorithms and models have been applied. Most common of them are Decision tree [1], Artificial Neural Network [2], Logistic Regression [8]. In addition, other algorithms such as Bayesian Network [4], Support Vector Machine [], Rough set [5], and Survival Analysis [6] have also been used. In addition of algorithms and models, other techniques, such as input variable selection, feature selection, outlier detection, etc. have also been applied to get better results out of the above algorithms. First three models i.e. Decision tree, Artificial Neural Network and Logistic Regression have been applied maturely at multiple corporates. Each algorithm has been improved over multiple iterations, and are now pretty much stable. But as the operation and activities of business are growing, it is becoming more and more complex challenge to solve the problem of customer churn, and this is requesting for the generation of new churn prediction models, which are fast and robust, and which can quickly be trained and scored on large amounts of data. Literature review Jiayin and Yuanquan [1] presented a step by step approach on selecting effective input variables for customer churn prediction model in telecommunication industry. In telecommunication industry, there are usually very large number of input variables is available for churn prediction models. Of all these variables, there could be variables which have positive effect on the model, and few which are redundant. These redundant variables cause overload for the churn prediction model. So it is always better to select only important features and remove redundant, noisy and less informative variables. In their study, they have proposed Area under ROC (AUC) method for calculating classifying abilities of the variable, where ROC is Receiver Operating Characteristics, and then selecting variables which have the highest classifying abilities. In addition, he also proposed to compute mutual information among all selected variables and finally selecting variables which have relatively low mutual i nformation co-efficient. Huang and Kechadi [11] proposed a new technique for Feature Selection for the churn prediction models. As their primary focus was telecommunication industry, and in telecom the amount of input variables / feature is very large, and it is always better to select a subset of features, which have the most ability to classify the target classes. Otherwise running algorithm on all the input variables will be too much to time and resource consuming. Most commonly used techniques for selection of features only judges whether an input feature is helpful to classify the classes or not. The approach proposed by them takes into account the relationship between the specified categorical value of the feature and a class for selecting or removing the feature. Luo, Shoa and Lie [2] proposed the customer churn prediction using Decision Tree for Personal Handyphone System Service (PHSS), where the number of variables in input data set is very small. Decision Tree is probably the most commonly used data mining algorithm. Decision Tree model is a predictive model that predicts using a classification process. It is represented as upside down Tree, in which root is at the top and leaves are at the bottom. Decision Trees is the representation of rules. This helps us in understanding, why a record has been classified in a particular way. And these rules can be used to find records that fall into some specific category. In their work they found out the optimal values of input dataset with reference to time sub-period, cost of misclassification and sampling method. With their research, they came up to conclusion that 10-days of sub-period, 1:5 cost of misclassification and random sampling method are the most optimal parameters when training a data m odel using decision trees, when the number of input variables is very small. Ming, Huili and Yuwei [4] proposed a model for churn prediction using Bayesian Network. The concept of Bayesian Network was initially proposed by Judea Pearl (1986). This is a kind of graphics mode used to show the joint probability among different variables. It provides a natural way to describe the causality information which could be used in discovering the potential relations in data. This algorithm has been successively used in knowledge representation of expert system, data mining and machine learning. Recently, it has also been applied in fields of artificial intelligence, including causal reasoning, uncertain knowledge representation, pattern recognition cluster analysis and etc. A Bayesian network consists of many nodes representing attributes connected by some lines, so the problems are concerned that more than one attribute determine another one which involving the theory of multiple probability distribution. Besides, since different Bayesian networks have different structures and some conceptions in graph theory such as tree, graph and directed acyclic graph can describe these structures clearly, graph theory is an important theoretical foundation of Bayesian networks as well as the probability theory, thus the results of Customer Churn using Bayesian network are very promising. Jiayin, Yangming, Yingying and Shuang [10] proposed a new algorithm for churn prediction and called it TreeLogit. This algorithm is combination of ADTree and Logistic Regression models. It incorporates the advantages of both algorithms and making it equally good as TreeNet ® Model which won the best prize in 2003 customer churn prediction contest. As Treelogit combines the advantages of both base algorithms so it becomes very powerful tool for customer churn prediction. The Modeling process of TreeLogit starts by Designing Customers character variables based on prior knowledge. Then the character variables are categorized into m sub-vectors, and a decision tree for each sub-vector is created. Once we have the decision tree for each sub-vector, then we develop logistic regression models for each sub-vector. And finally we evaluate the accuracy and interpretability of the model. If they are acceptable then the customer retention process is started, otherwise the model is re-tuned for better results. Jing and Xinghua [5] in their work on customer churn prediction, presented a model based on Support Vector