Saturday, August 31, 2019

Comparison of Two Short Stories by Tobias Wolff Essay

From the weekend fishing trips to complete hatred and denial, father-son relationships can be characterized by many good and bad experiences. After reading the two short stories â€Å"Powder† by Tobias Wolff and â€Å"If the River was Whiskey† by T. C. Boyle, which both feature father-son relationships that are placed under a large amount of stress. There are many similarities and differences between these two relationships that are not apparent upon just a cursory glance. A father can be completely inconsiderate of his sons needs or try his best to meet them and still create turmoil within the relationship. After reading Wolff’s short story â€Å"Powder,† one can conclude that the father tries quite hard to make his son happy. In this story the father takes the son to places the mother would not approve of in order to try and win his affection. Wolff states, â€Å"He’d had to fight for the privilege of my company, because my mother was still angry with him for sneaking me into a nightclub during his last visit, to see Thelonious Monk† (33). Taking his son to these places is his way of forming a father-son connection. Not only does he take his son skiing, he fights his wife for the privilege, and when she disagrees he does it without her knowledge. While this strengthens the father-son relation, the husband-wife relation is weakened. In this case the father is trying more to be the best friend instead of a role model, and in doing so creates conflicts with his wife. This directly affects the son’s well being because what child would be happy to see his parents fighting. In Wolff’s story the father is displayed as being a risk-taker and borderline reckless. This is where the father and son seem to clash in their relationship. Wolff writes, â€Å"I always thought ahead. I was a boy who kept his clothes on numbered hangers to insure proper rotation. I bothered my teachers for homework assignments far ahead of their due dates so I could draw up schedules† (36). Obviously, his father did not plan or think ahead, or he would have planned on leaving the ski lodge early in case they ran into trouble. When they got down the road, the trooper tells them that the road is blocked and the son became annoyed and frustrated with his father’s carelessness. He says to his father â€Å"we should have left before† (35) This comment made his father feel inadequate, and he did not respond to it. His father’s recklessness directly affects their relationship. The boy is more like a man, and the father is more like a boy, showing the â€Å"adult† in a relationship is not always who it seems, but that people can learn about themselves by their relationships with others. The son was very uneasy and nervous when his father started driving down the snow covered road once the trooper left his post. Wolff shows this when he writes â€Å"to keep my hands from shaking I clamped them between my knees† (35). The connection was restored between them when the child decided to stop moping and began to enjoy himself. The child says, â€Å"My father in his forty-eighth year, rumpled, kind, bankrupt of honor, flushed with certainty. He was a great driver. All persuasion, no coercion, such subtlety at the wheel, such tactful pedalwork. I actually trusted him† (37). This was a big turning point in their relationship because the child now sees greatness in his father that he had never seen before. In Boyle’s short story, â€Å"If the River was Whiskey† the same rocky father-son relationship that slowly takes a turn for the better is displayed. The father in Boyle’s story is much worse than the one in Wolff’s story in that he is an alcoholic that did not spend much time with his son. While in Wolff’s story spending time with his son made the father feel good, all the father in Boyle’s story needed was alcohol to feel good, giving no attention to his son. The wife attacks the father by saying, â€Å"We’ve been here two weeks and you haven’t done one damn thing with him, nothing, zero. You haven’t even been down to the lake. What kind of father are you? † (231). Seeing his parents in such an argument affects the son by making him disconnected and hateful toward his father. When the son came home from school he would find his father â€Å"sitting in the dark, hair in his face, bent low over the guitar. There was an open bottle of liquor on the coffee table and a clutter of beer bottles† (231). Coming back to this dreary home life after school and seeing one’s father in this condition would be very traumatic. It shows him that his father doesn’t care about his job and would rather be at home drinking while reminiscing about his past. The relationship between them finally took a turn for the better when his father put down the bottle and decides to go fishing with Tiller and spend some quality time with him. Boyle explains Tiller’s excitement by saying â€Å"It was too much for him all at once–the sun, the breeze that was so sweet, the novelty of his father rowing, pale arms and a cigarette clenched between his teeth, the boat rocking, and the birds whispering–he closed his eyes a minute, just to keep from going dizzy with the joy of it† (233). At this point, one can see that Tiller’s feelings of hate toward his father are diminishing. His father’s attitude also seems to have changed because he is making a conscious effort to not drink and have a good time on the water. When his father finally hooked a fish on his line, it was perhaps the climax of their relationship. Boyle writes, â€Å"Tiller saw something in his eyes he hardly recognized anymore, a connection, a charge, as if the fish were sending a current up the line, through the pole, and into his hands and body and brain† (234). That passage shows that Tiller actually felt him and his father finally connect. He describes it as hardly recognized because they had never really connected in this way before now. After his father pulled the fish up into the boat and Tiller realized it wasn’t a pike, â€Å"already the thing in his eyes was gone, already it was over† (234). This is where Tiller gets the feeling that his father had let him down as he always had before. The connection was once again lost. In both T. C. Boyle’s and Tobias Wolff’s stories the father’s actions create a direct reflection on their son. In T. C. Boyle’s story the father does things that damage his other relationships to try and improve the one with his son, and this is shown to have an equally bad result for the son as the one in Tobias Wolff’s story. In both stories there is a critical element that seems to connect the father and son. In both Wolff and Boyle’s story the sight of ones father performing a certain action creates an exhilarating short lived connection. A father can be completely inconsiderate of his sons needs or try his best to meet them and still create turmoil within the relationship that is occasionally interrupted by a one of kind father-son connection.

Friday, August 30, 2019

How to Teach Values Education in a Corrupt Society? Essay

In our corrupt society, there is one line attached to all the corrupt officers of the government, the line goes like this, â€Å"It is all right to steal provided you do not get caught.† Despite the dysfunctional environment we find ourselves in today, teachers need to teach and reinforce essential values in everyday schooling. These begin with values we learn at home and end with societal norms we need to advocate to make this country of ours a functioning democracy. Honesty and integrity is the first should students understand and acquire. Tell the truth, demand the truth and stand by the truth. Second is Responsibility. Act truthfully and people will give you their trust and confidence. Account for your actions and people will follow you. Third is Courage. Take charge of your actions. Do what is right, even if difficult. Stay the course even when others criticize you. Be brave in whatever you do. Fourth is Respect to others. Look out for others, give them due respect and they will respect you in return. And the last one is Love of country. This country is our reflection. This will tell the world if we Filipinos can compete and gain their respect. Although the depressing failure of many of our national and local leaders to become role models, the media, our schools, the religious should take effort to inculcate among everyone, young and old. Considering the present situation in our country, every effort must be made to receive our old values. Difficult as it may seem – at least we could try and try again and to be every persistent to the very end.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Marry Shellys Frankenstein Essay

In the story there are obvious sections, there are a few reasons for this. As you read the book you realize that the story is subdivided. There are different forms of narrative in the story. This varies from letterform at the start of the story, different narrators and letters sent to people in the story. In Frankenstein there are three different narrators, these are the monster, Victor Frankenstein and Robert Walton. The narrative set up is rather like an onion. This is because you have the main narrator, the monster, in the middle then Victor and then finally on the outside Walton. Robert Walton would have been seen as a Romantic hero because of his rebellious ways. Mary Shelly choose Robert Walton’s character because she wants him to be a rebel, which also links him to Victor Frankenstein as victor is a rebel as well. Mary Shelly links Robert Walton to Romantics. Firstly Romantics have interest in nature, rather like Robert Walton who is going on a voyage to the North Pole. Also Romantics rebelled against social rules. Robert Walton is rebelling against what Shelley calls the rules of nature as he goes on an expedition to the undiscovered. There are many Romantic heroes from various books like Odysseus from The Odyssey. But there are also other rebellious heroes many of who are from myths and legends. One of the main rebellious heroes was Prometheus who gave fire to man against Zeus’ will and was punished for it. Shelly presents Robert Walton as a rebel, rather like Victor Frankenstein. We no that Robert Walton is a rebel firstly because he rebels against the limitations of knowledge, he is going to the North Pole. He says, â€Å"I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited. † This means that he wants satisfy his need for knowledge by searching the ‘unknown’ world. We also know he is a rebel as his father forbids him to go on a voyage, which he is doing. Also we see that he doesn’t desire luxuries or an easy life, he says â€Å"My life might have been passed in ease and luxury, but I preferred glory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path. † This also shows that he will go a long way for glory and that he would much prefer glory than luxury and ease. Victor Frankenstein is seen as an amazing being through Robert Walton’s eyes through their time together. Shelly describes Frankenstein through the eyes of Robert Walton as a â€Å"Divine wanderer†. Also Walton Says that he is, â€Å"so gentle, yet so wise†. From Shelly’s choice of words we can see that Robert Walton sees Victor Frankenstein as a person with superhuman qualities. Therefore throughout Robert Walton’s letter we can see that Robert Walton looks up to Victor Frankenstein as a rebellious hero and as an amazing being. Structurally, Shelly’s opening to the novel is quiet strange. At the start of the novel you have Robert Walton’s letters and then Shelly follows the letters with Victors personal story. I believe that the way Shelley has opened the novel may be strange but it is effective trough out the sequence. By using different narratives Shelly encourages the reader to compare and contrast the viewpoints of Victor Frankenstein and Robert Walton. From Chapter one Mary Shelly proceeds to create the character of Victor Frankenstein through his own narrative. Interestingly, she reveals that like the first narrator, Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein has had the desire to reach new depths of scientific research since he was a child. Mary Shelly shows the reader the parallels between the two narrators, Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein. Firstly the reader can see that Frankenstein and Walton are alike, as they both want to rebel against the limitation of knowledge. The reader knows this as Walton wants to find new undiscovered things by going to the North Pole and Frankenstein wants to create life. Also the reader can see that the two of the narrators are alike as they both rebel against their father. Finally the reader can see the similarities in the characters as they both say that they have had the desire to reach new depths of scientific research since they where children. Luke Garner 10Pd English Literature Mr Dorefeyev Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Mary Shelley section.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Impact of the Internet on small businesses Research Paper

