Thursday, October 31, 2019

A Rose for Emily by William Falkner Research Paper

A Rose for Emily by William Falkner - Research Paper Example He also won the Pulitzer Prize for â€Å"Fable† and â€Å"The Reivers†. Faulkner started writing for material gains as he did not belong to a wealthy family he struggled his way through hard work and voracious reading. Skills of writing can be learnt but ways to pore your thoughts into words can be a gift from God. Faulkner depicted the social and moral connections between present and past. Most of his stories have an element of southern culture or link themselves to ethical aspects. As he was a survivor, witness and victim of world war, he portrayed his stories with the background of civil war and slavery. His books always had a flare of southern element in them. Faulkner’s stories contained the tragic part more sturdily than the adequate ending. He was a firm believer of southern values. Due to change in socio economical conditions people began to adapt them. Faulkner however wasn’t convinced to see the fall of those values exchanged by the new ones. The passion and never ending energy through which Faulkner wrote without financial security in the era of depressing war, his series of achievements contain As I lay dying, Light in August, Absalom, Absalom.(John) A rose for Emily, written by William Faulkner, tells the life story of a woman who had gone through complicated phases of life which she had to endure.(William) She showed acceptance in her youth to accept norms and customs taught by his father but after maturity she practiced the same values showing none flexible attitude to change and to accept change as large. Emily represented the resistance of decayingold southern values. The story mainly revolves around one character Emily Grierson, a young lady who lived all her life with her father. Her father was a proud man who believed that he was higher in status and superior to all the people in town, endowing the same beliefs to his daughter. The world of Emily revolved around her father and she was shattered when he died and sh e went into solitude. The town’s people felt sorry for her after the death of her father. They were curious about her way of living and they kept a close watch on Emily. â€Å"When Miss Emily Grierson died, our whole town went to her funeral: the men through a sort of respectful affection for a fallen monument, the women mostly out of curiosity to see the inside of her house, which no one save an old man-servant—a combined gardener and cook—had seen in at least ten years.†(Faulkner.) She again suffered a major blow when she got close to a newcomer in town known as Homer Borron who refused to marry her. But she found out her own way to deal with the situation and poisoned him and kept his body with her for thirty years. This was discovered in the end when she died and his body was found in her house. This shows her psychologically disturbed inclination towards past and the dead. Even if her father’s overpowering control over her beliefs and ideology or her isolation after his death causes this inclination, it was clearly a pathological scenario. The story â€Å"A Rose for Emily† presents Emily as a very stubborn lady who lives her life in her own way and finds her own ways to deal with situations. She constructs her own modes and methods to lead her life and does not care about the restrictions of society. This can be seen when Emily refuses to pay the taxes â€Å"

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Create a business plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Create a business plan - Assignment Example However, the company does not aim to restrict itself to this segment and shall provide its services to a broader market. The products offered shall include home delivery, office delivery, Food for a week and other new and upcoming products. The company shall be in a profitable position from 2013 and look to consolidate its position by increasing awareness and market share. Distribution networks will be setup that will help the company in gaining a competitive advantage. Company Profile Dream Inn is more than a restaurant serving top quality food to its customers. Dream Inn is a concept, an idea that originated earlier in the minds of its creators after observing the quality of food and service being provided by other vendors. The creators had the vision and foresight to identify various unfulfilled needs of customers in the Bahraini market. While these restaurants were providing top notch food to their customers, there are some areas of the food order and delivery value chain that le ft something to be desired. For instance, the creators recognize that customers are individuals and vary in all aspects such as ordering time and buying patterns. Dream Inn is open 24/7 to cater to customers at all hours, day and night. Secondly, the creators identified another need that remained untapped which was the requirement for customers to have home and office delivery at all times and fulfilled this need by decentralizing operations and creating multiple offices which allowed the company to cater to customers in a timely manner. Another need serviced by Dream Inn is through the use of technology – by the creation of a user friendly website which allows customers to view the products on offer and place orders easily and have their food delivered within the agreed time limits. This is particularly helpful for professionals who spend most of their time in front of the computer. Marketing Strategy Market Share The company will aim to gain a market share of 10 percent of food delivery services by 2015 and look to increase market share to 25 percent by 2020. Product Profile Dream Inn provides a vast array of services to its customers for their convenience. These services include: Provision of user friendly website for viewing the different products on offer and placing an order online for the convenience of the customer Provision of 24/7 door to door delivery services throughout the country Established outlets for convenience of customers to place orders on their way from home or office Creation of new value added services such as Food for a Week, which will allow customers to book a weekly menu in advance. This will be particularly helpful for those customers who are professionals and lack the time to order on a daily basis and can decide their weekly menu in one single attempt. This product will be equally beneficial for single bachelors who are immigrants and have moved here in order to make a living and do not have the time or knowledge to prepar e their own meals and cannot afford to order on a daily basis from high priced restaurants. Menu includes items from various fast food restaurants, Italian, Asian and cuisine of various countries. Since the products are being purchased from other restaurants, and Dream Inn is aiding their sales revenues, Dream Inn shall be able to purchase these products at a substantial discount from suppliers and gain a

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Effect of Migration on the Economy

Effect of Migration on the Economy Volume of migration varies with the difficulty of surmounting difficulties. Greater the obstacles, lesser the volume of migration. This statement is applicable in the local context as well. As Rodrigues form part of the Mauritius, no major obstacles have been found out. The main obstacle which was the cost of moving and living was solved by taking a loan and borrowing from friends and relatives. Hence the volume of migration was quite high due to no major obstacles and the ability of Rodriguans to surmount the remaining minor obstacles. Volume of migration varies with fluctuations in the economy. This is not really the case in Mauritius. The decision of migration is not much influenced by the economic condition in Mauritius. Most of them won’t consider the economic problems in Mauritius before migrating. According to them Mauritius has more employment opportunities then Rodrigues even times of economic depression. Both rate and volume of migration tend to increase with time. Lee’s findings are applicable in the local context as indeed the volume has increased with time. The process of migration from Rodrigues to Mauritius is quite smooth and does not involve long procedures. It is free of major obstacles and short trip of five hours. However, we are not sure if migration of Rodriguans to Mauritius will increase in the future. Major developments will be occurring in Rodrigues as stated recently by the Minister of Finance and also by the new government. Nevertheless, it depends how far promises will be delivered. If the aim of making Rodrigues a developed island is achieved, then migration will more probably decrease with time as during the survey, most of them said that they do want to return to Rodrigues one day if ever there will be employment opportunities available there. People who have migrated once tend to migrate again. This has neutral relevance in the local context as the answers gained were mixed. 49% of Rodriguans clearly refused to migrate migrate as they are used to Mauritius, also they are in the same Republic. The remaining persons were willing to migrate again. Streams of migration Migration tends to take place largely with in well-defined streams, that is from rural regions to towns and then towards major cities, implying migration occurs in stages instead of one long move. This is partly true. Some Rodriguans lived in small and under developed places when they first migrated to Mauritius, examples are Roche Bois, Baie du Tombeau but are now residing in more developed regions where there are more facilities like Reduit, Beau Bassin/Rose Hill, and Long Mountain. Also, when asked, the majority of them said that if ever they get the chance to migrate to another country, they would do so. However, the above statement is partly wrong as many Rodriguans are still living in the same place where they were living when they first migrated. This doesn’t always happen as most of them don’t have the means to look for houses in developed regions. Lee’s hypothesis depends whether they have the means to move towards other regions or cities. A counter-stream develops for every major migration stream. Efficiency of streams tends to be high if the major factors behind the development of the stream are push factors at the place of origin. Efficiency of streams and counter streams tend to be low if the origin and destination areas share similar characteristics. Rodrigues and Mauritius have huge differences in terms of economic conditions and facilities. Hence, efficiency of streams and counter streams tend to be high. Greater intervening obstacles mean more efficient migration streams. Migrants overcome several intervening obstacles under compelling circumstances. Hence, such migration is taken seriously. Rodriguans who had financial issues and borrowed money from their surroundings can’t return to Rodrigues without being successful as they would be embarrassed in front of their families and friends. Efficiency of migration streams varies with economic conditions. The decision of migration is not much influenced by the economic condition in Mauritius. Most of them won’t consider the economic problems in Mauritius before migrating. According to them Mauritius has more employment opportunities then Rodrigues even times of economic depression. Characteristics of migration Migration is selective; high quality migrants tend to be selected positively. This statement is not applicable in the local context as most migrants are of low calibre and there is no selective selection as such. Most of them are employed in the secondary sector where there is no need of being a high quality migrant while others who work in the tertiary sector may be required to follow some courses or training in Mauritius itself. Any Rodriguan who is willing to work and have the financial means to travel to Mauritius, followed by solved accommodation issues can come to Mauritius. Migrants responding mainly to pull factors at destination tend to be positively selective. Their reason of moving is not because of compelling situations at the rural area but due to better opportunities at the urban destination. Migrants who respond mainly to the push factors at the rural area tend to be negatively selected as they are mainly uneducated and unskilled people, having failed economically and socially. Migrants from Rodrigues with even low literacy level are positively selected, they work in the secondary sector and some work in the primary sector of Mauritius while others may be required to follow some training to work in the tertiary sector. Rodriguans who migrate to Mauritius are not necessarily those who have failed economically and socially as they may simply want to migrate to improve their earnings. When all migrants are considered together, selection for migration tends to be bimodal, some are responding to push factors while some are responding to pull factors. It must be noted that a high proportion of migrants respond mainly to the push factors, especially people with low literacy levels. Increasing intervening obstacles lead to increased positive selection as the weak and incapable migrants are wiped out. Migration is age specific as propensity to migrate is higher during certain stages of the life cycle, especially for young people of working age. This is highly accurate in the local context as it has been notes that people aged between 25-59 years old are more likely to migrate; these are people of working age. The characteristics of migrants are in between the characteristics of the origin population and of the destination population. As Rodrigues form part of Mauritius, we can note that Rodriguans are quite similar to Mauritians in terms of their way of talking, living, culture and norms. Conclusion It can be noted that migration is a function of the interplay of several push and pull factors, implying that there should be a cause for leaving Rodrigues as well as an attraction for Mauritius. When these two conditions are fulfilled, only then movement of Rodriguans will be possible. It can be said that the research findings substantiate considerably the main characteristics of the Lee Push Pull Migration theory discussed in Chapter Two Literature Review. Hence, it can be concluded that the above evaluation offer a satisfactory explanation for the migration behaviour of Rodriguans to Mauritius.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Twelve Angry Men and the Jurors of The Kevorkian Trials Essay -- compli