Machines. Support Vector Machines are developed on the basis of statistical learning theory which is regarded as the best theory for the small sample estimation and predictive learning. The studies on the machine learning of finite sample were started by Vapnik in sixties of last century and a relatively complete theoretical system called statistical learning theory was set up in nineties. After that, Support Vector Machines, a new learning machine was proposed. SVM is built on the structural risk minimization principle that is to minimize the real error probability and is mainly used to solve the pattern recognition problems. Because of SVMs complete theoretical framework and the good effects in practical application, it has been widely valued in machine learning field. Rough set Xu E, Liangeshan Shao, XXuedong Gao and Zhai Baofeng introduced Rough set algorithm for customer churn prediction [2]. Dengh Hu also studied the applications of rough set for customer churn prediction[5]. According to them, Rough set is a data analysis theory proposed by Z. Pawlak. Its main idea is to export the decision or classification rules by knowledge reduction at the premise of keeping the classification ability unchanged. This theory has some unique views such as knowledge granularity which make Rough set theory especially suitable for data analysis. Rough set is built on the basis of classification mechanism and the spaces partition made by equivalence relation is regarded as knowledge. Generally speaking, it describes the imprecise or uncertain knowledge using the knowledge that has been proved. In this theory, knowledge is regarded as a kind of classification ability on data and the objects in the universe are usually described by decision table that is a two-dimensional t able whose row represents an object and column an attribute. The attribute consists of decision attribute and condition attribute. The objects in the universe can be distributed into decision classes with different decision attributes according to the condition attributes of them. One of the core contents in the rough set theory is reduction that is a process in which some unimportant or irrelevant knowledge are deleted at the premise of keeping the classification ability unchanged. A decision table may have several reductions whose intersection was defined as the core of the decision table. The attribute of the core is important due to the effect to classification. Survival Analysis Survival analysis is a kind of Statistical Analysis method to analyze and deduce the life expectancy of the creatures or products according to the data comes from surveys or experiments. It always combines the consequences of some events and the corresponding time span to analyze some problems. It was initially used in medical science to study the medicines influence to the life expectancy of the research objects. The survival time should be acknowledged widely, that is, the duration of some condition in nature, society or technical process. In this paper, the churn of a customer is regarded as the end of the customers survival time. In the fifties of last century, the statisticians began to study the reliability of industrial products, which advanced the development of the survival analysis in theory and application. The proportional hazard regression model is a commonly used survival analysis technique which was first proposed by Cox in 1972. CRITICAL REVIEW Jiayin and Yuanquan [1] proposed a very simple method for the variable selection. The method proposed is very effective and practical, But there are more systematic methods available, which use advance neural network, induction algorithms and rough set. Huangs and Kechadis [11] concept for taking into account the categorical values into account when feature selection is being performed, is good. But their concept is limited to categorical values and continues values cant be applied on their approach. Continues values need to be discretized into categorical values, before their feature selection concept could be applied, but this conversion from continues to discrete may result in loss of information. Luo, Shoa and Lie [2] selected Decision Tree as their choice of data mining algorithm for churn prediction, which is the simplest and understandable algorithm for classification. Its simplicity also makes it the most widely used algorithm. But decision tree has its own limitations, they are very unstable and a very little change in the input variables, such as addition of newer ones, require rebuilding and re-training of complete decision tree. In addition, they should have also focused on how to enrich the input variables, by adding new derived variables that could enhance the efficiency of the model. Ming, Huili and Yuwei [4] Bayesian network model has advantages and some short comings. It has the ability to product best results even when the input datasets are incomplete. In addition, it has the ability to take connections into account when predicting churn and to take prior knowledge into consideration. This algorithm also has the ability to effectively prevent over fitting. But if the dataset is large, the structure learning of the Bayesian networks will be too difficult. Thus this model is not fit for telecom, where the dataset is always very large. Jiayin, Yangming, Yingying and Shuang [10] TreeLogit combines the advantages of both algorithms i.e. ADTree and logistic regression, thus it is both data-driven and assumption-driven and it has the capability of analyzing objects with incomplete information. Moreover, its efficiency is not affected by the bad quality data and it generates continues output with relatively low complexity. Jing and Xinghua [5] used Support Vector Machine algorithm for Churn Prediction. This algorithm is best if you have a limited number of sample records, but on the other hand its theory is very complex and there are many variations in it. So it is difficult to find the version which best suites your problem. Conclusion There are multiple solutions available for customer churn prediction. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. So a single solution might not be best for any organization. The organization may have to use the combination of algorithms and techniques to get the best results for churn prediction.

Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever :: essays research papers

Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a rare, severe type of hemorrhagic fever that affects both humans and non-human primates. Marburg is the first member of the family Filoviridae (or "thread" viruses), which also includes the Ebola virus. Like Ebola, Marburg is an enveloped, single-stranded, unsegmented, negative-sense RNA virus. It has the same characteristic filamentous (thread-like) structure, can appear shaped like a U, a 6, or spiraled like a snail; and can sometimes be branched. The Marburg virus is identical to Ebola in form and structure; however, it is genically distinct from Ebola (meaning that it stimulates the production of different antibodies). Marburg virions are 80 nm (nanometers) in diameter and average approximately 800 nm in length, although length can vary up to 14,000 nm. The four species of Ebola virus are the only other known members of the filoviridae family. As with Ebola, the exact procedure of Marburg is unknown. However, virion surface spikes are made solely of large glycoprotein (compound consisting of carbohydrates and protein). It is assumed that, as with other negative-strand RNA viruses, these surface spikes bind to receptors on the host cell and act as a â€Å"go-between† entry into susceptible cells. Viral replication takes place in the cytoplasm, and envelopment is the result of budding preformed by nucleocapsids (viral protein coat and nucleic acid). Ultimately, the virus involves the liver, lymphoid organs, and kidneys. Marburg virus was first recognized in 1967, when outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever occurred simultaneously in laboratories in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany and in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia). A total of 37 people became ill; they included laboratory workers as well as several medical personnel and family members who had cared for them. The first people infected had been exposed to African green monkeys or their tissues. In Marburg, the monkeys had been imported for research and to prepare polio vaccine. Recorded cases of the disease are rare, and have appeared in only a few locations. While the 1967 outbreak occurred in Europe, the disease agent had arrived with imported monkeys from Uganda. No other case was recorded until 1975, when an Australian traveler most likely exposed in Zimbabwe became ill in Johannesburg, South Africa and passed the virus to his traveling companion and a nurse. The year 1980 saw two other cases, one in Western Kenya not far from the Ugandan source of the monkeys implicated in the 1967 outbreak.

Valentine’s Day

With Valentine's Day approaching, I plan some cheer in the lives of college students. I prepare hundreds of love poems by the famous and the infamous on slips of paper to be tossed in a basket and passed around the classroom. And we share poems in April during National Poetry Month. Last December when we read â€Å"A Christmas Memory† by Truman Capote, I noted that not one student in class had ever tasted fruitcake. I made some and brought it in for a taste test (ingredient list on BB to avoid any allergies). My students always know the homework and what is expected, but I like to bring in the unexpected. They know that for me â€Å"education should be fun BUT education is never a joke.† I grew up in dreadful Appalachian poverty, the only one in a large extended family to attend college. My students know the story. If a person works hard, most of life works out and brings rewards. I demand that they work hard. I have been teaching for almost 40 years. I am not shy about calling a student into my office and using the â€Å"metaphorical stick† to say: you are brilliant. Why are you so casual about your studies? I receive emails or letters from students to let me know how life worked out for them. One of the young men whom I had reprimanded in my office for taking his studies too frivolously sent a note that he had just received his PH D and had accepted a position as a Superintendent of Schools in Connecticut. I have served on every committee and volunteer to mentor young faculty. I understand that at my age, they must say: she is still excited to enter the classroom after all these years. What is the secret? I have presented at both national and international conferences. About five years ago I began to question the value of our curriculum in developmental education. That led to much research, a chance meeting with Peter Adams of Community College of Baltimore who became my mentor. I knew that our administration and Trustees would not consider class sizes of eight (Peter's recommendation and practice) so I devised a triad system. Two classes of ENGL 101 (nine developmental students nestled into the 20 in each section). The two nines join later in the support class of eighteen. We have had phenomenal results in both retention and graduation. When the need arose recently for an Honors program, I stepped up to get that curriculum going. Students stop by my office to chat or to ask that I listen. When a student enters, I place everything aside and am â€Å"in that moment.† I have been voted Faculty of the Year twice by students and was presented with the Lindback Teaching Excellence Award. I look forward to every day with my students and with my colleagues in the community college.