Impact of the Internet on small businesses - Research Paper Example Through the internet, a business of any size can compete in the global marketplace. In fact, on the internet, the size of an organizations operation makes little difference because the internet is an open environment. Similar companies compete against one another while being only a click of the mouse away. In other words, a buyer can locate numerous sellers offering similar merchandise, similar prices and similar offers in a very short time period. As more people and businesses become comfortable with the internet, the marketing landscape will continue to evolve quickly in the coming years (The Influence of Internet on Modern Business, 2009). The arrival of internet related technologies helped small scale industries immensely. Many of the traditional business concepts were given way for internet related business strategies because of the arrival of computers and internet. For example, internet helped the business world to convert many of the offline market spaces into online market spaces. Moreover, outsourcing, offshoring like modern business principles were evolved out because of the developments in internet related technologies. Advertising is another in which internet helps small scale industries immensely. Social networks are used extensively by the businesses for marketing and advertising purposes. At the same time, internet has the potential to affect small businesses negatively also. For example, internet helped globalization in many ways. It should be noted that globalization helped corporate companies to expand their business all over the world. The intrusion of corporate companies in small scale industry segments is causing big threats to the small business groups. In short, internet provides both opportunities and threats to small businesses. This paper analyses the impacts of internet on small businesses. The Internet potentially can be used by small businesses to support external (inter-organizational and

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

What is happening to jounalist and protesters at the RNC in the twin Research Proposal

What is happening to jounalist and protesters at the RNC in the twin cities must include info retrieved from written as well as video sources - Research Proposal Example The protesters present at the RNC represented various groups as well as many different independents who felt the need to speak out against the last eight years of Republican reign in the United States; although protesters (despite their Constitutional right to do so) can generally expect to be detained by police in such a setting, there were a high number of media bystanders amongst the arrestees. According to Poynter Online, most of the arrests were made by police on the final day of the Convention: Thursday September 4th. The police are reported to have used flash-bang grenades on the swarms of protesters and media representatives while dressed fully in riot gear, and to have made the majority of Thursday’s arrests in an area of St. Paul several blocks away from the Convention itself (retrieved 6 September 2008). Democracy Now! reported that a great deal of Thursday’s arrestees were present to protest the arrests of Monday’s protesters who had remained jailed for an agonizingly long period according to friends and families (retrieved 6 September 2008). The online media report also states that journalists as well as protesters arrested during the Convention were given written citations for â€Å"unlawful assembly†. Pepper spray, smoke bombs and concussion grenades are reported to have been used to keep the thousands of protesters from the main downtown St. Paul area where Republicans had gathered for five days of rallying speeches and the final nomination of their presidential candidate for the upcoming US election. At the end of the five days, it is estimated that more than eight hundred people were arrested by the police. The latter made their final attempt to stop protesters by blocking off several bridges that protesters were crossing across Interstate 94 towards downtown St. Paul. These detainees endured the barrage of police tactics for hours as they were arrested and led away

Individual paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Individual - Research Paper Example He provides emphasis to the elements on which brand loyalty is based upon. Awareness, Perceived Quality, Innovation, Brand Extension, Image, Promotion, Reputation, Customer Satisfaction congregate together to create Brand Loyalty. These variables bestow the company increased market share and growth rate, repeat purchases, competitive advantage and profitability. Since, retaining old customers is less expensive therefore hospitality companies must integrate these elements in their strategic plans in order to boost the market share. Taylor and Forte (2008) reviews the hospitality service from a different viewpoint. They believe that in order to maintain and retain customer, the food segment must be very innovative and safe, and for that purpose HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plays a significant and key role. It is used to advocate the hospitality industry by managing the systems of food safety. HACCP, on the other hand, has some barriers which makes it difficult to implement those steps recommended by it. For instance, the caterers don’t understand the technical jargons mentioned in HACCP and thereby it is complicated to make them understand these principles. Because of the vast number of products being offered in hospitality companies’ menus, it is not possible to monitor and produce flow chart for each product. Due to the fast production and consumption of food in hospitality industries it is not practically possible to make critical analysis of every product. According to the st udy of Taylor and Forte (2008), HACCP cannot be beneficial for hospitality industry unless the necessary principles are underpinned. Implementing the above studies can prove to be very beneficial for hospitality industries. Combination of both the researches can help the hotel companies to boost their market share to a great extent. In order to retain current customers, strong attention must be provided on brand loyalty. Food is an important area of

Monday, August 26, 2019

Duress Is Not a Defence to Murder Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Duress Is Not a Defence to Murder - Essay Example The word ‘duress’ can be explained as a compulsion on an accused by a third party to carry out a murder, or else , he might have witnessed a cruel harm, including death from such a third party.This research essay will analyse how duress cannot be claimed as a defence to murder as held in R v Howe with decided other case laws on the subject.Analysis In Attorney-General v Whelan, 2 it was held that duress is a threat with an instant death or grave body injury to the defendant, and if he refuses to carry out the order of a third party and it should be acknowledged as a validation for action, which would else be regarded as a criminal offense.3 In the earlier times, if duress is claimed as a defence, then the prosecution has the duty to prove beyond doubt that the defendant was not indulged in a crime under duress. However, now, the onus to prove the duress defence claims rests with an accused. Duress cannot be successful in case where there is a claim of peril of lesser har m such as damage to assets or false imprisonment. As held in R v Howe, if there is an instant threat of a serious body injury or death, then defence under duress can be claimed for crimes other than murder and treason.4 Under English law, duress as a defence is not available to attempted murder, murder, or any kind of treason. Hence, the crucial issue was whether duress was a valid defence in murder cases. A defendant may claim duress as an excuse that connotes the defendant had been compelled to act under such a harsh danger that precluding from the crime could not rationally be expected.6 Duress by circumstances and duress by threat are differentiated as to the basis of the threat. Duress per minas (by a threat) starts from a human peril while duress by circumstances involves a peril of natural origin. Both threats can qualify as a valid excuse. In DPP for Northern Ireland v Lynch, 7 Lord Simon observed that duress is just a specific usage of the canon of necessity. In this case, it was held by the Lords that defence of duress was available to a collaborator. In this case, the lords observed that where a defendant is left with two alternatives, which are between the peril of death or grave injury, and if he wantonly put an end to life of an innocent, an ordinary individual should think that one naive human life is as precious as that of his family members and in such event, the defendant cannot argue that he is preferring the least significant of the two evils. Likewise, in R v Gotts,8 it was held that duress is not a justification to an attempted slaughter.9 In normal parlance, the courts would not acknowledge a defence of duress when an abnormal injury is made by the defendant .This is known as a test of proportionality as held in R v Howe.10 Likewise, the duress shield can fail if the prosecution is able to demonstrate that the defendant had a chance to avert the threat from the third party by taking timely help from the police, and if the defendant negle cted to do so, the defence of duress would not be successful as held in R v Hasan.11 Lord Bingham in the R v Hasan case viewed that the peril may be to the defendant or to his family or to a known person of the defendant. Hence, peril against the welfare of the defendant’s family, or to his life or to the life of the person known to the defendant, will be an adequate proof of duress.12 In R v Fitzpatrick,13 it was held that a gang member who had been compelled to indulge in murder could not raise a defence of dur

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Does stakeholder theory provide a better basis for the development of Coursework

Does stakeholder theory provide a better basis for the development of Corporate Governance in the 21st century than agency theor - Coursework Example It is important to understand the meaning of corporate governance to be able to fully discuss its features. Even though there are different variables that come into play because of the different operating environments in different nations, corporate governance may refer to that process that leads to effective control, direction and accountability in organizations. As a result, corporate governance involves elements like control, co-ordination, direction and the checks and balances associated with management of organizations. In addition to the definition of the term corporate governance, it is equally important to point out that the practice has evolved over the years to become a more complex but essential feature for the success of contemporary organizations. The concept of corporate governance has been fast adopted in various parts of the world but with some major variations because of the different circumstantial variations of nations (Clarke 2004). Consequently, there have been d ifferent frameworks of corporate governance that have emerged as a result of this. However, there are two main approaches of corporate governance that can be identified. ... at had a tradition of common law like Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Canada and New Zealand developed corporate governance structures that focused on shareholders’ returns or interests. In their case, corporate governance was supposed to ensure that corporations achieved the objectives set by their owners. Consequently, the two main corporate governance approaches have been termed as insider and outsider approaches respectively. Having reviewed the background of corporate governance it is therefore important that the theories of corporate governance that have been put forth be discussed. Theories of Corporate Governance There are two theories of corporate governance that have been proposed by scholars and of which will form a basis for this discussion. They include the stakeholder theory and the agency theory as discussed below. The Stakeholder Theory Also referred to as the stewardship theory, the theory proposed by Freeman is based on the argument that organizations have a wider obligation of serving the general interests rather than just attaining the capitalistic goal of wealth maximization (Mulili and Wong 2011). The theory holds that firms are socially responsible to all parties that interact with it or those that are affected by the firms’ quest on achieving its set objectives (Freeman et al 2010). As a result, corporate are said to be socially responsible to their stakeholders, that is, the suppliers, employees, clients, shareholders, interest groups and the government among other industry actors they are directly or indirectly involved with. It has been noted that stakeholders are important to corporations because the manner in which they are handled determines their feedback (Gregg 2001). For instance, when they get more in terms of value or extra

