Monday, September 30, 2019

Reaction Paper- Rizal Essay

â€Å"Does Rizal deserve to be our national hero?† This article written by Renato Constantino, is all about Rizal that does he really deserves to be a hero or not? The author compared Rizal to others national heroes in different countries, who is most decisively active in the fight for their freedom and leader of that revolution. Like in US, China, Vietnam and other countries mentioned from the article. But the author said Rizal is not our Revolution leader; in fact he repudiated that revolution. He’s just silent and being martyr for our country. Also he is an American-Sponsored Hero, Rizal chose as a model over other contestants- Aguinaldo too militant, Bonifacio too radical, Mabini unregenerate. We must view Rizal as an evolving personality within historical period. Additional, author’s purpose for this article is to remind us that our history is very important to us because it will serve to demonstrate how our presence has been distorted by a faulty knowledge of our past. For me, this article was still a question to the author of â€Å"Does Rizal deserves to be our National Hero?† There are several factors that Rizal deserves it and some are not. Because Rizal had certain qualities, he was able to serve the pressing social needs of the periods, needs that arose out of general and particular historical forces. As the author said, he is a hero in the sense that he was able to see problems generated by historical forces, discern the new social needs created by the historical development of new social relationships, and take an active part in meeting these needs. But he is not a hero in the sense of he could have stopped and altered the course of events. Although Rizal was already a revered figure and became more so after his martyrdom, it cannot be denied that his pre-eminence among heroes was partly the result of American sponsorship. Also, he was the first Filipino limited Filipino, the ilustrado Filipino, who fought for national unity but feared the Revolution and loved his mother country, yes, but in his own ilustrado way. Rizal never advocated independence, nor did he advocate armed resistance to the government. He urged from within by publicity, by public education, and appeal to the public conscience. What  if Rizal is not our National hero? Maybe Bonifacio can be our National hero because he fights for our country and he is too revolutionary. When the goals of the people are finally achieved, Rizal the first Filipino will be canceled by the true Filipino by whom he will be remembered as a great catalyst in the transformation of the decolonized indios. But still, there are so many reason that Rizal deserves to be our National Hero. So, I think the author balanced this view of article. The author explained the opinion of both. Honestly, I am not really interested about this article. There are so many questions in my mind says, â€Å"it happened, he’s our national hero, what are these articles complaining or explaining† â€Å"why do we need to study about this?† But it’s required to us to read this article and make a reaction paper to this, and then I realized that it is important to us (Filipino) to understand our history. We must understand why Rizal is our national hero. It is also a reflection of our intellectual timidity, our reluctance to expose new causes unless we can find authorize, however remote, in Rizal. The exposure of his weaknesses and limitations will also mean our liberation, for he has, to a certain extent become part of the superstructure that supports present consciousness. That is why a critical evaluation of Rizal cannot but lead to a revision of our understanding of history and the role of the individual in history. I conclude that Rizal deserves to be our National Hero. If I would ask the author, what if Rizal is not our National Hero, who it will be? Why?

