The Internal Analysis for Costco in US Research Paper

The Internal Analysis for Costco in US - Research Paper Example The corporation currently operates approximately 387 warehousing-shopping clubs in United States. This has played a great role in creating trust among the target market an aspect that has increased the corporations resources (Costco wholesale, 2010). Another resource that Costco is proud of is the brand name. The corporation has been able to invest heavily in its brand name. This has been through intense advertisement in order to familiarize the name with the market. As a result, the brand name acts an important asset that the company owns. In addition, the brand name plays a great role in the market as it is one of the resources that are used in the market as a competitive tool. The reputation that the company holds in the market plays a great role in ensuring that the corporation remain one of the most competitive wholesalers in the market (Hoovers, 2012). The Corporation has put great emphasis on improving its technology which is a great resource. With the current changes in techn ological level, companies must work hard in an attempt to remain competitive. As a result, the corporation keeps on reviewing its technology in order to install the current technology. This has enabled the corporation to keep on satisfying the interests of consumers and aspect that has created customer loyalty towards the products (Hoovers, 2012). Costco wholesale has high qualified personnel. These are able to read the market behavior and identify any changes that might occur in the market. The personnel working as a team are also a great resource that the company has as it is able to solve any challenge that may lead to collapse of the wholesale (Hoovers, 2012). Capabilities Costco Corporation has the ability to sell its products at a low price. Since the corporation has spread its risks through diversification of its operations, the corporation is able to reduce its profit margins in some of its branches and still able to sustain its operations. This has also been supported by us e of machinery in its operations an aspect that has reduced the overall cost of production therefore, lowering the breakeven price. This provides an opportunity for the company to attract more customers and maintain the existing customers. This has made Costco competitors e.g. AutoZone, Inc, Big Lots, Inc etc unable to keep up with Costco’s level of competition. In addition, the corporation keeps low prices through purchasing high quantities and not making up any product more than 15%, less than the typical 25% at the supermarket and 50% at the departmental store. Costco is able to make up for the low margins through charging fifty five dollars annual membership fee. Approximately 90% of its members renew their membership each year thereby making the Corporation to be profitable (Logan, 2012). The corporation has the ability to produce brand that can compete in national levels. Due to its skills, technology and experienced personnel, Costco has the ability to come up with new brand, which will be supported by the financial ability of the corporation to penetrate, position and segment the market. This has been indicated by the introduction of Kirkland Signature which was mainly aimed at competing with other national brands through lowering the prices of the commodity while maintaining quality. Core competences The corporation h

Restriction Enzyme Analysis of DNA

Restriction Enzyme Analysis of DNA Agarose gel electrophoresis is a method used in biochemistry and molecular biology. It is used to separate DNA or RNA molecules by size. Since DNA and RNA have negatively charge, when they go through an agarose matrix with an electric field, they will move from cathode to anode. The shorter molecules move faster and migrate farther than longer molecules; therefore the different sizes molecules can be separate. The most important factor which affects the migration is the length of the DNA molecules. A restriction enzyme, is an enzyme that cuts double stranded DNA following its specific recognition of short nucleotide sequences, is used to cut the DNA into small fragments. The unique recognition sequences are usually tetra- or hexanucleotide palindromes with axes of dyad symmetry. Which means the sequence on one strand reads the same in the reverse direction on the complementary strand, e.g. GTATAC and its complementary strand CATATG. Recognition sequences in DNA differ for each restriction enzyme, producing differences in the length, sequence and strand orientation of the DNA fragments. Plasmid is an extra chromosomal DNA molecule, which is capable of replicating independently of the chromosomal DNA. It is circular and double stranded. Plasmid is usually found in bacteria. The size of plasmid is between 1 to 200 kilobase pairs. In this experiment, a specific recombinant plasmid pBR325 was analyzed, and hence a restriction map would be constructed. METHOD As described in the practical manual RESULTS From the photograph, four unknown plasmid fragments migrated distance could be measured and hence the four fragments size could be found: In lane 2: migrated distance of the fragment was 36.5mm, therefore 11.00 kilobase would be the size of this fragment; In lane 3: migrated distance of the near fragment was 42.5mm, therefore 7.08 kilobase would be the size of this fragment; migrated distance of the further fragment was 66mm, therefore 3.98 kilobase would be the size of this fragment; In lane 4: migrated distance of the near fragment was 40.75mm, therefore 7.94 kilobase would be the size of this fragment; migrated distance of the further fragment was 73mm, therefore 2.82 kilobase would be the size of this fragment; In lane 5: migrated distance of the near fragment was 50mm, therefore 6.31 kilobase would be the size of this fragment; migrated distance of the further fragment was 53mm, therefore 5.62 kilobase would be the size of this fragment; The 4 unknown plasmid size and migrated distance were showed in following table: The size of the plasmid could be found, which was about 11 kilobase. Since the plasmid was only cut by EcoRI + BamHI in about 4:8 ratio of the plasmid, therefore the restriction map for EcoRI + BamHI could be construted: DISCUSSION The nucleic acids migrated from cathode to anode since it had negatively charge. The cutting ratio of three enzymes could be found by the size of fragment as result showed. The last lane, which was the uncut plasmid, was loaded, in order to compare with the EcoRI enzyme cut fragment. The migrated distance of this uncut plasmid was large than EcoRI cuts migrated distance, which could be measured from graph. EcoRI cuts fragment was like uncoiled elastic. It encounters more resistance migrating through a gel because it is spread out and will be in direct contact with more of the gel matrix. Uncut plasmid was tightly coiled, like a balled up elastic. While the molecule may be the same size, the coiling compresses it, allowing it to encounter less resistance when migrating through the gel. This indicated the minimum base pairs of the plasmid. If a hybrid recombinant plasmid was constructed from pBR325 by the insertion of a fragment of DNA at the BamHI restriction site, firstly the total size of the plasmid got bigger. To determine the size of the inserted fragment, EcoRI and PstI were used to cut the plasmid, and result was compared with original plasmids fragment to get the size of the inserted fragment. There was no additional band visible behind the main uncut plasmid band in lane 7. If there ware, they must be the chromosomal DNA bands, the absent of these in lane 2, 3, 4 and 5 was because they were too small, might not be seen, or ran off the gel. The fluorescent bands of the DNA restriction fragments in lane 2, 3, 4, and 5 were several fold brighter than the uncut plasmid band in lane 7. It was because that the DNA fragment are free at both ends and can uncoil and pick up as much EtBr as it fits, whereas the uncut plasmid could not uncoil more than a certain amount without the phosphate chain breaking: for every incorporated molecule of EtBr it had an area of local under-coiling that had to be compensated by another area of over-coiling, this area would not incorportate any EtBr. So the number of EtBr molecules it could pick up was limited because of sterical considerations. Therefore the DNA fragment had less sterical restrictions, stained more than the uncut plasmid.