Saturday, August 24, 2019

A New Work Ethic Case 4.4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A New Work Ethic Case 4.4 - Essay Example As far as my experience is concerned, those with above attitude have failed to be a part of an organization for a long time as they have failed to score good in annual appraisal. In my experience I haven’t seen any thief from employee due to the culture of the society in which I live in and proper recording of the accounts where employees were thoroughly scrutinized. This culture also discouraged grouping which would hurt the business itself. I believe that employees, including me, have and will always believe that supervisors are paper-pushing functionaries who will get in the way as this is true. This discourages innovation on part of an employee and at times does not make them feel a part of an organization. Explain the implications of work ethic Sheehy describes for the future of American business. Work ethics is one of the key in any business success. In America, work ethics is more important and demanding due to its wider implications on the end beneficiary that is custo mer. First and foremost ingredient to work ethics is the hard work an employee puts into. Not only this but also a rewarding hard work which is worth every penny of the minute worked. Getting shortcuts and not making effort will not only result in downfall of the American businesses but also would result in dearth of employees on demand. Working hard just to Get big scores poisons a business environment and would get worst if that employee is given a major responsibility or is promoted up the hierarchy ladder. Explain whether it is more reasonable to expect workers, especially in a capitalist society, to be more devoted to their jobs, more concerned with quality and customer service, than Sheehy's coworkers were. Absolutely. In a capitalist society there is more thrust to be productive as capitalism brings in extra ordinary prosperity. Thus devotion to job is a must as it rewards virtue and punishes vice. More devoted to jobs, more fell employee will be paid as he/she would be seen as a resource which can not only retain but also bring in business. Sheehy’s co-workers would definitely fail in a capitalist society and would lose their jobs sooner rather than later (Thompson). A job like this depends on the customer services provided. Devotion to this job means to make a customer satisfied with the least of his requirements even and building a relationship with him which goes down to benefiting the business. Explain the reasoning behind employee theft. In frequent usage,  theft is the unlawful taking of another person's  personal belonging  with no prior permission of that person or any kind of approval.   Employee thief as a fact has been on a rise not only in developing world but also in the developed world which has been a huge strain on the businesses. Lack of maturity as an employee could be the first reason as most of them are teenagers. Some might be doing theft without any fear as most of them are from upper middle class and are not so wor ried about being getting fired. Peer pressure could be another reason where one would be treated well only if he/she will jell into the work ethics of the rest. Explain ways the culture of our capitalists society encourages attitudes like those Sheehy describes Corruption which is common in a capitalist

Friday, August 23, 2019

People with bad manners surround us Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

People with bad manners surround us - Essay Example According to the research findings bad manners disrupts other people, infringe their comfort, and as Nightingale explains, is a serious concerns when it interferes with expected utilities that people have paid for. Staring at people that you do not know, with a possible implication that they also do not recognize you, for instance, has a tendency of creating suspicion from the target. This may lead to discomfort, as a person may feel insecure or embarrassed for thoughts of improper conduct. Consequently, the observer interferes with the targets comfort. Gossiping loudly in the library is another example of bad manners that distracts people from the environment’s main activity. Being a place for either borrowing resources or studying the resources, the library should be quiet, conducive for study or communication with attendants. Loud gossips in the place therefore adversely affect other people, especially the studying group. Another form of bad manners in a public environment is swearing loudly. This has an impact of raising alarm among other people, leading to fear and animosity. Its negative effects on people may also lead to health complications from involuntary biological reactions. Staring at people that you do not know, gossiping loudly in the library, and swearing in the public therefore significantly pose adverse conditions to other people and are consequently bad manners.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Poetry Explication Essay Example for Free