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Frostbite Chapter 5

Five I HAD NO IDEA WHAT Dimitri was talking about, but I followed along obediently. To my surprise, he led me out of the boundaries of the campus and into the surrounding woods. The Academy owned a lot of land, not all of which was actively used for educational purposes. We were in a remote part of Montana, and at times, it seemed as though the school was just barely holding back the wilderness. We walked quietly for a while, our feet crunching through thick, unbroken snow. A few birds flitted by, singing their greetings to the rising sun, but mostly all I saw were scraggly, snow-heavy evergreen trees. I had to work to keep up with Dimitri's longer stride, particularly since the snow slowed me down a little. Soon, I discerned a large, dark shape ahead. Some kind of building. â€Å"What is that?† I asked. Before he could answer, I realized it was a small cabin, made out of logs and everything. Closer examination showed that the logs looked worn and rotten in some places. The roof sagged a little. â€Å"Old watch-post,† he said. â€Å"Guardians used to live on the edge of campus and keep watch for Strigoi.† â€Å"Why don't they anymore?† â€Å"We don't have enough guardians to staff it. Besides, Moroi have warded campus with enough protective magic that most don't think it's necessary to have actual people on guard.† Provided no humans staked the wards, I thought. For a few brief moments, I entertained the hope that Dimitri was leading me off to some romantic getaway. Then I heard voices on the opposite side of the building. A familiar hum of feeling coursed into my mind. Lissa was there. Dimitri and I rounded the corner of the building, coming up on a surprising scene. A small frozen pond lay there, and Christian and Lissa were ice skating on it. A woman I didn't know was with them, but her back was to me. All I could see was a wave of jet-black hair that arced around her when she skated to a graceful stop. Lissa grinned when she saw me. â€Å"Rose!† Christian glanced over at me as she spoke, and I got the distinct impression he felt I was intruding on their romantic moment. Lissa moved in awkward strides to the pond's edge. She wasn't so adept at skating. I could only stare in bewildermentand jealousy. â€Å"Thanks for inviting me to the party.† â€Å"I figured you were busy,† she said. â€Å"And this is secret anyway. We aren't supposed to be here.† I could have told them that. Christian skated up beside her, and the strange woman soon followed. â€Å"You bringing party crashers, Dimka?† she asked. I wondered who she was talking to, until I heard Dimitri laugh. He didn't do it that often, and my surprise increased. â€Å"It's impossible to keep Rose away from places she shouldn't be. She always finds them eventually.† The woman grinned and turned around, flipping her long hair over one shoulder, so that I suddenly saw her face full-on. It took every ounce of my already dubiously held self-control not to react. Her heart-shaped face had large eyes exactly the same shade as Christian's, a pale wintry blue. The lips that smiled at me were delicate and lovely, glossed in a shade of pink that set off the rest of her features. But across her left cheek, marring what would have otherwise been smooth, white skin were raised, purplish scars. Their shape and formation looked very much like someone had bitten into and torn out part of her cheek. Which, I realized, was exactly what had happened. I swallowed. I suddenly knew who this was. It was Christian's aunt. When his parents had turned Strigoi, they'd come back for him, hoping to hide him away and turn him Strigoi when he was older. I didn't know all the details, but I knew his aunt had fended them off. As I'd observed before, though, Strigoi were deadly. She'd provided enough of a distraction until the guardians showed up, but she hadn't walked away without damage. She extended her gloved hand to me. â€Å"Tasha Ozera,† she said. â€Å"I've heard a lot about you, Rose.† I gave Christian a dangerous look, and Tasha laughed. â€Å"Don't worry,† she said. â€Å"It was all good.† â€Å"No, it wasn't,† he countered. She shook her head in exasperation. â€Å"Honestly, I don't know where he got such horrible social skills. He didn't learn them from me.† That was obvious, I thought. â€Å"What are you guys doing out here?† I asked. â€Å"I wanted to spend some time with these two.† A small frown wrinkled her forehead. â€Å"But I don't really like hanging around the school itself. They aren't always hospitable†¦.† I didn't get that at first. School officials usually fell all over themselves when royals came to visit. Then I figured it out. â€Å"Because †¦ because of what happened †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Considering the way everyone treated Christian because of his parents, I shouldn't have been surprised to find his aunt facing the same discrimination. Tasha shrugged. â€Å"That's the way it is.† She rubbed her hands together and exhaled, her breath making a frosty cloud in the air. â€Å"But let's not stand out here, not when we can build a fire inside.† I gave a last, wistful glance at the frozen pond and then followed the others inside. The cabin was pretty bare, covered in layers of dust and dirt. It consisted of only one room. There was a narrow bed with no covers in the corner and a few shelves where food had probably once been stored. There was a fireplace, however, and we soon had a blaze going that warmed the small area. The five of us sat down, huddling around its heat, and Tasha produced a bag of marshmallows that we cooked over the flames. As we feasted on that gooey goodness, Lissa and Christian talked to each other in that easy, comfortable way they always had. To my surprise, Tasha and Dimitri also talked in a familiar and light way. They obviously knew each other from way back when. I'd actually never seen him so animated before. Even when affectionate with me, there'd always been a serious air about him. With Tasha, he bantered and laughed. The more I listened to her, the more I liked her. Finally, unable to stay out of the conversation, I asked, â€Å"So are you coming on the ski trip?† She nodded. Stifling a yawn, she stretched herself out like a cat. â€Å"I haven't been skiing in ages. No time. Been saving all my vacation for this.† â€Å"Vacation?† I gave her a curious look. â€Å"Do you have†¦a job?† â€Å"Sadly, yes,† Tasha said, though she didn't actually sound very sad about it. â€Å"I teach martial arts classes.† I stared in astonishment. I couldn't have been more surprised if she'd said she was an astronaut or a telephone psychic. A lot of royals just didn't work at all, and if they did, it was usually in some sort of investment or other moneymaking business that furthered their family fortunes. And those who did work certainly didn't do a lot of martial arts or physically demanding jobs. Moroi had a lot of great attributes: exceptional sensessmell, sight, and hearingand the power to work magic. But physically, they were tall and slender, often small-boned. They also got weak from being in sunlight. Now, those things weren't enough to prevent someone from becoming a fighter, but they did make it more challenging. An idea had built up among the Moroi over time that their best offense was a good defense, and most shied away from the thought of physical conflict. They hid in well-protected places like the Academy, always relying on stronger, hardier dhampirs to guard them. â€Å"What do you think, Rose?† Christian seemed highly amused by my surprise. â€Å"Think you could take her?† â€Å"Hard to say,† I said. Tasha crooked me a grin. â€Å"You're being modest. I've seen what you guys can do. This is just a hobby I picked up.† Dimitri chuckled. â€Å"Now you're being modest. You could teach half the classes around here.† â€Å"Not likely,† she said. â€Å"It'd be pretty embarrassing to be beaten up by a bunch of teenagers.† â€Å"I don't think that'd happen,† he said. â€Å"I seem to remember you doing some damage to Neil Szelsky.† Tasha rolled her eyes. â€Å"Throwing my drink in his face wasn't actually damageunless you consider the damage it did to his suit. And we all know how he is about his clothes.† They both laughed at some private joke the rest of us weren't in on, but I was only half-listening. I was still intrigued about her role with the Strigoi. The self-control I'd tried to maintain finally slipped. â€Å"Did you start learning to fight before or after that happened to your face?† â€Å"Rose!† hissed Lissa. But Tasha didn't seem upset. Neither did Christian, and he usually grew uncomfortable when the attack with his parents was brought up. She regarded me with a level, thoughtful look. It reminded me of the one I sometimes got from Dimitri if I did something surprising that he approved of. â€Å"After,† she said. She didn't lower her gaze or look embarrassed, though I sensed sadness in her. â€Å"How much do you know?† I glanced at Christian. â€Å"The basics.† She nodded. â€Å"I knew †¦ I knew what Lucas and Moira had become, but that still didn't prepare me. Mentally, physically, or emotionally. I think if I had to live through it again, I still wouldn't be ready. But after that night, I looked at myself figurativelyand realized how defenseless I was. I'd spent my whole life expecting guardians to protect me and take care of me. â€Å"And that's not to say the guardians aren't capable. Like I said, you could probably take me in a fight. But theyLucas and Moiracut down our two guardians before we realized what had happened. I stalled them from taking Christian but just barely. If the others hadn't shown up, I'd be dead, and he'd† She stopped, frowned, and kept going. â€Å"I decided that I didn't want to die that way, not without putting up a real fight and doing everything I could to protect myself and those I love. So I learned all sorts of self-defense. And after a while, I didn't really, uh, fit in so well with high society around here. So I moved to Minneapolis and made a living from teaching others.† I didn't doubt there were other Moroi living in Minneapolisthough God only knew whybut I could read between the lines. She'd moved there and integrated herself with humans, keeping away from other vampires like Lissa and I had for two years. I started to wonder also if there might have been something else there between the lines. She'd said she'd learned â€Å"all sorts of self-defense†apparently, more than just martial arts. Going along with their offense-defense beliefs, the Moroi didn't think magic should be used as a weapon. Long ago, it had been used that way, and some Moroi still secretly did today. Christian, I knew, was one of them. I suddenly had a good idea of where he might have picked up that kind of thing. Silence fell. It was hard to follow up a sad story like that. But Tasha, I realized, was one of those people who could always lighten a mood. It made me like her even more, and she spent the rest of the time telling us funny stories. She didn't put on airs like a lot of royals did, so she had lots of dirt on everyone. Dimitri knew a lot of the people she spoke of honestly, how did someone so antisocial seem to know everyone in Moroi and guardian societyand would occasionally add some small detail. They had us in hysterics until Tasha finally looked at her watch. â€Å"Where's the best place a girl can go shopping around here?† she asked. Lissa and I exchanged looks. â€Å"Missoula,† we said in unison. Tasha sighed. â€Å"That's a couple hours away, but if I leave soon, I can probably still get in some time before the stores close. I'm hopelessly behind in Christmas shopping.† I groaned. â€Å"I'd kill to go shopping.† â€Å"Me too,† said Lissa. â€Å"Maybe we could sneak along†¦.† I gave Dimitri a hopeful look. â€Å"No,† he said immediately. I gave a sigh of my own. Tasha yawned again. â€Å"I'll have to grab some coffee, so I don't sleep on the drive in.† â€Å"Can't one of your guardians drive for you?† She shook her head. â€Å"I don't have any.† â€Å"Don't have any †¦Ã¢â‚¬  I frowned, parsing her words. â€Å"You don't have any guardians?† â€Å"Nope.† I shot up. â€Å"But that's not possible! You're royal. You should have at least one. Two, really.† Guardians were distributed among Moroi in a cryptic, micromanaged way by the Guardian Council. It was kind of an unfair system, considering the ratio of guardians to Moroi. Non-royals tended to get them by a lottery system. Royals always got them. High-ranking royals often got more than one, but even the lowest-ranking member of royalty wouldn't have been without one. â€Å"The Ozeras aren't exactly first in line when guardians get assigned,† said Christian bitterly. â€Å"Ever since†¦my parents died†¦there's kind of been a shortage.† My anger flared up. â€Å"But that's not fair. They can't punish you for what your parents did.† â€Å"It's not punishment, Rose.† Tasha didn't seem nearly as enraged as she should have been, in my opinion. â€Å"It's just†¦a rearranging of priorities.† â€Å"They're leaving you defenseless. You can't go out there by yourself!† â€Å"I'm not defenseless, Rose. I've told you that. And if I really wanted a guardian, I could make a nuisance of myself, but it's a lot of hassle. I'm fine for now.† Dimitri glanced over at her. â€Å"You want me to go with you?† â€Å"And keep you up all night?† Tasha shook her head. â€Å"I wouldn't do that to you, Dimka.† â€Å"He doesn't mind,† I said quickly, excited about this solution. Dimitri seemed amused by me speaking for him, but he didn't contradict me. â€Å"I really don't.† She hesitated. â€Å"All right. But we should probably go soon.† Our illicit party dispersed. The Moroi went one direction; Dimitri and I went another. He and Tasha made plans to meet up in a half hour. â€Å"So what do you think of her?† he asked when we were alone. â€Å"I like her. She's cool.† I thought about her for a moment. â€Å"And I get what you mean about the marks.† â€Å"Oh?† I nodded, watching my footing as we walked along the paths. Even when salted and shoveled, they could still collect hidden patches of ice. â€Å"She didn't do what she did for glory. She did it because she had to. Just like†¦just like my mom did.† I hated to admit it, but it was true. Janine Hathaway might be the worst mother ever, but she was a great guardian. â€Å"The marks don't matter. Molnijas or scars.† â€Å"You're a fast learner,† he said with approval. I swelled under his praise. â€Å"Why does she call you Dimka?† He laughed softly. I'd heard a lot of his laughter tonight and decided I'd like to hear more of it. â€Å"It's a nickname for Dimitri.† â€Å"That doesn't make any sense. It doesn't sound anything like Dimitri. You should be called, I don't know, Dimi or something.† â€Å"That's not how it works in Russian,† he said. â€Å"Russian's weird,† In Russian, the nickname for Vasilisa was Vasya, which made no sense to me. â€Å"So is English.† I gave him a sly look. â€Å"If you'd teach me to swear in Russian, I might have a new appreciation for it.† â€Å"You swear too much already.† â€Å"I just want to express myself.† â€Å"Oh, Roza†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He sighed, and I felt a thrill tickle me. â€Å"Roza† was my name in Russian. He rarely used it. â€Å"You express yourself more than anyone else I know.† I smiled and walked on a bit without saying anything else. My heart skipped a beat, I was so happy to be around him. There was something warm and right about us being together. Even as I floated along, my mind churned over something else that I'd been thinking about. â€Å"You know, there's something funny about Tasha's scars.† â€Å"What's that?† he asked. â€Å"The scars†¦they mess up her face,† I began slowly. I was having trouble putting my thoughts into words. â€Å"I mean, it's obvious she used to be really pretty. But even with the scars now †¦ I don't know. She's pretty in a different way. It's like†¦like they're part of her. They complete her.† It sounded silly, but it was true. Dimitri didn't say anything, but he gave me a sidelong glance. I returned it, and as our eyes met, I saw the briefest glimpse of the old attraction. It was fleeting and gone too soon, but I'd seen it. Pride and approval replaced it, and they were almost as good. When he spoke, it was to echo his earlier thoughts. â€Å"You're a fast learner, Roza.†

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Cause and Effects of Texting While Driving Essay