â€Å"I can’t Function as a human being†¦ I want the right to die,† pleaded Sherry Miller, patient of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the famous â€Å"Death Doctor† (Chermak 107). The entitlement to commit suicide was never a problem, that is until it was challenged by Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Kevorkian was born in Pontiac, Michigan in 1928 (Chermak 101). His infatuation with death started when his mother died from cancer. Kevorkian wanted to find an easier way to help people carry out their death wishes; therefore, his solution was a suicide machine (Chermak 103). In this way, more than 130 were helped by Dr. Kevorkian and his suicide machine (Chua-Eoan). Although Kevorkian was tried five times, he was found innocent four times (Chermak 108-115). His jury had an onerous time coming to their conclusion. Throughout Twelve Angry Men, written by Reginald Rose, Twelve jurors had to decide the fate of one boy convicted of stabbing his father in the chest. In the beginning, eleven of the twelve were positive that the boy was guilty and nothing could change their minds, but Juror Eight disagreed. He showed them the holes in each of the testimonies. After hours of debating, Juror Eight was able to convince most the jury into seeing reasonable doubt in the boys guilt. When the last vote was taken, the tally was eleven to one in favor of innocent. In the end, there are many similarities between the jurors from Twelve Angry Men and the jurors of the Kevorkian trials because they all had a complicated trial, and their rulings were influenced by their personal thoughts and pasts. Throughout Dr. Kevorkian’s career, he challenged the law unlike many. Kevorkian was tried five times, but four out of the five he was found innocent due to the complications with his offences o... ...od, 2007. Print. Chua-Eoan, Howard. â€Å"Jack Kevorkian.† Time 20 June 2011: 16. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 14 Apr. 2014. Cohen, Adam Grace, Julie Tynan, William. "Showdown For Doctor Death." Time 152.23 (1998): 46. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 14 Apr. 2014. Hosenball, Mark. â€Å"The Real Jack KEvorkian.† Newsweek 122.23 (1993): 28. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 14 Apr. 2014. Lessenberry, Jack. "Jury Acquits Kevorkian in Common-Law Case." The New York Times. 14 May 1996. The New York Times. 24 Apr. 2014. Morgenthau, Tom Barrett, Todd. â€Å"Dr. Kevorkian’s Death Wish.† Newsweek 121.0 (1993): 46. MAS Ultra-School Edition. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. Rose, Reginald. Twelve Angry Men. New York: Penguin, 2006. Print. Shapiro, Joseph P.Bowermaster, David. â€Å"Death On Trial. (Cover Story).† U.S. News & World Report 116.16 (1994): 31. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 15 Apr. 2014.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

“if you forget me” pablo neruda Essay

This poem dramatizes the conflict between the poet’s passionate burning desire and unconditional love for a woman, and his stern attitude toward her if she doesn’t feel the same. By demonstrating excellent personification, imagery, and sentimentality, this poet portrays love, compassion, and optimism. Although the poet expresses deep emotion for his love, he also acknowledges that love can be dangerous, and refuses to be damaged. To begin with, while explicating this poem, it was evident to make the assumption that the poet has experienced pain once or twice in his life. The author begins to describe his love for a woman that is so powerful, that it is evident that he would go above and beyond to satisfy her. Arguably, this poem could in fact pertain to the risk, and terror of making oneself available to love and to be loved, which by nature makes oneself vulnerable to incredible hurt and pain. This is the poet’s manifesto in the face of such terror, and he does it with authenticity, vulnerability, and authority. As analyzed by literary analyst Donald S. Walsh, â€Å"This [poem] is vintage Neruda, with all the passion and fickleness of desire. The underlying melancholy is beautifully brought out by the conversational style (a la Mir Taqi Mir) – the conceit would have been metaphysical had it not been for the pain inherent in every verse. † This is love that is hurting, that has been hurt in the past, and yet is open to being hurt again. In the opening stanza of this poem, Neruda underlines his authority with a stern, passive statement: â€Å"I want you to know one thing† (1) this is an obvious attempt to warn the reader that Neruda is in charge of the future conflict. Proceeding to the following stanza, Neruda illustrates the beauty of nature and compares it to the beauty of love by using keen personification and visual imagery. Such as, â€Å"the wrinkled body of the log† (10) and â€Å"as if everything that exists, aromas, lights, metals, were little boats that sail, toward those isles of yours that wait for me. †(12-16) This opening stanza gives the reader the inference that the poet is whole-heartedly committed to this woman. The poet also uses an oxymoron to demonstrate his love in lines (7-9), â€Å"if I touch near the fire the impalpable ash. † Impalpable meaning â€Å"untouchable. † Neruda stresses an excessive amount of sentimentality throughout the beginning of this poem. Proceeding to the third stanza, the poet’s mood completely changes, â€Å"If little by little you stop loving me, I shall stop loving you little by little† this refers back to the first stanza where once again the narrator refuses to be subject to vulnerability. Lines (20-24) stresses the solemnness of the poet by asserting that â€Å"if suddenly you forget [him], do not look for [him] for [he] shall already have forgotten you. † The fifth stanza demonstrates effective use of symbolism by Neruda. â€Å"To leave me at the shore of the heart where I have roots† (29) Neruda is now referring back to the â€Å"isles† of [hers] (16) underlining that the narrator is symbolizing that his body is a tree, and his heart is the roots that have grown deep into the isle (the woman), and have adapted. Neruda then accentuates that if the woman were to leave him at the shore where he has become accustomed to, that â€Å"on that day, at that hour, I shall lift my arms, and my roots will set off to seek another land† (31-35) claiming that the narrator will not wait for her to come back, and he will in fact find another love. Ultimately, Neruda unexpectedly returns to his sentimentality throughout the last stanza, offering optimism. Beginning the stanza with â€Å"but† became very powerful, considering that this was meant to stand-alone; the narrator is offering somewhat of a compromise. The poet then returns to the love entrenched speaker he is sought out to be. â€Å"If each day, each hour, you feel that you are destined for me with implacable sweetness†¦in me all that fire is repeated. In me nothing is extinguished or forgotten. † (36-44) This is where Neruda emphasizes his true heart felt love for this woman, by illustrating that if the feeling is mutual nothing will defer his love. Finally in line (45) Neruda connects this poem with a lasting thought, and possibly a theme. â€Å"My love feeds on your love, beloved† Demonstrating his compassion with a lasting effect. Throughout this poem there are no evident signs of rhythm, or rhyme; although, the reader may view this as very effective. This, in turn, was perhaps intended by the poet because love in most cases, is unpredictable. There was, however, a noticeable pattern when discovering the poet’s mood. The first stanza was a warning, the second, a beautiful picture painted by the poet of love. Neruda continues this pattern with repetitive use of the word â€Å"if† which may be referred to as a presupposition. â€Å"If you suddenly forget me, do not look for me, I shall have already forgotten you†. (20-24) This line can be interpreted as, â€Å"if she forgets him, he will forget her first. † Neruda finally discontinues this pattern by returning to the mood of the second stanza by incorporating beautiful imagery and personification once again. This, in fact insures that the poet is unafraid of the risks of falling in love, but remains completely aware. According to the Poetry Society Of America, â€Å"anyone who knows anything about Pablo Neruda knows that he is considered the ‘poet of love’†. Which is clearly demonstrated throughout this poem. Neruda was effective in creating a love story, one of which can be interpreted in many ways. Neruda painted the reader a vivid picture with the use of personification and the beauty of love. After diagnosing this poem, the tone, form, and consistency of Neruda really fit the overall â€Å"love to be loved† theme.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Colony Collapse Disorder

