URBAN GEOGRAPHY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

URBAN GEOGRAPHY - Essay Example According to Massey and Denton (1998) Geographical segregation can be described as spatial concentration of particular groups of population in separate areas. In simple terms, segregation means that certain groups of population get limited to different pockets of geographical areas. It can also be said that segregation is the level or extent to which particular groups reside separately from one another within the confines of a particular geographic area such as a city or state (Low, 2004). Segregation, in itself, is a complex phenomenon, where the groups are segregated in a number of ways. So, the spatial restriction of populations is based on a number of variables such as culture, income, ethnic origin, immigrant status or sexual orientation (Massey and Denton, 1998; Jackson, 1985). For example, people from a minority community are often overrepresented in some particular areas and underrepresented in some others (Yinger, 2001). In addition, a community may geographically restrict itself in way that its exposure to the other groups is minimized (Yinger, 2001). Johnston and Poulson add to Yingers theory by postulating that there are particular reasons because of which segregation takes place. These may range from legal restrictions as in the case of South Africa where Apartheid was in practice; to the social or economic status as in the case of rich people residing in the suburbs and the relatively poor residing in the downtown areas. However, the most prominent cause of segregation is found to be ethnicity or cultural background. This type of segregation can result from the emigrants’ need to find security in numbers which makes people from the same cultural or ethnic backgrounds to cluster together and segregate themselves from the rest of the society. Voluntary segregation is therefore where immigrants prefer to live in a

Fact Sheet Essay Example for Free

Fact Sheet Essay n the United States, there are approximately 1.7 million people who are suffering from limb loss. There are around 185,000 amputation related discharges in the U.S annually. Limb loss is greatest among those who are suffering from diabetes. Most of these people resort to the use of artificial limbs and joints. The use of prosthetics or the artificial limbs and joints is not new in science. The use thereof can be traced back to ancient Egypt. However, the formal use of artificial legs and amputation as life saving measures were only recognized in 1529 through the efforts of Ambroise Pare. Despite the evolution and introduction of different kinds of prosthetics, the three main parts remain to be the same. These three basic parts are the pylon, socket and suspension system. Among the modern prosthetics used is the Micro-Processor C-leg. This type of prosthetic is quite costly but the effects thereof are satisfying. Through this leg, a disabled patient can walk, climb, ride a bicycle and even play golf. The use of prosthetics provides wide range of advantages. Among the notable advantages is the mobility that it provides to the disabled patient. Another is the restoration of self-confidence in the patient by allowing him to function normally. Â  Among the disadvantages are intrinsic and extrinsic pain, skin complications, as well as limited movement. Despite the fact that prosthetics allow one to perform his daily tasks, this does not mean that the artificial leg is as efficient as the normal arms or legs.