The Internet :: essays research papers

The Internet, or ‘net, is a vast network of computers that connects many of the world's businesses, institutions, and individuals. The Internet is composed of many parts, including the World Wide Web, FTP, IRC, Newsgroups, Gopher, WAIS, Archie, and of course Electronic Mail (Email). The Internet is mainly used for communication. Email is the most heavily used resource of the Internet- over 40 million email messages are sent through the Internet a day. The second most used resource, called the World Wide Web, or WWW, consists of pages of words, images, sounds, and video. The Internet is continuing to grow at 40% a year, with about 20 million users, mainly in USA, Canada, and Australia, but still many all over the world. You can do many things on the Internet, such as shop for just about anything, bank and manage money, watch and listen to live cable televison and radio broadcasts, talk to other users with voice like a telephone, conduct international meetings, and access all kinds of information on any subject imaginable. As mentioned earlier, the WWW consists of pages and pages of text, images, sounds, and video. Unlike pages in a book, there is no maximum size for a page, and there is HyperText Links. If you click on any one of these links, the computer will automatically go to the page specified by the link. The WWW is programmed in a computer language called Hyper Text Markup Language, or HTML. Searching the Web can be a difficult thing to do, or if you use a search engine, it can be really easy. Since so many new web pages are added to the Web a day, a very good index is hard to keep, and an alphabetical listing of millions of web pages would be almost impossible to navigate through. To help this problem, people developed search engines that search the Web for you. Some search engines, like Yahoo, search in a big web directory they have made of hundreds of thousands of web pages, that is organized like a phonebook. Other search engines, like Alta Vista, or Magellan, search in a list of Web pages it has created as it surfed the web all by it's self. People usually access the Internet through a computer using a device called a modem. Modems connect people to the ‘net through telephone lines. Some companies, and the "heart" of the Internet, Use Fiber-Optic cables to connect. Fiber-Optic cabled are made of hair-thin strands of glass that carry information at the speed of light as pulses of light. Fiber-Optics are thousands of times faster than standard copper

Active Directory & DNS Servers

Scenario:I am working at two branch offices and have been tasked with where to place the Active- Directory Integrated DNS Servers and what type to use. One of the branch offices is very small and (5 users) and has a very slow network connectivity. Do I need a DNS Server and, if so, which type of zone should it hosts? The second branch office is much larger (about 30 users) and has better network connectivity. Does this office need a DNS Server and, if so what type of zone would you recommend?Response:Dear Junior Admin; I really appreciate the opportunity to assist you in regards to implementing Active Directory & DNS Servers in your â€Å"Windows† environment. Let me start by saying that without DNS your network will more than likely not function because clients will not be able to resolve names to (IP) addresses, also DNS enables network devices such as printers and computers to communicate on the internet or locate one another within the organizations local network. Based o n the given scenario, you have made an excellent choice of configuring the â€Å"Active Directory Integrated Zones† because Active Directory has the following benefits: Fault Tolerance – Redundant copy of DNS zone information can be stored on multiple servers. Security – DACL can be modified by specified user groups.Zones are Multimaster – zones can be updated in more than one location. Efficient Replication – Zone transfers are replaced by more efficient Active Directory replication. Maintain use of secondary zones – if needed.Note: Since Active Directory-Integrated Zones follow a multimaster update model which means all zones contain a read/write copy of the zone and can make changes to the zone information, â€Å"primary and secondary distinctions are not necessary.† The smaller Branch office with (5) users will require will house what would normally be your Secondary Server, utilizing the Active Directory with Integrated Zones wil l compensate for the slow network because it will avoid forcing queries across a slow wide area network link. The larger Branch office with (30) users certainly requires the utilization of DNS & Active Directory Integrated Zones† and will house what would  normally be known as your Primary Server and Primary Zone If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me at [email  protected]

James Thom’s “The Perfect Picture” Essay

In James Thom’s extraordinary piece â€Å"The Perfect Picture† he writes about situations he was in at a one point of his life. He explains an experience he was in as a young police reporter and driving to a seen, where the grandfather back over this granddaughter. When he drives up he sees all the media and the police gather around the grandfather. The grandfather couldn’t even grasp the concept of what happened yet, before news reporters and photographers are invading his property, life and time with his family to grieve over his granddaughter. When Thom sees the opportunity to snap the photo of the grandfather cradling the little girl, wrapped in a sheet, lying cold and lifeless in his arms. Thom has such a huge decision to make, and only a mere moment to decide on what he will do. Thom thinks about his career, for a brief second, and he almost pushes the shutter, the button that has the power to keep time standing still, for now and forever. He has the power to expose the emotions and lives of people, including this family, that have to re-live these experiences for the rest of their life. He can see the joy on the faces of his executives, and the awards that would be engraved with his name. If pictures are worth a thousand words, then his â€Å"perfect picture† will be worth a million! Thom finally decides there is still no way to justify this intrusion of private family affairs. He shows courage in his decision and great confidence in his ability as a reporter. James Thom is making the right decision in not taking the opportunity to snap the perfect photograph. In today’s society the media takes advantage of the common people, and profits from the world’s misfortunes. In the era this story is taking place, the media is no different. The media believes they have the right to intrude into people’s lives, take what they want, and assume no responsibility and reap no consequences for their actions. Newspapers, TV stations, and so forth, call this their right to free speech. Watching a reporter taking pictures, pushing shoving and crowding around the scene, is like watching a group of wild hyenas fighting each other for one piece of dead carcass. On one side, there would be those that believe pictures, events, and the news, regardless of the subject matter are public property as long as it’s done in the name of media material. Reporters, journalist and photographers all fall into the same category. They are there to find the story, and if there is not a story present. They construct one to create intrigue for their customers. Most of the media is ruthless, cold and with hearts of stone. These beasts stop at nothing to get what they need to fulfill the greed in their soul.

Dance Your Work What Would That Look Like

Dance Your Work What Would That Look Like This week I got inspired again by a dance camp moment. A friend of mine, a photographer, approached me to say goodbye as he was leaving camp today. Before he left, he was compelled to tell me about a class where he was given the opportunity to â€Å"dance† his work. He began showing me his dance. I have done a lot of dancing in my time, but I have never danced my work. I’m willing to bet you haven’t either. Can you imagine what it would look like? I watched my friend dance. He takes photos of many women for their on line dating profiles, and he discovered through his dance that clicking the shutter is just a small part of what he does; the main dance is his connection with the person being photographed- the way he draws them out from being somewhat nervous at the beginning to shining out with their most attractive selves. I could see as he danced the joy that this process of discovery and opening gave him. He finished his dance, and it was my turn. What is the dance I do with my clients? Surprising to me, the first place I went was toward my ears. Hands cycling up toward my ears and back out, listening, taking in information, listening, always listening. Then the fingers start typing out what I’ve heard. There are pauses†¦ long periods of sitting with information, tossing it around in my mind, exploring, then a flurry of typing activity and the words flowing out into meaning and expression. I was pleased to discover that the essence of my work is listening; the dance brought me to that essence in seconds. I realize this might be a stretch, but what would happen if you danced your work? Where would the essence lie? What is at the heart of what you do each day? Perhaps it would be worth a try to discover something new through your own work/dance. So I invite you†¦ stand up†¦ close your eyes†¦ and begin.