Poetry Explication Essay Wordsworth is one among the best five poets in English. He wrote many poems and most of them are best known for its treatment of love for nature. â€Å"The Daffodils†, â€Å"Lines Written in Early Spring†, â€Å"To the Cuckoo†, and â€Å"My Heart Leaps Up† are very few of his poems in which the role of nature is predominant. By the close reading of the poems it is obvious that he is an ardent lover of nature. And he has the quality to heal all his deep sufferings by enjoying nature. And he insists his readers that to live in touch with nature and it will cure all their problems. Through his poems he gave such a healing power to nature. In most of his poems he considered nature as a living personality. He is a very sensitive to all changes occurred in nature. I WANTERED LONELY AS A CLOUD (THE DAFFODILS) His poem â€Å"I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud† is one of the most celebrated poem. In which the poet describes about a time when he wandered like a cloud through vales and hills. From the first line of this poem it is clear that the poet feels lonely at the time of writing this poem. Finally he saw a group of daffodils which are â€Å"fluttering and dancing in the breeze†. This is all about the first stanza of this poem. In its second stanza he started describe about the daffodils. The flowers seemed never ending so he compares it with shining stars in the Milky Way. He assumes that he might see ten thousand daffodils at a glance. This shows that the flowers are countless or large in number. And they are â€Å"tossing their heads and sprightly dance†. Here the poet is depressed internally but he tries to find happiness from his surrounding nature. In third stanza he compares the waves of the lake and daffodils. But he says that daffodils have more â€Å"glee† than the â€Å"sparking† lake. And he says that a poet can’t do anything but enjoying it. Even in his loneliness he feels some happiness inside his mind. He says that â€Å"in such a jocunt company† a poet can only enjoy it nothing more than that. He starred at the scene for a long time and he couldn’t understand what he gained by gazing at it. Here he says that nature has a power to attract any man’s attention even if the man is in depressed mood. In its last stanza he describes about what he gained from this experience. He says whenever he feels â€Å"pensive† or â€Å"vacant† this experience fills happiness in the mind of the poet and he started dancing with that flowers. It shows his change of mood after take a look of those flowers. â€Å"They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils. † The dancing daffodils have that much influence in the mind of the poet. This experience was capable to heal the inner sufferings of him. From this poem he tries to teach the reader about the importance of man’s connection with nature. Only nature can give utmost pleasure to man than any material possession. MY HEART LEAPS UP (THE RAINBOW) This poem is one of Wordsworth’s widely accepted poems. In which he depicts about his excitements when he saw a rainbow in the sky. This poem is well known because of its simplicity in theme and its treatment of nature. Through this poem he reveals to his readers that how childishly he keeps enjoying nature. He used to see rainbow in the sky from his childhood itself. Now he is a grown up man but still he didn’t lose his spirit towards nature. In short his love for nature is consistent. We can understand it by referring many of his poems. This poem is started with the line â€Å"My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky:† From the first line itself he started describing his cheerful experience when he saw a rainbow in the sky. According to him there is no age bound in enjoying nature. He used here present, past and future tenses only to denote his spirit of enjoying the nature. â€Å"So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man; So be it when I shall grow old,† He says that when he was in his childhood the view of rainbow made the same effect which he feels now, in his manhood. And he wishes to continue like this in his future also. In his mind leading a life without keeping any connection with nature is worse than death. He says that in his future days if he is not capable to enjoy it then â€Å"let me die! †. He can’t think a life without nature because it is everything for him. And through these lines he also shows his consistent love towards nature. His love has same spirit throughout his life. And till his end he wishes to live in nature’s lap. Towards the end of this poem he says that â€Å"The child is father of the man;† which gives a paradoxical meaning here. Commonly we know that man is the father of child. But here he was not talking about its direct meaning. He only means that from the childhood begins manhood. Here the word â€Å"father† means one from whom something begins. The main idea of the poem lies in this line, i.e. , the present is the outcome of past and like this future will be the outcome of present. And in its concluding lines he shows his deep desire to live in connection with nature by enjoying all its varieties. â€Å"And I could wish my days to be Bound each to each by natural piety. † Through these lines he indirectly talks about his immense desire to go back to his childhood. In that age he was very cheerful. Now in his adulthood, because of the bitter experiences of his life, he wishes to attain his childhood once again and he finds that nature is the best mean to achieve it. The themes of â€Å"childhood† and â€Å"nature† are best described through this poem. â€Å"LINES WRITTEN IN EARLY SPRING†: It is a simple, lyric poem. The poet himself said in this poem that he wrote this when he sat under the shade of a group of trees. He was in a relaxing mood at that time and he sat there for a long time by enjoying the music or the sounds from his surroundings. Suddenly the music changes to a melancholy note when he started thinking about humanity. â€Å"In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts Bring sad thoughts to the mind. † Personally the poet was in a depressed situation at that time. Because of the French Revolution there were problems concerning poverty and society. Moreover he was not take care by his uncle, who was supposed to take care of him since the death of his father, after his graduation. But when he sat under the trees he felt better and slowly it act like a healing balm of his sufferings. But suddenly things have changed. He says that the beautiful sight of nature is a bridge from human soul to god. According to him natural sights are enough to give a perpetual bliss to his mind. â€Å"To her fair works did Nature link The human soul that through me ran;† Through these lines the poet tries to spiritualize nature. He knows that spiritual life is happier than material life. Now his tiresome heart is in search for eternal pleasure. Nature is a perfect creation of god so worshipping it will also give bliss. But the thought of humanity again started disturbing him. And he thinks pathetically about the treatment given to a man by his fellow beings. â€Å"And much it grieved my heart to think What man has made of man. † From these lines he tries to say that all the sufferings of man are only because of the drifting away from nature. According to him nature is the mother of humans. From there only we get complete compensation from all our sufferings. So he indirectly says that men can’t exist without nature. Then he started describing about the flowers in that place. Primrose, periwinkle like flowers are well grown there. After gazing at them he realized that all the flowers are enjoying all their actions even their breathing. From his surroundings he wish acquire some happiness and thus feel an internal bliss. â€Å"The birds around me hopped and played, Their thoughts I cannot measure: But the least motion which they made, It seemed a thrill of pleasure Secondly he started looking at the birds around him. They were â€Å"hopped† and â€Å"played† there. Then he says that he was not able to understand their thoughts but even in their small movements poet could feel â€Å"a thrill of pleasure† in them. Poet’s mind is wounded now. But the pleasant picture of the nature changes his mood and brings happiness slowly. In its fourth stanza he started describing about the trees around him. They were all spreading their leaves to breathe the fresh air. But their also he could see only happiness. He came to a realization that nature itself is blissful. All the creatures which are living in connection with nature are all blessed with peace and happiness. In the final stanza he concludes the poem with an important question that is â€Å"what man has made of man? † He became clear about the fact that drifting away from nature is the cause of all tragedies in human life. This realization ache him very harshly. â€Å"Have I not reason to lament What Man has made of Man? † According to him man himself is only responsible for their sufferings. Throughout the poem the pleasure which he describes is something spiritual or divine and the union of man and nature is also the plan of god. Here it is well expressed the poet’s capacity to spiritualize nature. Thus this poem is all about the relationship between man and nature. â€Å"TO THE CUCKOO†: This poem is one of the best poem in which nature is reflected. Throughout this poem the poet thus the speaker addressing a bird cuckoo. Through this poem the poet welcomes the spring season in the most elegant way. He from his childhood noticed that from the beginning of this season nature seems more beautiful with the â€Å"wandering voice† of the bird cuckoo. And in this poem he indirectly depicting about his belief in supernatural elements and he states that this earth is not only for humans but also for animals, birds, supernatural elements like fairies etc. He starts the poem by calling the bird cuckoo as â€Å"a BLITHE New Comer†. He was attracted by its double fold shouting than anything. The bird is not visible to the poet. So in utter confusion he asks the bird that, â€Å"shall I call thee bird, / Or but a wandering voice? † It also shows his interest to see that bird. In its first stanza he talks about his happiness when he hear the voice of the bird. In his second stanza he describes about when he heard the shouting of the bird cuckoo. When he lied on grass he heard the voice passing through â€Å"hills to hill† but he couldn’t fix the bird and thus the shouting seems to him as a wandering voice. Even he became in confusion that whether the bird is shouting from far away or nearby place. Thus the twofold sound of that bird made him a wanderer. Wordsworth is best known as the poet of eyes and ear. In his third stanza he talks about his pleasure and his experiences after seeing that cuckoo. â€Å"Though babbling only to the Vale, Of Sunshine and of flowers, Thou bringest unto me a tale Of visionary hours. † The valley which was filled with sunshine and flowers seemed more beautiful with the voice of the bird. It gives a feast to his eyes and ears. So it made him to stay there for a long time. It brings happiness to his mind. So whenever he heard its voice his urge to see that bird increases. And in the next stanza he addresses the bird as â€Å"darling of the spring† and he welcomes it to the season. And he says to the bird that the bird is only an invisible thing to him. So he feels that the voice of that bird is something mysteries. Even an unknown sound from nature has profound influence in poet’s mind. That’s why it easily catches the attention of the poet. In its fifth stanza he describes about his childhood. Even in his childhood he wandered a lot to see this bird. He tried to see the bird by following its voice. â€Å"The same whom in my school-boy days I listened to; that Cry Which made me look a thousand ways In bush, and tree, and sky. † He says that even from his boyhood age he was fully attracted by the catching beauty of nature. In his childhood also he used to listen its music but then also he didn’t get a chance to see that bird. The bird stays by hiding itself and through its sweet sound it makes the nature more alive and thus it tries to increase its overall beauty. In his childhood he often searched it â€Å"In bush, tree and sky. † Still he keeps searching it with a hope of success. So these lines also show the theme of hope also. He didn’t tire with his thousands of attempt to see that bird. All his failures made him to search more and more. So by observing nature he got a hope for his future. He believes that one day he will meet the owner of that wandering mysterious voice. In its next two stanzas he depicts about his theme of hope and childhood. Even in his manhood also he is wandering for that bird. He has a spark of hope by the shouting of that bird. He keeps an ardent love towards the bird even if he didn’t see that bird yet. And he says that when he lied on the grass and hear the voice, it made a nostalgic effect  to his mind. He started thinking about his â€Å"golden time†, childhood. From the line, â€Å"And listen, till I do beget That golden time again. † It is obvious that his childhood was full of happiness. That is why he referred it with the word â€Å"golden time†. The music of cuckoo had made this much influence in the mind of the poet. In its final stanza he gives a supernatural power to that bird. He calls it as â€Å"O blessed bird! †. From our childhood itself we heard about the stories of fairies. Fairies are some supernatural elements which help and give happiness to others. So to him the bird cuckoo also like this. It gives intense pleasure to the mind of the people. With its sweet voice it heals the incurable wounds of the mind. In his last stanzas he indirectly depicts about his believe in supernatural elements like fairy. â€Å"O blessed Bird! the earth we pace Again appears to be An unsubstantial, faery place; That is fit home for Thee! † Through this line he says that this world is not only for humans but also for animals and other super natural elements. In his eyes the cuckoo bird is a blessed one because it has the power to heal the inner sorrows of men and it fills eternal bliss in to the mind of the humans. This poem dramatizes the conflict between appearance and reality, particularly as this conflict relates to the central symbol of the poem, the goose fish. The speaker relates the tale of two lovers who encounter a dead fish on the beach after sharing their affection with one another. While looking at the fish, the couple ponders the meaning of this fish. Taken figuratively, the goose fish occupies many roles. As the speaker overlooks the events taking place between two lovers on a beach, he introduces the goose fish as playing the part of an intruder: â€Å"Until they saw†¦ / As though the whole world had found them out, / The goose fish†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (15-17). Shortly after the lovers witness the goose fish, they ponder over what the fish’s big toothy grin â€Å"would express, / So finished a comedian† (30-31). The speaker then expresses the lovers’ thoughts that delegate the fish as an emblem of their passionate love and an optimist of their relationship. Finally, after conveying the numerous roles that the lovers attribute to the fish, the speaker expresses the lovers’ final decision to call the goose fish their patriarch who blesses their union. In reality, the fish can not realistically satisfy these roles because it has died. In this way, the speaker communicates the several roles that the lovers ascribe to the goose fish. However, the poem begins with several oddities that hint to the fact that this poem expresses more than it’s literal words. For example, the poem follows the iambic tetrameter form with each stanza closing in an iambic trimeter line. The form of the poem as well as the speaker’s neutral attitude toward the events that take place create a philosophical and detached tone that suggest that the objects and events within the poem should not be interpreted according to their denotations. Also, the rhetoric of the first line illustrates that the words in that line do not simply describe the beach. The speaker uses long vowel sounds to create the long stretch of beach that the lovers inhabit: â€Å"On the long shore, lit by the moon† (1). The syntax conforms to traditional rules so that the speaker can explicitly narrate the action happening between the two lovers: â€Å"Two lovers suddenly embraced / So that their shadows were as one† (3-4). The lovers share an intimate moment that expresses their love for one another. The vocabulary that the speaker uses such as â€Å"graced,† â€Å"prized,† and â€Å"emparadised† suggests that whenever the couple gets together, they enter their own fantasy dream world that consists of just themselves. In the second stanza, the speaker replaces his long, flowing lines with short, abrupt words to convey the fright that the two lovers experience when an outsider intrudes upon their fantasy world: â€Å"Then, as if shaken by stage-fright / Beneath the hard moon’s bony light,† (10-11). The goose fish, the central symbol of the poem, introduces himself to the pair of lovers. Even though the fish looks deceased, the use of irony that the speaker employs describes the role of the goose fish as an intruder: â€Å"Until they saw, there underfoot, / As though the world had found them out, / The goose fish turning up, though dead, / His hugely grinning head† (15-18). The normal structure of the speaker’s sentence builds up to the suspense of finding out who has trespassed into the lovers’ secret world: â€Å"They stood together on the sand / Embarrassed in each other’s sight / But still conspiring hand in hand,† (12-14). In the third stanza, the speaker describes the importance of the interrupting goose fish on the couple through an iambic trimeter line: â€Å"The only way that could be known / To make a world their own† (26-27). The lovers express astonishment in how a fish has infiltrated their fantasy world. Thus, they try to attribute their own special meaning to the fish to make him a part of their world. The speaker blends the symbols of the moon and the fish to show the merging of the heavenly, or the appearance, with the earthly, or the reality: â€Å"There in the china light he lay, / Most ancient and corrupt and gray† (19-20). As the speaker tells about the fish, he inverts the order of his sentence. The fish’s description follows the introduction of the fish. The speaker reverses his word order to place emphasis on the comparison between the heavenly moon and the earthly goose fish. Descriptive words such as â€Å"fragile† and â€Å"violence† transform the lovers’ dream world into a place of horror because an unwelcome visitor joins them. In the last two stanzas of this poem, the goose fish becomes transformed into three different roles as the lovers attempt to decipher the fish’s true meaning. At first they believe that his â€Å"wide and moony grin† transforms the fish into a comedian (28). The use of the word moony to describe the fish fully joins the symbols of the moon and the fish together. This merge represents the unity of the cosmos and that although the lovers appear to exist only in their own dream world, they still find themselves stuck in reality. The couple quickly determines that the fish does not serve as a symbol of humor, but as an emblem of their love. â€Å"But took it for an emblem of / Their sudden, new and guilty love† (33-34). Through the use of short words, the speaker infuses energy into the lovers’ new interpretation of the goose fish to convey passion and lust behind the lovers’ relationship. Finally, the couple decides to look to the fish as their patriarch and friend. When conveying this final conclusion, the speaker expresses the naivete of the lovers and their desperate attempts to extract blessings from the goose fish. However, the lovers overlook the fact that the fish has died. This use of irony shows how the appearance of the fish symbolizes a personal connection to the lovers while in reality, the dead fish cannot fulfill this role. The visual division of this poem into five stanzas serves to create a play that consists of five acts. The lovers represent the actors of a drama. The fish becomes the unwelcome audience as the lovers share their intimacy with one another. When the lovers realize that something has watched their actions, they shiver with embarrassment, or stage-fright. While pondering over the goose fish, they stand hand in hand as if waiting for the curtain call. The goose fish appears to act as the comedian whose play may end in success or failure of the lovers’ relationship. In this way, the poet reinforces the conflict between the appearance of the numerous roles of the goose fish and the reality that the goose fish no longer lives.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Religion and Filipino Mothers Essay Example for Free