Oral Health And Disease Health And Social Care Essay

Oral Health And Disease Health And Social Care Essay Dental caries is an oral disease not just of the developed nations but fast becoming a public health issues in the developing countries1. Dental caries is one of the major oral health problems in Nigeria. Other oral health/diseases commonly seen in Nigeria include periodontitis, chronic gingivitis, acute necrotising gingivitis, oral cancer and ameloblastoma, cranio-facial developmental anomalies, orthodontic problems and cleft lip and palate2. The oral cavity though small is a important aspect of the human body. It is the gateway to the human digestive system. The teeth are an important part of the mouth. Their function in mastication of food and speech cannot be over emphasized. They also have aesthetic component as well as enhance facial appearance. Thus, any problem with oral health or diseases could present as pain and suffering which could have debilitating effects on individuals in particular and the community at large3. Oral diseases could lead to reduction in functional abili ties and reduced quality of life. According to Petersen (2004) oral conditions are among the most expensive medical treatments in industrialized nations3. Nigeria is classed as one of the poorest countries in the world with 70% of its population leaving below 1 dollar a day. Nigeria is one of the countries in West Africa, comprises of 36 states. She is one of the most populous countries in Africa as well as the eighth most populous country in the world with the population of 154,728 8924 and popularly known as the giant of Africa. In 2007 to date, Nigeria is ranked as the second largest economy in Africa, she is known for her rich cultures, natural endowment such as oil and gas. It is equally indisputable that her human resources are abundant. At the same, it is absurd to learn that about 70.2% of Nigerians are living in abject poverty. Although, the Health services in Nigeria has undergone transformation over the years. The provision of Nigeria health system can be categorized into Public and Private Health services. The public health services serves as the main backbone of Nigeria health care which in most cases is funded by the government on non-profit bases. These are divided structurally into the Primary Health Care (PHC), Secondary Health Care (SHC ) and the Tertiary Heath Care (THC) 5, 6. But the dental care services are provided from secondary to tertiary care. This is due to the fact that dental care services are available in general hospitals (secondary health care) in some states and not at the primary health care bases, also in various teaching hospitals (tertiary health care) as well as private dental services. Dental caries is known as a progressive destruction or demineralization of enamel, dentine and cementum on a susceptible tooth surface caused by microbial (Streptococcus mutans) activities such as the production of acids.7, 8 In most cases, the dental caries is not life threatening but can have an adverse effect on quality of life in individual childhood to old age such as dietary and health. It affects all age groups and it is the most important cause of tooth loss in young people9. Frequent consumption of sugar and sugary food and drinks has been implicated as predisposing factors for the cause of dental caries9, 10,11. The sequelae of dental caries: Bacteria ferment sugar to produce acid. Acid dissolves tooth surface  ® leads to dental caries which affects the enamel  ® dentine  ® pulp  ® pulpitis  ® periapical infection  ® dental abscess12. Years ago, dental caries is one of the most common diseases in industrialised countries for instance United Kingdom and a social class-related condition. There has been a tremendous increase of dental caries in developing countries in recent years due to increased sugar consumption as well as insufficient exposures to fluorides which Nigeria happened to be one of the countries. In Nigeria, DMF index is used in measuring tooth decays which counts the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT) or surfaces (DMFS) in patients mouth as a result of caries both in deciduous and permanent dentition7, 8. In 1993, World Bank reported the dental caries incidence in 1990 among females of Sub-Saharan Africa is 0. 7 and the males is also 0.7 while the total world record in these categories are 9.6 and 9.8 repectively.13 Dental caries prevalence in Nigeria varies according to the areas from the studies Akpata carried out. It shows that dental caries in rural areas are very low of 3 dental ca ries cases compared with those in the urban areas which is 33 caries14. The reasons for chosen dental caries: Dental caries as pointed out above is a dental disease that affects all age groups although it is more prevalent among the adolescents and young children. It is one of the major oral health problems. Dental caries is a public health issue because of its impact on individuals and the communities. Social and financial issues: Majority of the population in Nigeria suffers from poverty and the government do not subsidize any kind of dental or medical treatment for the people that is from new born to 59 years but from age 60 pays half price which can still be a problem for people in this category. In fact, dental and medical treatment does not commence until the patient pay an agreed amount but there is always an exceptional case depending on the dentist or medical practitioners discretion. Therefore, most of the populations in Nigeria are in high caries risk. This is due to the fact that some of the parents cannot afford sending their children to school while some of the children have very poor attendance record in school and in most cases leads the children to consume more of confectionery and high carbohydrate diet15. Due to poverty, most people seek for alternative treatment when they have toothache such as the traditional medicine, application of herbs, as well as fake medic ine (cheap) leaving majority of the cases untreated. Tooth loss: Dental caries is one of the major causes of tooth loss which can affect on patients eating habits, self-esteem and quality of life. Majority of the patients visit their dentist when they have explored virtually all the alternative treatment mentioned above and still be in pain which tends to be unbearable or in some cases the area is infected or inflamed. This can lead to extraction of the tooth/teeth, which eventually might lead to tooth loss replacement with removable dentures or fixed prosthesis. Due to lack of affordability of the denture by some patients leads to loss of alveolar as well as deformity. Infections: One of the sequelae of dental caries is infection due to bacteria in the cavity. Bacteria in the dental cavity secrete acids which dissolve the enamel and dentine and if untreated leads to pulpitis and subsequently periodontitis. Because so many people cannot afford orthodox dental care due to the cost of proper dental treatment some people chose alternative treatment as mentioned earlier. This can also leads to potential serious infection such as dental abscess or Ludwigs Angina which is life threatening. Although, one of the treatment is administration of antibiotics and other medications but in Nigeria contest we have to battle fake drugs as in most cases one is unable to distinguish between original and fake drugs. Need to create dental awareness: there are need to educate members of the public on how to prevent and control dental conditions as well as diseases Strep viridians seen in dental caries can cause endocarditis in cardiac patients Dental caries can form cystic legions in some patients Dental caries can cause chronic periodontitis. Dental caries is considered as a public health issue or a major problem in dental public health16 because it targets the entire population with unlimited time frame. Its socio-economic effect is great. People presents to dental clinics and hospitals when they are in severe pain and at the advanced stage of dental caries. Dental caries can occur in deciduous or permanent dentition thus affecting children as well as their parents. The cost of managing advanced dental infections is high. Being unable to identify early, people with high caries risk has also be one of the major challenges for public health. 2. The Community Oral Health Programme (COHP) was started in 1988 by the University of Ibadan in Nigeria by the Dental department. Since its inception it has become an integral part of the comprehensive Community Health Programme of the Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM) 17. The COPH main aims and objectives include prevention of oral diseases and provision of basic oral care services to communities. Major components of COPH are: School health programmes, health education programmes and on site dental care provision in hard to reach communities. Dental care has been a part of primary health care thus making very many communities disadvantaged. The health care delivery in Nigeria is such that dental health was been side-lined and the need for primary and secondary prevention of oral diseases in a developing country such as Nigeria where urbanization and westernization is creeping in. Studies carried out over the years have revealed a poor oral health status in many Nigerians18. An a rm of this programme known as the Community Dental Education Health (CODEH) has been organizing activities such as dental awareness campaigns in communities, market places and schools. Financial sponsorships have been mainly from non-governmental organizations and dental companies like Unilever and GlaxoSmithKline19. Evaluation of the programme: Evaluation is the process of assessing the possible relevance, efficiency, effectiveness as well as impact of the activities (efficacy) of a project or programme in accordance to its objectives through a systematic collection and analysis of data15, 20. It is equally very important to ascertain the quality assurance of the programme. Evaluation could be formative that is assessing the possibility of problem occurring while the programme is being developed or summative that is focusing on the impact as well as the effectiveness of the established programme21. This programme has been evaluated by observing the criteria proposed to guide evaluation in public health22 such as: Effectiveness: -this refers to the extent to which the aims and objectives are met which is to create dental awareness and promote oral health care. Also identify issues and questions of concern to stakeholders. Acceptability: to check if people are satisfied with the programme both the targeted and non-targeted population. Appropriateness: this is the importance of the programme which to reduce the prevalence of dental caries and promote oral health care. Equity: equal provision for equal needs for every individual Efficiency: this to ensure that results are achieved in most economical way and if the resources put into the programme is justified. Before the evaluation, decision on the kind of information that is needed is taken. To ensure that relevant data are gathered at the appropriate time, an eight-stage framework for evaluation of health promotion interventions proposed by Rootman et al in 200123 was adopted. These stages are Describing the programme, as well as clarifying the aims and objectives Identifying the issues and fears of stakeholders Designing of information-gathering process like questionnaire, records of behaviour change such as plaque scores, indices, documented record on dental caries rate (this was achieved with the help of dentists and hygienist in the allocated areas of the programme) also question and answer session with patient or during the dental awareness campaign. Collecting data Analysing data Make recommendations publish findings Take action or implementation Evaluation is an empowering experience which should involve all stakeholders. Although, evaluation of this dental awareness and oral care promotion is challenging as there are complex, context-specific programme which also focus on the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of well-being. Determine of outcomes: the outcome of the programme is influenced by the timing of the evaluation. The outcome of this programme after assessing the effects of intervention can be said to be immediate (impact), intermediate and long-term for some patients. Dental awareness and Oral health care programme had the following effects: Improves peoples knowledge and perception about oral health care Improve the oral health care of the communities in the programme Improve the oral health care and awareness among school children It motivates patients that are afraid of visiting dentist It motivates and encourage most of the participants to be going for regular check-up Impact evaluation was inculcated into the programme as the stage ends. This is the stage where the public worker or oral health educator includes review of the programme at the last session. The intermediate and long-term evaluation involves assessment for longer effect. This was ascertained by comparing the participant oral health related behaviour before and after the programme but in most cases after a year some participants discontinue from the programme due to death or loss of interest. Effectiveness of the evaluation: the evaluation was effective as it shows that the aims and objectives of the programme were met. For instance, the aims and objectives for Community Oral Health Programme (COHP) are prevention of oral diseases and provision of basic oral care services to the communities while the Community Dental Educational Health programme (CODEH) is to organise dental awareness campaign in the communities, market places and schools. This shows that the programme is a success and dental team as well as all the workers efforts in the programme are worthwhile. 3. Key elements in the success or failure of the programme: There have been elements and factors that have led to the success and failure in some aspects of the programme. Communication: good communication network between the public health teams, from dentists to their patients and from oral health educators to varieties of patients or the public is paramount to the success of the programme. It is important to make patients feel at ease and demystify the fear of visiting the dentist by answering their questions clearly. Communication can take place at two levels: cognitive (understanding) and emotional (which relates feelings) which is very important when treating a patient7. Effective and good communication helps the patients to feel relaxed while discussing their oral health problems and devise solutions. Communication barriers: these can lead to failure of a programme. Therefore, it is always advised for professionals to identify any existent of communication barriers during the first stage of communication with the patient. These barriers could be: Social/cultural barriers which involves ethnic backgrounds, cultural/religion beliefs, social class, sex and age Limited receptiveness of patients due to mental health problems, pain, dementia, fear or low self esteem Negative attitude by the patients towards dental professionals due to previous bad experience or believes that they know it all. Dental professionals failing to give insufficient emphasis on dental education. Continuous dental professional development needs to be incorporated in the training for all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the COHP programme. Contradictory messages of oral health care to patients from other health professionals leaving the patients confused as well as use of some dental jargons by the dental professionals to the patients. Strategic planning and evaluation of the programme: planning oral health strategy need to be permissible within the political and policy constraints of Nigeria government. This can lead the programme to success by being more productive and effective on what can be implemented in promoting dental awareness and oral health care such as: Oral health needs assessment: this is to assess unmet dental health needs in a systematic approach to ensure that the public health service uses its resources to promote and improve the dental health of the population. The information gathered for the assessment does not only based on DMF data but also from other sources like data from oral health determinants, caries prevalence, prevalence due to toothache, public demand, existence of dental services as well as policy development14. These information gather will build a focus in monitoring the rate of dental caries which will be useful at the national level during planning dental health educational programmes, future demand and utilization of oral health organisation and financing. It will help plan strategies to improve oral health care of the people through public health interventions. Monitor services provided by the dental team and the extent in which the strategies have improved the oral health of the population after the imple mentation of public health interventions as well as changes to the services. Resources and Support: this is to ascertain from the dental budget the fund available for oral health services and promotion to meet with demand and supply of the population as well as educational programme is very essential. As this will help facilitate the programme, involving experienced and trained public health professional, build and equip dental services and the outreach units with modern equipment if needed as well as developing professional network between the program and community8. Although, in some cases professional barriers can be encountered leading to failure whereby the local dentists does not comply with strategy due to threats on their private dental service business or if their employment terms and conditions are affected. Evaluation: this is an effective way of interventions in a programme, providing feedback to both participants and other part of the team as well as the stakeholders; ensure that appropriate use of resources and other guidelines are followed. During planning of the programme, the programme is evaluated to assess how strategy was implemented and at the end of the programme, evaluation is used to determine what has been achieved. Oral health preventive promotion: there are two ways to achieve this through clinical and public health preventive approach Clinical preventive approach: this approach depends on the proficiency and skill of the dentist also this takes place in dental clinics whereby chair-side oral health educational counselling is given to the patients after the administration of one or two clinical preventive agents are used for instance topical fluorides and fissure sealants. This approach has some down falls such as limited coverage of the population, it can be very expensive leading to increase in health inequalities, less community involvement, in some cases fail to pin-point the causes of poor oral health and can easily leads to conflicting messages. Public health preventive approach: this approach stress on the determinants of health for instance stipulates the attributes of oral health problems as shown in Fig. 1 below illustrating the impact of economic, political, environmental conditions to oral health, not to mention peoples lifestyle which is under the social and community context, although some oral health related behaviour can be influenced by some of the social factors depending on individuals, educating patients through oral health educators, dentists and other trained dental professionals. Oral health education is the one of the channels of promoting oral and promote equity and lessen the rate of health inequalities, be in partnership with various agencies and sectors to achieve their goals, creating dental awareness, increasing people knowledge and getting them involved in self-care. C:UsersAmakaDocumentsimg057.jpg Fig. 1 Diagram of Social determinants of oral health15 Oral health care outreach and information centre: this is preventive dental unit where oral health education can be given to individuals or small groups. This is an avenue whereby the dental public health team or oral health educators motivates, communicate also establish friendly and informal relationship with the patients. This kind of preventive treatment can be a success or failure of the programme depending on the patient and staff cooperation. Therefore, it will be wise to evaluate each teaching sessions by using question and answer session with patients and questionnaire on the performance of the educator. The patient feedback should be used to assess the progress of the unit. In Nigeria, majority of preventive dental units in public and private sectors are located in urban areas where most of the dentists are practising. Leaving those in rural areas with minimal or no access to modern dental treatment. 4. Recommendations for the future of the programme: Nigeria government should fund dental fissure sealant for children in the following categories: mentally or physically handicapped, those with nursing or bottle caries as well as those who have primary and first molars. Dentists should be able to clinically give treatment or advice to the patients without language barriers. This implies that there should be available provision a translator if the need arise. Both systematically and topically administered fluoride should be made available and affordable to the population for instance drinking water, salt, milk and use of fluoride toothpaste. Bearing in mind that, some part of Northern Nigeria is endemic of dental fluorosis due to relative high fluoride ingestion through drinking water14. The clinicians should be ready to adapt to the culture of the people and note the cultural differences for instance some cultures or religion forbids a male doctor or nurse to treat a female patient which applies to oral health care. Ability to in cooperate dental health care awareness into schools Public health workers should endeavour to identify children with high caries risk status More oral health awareness should be created as well as dietary education for parents and children. Highlighting on the need to reduce sugar intake and promote consumption of sugar free both in medications and drinks, fruits and vegetables as well as the need for good self oral hygiene practice It has been proven that most parents bring their children to clinics during holiday therefore will recommend that most dental clinics should be school led that is opening till late. Regular dental check-ups should be encouraged by the oral health team for early identification of dental problem Dental health education programmes should be conducted in the communities (both in rural and urban areas) and regularly The government should encourage the implementation of various community fluoride programmes by funding During epidemiological studies of dental caries, DMF index should always be used All Nigeria dentists should also adopt advances methods of diagnosing dental caries which should be considered when recording and reporting caries in future and ensure that this does not affect historical and international comparisons15.