Mercury Athletic Case Essay

West Coast Fashions, Inc. (WCF), a large designer and marketer of men’s and women’s branded apparel recently announced plans for a strategic reorganization. Active Gear, Inc. (AG), a privately held footwear company, was contemplating an acquisition opportunity. John Liedtke, the head of business development for AG, was interested in a WCF subsidiary. The subsidiary that Liedtke and AG intended to acquire was Mercury Athletic (MA), a footwear company. Liedtke thought acquiring Mercury would roughly double AG’s revenue, increase its leverage with contract manufacturers and expand its presence with key retailers and distributors. In order to provide a solid recommendation to Liedtke, further analysis must be performed. Market Overview The apparel or footwear industry is highly competitive with low growth. The market is influenced by fashion trends, price, quality and style. Companies can reduce risk factors by not following fashion trends which equates to efficient and effective inventory management and missed profit opportunities. Active Gear AG is a relatively small athletic and casual footwear company. It has annual revenues of $470.3M (42% of revenues came from athletic shoes), and $60.4M of operating income. Casting a shadow over these numbers are AG’s typical competitors. AG’s typical competitor has annual sales over $1.0B. Because of Chinese manufacturing contract consolidations, AG’s size was becoming a disadvantage due to low buying power vs. competitors. AG’s initial focus was to produce and market high-quality specialty shoes for golf and tennis players. AG was among the first companies to offer fashionable, walking, hiking and boating footwear. Over the years, the firm’s athletic shoes had evolved from high-performance footwear to athletic fashion wear with a  classic image. The firm’s traditional casual shoes also offered classic styling, but were aimed at a broader, more mainstream market. AG’s target demographic was urban and suburbanites, ranging from 25-45 in age. AG’s distribution channels consisted of independent retailers, departmental stores, and wholesalers. AG excluded big box retailers and discount stores. AG focused on products that didn’t follow fashion trends, resulting in a lengthened product lifecycle. This business model led to more efficient and effective supply chain and operating management. However, because they opted for the safe route it halted the company’s sales and growth opportunity. Mercury Athletic Mercury Athletic was purchased by WCF from its founder Daniel Fiore. Fiore was forced to sell the company after running it for over 35 years, due to health problems. Due to a strategic reorganization, the plan called for the divestiture of MA and other â€Å"non-core† WCF assets. MA had revenues of $431.1M and an EBITDA of $51.8M Products were distributed to departmental and discount stores It had two product lines- athletic and casual footwear Target market of both men and women Shoes popularity grew in the extreme sports market MA developed an operating infrastructure, allowing management to quickly adapt to changes in customer tastes with product specifications. 1. Is Mercury an appropriate target for AG? Why or why not? Let me walk you through some qualitative considerations before making my recommendation. Strategic considerations: AG and MA are both competing in the athletic and casual footwear industry. Acquiring MA could lead to economies of scale and scope through manufacturing and distribution networks, respectively. Acquiring MA- AG would be less affected by the Chinese manufacturing contract consolidation, due to increased buying powers. AG could potentially revive and profit from acquiring Mercury’s women’s product line. Acquiring MA will double AG’s  annual revenue. Counter arguments- AG and MA target demographics could not produce company synergies MA is fashion trendy, therefore prone to risks outside of AG’s steady business model Company cultures could not match 2. Review the projections by Liedtke. Are they appropriate? How would you recommend modifying them? In order to find if the projections are reasonable, you need a starting point. Using projected growth rates and EBIT should indicate if Liedtke’s data is solid. Referencing the Free Cash Flow and Terminal Value tables (found below), I will be able to generate an opinion of Liedtke’s projections. Year to year growth rates are extremely volatile, normalizing in 2010. The negative rate could signify that in 2007 they are projecting to discontinue a product line. The swing back to a positive growth rate could be indication of AG leveraging its economies of scale and scope, while distributing their product lines through big box retailers. EBIT has been projected to gradually increase, which looks to be on par with industry norms. It is reasonable to say that Liedtke’s projections properly reflect AG’s business model, post-acquisition. 3. See tables and calculations below 4. Do you regard the value you obtained as conservative or aggressive? Why? From my analysis, the value I obtained seemed to be aggressive against the information provided. Referencing the tables below: Terminal or Enterprise Value is High Synergies are excluded from financial analysis Declining revenue growth 5. How would you analyze possible synergies or other sources of value not reflected in Liedtke’s base assumption? In order to analyze possible synergies, I would look at both companies’ operations. Starting from where they source their materials to distributing their final product are all possibilities of operational synergies (buying power, distribution channels, inventory management, etc†¦). Financial synergies would include combining revenues and cost benefits, which translate to increasing bottom line. Company culture matching could also become problematic. Quantitative Analysis Net Working Capital Free Cash Flow WACC Terminal Value Valuation NPV, IRR and Payback Period Conclusion Net present value of future cash flows equates to a positive $0.2M. Internal rate of return or IRR is the interest rate at which the net present value of all the cash flows from a project or investment equal zero. The IRR of this acquisition is 28%. Having a positive NPV and an IRR that considerably outweighs the discount and risk free rate- suggests that this acquisition should be pursued. In conclusion, AG should acquire MA.