The Buzz on Colony Collapse Disorder Denise Collins According to the National Geographic News website, the domestic honey bee population has decreased 50% in as many years (Roach, 2004). Many reasons are blamed for the decrease in honey bee numbers including diseases and pesticides. Scientists have given the decline in honey bee population phenomenon a name, Colony Collapse Disorder. While some experts maintain that Colony Collapse Disorder is a nuisance and not a catastrophe, it is a serious problem affecting domestic honey bees worldwide. Colony Collapse Disorder is a phenomenon affecting domestic and wild honey bee colonies worldwide. Basically what is happening is worker bees are leaving the hive and not coming back but disappearing. There are warning signs of a hive on the verge of collapse. Queen bees are seen outside of the hive is one warning sign of impending collapse. Another is juvenile bees making up the workforce. The juvenile bees are not capable of caring for the larvae. Bees also will not eat their own stores. Once a hive has collapsed, the hive appears to be abandoned by adult bees with young still in the hive. After a hive has collapsed, some of the bees predators, like wax worms, will not invade the hive (Eccleston, 2007). pic] The New York Times, 2007 One believed cause of this disorder is bees being infected with micro-organisms. These micro-organisms might be affecting the bee’s immune system (Barrionuevo, April, 2007). Most researchers are blaming a parasite for the heavy decline in the bee population. The parasite, varroa mites, is a blood-sucking mite that hitches rides on worker bees backs. Once the mites are in the hive, the female mites bury themselves into the bottom of brood cells. The female mites then feed on the larvae and lay their own eggs (Bejamin, 2008). Once a colony is infected with this mite the colony an collapse within a few days (Latham, 2008). This still does not explain why the bees leave and do not return or why there are few dead bees in the collapsed hive. Some researchers believe that since almost all the cases of Colony Collapse Disorder have occurred among commercial bee keepers that the problem must be with the beekeeping practices (Eccleston, 2007). One possible cause is the use of pesticides on commercial crops. This could be a reason it appears that most of the commercial bee keepers are showing problems with Colony Collapse Disorder. The effects to our everyday life would reach into all areas. First, the shrinking bee population would affect our grocery lists. We would lose honey followed by most fruits and vegetables. We would no longer have cotton. Animals that are dependent on grain would come next. With the loss of cows, goats, and other milk giving live stock, cheese, milk, ice cream, and other dairy products would be eliminated from our diets. One would also have to take into consideration of the life saving medicines that are made from botanicals (Barrionuevo, April, 2007). Presently there is research being done all over the United States and the world looking for a solution to this problem. A researcher with the state of Pennsylvania is looking at the possibility of an â€Å"immune suppression† type of disease that is affecting the honey bees. This disease is being compared to the AIDS disease in humans (Barrionuevo, February, 2007). Pesticides have been considered for controlling the mites believed to be afflicting the honey bees. There are risks with using these pesticides. Keeping this in mind, researchers are looking for alternatives to using pesticides. One possibility is a fungus that only attacks the mites and not the bees. The problem researchers are faced with is how to introduce the fungus into the hives (Roach, 2004). Robbin Thorp, an emeritus professor at UC Davis, has suggested using other bee species to do the work of the honey bees (Nielsen, 2006). Still others say that commercial farming has destroyed the honey bees’ natural habitat through weed free farming and pesticides. To rectify that, new habitats need to be created and protected (Nielsen, 2006). Spanish researchers have recently announced they have found the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder. The scientists are suggesting that the honey bees are being attacked by a fungus called Nosema ceranae. Through further testing of infected hives, the researchers may have also found a cure. Simply enough, an antibiotic has been found to be effective in curing the colony (Ford, 2009). I believe that more research needs to be done to further evaluate the Colony Collapse Disorder. We need to make sure that all possible causes have been checked and rechecked. There could be more than one cause to the devastating disorder. There could also be more than one remedy to the problem. The first item that needs to be completed is do extensive study of the both the wild and domesticated honey bee. This study of both types is to be done to see why commercial honey bee colonies are affected more often than wild hives. A healthy hive needs to be quarantined for the control. When a colony is suspected of being on the verge of collapsing, miniature transponders will be attached to worker bees to track its movements. Every aspect of the honey bees’ life needs to be studied and documented. The first sign of a colony in danger of collapse needs to be documented. When a remedy is found it can be treated as soon as possible. This step needs to be completed as quickly as possible before it becomes critical. I am estimating a time frame of 12 to 18 months to gather data, analyze the data, and distribute the findings. The next step is to interview commercial and hobbyist bee keepers and to record their observations. Since they are working with their bees on an everyday basis, they would be more apt to see subtle changes to their hives. This would be like a mothers relationship with her child. This step can be done in conjunction with the first step. This step should take three to six months to complete this part of the plan. The third step is to educate bee keepers on what to look for in their hives. The bee keepers need to be able to recognize the initial signs that one of the hives is beginning to collapse. Education will be the key in solving this problem. Education should be an ongoing process. There will need to be not only pamphlets and manuals to distribute, but the county agriculture extension offices need to provide training to both commercial bee keepers and hobby bee keepers. This way the keepers can identify symptoms in the early stages. Flyers need to be distributed into the communities. The public can be aware of the bees that have transponders. The flyers will contain information on where to report bees that are found with the transponders. If this plan is followed as laid out, a solution should be found within two years. The benefits for following this plan would be to find a solution and implement it to save the honey bees. To save the honey bees would be to save our way of life. Educating the bee keepers will help to keep track of the progress being made. Communication with the bee keepers will allow researchers to track any new symptoms or outbreaks of Colony Collapse Disorder. Challenges for my plan will consist of not being able to control the accuracy of the data collection from the bee keepers. I would have to trust that the keepers are keeping accurate records. Another challenge would be to secure the necessary funding to keep research going for two years. The federal government will need to provide the funding for the research through grants. I will also need a moderate sized lab to perform the necessary testing of bees and hives. Funding can provide for the lab or the government can provide us with a lab in a central location. The commercial growers need to commit to helping the commercial bee keepers with observations of the bees. When transponders are attached, commercial growers need to help with locating the bees that leave the hive and do not return. The general public should become actively involved in reporting found transponder bees. Private citizens could be contracted to create habitats that are conducive to improving the numbers of honey bees. Flower gardens planted with plants that are favored by the honey bees and not treated with any pesticides can be created by both the public and the local governments. Colony Collapse Disorder is everyone’s concern not just commercial bee keepers or commercial growers. The global community should be aware of any and all evidence of potential out breaks of Colony Collapse Disorder. Information on the research being done is to be shared with other countries that are dependent on honey bees. While some experts maintain that Colony Collapse Disorder is a nuisance and not a catastrophe, it is a serious problem affecting domestic honey bees worldwide. The occurrences of Colony Collapse Disorder are quickly spreading worldwide at epidemic rates. This disorder affects honey bees and the hives. Honey bees are important for more than just food. In order to control or even stop this epidemic there needs to be research done on the causes of the disorder. There then needs to be education for the keepers, growers and general public. In the end, it is the world’s responsibility to solve this issue or hunger will affect more than third world countries. Botanical compounds used in medicines will disappear. At some point, the human race will have to face extinction. Let’s not let it happen without a fight. Barrionuevo, Alexi (February 27, 2007). Honeybees Vanish, Leaving Keepers in Peril. The New York Times, Retrieved from http://www. nytimes. com/2007/02/27/business/27bees. tml? pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=3aaa0148837b8977&ex=1330232400&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1245258136-9BkLxjVu7rXlI15p1S/g Barrionuevo, Alexei (April 24, 2007) Bees Vanish and Scientists Race for Reasons. The New York Times, Retrieved from http://www. nytimes. com/2007/04/24/science/24bees. html Bejamin, Alison and McCullum, Brian (June 25, 2008). As mystery pl ague threaten to wipe out bees, scientists reveal: our survival depends on them. Mail Online, Retrieved June 10, 2009 from http://www. dailymail. co. uk/sciencetech/article-1028560/As-mystery-plague-threatens-wipe-bees-scientist-reveal-survival-depends-them. html Eccleston, Charles H. (2007). The case of the disappearing honeybees: An Environmental harbinger? , Wiley InterScience Ford, Matt (April 16, 2009) A cure for colony collapse. arts technical. Retrieved June 15, 2009 from http://artstechnica. com/science/news/2009/04/a-cure-for-colony-collapse. ars Latham, Marc (September 26, 2008). Global Bee Deaths Threaten Foods. Suite101. com, Retrieved June 3, 2009 from http://zoology. suite101. com/article. cfm/bee_deaths_threaten_essiential_ Foods Nielsen, John (October 18, 2006) Declining Bee Population Threatens Major Growers: NPR. Npr, Retrieved June 10, 2009 from http://npr. rg/templates/story/story. php? storyId=6299480 Roach, John (October 5, 2004). Bee Decline May Spell End of Some Fruits, Vegetables. National Geographic News, Retrieved from http://news. nationalgeographic. com/news/2004/10/1005_041005_honeybees. html The New York Times. (April 24, 2007). [Graph of states that are reporting colony Collapse disorder as of March 2007] Disap pearing Bees. Retrieved June 17, 2009 from http://news. nationalgeographic. com/news/2004/10/1005_041005_honeybees. html Watanabe, Myrna E. (May, 2007). Bee Seige. Bioscience, 57(5), 464. Doi: 10. 1641/B570516

Monday, October 21, 2019

Finance and Cash Flow Items Essay

Finance and Cash Flow Items Essay Finance and Cash Flow Items Essay Financial Statements for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. - Google Finance Page 1 of 1 +You Search Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive Calendar More nyse:wmt Finance Company Summary News Option chain Related companies Historical prices Financials Markets News Portfolios Stock screener Google Domestic Trends Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) Add to portfolio More results Income Statement Balance Sheet Cash Flow Hide charts View: Quarterly Data | Annual Data Recent Quotes (30 days) You have no recent quotes 12 months 12 months 12 months 12 months In Millions of USD (except for per share items) ending 2013-01 ending 2012-01 ending 2011-01 ending 2010-01 -31 -31 -31 -31 Net Income/Starting Line 17,756.00 16,387.00 16,993.00 14,883.00 Depreciation/Depletion 8,501.00 8,130.00 7,641.00 7,157.00 Amortization Deferred Taxes Non-Cash Items Changes in Working Capital Cash from Operating Activities Capital Expenditures Other Investing Cash Flow Items, Total Cash from Investing Activities Financing Cash Flow Items Total Cash Dividends Paid Issuance (Retirement) of Stock, Net Issuance (Retirement) of Debt, Net Cash from Financing Activities Foreign Exchange Effects Net Change in Cash Cash Interest Paid, Supplemental Cash Taxes Paid, Supplemental -133.00 527.00 -1,060.00 25,591.00 -12,898.00 287.00 -12,611.00 -498.00 -5,361.00 -7,600.00 1,487.00 -11,972.00 223.00 1,231.00 2,262.00 7,304.00 1,050.00 465.00 -1,777.00 24,255.00