The Ideas of Hypocrisy, Prejudice and Dignity in Harper Lees To Kill A

The Ideas of Hypocrisy, Prejudice and Dignity in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird In Maycomb, the town in which Harper Lee's book 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is set, hypocrisy and prejudice are prevalent in most of its citizens. Although many of the characters morals are admirable, you soon realise that what people say and what people do are not always related. Mrs Grace Merriweather falls into this category. She is seen to be 'the most devout lady in Maycomb' and her eyes 'always filled with tears when she considered the oppressed' yet she is just as prejudiced to the black citizens or 'darky's' as the majority of the ladies of the 'Maycomb Alabama Methodist Episcopal Church South' are. Mrs Merriweather appears to be the most hypocritical character in this chapter. Throughout, she contradicts herself - she tells Scout about 'those poor Mrunas' and how she made a 'pledge in her heart' to help them and then shortly after she complains about how 'there's nothing more distracting then a sulky darky.' This is particularly un...

Space and Plant Landscape Architecture

Creation of space Created by modifying ground plane, vertical plane, overhead lane both individually and collectively Ground plane- ground cover or low shrubs may imply spatial definition through variations in height and material Vertical plane- can influence the perception of space in several ways : Tree trunks act as vertical columns The degree of enclosure will vary with the size of the trunks, their density of massing, and their pattern of arrangement The foliage mass of plants, the density and height of the foliage mass affects the quality of the space The taller the plant and the larger and more closely its leaves or needles are spaced, he stronger the feeling of enclosure Enclosure is to occur with seasonal variation The overhead planet foliage mass and branches in the canopy of trees Create ceilings over an outdoor space, Limiting the view to the sky Affecting the vertical scale of the space Trees are placed so strong; canopy overlaps shutting out exposure to the sky Collecti vely, as outdoors room The degree of perceived enclosure varies with The relative height of the surrounding vegetation Its spacing, density, and The position of the viewer relative to the surrounding vegetation A space feels very enclosed when he encircling plant materials areBasic spatial types created with plants Creation of numerous types of spatial character using only plant materials Modify the spaces created by buildings Modify the spaces created by buildings To subdivide larger spaces delineated by buildings into smaller spaces Modify the spaces created by buildings Complete the spatial definition and organization Closure The completion of a spatial enclosure, articulated by a building or enclosing wall Modify the spaces created by buildings Linkage Visually connecting separate elements Architectural uses of plant material 2. Screening To conceal unattractive objects or scenes in the environment A vertical barrier can control views 3. Privacy control The techniques of encircl ing a well-defined area with plants To isolate the space from its surrounding Eliminate freedom of movement through enclosed space LANDSCAPE VISUAL CHARACTERISTICS Visual Plant Characteristics Visual Plant Characteristics Plant size, form, color and texture 1 . Plant size Directly affects the scale of a space, compositional interest, overall framework of a design Visual Plant Characteristics – plant size Large and intermediate trees, oft tallVisual Plant Characteristics – plant size Tall shrubs, loft to oft Lack of canopy Visual Plant Characteristics – plant size Tall shrubs, loft to oft Visual Plant Characteristics – plant size Intermediate shrubs, oft to oft tall Serve as visual transition in a composition between tall shrubs and small trees and low shrubs Low shrubs, oft Define space or separate spaces without in habiting views Used along a walk or path to contain pedestrians on the walk without affecting the line of visions Used to connect other unrel ated elements visually Subordinate element Give a composition a spotty appearance LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Visual Plant Characteristics – plant size Ground cover, 6 in to 12 inches Floor material of an outdoor space To imply spatial edges Outlining a desired shape on the ground To define non walking surface, lawn and pavement To provide visual interest based on distinct color or texture As background To link visually separate elements or group of element To stabilize the soil, prevent erosion LANDSCAPE 2.Plant form Visual Plant Characteristics – plant form Fascinated / Columnar Upright, narrow, papers to a point at its top Emphasize the vertical by leading the eye skyward Give a sense of vertically and height to both a plant mass and to a space they enclose Acts as accents and exclamation pointillist's not be placed throughout a composition Visual Plant Characteristics – plant form Spreading/horizontal Horizontal habit To give a feeling of breadth and extent Used in a composition Used for contrast with vertical fascinate Harmony with flat landforms, long lines extending across the horizon, low horizontal buildingsVisual Plant Characteristics – plant form Round, globular Design composition, design unity No directional, neutral Harmony with other curvilinear forms Visual Plant Characteristics – plant form Pyramidal/conical Very sharp and distinct in their outline Visual accents Echo pyramidal building forms Visual level region where mountain are lacking Harmony with design of stiff, geometric shapes Visual Plant Characteristics – plant form Weeping Predominantly pendulous, downward-arching, branches Found in and associated with low points of ground, like he weeping willow along edges of water bodies Lead the eye toward the ground Used over water to reflect the undulating form.

Free Essays on Britain Vrs United States

Sociology Essay How useful is the concept of ‘elite’ for understanding the distribution of power in either Britain or the United States? Introduction In America perhaps only race is a more sensitive subject than the way we sort ourselves out in the struggle for success. The eminent sociologist Robert Merton calls it the ‘structure of opportunity’. In the understanding of the usefulness of the term ‘elite’, there are some common historical variables, which must be looked at in order to appreciate the power organisms at work even in American society, and how from the days of Thomas Jefferson to the era of Newt Gingrich, the assumption of superiority is an undercurrent in American life and society. In this essay I will attempt to show that elitist power in America is controlled by a few at the top of the political, corporate, social and religious pyramid. Moreover, the concept of natural aristocracy, or meritocracy, has a powerful resonance even in the United Stat es of America. Historical Antecedents In understanding the usefulness of the term elite in American society, late 19th and 20th century history provides the pretext for what was called a â€Å" fluid society â€Å". This was a highly mechanized, industrial age in which people’s roles were being determined by their merit, talents, character and ‘grit’. By 1910, Harvard Professor Frederick Jackson Turner was influential in transforming this ministerial training school into an Ivy League institution, dominated by the children of a distinct upper class†¦ most Northeastern and mostly business. This class came to be known as the Episcopacy, after its predominant religion – Episcopalianism. The genesis of the Episcopacy at the end of the 19th century represented the merger of what appeared to be an irreconcilable conflict between two rival elite groups: the old pre-industrial New England – based on upper-class norms, with its high-minded, non-urban mores, and the big, ... Free Essays on Britain Vrs United States Free Essays on Britain Vrs United States Sociology Essay How useful is the concept of ‘elite’ for understanding the distribution of power in either Britain or the United States? Introduction In America perhaps only race is a more sensitive subject than the way we sort ourselves out in the struggle for success. The eminent sociologist Robert Merton calls it the ‘structure of opportunity’. In the understanding of the usefulness of the term ‘elite’, there are some common historical variables, which must be looked at in order to appreciate the power organisms at work even in American society, and how from the days of Thomas Jefferson to the era of Newt Gingrich, the assumption of superiority is an undercurrent in American life and society. In this essay I will attempt to show that elitist power in America is controlled by a few at the top of the political, corporate, social and religious pyramid. Moreover, the concept of natural aristocracy, or meritocracy, has a powerful resonance even in the United Stat es of America. Historical Antecedents In understanding the usefulness of the term elite in American society, late 19th and 20th century history provides the pretext for what was called a â€Å" fluid society â€Å". This was a highly mechanized, industrial age in which people’s roles were being determined by their merit, talents, character and ‘grit’. By 1910, Harvard Professor Frederick Jackson Turner was influential in transforming this ministerial training school into an Ivy League institution, dominated by the children of a distinct upper class†¦ most Northeastern and mostly business. This class came to be known as the Episcopacy, after its predominant religion – Episcopalianism. The genesis of the Episcopacy at the end of the 19th century represented the merger of what appeared to be an irreconcilable conflict between two rival elite groups: the old pre-industrial New England – based on upper-class norms, with its high-minded, non-urban mores, and the big, ...