Is Child Behavior Better or Worse Today Than It Was Years Ago Essay

Parents determine the behavior of their children. If a parent is willing to take the time and work at being consistent,children benefit. If you say â€Å"no†,it must mean†no†. It may mean that as a parent, you must get off that sofa and physically STOP a child from misbehaving; even requiring the child to remain in a â€Å"time out† location for inappropriate behavior. Parents who try to discipline their children by just telling them to stop a behavior, are not teaching the children respect authority, nor are they helping the child to become a responsible adult. Having said that, there seems to be a greater number of parents who are unwilling to spend the time and effort necessary to properly teach their children how to behave, resulting in a greater number of children who miss behave. Family life compared to a hundred years ago is on the decline. Everyone moves at a fast pace these days. My Father and Mother are working to maintain the home, while my sisters and my brother are left to their own devices and there isn’t a coming together to sit down and communicate on some level. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day. Technology has advanced so much compared to a hundred years ago, that we are well on our way to fuel less cars and robotic companions. Yet, with advanced technology comes the added responsibilities to maintain and seek out other avenues for even far move advanced technologies to help support the life styles we have come accustomed to. Is this then better than before when we were thankful just to have light and running water in the house? Education is by far better today than a hundred years ago! The fields of learning have been opened up to boys and girls equally to seek out far greater possibilities than were even imaginable a hundred years ago. Yet, with this privilege of learning has came a decline in our education system. The lack of adequate teachers, the high rise in disrespect for authority, just the lack of caring whether you learn or not has affected our education system. A hundred years ago the thought of a higher education was just a dream for most. If you acquired a fifth grade reading level you were doing good. Learning was a privilege, and yet today we cast an education around as if it were an article of clothing. While there has been such great strides in our would today compared to a hundred years ago, we have missed out on the carefree, thankfulness, and appreciation of the things and others around us. We take for granted what we hoped to have or even imagined we could have years ago. But now in this generation child behavior is much worse than it was years ago. Disrespect for authority figures. The fault lies with the parents to be sure. We are told to cater to our childrens emotional â€Å"needs† and that coperal puminshment is bad for them. Children require constant training, patience and love – most of todays parents are too busy or selfish to make this kind of investment. If children are allowed to control and manipulate their parents as in the description above, the parent will be helpless to teach that child anything. Oh! I agree! its worse. This is a prime example of a child rearing gone wrong: and the sad thing is it’s all too common these days. Children are not raised to respect anything or anyone, and they suffer no consequences. If these children are our future, we are in trouble. -Beating Death Structure-setting a strong foundation for a successful future. any expert will tell you that every child needs structure to flourish- especially teens. As parents today we face an even greater challenge because of working parents, more activities and mobility of kids and teens, communication devices and networking websites. The purpose of the Parent Teen /Child Behavior contracts is to create a structure that eliminates gray areas, creates new habits, and helps create a peaceful home with more contentment and less chaos. Parent Contracts behavior charts and behavior contracts were design for parents with children or teens who need a little guidance with rules, respect,and boundaries. We created the parent child contracts in an easy to use format and anyone can download the file to a MAC or PC computer. The parent teen agreements can be printed and filled out easily. The parent contract elements are displayed on different pages so you can use any parent child agreement you’d like or throw away a certain behavior contract that don’t need to be used in your home with your youth. The teen /child behavior contracts were developed by troubled teen industry experts. This included professionals who have worked with defiant youth and used successful behavior modifacation tools including their own teen behavior contracts (home contracts). As we have updated the behavior charts and behavior contract templates we have consulted with some of the most experiences parent coaches and licensed and therapist to create the best parent teen child contracts.