Texting while driving is a major issue affecting today’s society. Texting has grown to be one of the biggest forms of communication among people, despite the fact that some of these messages might be sent from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. As a result, distracted driving often occurs removing the main objective a driver should be focusing on; the road ahead. Texting-related vehicular accidents and fatalities have caused a majority of states to establish texting bans, making this act illegal while driving. With texting-related accidents increasing, new approaches and resources are being developed to eliminate this epidemic problem. It is imperative to express awareness that performing the illegal act of texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that not only causes distracted driving but also impairs the driver’s ability to lose focus on the road with the possibility of severe consequences. Text messaging is becoming the commonly used method in our connected society today. People of all ages can be seen using modern day devices such as cell phones and tablets. â€Å"Six billion SMS (short message service) messages are sent every day, while 2.2 trillion are sent a year within the United States and 8.6 trillion text messages are sent globally each year† (CNN.com). These devices allow its users the mobility and immediate accessibility to communicate with each other. With this in mind, some of these outgoing messages are sent while driving. The reasons can vary upon why a person would text and drive but, one possibility can be linked to its convenience. It is not uncommon to see a person fully indulged in their device; checking texts and emails or social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and, Twitter. With the progression of text messaging being the method of choice to communicate in this society, people have become so fixated on their devices that it is becoming a daily occurrence to incorporate it in their everyday routines, including driving. Sending a text out while driving can have numerous effects, which includes distracted driving. Distracted driving is anything that can divert the driver’s main attention that is critical to driving safely such as texting,  talking on the cell phone, eating, conversing with passengers, and so forth. Texting while driving is the worst of all driver distractions because it simultaneously uses cognitive, visual, and manual recognition. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that at least 3,000 deaths occur annually from driver distracted accidents (NHTSA 2012). Furthermore, studies have also shown that novice drivers (i.e. teenagers) tend to be at a higher risk at distracted driving than experienced drivers (i.e. adults). For the most part, texting is the worst distraction for anyone driving because both tasks require concentration which ultimately, the driving suffers due to the lack of attention fro m the driver’s ability to entirely focus on the road. The effects of texting while driving also can cause extremely hazardous driving conditions that compromise the safety of the driver and their passengers along with other drivers sharing the roads and highways. Because texting requires at least one hand on the device and the driver’s eyes away from the road, the focus of the driver is not fully devoted to controlling the vehicle. This often leads to lane deviation that could possibly result in potentially dangerous situations. â€Å"Most drivers take their eyes off the road a minimum of five seconds to perform any task and if the driver is travelling at a speed of 55 mph, it is equivalent to covering the distance of an entire football field while blindfolded† (Harmon 10). Moreover, the ability to stop quickly is also compromised in the event that the driver approaches nearby hazards. For example, a driver might inadvertently turn the wheel suddenly due to the fact that their focus was on their device. This could lead to missed opportunities to stay straight ahead on the road, swerve into another lane and/or vehicle, or possibly worse, into an innocent pedestrian walking along the road. With all things considered, texting is a dangerous behavior while driving that could impact not only their safety, but the safety of their passengers, other drivers and their passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Drivers are aware not to text while driving, but many still do despite the fact that it is illegal in many states. Currently, 45 states ban text messaging while driving (NCSL 2015). Of those states, 39 enforce laws with  primary restrictions (an officer may pull a driver over for texting) and only 5 enforce it as a secondary offense (an officer can only ticket a driver committing a primary offense [e.g. speeding] first and not just for texting). A study performed by the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health looked into the effects of the different texting bans on vehicular fatalities from 48 states from 2000-2010 (Harman 10). Their study found that states with primary enforced laws detected a 3% (an average of 19 deaths per year) reduction of fatalities in all age groups whereas; states that enforced secondary restrictions had no significant decline. The greatest impact shown was texting bans that affected young drivers (aged 15-21) with an 11% reduction in deaths. Given these points, hard evidence concludes that these states implementing and enforcing these texting bans are also saving the lives of many people. As a result of texting-related accidents and fatalities increasing, new approaches and resources are being developed to eliminate this problem. One of the simplest methods a person can apply while driving—one that can possibly save a life—would be to turn their cell phone off. If an incoming message is that important, the driver can simply pull on the side of the road to read and/or send an outgoing message. Furthermore, several apps such as AT&T DriveMode and Live2Txt, are now available for users to download on their cell phones to prevent any incoming calls and text messages from appearing while inside of a moving vehicle. In addition, in March 2010 AT&T—now supported by Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, as well as more than 200 other organizations—has launched their â€Å"It Can Wait† campaign with the efforts to end texting while driving (Mlot 2013). Their multi-million dollar awareness campaign includes a texting-while-driving simulator and an outreach program geared towards teens emphasizing the threat and dangers of texting behind the wheel. The DOT has also launched several distracted driving enforcement and advertising campaigns using the phrase â€Å"U Drive. U Text. U Pay.† to combat and crackdown on distracted driving. In brief, accidents related to texting while driving can easily be avoided if drivers heed the warnings of these awareness campaigns or by simply switching off their phones; which could perhaps save a life. Taking everything into consideration, texting has enhanced the lives of many people with the ease and mobility to communicate with one another however; applying this method while driving is a dangerous behavior that is not only illegal in many states, but also has serious consequences if the driver is not focused behind the main priority of driving safely. Awareness campaigns have been designed to emphasize the extreme importance on how texting and driving can and has impacted many lives. Everyone can do their part to eliminate this problematic issue by simply taking one step and make the roads a little safer by easily turning off their phones while driving. Ultimately, drivers should be aware that there is no message or text that could be of greater importance than the life of another person.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Platon's Allegory of the Cave. Reaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Platon's Allegory of the Cave. Reaction - Essay Example According to the allegory tells of a story where there are prisoners put in a cave chained together from childhood each of them facing the wall. Behind them is a huge fire that causes shadows to be formed on the wall. Therefore the prisoners only see the shadow and according to the allegory the prisoners come to accept the shadow is real since they are unable to grasp the whole picture. They basically accept what they are accustomed to seeing. The shadows represent the messages given to the society by politicians, people in business and the media who control how we perceive things. There are many chains holding people prisoners in a cave for fear of cultural acceptance for instance when a political leader wants to spread propaganda. Many people would want just to believe â€Å"the shadow† projected to them rather than see the actual objects. After a while one of the prisoners is escapes captivity and this forces him to see the bigger picture of the cave. He is also made to move out of his familiar cave into the light which he painfully does. He is able to see the object casting the shadows these represents the things that influence our perceptions and sense of judgment. They include people in politics, media, and business, religious and educational leaders. Our leaders tell us what to believe they pass on to us their own ideologies for example our political leaders. Most people do not want to formulate their own opinions and would rather depend on what is projected for them Being accustomed to living in the cave moving out into the light is not easy. He has to adjust to bright sunshine light. His eyes slowly open up to accommodated the light and in parallel to accommodate a fundamental view of the world. The prisoner has a newer view of reality and is transformed. In the light the prisoner comes to see a deeper, clearer and a truthful reality influenced by reason. The sun refers to the good that comes with the beauty and is so eager to share this

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Ethics of educational leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ethics of educational leadership - Essay Example These aspects will be critical in enabling me to lead a happy life. In addition, I will be able to impact on other people through sharing my experiences with others and giving a helping hand where necessary. My second code of ethics is respect for humanity, regardless of the differences. Currently, the world has become very dynamic with each challenges arising each day (Beckner, 2004). As a result, interaction with people from diverse cultures, religions, races, and gender has become a critical aspect towards achieving personal objectives. On the other hand, organizations are employing subordinates that emanate from different parts of the world (Howard, & Korver, 2008). This is to enable them to tackle various challenges. As a result, this personal code of ethics is significant in enabling me to interact with people and understand their ways of doing things. This enables me to appreciate diversity and learn how to live with people from various parts of the world. Decision making is a process that requires a procedure. While making a critical decision, I first recognize the ethical issue that need to be observed. This is through analyzing whether the decision could affect a person or a group of people. In addition, I balance between the benefits and damages that are likely to be brought by this decision. Then, I analyze the legality of the decision and whether it’s the best among the alternative. The second step involves getting all the facts about the decision being made. This step identifies all the relevant steps and whether there is a need to conduct more research about the situation. I also test whether I have enough knowledge to enable me to make the appropriate decision. Furthermore, during this case, I identify all the groups that are likely to be affected by the decision either positively or negatively. Lastly, I analyze all options of acting and the person that can be consulted. The third step involves evaluating the alternative

Strategy management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Strategy management - Essay Example The company is leading independent oil company in Africa and they have increased the penetration of their operation in the continent by exploring new oil basins in Ghana. Average daily production capacity of the group is 78,300 barrels of oil. Production capacity of Tullow Oil plc has increased by 35% over the last one year while at the same time the company has achieved a profit after tax of $689 million in the year 2011 (Tullow Oil plc, 2013). Industry experts have pointed out that completion of $2.9 billion farm down in Uganda has helped Tullow Oil plc to achieve financial flexibility and inorganic growth. Industry Analysis The study will try to analyze the oil and gas sector of UK in order to analyze the business environment in which Tullow Oil plc is operating. Tullow group is basically a British firm hence it will be feasible to analyze the oil and gas industry dynamics of UK. ... large players who have achieved high degree of vertical integration in the field of oil exploration, oil refining, crude oil production, transportation and marketing. Buyer- seller relationship in the oil and gas industry of the country is flexible because a seller can act as buyer in particular stage of the transaction. There is a complex buyer seller relationship which decreases the buyer power significantly. There are two types of buyers such as individual buyer and institutional buyer in the oil and gas industry of UK. Generally institutional buyers such as chemical companies and independent retailers make large purchases from oil and gas companies hence loosing such a client would impact negatively on the revenue of big companies. Presence of buyers who make large purchases has forced oil and gas companies to customize product offering. Price of undifferentiated product portfolio such as crude oil and gas is dependent on the supply and demand equation created by mercantile excha nge of London, New York and Dubai, which has further decreased the buyer power. Overall the buyer power is assessed as moderate. Supplier Power Companies like Smith International, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes and Halliburton are major suppliers for large oil and gas companies in United Kingdom. Generally oil companies need technical supports such as polycrystalline diamond compact bits, measurement while drilling from suppliers in order to continue the operation (Market Line, 2012b). Supplier power is also dependent on demand and supply equation of the industry hence overall supplier power is assessed as moderate. New Entrants It is very difficult to analyze the threat of new entrant in the industry because there is a possibility that a company can work in one or more section of the value

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

RFPs and Proposals disscusinon reply Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

RFPs and Proposals disscusinon reply - Essay Example Through analysis of the second RFP design, it appears well formatted, articulated and intended for an easy read. The second design of the RFP begins with a table of content that can direct a reader to a particular area of interest. Nevertheless, I feel the RFP could be made better with adjustments of sections in the document like following the work with the guidelines of the work to ensure easy comparison and comprehension of the information. Inferring to the proposal, the document is written in response to the RFP in an articulate manner. The proposal directs the reader to specific sections of the RFP which allows the reader to access easily and understand the specific information. The proposal is equally written in a persuasive tone making it an ideal inference of an RFP (T&D, 234). The writing of a proposal in a persuasive tone is meant to woe the clients that the company has the necessary capability to offer the required

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Are Engagement Strategies Desirable for Organizations and Employees Essay - 4