McDonalds ethical issues Essays

McDonalds ethical issues Essays McDonalds ethical issues Paper McDonalds ethical issues Paper Ethics could be defined as moral principles that underpin decision-making. Ethics is what is deemed to be morally acceptable.  Business ethics: are a set of principles or a code of behaviour that influences business behaviour. Business ethics is therefore the application of ethical values to business behaviour.  Ethical activities: refers to a broad agenda and focuses on making a positive contribution to the community. For some businesses ethics become a main priority as profitability and survival. But it depends on how ethical a business wants to operate. Ethical values of business: this refers to the standards that are set by a business or individual that controls their behaviour.  Professional ethics: This relates to how people behave to their selected careers e.g. bankers, doctors and teachers.  Individual ethical behaviour: This gives the individual within the organisation corporate image.  Identify Business activity (its basic operations)  Describe the general ethical issues or concerns of the business. McDonalds is the worlds largest chain of fast food restaurants, serving nearly 47 million customers daily. McDonalds primarily sells hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken products, French fries, breakfast items, soft drinks, milkshakes and desserts. More recently, it has begun to offer salads, wraps and fruit. It is a large global company which operates all around the world. Its revenues grew 27% over the three years ending in 2007 to $22.8 billion, and 9% growth in operating income to $3.9 billion.  McDonalds corporate governance states that McDonalds success is built on a foundation of personal and professional integrity. They earn peoples trust everyday by serving safe food, respecting our customers and employees and delivering outstanding Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value. They build on this trust by being ethical, truthful and dependable. As the worlds largest fast food company, McDonalds proudly serve more than 46 million customers in 59 different countries and have more than 30,000 different locations internationally. McDonalds has always maintained an extensive advertising campaign. In addition to the usual media (television, radio, and newspaper), the company makes significant use of billboards and signage, sponsors sporting events ranging from Little League to the Olympic Games, spending millions of pounds a year. Animal rights and trading fairly  McDonalds claim that it is the best company in meeting the animal rights. The company declared that every farm that supplies its eggs must raise the hens more humanely and kindly. They gave farmers less than 18 months to comply which according to McDonalds they did. McDonalds also claims that the company is communicating effectively with farmers from around the world to treat the animals more kindly. McDonalds offer its consumers products that are trustworthy and of satisfactory quality. They trade fairly and allow competition to take place in the market. Competitors such as Burger King and Sams equally compete with McDonalds.  Being environmentally responsible and carrying out duties towards the wider environment: McDonalds has always claimed that they are very environmental friendly, however critics say otherwise.  Participating Human Rights such as legal and regulatory compliance with consumer laws Compliance with protecting employees and employee working conditions  Poor nutrition: Many nutritionists argue that the type of high fat, low fibre diet promoted by McDonalds is linked to serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. The sort of diseases that are now responsible for nearly three-quarters of premature deaths in the western world. McDonalds promote its food as nutritious while in fact it is classified as junk food. It is claimed by anti-McDonald websites that McDonalds food also contains many chemical additives, some of which may cause ill-health and hyperactivity in children. Poor nutrition has always been linked with McDonalds products. Such a bad publicity has actually damaged the companys reputation as well as their overall profitability and customer base. People are currently moving towards healthy-eating and they would pay higher prices for healthier foods, therefore, poor nutrition is one serious ethical issue that McDonalds needs to address and provide solution for; if they want to survive and remain profitable for a long time in the future. Corporate governance: Corporate governance is the set of processes, customs, policies, laws, and institutions affecting the way a corporation (or company) is directed, administered or controlled. Critics claim that McDonalds senior management are far away from considering what is ethically right. They use marketing tactics such as the promise of toys and other gimmicks which causes children to lure in and drag their parents behind them. The management is using such selling tactics to increase its customer base and makes more profit; they do not think about those childrens health and whether their food harms their future health. The management also does not have an appropriate recycling process in place. Every year McDonalds use thousands of tons of unnecessary packaging, most of which ends up littering the streets or polluting the land buried in landfill sites. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): McDonalds has long been claiming that the company is a socially responsible organisation who takes into account and monitors its adherence to law, ethical standards and international norms. Critics say otherwise, McDonalds junk food has been always linked to causing obesity and making an individual put on 2 stone (12.7 kilos) in a matter of a few months. Customers has suffered stomach pains, mood swings, vomiting, a reduced sex drive, headaches, palpitations and liver problems after consuming McDonalds food.

Free Essays on Prisoner of Azkaban

An Elegantly Woven Tapestry Plotlines in Prisoner of Azkaban In a way, it's true that there is no single central plot in Prisoner of Azkaban, because one candidate (Quidditch) lacks gravitas and another (Sirius v. Harry) proves to be an illusion. But in terms of what plotline drives the book, I would say it's the latter. We "know" from very early on that Sirius Black is trying to kill Harry, and we know there will be a confrontation at the endand there is. The only reason that we look back and say "that wasn't the main storyline" is that there's a twist. And that's why the story doesn't wrap up in the Shrieking Shack, even though that scene seems like it's going to be the climax. Beyond that, there is another focal point: the whole backstory of MWPP (and S). One of the many things I love about the book is that while Harry is going about his lifelighter things like wanting to go to Hogsmeade and playing Quidditch, heavier things like hearing his parents and coping with Dementorsthere is another drama mostly invisible to him (and to us, until the second reading): that of Lupin, Black, Snape, and, if you think about it, Pettigrew. We think the story is about Black trying to kill Harry, so the plot seems focused on that; but that's not what the story is about. It's about Sirius in a whole different way, and it's as much about Pettigrew, and right on out of the pages of this volume to Voldemort. The more I think about the plotting of PA, the more impressive it seems. JKR has all these threads going, and they're interwoven in amazing ways: -the most-important-to-Harry thread (Quidditch) -the emotional thread (Dementors/J&L). It is interwoven with Quidditch, without which Harry wouldn't keep hearing his parents' voices. -the drives-the-plot thread (Sirius trying to kill Harry), interwoven with the seemingly trivial thread of Harry trying to get into the village (key because of the Sirius plot, and because it in... Free Essays on Prisoner of Azkaban Free Essays on Prisoner of Azkaban An Elegantly Woven Tapestry Plotlines in Prisoner of Azkaban In a way, it's true that there is no single central plot in Prisoner of Azkaban, because one candidate (Quidditch) lacks gravitas and another (Sirius v. Harry) proves to be an illusion. But in terms of what plotline drives the book, I would say it's the latter. We "know" from very early on that Sirius Black is trying to kill Harry, and we know there will be a confrontation at the endand there is. The only reason that we look back and say "that wasn't the main storyline" is that there's a twist. And that's why the story doesn't wrap up in the Shrieking Shack, even though that scene seems like it's going to be the climax. Beyond that, there is another focal point: the whole backstory of MWPP (and S). One of the many things I love about the book is that while Harry is going about his lifelighter things like wanting to go to Hogsmeade and playing Quidditch, heavier things like hearing his parents and coping with Dementorsthere is another drama mostly invisible to him (and to us, until the second reading): that of Lupin, Black, Snape, and, if you think about it, Pettigrew. We think the story is about Black trying to kill Harry, so the plot seems focused on that; but that's not what the story is about. It's about Sirius in a whole different way, and it's as much about Pettigrew, and right on out of the pages of this volume to Voldemort. The more I think about the plotting of PA, the more impressive it seems. JKR has all these threads going, and they're interwoven in amazing ways: -the most-important-to-Harry thread (Quidditch) -the emotional thread (Dementors/J&L). It is interwoven with Quidditch, without which Harry wouldn't keep hearing his parents' voices. -the drives-the-plot thread (Sirius trying to kill Harry), interwoven with the seemingly trivial thread of Harry trying to get into the village (key because of the Sirius plot, and because it in...

A Systems Approach to the Exploration of Challenges of Online Distance Literature review - 2

A Systems Approach to the Exploration of Challenges of Online Distance Education in the context of Saudi Arabia - Literature review Example Reinforcing is the process by which the different components of a system are put into action. Balancing process makes sure that every component of a system is in equilibrium with each other. Feedback forms an integral part of the sytems thinking approach. For instance while analyzing a project on human resource; the management is considering increasing the number of employees in the organization, however past results show that increasing the number of workers has proven to be counterproductive. Therefore in such a scenario the firm must take into consideration feedbacks generated from past actions to analyse the current system (Checkland and Poulter, 2010). Sytems thinking was founded in the year 1956 by the MIT professor Jay Forrestor. Forrestor had recognized that there was a need of a better way of testing new ideas and aspects of the social system like in the manner how ideas are tested in engineering. In traditional forms of analysis, a system in broken up into different parts and then studied. In case of sytems thinking, a system’s parts are analysed on the basis of how they interact with each other in order to produce behaviour (Checkland and Winter, 2006). System thinking emphasizes upon the proper usage of input so that the desired results can be obtained. In case of analyzing a project as a system, the inputs are capital, labour, machines materials and time. The desired output can be in the form of services and products. The systems thinking approach induces the detailed analysis of each aspect of the action plan that is formulated to achieve the desired results. Therefore the management needs to consider the critical success factors and the impact of the external environment upon the operations. The systems theory brings stability in the operations of an organization which otherwise can be chaotic as the business environment, both internal and external are constantly changing. The systems approach also

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

Essay Example As a result of this, more and more men have conventionally acceded to go against their nature and change the diapers at home, though this is not all that is required to sustain the marital satisfaction for either of the two members. While men have tried to share the childcare responsibilities with their wives to assist them in their work, wives have generally increased their demands. They require the husbands to be equally, and in some cases, even more responsible for the childcare than them. This is one of the most common causes of marital dissatisfaction in the contemporary age. This paper suggests some ways in which marital satisfaction in dual career marriages can be increased. Household responsibilities need to be taken very seriously by both partners. If they are left upon the willingness of anybody, they will largely remain unaccepted. In order to retain marital satisfaction along with adequately managing the household responsibilities, it is imperative that assignment of the responsibilities results from mutual consent and agreement of both the partners. Therefore, the solution of this problem obviously requires both the partners to show maximum cooperation and compromise.

