Photomedia in Modern and Contemporary Art Essay

Photomedia in Modern and Contemporary Art - Essay Example The essay "Photomedia in Modern and Contemporary Art" talks about the Photomedia in the context of Modern and Contemporary Art. In week 2 the articles analyzed were Laszlo’s Moholy-Nagy A New Instrument of Vision and Walter Benjamin’s the Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. Moholy-Nagy’s text provides a broad theoretical overview of the unique qualities of the photographic art. The most notable element is the indication that photography is not simply the replication of reality, but rather assumes new artistic forms of expression. This argument is very sound in that instead of focusing on abstract notions of aesthetics, it indicates that photography largely demonstrates newly perceptions on space and reality. Walter Benjamin’s the Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction is a seminal work of art criticism and contains a number of important points. One of the most pervasive considerations is Benjamin’s contention that are in th e current milieu has lost a sense of mystique of mysticism because of mass production methods. Benjamin’s insights make considerable sense especially when considered in light of contemporary Internet or new media art forms where the very medium is transitory. While Benjamin links this insight to the need to reimagine the political context of the art object, it is perhaps more contemporary relevant in the perspective it provides on the larger structural interpretations of the art object. In these regards, one considers that art functions. not just as a plane of understanding where one judges its aesthetic qualities, but that the nature of ‘aesthetic qualities’ is also a shifting significatory pattern. Week 3 While previous readings have considered the nature of photography as an art form and the extent that the subject content bespeaks to an aesthetic form, the Photographic Conditions of Surrealism examines the nature of framing and other elements that contribute to the artistry of the photograph. In examining two pictures, the author states, â€Å"In both cases one is treated to the capture of the photographic subject by the frame, and in both, this capture has a sexual import† (‘Photographic Conditions of Surrealism,’ p.89). Even as a slight argument could be made for the sexual implications of the photographic framing techniques implemented, it seems that in large part the author has overreached in his assessment as a means of hyperbole. Still, the insight that photographic framing affects the perceptions of the specific aesthetic elements of the photograph remains a

Research methods in Starbucks' case Dissertation

Research methods in Starbucks' case - Dissertation Example The paper gives detailed information about survey method based on questionnaire that should be selected for determining the image coffee drinkers have of Starbucks and other coffee chains. Questionnaires are intrinsic part of quantitative research methodology that primarily relies on the fact that data can be quantified and therefore can be applicable on large number of people. The generalization theory becomes one of the most critical aspects of validating facts and scientific theories. This helps to identify and evaluate the changing preferences of the people at large vis-Ã  -vis products and services. It would therefore significantly help Starbucks to introduce new products within its stores/ shop across the globe. Questionnaire survey would facilitate Starbucks in evaluating the preferences of the customers. At the same time, it would also help it to improve and improvise new strategies and plans to attract customers and retain them by meeting their changing requirements and exp ectations from the Starbuck brand. Observation research methodology broadly encompasses looking and listening carefully to the consumers so as to decipher particular reaction or discover information about their behavior with regard to a particular product or service. Hence, prior to the introduction of new gourmet coffee with strong aroma, observational research technique would considerably facilitate in evaluating its impact on the consumers.

The Contemporary Issues In Branding Marketing Essay

The Contemporary Issues In Branding Marketing Essay INTRODUCTION The history of the brand Paul Smith is somewhat unusual and requires special attention. Indeed Paul Smith was not originally made for the world of Haute Couture Fashion there but fate led him to this path there. Originally Paul Smith wanted to be a professional cyclist but a terrible accident befell him which forced him to abandon those dreams. But he conceived a passion for fashion and sewing, so in 1970 he opened a small clothing store in Nottinghams hometown away from big name fashion based in London. He decides to take evening classes in sewing and in 1976 he introduced his menswear collection in Paris under the Paul Smith brand. In 20 years it is established as the British designers most prominent. He succeeded brilliantly blend with the contemporary and traditional British while anticipating trends beautifully. Paul Smith has the ability to anticipate, and even spark off trends not only fashion goal in the wider context of popular culture (website Paul Smith 2009). Today the brand has 12 different collections, boutiques worldwide, a turnover of  £ 171 m and sales are growing between 50-60% since 1993. (S Bruzzi and PC Gibson 2005). However this success was no accident. Before discussing the strategy of the brand Paul Smith, we are interested in what a brand means. Indeed for (American Marketing Association 1960) is a trademark a name, term, design, symbol or any other features that identifies one sellers good or service as distinct from other sellers Those gold. This means that each brand is unique and requires the consumer to bind to it. A man does not give a woman a box of branded chocolates Because she is hungry. Instead, he selects a brand that communicates something about his relationship with her. (Leslie Chernatony and Malcolm McDonald). In addition to a successful brand to penetrate the market it must develop a sound strategy A brand can not function without a strategy.(CIM) In this sense we will establish brand strategy Paul Smith and try to find ideas for future development. The Brand indentity, Brand Onion The strategy of a mark as said above prominently. Indeed the goal of strategy is to obtain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. From (Arnold, 1992) strategy for a brand is the means by which have established the brand in the consumers mind that he has the impression that the purchase gives it an advantage. In addition, a consumer generally does not retain 3 brands per category of product where the goal for Paul Smith to be part of those 3 brands in this market highly fragmented and highly competitive. The strategy chosen by Paul Smith is to position itself behind a mark of luxury. To understand the process undertaken by Paul Smith would be wise to start with the Brand Onion Analysis is a tool for studying the brand identity. This tool represents a cross section showing the different layers of positioning the brand Paul Smith. So we have a side position which represents the internal brand identity and positioning the other side shows the external image. However this model is far from complete since it does not incorporate the concepts of competition there is the concept of customer brand perception BRAND ONION PAUL SMITH Which brings us to the theory of which Kapferer celoni to know the real identity of the brand Paul Smith must answer 6 questions are What is the brands particular aim?, What makes it different?, What is the need fulfilling brand?, What is its permanent nature?, What are its value or values?, What is its field of competence? Of Legitimacy?, What are the signs Which make the brand recognizable? (The new strategic brand management, Kapferer, 2004). By answering the questions we see that Paul Smith is planning to focus on the authenticity of products with unique luxury design very British. What can be said that the brand Paul Smith is building a true identity which has not changed since its inception. For proof, all these shops are the same worldwide. Furthermore it keeps a certain closeness to the customer because he does not hesitate to get out of these offices in the shop in London to advise customers on clothing or accessories. (Paul Smith website). The graphic brand also occupies an important place in the strategy of a mark to it which allows it to recognize a particular brand to a consumer and shall convey universe. Choosing symbols requires a clear definition of what the brand means (The New Strategic Brand Management, Kapferer, 2004, p 174). To brand Paul Smith that is characterized by the features of different colors. Following this we must determine the image of Paul Smith from Riezebos (2003) networks of knowledge elements stored in long term memory What mean all information of a mark stored in the long term and it gives credibility to a brand therefore the Paul Smith brand that is equivalent to the authenticity of a traditional British style, a luxury brand, International, contemporary lines of many colors dear, close, special design, fashion and quality at last. Positioning A brand to thrive in the marketplace must know its position. How To (Keller 2003). For this we use the points of parity and points of difference more generally known as POPs (point of parity) and PODS (points-of-differences). For the POPS we look at what is similar compared to these competitors and the PODS we look at what makes the difference. According to (Keller 2003) a mark must know who are the targets, competitors and how the brand is perceived by the consumer. The Paul Smith brand is therefore in a position of luxury, as well as traditionalism contemporanee, quality, unity of design which makes a mark rich, bold and authentic because it has managed to keep its guideline for it. This allows the consumer to recognize in Paul Smith a sure bet that a true story and unparalleled expertise. Differentiation Brand usually chooses the differentiation strategy because it is a good way to outperform to their competitors. By differentiation it means superior quality, brand image or unique features. And as said Levitt (1980) there are four main phases of differentiation as following: Potential product = product with brand universe Augmented product = Products with some differentiation Expected product = Basic expectations products Generic product = store brand products In others words, when we use this model to Paul Smith, generic and expected product is a basic store brand t-shirt. Although augmented product is a high quality and special design for a t-shirt and potential product is the same one t-shirt with some brand image and universe (values, identityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦). That is why it appears clear that Paul Smith offers a large range of potential product. Indeed, Paul Smith is a luxurious fashion brand but their offering is quietly different to Kenzo or Hugo Boss. Behind the purchase of Paul Smith clothes customer wants to buy design, quality, and history or also brand valueà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ What are characteristic to Paul Smith. And this differentiation strategy is Paul Smith roots without this Paul Smith does not exist or exist as a basic fashion brand. Brand extension and architecture Brand extension is when a company chooses to diversify their range of products by appealing to different segments and a much larger audience. (Keller 2008) say using sub-brands to target new market segment within the same product category.There are two main types of diversification: related (which introduces products in the same range) and unrelated (which launches in different range). As Paul Smith is a famous fashion brand with a clear differentiation strategy, extend it would be easier by using brand notoriety through the launch of sub-brands to target new market segment within the same product category. Actually the fact to diversify its offers is a well-known practice which aims to gain market share. Therefore, people who particularly enjoy the Paul Smith colored lines and spirit they could also have the choice in a larger range of products built as following: Paul Smith Fragrance lotion Accessories Womenswear Menswear Bags, purses, wallets, luggage Spectacles and sunglasses Shoes Furniture: rugs, china Hats, scarves, gloves, socks Cufflinks Watches Books Stationary Paul smith gifts collection china Watches Jewellery Paul smith jeans Paul smith red ear PS by Paul smith Paul smith London Paul smith mainline men Paul smith swimwear Paul smith underwear Paul smith man Paul smith women Paul smith rose Paul smith sunshine Paul smith extreme Paul smith black Paul smith, mainline women Paul smith by Paul smith Paul smith swimwear Hence, between all their sub-brands and whatever the segment or also the products there is coherence. Indeed, they all own to Paul Smith brand and then respect the brand image, values, style in a whole. This extension allows Paul Smith to increase their global sells and thus gives to the brand the opportunity to gain new customer. That is why, Paul Smith brand extension means more products but also more notoriety. Question 2 The market for haute couture is to fashion is a highly competitive market that is constantly changing, leaving room only brand who knew the value and who managed to speak with her. We will try to find solutions for 5 and 10 years for the brand Paul Smith manages to differentiate itself from other brands and thus register more in his style and values that make Paul Smith is a unique brand. To establish a sound strategy and propose ideas axis to follow it must first know the fashion market, but also all the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threat of brand Paul Smith. We have therefore identified in the table below represents a SWOT and marketing mix with all these data. Then the fashion market is 130 billion euros in 2007 (Eurostaf, 2007), it is segmented as follows volume. 15.9% for the Ready to Wear, Glasses 7.9%, Jewelry-watch 11.8%, 10.4% Leather, Footwear 3.9%, 3.1% accessory, Art House 1 4%, 23.4% and Wellness Wines and Spirits 22.5% (Eurostaf, 2007). However we must also consider the geographical location of purchasing volume to provide new routes to follow consistent. America represents 33% of sales 29.1% Asia, Rest of World 2.4%, Europe 35.5% (Eurostaf, 2007). According to the figures and SWOT brand Paul Smith must mark covers a solid strategy and consistent differentiation in order to differentiate themselves in the short and long term. Collection (5 years) In this sense, and after the first analysis the brand Paul Smith should start in a new childrens collection, baby to broaden its range of consumer and thus differentiate themselves. However this style of collection already exists for large brand like Kenzo, Christian Lacroix and therefore it will be difficult to prevail in this new market for already occupied by a great brand. Then it would be wise to make the brand more affordable timely example by creating special collections for large chains ready-to-wear such as H M and Sonia Riquiel. The advantage is that it does not cost very expensive to design for Paul Smith, more than it helps to know the brand to a wider range of people since it affects all socioeconomic classes and therefore it allows it to include brand in the minds of people, which allows it to know more. Emergence (5 à   10 yearss) One notes from the figure that the Asian market represents 29.1% of share volume and the rest of the world represents only 2.4% so it certainly would make sense for the brand Paul Smith to extend further more in the Asian market by opening such stores in Vietnam, India, China or Russia are countries undergoing expansion and economic growth. Also Paul Smith knows well the Asian culture and the market having already great reputation in Japan. He could easily adapt it to end these new market very applicant Luxury. Fair-Trade (10 years) Ecology, organic products and fair trade are Fashionable. For Paul Smith is a chance to differentiate itself from other brands. In fact any luxury brand clothing offers no organic or fair trade. It would be very interesting to offer clothes from organic cotton and fair trade as it is more justified are brand contemporary and traditional British register that fact in the times by offering luxury clothing but environmentally conscious and men who produce these fabrics. Also this will make mention of the brand Paul Smith tends the founder of a new market niche. Communication (5 yearss) The Paul Smith brand communicates only rarely and not at all entered into a system of advertising increased as one might see in any other brand. But even if that differentiates it from other brands it might in the long term to be forgotten and so therefore get danger. To avoid this it is imperative that the brand continues to propose partnerships with various industries positioned in other markets. Furthermore it would be wise to make a Sponsorship with great charity as the fight against cancer and the fight against AIDS, which allow the brand to communicate citizen in the eyes of consumers and thus differentiate it from other brands Luxury to attract more customers. Finally, to continue this communication it is interesting that regularly offers worldwide shows presenting the new collections but also with the spirit Paul Smith with partnerships. Furthermore it could provide food for charitable continue branding citizen. Conclusion The Paul Smith brand is a brand in itself and deserves his place among the greatest of Fashion. She knew how to combine a knowledge uncommon and has kept a single guideline that has originality. Despite increased competition she knew her escape unscathed by conveying an image identical across years. Nevertheless the figures show that the market is changing and it would be wise to find a new segment to differentiate itself from other brands. In the mainstream located above it will have a strong chance to continue in the next 10 years or even become a pioneer in some field and therefore develop a model for other luxury brands.