Are Engagement Strategies Desirable for Organizations and Employees - Essay Example According to the research findings, Human Resource helps and contributes to maintaining a competitive advantage of the company through various training, employee career orientations and development of skills and competencies which would be a company or product specific. They actually cater to shorten and act as a bridge to cover the gap between what the organization expects and what actually happens. The traditional sources of success like the product technology, studying market conditions and so on helps in providing competitive leverage both for its sustainability of the competitive advantage of the company sound functioning of the HRM is needed. Strategy chalks out the direction a company must travel in order to achieve the maximum output and benefit. Business strategy deals with achieving a competitive advantage of a company over others. The strategic capabilities of an organization can be tested by the ability of the company to execute the same. It can also be called as the path way which holds good not only for the employees but the management as well. Strategic HRM is related to the concept of strategy. It deals with the implementation and the execution of the HR policies. The strategic management requires the HR policies to be adhered and followed by the employees and the other staff. This is to bring out and cultivate the core competencies among the employees. The top management of the company checks the extent to which the rules made by the HR help in the growth of the company. The focus on the operational performance and the competitiveness have increased so much so that the managers have to make plans in accordance with the company’s objectives and aim.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Corporate governance in the GCC Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Corporate governance in the GCC - Dissertation Example By doing this, it also provides the structure, through which the company objectives are set and the means of attaining those objectives and monitoring performance† (Baydoun, Ryan and Willett, n.d., p. 2). The practice of financial reporting and auditing standards are considered as an integral part of good governance. In the literature review, it has been argued that the managers need to think beyond the belief that mismanagement in the microeconomics policies lead to poor corporate governance, and then only they will succeed in designing a holistic and systematic corporate governance model. Many of the researchers have emphasized on the creation of situation specific corporate governance structure, which has created difficulties in finding one universal definition of corporate governance. Some other sets of researcher have emphasized on the relational aspect between the managers and the shareholders. Some researchers have revealed that corporate governance is different from man agement, where management only looks at successful running of the organization but corporate governance looks at conducting the operations of the organization in a proper and transparent manner. Different tools like controlling and accountability can be incorporated by the business leaders in the management, for monitoring the activities of the agent and motivating them, so that they can act in accordance with the expectations of the external and internal stakeholders. The organizations should accept certain set of corporate values otherwise, there might be some possibilities that the employees might act according to their own interest. Moreover, for creating an environment of knowledge sharing, the board members must create a knowledge sharing environment inside the organization in order to fill up the scope for implementing corporate governance. Various research scholars have stated various principles for corporate governance, which can be summarized as an obligation for the organ ization to maximize the value of the shareholders. The literature review has discussed about various theories proposed by the research scholars, like the inherent property right theory, stewardship theory, principal-agent model (finance model) and myopic market model etc that discussed about the major issues related to the shareholder-oriented corporate governance. The literature review has also evaluated the principles and enactment that are followed by different countries and have summarized them to indentify the major areas of Corporate Governance, such as board constitution, board remuneration, auditor’s remuneration and responsibilities, transparency in disclosures, stakeholder and shareholder information and influence of ownership structure. However, it has been emphasized that there is no such singular model of corporate governance that is followed by every country. Due to difference in time zone and orientation, there is difference in corporate governance policies of different countries. In this context, there are several issues related to the corporate governance structure that have been identified. Then empirical research studies related to corporate governance has been analyzed and found that in most of the countries benefits and

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Conflict is the essence of drama Essay Example for Free

Conflict is the essence of drama Essay The effect of conflicts in drama is profound, and conflicts contribute to a great extent in making drama attractive for audience to watch. Conflict basically forwards drama, while in the meantime it leads to changes that attract audiences as it progresses through time. Conflict shows character, their realizations, and also realizations of audiences, all of which make drama interesting to attract audiences. It projects meanings and gives vividness to drama, thus it makes drama interesting in order to attract audiences. Conflict forwards drama by introducing changes that keeps the audiences sited. Audiences find an unchanging play that follows routine to be boring and hopes to find differences. Thus, changes are necessary in drama for it to demand a reaction from the audiences thats maintained, so that they can keep focused to the play. In Oedipus, changes occur from the beginning of the play to the end. Oedipus doesnt go through a normal life as being a king or live a happy life with his wife, but experiences through a catastrophe that influences his life. Critical changes are brought out by conflict at certain moments and introduce newness to drama, for example when Jocasta discovers that Oedipus is the child she sent years ago. The conflict is within Jocasta herself, of sinfully being both a wife and mother of Oedipus. Also the conflict is between her and people of Thebes, including Oedipus, where the normal relationship has been destroyed. These two conflicts mean a dramatic change in Jocasta herself, and for the play, as it moves on acknowledging the effects of these changes. Similarly, in Macbeth, changes are brought out throughout the play, enriched by conflicts within characters, such as Macbeth, and conflicts between characters, such as between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. The two monologs of Macbeth shows his inner conflict between his consciences and his ambition, which slowly drives him towards murdering the king. The vast change in his inner mind based on the conflict sets the basis for the play and leads to the potential consequences that happen later. Conflict between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth occurs when Lady Macbeth accuses her husband of not being a man to have the courage murder. Changes are brought out as Macbeth becomes more firm and aggressive towards the murder, which then affects direction of the whole play by moving closer towards the murder and gives the audiences anticipation towards the killing. Thi s brings a sense of delight in the audiences to keep them focused to the play. By having conflicts which leads to changes, drama is forwarded along with the reactions from the audiences. At the same time conflict forwards a play, conflict also shows character of the characters. In Oedipus, conflict is presented between characters such as between the Terisias the priest and Oedipus. The technique of stichomythic dialogue is used when the two have a conflict in their conversation, to show the characters emotions, especially Oedipuss pride. Short, fast sentences are used when Oedipus hears Teiresiass accusation on him, he says Shall I bear more of this and Teiresias answers I will. The stichomythic dialogue shows Oedipuss jealousy and his tyranny behavior. By being not able to see the warning language of Terisias, hes also shown to be arrogant. His conversation with Creon further shows his arrogance and hubris. Again, stichomythic dialogue is used when Oedipus says By no means. I would have you dead, not banished and Creon answers if you can show in what way I have wronged you. In Macbeth, conflict within Macbeth himself shows his character. In Shakespeares portrayal of Macbeth, theres resolution and irresolution, theres decision and indecision, all which describes his character. During the two long monologs, his relentless ambition fights with his conscience, showing the opposing two sides of his inner character. When Macbeth sees the dagger hanging in front of him, he mentions he thinks not of them and that theres no such thing, but it is indeed ironic because hes mind is actually focused on them. The irony shows his character, the fighting between trying to remain conscience by not thinking of them and murdering the king. He mentions the dagger as a false creation, but in his deep heart desires to use it. Along with showing character, conflict shows their realizations, and more, makes also the audiences to realize. With Oedipus, audiences realize the effect of hubris of people, after seeing how Oedipus experiences his downfall. Audiences realize how the dominating emotions of arrogance, jealousy, pride affect Oedipus in refusal to recognize his wrongness. The paradox of Terisias of being physically blind but sees things correctly in terms of morality further contrasts with Oedipuss emotion, and further encourages the audiences to realize hubris. Although in Oedipus, realizations happen while the audiences have a certain outline, some knowledge on the play, audiences still experience the play differently, since it is live. However, this is not true with Macbeth, as history of the play is made up as going along. Audiences realize the consequences of Macbeth after murdering the king by seeing that, in the end, he dies in the battle. Characters themselves also have realizations in drama, usually at critical moments where conflict makes the play changes its plot dramatically. Oedipuss realization of him being the son of Laius comes slowly, but also catastrophically. Again, the tension of the realization is built up using stichomythic dialogues. Oedipus realizes that he can never go back to where he was. His conflict lies in that he wishes to return to being the king as before, but the truth does not allow him to do so. Similarly, In Macbeth, realization of Macbeth comes with his action of murdering the king. There is clearly a feeling of being scared of others discovering their actions inside Macbeth and Lady Macbeth after murdering the king, as they rhetorically question the noise of the surroundings. Also, Macbeth mentions Ill go no more. I am afraid to think what I have done, suggesting he realizes the dangers that would occur to him if his actions were discovered. Conflict in drama projects meaning, though it might not project a resolution to the problem at the end of the play. The end of one conflict in the play doesnt necessary mean that there will be no future conflicts. In Oedipus, the fall of Oedipus doesnt indicate the problem of the nation has been solved, but on the contrary, there might be other arrogant tyrants like Oedipus in the future. However, the story of Oedipus somehow teaches the audiences to be morally good, therefore it has a meaning. Similarly, in Macbeth, the tragedy of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth teaches audiences to realize that following a path similar to them will lead to destruction. Duncans speeches of gracefulness, loyalty, honor, honesty and integrity are meant to project moral rightness, therefore to teach morally. Still, theres no final resolution at the end of the play and it may mean that there will be other tyrants like Macbeth in the future. However, the play itself has projected meanings which, attracts audiences to watch it because simply no one would be interested in a play with no meanings. In conclusion, conflict does not only perform the basic functions for drama, such as forwarding the play, but conflicts main effect is that it makes drama more interesting, which is essential to attract audiences. Changes are brought out by conflict that introduces something different, and something new. Also, characters in drama are shown vividly through conflict. Conflict projects meaning, create realizations of the audiences and characters, with all of this, it makes drama fascinating and irregular.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Overview of Cryptography and Encryption Techniques