Venezuela's economic environment Research Paper

Venezuela's economic environment - Research Paper Example This means that the country has a great share in the geopolitical structure of the world. Venezuela, at 2013, is the world’s 34th largest economy with a GDP of $ 407.4 billion (Central Intelligence Agency 1). It experienced a growth rate of 1.6 percent, which is attributed to a slow and unstable recovery from the 2008’s world recession. In 2012, it experienced a growth rate of 5.6 percent. Besides, it has Per Capita GDP of $ 13, 600. This is the world’s 99th largest PPP. Oil forms a major part of Venezuelan economy since it contributes 96 percent of its export earnings, 12 percent of its GDP, and 45 percent of its annual budget. Manufacturing forms a huge percent of Venezuelan’s economy as the country exports steel, cement, and aluminum. The industry sector contributes 35.5% of the country’s GDP. Agriculture forms a mere 3.7 percent of the economy suggesting that the sector is underdeveloped. Although it exports agricultural products such as fish, the country imports two-thirds of its food supplies. The services’ sector is occupi es the largest part of the GDP, 60.8 % thereby employing 70.9 percent of the Venezuelan population. In terms of economic freedom index, the country has a score of 36.3 thereby making it a repressed economy. This means that there is limited individual freedom and liberty as pertains to investment and economic prosperity. The government has a big stake in economic activities, which in turn limits innovation and individual economic prosperity. It is essential, however, to note that Hugo Chavez, the former president, nationalized the oil industry in order to prevent conflicts and eliminate corruption. Venezuela experiences significant economic problems that correspond with state control of economic activities. Venezuela has a corruption index of 20 and ranks 166th in the world. This also

Advertising and promotion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Advertising and promotion - Essay Example This "Advertising and promotion" essay outlines the changes that happened in these industries with the advent of the Internet and mass media development, changes in structures and etc. Marketing communication industry consists of client companies or the advertising party, the advertising agency and the media and other service or production agencies. The advertising agency plays the role of an intermediary, linking the advertisers with the media and other service providers. With the advent of the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) approach, more and more companies choose to appoint an advertising agency and coordinate and direct all marketing communications through the agency (Kotler & Amstrong, 2000). Production houses, other support service providers & media houses liais with the agency, who is appointed to represent the needs of the advertising client. Marketing communication industry consists of client companies or the advertising party, the advertising agency and the media and other service or production agencies. The advertising agency plays the role of an intermediary, linking the advertisers with the media and other service providers. With the advent of the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) approach, more and more companies choose to appoint an advertising agency and coordinate and direct all marketing communications through the agency (Kotler & Amstrong, 2000). Production houses, other support service providers & media houses liais with the agency, who is appointed to represent the needs of the advertising client.

Nursing as a Profession Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Nursing as a Profession - Research Paper Example provide further educational channels for them to practice their skills and abilities other than in schools and hospitals (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2014). Research by Weinberg, Cooney-Miner & Perloff, (2012) has indicated that nurses with higher education such as those with baccalaureate degree are able to get better patient outcome than those without the higher education. This is so because they exercise a higher degree in quality of care they provide as well as safety. They are also more empowered and skilled to handle the patients hence being able to attend to them faster and effectively which leads to increased patient outcome. With increased education in nursing, the nurse will have more leadership skills enabling provision of insights, research skills will be improved and hence can be able to carry out more research. The nurse will also be able to have the knowledge of the latest developments in nursing field including technology to aid in increasing patient outcome among many other skills (Huston, 2013). American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2014). The impact of education on nursing practice. Retrieved December 2, 2014 from

The slaves moment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The slaves moment - Essay Example Life in the barracoons was indeed very tough for the slaves; two important aspects to understand here are that a number of slaves had to live together in a single barracoon and thus often felt suffocated because of the lack of space and terrible living conditions. Moreover, illnesses were widespread due to the lack of sanitation within these homes, if they could be called so. Due to the number of tics and rampant potentiality of sickness, the slaves were living under terrible conditions. Hill writes, ‘the masters wanted the barracoons to look clean outside so they painted them with whitewash.† (p.23) this helps the readers to understand the mentality of the masters and how badly they treated their slaves while making them live in horrible homes which looked neat from the outside so as to provide a different picture to the rest of the world. Esteban tried to leave escape the plantation in order to taste freedom however since he had never been anywhere else other than the p lantation, he was a little lost upon entering the woods. The reason why most slaves did not bother to runaway was because they feared being caught and then being treated in an even worse manner by their masters; Esteban thus wanted to taste a slice of freedom and act carelessly; he was not afraid of being caught because of the sole reason that he did not know worse fear than having to bow down to other human beings and do as they say without uttering a word. For a long time, he hid in cave and ate pigs in order to not be found and whenever he heard dogs barking, he immediately took off his clothes to prevent the animals from picking up his scent. – That was one of the methods of his survival. â€Å"The cave was big and dark like the mouth of a wolf.† (p. 45) 2. The second section is entitled ‘The Abolition of Slavery’ and talks about Montejo’s life until his emancipation in the year 1886. He worked in the sugar mills for a long time as a free worker and laboured his years away, working hard at the machines as well as performing manual labour acts of cutting and harvesting sugar cane. This helps in an understanding of the harsh lifestyle that peasants were forced to lead and the difficult work that goes into the forming of sugar and cane and the hard work required to sell it in the market at terribly low costs, not taking into account the labour that has been put into it. â€Å"There were masters, or rather, owners, who believed that blacks were made for locking up and whipping. So they treated them the same as before. To my mind blacks didn't realize that things had changed [with emancipation] because they kept on saying 'Your blessing, Master'.... [The white man] believed they were the owners of humanity† (p.62) He was highly critical about the life that the blacks and the mulattos were forced to lead and the lack of education that they were subject to, thereby ruining their chances of ever having the opportunity to le ad a better lifestyle. Further, he also spoke very lowly about the Catholic priests who treated women like whores and forced them to have sex with them and procreate as many children as they could. The workers enjoyed themselves as they often entertained themselves by playing games in the barracoons. They played games like tejo (p.26) where they used a corn on a cob to flip a coin and win coins from one another. Playing games was the only source of fun that they had and an aspect which took them to another world for sometime,

Advertising and promotion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Advertising and promotion - Essay Example This "Advertising and promotion" essay outlines the changes that happened in these industries with the advent of the Internet and mass media development, changes in structures and etc. Marketing communication industry consists of client companies or the advertising party, the advertising agency and the media and other service or production agencies. The advertising agency plays the role of an intermediary, linking the advertisers with the media and other service providers. With the advent of the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) approach, more and more companies choose to appoint an advertising agency and coordinate and direct all marketing communications through the agency (Kotler & Amstrong, 2000). Production houses, other support service providers & media houses liais with the agency, who is appointed to represent the needs of the advertising client. Marketing communication industry consists of client companies or the advertising party, the advertising agency and the media and other service or production agencies. The advertising agency plays the role of an intermediary, linking the advertisers with the media and other service providers. With the advent of the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) approach, more and more companies choose to appoint an advertising agency and coordinate and direct all marketing communications through the agency (Kotler & Amstrong, 2000). Production houses, other support service providers & media houses liais with the agency, who is appointed to represent the needs of the advertising client.

The slaves moment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The slaves moment - Essay Example Life in the barracoons was indeed very tough for the slaves; two important aspects to understand here are that a number of slaves had to live together in a single barracoon and thus often felt suffocated because of the lack of space and terrible living conditions. Moreover, illnesses were widespread due to the lack of sanitation within these homes, if they could be called so. Due to the number of tics and rampant potentiality of sickness, the slaves were living under terrible conditions. Hill writes, ‘the masters wanted the barracoons to look clean outside so they painted them with whitewash.† (p.23) this helps the readers to understand the mentality of the masters and how badly they treated their slaves while making them live in horrible homes which looked neat from the outside so as to provide a different picture to the rest of the world. Esteban tried to leave escape the plantation in order to taste freedom however since he had never been anywhere else other than the p lantation, he was a little lost upon entering the woods. The reason why most slaves did not bother to runaway was because they feared being caught and then being treated in an even worse manner by their masters; Esteban thus wanted to taste a slice of freedom and act carelessly; he was not afraid of being caught because of the sole reason that he did not know worse fear than having to bow down to other human beings and do as they say without uttering a word. For a long time, he hid in cave and ate pigs in order to not be found and whenever he heard dogs barking, he immediately took off his clothes to prevent the animals from picking up his scent. – That was one of the methods of his survival. â€Å"The cave was big and dark like the mouth of a wolf.† (p. 45) 2. The second section is entitled ‘The Abolition of Slavery’ and talks about Montejo’s life until his emancipation in the year 1886. He worked in the sugar mills for a long time as a free worker and laboured his years away, working hard at the machines as well as performing manual labour acts of cutting and harvesting sugar cane. This helps in an understanding of the harsh lifestyle that peasants were forced to lead and the difficult work that goes into the forming of sugar and cane and the hard work required to sell it in the market at terribly low costs, not taking into account the labour that has been put into it. â€Å"There were masters, or rather, owners, who believed that blacks were made for locking up and whipping. So they treated them the same as before. To my mind blacks didn't realize that things had changed [with emancipation] because they kept on saying 'Your blessing, Master'.... [The white man] believed they were the owners of humanity† (p.62) He was highly critical about the life that the blacks and the mulattos were forced to lead and the lack of education that they were subject to, thereby ruining their chances of ever having the opportunity to le ad a better lifestyle. Further, he also spoke very lowly about the Catholic priests who treated women like whores and forced them to have sex with them and procreate as many children as they could. The workers enjoyed themselves as they often entertained themselves by playing games in the barracoons. They played games like tejo (p.26) where they used a corn on a cob to flip a coin and win coins from one another. Playing games was the only source of fun that they had and an aspect which took them to another world for sometime,

Show how Stevenson through themes, language and setting creates a world of double standards and hypocrisy Essay Example for Free