Sunday, October 20, 2019

A Brief History Of Emirates Marketing Essay

A Brief History Of Emirates Marketing Essay In 1974, three years after independence, the rulers of the UAE decided to establish a joint flag carrier: Gulf Air. However, a tense relationship between the airline and the Dubai government existed ever since its inception, as the latter re fused to give in to Gulf Air’s demands to abandon its open-skies policy. In reaction, Gulf Air reduced frequencies and capacities to and from Dubai by more than two thirds between 1984 and 1985 without advance notice (Wilson 2005). Since foreign carriers proved unable or unwilling to fill the gap, Dubai’s then ruler, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, convened a team of experts – headed by Maurice Flanagan and later joined by Tim Clark and the ruler’s then 26- year old son, Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum – to devise an emergency plan. The group’s recommendation to set up a home carrier for Dubai was quickly accepted by the ruler, but he imposed two conditions: The new airline should meet the highest quality standards and there would be no additional capital injections from the government other than the agreed USD 10 million start-up capital. On October 25th, 1985, Emirates’ first flight departed to Karachi, using an A300, wet-leased from Pakistan International Airlines. The rest is history: in 1987, Emirates began to serve it first two European destinations – London Gatwick and Frankfurt -, from 1995, it has operated an all wide body fleet, and in 2001, 2003 and 2005 Emirates placed some of the largest aircraft orders ever. As of October 2007, Emirates’ route network extends to 91 destinations on all continents. In its last business year, ending March 31st, 2007, the airline transported 17.5 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo on 102 aircraft. Currently, 118 aircraft are on firm order (of which 20 will be all-freighters), including 55 A380 and 43 B777. 1.2 The Emirates Group Emirates Airlines (including its cargo subsidiary Emirates SkyCargo) is only one division of the Emirates Group, a state-owned globally active travel and tourism conglomerate, which provides a plethora of aviation related ancillary services. Finally, the Emirates Group owns 43.6 percent of Sri Lankan Air lines. 1.3 The Dubai Government’s aviation- Related Activities Viewed from an even higher level of aggregation, the Emirates Group, in turn, is only one element in a comprehensive bundle of aviation-related activities, all of which come under the responsibility of Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum: (1) The Dubai World Central Consortium (activity: to build Jebel Ali Airport City including Dubai’s new mega-airport) (2) Dubai’s Department of Civil Aviation (activities: all aviation-related regulatory functions, operator of DXB airport, of Dubai Duty Free and Dubai Cargo Village) (3) Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (activities: aircraft leasing, airport planning and management, consulting, maintenance and aviation-related education and tr aining). Marketing Strategy Mission â€Å"An effective mission statement defines the fundamental, unique purpose that sets a business apart from other firms of its type and identifies the scope of the business’s operations in product and market terms. It is an enduring statement of purpose that reveals an organization’s product or service, markets, customers, and philosophy.† (John A. Pearce II & Fred David, 2006). Emirates Airlines or rather Emirates Group mission statement is simply â€Å"Committed to the highest standards in everything we do.† Being a vast enterprise by itself – Emirates group – the group has been quiet successful in embodying the mission of â€Å"committing to the highest standard† onto its one of its two core corporation (Emirates Airlines) – the other being DNATA, by marketing the brand of Emirates as the pinnacle emblem or a luxury standard throughout the world as an emerging Global Brand.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Becoming a Gendered Body Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Becoming a Gendered Body - Essay Example While these ideas are evident in adult bodies, there has not been a great deal of study into how these ideas are originally formed as it is commonly assumed to be natural. Martin suggests it is instead something created at about preschool age, at least partly as a result of the hidden school curriculum in which students are taught to behave in specific ways to facilitate the needs of the classroom, teaching and reinforcing specific gendered behavior in the process. The research method for the study was participant observation as the researcher observed five different preschool classes in two different preschools located in the same city. One was located near the city's university and the other was a Catholic school. The study group consisted of 112 children and 14 teachers in which all of the teachers were female. Of the children, 58 percent were boys and 42 percent were girls with very little diversity of ethnicities and little or no difference in economic class as all of the childr en were classified as having come from middle class homes. The researcher and her assistant observed activities within the classroom approximately three times per week for eight months, taking notes and trying to remain as unobtrusive as possible within the classroom setting. Observations were taken during both structured and unstructured activity times. Field notes were then analyzed using Hyper-Research software. Martin determined that gender among young children is created through a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors was dress/body adornment. Surprisingly, she found that most little girls were dressed in pink or pastels almost every day while boys were dressed in primary colors, green, orange and black, but never pink.

Formal analysis of one artwork Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Formal analysis of one artwork - Essay Example Kress, He collected one of the most significant artworks of Europe and Italian renaissance and always had a vision of preserving historic artworks. This foundation supports the work of art in order to sustain history and artwork all around the world. They collect historic artworks from different places and preserve them in different museums in America. The presence of this artistic piece of artwork in this museum is also because of the foundation. The sculpture is of a virgin lady, holding a child in her hand. It is called the virgin lady with surety because she is wearing a long gown with a long belt and her head is covered with the long piece of cloth. It is said that it was compulsory for unmarried women at that period of time to wear long gowns and belts as compared to married women so that they could be judged that they are virgin and unmarried. It is the ‘cult’ of virgin –a figure of a religious personality. The sculpture comes from Troyes, a town in the province of Champagne where the examples of finest Gothic sculptures are found. The display plate also says that it is one of the finest examples of French sculptural traditions. The material used in the sculpture is limestone, the material which was famously and traditionally used in the construction of sculptures and churches all over France. Many landmarks today are made up of limestone. Usage of limestone in making of this sculpture at that point of time makes it more valuable and precious. The sculpture is an attached sculpture of two bodies. One is sculpture of a virgin girl and the other is her son which she is holding in her hand. In her other hand she is holding a flower. The child is lending his one hand towards the flower which the virgin girl is holding and the child’s other hand is broken. On the head of the virgin lady also seems that she is wearing a crown which suggests that she comes from a royal background of a religious cult. The child is also wearing a royal piece of

LDAP Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

LDAP - Coursework Example As its name shows, it is a lightweight client-server protocol which is used for directory services, particularly the directory services which are based on X.500. Additionally, LDAP is implemented on TCP/IP or other connection oriented data transfer services. LDAP supported user programs are able to inquire LDAP servers to search for entries using a variety of techniques. In this scenario, LDAP servers’ directory holds all the data in its entries, as well as cleans can be employed to choose immediately the group or person we desired, and provide immediately the data and information we desired. On the other hand, LDAP is not restricted to contact details, or yet data regarding diverse public. LDAP can also be used to search for pointers to printers, encryption credentials as well as additional services on a framework, in addition to particular sign-on where one password for a client is distributed among a lot of services. Moreover, LDAP is very useful for some types of directory related details, where quick searches as well as fewer repeated database based updates are the standard (Gracion, 2010; Briggs & Spence, 2000; The Linux Documentation Project, 2010). This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the security features which LDAP supports, then it will assess that how can access control list be implemented on the LDAP servers. Afterward it will also analyze the security auditing features that LDAP supports in addition to the detection of brute forcing attacks (such as NAT) against a LDAP server. LDAP AN OVERVIEW Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) offers a network directory service that is used as a central database containing the vital data and information regarding the groups, public and additional units that form a business. Seeing that each organization's framework and its accurate description of necessary information can be diverse, thus in this scenario a directory service has to be extremely tailored and supple. However, it is an in trinsically difficult task. In this scenario, the X.500 network protocol intended for directory services is a main aspect under consideration. In view of the fact that it was intended to offer extensive directory services for huge and intricate businesses, therefore, X.500 is itself a huge and complicated network protocol, consequently in order that a trivial adaptation of it was developed which is acknowledged as LDAP. LDAP, explained in RFC 1777, is considered as a division of the X.500 network protocol, as well as it has been applied more extensively as compared to X.500 itself has been deployed in any framework (Bauer, 2003; Donnelly, 2000; Briggs & Spence, 2000). In this scenario, it can be said that LDAP and X.500 are unconfined network protocols, similar to TCP/IP; neither is an individual suite. Seeing that a network protocol has to be applied in a number of ways of software, like that a server domain, or kernel component, or else a user program. Additionally, as compared to TCP/IP, all the performances of LDAP are not similar or yet totally able to communicate (with no alterations). Fortunately LDAP is implemented and designed to be widespread. Moreover,

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Leadership - Essay Example I quickly recognized that opening up these sales channels would gain product exposure and substantial revenue growth for the company and thus made appointments with department store buyers to present our product lines. However, our President of Sales discouraged me from pursuing department stores and told me to focus on our current sales channels because it was too late in the season to change our designs and our production level was close to maximum capacity. Not one to be easily discouraged, I approached our Chief Operation Officer and Chief Financial Officer and presented my idea of special productions: uniquely designed and specially allotted productions for the department stores. They liked the idea and assigned me to head the project. I contacted the department stores’ senior buyer groups and marketing teams and worked with the production department to establish new production channels. I also worked with our design department to create exciting designs for our buyers. T he special production was further streamlined when I aggregated the department store’s marketing department with our own to create campaigns to strategically promote our products.

Post Civil War Industrialization and Its Impacts Assignment

Post Civil War Industrialization and Its Impacts - Assignment Example Accordingly, the following analysis will discuss three of the major aspects of industrialization from 1865-1920 and how these aspects influenced issues pertaining to the economy, politics, and the society of the United States. It is the hope of this author that such a unit of analysis will be beneficial in seeking to understand how the United States developed during this period of time and how the nation itself shifted from a primarily rural society to one that was dominated by a handful of major industrial centers. One of the first ways that industrialization changed the United States has to do with the change in the economy (Bates, 2013). After the conclusion of the Civil War, the North had built an impressive system of factories that was capable of supplying were material to the many tens of thousands of soldiers that were in the field. However, after the work included, the need for these factories to continue to produce war goods was of course immediately suspended. However, the infrastructure, machinery, and expertise that was developed during the war years provided a substantial base through which additional production of non-war related materials could take place. Ultimately, this process fundamentally shifted the way in which the economy was based. Prior to this particular point in time, the United States was primarily an agrarian society that relied upon the sale of food supplies and/4 other types of raw material. However, with the introduction of steam power and the changes in producti on that industrialization promoted, the United States began to be a dynamic economic force that was able to produce many finished as society changes the goods. This particular economic shifts created a situation by which large demand for labor case you represented within a relatively small geographic area. Although it may seem as if the era after the Civil War and up until the 1920s is ages removed from the current time, this period of industrialization laid a framework for modern, developed, and society that we currently reside within. Furthermore, the political changes, shifts and immigration, and changes with regards the way in which the population was represented at continue to define the way in which the United States developed and is exhibited within the modern era. Â  

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The spread of nuclear weapons - is more better, With reference to the Essay