primates :: essays research papers

Article Abstract #two Human evolution is always a myth to most of the people. However, researchers who study human evolution have tried to find the evidences to explain human evolution. In the rain forest of Ivory Coast, a group of local chimpanzees has been observed by researchers Christophe Boesch and Hedwige Boesch-Achermann since 1979. The place where they conducted this research is called the Tai national park which is a 1,600 square Miles of a tropical forest in the republic of the Ivory Coast. In the beginning, they are interested in local chimpanzees of using natural-hammers which are stones and branches to open hard-shell nuts. They had never seen another primate using stones as a tool before except our human being. Not only the chimpanzees in the Tai national park know how to use the stones as a tool, but they also would select the appropriate size of stone which near the tree instead of running around to search the stone. The researchers think that this kind of mental ability is close to a nine -year-old human. As their work progressed, another significant discovery that surprised them is that chimpanzees are eating meat. Not only this, chimpanzees are also hunting cooperatively as a group. This notion of group hunting and cooperation is the key ingredient in the evolution of homo sapiens which is proposed by Raymond Dart in 1953. However, group hunting and sharing food could also be found in some social carnivores such as lions for instance. But many anthropologists still think that this kind of phenomenon is familiar with human in 1.8 million years ago when the time we first started to develop social system. Furthermore, anthropologists also believe that by observing the behavior of forest chimpanzees might help us to understand the theories of

Curriculum Alignment Research Suggests That Alignment Can Improve Student Achievement Essay

Alignment is a match between two categories and Curriculum describes what gets taught (Squires, 2012). Curriculum alignment attempts to put to maximum effect the relationship among three categories; namely the taught curriculum, the written curriculum, and the test curriculum. It shows how the above can be used to improve student achievement thus explaining how the design for a curriculum can be aligned to state standards and state specifications for effective instructional process (Squires, 2012). This article serves to provide a backup into a curriculum design that makes sure what is tested gets taught. It also shows the difficulty that is encountered in in having numerous assessment standards and seeks a way to eliminate the challenge and secondly a specific curriculum can be potentially aligned to more than one standard. From this article, we get to find from Balance curriculum that when a curriculum is properly aligned, student achievement and performance improves. According to Squires (2012), when taught curriculum is aligned to written standards, there is increased, strong and positive student achievement. Squires (2012) showed textbook studies fostered a limited range of learning strategies such that the emphasis is frequently on problem solving rather than learning by reading, discussion and argument in order to acquire the knowledge to solve a problem of one’s own choosing. Squires (2012) showed that textbooks may not be well aligned to state tests and it would be prudent for the school districts to identify the gaps and provide the teachers with materials to cover the gaps. In order to align the state tests (test curriculum) to state standards (written curriculum), Marzano came up with a benchmark for comparing all state and national professional association standards to each other and created a website where the same could be achieved for instance, Archives (www.aligntoachieve.com) provided four criteria for alignment of textbooks to standards that are; content, performance, level of difficulty and balance and range. From above we also find there is constraint in testing time where only a limited number of concepts can be assessed effectively (Squires, 2012). From (Third International Mathematics and Science Studies) TIMSS study findings, it is significant to note that the content of a country’s’ curriculum affects student achievement and that for student learning, the extent of opportunities to learn will depend on the time the teacher spends on the topic which translates to greater performance. A district must control time and content covered at a specific time if the results are to improve of which it is the function of the curriculum. The districts can assist in aligning, structuring, implementing and assessing the curriculum (Squires, 2012). Reference Squires, D. A. (2012), Curriculum Alignment Research Suggests That Alignment Can Improve Student Achievement, London, Routledge. Source document