Show how Stevenson through themes, language and setting creates a world of double standards and hypocrisy Essay With titles such as Treasure Island and The Black Arrow, one expects to suffer complete infatuation when they pick up a book marked Robert Louis Stevenson. The Scottish author/poet published the world renowned novella Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in 1886. The story tells of a scientist (Dr Jekyll), living within the respectable society of Victorian England, and his quest to prove to himself that he can master two opposing personalities without fault. It is told from the view point of John Utterson, lawyer and friend to the respected and brilliant scientist. From the unwanted arrival of the menacing character Mr Hyde comes a brutal crime followed by a barbaric murder. Suspicions begin to flare and before long Mr Utterson reluctantly discovers a horrific and terrifying story. Dr Jekylls theory that within every man lies a good and evil persona has lead to him create and consume a potion that changes him into an embodiment of his evil side; Dr Jekyll is in fact the sinister and menacing murderer Mr Hyde. This captivating story is perhaps the most famous in its gothic genre, selling forty five thousand copies within its first few months. Even now the term Jekyll and Hyde is used to portray someone with a dual personality, someone who lives a double life of respectable decency and unforgivable sin. At the time it was written Victorian life was governed by strict etiquette and repressed sexuality, Stevenson could not have written a book more controversial to the times. The very existence of the book was a sign of duality and double standards. It is rumoured that Stevensons wife burnt the first manuscript as she feared that the tale was too controversial, that the reserved citizens of Victorian England would take to it with an uproar far less than positive. Publishing the book was a huge gamble on Stevensons part; even his own wife doubted its success, but evidently its success was not to be doubted. The inspiration behind the story is a subject matter of great interest. To understand what made Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde a classical story known by young and old alike, we must first look at where it began. As a child, Stevenson was obsessed with William Deacon Brodie, a cabinet maker/notorious criminal from Edinburgh in the 18th Century. Stevenson had a cabinet that was created by Brodies company in his bedroom, and was fascinated by the history behind it. Stevensons inspiration from Williams life is very much apparent in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde with the idea of duality displayed in almost every chapter of the novella. William Deacon Brodie was a very respectable man, being a member of the local government and a fine gentleman, much like Jekyll. But this seemingly respectable faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ade concealed a private life, which consisted of two mistresses with five children between them and a gambling addiction which he funded by carrying out a series of robberies on premises to which his official position had given him access to, this darker, criminal side is much like Jekylls counterpart Hyde. Something else that can be seen in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is the main components that define the Gothic Genre. With Stevensons novella firmly situated within the borders that outline this genre, we expect before reading to be engaging in a story that features amongst other components: the supernatural, darkness, primitive behaviour and some degree of isolation. Supernatural is clearly shown from the transformation of Jekyll to Hyde and also the appearance of Hyde and the effect that he has on the other characters of the story. Hyde is described on page twenty-three as pale and dwarfish he is said to give an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation linking more obviously to the supernatural is the description that states Mr Hyde wears Satans signature upon his face as well as the description that states he wasnt like a man but like some damned Juggernaut. The effect that Mr Hyde has on the people that surround him is also rather unearthly. One the most respectable and unbiased characters, Mr Enfield, says that he has never seen a man he so disliked. Even the doctor who is described as being about as emotional as a bagpipe is turned sick and white with the desire to kill him whenever he sets his eyes upon the unnerving character. Mr Hydes appearance and his effect on others can also be linked into the next component; darkness. The idea of darkness is emphasised on every page of the book, the storyline itself is of a dark nature, and Stevenson emphasises this with use of intense imagery and descriptive language in just about every chapter. Primitive behaviour is perhaps the easiest component to pick up on, this component links directly to Mr Hyde as he is portrayed as primitive from the moment he arrives in the storyline. The novella goes out of its way to paint Hyde as animalistic. In chapter two Hyde is described by Mr Utterson as a troglodyte. Troglodyte is a word from Greek origin that when translated means cave-dweller. This translation triggers images of cave men to the readers mind, as we begin to think of humans who were less developed and therefore more primitive than we are in both looks and mannerism. The word is acting almost as a stimulus, a stimulus from which the reader derives a picture of Mr Hyde. In comparison the element of the gothic genre that is the most hidden is the theme of Isolation. It is shown in many parts of the book, in cases in a very simple way, but the reader does need to look deeper within the text to find the relation. Near the end of the book Jekyll who is slowly being eclipsed by Hyde confines himself to his laboratory to protect others from himself. This shows isolation quite simply, but the fact that Jekyll makes a potion that gets rid of the angel within man leaving isolated the fiend is an example of a relation that is hidden within the well written words of Robert Louis Stevenson. Though well written is quite the understatement. Stevenson employs a range of many techniques to make Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde a novel that can most definitely be described as one of a kind. The change of narratives and the way in which the final chapters are structured like genuine documentations is a unique method that really gives the story a sense of authenticity. The novella plays host to an immeasurable amount of themes all of which coincide with the idea of double standards and hypocrisy. The foremost being the theme of duality. This theme is reiterated throughout the story in many different ways and at many different points, from as early as Story of the Door. In that first chapter we receive two detailed accounts of the streets that home Jekylls residence and his laboratory. The first account goes into great depth about the serenity and picturesque qualities of the street, the reader gets the feel of an aristocratic society, where everything down to the inhabitants is polished and as close to perfection as humanely possible. But Stevenson doesnt leave this string of happiness apparent for long. He is quick to give us his second account, an account that clashes with the first in every possible way. The second account gives the reader a feel of negligence and also a feel of darkness. Stevenson uses words such as dingy discoloured and blind to really emphasise just how dark and squalid the neighbourhood is. We can clearly see that the theme of duality is intended as Stevenson does not just describe the two scenes to us but also forces the reader to compare the two by saying the street shone out in contrast to its dingy neighbourhood. Deriving from the theme of duality, is the duality of man, the story focuses on the notion that humanity is dual in nature. Though the theme is not fully emerged until the last chapter, when we find Jekyll and Mr Hyde are one and the same, it is always apparent to us, as we, in this day and age know of the concept the story holds before having read the book. When reading Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde it is important to realise that the book was intended as a mystery and though we know of the final conclusion, the Victorian reader did not and was not supposed to. With this in mind, we see that the theme is only really confronted after we have witnessed and formed opinions on all the events of the story. In chapter ten Jekyll states that man is not truly one, but truly two he imagines man as two characters as an angel and a fiend and it is this philosophy that leads to the potion that is supposed to separate each side. It is this philosophy that provides the basis for the entire story. Another theme which places a large emphasis on creating a world of double standards and hypocrisy is the theme of irrationality. Every character within Stevensons novella is or at least starts as a respectable member of the society in which they live. One could argue that Mr Hyde is anything but, and the reply to that would simply be that Hyde is Jekyll, and even before the potion, when Jekyll is engaging in activities acceptable by his peers, Hyde still exists within him. With this on-going faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ade of respectable and gentlemanly stature, every irrational act that occurs within the eighty-eight pages of this celebrated novel is also an act of hypocrisy and of double standards. And irrationality does occur. The trampling of the girl in chapter one shows hypocrisy on Jekylls part; that hidden deep within him, underneath his courteous exterior is the urge to engage in reckless and uncivilized deeds. The murder of Sir Danvers Carew is similar in the way in portrays hypocrisy, and after this second act of maliciousness the reader is intrigued to look further into the irrationality of these acts. It appears that these brutal attacks are done for nothing more than joy. We get the impression from his assault upon innocents that Hyde seems to enjoy doing wrong, we see it is not just a case of Hyde being free from law, civilization and conscience but instead a case of Hyde going out of his way to commit violent crimes, just because he can. We get the impression that Hyde is immoral rather than amoral. Another side of irrationality is The Beast in Man. Again no-one portrays this better than Hyde. Stevenson wants the reader to think of a creature when they envision Hyde and he uses many descriptive devices to obtain this effect. Hyde is described as trampling over Sir Danvers Carew with ape like fury, in the third chapter and when Jekyll is describing his spontaneous transformation into Hyde he describes his fiendish counterpart as the animal within me in addition a general description of Hyde portrays his hand as corded and hairy. These examples of symbolic imagery help paint a picture for the reader by helping to depict the appearance of Hyde. Fitting in with the duality of man, Stevenson wanted to make sure that Jekyll and Hydes appearance were seen as completely different, therefore it is necessary for the constant references to Hydes appearance as animalistic as no character within in the entire book can give a detailed description of Mr Hyde, they all instead seem to conclude that he is ugly and deformed in some indefinable way. The Beast in Man is further emphasised when Poole and others begin to characterize Mr Hyde with the words it and thing: God know what it was, That thingwas never Dr Jekyll. Near the beginning of this Victorian Mystery Jekyll asserts the moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde. Jekyll believes he has complete control over the situation that he has worked so desperately to create. He believes that he can switch in and out of his rivalling personas by merely drinking his concoction. When he decides he no longer wants to be Mr Hyde, he believes that by discontinuing the use of the potion, Hyde will cease to exist. The emphasis is on the word believe. Jekyll under-estimates the situation he has created, and as realisation hits him, it is already too late. He has wandered too far past the point of no return. This statement emphasises the theme of control and addiction. Jekyll is subject to addiction and as with all addictions he genuinely believes that he has total control. The notion of hypocrisy is in Jekylls certainty that he has control, when in fact he is as out of control as can be. It is unfortunate that his realisation of the fact that he is entirely out of control comes virtually before his death. The ending of this tragic story, really touches the reader as even though the hero and villain of the story are one and the same, there is still a likeness that the reader develops for Jekyll, and his death, though it means the death of Hyde, is not the happy ending that you would expect. The tragedy of Jekylls death is further accentuated by the reaction and sorrow that the friends of Jekyll feel at his loss. Friendship and loyalty is yet another theme that is apparent in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. This theme harmonizes wonderfully with the element of decorum that runs throughout the novella. The two relationships that best define the word friendship are between Jekyll and Utterson and Jekyll and Poole. When Utterson suspects that Jekyll is being black-mailed and then later on when he suspects that Jekyll is sheltering Hyde from the police, he does not make his suspicions known. Knowing of the importance of reputation, he remains loyal to Henry Jekyll and keeps his friends secret, so as not to ruin his respectability. The idea of hypocrisy is shown through Utterson being an upright and respectable member of the community, whilst still being prepared to keep sordid secrets quiet, besides his instincts that something negative is taking place. The friendship between Jekyll and Poole is best shown when Jekyll has been fully extinguished. Poole has been a loyal servant to Jekyll for over twenty years and is the first person to realise Jekylls death. He with Utterson engages in out of character behaviour, when they pummel down the door of Dr Jekyll which again shows double standards as they are acting out of turn, in a way that suggests anything but respectability. More importantly it shows the strength of friendship that these two characters have for Dr Jekyll; that they would engage in reckless behaviour, set aside their morals, forget about their respectability, their stature and think of nothing but their dear friend. Stevenson uses all these themes skilfully and eloquently to portray a world of double standards, but the idea of hypocrisy is shown within this piece of literature through a number of different devices such as language and setting. Every scene that is introduced to us is shortly followed by the introduction of another scene that is always of a harsh contrast. Dr Jekylls home is described by Stevenson as having a great air of wealth and comfort. In a brutal comparison is his laboratory which is described as a certain sinister block of buildingwhich bore in every feature the marks of a profound and sordid negligence. The laboratory with its neglected aura and overt ugliness perfectly illustrates the malevolent and malicious character of Mr Hyde and the dark nature of the story as a whole. Whereas the respectable and affluent house portrays the respectable and upright Dr Jekyll and the dignified element to the story. The connection between the two buildings represents the connection between Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The buildings are attached but they look out onto two different streets. Because of the layout of the streets, the fact that the buildings are two parts of a whole is undetectable without prior knowledge, just as the fact that Jekyll and Hyde are one and the same is undetectable. Another example of two scenes that illustrate duality is Hydes house; the interior and the exterior. Stevenson tells us in hindsight that Jekyll had bought and furnished a house to live in when he transformed into Hyde. We are given a description of the outside of the house, we are told that it is placed in a dingy street, a gin palace and that ragged children huddle in the doorways that surround this sorry excuse for a home. No sooner have we read about this distasteful house are we made subject to the description of the houses interior. The rooms are furnished with luxury and good taste. Adjectives such as elegant, good and agreeable are all used in the description of the interior of Mr Hydes house. The conflict between the inside and the outside of Mr Hydes house is a prime example of Stevenson trying to portray a world of hypocrisy and double standards to the audience. As well as themes and settings, Stevenson uses many literary techniques to get across the idea of double standards and hypocrisy. The first example of this is the descriptions of the street and Jekylls laboratory in the very first chapter. Stevenson describes the shops on the street as standing out like rows of smiling saleswomen. This simile creates a joyous mood, as does the statement the street shone out in contrast to its dingy neighbourhood. The word shone portrays radiance and tells the reader that the street is much better and livelier than all around it. It almost gives an impression of the street being something special. When describing the dreary laboratory belonging to Jekyll, Stevenson uses powerfully depressing adjectives and personification to show just how sinister the laboratory is. It is described as having a blind forehead and a door that is blistered and distained. All of these descriptions depict human characteristics, especially blistered and distained. These adjectives bring about a depressing mood, and help in portraying the evilness and ugliness of the building. By using these contrasting accounts Stevenson is not only showing duality and hypocrisy but also emphasising and symbolizing the character and habits of Mr Hyde. The laboratory which appears as no more than a door is seen as different from all of the houses that surround it. It is not considered normal. This demonstrates the fact that Hydes principles are not normal, as the laboratory is where Hyde is situated for a lot of the book. The laboratory is neglected and uncared for unlike everything around it. During Victorian times outward appearance was very important amongst society, it was necessary that everyones appearance was very respectable, so that people would receive the right impression of them. Hyde is quite the opposite; he doesnt care about how he looks or how he is seen. The way the laboratory stands out because of it dingy manifestation shows how Hyde is different and the odd one out in society. The duplicity of Victorian society is also shown, by the quote Though so profound a double-dealer. This assertion by Jekyll in the final chapter of the book shows Jekylls motives for the extended research into the duality in man and the eventual potion making. It explains that his initial hypothesis was based on himself as he in public and in private behaved as though he were two people. The alliteration in this quote also helps to portray the theme of double as the very word is in the phrasing and the alliteration is on two words. Another way in which Stevenson uses literary techniques to portray his main theme is in varied sentences. Stevenson uses a lot of short sentences to create tension and to change the pace that the story is being read at. He uses sentences such as and his blood ran cold in his veins and theyre all afraid this helps builds tension and prepares the reader for climaxs within the story. Robert Louis Stevenson was a man with a definite flare for writing. He has managed to portray the theme of hypocrisy and double standards to his readers in a clever way and with a unique style. This theme could have been shown simply and entirely by the two main characters: Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, but Stevenson goes further with his work, he shows duality in every possible way he can, oxymorons, contrasting descriptions. The world of double standards is apparent from the very start of this eloquent novella. It is the passion and depth that you can so clearly see in his words that make Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde a novella loved by all ages.