Film Review on Welcome to Dongmakgol

Film Review on Welcome to Dongmakgol Welcome to Dongmakgol is a thrilling, inspirational pacifist film that portrays the remarkable directorial presentation of film-maker, Park Kwang Hyeon. Filmed amidst the setting of the Korean War, this serious conflict explores the congregating trails of a crowd of bitter opponents who found more than what they expected in the serene village called Dongmakgol.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Film Review on ‘Welcome to Dongmakgol’ specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This fortuitous gathering starts when Smith (an American pilot) crashes in the suburbs of Dongmakgol and is invited in by the villagers who, despite their humorous language barriers, tried their best to make the American feel relaxed and at-home. Later, Smith was joined by the last existing affiliates of a fated squad of North Korea’s territorial armies: Lee Su-Hwa (commanding officer), Jang and nationalistic teen fighter Taek-Ki; all the se soldiers ended following a dazed villager named Yeo Il back to the village. As expected, the North Koreans got angry when Lieutenant Pyo Hyun-Chul and Seo Jae-Gyung (South Korean soldiers) entered serene village. The villagers, who did not know that the war was destroying their nation, were left wondering what the commotion was all about. The story then continues just as anticipated by the viewers with the soldiers overcoming their distrust, discovering common ground, performing male-bonding rituals, and slipping with twisted easiness into the agricultural life, before taking weapons once more to guard their newfound home against US troops. Interesting and unique plot implements the immensity of the lengthy movie. Even though the characters are likable and have an authentic relationship that is satisfying to the viewers, every element of this film is naturally conventional and predictable. After a forceful confrontation involving the soldiers that hastily turns uproarious thanks to the nonchalant, unemotional reactions of the villagers, a lost hand bomb ends up demolishing the food stores of the villagers. Noticing the harshness of their deeds, the two sides create a cautious ceasefire agreeing to assist the villagers to restock the storehouse.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Though bewildered by the villagers lifestyle, the soldiers later understood that they had found a type of utopia where principles mean nothing and the mistakes from the past can be left in the past. Nevertheless, just as they begin to inhabit into this serene new world, outer forces continue to make threats to obliterate Dongmakgol. Even though the soldiers can stick together to defend their new acquired acquaintances, can their forces and Dongmakgol survive? Although the film is predictable, it keeps the viewer wondering what will be the fate of Dongmakgol; this element m akes the movie extremely fascinating. Welcome to Dongmakgol features a score by Joe Hasaishi based on the play by Jang Jin, thus making it a complete experience. It can make the viewer cry, laugh and create all sorts of engaging emotions. It is the type of pacifist movie that feels neither ham-fisted nor superficial. Regardless of its setting, it is not entirely a film about Korean re-unification but instead revolves around the notion of tranquility and harmony in general by using South and North disagreement as a way to draw attention to the illogicality and irrationality of war. But again, it demonstrates this concept without preaching. Perhaps the most outstanding and arresting aspect about Welcome to Dongmakgol is its liberal and plentiful use of hilarity and paranormal practicality to entwine its amiable little story. Even though its message is serious, the movie balances its most abstemious elements with an excellent measure of humor. In a different perspective, the movie feel s like a thriving gag-a-minute comedy, whose funny stories are too many to talk about in this review. One attention-grabbing sequence in the movie is the spontaneous pig attack that is shown in slow motion, which leaves the viewer and possibly the whole casting crew amused throughout its time-span. Once more, spontaneous slow-motion boar hunt is something which has to be witnessed to be accepted as true filmmakers and actors should include this pessimistic CGI-laden break in their films.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Film Review on ‘Welcome to Dongmakgol’ specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The production produce a great perfection of pitch which was mainly contributed by the directors and the supporting crew, with noticeable and outstanding film actors like Kang Hye-Jung (performing as innocent Yeo-II) and Jung (performing as North Korean commanding officer). Within the fixed period, the film-makers did their best to make the cast well-formed and pleasing, especially the soldiers. Even though Miyazaki (Japans greatest animation directors) is cited by Park Kwang-Hyeon as an influence (noticeable influence in the film), there is a different Japanese filmmaker that reflects mainly in the stirring ending (Choi 170). When men decided to fasten their arms, fighting a good fight on behalf of the village is the sequence that stirs up memories of The Seven Samurai. However, rather than feeling dutiful or artificial, there is a sense of truthful comradeship that is seen in the film. This comradeship has not only been promoted by the actors of the film but also those who performed earlier. The unavoidably heartbreaking conclusion made the film to end more successfully. At the end of the day, watching the film is an experience that reflects the sentiments and emotions of the characters it portrays. Just like the defense forces in the movie, it is possible that the viewers also do not want the ir experience in Dongmakgol to end. I definitely did not, and am enthusiastically in anticipation of the next movie from its endowed young director. I believe the public would be waiting in anticipation if the next film is brilliant and thrilling as this one. In conclusion, there are so many positive things to say about Welcome to Dongmakgol. For instance, the camera works are extremely beautiful and triumphs in creating an almost wraithlike environment, bringing the village and the verdant that surrounds it to life. The movie all together has a refined, cultured, sophisticated and a sleek look, however some scenes are sub-standard. Some people may find the slow-motion involving the boar attack strange, but I found it eye-catching and interesting.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More One cannot doubt the genuineness of Welcome to Dongmakgol or its authentic complexity. However, its lack of objective or effort to do anything original with an inadequately prescribed plot is evident. Although it is engaging, amusing and likeable, Kwang-Hyun Park’s film offers more than just a comical experience, if not diversion. This however does not make the film sub-standard or mediocre, but instead it is very interesting and the message being conveyed is serious. The comical scenes are captivating thus creating suspense and expectancy. One thing I love about this film is that three different sides of this war came together in the reserved Dongmakgol village. Even if they detested each other in the beginning and they did not understand each other due to communication and cultural barriers, they still united as one. They also created strong bonds with the villagers and became one people. It is a great film portraying strong ethical bonds among the Koreans. Choi, Jinhee. T he South Korean film renaissance: local hitmakers, global provocateurs, USA: Wesleyan University Press, 2010. Print.

Cost to Taxpayers for Use of Government-Owned Airplanes

Cost to Taxpayers for Use of Government-Owned Airplanes The President of the United States and the Vice President are not the only non-military U.S. government officials who regularly fly on aircraft (Air Force One and Two) owned and operated by the U.S. government at the cost of taxpayers. The U.S. Attorney General and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) not only fly - for business and pleasure on aircraft owned and operated by the Department of Justice; they are required to do so by executive branch policy. Background: The Justice Department Air Force According to a recent report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Department of Justice (DOJ) owns, leases and operates a fleet of airplanes and helicopters used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Marshals Service (USMS). While many of the DOJs aircraft, including a growing number of unmanned drones, are used for counterterrorism and criminal surveillance, drug smuggling interdiction, and transporting prisoners, other aircraft are used to transport certain executives of the various DOJ agencies for official and personal travel. According to the GAO, the U.S. Marshals Service currently operates 12 aircraft primarily for air surveillance and prisoner transportThe FBI primarily uses its aircraft for mission operations but also operates a small fleet of large-cabin, long-range business jets, including two Gulfstream Vs, for both mission and nonmission travel. These aircraft possess long-range capabilities that enable FBI to conduct long-distance domestic and international flights without the need to stop for refueling. According to the FBI, the DOJ rarely authorizes the use of the Gulfstream Vs for nonmission travel, except for travel by the Attorney General and FBI Director. Who Flies and Why? Travel aboard the DOJs aircraft can be for mission-required purposes or for nonmission purposes - personal travel.Requirements for the use of government aircraft by the federal agencies for travel are established and enforced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the General Services Administration (GSA). Under these requirements, most agency personnel who make personal, nonmission, flights on government aircraft must reimburse the government for the use of the aircraft. But Two Executives Can Always Use Government Aircraft According to the GAO, two DOJ executives, the U.S. Attorney General and the FBI Director, are designated by the President of the United States as required use travelers, meaning they are authorized to travel aboard DOJ or other government aircraft regardless of their trip purpose, including personal travel.Why? Even when they travel for personal reasons, the Attorney General seventh in the line of presidential succession and the FBI Director are required to have special protective services and secure communications while in flight. The presence of top-level government executives and their security details on regular commercial aircraft would be disruptive and increase the potential risk to other passengers.However, DOJ officials told the GAO that until 2011, the FBI Director, unlike the Attorney General, was allowed the discretion to use commercial air service for his personal travel.The Attorney General and the FBI Director are required to reimburse the government for any travel m ade aboard government aircraft for personal or political reasons. Other agencies are allowed to designate required use travelers on a trip-by-trip basis. How Much Does It Cost Taxpayers? The GAOs investigation found that from fiscal years 2007 through 2011, three U.S. Attorneys General Alberto Gonzales, Michael Mukasey and Eric Holder - and FBI Director Robert Mueller made 95% (659 out of 697 flights) of all Department of Justice nonmission-related flights aboard government aircraft at a total cost of $11.4 million.Specifically, notes the GAO, the AG and FBI Director collectively took 74 percent (490 out of 659) of all of their flights for business purposes, such as conferences, meetings, and field office visits; 24 percent (158 out of 659) for personal reasons; and 2 percent (11 out of 659) for a combination of business and personal reasons.According to the DOJ and FBI data reviewed by the GAO, the Attorneys General and the FBI Director fully reimbursed the government for flights made on government aircraft for personal reasons.Of the $11.4 million spent from 2007 through 2011, for flights taken by the Attorneys General and FBI Director, $1.5 million was spent to r elocate the aircraft they used from a secret location to Ronald Reagan National Airport and back. The FBI also uses the unmarked, covert airport to initiate sensitive operations.Except for travel by the Attorney General and the FBI Director, GSA regulations provide that taxpayers should pay no more than necessary for transportation and that travel on government aircraft may be authorized only when a government aircraft is the most cost effective mode of travel, noted the GAO. In general, the agencies are required to book air travel on more cost-effective commercial airlines whenever possible.In addition, the federal agencies are not allowed to consider personal preference or convenience when considering alternative modes of travel. The regulations allow the agencies to use government aircraft for non-mission purposes only when no commercial airline can fulfill the agencys scheduling demands, or when the actual cost of using a government aircraft is the same as or less than the cost of flying on a commercial airline. How Many Airplanes do the Federal Agencies Own? In July 2016, the Government Accountability Office reported that 11 non-military executive branch federal agencies owned 924 aircraft, excluding those that are loaned, leased, or otherwise provided to other entities. The inventory of aircraft included: 495 fixed-wing airplanes,414 helicopters,14 unmanned aircraft systems (drones), and1 glider. The Department of State owned the most aircraft (248), making it the federal government’s largest non-military aviation fleet. The combined 11 agencies reported spending approximately $661 million to use and maintain their owned aircraft in fiscal year 2015. Besides basic transportation, the aircraft are used for a variety of purposes, including law enforcement, scientific research, and firefighting.