Dil Tuh Bacca Hai Ji

versation require for operation. Quality assurance and control: Quality assurance and control is effective elements of operation management as quality consider as important ingredients for production system. Total quality assurance and control ensure service standards, inspection, control of quality , performance testing etc. Production planning and control: The planning of production is the system that specify the procedure of production to obtain the output desire within a given time at optimum cost in conformance with specified quality standard and control is important to make sure that manufacturer takes place in the manner in a plan.Apart from that some other important elements of operations management is facilities location, plants layout and handling, inventory control, work study and job design that plays effective role within OM. Importance of operational management elements in Microsoft corporations product and service; Within Microsoft corporation elements of operation man agement plays important role as through OM Microsoft corporation can explores production and distribution of services and goods.Side by side the importance of OM elements in Microsoft corporation is that; it can ensure significant competition, shorter service and products life cycle, better and quality conscious consumers as well as capability of technology to improve productivity along with high quality service and products. According to Rama (2010) â€Å"operation management is important to an organization;s manager for at least two reasons. First, it can improve productivity, which improves an organizations financial health.Second, it can help organizations meet customers competitive priorities†. so, as a corporation Microsoft should ensure effective use of operational management's element in order to improve their service by customers priorities and products by improving productivity. 1. 2: The extant that corporation can enhance its competitive capabilities by producing safely, timely, to cost, to quality and within the law: In order to get competitive advantage within the market producing safely, timely, to cost, to quality and within the law help organization in various way.How these element help business to enhance its competitive capabilities is discussed below; Producing safely: Safe production help business by increasing confidence of customer on organization. If any organization produce their product safely than consumer would more likely to buy their product rather than other company that does not produce their product safely because if organization produce their product safely that means they are following heath and safety rules for both staff and customer. Producing timely: Organization like Microsoft can enhance their brand image by producing timely.If Microsoft ensure availability of their stock all time than they can retain customer as well as they can increase their brand image. It will help them to get competition advantage. Quality: Another factors that help Microsoft is producing product with high quality. High quality product can ensure high competitive advantage to Microsoft as the kind of product is Microsoft is producing that providing by other similar organization so, in order to enhance the competitive advantage Microsoft can concentrate on their quality of products.Cost: In order to get competitive advantage cost is effective for Microsoft. By focusing on production cost Microsoft can ensure overall price of product is acceptable for buyers. Following law: The most important factors that help Microsoft to get competitive advantage is following various legislation. If Microsoft do anything that does not meet the requirements of law that the organization will suffer and it also reduce their brand image. . 3: importance of operation management to the corporation's strategic planning and corporate objectives: Operation management is very important for business or organization as its control the system of o rganization. There are various importance that operation management have towards Microsoft ‘s strategic planning and corporate objectives and that are discussed below; Improvements of the system:The importance of operation management is its deals with various design, operation and improvements of the system that helps organization like microsift in order to implement strategic planning as well as achieve corporate objectives by target market. Sustain efficiency and effectiveness: By using OM microsoft can sustain its effeciency and effectiveness within the corporation. Effeciency and effective in microsoft concerned with how good resources such as human expertise and inputs are use in order to achieve purpose they deployed within th ecorporation.Improve productivity: In order to set strategic planning and achieve corporate objective OM plays important role within microsft corporation. As OM improve overall productivity within corporation so it will help corporation to adopt pr oper strategic plan as well as achieve corporate objective. Customer competitive priorities: As OM helps organization to ensure customer competitive priorities so that its important for the corporation to implement straegy in effective way to achieve their goal and objectives.

Bad Sources for Your Research Project

Bad Sources for Your Research Project In conducting research for homework or an academic paper, you are basically conducting a search for facts: little tidbits of truth that you will assemble and arrange in an organized fashion to make an original point or claim. Your responsibility as a researcher is to understand the difference between fact and fiction, as well as the difference between fact and opinion. When beginning your next assignment that requires sources, consider the credibility of those sources before including them in your final project. Here are some common sources to avoid; each of these may include opinions and works of fiction disguised as facts. Blogs As you know, anyone can publish a blog on the Internet. The problem with using a blog as a research source is there no way to know the credentials of many bloggers or to get an understanding of the writer’s level of expertise. People often create blogs to give themselves a forum to express their views and opinions. And many of these people consult less than reliable sources to form their beliefs. You could use a blog for a quote, but never use a blog as a serious source of facts for a research paper. Personal Web Sites A personal web page is much like a blog when it comes to being an unreliable research source. Web pages are created by the public, so you have to be careful when choosing them as sources. Its sometimes difficult to determine which websites are created by experts and professionals on a given topic. If you think about it, using information from a personal web page is much like stopping a perfect stranger on the street and collecting information from him or her. Wiki Sites Wiki websites can be informative, but they can also be untrustworthy. Wiki sites allow groups of people to add and edit the information contained on the pages. So its easy to see how a wiki source might contain unreliable information. The question that often arises when it comes to homework and research is whether it’s okay to use Wikipedia as a source of information. Wikipedia is a fantastic site with a wealth of great information, and it is the possible exception to the rule. Your teacher can tell you for certain if you can use Wikipedia as a source. At a minimum, Wikipedia offers a reliable overview of a topic to give you a strong foundation to start with. It also provides a list of resources where you can continue your own research. Movies Teachers, librarians, and college professors will tell you that students often believe things they’ve seen in movies. Whatever you do, don’t use a movie as a research source. Movies about historical events can contain kernels of truth, but unless its a documentary, movies are not for educational purposes. Historical Novels Students often believe that historical novels are trustworthy sources because they indicate that they are â€Å"based on facts.† There is a significant difference between a factual work and a work that is based on facts. A novel that is based on a single fact can still contain ninety-nine percent fiction. Therefore, its not advisable to use a historical novel as a historical resource. ï » ¿

Ethics Paper

Ethics Paper Ethics Paper Running Head: Women Having Abortions Viewed to be Morally Unethical 1 Tiffany Harris Ethics- Professor Christina Post University Thesis Statement: Considering American ethics and values, death is morally wrong. Therefore, the killing of unborn fetuses is morally wrong as well. Abortions, this unethical practice of terminated unborn fetuses should be outlawed because it can harm women, violates civil rights, and takes innocent lives. Women Having Abortions Viewed to be Morally Unethical 2 Real life stories demonstrate again and again that abortion harms women. Harm comes in a variety of forms; mental, emotional, relational, and physical. In some cases women lose their lives through abortion. Women can also experience the loss of their fertility or an increase in miscarriages after an abortion. The violation of civil rights is another unethical issue when involving abortion. Women who have had abortions suffer an increased risk on anxiety, depression, and suicide. A study published in an edition of the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found women who aborted their unintended pregnancies were 30 percent more likely to subsequently report all the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder than those women who had carried their baby to term. The rate of mental health claims for women who aborted was 17 percent higher than those who had carried their children to term. The risk of death by suicide is two to six times higher for women who had had abortions when compared again, wi th women who had given birth. (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1994) The link between abortion and breast cancer has attracted much media attention. It is important to understand that there are two different mechanisms by which abortion can increase breast cancer- one is beyond dispute and the other hotly contested. Through abortion, a women artificially terminates her pregnancy at a time when her breast cells have been exposed to high levels of cancer-initiating estrogen but before those cells have matured into cancer-resistant cells( as they ultimately do in a full-m term pregnancy. Women Having Abortions Viewed to be Morally Unethical 3 Furthermore, an article wrote in 1994 in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology revealed that abortions performed at more than 16 weeks gestation have 15 times the risk of maternal mortality as those performed during the first trimester. More than forty years ago, the United States Supreme Court decided Roe Vs Wade, the landmark case that secured a women’s right to abortion. Since then, radical politicians have been trying to take that decision out of a women’s hand. In some stares politicians are pushing through laws that ban most abortions. In others, they are doing everything they can to shut down the health centers that many women rely on for basic reproductive health services, including abortion care. Some politicians are even trying to end programs that provide birth control, putting women at a high risk for pregnancy. The Roe majority ruling of 1973 holds that the government has a legitimate interest in protecting potential human life, but that this does not become a compelling state interest overriding women’s Fourteenth Amendment right to privacy and her subsequent right to terminate her pregnancy until the point of viability, then assessed at 24 weeks. The court did not state the viability is or is not when a fetus becomes a person; this is the earliest point at which it can be proven that the fetus has the capacity to have a meaningful life as a person. Most philosophies of natural rights would hold that fetuses have rights when they become sentient or self-aware, which presumes a neurophysiological definition personhood. Self- awareness as we generally understand it would require substantial neocortical