Mind Control The Media Aims To Influence People Media Essay

Mind Control The Media Aims To Influence People Media Essay In our era, almost all advertisement and information tools contain images. Since most images appeal to our emotions rather than to our reasoning, they can hide the truth and divert our attention by arousing our feelings towards a certain cause. They can manipulate the public opinion, mold our attitudes and transform our vision of reality. They are teaching us how to be, more than our own parents and teachers do: they tell us how to observe and instruct our vision in what a flaw is and whats normal (Bordo 2006). Because they require less effort and concentration, the idea that reside behind the images is easily transmitted to our thoughts. Thus, they permit an instantaneous acquisition of divulged information, dissuade others and confuse their perception of what is right and wrong. And since nearly everyone rely on the media to inform them, it can easily mislead us. By simply switching on the television, an endless collection of images is set before your eyes and glide through your neurons to implant a standardization of what true beauty is (Lemayian, 2005). Nowadays, body image is becoming very important in our society, and it is particularly amplified by the media. How to interpret your body 101 is becoming a global requirement (Bordo, 2006). Furthermore, among the many methods used by the media to transform the image into an ideal one, the most common is the edited photo. On the billboards publicity and press, retouched photos are almost everywhere, imposed by a company that makes the body image an ultimate reference. With software such as Photoshop, body image can be completely changed. The commercial of the Dove Evolution video translates well these practices. Dove Evolution is a one minute clip directed by Tim Piper where we see an ordinary woman accompanied by a makeup artist sitting on a chair. A fixed plane then comes closer to her face and film the process of her transformation. This womans hair and make up are done, and her picture is retouched digitally. Then the background turns into a billboard ad where the face of this woman that was made perfect, catches the eye of many group of girls passing by. Most of the time, the image of beauty promoted by womens magazines is that of the thinness and youth. Similarly, cinema and television are promoters of unattainable beauty. For instance, many actresses are obliged to loose weight in order for them to be allowed to participate in the film. Moreover, in the movie The Devil Wears Prada which is directed by David Frankel, the star Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, a talented writer who has recently graduated, was admitted as a co-assistant in one of the most superb fashion magazine firm, and was compelled to loose a lot of weight. In addition, the other co-assistant (Emily Blunt) was dieting because she was supposed to accompany the editor of the magazine (Meryl Streep) to a fashion show in Paris. And after being complemented on her thin looking figure by the new co-assistant (Anne Hathaway), she claims that the effective diet that got her into this skinny looking figure is to eat nothing at all, but a tiny chunk of cheese only if she felt li ke she was going to faint. Therefore, the audio-visual media is constantly imposing the compulsion of being thin which could cause several health problems (such as anorexia and bulimia) for the brain-washed girls during their pursue of the perfect body. For instance, three years after the media was introduced in Fiji, 11 percent of the girls were forcing themselves to vomit in order to stay thin (Bordo, 2006). Conversely, media can also lead to obesity. And that is because advertising is constantly promoting unhealthy consumption, and encouraging food products that are not recommended in a balanced diet. A company named Ofcom carried out a research in 2004 into television commercials concluding that they have a reasonable direct influence on childrens choice of food (Boyce 2006). Additionally to the fast food, most of the ads market for drinks that are very minimal in nutrients such as coffee, soda and energy drinks, and snacks that are very high in saturated fat and carbohydrates, but very low in proteins and vitamins (such as chips and chocolates). Moreover, the ABC health news states that, according to a research concerning the adolescents of age ranging from 12 to 17, the obesity was growing by 2% for each hour of TV watching. In addition, Kuribyashi et al., 2001 conducted a study in which the types of food that are commercialized were compared during two period of time: between the ph ase of peak viewing by children and the phase of peak viewing by adults. It was learned that there were more food advertisements screening throughout the morning childrens program with increased recurrence and larger consumption of the total program duration than food commercials shown during prime-time adult programs in the evening (Kuribyashi et al., 2001). This demonstrates how the televised media is exploiting the minds of young innocent children who can be easily manipulated by attracting images of any product. For instance, the Great School organization declares that the food and beverage industry spends more than ten billion dollars targeting children and youth through television advertisements, special promotions and attractive packaging. Not surprisingly, the Kaiser institution in Calif, reported through a research from Europe and the U.S., that the childrens obesity was significantly reduced when the duration spent on television was decreased, since they will become more e ngaged in physical activities and less exposed to the scheming food commercials. The media also aims to influence people in order to make them behave and react in a given direction. We can therefore say that the media is commanding our opinions in order to pilot our way of life; an aspect of stereotyping is employed in the media. Additionally, the use of stereotypes facilitates the goal of the producers because it allows the audience to easily remember and identify a certain character in the motion picture industry. The facet of media stereotyping is also reflected on our lifestyles. For example, in a movie or a series, a family is often represented by a father, a mother, two children and a dog. The mother cleans, takes care of the children and makes sure that the dinner is prepared when the father comes back from work. Stereotypes are used in cartoons as well, such as the amiable grandfather of Pinocchio, the wicked stepmother in Cinderella, and Dexter who is a smart kid featured as a nerd with no social life. All these characters represent, among many others, t he familiar stereotypes assimilated by the children. Moreover, by shaping hostile stereotypes, the media can help maintain or develop the rejection of a social group by another. For instance, William Drummond, an academic journalist professor in the University of California at Berkeley and co-author of a current study on the situation of the African-American male in California states that the negative stereotype that many people have of African-American men is caused to a significant degree by the media: broadcasting media convey the lead in relating young African-American males with aggressiveness, lawlessness and violence. The most widespread stereotype about African-American men is that they engage in drug abuse in disproportionate numbers. In the report, Drummond reported statistics from a U.S. Justice Department survey that show only 6 percent of African-Americans had used cocaine in their lifetime, and that the great majority of respondents 65.5 percent had used it fewer than 11 times. Among white respondents, 10.6 percent had used cocaine in their lifetimes, with 62.3 percent of those respondents saying they had used it fewer than 11 times. Conclusively, the media possess a certain type of control over our minds; they play an imperative role in the public opinion. Its ubiquity and diversity therefore affects the entire population, and is fostered by globalization in todays society. The danger is that we are in a society that is governed by images and economy: the information is increasingly being diffused under the hidden purpose of financial profit and not for the simple function to share and inform. The information is then manipulated to become more prejudiced, and ends up by losing all its meaning. Therefore, it is crucial to try to withdraw ourselves from the subjective impact that is implanted in the media, and think about its veracity before considering it. In order to fight against the self-control by the media, the audio-visual apparatus should be utilized to broadcast and elucidate the deceits and hazards that are promoted by media.