The spread of nuclear weapons - is more better, With reference to the post-Cold War world, critically discuss the argument that nuclear weapons bring stability - Essay Example However, for the most part, it seems that countries seeking nuclear weapons are looking for safety and security and in some ways it can bring stability to a region where the threat of conventional war is high. It must be noted that the stability brought by nuclear weapons is often a tense stability since nations who have such weapons tout the strategic or defensive capabilities of nuclear arms. That in itself is perhaps a misnomer since these countries maintain that they would only use such weapons if their security is threatened (Paulikas, 2006). In this regard, LaFranchi (2006) suggests that some developed nations can be considered smart enough to possess nuclear weapons with the restraint which comes along with their possession as a responsibility. However, Carter (2006) maintains that those countries which currently have the bomb should not seek to distribute it to others since it would only create higher levels of proliferations and create greater instability. Iran and North Korea are primary examples under the topic since Korea has gone nuclear and shown the world that it does have the power to stand up to America. On the other hand, Iran is actively seeking nuclear weapons and continues to defy international bodies as well as western nations in its search for nuclear armaments (Cortright, 2006). However, the way the case of Iran has been handled by the international community led by the United States is quite different from the case of North Korea (Palmer and Palmer, 2004). It can be shown that while North Korea obtained a higher level of stability through their bomb, Iran’s search for nuclear weapons and the resulting reaction of western nations could destabilise the region tremendously. It seems that the essential difference between Iran and North Korea is seeking and having weapons. Countries which are seeking nuclear technology may be handled differently from those who confess to have it in their arsenal. Kilgore (2007) suggests that Iran

Post Civil War Industrialization and Its Impacts Assignment

Post Civil War Industrialization and Its Impacts - Assignment Example Accordingly, the following analysis will discuss three of the major aspects of industrialization from 1865-1920 and how these aspects influenced issues pertaining to the economy, politics, and the society of the United States. It is the hope of this author that such a unit of analysis will be beneficial in seeking to understand how the United States developed during this period of time and how the nation itself shifted from a primarily rural society to one that was dominated by a handful of major industrial centers. One of the first ways that industrialization changed the United States has to do with the change in the economy (Bates, 2013). After the conclusion of the Civil War, the North had built an impressive system of factories that was capable of supplying were material to the many tens of thousands of soldiers that were in the field. However, after the work included, the need for these factories to continue to produce war goods was of course immediately suspended. However, the infrastructure, machinery, and expertise that was developed during the war years provided a substantial base through which additional production of non-war related materials could take place. Ultimately, this process fundamentally shifted the way in which the economy was based. Prior to this particular point in time, the United States was primarily an agrarian society that relied upon the sale of food supplies and/4 other types of raw material. However, with the introduction of steam power and the changes in producti on that industrialization promoted, the United States began to be a dynamic economic force that was able to produce many finished as society changes the goods. This particular economic shifts created a situation by which large demand for labor case you represented within a relatively small geographic area. Although it may seem as if the era after the Civil War and up until the 1920s is ages removed from the current time, this period of industrialization laid a framework for modern, developed, and society that we currently reside within. Furthermore, the political changes, shifts and immigration, and changes with regards the way in which the population was represented at continue to define the way in which the United States developed and is exhibited within the modern era. Â  

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Change Management Essay Example for Free

Change Management Essay New consultants are hired to help Riordan Manufacturing in creating a processing for monitoring client’s information that would involve all workers to utilize the same client’s administration process. In part one of this project the consultants would require evaluation of the organization’s intranet site and verification of information. This process would help them in creating an improved administration plan which would consist of many components. For example, proposal of a plan to help execute changes during the upcoming year and clarification of the evaluation processes while ensuring the modification plan is completed. In the second part of this project, the consultants will make a reference to a communication tactic for the proposed change and the effect that would potentially have on the organization. The consultants are to come up with a change management plan and a communication plan for Riordan Manufacturing. Section I: Change Management Plan Riordan Manufacturing is an organization that operates on a bureaucratic system. Separate divisions have managers who are reporting to higher up management. However, even these upper managers, eventually, would have to report to the president and CEO of the organization, Dr.  Michael Riordan. The bureaucracy has a system in place that is similar to the matrix system. Riordan Manufacturing divisions consist of people who carry out specific jobs and every division has its own informal systems, which are created by building working relations jointly. Riordan Manufacturing inspires workers to report any problem or issue that they might have directly to their superior. This would encourage every worker to openly deal with the administration, work in a great environment where interactions could be apparent and attitudes can be positive. Worker behavior would improve greatly because of the open door policy and open interaction because they would be able to express their concerns. When workers feel encouraged to express themselves at liberty, it increases the commitment to the organization and job satisfaction. Even though Riordan Manufacturing needs to create new client administration process, it should continue to accept the matrix structure that is currently in place. By creating a new client administration method it would enable everyone to assess the information of all clients. Retaining the existing matrix system would allow them to ontinue on improving team efforts to progress in the completion of the work that is expected of every division of the Riordan Manufacturing organization. Riordan Manufacturing is a plastics manufacturer with over 500 employees and it is headquartered San Jose (California), and has locations in Albany (Georgia), Pontiac (Michigan), and Hangzhou (China). Riordan Manufacturing products comprise plastic products, such as drink cans, custom-made components, as well as fan mechanisms. Their major clientele are auto and plane component, bottle, and appliance manufacturers, as well as a Department of Defense. To ensure that Riordan Manufacturing delivers these products to their clients, they must implement outstanding and positive worker behavior. Worker’s behavior affects they work performance and their reaction to their work environment, their managers, and clients. Riordan’s tradition comprises of fairness, self-confidence, commitment, imaginative and team-work oriented atmosphere, job performance evaluations, incentives, academic assistance, benefits, vacations, day care assistance, as well as the employees compensation insurance. Riordan appears to be a manufacturing organization that is trying to become a first choice for their customer as a plastic component provider. However, as many other organizations, Riordan Manufacturing could experience issues that would need to be addressed and modified. These issues could hinder the organization’s progress and improvement especially in today’s economy. For example, some workers are unable to deal with the changes and they could become reluctant to perform their jobs. Some employees are avoiding changes because of insufficient information on the changes that are being implemented, being taken out of their comfort zone, insecurity, personal views, job security, peer pressure, as well as a lack of confidence. Even though the employees could show resistance to the change managers would help them to deal with the situation and assist them during the transition to ensure that the implemented change becomes efficient. Managers could implement the change by relying information clearly, by being open, recognizing employees concerns, and respecting the employees. Managers should provide support by allowing them to have a face to face meeting in regards to the changes and explain the benefits of the changes by providing additional training. Also, managers must place the reluctant employees with others who are familiar with the changes that are being implemented. This would help the reluctant employees see that the changes would be worthwhile and beneficial to the organization and its advantages, as well as a possibility of their own jobs to become easier. With any change in management systems we will be expecting some resistance as discussed earlier in our presentation. Once the initiative to change is underway and in progress we will analyze the employees’ reaction to the interruption in their daily activates to identify areas that the employees may be having trouble integrating for the first 6 weeks. Allowing employees sufficient time to dissect and troubleshoot some of the unfamiliar process will give them the opportunity to challenge themselves for growth opportunities and additionally allowing them to develop noteworthy questions and concerns that will assist us to tailor the program to their individual needs. Most major changes in initiatives used to improve profitability normally fail due to incorrect guidance and project mismanagement expertise, which we intend to improve with our 12 month program that we call â€Å"Rehab†. Following the first six weeks of introduction the unveiling of our 40 hours of seminars will commence, which will be used to inform employees of how the system is more beneficial to them, and how the Data Management, Business intelligence, and Data Warehousing will be significantly more applicable to the end-user, which will increase their productivity that will additionally benefit the organization’s bottom-line. One key consideration that will be discussed with the employees is their drop in productivity during the first year of the Change Management implementation; we are fully aware that organizations don’t change people change. Using our world renowned process takes time to fully be incorporated in the daily operations; we will be fully engaged onsite with our four member management team, who will be localized and embedded in your organization to assist all employees in-depth with this drop in performance for the duration of our contract. With over 25 years successfully working with companies of various sizes across the business sector, you can trust in our process methods to keep your business moving in a positive direction a while minimizing people risk. Prior to idea of making an improvement to our data management system we would depend on the accuracy of the employees, with the Data management system we will be able to track and monitor everything from Recordkeeping, monitoring, situational monitoring, and performance monitor. The improvements will allow us to do safe guard against violations of right by allowing access to documents externally, use data received to create lessons learned that we can use to train incoming staffers, build a better reputation for our stakeholders by giving them access to necessary information, and last but not least the ability form documents to be tampered will be drastically reduced. We are only looking at a successful change; the idea of failure is not foreseeable. Section II: Communication Plan  The form used to communicate a change to employees is just as important as the change and message in itself. In this case, the appropriate channel of communicating the change to the employees is a meeting with a PowerPoint presentation. The face to face communication will provide an opportunity for the employees to bring up concerns about the change and ask questions. The employees should be encouraged to be comfortable voicing their concerns. The PowerPoint presentation can be presented in order for everyone to see the goals, plans, and details of the change. These channels of communication will provide the employees with the information about the change while the person presenting it can offer reassurance and answers to questions. The group will have a visual to receive the message and the person who is presenting will be able to give face to face discussions regarding concerns and assurances. Potential barriers to communicating this change include the possibility of misinterpretation of some of the information presented, different point of view and expectations among the employees, and assumptions made by employees and presenter. Strategies for overcoming these barriers include the presenter encouraging people to ask questions, clarifying information, anticipating possible questions and asking those questions. The group needs to be comfortable asking questions and should be encouraged to do so. Any misinterpretations need to be clarified. And the person presenting can come up with questions that people will likely ask and bring them up in the discussion to encourage others to be involved in communication.