An Empty Purse Frightens Away Friends

Even the purity of blood relations and innocence of love is at the verge of extinction. Friendship which once was considered the most immaculate relation is no longer filled with the heartiest emotions of devotion, abstemiousness and harmony. People, these days, like agreements more than relations and friendship. Disloyalty has been the nature of every creature ever since life was concocted. Dog is constantly used in the sayings regarding faithfulness, when gets mad, bites its own master. Some control this evil part (disloyalty) of their complexion, while others bluntly expose it. Many such examples are there in history in which acquisitiveness and perfidiousness overshadowed loyalty. In the start of human race the two sons of Adam fought, and Cain killed Abel despite their blood relation. Since then, human beings are murdering the beautiful emotions like fidelity and adherence. Its intensity has increased, and is increasing as the time is passing. And humanity is being replaced by inhumanness  in society. Friends no longer have the degree of affinity that they once used to have. Nowadays, it is not love or affection that inspires one to be friend with someone; money and status are the factors that matter these days. Persons are friends in just fair weather, when the status drops or money ends, they tend to leave one in the lurch. We read many stories regarding loyalty and friendship like â€Å"three friends and a bag of gold† in which three childhood friends murder each other just for a bag of gold, because when there is money the eyes and heart go blind. As Dr Thomas Fuller mentioned in his â€Å"Gnomologia: Adagies and Proverbs†, â€Å"Money is the sinew of love as well as war. † People want interest in everything, even if there are emotions at the stake. People make friends not because they are inspired by the loyalty or ersonality of the person but because they are seeing their profit in the friendship, and when this specific profit of theirs starts converting to loss, they disappear like they never even knew or they had a complete overhauling of their mind which made them to forget every little detail of the person they once were so close to. It is very difficult to find a friend that stands with one through thick and thin. If one has a loyal friend than one has got more than oneâ₠¬â„¢s share. An Empty Purse Frightens Away Friends Even the purity of blood relations and innocence of love is at the verge of extinction. Friendship which once was considered the most immaculate relation is no longer filled with the heartiest emotions of devotion, abstemiousness and harmony. People, these days, like agreements more than relations and friendship. Disloyalty has been the nature of every creature ever since life was concocted. Dog is constantly used in the sayings regarding faithfulness, when gets mad, bites its own master. Some control this evil part (disloyalty) of their complexion, while others bluntly expose it. Many such examples are there in history in which acquisitiveness and perfidiousness overshadowed loyalty. In the start of human race the two sons of Adam fought, and Cain killed Abel despite their blood relation. Since then, human beings are murdering the beautiful emotions like fidelity and adherence. Its intensity has increased, and is increasing as the time is passing. And humanity is being replaced by inhumanness  in society. Friends no longer have the degree of affinity that they once used to have. Nowadays, it is not love or affection that inspires one to be friend with someone; money and status are the factors that matter these days. Persons are friends in just fair weather, when the status drops or money ends, they tend to leave one in the lurch. We read many stories regarding loyalty and friendship like â€Å"three friends and a bag of gold† in which three childhood friends murder each other just for a bag of gold, because when there is money the eyes and heart go blind. As Dr Thomas Fuller mentioned in his â€Å"Gnomologia: Adagies and Proverbs†, â€Å"Money is the sinew of love as well as war. † People want interest in everything, even if there are emotions at the stake. People make friends not because they are inspired by the loyalty or ersonality of the person but because they are seeing their profit in the friendship, and when this specific profit of theirs starts converting to loss, they disappear like they never even knew or they had a complete overhauling of their mind which made them to forget every little detail of the person they once were so close to. It is very difficult to find a friend that stands with one through thick and thin. If one has a loyal friend than one has got more than oneâ₠¬â„¢s share.

Do you think political polarization is bad or good for democracy in Essay

Do you think political polarization is bad or good for democracy in the United States today - Essay Example pen are: ethnic or religious violence and counter attacks resulting in more violence; ideological integrity instead of taking opportunistic positions with the sole purpose of winning the ensuing election; fundamental changes in the electoral system making it inevitable for the candidate to encourage one’s core supporters than to appeal to the median voter; the system of proportional representation is conducive to the last choice. Political polarization is the normal process of democracy, but if it were to take an extreme posture it is bad for United States today, as the country has to tackle many issues at the global level. It is facing severe economic competition from China and the threat from the Muslim fundamentalists to its security is real. The need of the hour is not political polarization but total unity, irrespective of party affiliations. A strong opinion is expressed by the think-tanks and analysts of political situation in USA, that in recent times, increasing polarization is seen. Jim Jeffords’ resignation from the Republican Party in 2001 is one such instance. He felt that the party was increasingly on the verge of polarization and the moderate voices are not allowed say. Ex-President Bill Clinton expressed the view in Daily Show on 9/18/06 that he believes that the Republican Party stands for polarization. Democracy doesn’t mean that the ruling and the opposition parties need to be permanently at war with each other. The supreme objective is the good of the country, and the responsible parties understand this fact. At times, an ordinary citizen who has no deep understanding of the working styles of the politicians, thinks that some illusion of policy differences, some incidents of cross, are the harbingers of the split in the party. The Senators of the same party who sometimes cross swords in public through newspapers, electronic media, etc often have the hidden agenda. They wish to gauge the moods of the public and wish to please every

Canada should End its Constitutional Ties to the Monarchy Essay

Canada should End its Constitutional Ties to the Monarchy - Essay Example Any stance on this issue needs to be well informed, democratic, in consonance with the aspirations and spirit of the Canadian people, culture and traditions and inevitably must portend propitious tidings for Canada as a country and a responsible member of the International community. Time has come to question the cultural and political role of the Monarchy in the Canadian way of governance and in the Canadian social and cultural life. People need to think that does Monarchy has a pragmatic and viable role in the decision making and policy charting in Canada or is it merely limited to being a face on the Canadian currency? A thorough analysis of the wish of the Canadian masses, an in depth understanding of the Canadian culture and ethos and a strong affiliation to the local and international interests of the Canadian nation, do lead to a firm conclusion that Canada should dissolve is ties to the Crown at the earliest. Now is the time for the Canadian people to do away with their anach ronistic colonial past by establishing themselves as a sovereign republic. The very fact that a Queen located in some distant land and catering to the wishes and aspirations of the people of her land should try to or should be allowed to have a jurisdiction over the political life, law and order institutions and courts of a nation of freedom loving people like the Canadians sounds absurd and irrational.

Judicial Style in Ukraine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Judicial Style in Ukraine - Essay Example The legitimate Court of Ukraine is the merely organization of legitimate authority in Ukraine. The Ukraine encompasses a judicial structure which consists of the Supreme Court, regional courts in addition to district (town) courts. The Legitimate Court of Ukraine is a particular body with power to review whether lawmaking proceeds of the Parliament, President, Filing cabinet or Crimean Legislative body are in line up with the Structure of Ukraine. This Court as well provides interpretation to guaranteed standard of the Constitution or laws of Ukraine. The Criminal System of Ukraine records the sort of criminal retribution accessible. Punishments are able to be classifying into fundamental and complementary, depending on their technique and the method in which they are allocate. For model, necessary punishments are those which are allocate as identity-sufficient and cannot be dispense as a complement to added punishments. Fundamental punishments contain: custody (imprisonment), correctional works devoid of custody, deprivation of the exact to dwell in convinced place or to execute confident actions, fines, and community criticize. Complementary punishments are those which are able to be allocate simply as a complement to an essential punishment. Fundamental punishments contain: custody (imprisonment), correctional works devoid of custody, deprivation of the exact to dwell in convinced place or to execute confident actions, fines, and community criticize. Complementary punishments are those which are able to be allocate simply as a complement to an essential punishment. They comprise: elimination; the removal of armed or particular rank; or elimination of parental privileges. Decease penalty:

Importance Of The Studying English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Importance Of The Studying English - Essay Example This essay will continue to explain the value and excellence that I as an individual have achieved in my quest to improve at a language, that is not my own. To begin with, all my courses have been in the English language. This has ensured that my command of the language is excellent enough for me to comprehend and grasp the meaning behind what I am studying. This is evident in the various essays I have written in and out of class. The first and second in-class essays required an opinion on conflicts affecting the world and its participation today coupled with the role played by politicians and their personal lives. It is immensely difficult for a student with a sparse knowledge of the English language to write an essay portraying their opinion. Yet, I was able to do so without any hesitance or problems. The problem, that arises for any foreign student is their means of translating their native tongue into the English language while thinking of an argument to write in the essay. Howev er, I did not feel compelled to think in my native tongue. Instead I chose to write all my drafts in English before perfecting it for the final draft. While this may seem like a small feat to those honed for English writing, it is a great accomplishment for an individual like me. Other examples that prove my fluency in English are the out of class essays that had to be submitted for this course.

Effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the workplace Research Paper - 1

Effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the workplace - Research Paper Example Harris, Lynette, Alan Tuckman, and Jereme Snook. 2012. "Supporting Workplace Dispute Resolution in Smaller Businesses: Policy Perspectives and Operational Realities". The International Journal of Human Resource Management. 23, no. 3: 607-623. This study was conducted in order to identify the different ways of resolving disputes used by small business entrepreneurs. The researchers identified that ADR has several benefits to offer to small business to both the employer and employees but there is lack of knowledge of ADR concept. Another issue is their failure to defend the solution of ADR in case litigation takes place. Emerson, Robert D., R. Edward Minchin, and Stephen Gruneberg. 2013. "Workers’ Compensation in Construction: Workers’ Benefits Under Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems". Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction. 5, no. 3: 113-121. This research was conducted in order to identify the effectiveness of ADR in case of helping workers obtain benefits and compensation. The researchers identified that the levels of benefits gained through ADR were lower and so was the chances of attaining the benefits. The researchers even identified that when attorneys were involved in ADR case, it was easier to obtain employee benefits. This research was conducted in order to identify how ADR is used in different organizations in different regions. Furthermore it tried to identify the outcomes that have taken place as a result of adopting ADR. The research even focused on the issues connected with the use of ADR in workplace. Brubaker, David, Cinnie Noble, Richard Fincher, Susan Kee-Young Park, and Sharon Press. 2014. "Conflict Resolution in the Workplace: What Will the Future Bring?" Conflict Resolution Quarterly. 31, no. 4: 357-386. This research was conducted in order to exhibit the trends of the use of ADR in solving conflicts that are taking place in organizations and the article even