Overview of Cryptography and Encryption Techniques What is cryptography Cryptography is the discipline of cryptography and cryptanalysis and of their interaction. The word â€Å"cryptography† is derived from the Greek words â€Å"Kryptos† means concealed, and â€Å"graphien† means to inscribe. It is the science of keeping secrets secret. One objective of cryptography is protecting a secret from adversaries. Professional cryptography protects not only the plain text, but also the key and more generally tries to protect the whole cryptosystem. Cryptographic primitives can be classified into two classes: keyed primitives and non-keyed primitives as in the figure. The fundamental and classical task of cryptography is to provide confidentiality by encryption methods. Encryption (also called enciphering) is the process of scrambling the contents of a message or file to make it unintelligible to anyone not in possession of key â€Å"key† required to unscramble the file or message. Providing confidentiality is not the only objective o f cryptography. Cryptography is also used to provide solutions for other problems: Data integrity, Authentication, Non-repudiation. Encryption methods can be divided into two categories: substitution ciphers and transposition ciphers. In a substitution cipher the letters of plaintext are replaced by other letters or by symbols or numbers. Replacing plaintext bit pattern with cipher text bit patterns is involved in substitution when plaintext is viewed as a sequence of bits. Substitution ciphers preserve the order of plaintext symbols but disguise them. Transposition ciphers, do not disguise the letters, instead they reorder them. This is achieved by performing some sort of permutation on the plaintext letters. There are two type of encryption :symmetric(private/secert) encryption key and asymmetric(public) key encryption. Conventional encryption model A conventional encryption model can be illustrated as assigning Xp to represent the plaintext message to be transmitted by the originator. The parties involved select an encryption algorithm represented by E. the parties agree upon the secret key represented by K. the secret key is distributed in a secure manner represented by SC. Conventional encryption’s effectiveness rests on keeping the secret. Keeping the key secret rests in a large on key distribution methods. When E process Xp and K, Xc is derived. Xc represents the cipher text output, which will be decrypted by the recipient. Upon receipt of Xc, the recipient uses a decryption algorithm represented by D to process Xc and K back to Xp. This is represented in the figure. In conventional encryption, secrecy of the encryption and decryption algorithm is not needed. In fact, the use of an established well known and tested algorithm is desirable over an obscure implementation. This brings us to the topic of key distribution. Cryptanalysis Code making involves the creation of encryption products that provide protection of confidentiality. Defeating this protection by some men’s other than the standard decryption process used by an intended recipient is involved in code breaking. Five scenarios for which code breaking is used. They are selling cracking product and services, spying on opponents, ensure accessibility, pursuing the intellectual aspects of code breaking and testing whether one’s codes are strong enough. Cryptanalysis is the process of attempting to identify either the plaintext Xp or the key K. discovery of the encryption is the most desired one as with its discovery all the subsequent messages can be deciphered. Therefore, the length of encryption key, and the volume of the computational work necessary provides for its length i.e. resistance to breakage. The protection get stronger when key size increases but this requires more brute force. Neither encryption scheme conventional encryption no r public key encryption is more resistant to cryptanalysis than the other. Cryptographic goals However, there are other natural cryptographic problems to be solved and they can be equally if not important depending on who is attacking you and what you are trying to secure against attackers. Privacy, authentication, integrity and non-repudiation are the cryptographic goals covered in this text. These three concepts form what is often referred to as the CIA triad? The three notations represents the basic security objectives for both data and for information and computing services. FIPS PUB 199 provides a useful characterization of these objectives in terms of requirements and the definition of a loss of security in each category: Confidentiality: Preserving authorized restrictions on information access and disclosure, together with means for shielding personal secrecy and copyrighted material. A damage of privacy is the illegal disclosure of information. Integrity: Guarding against improper information modification or destruction, and includes ensuring information non-repudiation and authenticity. A loss of integrity is the unauthorized modification of information. Availability: Ensuring timely and reliable access to and use of information. A loss of availability is the disruption of access to an information system. Although the use of the CIA tried to define security objectives is well established, some in the security field feel that additional concepts are needed to present a complete picture. Two of the most commonly mentioned are: Authenticity: The property of being genuine and being able to be verified and trusted; confidence in the validity of a transmission, a message, or message originator. Accountability: The security goal that generates the requirement for actions of an entity to be traced uniquely to that entity. Generally there are two types key present 1 Symmetric-key 2 Asymmetric-key Symmetric key encryption The universal technique for providing confidentiality for transmitted data is symmetric encryption. Symmetric encryption is also known as conventional encryption or single-key encryption was the only type of encryption in use prior to the introduction of public-key encryption. Countless individuals and groups, from Julius Caesar to the German U-boat force to present-day diplomatic, military and commercial users, use symmetric encryption for secret communication. It remains by far the more widely used of the types of encryption. A symmetric encryption scheme has five ingredients as follows- Plaintext: This is the original data or message that is fed into the algorithm as input. Encryption algorithm: the encryption algorithm performs various transformations and substitutions on the plaintext. Secret key: The secret key is input to the encryption algorithm. The exact transformations and substitutions performed by the algorithm depend on the key. Ciphertext: This is the scrambled message produced as output. It depends on the plaintext and the secret key. For a given message, two different keys will produce two different ciphertexts. Decryption algorithm: This is reserve process of encryption algorithm. It takes the ciphertext and secret key and produces the original plaintext. Symmetric key encryption is shown in fig. There are two necessities for protected use of symmetric encryption: We need a strong encryption algorithm. Sender and receiver must have secured obtained, keep secure, the secret key. Stream Ciphers The stream ciphers encrypt data by generating a key stream from the key and performing the encryption operation on the key stream with the plaintext data. The key stream can be any size that matches the size of the plaintext stream to be encrypted. The ith key stream digit only depends on the secret key and on the (i-1) previous plaintext digits. Then, the i ­th ciphertext digit is obtained by combining the ith plaintext digit with the ith key stream digit. One desirable property of a stream cipher is that the ciphertext be of the same length as the plaintext. Thus, a ciphertext output of 8 bits should be produced by encrypting each character, if 8-bit characters are being transmitted. Transmission capacity is wasted, if more than 8 bits are produced. However, stream ciphers are vulnerable to attack if the same key is used twice ormore. Block Ciphers A block ciphers fragments the message into blocks of a predetermined size and performs the encryption function on each block with the key stream generated by cipher algorithm. Size of each block should be fixed, and leftover message fragments are padded to the appropriate block size. Block ciphers differ from stream ciphers in that they encrypted and decrypted information in fixed size blocks rather than encrypting and decrypting each letters or word individually. A block ciphers passes a block of data or plaintext through its algorithm to generate a block of ciphertext. Asymmetric Key Cryptosystems In Asymmetric Key Cryptosystems two different keys are used: a secret key and a public key. The secret key is kept undisclosed by the proprietor and public key is openly known. The system is called â€Å"asymmetric† since the different keys are used for encryption and decryption, the public key and private key. If data is encrypted with a public key, it can be decrypted only by using the corresponding private key. Public Key Encryption shown in fig. Classical encryption techniques The technique enables us to illustrate the basic approaches to conventional encryption today. The two basic components of classical ciphers are transposition and substitution. Combination of both substitution and transposition is described in others systems. Substitution techniques In this technique letters of plaintext message are placed by symbols and numbers. If plaintext is in the form of a sequences of bits, then substituting plaintext bit patterns with ciphertext bit patterns. Transposition techniques Transposition instantly moves the position around within it but does not alter any of the bits in the plaintext. If the resultant ciphertext is then put through more transpositions, the end result has increasing security.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Complications of Exodontia