Monday, October 14, 2019

CASE STUDY DAILY CARE OF A TERM INFANT

CASE STUDY DAILY CARE OF A TERM INFANT The purpose of this case study is to discuss an episode of Normal Midwifery, which in this instance, will relate to the Daily Care of a Term Infant. The case study will highlight the episode of care in detail, evaluate the management of the babys Physical care and the womans Educational, Psychosocial needs with relevant evidence based support. The anonymity of mother and baby will be maintained in accordance with NMC (2008) and ESC 1 (NMC, 2007) and will be referred to as the woman and the baby through out the Case Study. Consent was also requested from the woman for herself and baby to be included in the Case Study in line with ESC 1 (NMC, 2007). BACKGROUND The woman was a 28 year old who was parity 1+0, had a spontaneous vaginal delivery of a baby girl with only Entonox as pain relief and was now 2nd day postnatal. The baby girl weighed 3288 grams with no complications after delivery and had APGAR scores of 8 at 1 minutes and 9 at 5 minutes. The woman had 40 minutes uninterrupted skin-to-skin with the baby after birth and decided to artificially feed rather than breast feed, although benefits of breast feeding were explained to the woman. The Student Midwife first met the woman during her Labour the previous day and was present at the birth. As the Student Midwife was working a day shift with her Mentor, it was requested that the Student Midwife carry out the Daily Examination of the baby in line with KCND (NHSQIS, 2009), while the Mentor observed. The initial examination and assessment of the baby was done at birth by the Mentor as suggested by Demott, Bick, Norman (2006) and included assessing the newborns physiological adaptation to extra-uterine life, colour, tone, breathing and heart rate according to Resuscitation Council (2006). The purpose of the Daily Examination there after is to monitor the progress of the baby and for early detection of deviation from the normal established at Initial Examination. These findings were documented in SWMR Baby Post Natal notes in line with NMC (2008) and KCND (NHSQIS, 2009). The Student Midwife before entering the womans room to commence examination familiarised herself with the womans Medical case / SWMR notes and babys SWMR notes, to review the medical history including: family history, maternal, antenatal and perinatal history, fetal and neonatal history so as to be prepared to assist with any concerns the woman may have regarding Physical, Educational or Social needs as recommended by KCND (NHSQIS, 2009). PHYSICAL The Student Midwife greeted the woman on entering the room and enquired how the woman was feeling. It was established that the woman was pain free and feeling fairly rested after labour the previous day. The Student Midwife then asked how the woman had found the baby overnight, regarding specifically feeding, sleeping pattern, passing urine meconium. The woman confirmed that the baby had been feeding approximately every 3 4 hours taking 30 mls each time, between feeds the baby was reported to have been settled and sleeping. It was also reported that the baby had been having wet nappies and one episode of a large amount of meconium being passed. It was important to establish that meconium had been passed within the first 24 hours as failure to do so may have indicated a gastrointestinal problem including Hirshsprungs disease. The woman was reassured that the passing of urine and meconium was important as this ensures that the renal and gastrointestinal systems are functioning normal ly. The information given was recorded in the babys SWMR notes following NMC (2008). It was then explained to the woman that the Student Midwife was going to examine the baby from head to toe, this would involve the baby being completely undressed at some point during the examination and that it would be carried out in front of her. Any findings would be discussed with her at the time and any concerns that she may have would be answered. Consent was then sought from the woman in line with NMC (2008) for the examination to be carried out, as the baby could not give consent, which was duly given. As it is important that the baby does not become cold due to the inefficiency of regulating temperature due to immaturity of the hypothalamus as suggested by Farrell and Sittlington in Fraser and Cooper (2009), the Student Midwife ensured that all windows and doors were closed to exclude any draught before commencing the Daily Examination of the baby. Also the Student Midwife washed her hands and applied latex free gloves to protect herself from any of the babys bodily fluids and to protect the baby who is at risk of infection as suggested by Johnson and Taylor (2006). Whilst undressing the baby the Student Midwife was mindful to show respect to the baby by gentle handling and lack of excessive noise as suggested by Carbjal and Coudered (2003). Safety of the baby was also considered and the Student Midwife ensured that the cot was stable and in view of the mother prior to commencing the examination. The babys identity was confirmed by checking details on both identity bands on the baby with the mother and the mothers identity was also confirmed by checking her identity band in line with the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) Standards and Competencies (NHS, 2008). A methodical examination was commenced by the Student Midwife which follows. All findings were discussed with the woman and documented in the babys SWMR notes as recommended by NMC (2007) who state that midwives must adhere to the guidelines for records and record keeping as a legal requirement. DAILY EXAMINATION Temperature Before removing the babys clothes, the Student Midwife took the babys temperature from the axilla site using an electronic thermometer whilst the baby lay in the cot. The reading was 36.8ËÅ ¡C which was within the normal range for an axilla reading (36.5 37.3ËÅ ¡C) as described by Bain in Fraser and Cooper (2009). Reassurance was given to the mother when she asked if the baby was warm enough that the reading was normal. The Student Midwife also offered the information of how the woman could check to see if the baby was too warm or cold by feeling under the babys clothes just below the neck and at the top of the babys back. Also a good indication was if the woman had two layers on, then generally the baby would require the same amount of layers. It was also advised that the baby would not require to wear a hat indoors if the room is at a comfortable temperature of between 18 21ËÅ ¡C but would require it outdoors due to cool air. General Appearance The Student Midwife removed the babys clothes, leaving only the nappy on which would be removed later in the examination, to observe the general appearance of the baby. The babys skin was noted to be pink all over showing no signs of central cyanosis, although hands and feet still showed slight signs of peripheral cyanosis which is normal during the first 24 48 hours according to Farrell and Sittlington in Fraser and Cooper (2009). This was explained to the mother so no undue worry was caused due to the blue tinge of the hands and feet. Also there was no sign of jaundice which is common after 48 hours from birth as all newborns have a transient rise in serum bilirubin which usually settles after 10 12 days post natal. The woman was advised to watch for any colour change of the babys skin from pink to yellow tinge or for the white of the eye (sclera) to be tinged with yellow. It was explained that this is a normal occurrence as suggested by Johnston, Flood, Spinks (2003) and as long as the baby had a good urine output, was awake regularly and fed well then there would be no cause for concern. However if the baby develops jaundice which last longer than expected, has excessive sleeping patterns, continually passes pale stools and dark urine, then the woman should get immediate attention for the baby as this is abnormal for a formula fed baby. The babys breathing was observed whilst lying in the cot and was noted to be within the normal range of 40 60 breaths/minute with the chest and abdomen rising and falling, showing no signs of distress. Being awake, alert and active the baby was seen to be moving all limbs as expected with good tone. Head The babys head was gently examined by the Student Midwife. This was done by gently running the finger tips across the babys head to feel along the suture lines and fontanelles. The Student Midwife when doing this was determining if any moulding, caput succedaneum or cephal haematoma had occurred during passage down the birth canal or from pressure from the cervical os. Slight moulding was detected and this was explained to the woman that this was normal and was caused by the bones in the skull overlapping during delivery and will resolve itself within a couple of days. The anterior fontanelle was then gently felt and found to be level. This indicated that there was no intracranial pressure which would cause it to rise or dehydration which would cause it to be depressed. It was explained that it is common to notice pulsating at the anterior fontanelle which is no cause of concern and that this soft spot closes over by the time the baby was 18 months old as confirmed by Wylie (2005). Eyes Both eyes were checked and found to be clear of any discharge. The Student Midwife suggested to the woman that if the eyes were to become sticky, which is common due to blocked tear ducts and can be seen as a crust on the eyelid, the eyes should be cleaned. To do this the woman should use cooled boiled water and cotton wool balls. Each eye should be cleaned from the inner eye outwards only using the cotton wool ball once then discarding. Each eye should be cleaned separately to avoid cross infection. Mouth Mouth was inspected by opening the mouth by gently pressing a finger against the angle of the jaw at the chin. This enabled the Student Midwife to look inside to assess the tongue, gums and palate. The Student Midwife did not insert small finger into mouth to check for a cleft palate or suck reflex as this had been established at Initial Examination of the newborn and no abnormalities had been detected. The mouth was seen to be moist and clear of any white plaques which may have suggested oral thrush as stated by Bain in Fraser and Cooper (2009). Skin Closer inspection was then done by the Student Midwife of the babys skin, looking in particular for any rashes, spots, bruising or infection. The babys nappy was removed and buttocks examined to ensure skin was intact. All appeared normal with no excoriation identified. The Student Midwife advised the woman that information on minor disorders would be given to her at the end of the examination as the Student Midwife was conscious of the babys temperature being maintained. Umbilicus Cord The umbilicus cord and clamp were inspected for signs of infection and separation. Nothing unusual was detected. The baby was redressed as quickly as possible to maintain body temperature and given to the woman to settle. Information was given to the woman on daily cord care which included that the umbilicus should be cleaned with warm tap water and patted dry which has been shown to aid separation as stated by Trotter (2003). This should be done daily and at a nappy change if required. It was explained to the woman that hand washing is essential before and after cord care as suggested by Farrell and Sittlington in Fraser and Cooper (2009) as the cord is a potential site for infection and Straphylococcus aureus is commonly found here as confirmed by Newell, Miller, Mogan et al (1997). When the woman asked when the clamp would be removed, it was confirmed that this may be done on the third or fourth day when the cord has dried out as suggested by World Health Organisation (WHO) (1999). The Student Midwife confirmed that the Daily Examination of the baby was complete and that she would now give the woman further information on minor disorders, safe baby care practice in particular Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and address any other concerns that the woman may have. EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Through out the examination the Student Midwife gave the woman information on day-to-day care and signs of illness. As previously mentioned further discussion took place with the woman regarding Minor disorders and safety issues, which is in line with NHS QIS (2004) who suggest that ay assessment or examination at birth or later should be seen as an opportunity for parental education or health promotion. This included the following ailments and explanation given to the woman: Skin Rashes Erythema toxicum. A red blotchy rash with white pinhead papules which is common during the first 7 days post natal and will disappear on its own. Miliaria. A sweat rash which occurs in babies who become too warm. It appears as clear papules on face, scalp, chest and areas where clothes rub due to unopened sweat glands. The baby should have excess clothing removed and placed in a cooler environment. The papules will disappear on their own. Milia. White or yellow papules commonly seen on cheeks, nose and forehead. Will disappear on their own. Sore buttocks/Nappy rash. The skin beneath the nappy area becomes red and excoriated due to either infrequent nappy changing, frequent loose stools or hot weather. By exposing the cleaned skin to a warm dry atmosphere aids the excoriated skin to heal. Care in using commercial barrier creams must be noted as they can prevent the one-way design of disposable nappies, blocking the perforations in the linings resulting in the urine and stools being next to the babys skin longer. Breast Engorgement of the Baby This can occur in both female and male babies around the 3rd day post natal. The breasts appear to have a lump under the nipple which is caused by the drop in oestrogen levels in the baby after birth which stimulates the breast to produce milk. No treatment is required and will rectify itself. It is important that mothers do not squeeze the breast as this may result in infection. Pseudo-menstruation It is common to notice a clear discharge or blood-stained vaginal discharge from baby girls during the withdrawal of the mothers hormone oestrogen after the birth. The mother was reassured that this is a normal physiological process which does not require treatment, although can be alarming if not aware of it. Safe Baby Care Practices The importance of reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is done by ensuring the baby sleeps in a cot in the parents room for the first 6 months. The baby should always be put on their back to sleep, with their feet to the foot of the cot. They should be lightly covered with the room at a normal temperature, not too hot. Bed sharing is not recommended especially after consuming alcohol, drugs or after smoking. The baby should be in a smoke-free atmosphere. These recommendations are formed by the Department of Health (1996). Following the birth of the baby the role of the Midwife is to observe and monitor the health of the mother and he newborn, offering information and support in breastfeeding, which is not applicable in this instance, parenting skills and signs of morbidity according to Merchant (2006). This involved effective communication with the woman through out the examination to ensure that the woman conveyed her concerns, maintained control over her decision making with regards to the baby, assisted her in making informed choices and reduced her anxiety levels and emotional distress as suggested by Raynor (2006). In order that the womans physical and emotional status was commensurate with effective communication, the Student Midwife had to assess the womans emotional state when receiving information, which was done by asking how the woman was feeling before commencing the babys Daily Examination. The womans state could have been effected by pain, tiredness, hormonal changes or if the baby was c rying/distressed due to being hungry or requiring changing. Therefore the timing of conducting the Examination was essential to ensure that the woman retained the majority of the information given to her without being distracted due to other factors. In this instance the woman was receptive to the information given, which would assist her in the daily care of her baby, as according to McCourt in Page and McCandlish (2006) the transition to parenthood is a time when adults are responsive to information and will look for it actively. As the Midwife becomes familiar with the appearance and behaviour of a normal term newborn, the recognition of signs and signals caused by morbidity are easily communicated to the mother to assist her in recognising when there are any deviations from the normal with her baby. The importance of this is in preparing the mother for discharge home as the length of time spent in hospital is decreasing according to Bain in Fraser and Cooper (2009). As well as educating the woman with clinical skills (e.g. daily care of the baby, recognising signs of illness) the Midwifes role also encapsulates being able to provide relevant information / advice on general health promotion, social support and mental health. PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS As the woman was a first time mother it was important to establish that the woman had adequate support in caring for herself and the baby. This was established by the Student Midwife by familiarising herself with the woman and babys SWMR and Case notes which would highlight any social issues that may have needed addressing as the social circumstances in which a woman lives and a newborn brought into play a major part in their health and well being according to Raynor (2006). In this instance the woman was in a stable relationship with no reported Domestic Abuse, was not in temporary housing, had no social work involvement, no mental health issues and had good family support as routinely asked during Booking appointment and recorded in SWMR notes. It was important for the Student Midwife to spend time with the woman and baby in quiet surroundings, free from interruption which offered privacy and allowed the communication of sensitive and confidential information to be shared between the woman and the Student Midwife following NIPE Standards and Competencies (NHS, 2008). This gave the Student Midwife the opportunity to assess the womans psychosocial well-being by asking how she was coping (defined as coming to terms with a situation according to Lazarus (1966)) so far with the baby / becoming a mother and also to ascertain the womans expectations of becoming a mother. It is known that in adjusting to motherhood, the woman can feel insecure and loses confidence in her own abilities in the early postnatal period, especially on the lead up to and after discharge as confirmed by Ward and Mitchell (2004). Factors which can influence this are the womans personality, previous learning, quality/quantity of support available and past ex periences of coping. The woman, in this instance stated that although she knew it would take some time to adjust to lack of sleep and was slightly anxious about going home, she had good support from her partner, mother and friends; she had no immediate concerns about caring for the baby. CONCLUSION In conclusion it is the Student Midwifes opinion that the Daily Examination of the Term Infant was carried out following KCND (NHS, 2009) guidelines and that the NIPE Standards and Competencies (NHS, 2008) were adhered to. The baby was examined in a safe and comfortable environment, was shown respect and care from the Student Midwife whilst performing Daily Examination and full explanation was given to the woman as to what was being checked and looked for. The Student Midwife ensured that the woman had the opportunity to ask questions or offer sensitive information through out this encounter by providing privacy and confidentiality in line with NMC (2008) and ESC (NHS, 2009). All findings and discussion were documented in mother and baby SWMR notes accordingly in line with NMC (2007) The role of the Midwife in Educational and Psychosocial needs is to give the woman, relevant health advice for the baby and themselves, reassurance and permission to say how they feel. This follows a health orientated and woman centred model of care, which recommends that the role of the Midwife is to encourage the womans self confidence, ability to take control and self esteem as suggested by Bates in Stewart (2004). In a recent study it was concluded that healthy, low risk women wanted attentive, proactive, professional support from the Midwife during the transition to motherhood according to Seefat-van Teeffelen, Nieuwenhuijze, Korstjens (2009) which the Student Midwife believes was given during this Daily Examination of a Term Infant.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Aboriginal History and Culture Essay examples -- Essays papers