Gun control Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gun control - Annotated Bibliography Example or public safety over guns; and the core of the debate is but the very Second Amendment, which has reduced the public response to the gun-aided carnage to mere outrage. The author notes with some sense of certainty that though defeated in the past, attempts at gun control legislations is not over, and will soon raise its head yet again and again. He singles out the â€Å"defense† aspect of the Second Amendment noting that the law has always recognized the right to one’s security, liberty, and private property, and it is from these fundamental rights that necessitate the right to bear arms just in case â€Å"the sanctions of society and/or laws are insufficient to restrain oppressive violence.† It is on this account that laws that infringe on the right to self-defense have and will fail the constitutionality test, hence the Heller setting a dark cloud over gun control laws enacted [and to be] in the United States. Like other academics and law experts, Chemerinsky concludes that the debate over the Second Amendment is far from over, but will never get resolved. His opening comment that â€Å"guns have become an important symbol of freedom to a majority of American public† is but a perfect description of the American public over guns, and that it is harder to envisage any side of the debate giving room for opposing arguments. This article, without a doubt, makes a fundamental contribution to the gun debate, more particularly with regards to navigating the muddy arguments that threaten to overrun public safety as evident by the incidences of gun violence witnessed so far. By no surprise, Desmond Cameron, like many other scholars begins his narrative with the Virginia Tech gun tragedy, terming it the â€Å"deadliest† as any other would call it. Indeed, as he notes, the incident, like no other, has kept the debate on gun control much alive that any other in the history of the United States, with gun control proponents blaming easy access to guns while gun rights

Resent Collapse of Financial Sector in Southeast Asia in 1997 Essay

Resent Collapse of Financial Sector in Southeast Asia in 1997 - Essay Example Maintenance of sufficient current account balance is identified as the successful management strategy to prevent these financial crises in future. The secondary source of information revealed some more meaningful strategies. South East Asia comprises of nations like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Hongkong and South Korea. They were recognized as tiger economies as the rate of economic growth was quite phenomenal within a short period. However, the economies of South East Asian countries witnessed a debacle in 1997-1998 leading to the sudden collapse of the financial sector. The South East Asian financial meltdown, experienced in late 1997, was considered to be one of the most serious financial debacles we have had since the 1930s. Approximately an amount of more than a trillion dollars was eroded during this crisis. It took considerably longer period for all these nations to witness the past glory, to recover from this financial crisis. However, there was a substantial recovery in some of the region's markets and investors sorted out specific strengths and weaknesses, differentiating among national economies. The weaknesses in financial markets of China and Japan were als o exposed. Hence there is a strong need to study and analyze the factors responsible for this debacle so that efficient management measures can be taken for preventing the similar type of incidents in future. Keeping this in view the present study is being formulated with the following research aim and objectives. Several researchers documented the causes for South East Asian financial crisis of 1997 (FN 1, FN 2, FN 3 and FN 4, FN 5 and FN 6, FN 7 and FN 8, FN 9). The East Asian financial crisis was reported to be originated in July 1997 in Thailand and it severely affected currencies, stock exchanges and other asset prices in several Asian countries, many considered Tiger economies (FN 10).

Human Resource Management Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 8250 words

Human Resource Management - Thesis Example With the aim to study how trust and loyalty enhances performance, three objectives were laid out in the first chapter. After extensive literature review of the theories and principle of the different HR programs that organizations adopt, a qualitative study was conducted to determine the employment relationships post economic recession 2008. The research was based on data from secondary sources as collection of primary data was not possible due to certain constraints. All the objectives have been achieved. The study concludes that open and honest communication enhances loyalty and trust, enhances the employment relationship which ultimately results in better performance. Long-term relationships between employers and employee can be established when open communication exists in the organization. The findings suggest that after the economic downturn employers realize the value of maintaining employee relationship. They also recognize that while financial incentives have limitations, du ring downturn, this should not be cut back as this could go against the interests of the company. This has prompted the companies to reverse their decisions. Overall, intrinsic motivation alone can lead to sustained relationships and this can happen only when the worker enjoys what he does. The study concluded by suggesting further areas of research and the limitation to the study were provided. Internationalization and globalization have caused labor market changes as the socio-economic environment of business has changed. Labor market changes have brought about changes in the employer-employee relationship. The employer-employee relationship cannot be generalized as it would differ across nations, cultures. The interaction and communication between employer and employee would also depends upon the on the industry and the size of the organization. The economic downturn has a direct impact on the employer brand and employee loyalty. Employer brand has become important to attract the

PROJECT and investment report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

PROJECT and investment report - Essay Example This trend is majorly visible in China. In India, although there are strong government regulations against the practice of consuming wine, the young generation of the country are increasingly showing greater interest towards wine drinking. This paper presents a comparative study of the social-economic, political and financial conditions of two countries, India and China. Based on the information revealed, a particular country is chosen in which an Australian wine producing firm might invest for making international expansion. 2. Market Research Market size and potential growth Country China India Potential demand Drinking wine is one of the oldest traditions in China. This tradition can be dated as long as 5000 years back in the history of the country to. Brewing was a dominant industry in China. Wine made from food grains (such as rice) and grapes are the most favourite drinks for the people of China. This shows that the potential demand for wine in the country is quite high. Recent studies reveal that wine consumption by the population of China is showing an increasing trend over the period of last ten years. According to various researchers, consumption of wine by the Chinese would almost become double of the current figure (UPENN, 2012). Pattern of changes in the society as well as the economy has been the major thrust behind the changing trends in wine consumption in China. The market for wine in India is changing. The rise of the retail industry and the growing middle class in India acts as a catalyst to the growth of wine industry in the country. According to recent research, wine consumption in India reflects tremendous growth since the beginning of the 21st century. Wine market in India has increased by almost 30 percent between 2003 and 2010. As a result of globalization, India has been exposed to western culture. The middle class in the country is fast accepting and adapting to the western fashion. Although India does not have a heritage of drinking wine, practice of wine consumption is increasing, particularly, in social occasions. In the past, only the males in elite class used to patronize wine drinking culture. However, presently, the high income middle class is gradually becoming a loyal customer base for wine sellers. Costs Cost of the product is determined by the cost of the raw material used in the production of the good and cost of other inputs. Grapes are one of the major ingredients used in wine production. China has grape vines covering 1.25 million acres. Half of the produce is dedicated for the production of wine (G. G. Brostrom and J. Brostrom, 2008). Since there is adequate availability of grapes in China and cheap labour is also available, costs of producing wine in China is not very high. In India, the government protects the domestic wine industry against competition from foreign producers. Although cheap labour is available in abundance, other ingredients, such as grapes, are costly. This makes cost of produ cing quality wine quite high in India. Sellers often discriminate among the target customers with regard to pricing policies. While prices of certain products are lowered to attract more customers, while prices of premium brands are kept high. The premium products are generally consumed by the rich customers, who have a taste for wine developed through consuming wine over a long period of time. Degree of competitiveness China is emerging as a super market for global