Religion and Filipino Mothers Essay Rizal’s Reminders on Equality, Self – Respect and True Spirit of Religion 1. The tyranny of some is possible only through cowardice and negligence on the part of others. 2. What makes one contemptible is lack of dignity and abject fear of one who holds one in contempt. 3. Ignorance is servitude, because as a man thinks, so he is; a man who does not think for himself and allows himself to be guided by the thought of another is like a beast led by a halter, 4. He who loves his independence must first aid his fellowman, because he who refuses protection to others will find himself without it. 5. If the Filipina will not change her mode of being, let her rear no more children, let her merely give birth to them. She must cease to be the mistress of the home, otherwise she will unconsciously betray husband, child, native, land and all. 6. All men are born equal, naked, without bonds. God did not create man to be a slave; nor did he endow him with intelligence to have him hoodwinked or adorn him with reason to have deceived by others. 7. Consider well what kind of religion they are teaching you. See whether it is the will of God or according to the teachings of Christ that the poor be succored and those who suffer alleviated. In summary, Rizal ‘s Letter To the Young Women of Malolos focused on five major points (Zaide Zaide, 1999) 1. Filipino mothers should teach their children love of God, country and fellowman. 2. Filipino mothers should be glad and honored, like Spartan mothers to offer their sons in defense of their country. 3. Filipino women should know how to protect their dignity and honor. 4. Filipino women should educate themselves aside from retaining their good radical values. 5. Faith is not merely reciting prayers and wearing religious pictures. It is living the real Christian way with good morals and manners.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Comparison of Join algorithms in MapReduce Framework

Comparison of Join algorithms in MapReduce Framework Mani Bhushan, Balaraj J, Oinam Martina Devi Abstract: In the current technological world, there is generation of enormous data each and every day by different media and social networks. The MapReduce framework is increasingly being used widely to analyse large volumes of data. One of the techniques that framework is join algorithm. Join algorithms can be divided into two groups: Reduce-side join and Map-side join. The aim of our work is to compare existing join algorithms which are used by the MapReduce framework. We have compared Reducer-side merge join and Map-side replication-join in terms of pre-processing, the number of phases involved, whether it is sensitive to data skew, whether there is need for distributed Cache, memory overflow. The objective is to determine which algorithm holds well in given scenario. I INTRODUCTION Data-intensive applications include large-scale data warehouse systems, cloud computing, data-intensive analysis. Applications for large-scale data analysis use MapReduce (MR) paradigm [6]. MAPREDUCE is a programming model for processing and generating large data sets. Users specify a map function that processes a key/value pair to generate a set of intermediate key/value pairs and a reduce function that merges all intermediate values associated with the same intermediate key [5]. Let us look upon the execution of MapReduce execution. MapReduce Execution: The Map/Reduce framework consists of two operations, â€Å"map† and â€Å"reduce†, which are executed on a cluster of shared-nothing commodity nodes. In a map operation, the input data available through a distributed file system, is distributed among a number of nodes in the cluster in the form of key-value pairs. Each of these mapper nodes transforms a key-value pair into a list of intermediate key-value pairs [1]. The intermediate key-value pairs are propagated to the reducer nodes such that each reduce process receives values related to one key. The values are processed and the result is written to the file system [1]. Figure 1.1: MR execution in detail [7]. In [3], the authors have described crucial implementation details of a number of well-known join strategies in MapReduce, and present a comprehensive experimental comparison of these join techniques on a 100-node Hadoop cluster. The authors have provided the overview of MapReduce overall. They have described how to implement several equijoin algorithms for log processing in MapReduce. They have used the MapReduce framework as it is, without any modification. Therefore, the support for fault tolerance and load balancing in MapReduce is preserved. They have worked on Repartition Join, Broadcast Join, Semi-Join, and Per-Split Semi-Join. The authors have revealed many details that make the implementation more efficient. We have evaluated the join methods on a 100-node system and shown the unique tradeoffs of these join algorithms in the context of MapReduce. We have also explored how our join algorithms can benefit from certain types of practical preprocessing techniques. In [4], the authors have examined the algorithms for performing equi-joins between datasets over Map/Reduce and have provided a comparative analysis. The results indicate that all join algorithms are significantly affected by certain properties of the input datasets (size, selectivity factor, etc.) and that each algorithm performs better under certain circumstances. Our cost model manages to capture these factors and estimates fairly accurately the performance of each algorithm. II COMPARISON OF ALGORITHMS Data-intensive applications required to process multiple data sets. This implies the need to perform several join operation. Its known join operation is one of the most expensive operations in terms both I / O and CPU costs [6]. Now let us see two of the join algorithms analysed in the earlier work: 2.1 Reducer-side merge join: It is the most straightforward way to join two datasets over the Hadoop framework. It can be considered as the Hadoop version of the parallel sort-merge join algorithm. The main idea is to sort the input splits on the join column, forward them to the appropriate reducer and then merge them during the reduce phase. The performance of the algorithm is dominated by two main factors. The first is the communication overhead required to shuffle the datasets through the network from mapper to reducer. The second one is the time required to sort and write the datasets to disk before forwarding them to the reducers. However, the drawback of the the Reduce-side merge join is that the map function does not apply any filter and the output size remains at the same size with the input and also the reducer loads in memory all the tuples of each split. Figure 1.2 Reducer-side merge join [4] 2.2 Map-side replication-join The Map-Side Replication join tries to address the drawbacks of the previous approach. The concept was initially conceived in the database literature [2]. The implementation is much simpler compared to the previous algorithm. We start by replicating the small table to all nodes by using the distributed cache facility. Then, during the setup2 of the mapper we load the table into a hash table. For each value of the hash table we nest an array list for storing multiple rows with the same join attribute. Hence, for each row of the bigger table we search over only the unique keys of the small table. In the case we have many rows per join attribute it results in substantial performance gain. The hash table provides constant time search for a key value. During the execution of the mapper for each key-value pair of the input split we extract the join attribute and probe the hash table. If the value exists we combine the tuples of the matching keys and submit the new tuple. The algorithm is i llustrated in figure 1.3. The main disadvantage of this algorithm is that it is restricted by the memory size of the nodes. If the small table does not fit in memory we cannot use the algorithm at all. Figure 2.2 Map-side replication-join. III CONCLUSION IV REFERENCES [1] Fariha Atta. Implementation and analysis of join algorithms to handle skew for the hadoop mapreduce framework. Master’s thesis, MSc Informatics, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, 2010. [2] Shivnath Babu. Towards automatic optimization of mapreduce programs. In Proceedings of the 1st ACM symposium on Cloud computing, SoCC ’10, pages 137–142, New York, NY, USA, 2010. ACM. [3] Spyros Blanas, Jignesh M. Patel, Vuk Ercegovac, Jun Rao, Eugene J. Shekita, and Yuanyuan Tian. A comparison of join algorithms for log processing in mapreduce. In Proceedings of the 2010 international conference on Management of data, SIGMOD ’10, pages 975–986, New York, NY, USA, 2010. ACM. [4] A Chatzistergiou. Designing a parallel query engine over map/reduce. Master’s thesis, MSc Informatics, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, 2010. [5] Jeffrey Dean and Sanjay Ghemawat. Mapreduce: a flexible data processing tool. Commun. ACM, 53:72–77, January 2010. [6] A. Pigul. Comparative Study Parallel Join Algorithms for MapReduce environment. Saint Petersburg State University. [7] S. Blanas, J. M. Patel, V. Ercegovac, J. Rao, E. J. Shekita, and Y. Tian. A comparison of join algorithms for log processing in mapreduce. In SIGMOD ’10: Proceedings of the 2010 international conference on Management of data, pages 975–986, New York, NY, USA, 2010. ACM. [8] Shivnath Babu. Towards automatic optimization of MapReduce programs. In SIGMOD ’10: Proceedings of the 2010 international conference on Management of data. Pages 137-142. New York, NY, USA, 2010. ACM.