Molecular Neuro-degeneration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Molecular Neuro-degeneration - Essay Example It is evident that no drug has been discovered that could to completely protect neurons; there are two possible approaches to that may come up with the treatment of AD. One approach involves treatment which prevents the onset of the disease through curbing the primary targets and reducing the subsequent pathologies of the AD. This way, it becomes possible to slow the disease progression and hence prevention to the development of AD (Vradenburg 2013). The second approach involves the symptomatic treatment; an approach whereby the primary and tertiary symptoms of the AD are declined. Through this approach, reflection to the current state of treatment including the usual treatment the cognitive impairment, the decline in global function, deteriorating performance of activities of daily living and behavioral change ( Perry 2013). When searching for the appropriate treatment strategies, scientists concentrate on the severity of the disease and also the specificity of each individual. Currently the available therapeutic agents are the main target to specific symptoms of the AD; the agents such as cholinesterase inhibitors involved in the enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission and also the inhibiting of acetylcholine degradation within the synapse are the Alzheimer’s disease main treatment (Vradenburg 2013). Going by the report on the role of the involvement of PI3 kinase signaling in AÃŽ ²-induced memory loss in Drosophila, the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway regulation in AÃŽ ² oligomer neuronal cell cycle process and Amyloid-b Interruption of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway involvement in brain-derived neurotrophic factor-induced arc expression in rat scientists can improve theirs unleash a further superior drug to completely heal the Alzheimer’s disease (Perry 2013). One of the hindrances to the progress of other researchers on AD have been due to the fact that most drugs developed show general success in animal specimens but when testing them to human beings, they become less responsive, Therefore, it is safe to say that this project is still in its infancy and further studies have to be carried out but in the long run a solution will be arrived upon.

Sociology - Article Critique Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sociology - Article Critique - Assignment Example There are many questions involved in this article that target the laws and regulations, causes of child labor, working conditions and environment, education and training, consequences of child labor, and so on. However, the author didn’t ask any questions directly, instead Menelievich gathered all the information and statistics in the article and then discussed them and finally summed everything up with own solutions and ideas. This is what makes this article a succinct but well bodied research. The writer talks about the causes of child labor by covering up the most important factors in a very succinct manner. Following are the causes of child labor in a brief manner to make the topic clear: I. Poverty & Ignorance of parents Poverty is of course the foremost reason of child labor. When a family is poor and the guardian is unable to feed their kids, they find no other way but to put their children on work despite of the fact that the children’s age is for studying and n ot working. ... not expect to be totally supported by its family and this is what makes the child see no abnormality in missing school and to start working (Menelievich,1979, p. 560). III. Lack of schools and adequate educational infrastructure When there will be less schools and inadequate educational infrastructure, there are fewer chances that the children will be educated. So it’s essentially important that there are enough schools in each country, city and town so the children can get education. When the children will be involved in educational activities, their parents will not consider taking them out from the schools and putting them in on work. IV. Parent’s unawareness about the harms of child labor As mentioned at by Menelievich, â€Å"The age at which children start working varies but in a good many countries there are still children who are working at as early an age as 6. For example, a study carried out in India revealed that 24.6 percent of the children surveyed had sta rted work between the ages of 6 and 9, 48.4 percent between 10 and 12, and 26.9 percent between 13 and 15 (Menelievich, 1979, p. 562).† Furthermore; â€Å"In Bombay it was found that children employed in hotels and restaurants were working an average of over 11? hours a day, while in Santiago de Chile they were putting in between 10-13 hours a day (Menelievich, 1979, p. 562).† Now anyone can realize how an early age labor life can crush a child’s innocence and personality. 6-12 is the age of children when they are growing up and their emotions, personality talents are being built so when they are put on labor; they lose their childhood. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to heat, sun, dust, insects, chemicals, wind etc effects the physical health of the child immensely which can cause skin diseases,