Environmental Hazards and Human Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Environmental Hazards and Human Health - Essay Example The decomposition of garbage very much involves the work of bacteria. The rate of decomposition is enhanced by the presence of leachate. As the wastes are degraded by the bacteria, gases are emitted mainly methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas whose emissions pose a threat to the environment (WeGreen-USA, 2014) The liquid that percolates or filters through the dump is referred to as Leachate. The sources of leachate would be rainwater or the liquids in the waters. Rainwater normally hit collected trash; pooling occurs and run off may ensue. The lacerate would thus become toxic since it will mix ground water (WeGreen-USA, 2014). The landfills are the most commonly used method of waste disposal. The old landfills were mainly composed of a bottom liner and a cover. The old landfills failed to adequately prevent the contamination of the environment with wastes. The leachate was not collected hence it trickled down to the ground bringing about the contamination of ground water. In addition, the wastes were exposed to the environment hence attracting pests. The decomposition of older landfills took more time since cover of the landfills was not properly structured. The modern landfill contains a leachate collecting system, a bottom liner and a cover. This minimizes the possibility of wastes escaping into the ground. The modern landfills are constructed with safeguards. The water is normally covered to avoid attracting the pests. In addition, compaction of the waste is carried out order to increase the density and stability. This means that more waste can be disposed of using the landfill method. Modern landfills are designed in ways that protect the environment from contamination. Landfills prevent hydraulic connections between the waste and the environment mainly ground water (WeGreen-USA, 2014) The old landfills were not properly structured and allowed communication with the environment. This can be attributed to the poor ground layer, the

Technology and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Technology and Society - Essay Example While the instrumental theory sees technology as an instrument, the substantive theory sees technology changing society. 1) What does technology or media determinism mean Technology determinism seeks to explain social and historical phenomena in terms of one principal or determining factor. It focuses on causality - cause and effect relationships - a focus typically associated with scientific explanation. 2) What are technology-led theories Technology is seen as a 'prime mover' in history; particularly technological development, communication technologies, media, or technology in general are the sole or prime antecedent of changes in society and technology is seen as the fundamental condition underlying the pattern of social organization. 4) What does reductionism mean in terms of technological determinism Reductionism aims to reduce a complex whole to the effects of one part (or parts) upon another part (or parts). It is utilized in a linear or one way manner. Technological determinism is mono-causal. It offers a single cause or 'independent variable'. 5) Describe the difference between reductionism and holism. Reductionism discusses a complex whole in terms of parts.

Environmental Hazards and Human Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Environmental Hazards and Human Health - Essay Example The decomposition of garbage very much involves the work of bacteria. The rate of decomposition is enhanced by the presence of leachate. As the wastes are degraded by the bacteria, gases are emitted mainly methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas whose emissions pose a threat to the environment (WeGreen-USA, 2014) The liquid that percolates or filters through the dump is referred to as Leachate. The sources of leachate would be rainwater or the liquids in the waters. Rainwater normally hit collected trash; pooling occurs and run off may ensue. The lacerate would thus become toxic since it will mix ground water (WeGreen-USA, 2014). The landfills are the most commonly used method of waste disposal. The old landfills were mainly composed of a bottom liner and a cover. The old landfills failed to adequately prevent the contamination of the environment with wastes. The leachate was not collected hence it trickled down to the ground bringing about the contamination of ground water. In addition, the wastes were exposed to the environment hence attracting pests. The decomposition of older landfills took more time since cover of the landfills was not properly structured. The modern landfill contains a leachate collecting system, a bottom liner and a cover. This minimizes the possibility of wastes escaping into the ground. The modern landfills are constructed with safeguards. The water is normally covered to avoid attracting the pests. In addition, compaction of the waste is carried out order to increase the density and stability. This means that more waste can be disposed of using the landfill method. Modern landfills are designed in ways that protect the environment from contamination. Landfills prevent hydraulic connections between the waste and the environment mainly ground water (WeGreen-USA, 2014) The old landfills were not properly structured and allowed communication with the environment. This can be attributed to the poor ground layer, the

Child Support Agency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Child Support Agency - Essay Example Applying the knowledge acquired by putting it to best use would hold better meaning and compliment a good systems practitioner. In addition to this experience is a very good teacher and the more experience I get, the more useful it would be in helping me become an asset to any institution as a good systems practitioner. The term ‘managing complexity’ means many things to me. Firstly, as the phrase suggests, it means helping people in various difficult situations to overcome their fears and anxiety and make their lives more simple and easy to accept. Secondly, it means getting people who are in very complex environments to come to terms with their situation by finding good solutions for them. This would greatly serve to boost their confidence and give them enough courage to manage other complexities that they may face in future. For Example, if a lady is facing woman beating in an alcohol abusive marriage and there are children involved, helping her to come out of her complex situation and manage her life and family in the best way possible. Multi- cause diagrams are exceptionally very useful in finding out the root cause to any problem. It is a sort of brain storming with a whole lot of questions that arise from the situation or event which presents itself as a complex problem. These qu estions would give a lot to reflect upon and analyze the chief cause that led to the present complex situation. They serve to untangle one’s thinking, help better understanding and identify areas of intervention. E.g. divorce. The controlled model diagrams are used to visualize and analyzing a situation within a very limited framework to give a more clearer picture and thereby makes it easier to arrive at the solution and intervention stage.  