Argumentative Essay: We Must Eliminate Animal Testing :: Argumentative Example Essays

The practice of using animals for testing has been a controversial issue over the past thirty years. Animal testing is a morally debated practice. The question is whether animal testing is morally right or wrong. This paper will present both sides of this issue as well as my own opinion.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Approximately two to four million animals have been used in safety tests. Safety tests are conducted with a wide range of chemicals and products, including drugs, vaccines, cosmetics, household cleaners, and packing materials. This raises issues such as the ethics and humaneness of deliberately poisoning animals, thus harming them, for the sake of marketing a new cosmetic or household product.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Humane Society of the United States promotes research methods that can potentially replace, reduce, or refine animal use so that animals experience less suffering. An opinion poll was taken by the HSUS on September 23, 2001 on pain and distress in research. The findings were that 62% of people would approve of testing if little or no pain was experienced by the animals, while 75% disapprove when severe pain is experienced.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is a moral blind spot in the treatment of animals that enable us to justify the cruelties for the perceived benefits of humans. Animals are living things. They have lungs which breathe, hearts which beat, and blood that flows. In fact, animals sense of smell, sight, and sound is much more acute than our own. Therefore, we can assume that their sensitivity to pain is at least equal to ours. According to Hippocrates, â€Å"The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different.† This can go with the Duty Theory that states that every individual gets treated the same. The intentions of animal testing is not to harm the animals, but that is exactly what it does. In opposition of Hippocrates, others believe animals cannot be entitled to rights because they have no understanding and that testing on them is a necessity. A treatment to prevent scarring and loss of vision after glaucoma surgery will soon be tried on patients. This was made possible using rabbits. Following successful studies on mice and rats, a vaccine for malaria is now being tested on people. There is a wealth of evidence showing that animal â€Å"models† are not accurate and cannot be relied upon for safety testing and disease research. Scientists and doctors recognize that while animals are biologically very similar to human beings, they are not identical.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Reflection on a Critical Incident Essay -- Critical Analysis of an Inc

The objective of this assignment is to explore and reflect upon a situation from a clinical placement. Reflective techniques will be used to reveal how well or badly the situation was handled. And how the incident, and the reflection has influenced personal learning and professional practice in relation to nursing care. According to Hogston and Simpson (2002, p398) reflection is "a process of reviewing an experience of practice in order to better describe, analyse and evaluate, and so inform learning about practice". Wolverson (2000, p24) includes this is an important process for all nurses wishing to improve their practice. This will be investigated using a reflective nursing model. In accordance with the 2002 Nursing and Midwifery Council, the clients' details and placement setting has not been disclosed in order to maintain confidentiality. The incident occurred during the first week of the placement. The writer was then asked to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) on a sixty six year old lady in the minors department. Hinchliff, Montague and Watson (2000, p398) states that an ECG is a graphic recording of the electrical processes that initiate the contraction of the cardiac muscle, performed by attaching electrodes to the body that are then connected to an electrocardiograph. On completion, the ECG was checked by a doctor and instructions were given to rush the patient to the resuscitation department of the Emergency department. This incident was chosen for discussion as the consequences could have been great if not dealt with correctly. The reflective model chosen is the John's model. This is an appropriate model for a students level, being described by Burns and Bulman (2001, p11) as providing support ... ...ober, J. (1998). Nursing Practice and Health Care. (3rd ed). London: Arnold Publishers Hogston, R. & Simpson, P. (2002). Foundations of Nursing Practice. (2nd ed). Basingstoke: Palgrave Marks, C. (2001). 'Reflective practice in thermoregulatory nursing care'. Nursing Standard. 15, (43), p38 - 41 Nicholls, C. & Sani, M. (2003). 'The treatment of cardiovascular disease in older people'. Nursing Older People. 15, (7), p30 - 32 Perry, A. (1997). Nursing, a knowledge base for practice. (2nd ed). London: Arnold Publishers Powell, H. (2002). 'A time to reflect'. Learning Disability Practice. 5, (7), p16 - 18 Taylor, B. (2001). Reflective Practice. Buckingham: Open University Press Wilkinson, J. (1999). 'Implementing reflective practice'. Nursing Standard. 13, (21), p36 - 40 Wolverson, M. (2000). 'On reflection'. Professional Practice. 3, (2), p31-34

Sunday, August 18, 2019

The Cask of Amontillado Essays -- essays research papers

The Cask of Amontillado "I must not only punish, but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong." With these ferverous words from the introductory paragraph of Edgar Allan Poe's Cask of Amontillado, the story of Montresor's revenge begins. Poe repeatedly stresses the need for revenge due to bitterness and resentment in Montresor's character towards Fortunato, but more importantly, stress is placed on revenge by which the victim realizes their injustice towards the redresser. Unfortunately, it seems that Montresor is denied this pure and encompassing revenge when his victim, Fortunato, during his last few minutes with Montresor, believes that his actions are a huge charade, and not the actions of a man scorned and seeking revenge. Although in burying Fortunato alive, Montresor is able to physically accomplish what he ultimately desired, he is left w ith an air of insatisfaction judging by his own definition of true and justified revenge. Poe shows the resentment Montresor feels towards Fortunato from the very first sentence of the story with, "The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could; but when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge." It is never specified what this injury was to Montresor, but it was so obviously so heinous that Fortunato was not to be spared. Later in the story, M...

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Liberal Media Gone Too Far

Liberal Media Gone Too Far This article GOP Convention Exposes Bigotry and Hatred on Left, on investors. com posted on August 29, 2012, shows the ignorant statements of the media to stir the American people. Written by a Republican point of view, they are sick of all the media bashing they get from liberals. The Democrats use fear to get their fellow Democrats to follow them. There are more destructive ads on Facebook and news sites against Republicans than I have ever seen.The Democrats want everyone to focus on the negative ads and statements and scare people, so they won’t think about what bad shape this country is in today. The GOP wants us to know that they have the experience to run this country. The Democrats always pull the race and religious card whenever they don’t want the true facts to be known. The race card plays a significant role in the 2012 Democrat campaign. The race card was used excessively during the 2008 presidential election. Bill Clinton played t he race card in an attack on voter ID laws in his September 6th speech at the Democratic convention.He wants Democrats to believe the GOP doesn’t want any minorities, young, poor, and disable voters to vote. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. There have been so many democrats prosecuted over voters’ fraud from the 2011 elections, it just wasn’t believable. ACORN showed us all how easy it was to manipulate the system. Voters ID are important to maintain the integrity of our voter’s registration laws. When 74% of Americans favor having people an ID when they vote, including 65% of African Americans and 64% of Hispanics.Most voters believe showing ID, a necessity in our daily lives, is common sense. As long as the democrats continue to stir up racial fears and tensions, this problem of using the race card will continued. I hope the Americans people can see how reckless and irresponsible this practice is to our voter’s confidence in our el ection process. Mia Love was unfairly judged by the liberals in this article. For the liberals to label Mia Love as a â€Å"house nigger†, â€Å"dirty worthless whore† and an Aunt Tom, is very cruel and uneducated.She is a highly educated woman from Haitian immigrants, who is a Mormon running for Congress in Utah’s fourth district. If she wins, she would be the first black woman that Republicans have ever elected to Congress. Mia Love stands for physical discipline, limited government and personal responsibility. Liberals likes to bash the person and not the politics. Politicians use the religious card all the time. Liberals judge people by their appearance and what their background is, they will make an ugly comment about it instead of sticking with the issues.Mitt Romney believes in Mormonism and the liberals think he shouldn’t be running for president. Chris Matthews called Mormons â€Å"cultist†, and New York Times columnist Charles Blow tweete d that Mitt Romney should â€Å"stick that in our magic underwear† a remark referring to a Mormon religious practice. Again why don’t liberals worry about the issues instead of someone’s background? In the early 1960s, people thought that John F. Kennedy shouldn’t be running for president because he was a catholic and it turned out that he was elected president of the United States of America.Your faith is important no matter what party the candidate is with; his or her faith is a personal choice. This article opened by eyes to the importance of doing my own research on the candidates and issues instead of believing everything that I read. I believe that liberals think that all republicans are white men in the corporate world. That is a stereotypical view point of a liberal. People need to stop focusing on badmouthing each other and start thinking what it is going to take to make this country a stronger and safer country.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Gaskell North and South Essay