Judicial Style in Ukraine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Judicial Style in Ukraine - Essay Example The legitimate Court of Ukraine is the merely organization of legitimate authority in Ukraine. The Ukraine encompasses a judicial structure which consists of the Supreme Court, regional courts in addition to district (town) courts. The Legitimate Court of Ukraine is a particular body with power to review whether lawmaking proceeds of the Parliament, President, Filing cabinet or Crimean Legislative body are in line up with the Structure of Ukraine. This Court as well provides interpretation to guaranteed standard of the Constitution or laws of Ukraine. The Criminal System of Ukraine records the sort of criminal retribution accessible. Punishments are able to be classifying into fundamental and complementary, depending on their technique and the method in which they are allocate. For model, necessary punishments are those which are allocate as identity-sufficient and cannot be dispense as a complement to added punishments. Fundamental punishments contain: custody (imprisonment), correctional works devoid of custody, deprivation of the exact to dwell in convinced place or to execute confident actions, fines, and community criticize. Complementary punishments are those which are able to be allocate simply as a complement to an essential punishment. Fundamental punishments contain: custody (imprisonment), correctional works devoid of custody, deprivation of the exact to dwell in convinced place or to execute confident actions, fines, and community criticize. Complementary punishments are those which are able to be allocate simply as a complement to an essential punishment. They comprise: elimination; the removal of armed or particular rank; or elimination of parental privileges. Decease penalty:

Effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the workplace Research Paper - 1

Effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the workplace - Research Paper Example Harris, Lynette, Alan Tuckman, and Jereme Snook. 2012. "Supporting Workplace Dispute Resolution in Smaller Businesses: Policy Perspectives and Operational Realities". The International Journal of Human Resource Management. 23, no. 3: 607-623. This study was conducted in order to identify the different ways of resolving disputes used by small business entrepreneurs. The researchers identified that ADR has several benefits to offer to small business to both the employer and employees but there is lack of knowledge of ADR concept. Another issue is their failure to defend the solution of ADR in case litigation takes place. Emerson, Robert D., R. Edward Minchin, and Stephen Gruneberg. 2013. "Workers’ Compensation in Construction: Workers’ Benefits Under Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems". Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction. 5, no. 3: 113-121. This research was conducted in order to identify the effectiveness of ADR in case of helping workers obtain benefits and compensation. The researchers identified that the levels of benefits gained through ADR were lower and so was the chances of attaining the benefits. The researchers even identified that when attorneys were involved in ADR case, it was easier to obtain employee benefits. This research was conducted in order to identify how ADR is used in different organizations in different regions. Furthermore it tried to identify the outcomes that have taken place as a result of adopting ADR. The research even focused on the issues connected with the use of ADR in workplace. Brubaker, David, Cinnie Noble, Richard Fincher, Susan Kee-Young Park, and Sharon Press. 2014. "Conflict Resolution in the Workplace: What Will the Future Bring?" Conflict Resolution Quarterly. 31, no. 4: 357-386. This research was conducted in order to exhibit the trends of the use of ADR in solving conflicts that are taking place in organizations and the article even

Implied Terms Essay Example for Free

Implied Terms Essay Terms can be implied to reflect the presumed intention of the parties, or for reasons of public policy. The different bases for implying terms are considered below. Terms Implied to Give Effect to Presumed Intention of Parties Term implied on the basis of business efficacy Business efficacy means that the parties require that term in order that the contract will work (The Moorcock). The following rules for implying a term on the basis of business efficacy were summarised by the Privy Council in BP Refiner v Shire of Hastings and later approved by the High Court in Codelfa v State. †¢ The term must be reasonable and equitable; †¢ Implication must be necessary to give business efficacy to the contract so that no term will be implied if the contract is effective without it; †¢ Term must be so obvious that it goes without saying; †¢ Term must be capable of clear expression; and †¢ Term must not contradict any express term of the contract. Terms implied from previous consistent course of dealings In the circumstances of the case, is it reasonable to hold that the parties entered into the contract on the basis, and with the knowledge, that their agreement would be on the terms set out in previous contracts entered into (Henry Kendall Sons v William Lillico Sons). The relevant term or terms must have been part of earlier agreements between the parties and the must be evidence of an earlier consistent course of dealings between the parties. Relevant in this assessment are – †¢ the number of dealings between the parties; and †¢ the consistency of dealings between the parties. The greater the number of prior dealings, the greater the likelihood of incorporating the term (cf Hollier v Rambler Motors with McCuthbert v David MacBrayne). Consistency of contractual dealings is also important as the argument for incorporation is less compelling if the terms are incorporated into earlier contracts on some occasions but not others (McCuthbert v David MacBrayne Ltd). Terms implied from custom or usage The parties to a contract are presumed to contract with reference to whatever customs that prevail in the trade or locality in question. In Con-Stan Industries of Aust Pty Ltd v Norwich Winterthur Insurance the High Court set out a number of rules that must be satisfied before a term will be implied on the grounds of custom or trade usage: 1. The existence of a custom or usage that will justify the implication of a term into a contract is a question of fact. In making the determination, the focus must be on the custom or usage in the particular trade or profession under construction. . There must be evidence that custom or usage relied upon is so well known and acquiesced in that everyone making a contract in that situation can reasonably be presumed to have imported that term into the contract, however, the custom need not be universally accepted. Firstly, there must be sufficient evidence that a custom of the kind alleged in the fact exists. Thus custom must be sufficiently widespr ead and consistent that it can be articulated with some certainty. Secondly, the custom must5 be so widespread that it is well known to the people within the trade or profession. 3. A term will not be implied on the basis of custom or usage where it is contrary to the express term of the agreement. As term implied must on custom and usage must reflect the presumed intention of the parties, if the parties expressly exclude such a term, or insert a term inconsistent with it, the term cannot be regarded as reflecting their intention. 4. A person may be bound to custom notwithstanding the fact that he or she had no knowledge of it. Unless the parties have agreed to the contrary, a term is implied provided the elements of the second limb above are met. A term implied to complete agreement The judiciary attempts to uphold agreements if at all possible. As a means of upholding contracts where not all the terms have been finalized, in an appropriate case the courts may be prepared to imply a term (Hillas Y Co v Arcos). Terms Implied Irrespective of Parties’ Intention Term Implied as a Legal Incident of a Particular Class of Contract A term may be implied as a matter of law in contracts of a particular class (Liverpool City Council v Irwin). Some examples are: †¢ Contract for the provision of goods and services: goods or services will be reasonable fit for the purpose supplied or rendered (Samuels v Davis). Contracts for the provision of professional services: reasonable care will be taken by professional in provided services (Greaves Y Co v Baynham). †¢ Contracts of employment: duty to proved a safe work place (McLean v Tedman). †¢ Building contracts: the completed house will be fit for habitation and the work done will be carried out in a proper an d workman like fashion (Perry v Haron Developments). General Duty of Co-operation There is an implied term a general duty of cooperation of all contracts that each party agrees to do all things necessary to enable to other party to have the benefit of the contract (Butt v McDonald). Some examples include: †¢ A term may be implied to give effect to the presumed intention of the parties (Curro v Beyond Productions). †¢ Duty to comply with reasonable requests †¢ There is a duty to do all things necessary to enable the agreement to be completed (Adelaide Petroleum v Poseidon). †¢ Where a contract requires concurrent performance it may be implied that rights are to be exercised in good faith and there is a duty to cooperate (Service Station Association v Berg Bennet Associates). †¢ There is a duty to exercise contractual powers reasonably (Renard Constructions v Minister for Public Works). Implication of duties of good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness It has been suggested that the courts may be prepared to imply a duty for the parties to act in good faith in performing a contract (Renard Constructions v Minister for Public Works). Some examples include: †¢ The preparedness of the courts to imply a reasonable price where the contract is silent †¢ Statutory implication of reasonable price in a contract for the sale of goods †¢ Duty on a prospective buyer to act reasonably as well as honestly in determining whether finance is satisfactory in a contract to purchase Term Implied by Statute Sale of Goods Act 1896 (Qld) Implied condition that the seler has title to the goods bing sold, or will have title at the time property in the goods is to pass: s15(a) †¢ Implied warranty that the buyer will have quiet possession of the goods: s15(b) †¢ Implied warranty that the goods are free from any charge or encumbrance: s15(c) †¢ In a contract for the sale of goods by description, an implied condition that the goods correspond with the description (and if the sale is by sample, as well as by description, it is not sufficient that the bulk of the goods corresponds with the sample if the goods do not also correspond with the description): s16 †¢ Where they buyer, expressly or by implication, makes known to the seller that particular purpose for which the goods are required, so as to show that the buyer relies on the sellers skill or judgment, and the goods are of a description that it is in the course of the seller’s business to supply, an implied condition that the goods are reasonably fit for the purpose: s17(a) †¢ When goods are bought by description from a seller who deals in goods of that description, an implied condition that the goods are of merchantable uality: s17 (c) †¢ In a contract for sale by sample, implied condition that the bulk corresponds with the sample in quality, that the buyer will have a reasonable opportunity of comparing the bulk with the sample, and that the goods are free from any defect, rendering them unmerchantable, which would not be apparent on reasonable examination of the sample: s18 Clear words are required to exclude implied terms (Wallis v Pratt and Haynes). Trade Practic es Act 1974 (Cth) The Trade Practices Act will only operate where the supplier is a corporation and the acquirer is a consumer within the statutory definition (ss4 and 4b) or if the transaction falls within one of the categories of extended application of the legislation for example, if the tranaction occurred as part of the supplier engaging in trade or commerce internationally, interstate or between a state and territory (s6(2)(c)). Terms implied by the Trade Practices Act are not limited to contract for the sale of goods but also extend to their supply. Supply is defined to include sale, exchange, lease, hire or hire purhcaes (s4). The Trade Practices Act implies in a contract for supply of service, a warranty that the service will be rendered with due care and skill and that any materials supplied will be reasonably fit for the purpose for which they are supplied. A further warranty will be implied that the services and materials supplied in connection with them will be reasonably fit for the purpose for which those services are required – or of such a nature and quality that they might reasonably be expected to achieve the result.