Physicochemical Profile of Synthesized Ferulate Esters

Physicochemical Profile of Synthesized Ferulate Esters PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SYNTHESIZED FERULATE ESTERS INTRODUCTION Today, there are ongoing attempts to use ferulic acid derivatives in several different areas of food (Manore et al. 2011), cosmetic (Di Domenico et al., 2009) and pharmaceutical (Shanthakumar et al., 2012; Suzuki et al., 2007) products due to their effective antioxidant properties by trapping and stabilizing radical species (Ergun et al., 2011). Transesterification with lipophilic molecules allows a better transportation of the compounds in different medium (Scapagnini et al., 2004) whereas selection of olive oil may improve the medicinal and cosmetic values (Viola Viola, 2009) of the synthesized products. Considering the promising results, this study was designed to delineate the profile for the synthesized ferulate esters. Mandloi et al. (2004) proposed that one of the most important stages to accomplish in the development of a new compound is the adequate physicochemical characterization, in order to determine the quality and help to describe the present conditions. Therefore, the physicochemical properties of synthesized ferulate esters were studied in term of sun protection factor (SPF) value, peroxide value, saponification value and iodine value. MATERIALS AND METHODS Materials Solvents and chemicals (ethanol, chloroform, potassium iodide, acetic acid, sodium thiosulfate, starch, potassium hydroxide, phenolphthalein, hydrochloric acid, Wij’s solution) were purchased from Merck, Germany. SPF Value The procedure has been previously described by Dutra et al. (2004). 1.0 g of sample was weighed, transferred to a 100 mL volumetric flask, diluted to volume with ethanol, followed by ultrasonication for 5 min and then filtered through cotton, rejecting the ten first mL. A 5.0 mL aliquot was transferred to 50 mL volumetric flask and diluted to volume with ethanol. Then a 5.0 mL aliquot was transferred to a 25 mL volumetric flask and the volume completed with ethanol. The absorption spectra of sample in solution were obtained by using UV/Vis spectrometer (Perkin Elmer, Lambda 750) in the range of 290 to 450 nm using 1 cm quartz cell, and ethanol as blank. The absorption data were obtained in the range of 290 to 320, every 5 nm, and 3 determinations were made at each point, followed by the application of Mansur equation: SPF spectrophotometric value =CF x ∑ EE x I x Abs (Equation 4) Where,CF = correction factor (=10) EE = erythemal effect spectrum I = solar intensity spectrum Abs = absorbance of the sample The values of EE x I are constants and showed in Appendix D. Peroxide Value About 5.0 g of sample was weighed into a 250 mL conical flask. 10 mL of chloroform was added and swirled to dissolve the sample. The mixture was then mixed with 15 mL acetic acid and 1 mL potassium iodide solution. The mixture was further leaved for 5 minutes in a dark place. Then, 30 mL of distilled water was added followed by 1 mL of starch indicator. The solution was titrated with 0. 05 N of sodium thiosulfate until the blue color disappeared. The peroxide value is given by: Peroxide value =[(S – B) x N x 1000] / W (Equation 5) Where,S = volume of titrant (mL) for sample (ferulate esters) B = volume of titrant (mL) for blank N = normality of sodium thiosulfate solution (mmol/mL) 1000 = conversion of units (g/kg) W = sample (ferulate esters) mass (g) Saponification Value 2.0 g of sample was weighed into a 250 mL conical flask. About 25 mL of ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution was added. The mixture was then refluxed for 60 min. 1 mL of phenolphthalein solution was added and the mixture was titrated with the 0.5 N of hydrochloric acid until the pink color of the indicator just disappeared. The saponification value is given by: Saponification value =[(B – S) x N x 56.1] / W (Equation 6) Where,B = volume of titrant (mL) for blank S = volume of titrant (mL) for sample (ferulate esters) N = normality of hydrochloric acid (mmol/mL) 56.1 = molecular weight of potassium hydroxide (g/mol) W = sample (ferulate esters) mass (g) Iodine Value The sample for about 2.0 g was weighed into a 500 mL stoppered flask and 10 mL of chloroform was added. After that, 25 mL of Wij’s solution was pipetted into the flask, stoppered, and swirled to well-mix the mixture. The flask was then stored in the dark place for 30 minutes at room temperature and after that, 20 mL of potassium iodide (KI) was added followed with the addition of 100 mL freshly boiled and cooled distilled water. Then, the mixture was titrated with 0.1 N sodium thiosulphate solutions (Na2S2O3) until the yellow colour almost disappeared. 1-2 mL of starch indicator was then added and the titration was continued until the blue colour just disappeared. A blank determination was carried out under the same condition. The iodine value is given by: Iodine value = [(B – S) x N x 126.9] / W (Equation 7) Where,B = volume of titrant (mL) for blank S = volume of titrant (mL) for sample (ferulate esters) N = normality of sodium thiosulphate (mmol/mL) 126.9 = molecular weight of iodine (g/mol) W = sample (ferulate esters) mass (g) RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS SPF Value Level of sun protection on the skin has traditionally been estimated using the sun protection factor (SPF). Sunscreen products with high SPF value may provide more adequate protection against the sun (Latha et al., 2013). Gregoris et al. (2011) claimed that sunscreen products are classified in conformity with their SPF values as it follows: from 2 to less than 12 are defined as minimal sun protection products, from 12 to under 30 is moderate sun protection products while sunscreens with SPF values of 30 or above are defined as high sun protection products. UV-Vis spectroscopy has been reported as a simple, rapid, and economic method in determining SPF values in many cosmetic formulations. This in vitro method is very useful as a screening test during product development before proceeding to the in vivo tests. In general, the method can be divided into two types: method that involve the measurement of absorption/transmission of UV radiation through sunscreen product films in quartz plates or biomembranes and method in which the absorption characteristics of the sunscreen agents are determined based on spectrophotometric analysis of dilute solutions (Kaur and Saraf, 2010; Dutra et al., 2004). Khazaeli and Mehrabani (2008) have successfully applied this technique through dilute solutions in determining SPF values of sixteen plants dissolved in methanol; Dracocephalum moldavica and Viola tricolor are found to have SPF values higher than 20 and suggested to be used in future topical sunscreens. Several nonvolatile and volatile herbal oils also being evaluated for their SPF values, where olive oil and coconut oil were revealed to have the best SPF values of 8 for nonvolatile herbal oil. On the other hand, peppermint oil and tulsi oil showed better SPF values of 7 than other volatile herbal oils which can be a potential candidate of perfumes during the formulation of sunscreens (Kaur and Saraf, 2010). Peroxide value There are several methods for evaluation of antioxidative action of a sample (Becker et al., 2004). The present method was used for the assessment of early oxidative changes in the ester through formation of primary oxidation products (peroxides and hydroperoxides). Peroxide value is defined as the milliequivalents (mEq) of peroxide per kilogram of sample. It is a redox titrimetric determination. High quality of products will have a peroxide value of zero. Peroxide values >20 correspond to very poor quality which normally would have significant off flavours (Nielsen, 2003). Saponification Value Since the fatty acids are attached to the glycerol backbone with ester bonds, the saponification value reflects the number of ester bonds per gram sample. It is simply defined as the number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide required to saponify 1 g of ester. Therefore, the saponification value is an important measurement to indicate the mean molecular weight of the sample’s triacylglycerols (Wrolstad et al., 2005). Iodine Value The iodine value of an ester is used to measure the degree of unsaturation. The test measures the reaction of the double bonds with halogen, in this case iodine. Ekop et al. (2007) has reported that the higher the degree of unsaturation, the higher the iodine value. It expresses the concentration of the unsaturated fatty acids, together with the extent to which they are unsaturated, in a single number, and therefore was a simple and very useful quality number parameter. The properties of ferulate esters in term of SPF value, peroxide value, saponification value and iodine value are displayed in Table 6.1. Table 6.1:Â  Properties of ferulate esters No Test Unit 1 SPF value 16.0131 2 Peroxide value 17.52 3 Saponification value 191.3 4 Iodine value 88.02 CONCLUSION Physicochemical profile of synthesized ferulate esters was well examined where medium SPF value and peroxide value were attained. This indicates the products synthesized have a good antioxidant value for further used.

candy chromatography Essay -- essays research papers

Candy chromatography   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My experiment is called candy chromatography. This project is mainly about the colors that are mixed with other colors to make candy markers Koolaid and much more. I think that only the color of the candy is going to show up on the coffee paper. I think that threw the entire experiment the color in the candy is going to show up the entire time. I think this is going to happen because most of the colors are solid colors.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The material and equipment used was a sample of candy such as M&M’s, skittles, and Reese’s pieces. Set food colors for comparison. Filter paper or coffee filters. 0.1% salt solution {1/8 tsp salt in 3 cups of water}. Clear plastic 9 oz cups. Blow dryer. Also you will need some toothpicks and small {1 oz} plastic cups. This are the materials and equipment we used for this experiment .the objective of the experiment is to use the technique of paper chromatography to show that it can be used to separate from each other in a mixture. To understand the principles of paper chromatography.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The procedure for this experiment are: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Put 4 candies of the same color in a cup. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Add 5 or 6 drops of water. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When the white color of the candy comes out, remove and discard the candy. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Add 4 more candies of the same color. (Do not add m...