Gaskell’s ‘North and South’, set in Victorian England, is the story of Margaret Hale, a young woman whose life is completely turned on its head when her family moves to northern England. As an outsider from the agricultural south, Margaret is initially shocked by the aggressive northerners of the dirty, smoky industrial town of Milton, but as she adapts to her new home, she defies social conventions with her ready sympathy and defense of the working poor. Her passionate advocacy of the lower classes leads her to repeatedly clash with charismatic mill owner John Thornton over his treatment of his workers. While Margaret denies her growing attraction to him, Thornton agonizes over his foolish passion for her, in spite of their heated disagreements. As tensions mount between them, a violent unionization strike explodes in Milton, leaving everyone to deal with the aftermath in the town and in their personal lives. Gaskell’s novel could certainly be described as a social commentary; England at the time was extremely class-conscious, yet In almost all cases, Margaret does not so much choose sides as acknowledge mutually dependent and beneficial relationships. Though her family has very little in the way of money or assets, her family roots are in the gentry, yet when the family is moved up North to Milton, Margaret befriends and socializes with both ends of the social spectrum, mill owners and workers. Margaret is even capable of initiating a friendship of sorts between worker and owner, Higgins and Thornton even come up with a plan together to provide a canteen for the workers to get hot food. Differences in life in the South and life in the North are compared and contrasted often in a very subtle fashion, as are the differences in values and class structure. It is also very interesting to note that the difficulties of the lives of the impoverished factory workers are highlighted, however the difficulties faced by the factory owners are also presented. Through Margaret, Gaskell is able to transcend social class and at the same time create a hero amongst the industrial poverty of Milton, she acts in a way that would have been unconventional and frowned upon at the time for the good of such people as the Higgins family. When she is seen bringing a basket of food to the house during the workers strike, her peers condemn her at a dinner at the Thornton’s. Highlighting both the differences between northern and southern culture and the clashes between social conscientiousness. It could be said that ‘North and South’ is a novel defined by the resolution of binary conflicts; Margaret Hale is presented with a number of divisions of sympathy, between industrialists and the working class, between conflicting views of Mr.  Thornton, and even between her conflicting views of her own intelligence. Nancy Mann, in her essay â€Å"Intelligence and Self-Awareness in ‘North and South’: a Matter of Sex and Class† stipulates that the novel â€Å"concentrates on a crucial problem of the development of the novel in the nineteenth century, the relationship between abstract intelligence and self-awareness, and the ways in which this relationship may be affected by factors of sex and class†(1). What Mann is saying is that Gaskell is successful in throwing off the conventional boundaries of the classic romantic Victorian with all its feminist connotations and persuasions and has created a character that transcends the constraints of class and what is proper to actually do some good in her new environment. Gaskell’s most prominent social explorations however come in the form of contrasts. For example Margaret’s relationship with the Higgins family, especially Bessie, both nineteen years old when they meet, one healthy and the other gravely ill can be seen as a dramatic comment on class iniquity. Gaskell uses Bessie as a dramatic device in the novel to draw Margaret and her father closer, a task some literary critics consider to be so well done that Bessie is often discounted from the actual story. She is also a device to show the plight of the working class woman, Bessie is even described by one critic as ‘the most extensive portrait of a factory girl in the mainstream industrial novels, and as such, she reveals the political and economic tensions surrounding working class women'(2). Even Margaret says â€Å"Bessie’s comments address the specific problems of working-class women, problems that both unions and the middle class have an interest in ignoring†. Even when Bessie’s religious beliefs and her questioning of unionism are considered she is very revealing, Margaret sees her as having â€Å"a politics of her own† which both reveals her sense of disenfranchisement from the ongoing struggle between ‘masters and men’ and presents the most telling evidence in the novel of the iniquities of the class system. Something else that has to be considered in this scenario with Bessie as a dramatic tool towards Gaskell’s social commentary Elizabeth Gaskell’s ‘North and south’: A National Bildungsroman. † Victorian Newsletter 85 (1994) Briefly traces the emergence of and critical debate on the industrial novel, noting â€Å"the industrial novels have been read largely in relation to male working-class history, not in relation to female working-class history or to the emerging nineteenth-century women’s movement. The critic also goes on to stipulate that the comments on the patriarchal foundations of both Chartism and the union movement makes a case for the need to consider Marxist and feminist issues when considering the issues raised in north and south. He goes on to suggest that â€Å"by placing her heroine, Margaret Hale, between North and South, Gaskell attempts to bring to the surface the unconscious bifurcations that produce class and gender ideologies† and that because the novel is both a Bildungsroman as well as an industrial novel it acquires â€Å"unusual dimensions in both categories†(3). Feminism also plays a big part in Gaskell’s novel, through her three main characters, Margaret, Thornton and Higgins Gaskell shows a struggle for growth and indicates what the future of society may hold for people in similar situations and how society can grow as a whole. When the novel is examined as a debate on class and gender issues, the amount of time the characters spend â€Å"arguing about word choices, definitions and analogies† it is clear that almost all interactions in the novel are affected in some way by gender or class, even in language, â€Å"every term that comes under debate is changed with class or gender import†(4). With this much importance forced upon the character’s class and gender by their social environment a reader is certainly inclined to read the novel as an exploration into the Victorian class system rather than a conventional love story of the time. Even in Margaret’s romantic capacity as a woman, her gradual sexual awareness of John Thornton and their Marriage at the end of the novel is more understandable to read in a more feminist light than a romantic one. In marrying Thornton Margaret enters into a mutually equal relationship, one where her influence and goals will be felt as well as his, â€Å"through Margaret, Gaskell subtly reveals the new directions women are taking toward independent action and freedom†(5). However at the same time recognizing that the changes she undergoes are in no way revolutionary and that though the conflicting ideas of obedience and freedom are not completely settled by the end of the novel, â€Å"at least one woman has emerged into responsible adulthood and has claimed her part in deciding the terms of that settlement†(6). What is most interesting about this novel is that all the elements of a romantic novel are there, but it is written in a way that turns the readers head from the sentimental pride and prejudice Esq. prose and makes them focus on the environment and its social deficiencies â€Å"through this story of social rejection and Christian compassion, Gaskell charges her culture to replace what she sees as a rigid and reductive old testament ethic of charity†(7). This idea of a old to new change in a religious sense is also backed by Gaskell’s own Unitarian background, her father was a Unitarian minister, as was her husband, Margaret’s father in the novel itself is also a minister it could even be suggested that â€Å"Gaskell’s beliefs provided her with an alternative vision of society and code of behavior†(8) the importance of Gaskell’s religious beliefs and Unitarianism can be found in many aspects of the novel, not least that Unitarianism believed in the cultivation of the intellect regardless of sex, she found the religious authority to challenge the patriarchal subjugation of women, especially those who failed to fulfill their designated role in society. It is ironic to think; â€Å"in a period nearly defined by its theological doubt, Gaskell’s spiritual faith authorizes her revolutionary vision†(9). When Mr. Thornton, without further verbal explication, proposes to Margaret in a â€Å"strange and presumptuous way† at the end of the novel, we see the proper structure of an intimate relationship, both sides respect each other’s power while Thornton refuses to impose a political hierarchy. This is emphasized by the exchange over the flowers, which he bought as a token of her independent self, which is a revolutionary idea in itself at this point in history and conversely, gives rise to his second comment referring to marriage as possession, saying he had â€Å"no hope of ever calling her mine†, and the second refutation of such terms. Although the novel does not strive at any point to be romantic at the expense of the real issues that Gaskell tackles in the way people lived at the time, their unspoken resolution to marry signifies the resolution of the novel the binding of two genders, halves of England, social classes, and individuals, into one. In conclusion Gaskell is very successful in going further than any of her peers in actually exploring deficiencies in Victorian culture and society, although the main components of a classic love story are there, Margaret opts for the conscientious, religious option at every turn making the novel more a serious social commentary than anything else. Gaskell’s religious persuasion adds to this in that it allows her to transcend the class system and her constraints as a woman in Victorian England to address these problems under the banner of religion.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Education in the United States Essay