Aboriginal History and Culture Aborigines are believed to have lived in Australia for between 60,000 and 40,000 years, their early ancestors coming from South-East Asia. Precise population details for the period before European colonisation are unavailable, but it is estimated that there were between 300,000 and 1,000,000 Aborigines in Australia when European settlers first arrived in 1788. These natives formed approximately 500 tribes, each associated with its own language and stretch of territory. Although the sizes of the tribes varied, they had much in common. The Aborigines were not natural cultivators of the land - fertile land was obviously scarce - and Australia (before the European colonisation) had no animals suitable for herding, so the Aborigines lived by hunting and gathering food. The size of the tribe and the extent to which they could hunt and gather were limited by the proximity and quantity of fresh water, necessitating a semi-nomadic lifestyle. As the numbers of the tribe swelled and/or supplies of water dwindled, subgroups set out to discover new waters and set up new territories. Each tribe was led by religious leaders, with no political chief or formal government, and was broken down into bands (hunting groups) and also local descent groups (family units). These family units were vitally important, as all members of a tribe were related. The territory of the tribe was centred on the place where its ancestors had originally settled, and it was b...

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Digging Essay -- Literary Analysis, Seamus Heaney

"Digging" â€Å"Digging† by Seamus Heaney is the first poem in the first full volume of Heaney’s poems, â€Å"Death of a Naturalist†. â€Å"Death of a Naturalist† is about the transition into adulthood and the loss of innocence. The poem shows how Heaney looked up to his father and grandfather, especially their hard work. Even though Heaney did not follow in their footsteps and become a farm laborer, he respects the work they do, especially their skill at digging. The poem is a free verse poem. It has eight stanzas with two couplets. It rhymes occasionally, but it does not have a patterned rhyme. The first two lines rhyme with â€Å"thumb† and â€Å"gun†, the second stanza also has some rhyming words. The poem is a first person narrative; this is evident from the first line that uses the word â€Å"my† and other lines throughout that use words such as â€Å"I† and â€Å"we†. The title relates to the poem because all three generations mentioned are digging. His father dug potato drills and flowerbeds, his grandpa used to dig peat, and he is digging up the past. Because of this, the title is very fitting. Throughout the poem Seamus Heaney uses shifts in the tense to convey his memories as well as his determination for the future. It starts off in present tense as he sees his father struggling with the flowerbed. The poem then shifts to past in order to recall his grandfather’s work digging peat and his father’s stronger days digging potato drills. The poem returns to present tense during the last two stanzas. The final line is future tense in order to show that Seamus understands that his work is writing. The first stanza of the poem says the pen in his hand fits â€Å"snug as a gun† (line 2. The second stanza is Heaney looking down from is window to s... ...† as they fill the bucket. Another shift occurs in the second stanza when the speaker says they â€Å"hoarded the fresh berries in the byre† (line 17). â€Å"Byre† means a shed, but it can also be a support for a casket or corpse. This foreshadows what is to come. The berries begin to spoil because more were picked than could be eaten in time. The â€Å"rat-grey fungus, glutting on our cache† (line 19) got to them. The berries would have lasted longer if they had been left on the bush, but desire and greed overwhelmed the speaker when picking the luscious berries. Because he lost the berries due to rotting, the speaker says, â€Å"I always felt like crying. It wasn’t fair / That all the lovely canfuls smelt of rot. / Each year I hoped they’d keep, knew they would not† (lines 22-24). The speaker collects berries every year, more berries than needed, and he always sees them go bad.

Friday, October 11, 2019

What Are the Benefits for Foreign Firms to Cross List in the Us Markets?