Sartres Philosophy Essays -- Philosophy Sartre Essays Papers

Sartre's Philosophy Sartre believed that one day man happened, or occurred, and after this anomalous event man’s life took meaning. With this theory, Sartre articulated the premise that â€Å"existence precedes essence†. Through this assumption, Sartre evolves further ideas in which a human can gain a greater understanding of human nature and responsibility.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In his theory stating that â€Å"existence precedes essence†, Sartre takes the belief that life has a meaning that far transcends our short and insignificant lives. He believed that life has no meaning unless we gave it meaning. In the search for life, we become anguished by the affairs of life. Sartre believed that when this occurred, we pursue a fundamental project in an attempt to flee this anguish. Sartre said that in this, we try to make ourselves Gods in hopes that others will see us as divine, and hold us in high or higher regard. To pursue a fundamental project according to Sartre is to act in bad faith. Consequently, to act in bad faith, according to Sartre is to manifest our freedom inauthenticaly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sartre assessed how when man acknowledges and accepts that he is a living being with a biological and social past. He can transcend beyond that to nothingness, the realm of the etre pour soi (the â€Å"being-for-itself†). At this point he is, according to Sartre, clearheaded and in good faith. Because he is acting in good faith, he is not pursuing a fundamental project in an attempt to ci...

Comparison Between The Crucible by Arthur Miller and Vinegar Tom by C.

Comparison Between The Crucible by Arthur Miller and Vinegar Tom by C. Churchill We are currently performing a piece of drama called 'The Crucible' and have studied a play called 'Vinegar Tom'. 'The Crucible' was written by Arthur Miller in 1953 and was set in Salem, Massachusetts USA in 1692. 'Vinegar Tom' was written in the 1970's and was set in the 17th century. Although 'Vinegar Tom' was written about the 17th century, the ideas parallel those of the issues of the 1970's. The issue was feminism. Although women were beginning to work the same jobs as men, their wages were drastically different, with men being paid a lot more for the same job. More women started to go to university in order to gain the qualifications that would enable them to do the jobs that men did. Some parts of the play reflect the feminist issues that were happening at the time the story was written. In 'The Crucible' the issues surrounding the time of when the play was written was McCarthyism. Arthur Miller was interested not only in the Salem witch trials, but also the more current affairs of the USA. The opposing look on communism sparked a massive conspiracy theory that set neighbours, friends and family against each other. People were accused of being communists, and, in order to free their name and the risk of being blacklisted, they had to give the names of other that were communists. This set off a long chain of innocent people that were accused by people trying to free t...

Assesing Company’s finance Essay

SALES GROWTH †¨During the four-year period ended December 31, 2008, SciTronics’ sales grew at a 20.69 % ($244,000/$115,000) = (1+r) ^4 compound rate. There were no acquisition or divestitures.†¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨PROFITABILITY RATIO: How Profitable is the Company? 1. SciTronics’ profit as a percentage of sales in 2008 was 5.73% (14000/244000) 2. This represented an increase from 3.4% (5000/147000) in 2005. 3. SciTronics had a total of $112, 000 (75,000+20,000+7,000+10,000) of capital at year-end 2008 and earned before interest but after taxes (EBIAT) $16,000 (26,000-10,000) in 2008. Its return on capital was 14.29% (16,000/112,000) which represents an increase from the 8.11% (6,000/74,000) earned in 2005. †¨ 4. SciTronics had $75,000 of owner’s equity and earned $14,000 after taxes in 2008. Its return on equity was 18.66% ($75,000/$14,000), which represents an improvement from the 8.19% ($5,000/$61,000) earned in 2005. ACTIVITY RATIO: How Well Does the Company Employs Its Assets? 1. Total Assets turnover for SciTronics in 2008 can be calculated by dividing $244,000 (net sales) into $159,000 (total assets). The turnover deteriorated from 1.58 times in 2005 to 1.53 in 2008. 2. SciTronics had $66,000 in accounts receivables at year end 2008. Its average sales per day were $668.49 ($244,000/365) during 2008 and its average collection period was 98.73 days. ($66,000/668.49). This represents an improvement from the average collection period of104.29 ($42,000/402.73) days in 2005. 3. SciTronics apparently needed $29,000 of inventory at year-end 2008 to support its operations during 2008. Its activity during 2008 as measured by the cost of goods sold was $74,000. (COGS). It therefore had an inventory of turnover of 2.55 (74,000/29,000) times. This represents an improvement from  2.04 (43,000/21,000) times in 2005. 4. SciTronics had net fix assets of $18,000 (net fix assets) and sales of $244,000 in 2008. Its fixed asset turnover ratio in 2008 was 13.56 (244,000/18,000), a deterioration from 16.33 (147,000/9,000) in 2005. LEVERAGE RATIOS: How Soundly Is the Company Financed? 1. SciTronics’ ratio of total assets divided by owners’ equity increased from 1.52 (93,000/61,000) at year end 2005 to 2.12 (159,000/75,000) at year-end 2008. 2. At year-end 2008, SciTronics’ total liabilities were of its total assets was 52.83% (48,000+7000+20000+9000/159000), which compares with 34.4% (21,000+11,000)/93,000). 3. The market value of SciTronics equity was $175,000,000 at December 31, 2008. The total debt ratio at market was 32.4% (84,000/84,000+175,000). 4. SciTronic’s earnings before interest and taxes (operating income) were $26,000 in 2008 and its interest charge were $2,000. Its times interest earned were 13 times. This represents an improvement from the 2005 level of 10 times. 5. SciTronics owed its supplies $6,000 at year end 2008. This represents 8.1%(6,000/74,000) of cost of goods sold and was a decrease from 11.63% (5,000/43,000) at year end 2005. The company appears to be more prompt in paying its suppliers in 2008 than it was in 2005. 6. The financial riskiness of SciTronics decreased between 2005 and 2008. LIQUIDITY RATIOS: How Liquid Is the Company? 1. SciTronics held $133,000 of current assets at year-end 2008 and owed $48,000 to creditors due to be paid within one year. Its current ratio was 2.77 ( 133000/48000 ), a decrease from the ratio of 3.90 (82000/21000) at year-end 2005. 2. The quick ratio for SciTronics at year end 2008 was 2.16 (133,000-29,000)/48,000), a decrease from the ratio of 2.90 (82,000-21,000/21,000) at year-end 2005.

Ethical and Cultural Implications in the U.S. Supermarket Industry Essay

The supermarket industry in the U. S. is currently facing many challenges in ethics and culture. The industry not only consists of traditional grocers but other different types of retailers, like Wal-Mart and Target, that are attempting to make profits from the food industry. An estimation of the amount that consumers spend on food annually is $500 billion. The traditional supermarkets are losing their market shares because of supercenters like Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s Club and Dollar stores. In 2001, Wal-Mart became the largest seller of food. The supermarket industry is facing many challenges in attracting shoppers that are attracted to the lower prices offered at the larger supercenters. Approaches that supermarkets may focus on to attract more of the market share include offering organic foods, friendlier â€Å"neighborhood market† service, fully-prepared or semi-prepared foods, cultural and ethnic foods, friendly, helpful employees and service, technological advancements, digital signs, self-check-outs, and mobile terminals for employees making their services more available to customers. While the larger supercenters are providing much competition, it will force the supermarket industry to make the necessary changes that will attract customers who prefer friendlier service, quality foods, prepared foods, and quality service due to more advanced technology. Over time, the American consumer will be attracted to a food industry that caters to quality of product and service, rather than the supercenters that provide products at discounted prices and offer a lower quality of service and product. This paper addresses the ethical and cultural dilemmas facing the supermarket industry, and how it can make changes to ensure that both consumers and companies are ethical and culturally sensitive to the changing industry.