Maintain international peace and security

Maintain international peace and security The United Nations, the UN is an international organization established to maintain and strengthen international peace and security, development cooperation between States. The basis of its activities and structure developed during the Second World War, leading participants-Hitler coalition. The name â€Å"United Nations† was first used in the United Nations Declaration, signed on Jan. 1, 1942. The UN Charter was adopted at the San Francisco Conference, held from April to June 1945 and signed on June 26, 1945 representatives of 51 States. Date of entry into force of the Charter (24 October) is celebrated as United Nations Day. The organization occupies a central place as the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ. The General Assembly shall consider the principles of cooperation in the field of international peace and security; elects non-permanent UN Security Council members, members of the Economic and Social Council, on the recommendation of the Security Council appointed UN Secretary-General, in conjunction with the Security Council elects the members of the International Court of Justice, coordinates international cooperation in the economic social, cultural and humanitarian spheres; exercise other powers stipulated in the UN Charter. Security Council. Primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security; its decisions are expected to obey all the UN members. The five permanent Security Council members (Russia, USA, Britain, France and China) have veto power. The Security Council consists of 15 members: five members permanent (USA, UK, France, Russia and China), the remaining ten members (in the terminology of the Constitution â€Å"no standing†) were elected to the Council in accordance with the procedure stipulated by the Charter (paragraph 2 Article 23). Secretariat this is an international staff working institutions around the world and perform a variety of daily activities of the Organization. It serves the other principal organs of the United Nations adopted and implemented their programs and policies. Secretariat units are located at UN Headquarters in New York and elsewhere in the Headquarters of the UN bodies, the largest of which are the United Nations Office at Geneva and Vienna. At the head of the Secretariat is the Secretary-General who is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council for a term of 5 years, renewable for another term. Currently, there is a gentlemans agreement that a citizen of the country a permanent member of the UN Security Council can not be the UN Secretary General. An important instrument for maintaining international peace and security are the UN peacekeeping operations. Their activity is determined by a number of General Assembly resolutions adopted in accordance with the Charter of the Organization. Implementation of the UN peacekeeping operation can be expressed as: Investigation of incidents and negotiations with the warring parties with a view to reconciliation; Verifying compliance with the ceasefire; Contributing to the maintenance of law and order; The provision of humanitarian assistance; Monitoring the situation. Human rights. On 10 December 1948 UN General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and then recommended that all Member States to publish the text of the Declaration by the â€Å"spread, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without any distinction based on the political status of countries or territories.† Humanitarian aid. Humanitarian disasters can occur anywhere and at any time. Whatever the cause flood, drought, earthquake or conflict they always lead to deaths, displacement, loss of the ability of communities on their own to ensure their existence and bring immense suffering. In countries which have for a long time been exposed to natural disasters or recovering from conflict, humanitarian aid is increasingly seen as one element of an overall effort to ensure that peace-building, along with the development of political and financial support. Perhaps the most dramatic natural disaster in recent years has caused a tsunami in the Indian Ocean earthquake. Early in the morning Sunday, December 26, 2004, off the west coast of northern Sumatra occurred strong earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale, which resulted in a huge tsunami, which reached a height of 10 meters and move along the surface of the Indian Ocean at a speed of 500 kilometers per hour. The tsunami hit the coastal areas in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives, Myanmar, the Seychelles and Somalia. It has been estimated that as of April 2005 more than 217 thousand people died, 51 thousand missing and more than half a million people homeless. Organization of the United Nations began to take measures immediately, trying to satisfy a range of humanitarian needs, including in areas such as agriculture, coordination and support services, economic recovery and infrastructure, education, family housing and consumer goods, food, health , measures related to mine clearance, protection of human rights and the rule of law, security and water and sanitation. For this purpose, 5 January 2005 was made â€Å"urgent appeal† to the mobilization of 977 million dollars to fund critical of relief efforts undertaken by some 40 United Nations agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). However, despite its uniqueness, the UN has been discredited by failings and scandals. The organization has demonstrated that it is not always able to promptly adapt to rapidly changing global political realities. In this regard, the UN is often criticized for its inefficiency, undemocratic, the lack of attention to the problems of developing countries, bureaucracy, overstaffing and excessive budget.On behalf of the UN have also been linked, and some high-profile financial scandals. In one of them, the Program for Iraq â€Å"Oil for Food program, was involved even Kojo Annan (Kofi Annans son). American Commission of Inquiry program of assistance to Saddams Iraq Oil for Food has revealed the involvement of UN officials for corruption by the regime of Saddam Hussein. In addition, the number of peacekeepers and employees were indicted for sexual crimes against refugees. According to RBC daily interviewed experts inflation scandals plaguing the UN is being targeted, and above all they a re interested in the U.S. who do not want to reckon with the UN as an independent player in the international arena. Therefore, Washington was determined to discredit the organization. The new regulations the UN is an attempt to keep the organization itself and restore its shaken credibility in the world. However, it is unlikely to lead to desired results: in its current form, this organization is not able to solve the tasks assigned to it. All in all, despite the scandals and disadvantages, it can be said that the United Nations is an effective institution, which has been proven many times by its actions. The organization has many goals for the sake of the society all over the world, among them are: To maintain international peace and security and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to peace and suppress acts of aggression or other breaches of peace and by peaceful means in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment and settlement of international disputes or situations which may lead to a breach of peace; To develop friendly relations from nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace; To achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms to all, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, and To be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations and the achievement of common goals.

Full-time Students Vs. Part -t Essay -- essays research papers

Full-time vs. Part-time Students There are many similarities and differences between full and part-time students. Each student is trying for the goal of educating themselves to become more successful in life. As students begin their education there is a sense of motivation and eagerness. Knowing the possible compensations and honor that comes with this achievement. There can be a feeling of tension and uncertainty that comes with this new adventure. If an individual does not become discarded, and is willing to except the challenge of this feat, there is no limit to the success one can attain in their life. Students receive their degree at different times in their lives depending on their finances, responsibilities and time restraints. Full-time students are generally younger, and just out of high school. Full-time students must take a minimum number of courses, generally 12 or more semester hours. They normally have a set semester schedule of daytime or nighttime classes to choose from. They are often eligible for financial aid, or work-study programs because of the higher cost for a higher education. They may also receive a number of scholarships to help pay for their education. Full-time students usually do not have a family or as many outside responsibilities. They usually only have a part-time job and still live at home with their parents. The time restraints that full-time students have are homework, studying and fitting their job schedule into their school schedule. ...

The Causes of Eating Disorders Essay -- Expository Cause Effect Essays

The Causes of Eating Disorders There is no single cause for eating disorders. A number of factors, including cultural and family pressures, chemical imbalances, and emotional and personality disorders collaborate to produce both anorexia and bulimia, although each disorder is determined by different combinations of these influences. Genetics may also play a small role. Between 40% to 96% of all eating-disordered patients experience depression and anxiety disorders; depression is also common in families of patients with eating disorders. Bulimic patients are more likely to report having emotional disorders and dysfunctional families than are anorexic-restrictor patients. It is not clear, however, whether emotional disorders are causes, results, or both, of eating disorders. Some experts claim that depression does not play a causal role, particularly in anorexia, because eating disorders are rarely cured when antidepressant medication alone is the treatment. The severity of the eating disorder is also not correlated with the severity of any existing depression. In addition, depression often improves after anorexic patients begin to gain weight. On the other hand, a number of studies have detected in some people with severe anorexia and bulimia abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain), particularly serotonin, that are associated with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These neurotransmitters remain unstable even in recovering patients. Studies are finding that low blood levels of the amino acid tryptophan, a component in food that is essential to the production of serotonin, can produce depression and may also contribute to bulimia. During the dieting stage between binge... ... bingeing and purging by slowing down, thereby increasing the risk of weight gain from even normal calorie intake. The process of vomiting and use of laxatives may stimulate the production of natural opioids -- narcotics in the brain that cause an addiction to the bulimic cycle. Biologic Causes for the Perpetuation of Anorexia Nervosa. Hunger often intensifies depression, which can further reduce self-esteem and confidence, increasing the need for renewed vigilance over weight control, thus perpetuating the cycle. On the other hand, some experts believe that certain anorectic people inherit an unusual amount of natural narcotics that are released in the brain under conditions of starvation and may promote an addiction to the starved state. Starvation can also give a false sense of fullness due to reduced stomach activity, making it increasingly easy not to eat.