Complications of Exodontia Introduction: Patients visit the dental clinic for a routine or planned visit for treatment, conditions related to the oral cavity or due to pain. Even with the invention of advanced dental techniques in restoration of teeth, extraction is one of the most routinely carried out dental procedure (El-Kenawy and Ahmed, 2015). Exodontia can be defined as Painless removal of the whole tooth or tooth roots with minimal trauma to the investing tissues, so the wound heals un-eventfully (Datarkar and Datarkar, 2007). Dental extraction procedures require a good understanding of anatomical structures along with adequate armamentarium and good technique. Successful treatment depends on good diagnosis, planning, appropriate surgical technique and well monitored post operative period. Even though it is a straight forward procedure, there is a possibility of complications during various stages of exodontia and the surgeon should be able to cope with it (Louis, 2015). Complications are unforeseen events that tend to increase the morbidity, above what would be expected from a particular operative procedure under normal circumstances (Venkateshwar, et.al, 2011). They are rare and can arise due to a wide variety of factors. This report covers systemic and local complications for: Pre-operative Peri-operative Post-operative Discussion: Pre-operative complication and management Pre-operative Systemic complications: Pre-operative evaluation of the patients in-depth history (medical, dental or social) past and present and physical examination is crucial (Thakur, et.al, 2014). The patient should be asked about their chief complaint and history of present illness describing onset, quality, intensity, duration, location, radiation, exacerbating or relieving factors, medications (prescribed or over the counter) being taken including any allergies and the type of allergic response. A note of patients family history might reveal inherited illnesses such as haemophilia. Patients social support system should also be noted along with habits such as alcohol/drug intake and tobacco use. A ROS should be completed and it might reveal undiagnosed medical conditions. Questionnaires are used for this purpose (Appendix 1). The common medical conditions and their management are discussed below: Cardiorespiratory: Angina, myocardial infarction, hypertension and asthma are most common. Symptoms are crushing chest pain, dyspnoea, oedema and palpitations. Patients will have difficulty in going up more than 20 stairs, also there is cough and wheeze. Minor treatment can be performed in case of stable angina, but elective dental care deferred in unstable or recent angina. The risk of MI in higher within the first 6 months of prior MI and are classified as ASA class IV and high risk procedures deferred. Elective dental care can be normally performed safely in asymptomatic patients with more than 12 months MI. Premedication is administered to patients having BP value between 160-190/95-110 mmHg (oral or inhalation sedation). There is no proof of cardiac risk reducing even in case of delaying surgery in patients who have BP higher than 180/110 mmHg (Andersson et al, 2010). Bleeding disorders: Questions should be asked about bleeding or bruising and family history. (Minimum platelet count for surgery 100,000 per micro litre). 5% tranexamic acid mouth wash given and patient on anticoagulants should have INR Endocrine disorders: Diabetes (Morning appointment 1- 1.5 hrs after breakfast, this avoids hypoglycaemic reaction), hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism. Epileptic seizures: Type, frequency, precipitating factors. Allergies: Including local anaesthetics, antibiotics, analgesics, dental materials. Use of anticoagulants: INR of 2.0-3.5 is the safe range for performing simple exodontia procedures. The range is reduced to 1.6-1.9 for complicated procedures. Bisphosphonates, Gastrointestinal disorders, Liver disorders and jaundice, Infections- HIV, hepatitis, syphilis or gonorrhoea, Pregnancy, Radiotherapy also need to be monitored as they could lead to complications. In all the above disorders the anxiety control protocol should be followed and pre-operative medications given if required. Physiological examination is also carried out to confirm dental or medical conditions along with the vital signs (Appendix 2). ASA classification for minimum pre-operative requirement is a protocol to be followed (Appendix 3). Pre-operative local complications: Pain: It can be odontogenic or non-odontogenic. Patient should be asked questions as explained in HOPI (2.1.1). It is treated based on WHO classification (AppendixÂÂ   4) Infection: It can be a localised abscess or can spread into spaces (submandibular, sublingual or maxillary) adjoining the tooth causing severe complications as well as affect the use of anaesthetics during surgery. It is treated with the use of antibiotics (Yousuf, et.al, 2016). Peri-operative complications and their management: 2.2.1 Peri-operative Systemic complications: The following are the most commonly encountered conditions in dental practise (0.7 cases per dentist per year, Girdler, 1999).ÂÂ   In the event of an attack, stay calm, stop dental treatment, make the environment safe, make patient sit upright in most cases, monitor vital signs, check for AVPU (Appendix 5) in conscious patient and follow ABCDE (Appendix 6) approach in unconscious patients (Scully,2014). In non-responding patients always call 999 and initiate CPR (Appendix 7). Emergency drugs and equipment list (Resuscitation council UK, 2013; Joshi Acharya, 2016) (Appendix 8). Asthma: Few activations of patients own salbutamol inhaler (100 mcg/actuation) or 10 activations using large volume spacer device, repeated every 10 mins and oxygen (15 litres/min). Anaphylaxis: Give oxygen (15 litres/min), i.m adrenaline (anterolateral aspect of the middle third of vastus lateralis) in a dose 0.5 mL injection of 1:1000, repeated at 5 minute gap after monitoring vital signs. Paediatric dose given (Appendix 9). Angina: 2 GTN sprays (400 mcg/actuation) sublingually, oxygen (15 litres/min). Patient does not recover in 3 minutes treat for MI. MI: Call 999 immediately, sublingual GTN if not already given, single dose aspirin (300mg) orally to be chewed, oxygen (15litres/min). Epileptic seizures: Do not attempt to restrain movement, give oxygen (15litres/min), single dose of 10mg midazolam buccally. Hypoglycaemia: Conscious patient give oral glucose, repeated in 10 minutes. Unconscious patient give glucagon i.m route (1mg adults, 0.5mg children Syncope: The patient should be laid flat immediately and legs elevated, give oxygen (15litres/min). Choking: Allow patient to cough vigorously, remove any visible foreign bodies, give 5 sharp back blows and if there is no dislodgement of the foreign body 5 abdominal thrusts are delivered (Heimlich) (AppendixÂÂ   10). 2.2.2 Peri-operative Local complications: These can be prevented by proper treatment planning, use of good surgical knowledge and technique. Pre-operative X-rays will help the dentist to locate any abnormalities in relation to the tooth and position of anatomical structures. Patient past dental history and blood test reports checked (Appendix 11). The experience of the surgeon plays a very important role in preventing these complications and effectively managing them. Soft tissue injuries: Due to improper manoeuvring or slippage of instruments. Common areas injured are lips, cheeks, palate, floor of mouth, tongue. Management: Good flap reflection and luxation of tooth ensuring proper grip of instrument and soft tissue protection using thumb and forefinger of free hand. Small injuries need no treatment. In extensive injuries bleeding needs to be controlled and wound sutured. Tooth root fracture: Common event due to extensive caries, large restoration and endodontically treated tooth. Root tip fractures are common in posterior multirooted teeth. These are caused due to improper luxation and use of excessive forces using forceps. Management: If root fracture is noted, irrigate socket thoroughly and directly visualise root. If root tip ( Crown fracture or luxation of adjacent tooth: Crown fracture (extensive caries or large restoration) and luxation of adjacent tooth occur when large amount of force is applied to extract a tooth using the adjacent tooth as fulcrum. Management: Avulsed tooth repositioned and stabilised using splints for atleast 3-4 weeks. If there is any pain after this period the tooth needs to be restored with root canal treatment. Haemorrhage: Frequently occurs in most dental surgical procedures. It is mainly due to the trauma to the blood vessels or disorders of blood coagulation. Management: Control bleeding and attempt to find the origin. Haemostasis obtained by Compression, Cellulose (Surgicel), Haemostatic Collagen (CollaPlug, CollaTape), Bone wax, 5% Tranexamic acid mouth wash, sutures and Electrocautery (Bagheri, et.al, 2016). Maxilla: Fracture of maxillary tuberosity: may create problem for denture retension and is because of extraction of the maxillary posterior teeth (bone weakened by maxillary sinus pneumatising into alveolar process), ankylosis of the tooth or decreased resistance of bone and poor technique (Von and Lozanoff,2017). Management: If periosteum is not detached from the fractured segment, the bone is repositioned, tissue approximated, sutured and extraction rescheduled after 2 months. If bone segment completely reflected from tissues, tooth is first extracted, bone smoothened and wound sutured. Antibiotics with broad spectrum are prescribed. Displacement of tooth into maxillary sinus: Occurs when trying to luxate impacted maxillary third molar. Management: Make the patient sit in upright position and take radiograph. If tooth is visible it can be removed by forcing positive pressure through sinus by closing nostril and exhaling. If this fails tooth can be removed by trephination using Caldwell-Luc (Appendix 12) or Lindorf approach (Boucree, et.al, 2015) Oroantral communication: Due to extraction of maxillary posterior teeth. It is confirmed from bubbling of blood from post extraction site when patient tries to breathe out while nostrils are pinched (Valslava test). Management: small sized communication treated by filling alveolus with collagen and suturing using figure of 8 method. If tissues dont approximate, portion of bone is removed to facilitate buccal and palatal tissue approximation. Large communications are treated using pedicle mucoperiosteal flaps. Antibiotics prescribed if tooth was infected along with nasal decongestants. Mandible: Fracture of mandible: associated with extraction of impacted third molars, due to excessive force applied by elevators or forceps, large pathologic lesions. Management: If there is any fracture while extraction, tooth removal needs to be completed to prevent infection of the fracture line. Afterwards, case on case basis jaw segment stabilisation can be achieved by either intermaxillary fixation or rigid internal fixation for a period of upto 6 weeks. Administration of broad spectrum antibiotics is necessary. Dislocation of TMJ: Due to lengthy procedure on patients with TMJ disorders. There is mandibular deviation in the direction of the healthy side in unilateral dislocation, but there is prognathic movement of the mandible in bilateral dislocation. There is also restriction in mandibular movement and patients exhibit open bite. To prevent such problems mandible must be firmly supported in exodontia procedures. Management: Thumbs placed on occlusal surfaces of teeth, the body of the mandible on both sides are supported by the other fingers. Thumbs are used to exert a downward pressure and at the same time the other fingers are used to push the mandible upwards and posteriorly, until condyle moves in its original position. Post-operative complication management: Post operative Local complication: Immediate- haemorrhage (2.2.2 d) Delayed- Haemorrhage (2.2.2 d) Swelling and pain (2.1.2) Alveolar osteitis: Noticed couple of days after extraction due to blood clot disintegration resulting in necrosis in bone surface of the socket (Tong, et.al, 2014). Management: Gentle irrigation of the wound area with saline and application of medicated packing to the area, e.g. eugenol dressings, and aggressive use of oral analgesics (Akinbami and Godspower, 2014). Late- Nerve injury: Inferior alveolar, mental, and lingual nerves. Nerve trauma may cause sensory disturbances (anesthesia, hypesthesia, paresthesia, dysesthesia) resulting in resulting in burning sensation, tingling, biting of tongue and lips, abnormal chewing. Nerve damage can be due to neurapraxia, axonotmesis, and neurotmesis. Management: Usually palliative, painful situations require analgesics; also attempt is made to restore sensation using vitamin B complex. Often, the injured nerve segment needs to be replaced by using graft or suturing has to be performed on severed segments. Trismus: Masticatory muscle spasm causes restriction in mouth opening, normally with third molar extraction. Management: Heat therapy, muscle relaxant medication, administration of analgesics, anti-inflammatory and physiotherapy lasting few minutes every 4 hours. Osteonecrosis: Can be due to MRONJ, 60% of patients had bone necrosis at extraction site. (Mansoor,2015; Heufelder,2014 ). Management: Antibiotics prescribed to control infection. In advanced cases surgical removal of the necrotic bone is advised. Also microbial rinse along with daily irrigation can be done. Exposed bone can also be covered using a removable appliance. Post Operative systemic complications are mainly related to haemolytic and haemorrhagic diseases and can be managed by using methods previously. Conclusion: Exodontia is a simple procedure, practice of which inevitably can lead to complications from time to time. The complications arising due to these procedures can vary from a simple (dry socket) to the more complicated ones like everlasting nerve damage and displacement of tooth into maxillary sinus. There is a saying prevention is better than cure which is always best applied when trying to prevent the occurrence of these complications (Oliver, 2014).ÂÂ   The surgeon should always be sure of patients past and present medical and dental history, make appropriate pre-operative tests and x-rays and formulate a treatment plan that is best for the patient. Abbreviations: ABCDE Airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure ASA American Society of Anesthesiologists AVPU Alert, voice, pain, unresponsive CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation GTN Glyceryl trinitrate HOPI History of present illness i.m Intramuscular INR International normalised ratio MI Myocardial infarction MRONJ Medication-related osteonecrosis of jaws ROS Review of systems TMJ Temperomandibular joint WHO World health organisation References: Akinbami, B.O. and Godspower, T., 2014. Dry Socket: incidence, clinical features, and predisposing factors. International journal of dentistry, 2014. Bagheri, S.C., Bohluli, B. and Meyer, R.A., 2016. Oral surgery complications. Avoiding and Treating Dental Complications: Best Practices in Dentistry, p.103. Boucree II, T.S. and Garri, J.I., 2015. Dental Extractions. In Ferraros Fundamentals of Maxillofacial Surgery (pp. 429-442). Springer New York. Crispian Scully, 2014, medical problems in dentistry, Elsevier. Datarkar, A.N. and Datarkar, A.N., 2007. Exodontia Practice. Jaypee Brothers Publishers. Fragiskos D. Fragiskos , 2007, oral surgery, Springer. Grandini, S.A., Barros, V.M., Salata, L.A., Rosa, A.L. and Soares, U.N., 1993. Complications in exodontia-Accidental dislodgment to adjacent anatomical areas. Braz Dent J, 3, p.103. Heufelder M, 2014, Principles of oral surgery for prevention of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 117, Issue 6, June 2014, Pages e429-e435. Joshi, S. and Acharya, S., 2016. Medical Emergencies in Dental Practice-A Nepalese study. Orthodontic Journal of Nepal, 5(2), pp.33-37. Lars Andersson et al, 2010, Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Wiley-Blackwell Louis, P.J., 2015. Complications of Dentoalveolar Surgery. Manual of Minor Oral Surgery for the General Dentist, p.265. Mansoor, J., 2015. Pre-and postoperative management techniques. Before and after. Part 1: medical morbidities. British dental journal, 218(5), pp.273-278. Mohamed H. El-Kenawy, Wael Moohamed Said Ahmed, 2015- comparison between physics and conventional forceps in simple dental extraction. Oliver, R., 2014. Prevention and management of oral surgery complications in general dental practice. British dental journal, 216(5), pp.263-264. Renton, T., Woolcombe, S., Taylor, T. and Hill, C.M., 2013. Oral surgery: part 1. Introduction and the management of the medically compromised patient. British dental journal, 215(5), pp.213-223. Resuscitation council UK, 2013, medical emergencies and resuscitation, www.resus.org.uk Thakur, A.R., Babshet, M., Amur, S. and Naikmasur, V.G., 2014. Medical screening of dental patients: 16-year experience in a referral dental hospital. Journal of Medicine and the Person, 12(2), pp.76-83. Tong, D.C., Al-Hassiny, H.H., Ain, A.B. and Broadbent, J.M., 2014. Post-operative complications following dental extractions at the School of Dentistry, University of Otago. New Zealand Dental Journal, 110(2). Venkateshwar, G.P., Padhye, M.N., Khosla, A.R. and Kakkar, S.T., 2011. Complications of exodontia: a retrospective study. Indian journal of dental research, 22(5), p.633. von Arx, T. and Lozanoff, S., 2017. Posterior Maxilla. In Clinical Oral Anatomy (pp. 133-162). Springer International Publishing. Yousuf, W., Khan, M., Mehdi, H. and Mateen, S., 2016. Necessity of Antibiotics following Simple Exodontia. Scientifica, 2016. Appendix: 1 pocketdentistry.com Appendix: 2 pocketdentistry.com Appendix: 3 anesthesiallc.com Appendix: 4 img.medscape.com Appendix: 5 pocketdentistry.com Appendix: 6 pocketdentistry.com Appendix: 7 Appendix:8 resus.org.u Appendix: 9 allergy.org Appendix: 10 4.bp.blogspot.com Appendix: 11 cllhealed.files.wordpress.com Appendix: 12 image.slidesharecdn.com