Education in the United States of America is governed by the Department of Education. There are three different levels of control and funding for public education: federal, state, and local. In the United States school is mandatory from Kindergarten through High School, consisting of thirteen different grade levels. Students can obtain an education by attending a public school, a private school, or a home school. In order to ensure that all students obtain the academic knowledge needed to progress through the grade levels, standardized tests are given regardless of where a student obtains an education (United States Department of Education, 2005). Education in the United States is governed and funded mainly by local jurisdictions, with the state and federal governments supervising educational activities and ensuring that all local jurisdictions are administering standardized tests and obtaining the funding needed to operate adequate educational facilities. The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution states that all powers that are not assigned to the federal government by the United States Constitution are reserved to the people or the individual states. As per the Tenth Amendment, the individual states control public education. Most states are divided into local jurisdictions that have elected school boards that oversee the individual school districts within its jurisdiction. The local school districts own and operate the public schools within its boundaries and are responsible for obtaining funding for each of the public schools they control (United States Constitution, Tenth Amendment, 1787). The majority of the funding for public education in the United States is obtained from local taxes and state governments. The federal government only provides 8. 5% of the funds for public education (National Center for Education Statistics, 2008). There has been some controversy over the No Child Left Behind Act passed in 2001 which allows the federal government to withhold funding if a state or local school district is not complying with the standards set forth in the No Child Left Behind Act. However, the funding withheld for non-compliance is not a significant amount (No Child Left Behind Act, 2001). There is a larger controversy over the local school districts obtaining funding primarily from local taxes. Local jurisdictions can impose many different types of taxes on its citizens. In the commonwealth of Massachusetts there has been controversy over the imposition of excise taxes and corporate taxes. Excise taxes are taxes that are not property taxes or taxes that are imposed based on statutory law. Corporate taxes are imposed on corporations within a certain jurisdiction that are paid to the local government. These taxes are in addition to any federal or state taxes that the corporation is responsible for. Businesses in the commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to pay quarterly excise taxes on an accelerated basis due 15 days prior to the end of each quarter. The first quarter payment is 40% of the required annual excise tax, the second and third payments are 25% each, and the fourth payment is 10% of the excise tax. The minimum amount of corporate excise tax required of all corporations operating within the commonwealth of Massachusetts is $456 per year regardless of whether or not the corporation made a profit that year (The National Federation of Independent Business, 2007). Chapter 70 Part 1, Title XII, Chapter 70 of the General Laws of Massachusetts regulates the financial disbursements awarded to each public school district throughout the commonwealth. The legislative intent of Chapter 70 is to assure fair and adequate minimum per student funding for public schools in the commonwealth by defining a foundation budget and a standard of local funding effort applicable to every city and town in the commonwealth (Chapter 70). Chapter 70 sets up rules on how to allocate the money. These rules set standards on how the money will be distributed if it is below a base amount or higher than a base amount. For example, in Section 13, Part B, the law states that â€Å"if the amount appropriated is more than the base amount, funds shall first be allocated to ensure that the state school aid for each municipality equals the base amount† (Chapter 70). This part tries to ensure that an equal distribution is set to each school. Although this is only occurs when more money is available, it still sets the standard that each school will at least get its base amount before other funds are distributed. In the event that there are not enough funds to cover the base, a formula has been established to attempt to make the distribution fair. The amount is reduced by a constant amount per student. The rate is found by the difference between the base amount and the actual amount divided by the total enrollment of the state (Chapter 70). Cambridge, Massachusetts Cambridge, Massachusetts is a city right outside Boston, Massachusetts. Cambridge is famous for its two prominent universities: Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The public school system in Cambridge is controlled by the Cambridge Public School District which consists of twelve elementary schools, of which eleven extend through eighth grade. There is only one high school in the Cambridge Public School District, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. The Cambridge Public School District educates over 5,500 students every year with a project enrollment of 5,790 students for the 2008-2009 school year. The Cambridge Public School District has a proposed budget of $130,704,170. 00 for the 2008-2009 school year. This proposed budget has increased 2. 36% from the previous year. 75% of this proposed budget will be allocated to the individual schools within the district. The remaining 25% of this budget will be spent on administrative costs such as maintenance and security. The Cambridge Public School District is funded through a variety of sources in addition to local taxes. The Cambridge Public School District receives funds from thirteen federal grants awarded by the commonwealth of Massachusetts, eleven private grants, eleven revolving funds, ten state grants, two district federal grants, and one state-circuit breaker reimbursement. These grants account for $13,714,499 of the total funds needed to operate the schools within the Cambridge Public School District. The Cambridge Public School District also receives an average of $1,076 per student from Chapter 70 financial aid each year (Action Public Schools, 2006). Newton, Massachusetts Newton, Massachusetts is a suburb of Boston that consists of thirteen small villages. The Newton Public School District controls the fifteen elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools that are located in Newton, Massachusetts. The Newton Public School District educates an average of over 11,000 students each year throughout its twenty two public schools (Newton Public School District, 2008). The Newton Public School District has a proposed budget of $171,377,580 for the 2008-2009 school year. This proposed budget has increased 10. 5% from the previous year. According to this budget, the Newton Public School District spends $14,743 per student every year (Newton Public School District, 2008). The Newton Public School District is funded through a variety of sources in addition to local taxes. The Newton Public School District receives 55% of the revenue generated by the City of Newton. The Newton Public School District also receives over $8. 6 million dollars from federal, state, and private grants. Over $3 million dollars of the Newton Public School District budget is received from a program called Circuit Breaker which allocates special funds to school districts for additional special education courses. Federal, state, and private grants and the Circuit Breaker program account for almost $12 million dollars of the annual budget (Newton Public School District, 2006). The Newton Public School District also receives an average of $846 per student from Chapter 70 financial aid each year (Action Public Schools, 2006). Conclusions Allocating funds for public education in the United States is a complex process. Wealth and more funds do not necessarily lead to greater achievement by the students enrolled in the school district. Federal, state, and local jurisdictions must determine the most beneficial methods for allocating the educational funds available. These allocations are not equal and usually result in the more industrious neighborhoods receiving less funding from these sources, and incurring higher corporate taxes. The Newton Public School District receives less funding from external sources, and its businesses pay more corporate taxes. The allocated budget in the Newton Public School District is higher than the budget in Cambridge due to the fact that although the populations are similar, Newton operates twice as many educational facilities. . The Newton Public School District does not need the extra funds from external sources in order to reach its budget. Although the dollar amounts indicate an unfair advantage for the residents of Cambridge, both school districts are able to meet their budgets and educate their students adequately. Although the corporate tax system and excise tax system in Massachusetts may seem unfair to its businesses and residents, the public school districts within Massachusetts (including Newton and Cambridge) are able to meet the budget requirements due to the Chapter 70 allocations. The purpose of Chapter 70 is to create equality amongst the school districts and ensure that the cities that receive less corporate and excise tax are still able to operate successful public school districts so that every child within the commonwealth of Massachusetts has the opportunity to receive a quality education. REFERENCES The United States Census Bureau (2006). American FactFinder. Retrieved April 1, 2008 from http://factfinder. census. gov/ Action Public Schools (2006). Chapter 70 Aid Per Student High to Low. Retrieved April 1, 2008 from http://ab. mec. edu/about/Chapter70Aid/CH70PerStudentFY06. pdf Newton, Massachusetts (2008). 2008 Property Tax Rates. Retrieved April 1, 2008 from http://www. ci. newton. ma. us/Assessor/taxrate. htm Cambridge Massachusetts (2008). 2008 Property tax Rates. Retrieved April 1, 2008 from http://www. cambridgema. gov/CityOfCambridge_Content/documents/FY2008_Property_Tax_Update_Newsletter. pdf Newton Public School District (2008). General Information. Retrieved April 1, 2008 from http://www. newton. k12. ma. us Cambridge Public School District (2008). General Information. Retrieved April 1, 2008 from http://www. cpsd. us/index. cfm

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

History of graphic design Essay

To understand the nature and characteristics of visual communication, first it is important to define visual communication. Well, as the name suggests, it is communication of ideas and information through visual representation and display. Basically, it involves photography, signs, art and typography. However, recent studies and research on the subject have revealed that now visual communication is a more focused term, involving mainly web and graphic designs used for advertising. Earlier, visual communication was not a commercialised phenomenon. The first time an outdoor public space was rented for advertising purpose was in USA in the late 1860’s. However, until the early 20th century, advertising was unregulated in the United States. Ranging from products such as drugs, oils and ointments, any thing could be sold without proper verification. For instance, the advertisement of the of Merchant’s Gargling Oil, 1894, shows the oil to be ‘A Liniment for Man and Beast’ and below it is inscribed that yellow wrapper was for animal and white for beast. Companies selling such products could easily deceive people by selling of a same potion, wrapped differently. The rise of graphic designing and advertising, as complimentary to each other, was seen in the late 19th century as business directories started using different type sizes for the names of various companies, so as to identify each company and the products that it sold. Then advertisements promising job opportunities and a high standard of living and attracting people to come and settle in particular states, became popular. Here again, a very good example is the sunset magazine cover, published din 1904. The cover image displayed California, the ‘Golden State’ as a paradise with fruit orchards and 2 History of graphic design 3 pleasure for the youth. to change its image. The 19th century was however, characteristic of a stale and stagnant designing strategy. But, in the early 20th century, the graphic designers started to use the sans-serif font. Although the change was not significant, it was a slow evolution of graphic designing. They did not have the advantage of computer use and software products like Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, QuarkXPress and Corel Graphics Suite, just to name a few. Creating designs with the use of technology was a very challenging and arduous task. However, in 1890s, Frederic Goudy’s ‘The Inland Press, 1898, and Printer’s Ink, were among the first publications designed to serve the graphic designing world with technical knowledge. There are great names that had emerged and gained popularity in the early 20th century itself. One such designer was Eric Gill, a well known British typographer, sculptor and engraver. His first successful work was ‘Mother and Child’ created in 1912. Gill invented the Perpetua typescript on the foundation of Classical Roman letters for Morison in 1925. Herbert Bayer born in 1900 was another famous designer of this period. He invented a vivid visual style of designing and believed in clear simplification. Herbert Bayer became the art director of the Berlin affiliate of Vogue magazine in 1928. With graphics designing gaining ground as a coveted profession and increased use of technology in the industry, there has been no looking back.

Invasive Species Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Invasive Species - Research Paper Example The Asian Tiger Mosquito The Asian tiger mosquito is one of the most highly invasive species from Southeast Asia that has found its way to the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Pacific. The main difference between this species from the other mosquitoes is that it serves as a vector of several species of virus and it does so through its unique genetic make-up as well as its excellent adaptation to the new environment. A discussion of the nature of the Asian tiger mosquito is essential in fostering awareness of a species that has a potential to be one of the most dangerous vectors of viral diseases in this planet. Awareness of a particular dangerous species brings with it the responsibility to help prevent its spread and cooperation with authorities in mitigating its harm. Findings The Asian tiger mosquito, or Aedes albopictus, is known as a vector of several emerging diseases that were once native to Southeast Asia, where the said mosquito originated, and its niche is a parasite. It is mainly an invasive species anywhere in the world except in Southeast Asia, where it is native and original (Roiz et al., 2011). The transportation of eggs mainly through used tires and Lucky Bamboo plants was the only way this insect could have spread to America, the Indo-Pacific regions, Europe and Africa. Since the first record of its presence in Italy in Genoa in 1990 during the late summer, the mosquito is believed to have spread to the rest of Italy and Europe (Roiz et al., 2011). The first discovery of the species in Europe was as early as 1979 in Albania but the country hardest hit by the invasion was Italy with around 200 cases alone in the summer of 2007. In the United States, the discovery of the mosquito was a few years later in Memphis, Tennessee in 1983 and in the next 25 years, 36 U.S. states have been invaded including several countries in Central and South America with Brazil experiencing its first Asian tiger mosquito bite in 1986. The Asian tiger mosquito is an ag gressive daytime biter and is called â€Å"tiger† because of its bright white stripes. As a native of Southeast Asia, it used to be a dominant insect in the natural reservoirs including tree holes, vases, pots, buckets and vegetation. Moreover, the millions of tires shipped each year between Japan and Germany and the United States because of the use of recaps and the strict rules governing wear and tear of these tires may actually contain water that could hold Asian tiger mosquito larvae and more importantly eggs that are drought-resistant and can survive a comfortable, sheltered journey until they reach their destination (Enserink, 2008). One change that the Asian tiger mosquito has brought to the native and invaded ecosystems was disease. The Asian tiger mosquito is responsible for dengue and chikungunya fever. The chikungunya virus was believed to have undergone a single-nucleotide genetic mutation in the Indian mutation outbreak order for it to be able to use the Asian ti ger mosquito as a vector (Enserink, 2008). However, although the species is less invasive than the Aedes aegypti in spreading dengue, the Asian tiger mosquito is becoming increasingly important because its global distribution is rapidly changing. Other outbreaks of diseases caused by the Asian tiger mosquito include the dengue outbreaks in Hawaii from 2001 to 2002, in China in 2004, in Madagascar in 2006, and in Gabon