Ethnic Unbonding in South Africa Essay

Manuel Castells notion of ‘ethnic unbonding’ refers to: the gradual withdrawal certain African-Americans are undergoing, so that they no longer are a member of their initial ethnic group. ‘Ethnic unbonding’ is a process where individuals remove themselves from their ethnic groups, because they are either ashamed or humiliated to be associated as part of a stigmatized ethnic identity. â€Å"So, race matters a lot. But, at the same time, the class divide among blacks has created such fundamentally different living conditions that there is growing hostility among the poor against those former brothers that left them out. Most middle-class blacks strive to get ahead not only from the reality of the ghetto, but from the stigma that echoes from the dying ghetto project on them through their skin. They do so particularly, by insulating their children from the poor black communities (moving to suburbs, integrating them into white-dominated private schools), while, at the same time, reinventing an African-American identity that revives the themes of the past, African or American, while keeping silent on the plight of the present† Castell, M p. 57. Manuel Castell raises cognizance to the fact that black South Africans are gradually disassociating themselves from their original ethnic identities. (‘Black South Africans’ refers to the non-white individuals of South Africa, those who were disadvantaged and traduced in the homelands during the Apartheid regime). These ethnic unbonding patterns were first noticed among African-Americans and now South Africans too are gradually adopting them. Citizens split from their ethnic groups to mainly better their lives, since being a part of a stigmatized ethnic group cannot ensure a successful and pleasant lifestyle. Parents want a better life for the children and they find that to live a better quality lifestyle one needs to firstly get an education. So they get a good education and become a success in life only to put their stigmatized ethnic background behind them, to avoid risking the loss of their achievements. Ethnic performances are rarely practised and individuals lose sight of where they come from. â€Å"In the last two decades, geographers have become extremely interested in the issue of ethnicity. Ethnic groups are found in essentially all societies. Ethnic groups are populations that feel a common bond and have a sense of common origin that distinguishes them from other groups. Religion, language, national origin, and skin colour are all used to various degrees by ethnic groups to distinguish themselves from others. It is estimated that the 200 or so independent countries recognized by the United Nations are made up of about 5000 ethnic groups. Increased migration of people in the last 200 years has produced a complex pattern of ethnic groups. Essentially, ethnicity is a spatial concept. Ethnic groups are associated with clearly recognized territories, either some large homeland district or some smaller urban or rural enclaves in which they are the primary or exclusive occupant. In addition, they have somehow marked these places with certain distinguished cultural signs. † (http://teacherweb. ftl. pinecrest. edu/snyderd/APHG/Unit%203/culturenotes. htm). Ethnicity is socially important. It gives certain individuals a feeling of belonging and prevents one from feeling isolated and alone. It contributes immensely to one’s core identity, focusing mostly on the construction of one’s personal identity, and in turn having an effect on the type of person an individual turns out to be in the future. It forms the basis of an individual’s structure and agency. Ethnicity also promotes national strength which can be built from the diverse cultural resources present in South Africa. It brings together a national identity. ‘Afrikaners historically considered themselves the only true South Africans and, while granting full citizenship to all residents of European descent, denied that status to people of colour until the democratic transition of 1994. British South Africans retain a sense of cultural and social connection to Great Britain without weakening their identity as South Africans. A similar concept of primary local and secondary ancestral identity is prevalent among people of Indian descent. The Bantu-speaking black peoples have long regarded themselves as South African despite the attempts of the white authorities to classify them as less than full citizens or as citizens of ethnic homelands (â€Å"Bantustans†) between 1959 and 1991. Strong cultural loyalties to African languages and local political structures such as the kingdom and the chieftaincy remain an important component of identity. National identity comes first for all black people, but belonging to an ethnic, linguistic, and regional grouping and even to an ancestral clan has an important secondary status. (http://www. everyculture. com/Sa-Th/South-Africa. html). As a result of years of racial separation and discrimination, the majority of South African citizens of which are black, have been severely ill-treated based on the colour of their skin. â€Å"A race is a population that shares visible physical characteristics from inbreeding and that thinks of itself or is thought of by outsiders as distinct. It has been used by societies to justify poor treatment of minority groups† ( http://www. sociologyguide. com/questions/ethnicity. php). For decades black people have been slandered and stereotyped by the white superior citizens, to be uncultured individuals. White people were entirely prejudiced against the black people. ‘Prejudice is a judgment based on group membership or social status. Prejudice may be formed through both individual and group influences including socialization, rationalizing through stereotypes, the scapegoating process, reinforcement of a self-fulfilling prophecy ramification of an authoritarian personality and degree of contact with minority groups.’ http://www. sociologyguide. com/questions/ethnicity. php. How black ethnic groups emerged? Being ethnic is relating to or a characteristic of a sizable group of people sharing a common and distinctive racial, national, religious, linguistic or cultural heritage. (http://www. thefreedictionary. com. ) Just like the trends in America, black citizens of South Africa formed groups based on commonalities. These people shared hardships and sufferings, as a result of being excluded from having any opportunities and privileges, by the white superiorities. The white citizens undermined the black citizens for centuries and thus blacks were forced to form close relationships with one another based on the fact that they had common deprivations. ‘Bantustans’ were formed in South Africa and these areas were wastelands of hardship. Residents of these areas were forced to deal with struggle and poverty thus leading to an increase in crime rate. People did what they could to survive. Stealing, drug dealing etc. all the forms of violence and corruption exploded from these areas. Put a group of homeless and poor people together and what do you get? Chaos. White people were aware of the disorder in the homelands and ever since then stereotypes were given to black people. What provoked ethnic unbonding? Ethnic unbonding is when individuals from an ethnic group break away from their core cultural identity and instead pursue an identity of their own. Individuals mainly do this to improve their standards of living. The stigmas attached to certain ethnic groups are undesirable and individuals are afraid of being part of these unpleasant stereotypes. Certain groups especially ethnic groups have harsh associations linked to them and for these people to improve their quality of life they need to detach themselves from their ethnic groups. The negativity one receives from being part of a stigmatized ethnic group for some is too much to handle. People want to be freed from the harmful judgements of the past, and thus completely detaching themselves from their core ethnic identity is the best way out. ‘’Race and ethnicity are central – to America, as to other societies’ dynamics – their manifestations seem to be deeply altered by current social trends. ’’ (Castells, 1997: 53). Globalisation affects people’s choices on being or not being part of an ethnic group. Westernization transforms certain cultures and moulds them into a more modernized culture, with less practices and more simplicity. Cultural identity is a victim of globalization. Culture is being altered so much by globalization and media effects that soon the culture will transform into something completely different. According to Tomlinson, J. p. 23 states that â€Å"it is fair to say that the impact of globalization in the cultural sphere has, most generally, been viewed in a pessimistic light. Typically, it has been associated with the destruction of cultural identities, victims of the accelerating encroachment of a homogenized, westernized, consumer culture. † Conclusion Ethnic unbonding is inevitable. Every single individual wants a decent lifestyle and a decent life is one with no racial, gender or ethnic inequalities. Ethnic unbonding will continue to take place in South Africa as well as the rest of the world, because the desire for one to have an improved standard of living exceeds the desire to want to belong to an ethnic area. Castells concept of ethnic unbonding is a notion unknowingly practiced amongst the people of South Africa. Castell believes that individuals belonging to certain ethnic groups are developing boundaries within themselves. However, I think that people can still live a better life and yet maintain a part of their ethnicity. Lifestyles can be adjusted so that some form of their religion and culture is integrated into their everyday life and not forgotten. Future generations might be at risk of never knowing exactly where they come from, and being clueless about their ethnic and cultural heritage. 1. Castells, Manuel. 1997. The power of identity. Cambridge, MA. Blackwell, 52-59 2. Tomlinson, John. Globalization and cultural identity http://www. polity. co. uk/global/pdf/gtreader2etomlinson. pdf(12September 2011) 3. Definitions of race, prejudice and discrimination: http://www. sociologyguide. com/questions/ethnicity. php (12September 2011) 4. Countries and their Culture – South Africa http://www. everyculture. com/Sa-Th/South-Africa. html (12September 2011) 5. THE GLOBALIZATION OF CULTURE, AND THE GEOGRAPHY OF INEQUALITY: RACE, ETHNICITY & GENDER http://teacherweb. ftl. pinecrest. edu/snyderd/APHG/Unit%203/culturenotes. htm (12September 2011) 6. Definition of Ethnic: http://www. thefreedictionary. com (12September 2011).

Prison Nursing Essay

I had been a nurse for 1 yr, and only worked in long term care. I craved a change in my career that was exciting, yet challenging; I decided to become a correctional nurse. I had no idea what was in store for me when I applied for a position with UTMB . I spoke with family and friends who thought I was crazy for wanting to work in such a hostile environment. Needless to say, I didn’t listen and followed my own instinct. When I was hired, I had not taken a tour of the facility; day one was the first time I walked into a prison. As I walked in the gate house, I was saying to myself â€Å"this isn’t so bad! I kept telling myself those same words the whole time I was taking my shoes off , letting my hair down to be searched, and getting frisked while checking for contraband. After the most violating pat down I had ever received was over, my heart began to pound. â€Å"What am I getting myself into? † Once in the infirmary I was given a brief description of job duties. By now my heart was in my throat, but I kept up the brave front . I learned that I would be working in our clinic with convicts that required inpatient medical care. My role was to provide nursing care only. A few things I had to take into consideration; they were convicts. They could be quite manipulative and they tried to test me every time I turned around. They asked questions about my personal life and they asked for favors. They would also ask me to bring in things from the â€Å"real world† or deliver items or letters. This behavior could be grounds for termination so any and every time I was asked to do any of the things I listed or anytime an inmate tried to get to personal it had to be reported. The inmate would then have to face disciplinary action. It was very hard to remember all the dos and don’ts while maintaing professionalism, as well as maintain safety and sanity. In the Texas prison system the inmates endure grueling conditions. In the winter its freezing cold, old boilers are all they have to keep warm. In the summer its smoldering hot, old noisy fans are all they have to keep cool. Being tender hearted as I am, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for them. I was raised to see the good in every body. I was also raised to believe in an eye for an eye. It was really hard to provide unbiased care when I knew I was dealing with a child molester or a rapist. I know we were trained to put all our emotions aside, but in reality my emotions would sometimes get the best of me. I only worked as a correctional nurse for a yr. I enjoyed working with other members of the medical staff as well as correctional officers. I actually enjoyed working with the inmates, providing medical care. I have had my share of inmates cursing and yelling at me and have witnessed situations I will never forget. I learned very quickly to be thick-skinned. I learned to be tough in order to do the job and survive. I still reminisce about the adrenalin rush I would get every time and emergency would arise. I’m glad I made the choice to work at the Wynne Unit it was definitely a life changing experience.