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Paranoia Essay -- Psychology Essays

Paranoia If it has been confirmed that brain equals behavior, then why don't we fear our own thought processes? Persons with paranoia disorder are not aware that they are in fear of their own brains, but in some respect fear of oneself and what ones brain can create is exactly what persons with paranoia disorder experience. Everyone experiences small doses and bouts of paranoia on nearly a daily basis, but not everyone exists on its affects. Those with paranoia disorder deal with a constant nagging that they cannot control because it tends to control them, hence your brain as your enemy. Though the causes of paranoia are not clearly defined in either social or medical fields, the obvious truth is that paranoia stems from the brain and the nervous system causing persons to be "highly suspicious of other people" (4). According to studies paranoia stems from several possible areas. "Potential factors may be genetics, neurological abnormalities, [and] changes in brain chemistry. Acute, or sh ort-term paranoia may occur in some individuals overwhelmed by stress" (4). In terms of genetics, paranoia is not defined as something strictly hereditary, however there is a tendency towards its occurrence in families with members with schizophrenia or other mental disorders (6). Socially speaking paranoia appears to be passed down from parent to child through shear exposure and environment. If certain personality traits are innate within a person, than the possibility of a genetic inclination towards paranoia does not appear way off base. This of course stems from discussion on whether or not personality is developed or innate. In almost everything somebody does, his or her personality comes through. The question of nature versu... ...es that force themselves to become "aware" of their surroundings and insecure around all those surrounding them. 1) On the Couch: Faces of Paranoia http://www.iht.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi 2) Paranoia http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000938.htm 3) Paranoid Personality Disorder http://health.yahoo.com/health/encyclopedia/000938/0.html 4 Paranoid Personality Disorder http://www.hendrickhealth.org/healthy/001021.htm#Causesandsymptoms 5) Self Protection or Delusion? The Many Varieties of Paranoia http://www.nytimes.com/auth/login?URI=http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/01/health/psychology/01BEHA.html&OQ=exQ3D1050465600Q26enQ3Df319c80176a7dff0Q26eiQ3D5070&OP=d5153a6Q2FQ2AoRzQ2AQ24FhQ3CsFFAQ5BQ2AQ5B55Q3BQ2A5HQ2A5Q20Q2AQ25Rn,AQ25Q2AjQ3CbhQ25F,FIbQ2A5Q20Q7CG)OxQ25Ad, 6) Useful Information on Paranoia http://www.hoptechno.com/paranoia.htm

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

The Power of Myth :: American Myth Myths Essays

The Power of Myth In the texts that we have recently read, we have seen the importance of myth in giving meaning and understanding to life. In the Beginnings of the Western Mind we read about the importance of myth in the consciousness of the oral societies of pre-classical Greece; in Where the Bluebird Sings to the Lemonade Springs we read about the myth of the "West" in the U.S. and its influence on the thought of many Americans; In Things Fall Apart we see the power if myth and the consequences of the break down of those myths and stories upon which a culture is structured on. I wish to discuss the importance of telling myths and stories in influencing the quality of our culture. Often, Americans look back on older cultures and try to understand them in terms of their myths and stories but, I fear, we do not question our own myths and stories. Perhaps the problem is not that we don't question our myths, but that we are not aware that we have myths and stories. If we don't recognize that as part of human nature that we are going to have myths and stories to explain who we are, we can not fully understand who we are. Traditionally, myths have been our stories about "gods." Gods have been, throughout our history, the "personifications of the transformative power" (Malloy 1998, Lecture Notes). Our archetypes are part of our myths and stories--they tell us who we are and give us meaning. Myths can be thought of as messages in symbols (archetypes), they give meaning, explain "why?" and allow us to change and to understand change. Today however, we live in a demythologized world. Our myths and stories are us. Myths and stories tell us who we are, why we are and how we should be. But we must wonder, "what happens when we stop telling good myths and stories?" Carl Jung, the famous psychologist and pioneering anthropologist, after studying the archetypes, myths, and stories of the native American peoples, went back to Europe where he began to notice that Europe no longer had archetypes, myths, or stories to give the necessary meaning to life. Thus, while early twentieth century Europe may have been technologically more advanced than the tribes of the Amazon or Kalhari, it lacked any of the stories that give us meaning and in a sense (in the context of the history of humanity), we are in a disparate way, less culturally developed. The Power of Myth :: American Myth Myths Essays The Power of Myth In the texts that we have recently read, we have seen the importance of myth in giving meaning and understanding to life. In the Beginnings of the Western Mind we read about the importance of myth in the consciousness of the oral societies of pre-classical Greece; in Where the Bluebird Sings to the Lemonade Springs we read about the myth of the "West" in the U.S. and its influence on the thought of many Americans; In Things Fall Apart we see the power if myth and the consequences of the break down of those myths and stories upon which a culture is structured on. I wish to discuss the importance of telling myths and stories in influencing the quality of our culture. Often, Americans look back on older cultures and try to understand them in terms of their myths and stories but, I fear, we do not question our own myths and stories. Perhaps the problem is not that we don't question our myths, but that we are not aware that we have myths and stories. If we don't recognize that as part of human nature that we are going to have myths and stories to explain who we are, we can not fully understand who we are. Traditionally, myths have been our stories about "gods." Gods have been, throughout our history, the "personifications of the transformative power" (Malloy 1998, Lecture Notes). Our archetypes are part of our myths and stories--they tell us who we are and give us meaning. Myths can be thought of as messages in symbols (archetypes), they give meaning, explain "why?" and allow us to change and to understand change. Today however, we live in a demythologized world. Our myths and stories are us. Myths and stories tell us who we are, why we are and how we should be. But we must wonder, "what happens when we stop telling good myths and stories?" Carl Jung, the famous psychologist and pioneering anthropologist, after studying the archetypes, myths, and stories of the native American peoples, went back to Europe where he began to notice that Europe no longer had archetypes, myths, or stories to give the necessary meaning to life. Thus, while early twentieth century Europe may have been technologically more advanced than the tribes of the Amazon or Kalhari, it lacked any of the stories that give us meaning and in a sense (in the context of the history of humanity), we are in a disparate way, less culturally developed.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Chapter 2 Review Questions †Information Systems Essay

1. When determining the appropriate hardware components of a new information system, what role must the user of the system play? a. People involved in selecting their organization ´s computer hardware must clearly understand current and future business requirements so they can make informed acquisition decisions. 2. Identify two characteristics of RAM and ROM. a. Random Access Memory is temporary and volatile. Read-Only-Memory is nonvolatile and permanent. 3. What is RFID technology? How does it work? a. Radio Frequency Identification is a technology that employs a microchip with an antenna to broadcast its unique identifier and location to receivers. The purpose of the system is to transmit data by a mobile device, called a tag, which is read by an RFID reader and processed according to the needs of an information system program. 4. Identify the three components of the CPU and explain the role of each. a. The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU): The part of the CPU that performs the mathematical calculations and makes logical comparisons. b. Control Unit: The part of the CPU that sequentially accesses program instructions, decodes them, and coordinates the flow of data in and out of the ALU, the registers: the primary storage, and even secondary storage and various output devices. c. Register storage area: special, high-speed area within the CPU; temporary storage area. It works under the control of the control unit. 5. What is Solid State Storage technology? What advantages does it offer? a. A flash drive is an example of SS technologies. It stores data in memory chips rather than magnetic or optical media. b. Memory chips need less power and provide faster data access, and have only few moving parts, so that they are less fragile.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Lack of values in today’s society Essay