What are the benefits for foreign firms to cross list in the US markets? Do the benefits remain after the SOX? Do you think the benefits would remain unchanged after the worldwide adoption of IFRS? Foreign companies are always looking for a new country to plant a flag and expand their global market place. One of the ways that they do this in the business world is through a process called cross listing. This practice allows a company owned and operated in Country A to list their company in Country B’ s financial trading exchange.Some have argued that introduction of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and the ongoing plans of convergence between US GAAP and IFRS have decreased the need for cross listing. While there is a difference of opinion as to whether or not the practice is still beneficial is this day an age; I tend to believe that even if the benefits are not as robust as they once were they are worth the investment Cross listing is when a corporation â€Å"lists its equity shares on one or more foreign stock exchange in addition to its domestic exchange. (Wikipedia, 2013) The practice became very popular in the in 80’s and hit its peak in the 1990’s. Research has uncovered a number of benefits and reasons for cross listing. Three models were established to show the benefits of cross listing. They are the market segmentation / investor recognition model, the liquidity model, and the shareholder protection / legal bonding model. (Weisbach, Reese, 2002) When it comes to discussing the benefits of cross listing in the United States. Some of the benefits are as follows: The first is that it will increase the visibility of company in a global scale. Zhu, Small, 2007) Changing the visibility of a company from national to global offers a company a larger audience who may not have been familiar with a company in the past. Second, companies can gain access to liquid markets. (Zhu, Small, 2007) A foreign company in a developing country may not have enough li quidity in its surrounding area for the purposes of investment and growth. Leaning on developed countries with large financial exchanges is a way to tap into those economic resources that issuers are trying to find. Third, is to show that the company is strong. Zhu, Small, 2007) In a competitive industry such as the earning management and the stock market, investors are looking for strong companies to give their money to. It is up to the foreign firms to establish themselves. In some cases an audience with financial analyst that can tout the benefits of investing in your company is a way of building international credibility with the investment world. Finally, cross listing is done in order to follow tougher requirements. This can show that a company is â€Å"for real† and worth a look because they are willing to cross list in a country with tough exchange requirements. Zhu, Small, 2007) The overall benefits of cross listing can be summed up in a few words: global exposure th at leads to international investments from multiple countries that will fuel growth opportunities. There are critics that say that SOX has affected cross listing negatively due to its strict and stringent rules. In some cases, these are so different from a foreign companies â€Å"home† accounting policies that it makes it almost impossible or the firm to comply. Congress has made it clear that â€Å"U. S. nvestors are entitled to †¦protection regardless of†¦issuer† (Zhu, Small, 2012) SOX was established to protect investors from fraud by companies when they are reporting their performance to the SEC and regardless of cost the U. S. should stand behind those principles and try to keep companies â€Å"honest†. In my opinion the same benefits that cross listings had before SOX still exist; the willingness of companies to comply with SOX and reap the benefits of cross listing. Once the convergence between US GAAP and IFRS is complete I still see a benefit to cross listing.However, by sheer transition to IFRS a company would lose the benefit of stricter exchange requirements. The move would require changes to legal and financial interpretations of accounting standards. However, the true consequences of this move to a global standard could not be determined until the framework of these standards was complete and implementation has taken place with U. S. and foreign firms. In closing, I consider cross listing a beneficial practice for foreign firms. I agree that we are living in an Internet world where I can invest in German company with a few clicks of a mouse.I also agree that we are heading towards a global accounting standard that will level the playing for all companies of all sizes in all countries. However, the benefit of cross listing that I see never going away is the visibility. Having a tangible presence in developed countries is key to growth. Having a presence in developing countries is a stepping-stone to bigger growth opp ortunities in the future. Bibliography â€Å"Cross Listing. † Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Jan. 2013. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. Dobbs, Richard, and Marc Goedhart. Why Cross-listing Shares Doesn't Create Value. † McKinsey Quarterly Autumn 2008 29 (2008): n. pag. Print. Reese, William, Jr. , and Michael Weisbach. â€Å"Protection of Minority Shareholder Interests, Cross-listings in the United States, and Subsequent Equity Offerings. † NBER. Journal of Financial Economics, 2002. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. Zhu, Hong, and Ken Small. â€Å"Has Sarbanes-Oxley Led to a Chilling in the U. S. Cross-Listing Market. † Has Sarbanes-Oxley Led to a Chilling in the U. S. Cross-Listing Market. The CPA Journal, Mar. 2007. Web. 20 Jan. 2013.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Compare and Contrast Plato and Decsartes Essay

Descartes and Plato are two of the most influential thinkers within philosophy. The allegory of the cave and systematic doubt are also two of the most famous concepts within philosophy. Plato at the time of writing the cave allegory was trying to resist the growing influence of the Sophist philosophers who prioritised semantics and rhetoric over truth.1 Descartes by introducing radical scepticism to philosophy was challenging traditional scholastic philosophy which had dominated the philosophy for many centuries. While both pieces of writing are separated by different ages of time and space, they share many similarities as well as fundamental differences. This essay will attempt to compare and contrast these two bodies of work by firstly explaining what is Descartes’ systematic doubt and Plato’s Allegory of the cave before finally examining the similarities and differences between them in the final paragraph of analysis. Descartes in his first meditation introduces the concept of Radical doubt which similarly places suspicion on the senses and the appearance of things. This involves stripping away all one’s beliefs and preconceived notions in order to find the foundational bedrock of knowledge in which all sciences could then grow. Descartes begins his first meditation by casting doubt on all his beliefs, if a belief can be even slightly doubted it must be discarded. He wants to ‘reject as absolutely false anything in which I could imagine the least amount of doubt3’ this is called radical scepticism where all beliefs must be challenged. Through this experiment Descartes conceded that the physical senses are not to be trusted as they have deceived him before, this is known as sensory deception and this revelation forces him to doubt any beliefs about the external world and knowledge that is gathered by the five senses. His examination also reveals that dreams states can be difficult to  distinguish between waking life, this has happened before where he thought he was in bed but wasn’t. Henceforth one cannot truly know if they are awake observing reality or asleep enjoying a dream, this is known as the dream hypothesis. Descartes also uncovers the evil demon hypothesis whereby all external reality observed may be just an illusion that is perpetrated by an evil demon seeking to deceive him, also there is the problem that all previous memories about oneself could simply just be imagination and not grounded in any reality. The system of radical doubt leads Descartes into murky territory where he cannot believe in the existence of anything at all. This thankfully is changed when he discovers the cogito’ I think therefore I am’, his starting point which saves him from uncertainty, allowing him to prove that he exists. In Plato’s allegory of the cave, there are prisoners who are locked up within the depths of a cave. All day long, they are situated in front of a wall and behind them is a fire which reflects shadows on the wall. Unbeknownst to the prisoners, there are puppeteers who use the firelight to reflect shadows of their puppets upon the wall while making noises ‘the truth would be literally nothing but the shadows’. The prisoners are unaware of this illusion and mistakenly believe these shadows are real images. One day, a prisoner is released from his chains and allowed to walk freely about the cave. Although it is confusing for him to see the puppets and fire, he is forced to accept this clearer version of reality and eventually ascents through the cave, spending a day and night under the sun and the stars. As he becomes familiar with the world above, he realises the sun is the giver of light, how it casts shadows and how his prior life in the cave was an entire illusion. This newfound enlightenment Plato remarks will prevent him from ever returning to the life in cave, nor will his old inmates believe him if he tried to free him, instead ‘they would put him to death5’ This intellectual awakening will cause the inmate to grasp the idea of good, the eternal form which will urge him to act ‘rationally in public or private life6’. Ultimately Plato suggests the inmate should return to his old friends and seek to help them. The cave analogy is concerned with the human condition and its’ lack of enlightenment, for Plato the prisoners represent ordinary citizens who hold false beliefs (shadows), reality is dictated to them by their senses (appearance of things) allowing them to be easily manipulated. Ignorance is then symbolised by darkness and the  intellect and reason is symbolised by the light. The journey of the inmate from darkness to light is a metaphor for education which allows one to progress from the ignorance in the depths of the cave to the intellectual plains of the enlightened one in the outside world. The outer world symbolises true knowledge, the realisation of eternal forms while the cave again illustrates the world of appearance and false beliefs, Woozley writes ‘most men without knowing it live in this shadow world’9 The cave analogy and Descartes systematic doubt have much in common. Both are concerned with the illusory nature of the senses and external reality, for Plato people place too much emphasis on the senses, on the appearance of things as illustrated in by the shadows on the wall, this leads them to hold false beliefs and to be easily misled, only by entering the realm of thought can people free themselves by gaining knowledge and becoming enlightened. Descartes through the systematic doubt also maintains that external reality cannot be truly known; the sensory deception and evil demon hypothesis cast doubt on the authenticity of the outside world. Indeed the evil demon hypothesis is an almost identical scenario to that of the prisoners whose sensory per ception is distorted by the shadow wielding puppeteers. Only through the mind or intellect can an individual overcome the illusory nature of the senses, it allows the prisoner to access the outside world to gain enlightenment and help his fellow inmates while for Descartes the mind by way of the cogito is the one thing that cannot be doubted which through it allows him prove the existence of the outside world in his later meditations. The cave is an analogy which illustrates how people can possess false consciousness and how through reason and knowledge one can overcome this while systematic doubt is an instruction on how to discard false beliefs, the ascent through the cave into the intellectual world is the finishing point for Plato while the cogito for Descartes is a starting point for further investigation. The two authors also differ on the type of philosophy employed in their argument. Plato insists that after the ascent , the prisoner will experience the idea of the good ‘ the lord of light in the visible world, and the immediate source of reason and truth in the intellectual’10 the good then is the highest point of knowledge and represents Plato’s philosophy of perfect types or forms known as idealism, Descartes through highlighting the sensory, dream and demon hypothesis  illustrates how the external world cannot be relied upon as a basis for true knowledge, but the cogito is a start ing point, the attempt to find secure beliefs that allow a foundation for further knowledge to be rested upon is known as Foundationalism which is credited to Descartes. In conclusion, both Descartes and Plato in their attempts to challenge the prevailing doctrine of their respective times introduced two of the most influential concepts in the world of Philosophy. Descartes through his examination of systematic doubt uncovers the limitations of the physical senses in acquiring knowledge and introduces further challenges to understanding external reality with the dream, memory and evil demon hypothesis. Only through the mind alone can one grasp the nature of reality starting with the cogito. Likewise Plato is concerned with the appearance of things, how the senses can deceive us and humanity like the inmates in the cave can live in a state of ignorance or darkness if they don’t use the power of the mind to acquire knowledge and reason. Only through using the intellect can humanity gather true knowledge and escape the darkness in the cave. For both the intellect is the only means for gathering true knowledge, the senses are illusory. Descartes s ystematic doubt and cogito provide the foundational starting point for the sciences while the cave allegory offers advocates a way of life for humanity to feign the world of ignorance and seek true knowledge so that those who acquire it will return to the cave and help their fellow man. Works Cited: Annas, Julias. An Introduction to Plato’s’ Republic. New York: Oxford University Press Cottingham, John. Descartes: Meditations on First Philosophy. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2013 Cottingham, John. Ed. Ray Monk. Descartes’ Philosophy of Mind. London: Phoenix Publishers, 1997 Plato. The Allegory of the cave. Week 5 Handout Woozley, Anthony. Plato’s Republic: A philosophical commentary. London: MacMillan Publishers, 1989