Causes And Effects Of The Amer

Introduction about the cause and influence of the American Civil War - The American Civil War began when Peter Bohlegard fired 50 guns at Sumter Fort on April 12, 1861. This marks the beginning of one of the longest and most frequent wars in American history. This is also the only war completely done in the American soil. The whole war lasted four years, killed more than 620,000 Americans and killed them further. Reason - Many people consider the cause of this war to be the abolition of slavery, which is one of the main catalysts of the beginning of the war, but this is not the main reason for the beginning of the war. Causal Thesis is an article explaining the cause (cause) of the event or situation and the result (influence) of the occurrence. Writing causal papers requires a lot of effort, the main idea of ​​writing such articles is to investigate the cause and effect of the phenomenon. However, regarding the structure, the outline of the causal dissertation is simpl e: introduction, body passage and conclusion. If you are assigned to write a causal dissertation, there are many causal themes listed here. Causal relations Thesis examines the cause (or cause) of something and discusses the result (or result). Therefore causal papers are sometimes called rational thesis and result papers. They are one of the most common form of organization in academic papers. Although the entire article may be causally related, it may be a part of the entire article in some cases. Particularly in short test papers, it is possible to discuss only causes and results, not two. Please see the example below A causal dissertation is another type of paper that is common as part of a larger paper, including paper type or one or more paragraphs for examining cause and effect. This page provides information on what causality is, how to organize such articles, and how to use articles like causal structure words (transition signals). There is also a causal thesis on the theme of women's work, and there are exercises useful for practice in this field. Causes And Effects Of The Amer Introduction about the cause and influence of the American Civil War - The American Civil War began when Peter Bohlegard fired 50 guns at Sumter Fort on April 12, 1861. This marks the beginning of one of the longest and most frequent wars in American history. This is also the only war completely done in the American soil. The whole war lasted four years, killed more than 620,000 Americans and killed them further. Reason - Many people consider the cause of this war to be the abolition of slavery, which is one of the main catalysts of the beginning of the war, but this is not the main reason for the beginning of the war. Causal Thesis is an article explaining the cause (cause) of the event or situation and the result (influence) of the occurrence. Writing causal papers requires a lot of effort, the main idea of ​​writing such articles is to investigate the cause and effect of the phenomenon. However, regarding the structure, the outline of the causal dissertation is simpl e: introduction, body passage and conclusion. If you are assigned to write a causal dissertation, there are many causal themes listed here. Causal relations Thesis examines the cause (or cause) of something and discusses the result (or result). Therefore causal papers are sometimes called rational thesis and result papers. They are one of the most common form of organization in academic papers. Although the entire article may be causally related, it may be a part of the entire article in some cases. Particularly in short test papers, it is possible to discuss only causes and results, not two. Please see the example below A causal dissertation is another type of paper that is common as part of a larger paper, including paper type or one or more paragraphs for examining cause and effect. This page provides information on what causality is, how to organize such articles, and how to use articles like causal structure words (transition signals). There is also a causal thesis on the theme of women's work, and there are exercises useful for practice in this field. Causes And Effects Of The Amer Introduction about the cause and influence of the American Civil War - The American Civil War began when Peter Bohlegard fired 50 guns at Sumter Fort on April 12, 1861. This marks the beginning of one of the longest and most frequent wars in American history. This is also the only war completely done in the American soil. The whole war lasted four years, killed more than 620,000 Americans and killed them further. Reason - Many people consider the cause of this war to be the abolition of slavery, which is one of the main catalysts of the beginning of the war, but this is not the main reason for the beginning of the war. Causal Thesis is an article explaining the cause (cause) of the event or situation and the result (influence) of the occurrence. Writing causal papers requires a lot of effort, the main idea of ​​writing such articles is to investigate the cause and effect of the phenomenon. However, regarding the structure, the outline of the causal dissertation is simpl e: introduction, body passage and conclusion. If you are assigned to write a causal dissertation, there are many causal themes listed here. Causal relations Thesis examines the cause (or cause) of something and discusses the result (or result). Therefore causal papers are sometimes called rational thesis and result papers. They are one of the most common form of organization in academic papers. Although the entire article may be causally related, it may be a part of the entire article in some cases. Particularly in short test papers, it is possible to discuss only causes and results, not two. Please see the example below A causal dissertation is another type of paper that is common as part of a larger paper, including paper type or one or more paragraphs for examining cause and effect. This page provides information on what causality is, how to organize such articles, and how to use articles like causal structure words (transition signals). There is also a causal thesis on the theme of women's work, and there are exercises useful for practice in this field.

Education Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Education - Research Paper Example This essay will in detail include the QAR technique and also expound on this technique as a method of a pre-reading strategy. In this essay, the strategies discussed include the QAR strategy, an excerpt strategy and a visual graphic, organization strategy. QAR Strategy Taffy Raphael was an educationist who came up with the QAR tool. QAR is an abbreviation of the words Question Answer Relationship. This is a tool used in clarification of how the students are able to read texts and also provide appropriate answers from them. This strategy relieves the learners from engaging in other tiresome background information. Therefore, it enables the learner to discover what they are reading and its structure. This article is based on a content area reading field at large. According to this methodology, questions are presented to ensure that the learner can be able to give the correct responses of the questions. In addition, the QAR strategy presented below is linked with the book in discussion. QAR #1: Give a brief history concerning the foundation of the context area reading? QAR #2: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages that are involved in the content area reading process? QAR #3: Describe the content area reading field in regard to the book? QAR #4: Go through a brief significance of the content area reading field? Also, explain the main factors that are related to the QAR strategy? QAR #5: Is the CAR movement of any help to the general public? QAR #6: What is entailed in the content area reading sector? The questions presented above can help the learner cover an extensive field of study. This entails the learner’s research on the questions given and possibly coming up with the required results. For instance, if a learner is serious enough, he/ she can scan through the questions and try to come up with the correct responses to aid in his knowledge. 505 page excerpt for reading strategy Chapter 1, Section 1 Foundations of content area reading Questions are th e answers The field of context reading has significantly grown basing on its response from teaches in the middle section and secondary school. This concept was inaugurated in the 1930s. From a current perspective, this concept enables students to read the content areas and come up with skills from expert information. When instructors face a class, they open a book and elaborate in order to explain and clarify conceived questions. However, most students do not recognize the nature of the questions developed. Much of the content entailed comprises of well developed content that responds to pivotal questions. In reality, most of the questions are from the instructors who have recently launched a field known as content area reading (CAR). Firstly, those going through the text should take a significant approach to the CAR field. Secondly, after the learner fully understands the pivotal questions, then it is easier for them to come up with their own possible solutions. Finally, making new areas of study is undoubtedly vital to any student. This is the overall basis for a long and improved long-term memory, application of new knowledge in other forms of learning processes and sound concept formation (Anthony, Manzo & Matthew, 2009). In general, the CAR movement has enormously improved the school improvement. This shows that their aim of enabling students to read environment is quite a success. Lastly, the content area reading book is of significant representation to each and every learner. Graphical organization

The management of oil & gas revenue in Norway Essay

The management of oil & gas revenue in Norway - Essay Example The development of Norwegian and Norwegian based petroleum expertise has been an important factor in Norwegian petroleum policy. (Karl 1997) Initially, there was a strong element of knowledge transfer from foreign oil companies and supply/service companies, but today Norway has a highly developed and internationally competitive petroleum industry. This applies to oil companies, the supply industry and research institutions alike. The industry provides a powerful boost for innovation and technology development to other sectors of the Norwegian economy. (Smith 2004: 234)Supply companies in Norway are active along most of the supply chain - from exploration and development to production and disposal. In a number of areas, Norwegian suppliers are among the world leaders, in particular in seismic surveying, subsea installations and floating production systems. They are present in all of the country's counties. Local and regional economies have petroleum activities that extend to a relativ ely high degree even to areas of the country not normally associated with petroleum activities. The Norwegian Directorate of Labour's latest survey, from 2003, showed that more than 75,000 people are employed in the petroleum industry in Norway. (Smith 2004: 234)Al-Moneef (1998) examines the vertical integration strategies of the national oil companies (NOC). With the changes in the market structure from an oligopolistic (international oil majors in control) to a cartel (the governments of OPEC in control) ultimately led to a separation.