In the last years, we have been facing the lack of values in the society and in human relationships. We consider as † value † the degree of importance, significance or meaning that objects acquire, the actions, the situations or positions, to the extent that respond to the needs of the species and the human being in a certain time, and the struggle for this, to locate and rank the material and spiritual goods in order of importance. Talking in terms of what it is worth an object, in one hand, to satisfy a need and on the other hand, to express the dependence of building a life goal. Compassion, freedom, humbleness, generosity, justice, peace, tolerance, honesty, loyalty, respect and trust among other values are no longer the qualities that characterize the people in the world. These new behaviors that have adopted the majority of the people are antisocial and dehumanized but unfortunately are installed in our society as common pattern. As a result we get attitudes such as: the lack of respect that has been lost to the women and in many cases the woman no longer demands that respect, because in many places the â€Å"gender equality† is going to new extremes and because of that there exists problems between them such as; the early addiction to the cigarette, consume of alcoholic beverages, smoking, which is not only seen in teenagers but in most of the community, also not planned pregnancies in teenagers, and sometimes this lack of responsibility is the reason an abortion takes place making them very cold and dehumanized. All of this is because the parents do not raise them the way it is supposed to, or have bad friends that give them the wrong meanings of the values, or they do not even put them in practice anymore. If in the education that they give them to the children there was more love and more interest, the world would not like it is now, with drug traffic, massacres, shootings, organized crime, kidnappings, robberies, and even wars. We all complain about the insecurity of our country, of the injustices and robberies committed by our rulers without realizing that these rulers and these killers were educated by a mother and a father who are part of our society and those who did not teach and show them the values needed to make them good citizens and above all, good people. Everything that has happened is due to a lack of values and influences by those who have lived and shared  his life with. Parents many times because of work, economic problems, stress, or sometimes by the simple fact of not wanting to fight, leave to one side the education of their children, and in a lot of cases they think they can replace the love with material things, buy the love from their off springs. There are parents who think that the schools are responsible for the moral education their children are receiving without realizing that the values are obtained from the house and everything comes from family, according to the experts until their first 7 years. Nobody is born knowing how to be father, so, you have to teach teenagers that they will be the adults who will need to be responsible to educate and teach these values to their children. Parents need to put more effort into forming a bond and communicating with their children, they need to gain trust and respect for them. But do not make the mistake of not knowing to mark their line of â€Å"freedom† to â€Å"debauchery†, because of that many teenagers do not know the respect and the education of being able to follow rules and listen to their elders. If we want to see a different world, a more balanced society and a more hopeful future, then this is the time to pause and think, what do values mean to me? Which ones take part in my life? What do others mean to me? And then we should stop thinking about the â€Å"me† and turn to the others, be generous and see that others need us more than we need ourselves. We need to get people to commit to their ideals, values, families, professions and personal lives. The values are and will always be a guide that will allow us to lead us on the right path, so we should reinforce, transmit and commit ourselves to put our values in practice every day. As a teenager I have many dreams just as you, I just wish that everything that happens around us changed. I do not want to be arms-crossed, and when I turn on my television see far too many tragedies happen that are no longer abnormal. Anyone can change from â€Å"normal† to something â€Å"different† if they are determined to do it. Believe me that it would be something very nice to see that our state, our country and our world grows with the help of so many people who like me want to achieve a goal in life without selfishness for the good of everyone. The important thing in life is not your position, but  your disposition. The change depends on all of us for the future that we want to create, be born as humans is not enough, we need to reach out to actually be humans. And when we have succeeded with we can be proud to say â€Å"I was part of the change â€Å".

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Environmental Analysis Essay

As a way of promoting Skoal, the company utilizes print advertisements in magazines whose readers are 85% adults. Aside from this, the company also uses one-on-one events as a way to let the clients know more about Skoal and try out its products. Skoal’s promotions includes reach-out advertising, and it includes a very, very successful direct mail program that we have been running to adult smokers. In 2006, the company mailed to about 2.5 million adult smokers with a series of coupons and product information about Skoal and its products and have been very, very successful in converting about 5% of the people that we mailed to, to actual ongoing usage of moist smokeless tobacco products. (UST 2006 Analyst and Investor Conference) In addition, the company also has its own company website (http://www. ustinc. com/) and product website (http://www. skoalbrotherhood. com) that can be used as a tool for customers to access information about the product and the company 24/7. The product’s unique selling point is that it is the only smokeless tobacco that offers several flavors, cuts and pouches. In its advertisements, Skoal sports the tagline â€Å"A pinch better. † Skoal wanted to position to itself in its main target market’s mind as â€Å"the preferred way to experience tobacco satisfaction† – a vision that positions the company not as a smokeless tobacco company, but as a tobacco company whose consumer universe is all tobacco consumers. (UST 2006 Analyst and Investor Conference) Pricing The company utilizes the prestige pricing strategy and this is congruent with the image the brand is trying to project. Since Skoal is the only smokeless tobacco that offers a variety of flavors, cuts and pouches, it is only right for them to charge a price premium to maximize their profits. Over its course of business, Skoal has undergone through several price changes. However, for the entire year of 2006, the company has not yet raised it prices. Murray Kessler, manager of Skoal said â€Å"Prices per can depends on how much we spend on the promotional front and it depends on what we do with the competitors. † (UST 2006 Analyst and Investor Conference) So far though, the company does not see the need to raise prices. Comparing Skoal to other brands, it charges much higher prices as compared to competitors like Couper, Cougar, Gold River, and Grizzly but there are a few brands like Hawken and Kodiac whose prices are higher than Skoal. Sister brand Copenhagen charges the same price as Skoal. Distribution Skoal products can be purchased in several websites online and also several retailers. The company uses extensive distribution channels and which became an edge for Skoal. UST’s long-established brands distributes through tens of thousands of small retail outlets, and the unwillingness of major tobacco companies to enter this market (due to the poor image and social unacceptability of the product) have made UST’s market position unassailable. (Industry Analysis 7) The company does not operate any retailing stores but instead relies on third party retailers to get their products to their target markets. So far, Skoal products can be found in the United States and some parts of Canada but the management is eyeing Eastern Europe as an opportunity to expand Skoal internationally. Conclusion Skoal has been successful in implementing its strategy. Currently, Skoal belongs to the top of mind awareness of its target market when it comes to smokeless tobacco with it capturing 78% of the market together with its sister brands. In order to maintain this position, further significant investments in advertisements, branding, and promotions must be undertaken.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Comparing Othello by William Shakespeare and the Film Othello Essay

An update of Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ with a young cast, set in a high school and centered around basketball player Odin. Director: Tim Blake Nelson Writers: William Shakespeare (play), Brad Kaaya (screenplay) Stars: Mekhi Phifer, Josh Hartnett, Andrew Keegan The film starts during a basketball game. At the last minute Odin scores the basket that wins the game for his team. Later at an awards ceremony Duke presents the MVP award to Odin for his efforts, an award he shares with Michael. At a party celebrating the victory, Hugo plans with Roger to tell Desi’s father that Odin raped her in order to split them up so that Roger can woo her. Roger, however, is only a pawn in Hugo’s ultimate plan to destroy Odin. Later in another game Odin’s team wins once again. At the celebration party, Hugo engineers a fight between Roger and a very drunk Michael, who is temporarily suspended from the team. Hugo tells Michael to ingratiate himself with Desi so that she will talk to Odin on his behalf. Soon afterward, Hugo tells Odin that Desi and Michael have been spending a lot of time together, and that she may be cheating on him. Odin doesn’t believe this at first, but gradually comes to suspect them. Odin questions Desi, but she calms him down and he believes her. In the meantime, Hugo manipulates Emily into stealing a scarf for him that Odin had given to Desi. Hugo, in turn, gives it to Michael in hopes that Odin will believe that Desi gave Michael the scarf, and so is cheating on him. Meanwhile, Desi and Odin are having passionate sex at a motel. During their lovemaking, Odin sees an image of Michael on top of Desi in the mirror; angered, he becomes very rough with Desi, to the point that she cries out for him to stop, a plea he ignores. Afterward, they lie together staring in opposite directions. After a dunk contest in which Odin himself performs a dunk that pulls the rim and breaks the glass backboard and assaults a ball boy, Hugo tells Odin about the scarf, convincing him that Desi is cheating on him. Enraged, Odin vows to kill her; Hugo then promises to kill Michael. Hugo, with Odin and Roger, plans to kill Michael and Desi. Hugo and Roger attempt to kill Michael in a carjacking, but it does not go as planned: Roger and Michael struggle, Hugo hits Michael with a crowbar, knocking him unconscious. Roger shoots Michael in the leg, and then Hugo turns the gun on Roger and makes him shoot himself after telling him that Desi is dead. Odin and Desi are in Desi’s room talking and Odin is pretending to make up with her. They are making out on the bed when suddenly Odin attacks her; she fights back, but he finally strangles her. Emily rushes into the room and sees Desi’s body; she soon finds out what Hugo has done. She begins telling Odin that Hugo told her to steal the scarf and exposes his plot. Hugo tells her to shut up, but she refuses, so he shoots and kills her. Odin finally realizes that Hugo has been manipulating him the entire time, and demands to know why; Hugo refuses to answer. When the police arrive, Odin tells them what happened, and commits suicide, shooting himself in the heart. The story ends with Hugo being taken into police custody, saying (in voice over) that he will have his day in the spotlight. Mekhi Phifer as Odin James The star basketball player, who gets more attention from Hugo’s dad than Hugo. He is also dating Desi. Josh Hartnett as Hugo Goulding The son of coach Duke Goulding, and jealous of Odin’s attention from his father. Julia Stiles as Desi Brable Odin’s girlfriend Andrew Keegan as Michael Cassio The overshadowed star on the basketball team because of Odin. Rain Phoenix as Emily Friend of Desi. Elden Henson as Roger Calhoun A kid bullied at school who is picked on by Michael. Martin Sheen as Coach Duke Goulding, the coach of the Hawks. Father of Hugo. John Heard as Dean Bob Brable Father of Desi. Rachel Shumate as Brandy Michael’s love interest. Box office