What is the Meaning of Freedom? :: What Does Freedom Mean?

Freedom is often spoken of in what can be referred to as a loose sense of the word. One country has more freedom than another; a twenty-one year old has more freedom than a fifteen year old. What exactly does this word mean? For different people it may mean different things, but there has to be an equilibrium that can be reached in order to determine the meaning of freedom itself. In one form, freedom can mean that a person has "exemption from an obligation."* If only the root (free) is looked at, it can be interpreted that one is "not under the control or power of another."* However often the latter definition is used, it is also disagreed with, and for good reason: there is always a ruler, although the ruler may not necessarily be in the form of a person or group of persons. Take, for instance, the human body. It consists of basically three things, as far as ruling powers are concerned: prudence, will, and raw appetite. Raw appetite can be looked at as what we have without reason, will is what can control raw appetite (or desires that we have without reason), and prudence is that which provides a choice between will and raw appetite. Prudence has the ability to choose between the two options. This is just one example of how a ruler must always exist, although it may not have a physical form. Taking this into consideration, the meaning of freedom can further be explored. Perhaps it can be defined as having the liberty to choose who/what the ruler is to be. For, since nothing can exist without having some form of rule, if people are not permitted to choose what the ruling factor is, then that would not be considered having freedom. What is the Meaning of Freedom? :: What Does Freedom Mean? Freedom is often spoken of in what can be referred to as a loose sense of the word. One country has more freedom than another; a twenty-one year old has more freedom than a fifteen year old. What exactly does this word mean? For different people it may mean different things, but there has to be an equilibrium that can be reached in order to determine the meaning of freedom itself. In one form, freedom can mean that a person has "exemption from an obligation."* If only the root (free) is looked at, it can be interpreted that one is "not under the control or power of another."* However often the latter definition is used, it is also disagreed with, and for good reason: there is always a ruler, although the ruler may not necessarily be in the form of a person or group of persons. Take, for instance, the human body. It consists of basically three things, as far as ruling powers are concerned: prudence, will, and raw appetite. Raw appetite can be looked at as what we have without reason, will is what can control raw appetite (or desires that we have without reason), and prudence is that which provides a choice between will and raw appetite. Prudence has the ability to choose between the two options. This is just one example of how a ruler must always exist, although it may not have a physical form. Taking this into consideration, the meaning of freedom can further be explored. Perhaps it can be defined as having the liberty to choose who/what the ruler is to be. For, since nothing can exist without having some form of rule, if people are not permitted to choose what the ruling factor is, then that would not be considered having freedom.

Expatriate Policy of Schlumberger

Schlumberger is the largest oilfields services company with operation worldwide. It is the leader in the supply of technology, integrated project management and information solutions to customers in the oil and gas industry worldwide. It employs approximately 120000 people. The employees come from around 140 different nationalities working in around 85 countries around the world representing the diversity within the workforce of the company.It provides the widest range of services corresponding to the oil and gas industry ranging from exploration through production. For Schlumberger, it's defined by the terms such as knowledge, technical innovation and team work. These terms have formed the core of the company functionality for over 80 years which has enabled it to provide improved customer service and performance throughout these years. It has around 125 research and engineering facilities worldwide which enables innovation for improved customer delivery of services.Besides, the com pany works keeping its three core values concerning the people, technology and profits which form the basis of their work and future goals which are as follows: a. ) Our people thrive on the challenge to excel in ny environment and their dedication to safety and customer service worldwide is our greatest strength. b. ) Pur commitment to technology and quality is the basis for our competitive advantage. c. ) Our determination to produce future profits is the cornerstone for our future independence of action and strength. Who is an expatriate?An expatriate is a person and citizen of one country working in another country either temporarily or permanently. This term is commonly used to refer to the professionals or skilled workers who are sent abroad (with the same or a different culture) by the companies to work. Need for an expatriate The world scenario has changed at a rapid pace facilitating the movement of goods and services and ideas throughout the world. Not only has the world b ought the idea of the free movement, they have also set up organizations like WTO who make sure that more and more countries accept the idea and follow the same.Globalization and Liberalization is the new trend these days. The entire world has moved on from being an industrial economy to knowledge based economy which is connected through the power of networks. Everyone wants to take advantage of this facilitation and so do the companies. The companies are profit driven and this need to onstantly look for markets and new customers to sell their products and services. As such they need people who are endowed with the qualities required to help set up the business and at time also run it in a foreign country.The expatriates are required to handle critical international assignments on behalf of the company with strategic importance attached to them. They are expected to facilitate control of the corporate, facilitate the pathway for entry into the new markets, develop management compete ncies at the international level and frame a market or gain market share through their expertise in vital global markets. Attributes or predictors Job Factors a. ) Skills related to technology b. ) Level of familiarity with host and headquartered countrys operations c. ) Skills related to management d. Administration related competencies Relational Dimensions a. ) Tolerance level related to ambiguity b. ) Flexibility level related to behaviour. c. ) Non-judgementalism d. ) Empathy towards new culture and low level of ethnocentrism e. ) Well-developed inter personal skills Motivational State a. ) Belief in the mission of the company and the assignment b. ) Mission's alignment with the career path c. ) Personal interest in the assignment overseas . ) Interest in the culture of the country of assignment e. ) Willingness to learn new behaviour and attitude Family Situation a. Willingness of the spouse to move to the host country of assignment b. ) Nature of the spouse – adaptive and supportive c. ) Stability of the marriage or relationship Language Skills a. ) Skill level in the host countrys language b. ) Level of comfort or proficiency in the non-verbal communication Expatriate policy Eligibility In order to be eligible for the Expatriate Relocation Assistance program and other related benefits, the following must be fulfilled: a. ) Should currently be a full-time mployee. b. ) Has been asked to relocated as a result of the company initiated transfer c. Must meet the federal guidelines as laid down for a qualified move Post acceptance of the foreign assignment a. ) Assignment of the Cartus Relocation consultant: The consultant will act as a single point of contact during the entire duration of the relocation. Benefits The company has outlined a number of benefits for the expatriates for the convenient relocation and proper re-imbursement of the expenses too. The benefits outlined must be used within 12 months of the transfer date of the payroll or else he y will stand as lapsed and cannot be used beyond 12 months.The benefits cover every aspect of the move right from preparation to the final settlement of the expatriate in the host country as outlined below under the different headings. a. Payment of benefits: Certain rules have been laid down about the method of payment and reimbursement and tax benefits corresponding to the relocation be the Cartus consultant who will prescribe the required instructions. For the reimbursement all the receipts must be in original. All the relocation benefits must be claimed within the 12 months from the date of transfer. b.House hunting trip: In case the person does not own a house in the new location then the person is entitled to a house hunting trip for six nights/seven days including the spouse. The concerned person will also be entitled to round trip economic fare by air or train by the most direct route with one piece of luggage approved per passenger. Car rental will also be reimbursed from a designated firm. The person including the spouse is also liable for reasonable lodging and meals expenses. The number of lodging days may increase by one in case the person has travelled for more than 650 kilometres using one's own personal vehicle.Apart from these expenses the person is also entitles to such other expenses like highway and bridge polls, parking charges, domestic telephone calls and internet charges. In case there is also a baby then they are also entitled for baby-sitting and child-care services and corresponding charges. The amount fixed for the same is $50 per day per child with a maximum cap of $1 50 per day. c. Home finding assistance: In order to locate a primary residence, proper home finding assistance will be provided.In some of the cases, the person may be charged some home finding fees and the same shall be reimbursed on providing the riginal receipt of the same provided it does not exceed the one month rent of the house leased. The concerned person howe ver is required to get in touch with the consultant in order to review the wordings of the contract. d. Return home trip: In case the person has begun the assignment without the family members accompanying him, he is entitled to two return trips and an additional one in order to assist in the movement of household goods and for the family to accompany the concerned person to the new location.During the trip the person is also entitled to such other expenses like a piece of checked luggage, tolls and parking. The return trips are required to be scheduled three weeks apart and proper bills are required to be produced in order for the reimbursement. e. Lease cancellation: In the event of a lease cancellation and termination of the lease agreement before it expires, it is required to consult the Relocation consultant regarding the same in order to avoid lease-breaking penalties if any. The lease breaking penalty could be avoided if one can find a new or a subtle tenant.Still, the follow ing expenses are reimbursed in case the agreement is broken prior to the completion of the agreement which should not xceed $5000. The reimbursement can include lease-breaking penalty, sublet fees, loss of security deposit due to the termination of the lease but not due to repairs, duplication of rent, payment of lease in case of lease breakage. The reimbursement will not include such payments as pre-payment of the new area rent, payment of the rental security deposits, current damages and resulting costs or the loss of deposit, loss of special deposits and utility fees.However, such reimbursements are subject to condition that the person has not leased the premises of the relatives and has acated the house. Besides, a copy of the lease and an original receipt of the lease breakage fees are required. An original itemized signed letter from the complex or the landlord will also suffice. f. Movement of household goods: In order to be eligible for the reimbursement of the movement of t he household goods, the recognised consultation with the Relocation consultant and prior scheduling should be done at least 30 months prior to the date of movement.The 30 days is to allow proper survey of the goods, the size and cost of the same and also to allow for some time for packaging. Besides one must not make any attempt to do the packaging by him/her else there won't be any reimbursement under the insurance scheme. Also, such things like Jewellery, medical certificates, educational documents, children's immunization records, school records should be hand carried to the destination and should not be allowed to be packed or carried by the packing company.In order to make a claim against a damaged or lost item, a written estimate of the same must be provided before submitting the acclaim for settlement for the same. g. Temporary storage: In the case when one is unable to shift to the home in the new location, emporary storage facility shall be provided for the same for a perio d of 30 days and only those items which are part of the original household goods are eligible for storage and partial shipment is not allowed. h.Final move: During the course of the final move, the concerned will be reimbursed for reasonable travel costs for the person and other eligible family members. Besides original receipts must be kept and presented for the reimbursement of the same. The expenses which form a part of this include one way transportation of economic class air, economy class train fare hose reimbursement may require either boarding passes or non-refundable invoice. There will also be proper mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle with tolls.There also be reimbursement corresponding to lodging, beginning on departure day, ending on arrival day, 2 pieces of checked luggage per approved traveller, meals which does not include alcoholic beverages, beginning on departure day, ending on arrival day. i. Relocation allowance: In addition to the items which have alread y been discussed in the policy, the company also covers other relocation expenses. The concerned person is also entitled to receive a onetime relocation llowance equivalent to two months new base salary with an upper limit of $1 5000 per month.This comes into effect on the first day of the new work assignment or when the person actually moves. This allocation is aimed at providing greater flexibility in managing one's relocation expenses and directing the available resources to specific areas of need. J. Time of for packing and unpacking: The Company provides for two paid working days off for both the locations. Two days for packing and other two days for unpacking of the goods. k. Spousal career assistance: For the employees with their spouse having a career outside Schlumberger, efforts re made to assist the spouse in the Job search.A series of programmes have been initiated for the same as a part of these efforts. These programmes are offered through the service companies who pro vide Job search and opportunity development expertise. Services like resume preparation, assessing career direction, interviewing skills are some of the expertise that these companies excel in and reach out the same to the respective spouse. These might not lead to actual Job but may help immensely in providing valuable direction in the Job search. l. Tax information: In some of the ountries, some relocation expenses are considered as taxable income.As such the same will be reflected in the earnings as reimbursement and shall be intimated about the same. It will be the responsibility of the company to report to the Additionally, state or provincial taxes may vary by location of the residence. m. Termination: In case one resigns from the company for any of the reasons within one year of completing the move, he/she must, either on or before the effective date of resignation, reimburse the company for the amount paid the concerned person or to the third party in any form for benefits i n connection to the move.

Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” Essay

When Marlow talks of London being a dark place, the theme of civilization versus savagery comes into play. Marlow’s aunt believes he is an emissary of light, being sent into the darkness. Marlow sees this darkness through the placing of heads on poles, for a man named Kurtz. All of this makes Marlow change his inner feelings of himself, which relates to the theme of the journey of the inner self. Marlow talks of when the Romans first came to Britain, and how they had actually brought some light into the somberness of London, and how one day that light may disappear. This relates to the theme of dark and light. As Marlow tells of his voyage deeper into the unknown, his capacity for self-control is tested. Kurtz seems to inhabit his every thought. While this is happening, the theme of a journey into the inner self is seen again. There are certain patterns in â€Å"Heart of Darkness†; one of these is the theme of â€Å"threes†. There are three chapters, three women, three times Marlow breaks the story, three stations, three central characters and three views of Africa. Marlow indirectly suggests by referring to the Roman conquest, that the theme of colonialism has existed since the earliest times of human history. Colonialism is seen as one of the major themes in the book. When Marlow talks of London once being a dark place, the theme of civilization versus savagery comes into play. The book implies that civilizations are created by the setting of laws and codes that encourage men to achieve higher standards. London itself is seen as a symbol of enlightenment. We see this through Marlow and how he tells his crew that the Romans had brought a light into the darkness of Britain. Marlow and Kurtz are two antithetical examples of humanity. Kurtz represents what every man will become if left to his own desires, without a  protective, civilized society. Marlow represents the civilized soul that has not been drawn back into savagery by his â€Å"heart of darkness†. The book implies that every man has a â€Å"heart of darkness† that is usually drowned out by the light of civilization. However, when a man is removed from a civilized environment, the basic instinct of savagery must be unleashed. Savagery is linked to darkness, and in most parts of the book, we see Marlow  as the light in this darkness. Marlow’s aunt believes he is an emissary of light, being sent into the darkness. Marlow sees the darkness through the placing of heads on poles, for a man named Kurtz. All of this makes Marlow change his inner feelings about himself, which relates to the theme of the journey of the inner self. Through Marlow, the book creates a voyage of self-discovery. All of Marlow’s experiences point to a change him. The thoughts about the people he meets, and their behavior, slowly begins to change. Marlow’s trip from Europe to the outer, then central station tests his capacity to discriminate between good and evil, since he witnesses actions which directly ask him for a moral judgment, such as brutal beating of the native worker. Marlow’s detailed account of what he sees, shows his compassion. Conrad suggests that those who are unable of controlling their unconscious side, run the risk of losing control the their heart of darkness. Marlow talks of when the Romans first came to Britain, and how they brought light into the somberness of London. He also tells them that one day that light may disappear. This relates to the theme of dark and light. In â€Å"Heart of Darkness†, there is an obvious contrast between what is light and what is dark. Light seems to represent civilization, or the civilized side of humanity whilst dark represents the uncivilized or savage side of humanity. In this book, dark and light or black and white, have the same usual connotations of good and evil. According to Christianity, in  the beginning, everything was dark. The same thing applies to London before the Romans came. At the same time, Africa was considered â€Å"dark†, as most of it had not yet been discovered. However, as Marlow’s journey progresses, it appears that dark and light are used counter intuitively. Darkness refers to truth and light refers to falsehood. In Marlow’s interview with the Intended, the windows of the room, which are normally a source of light, are covered and let in little to no light at all, as in a mortuary. The â€Å"cold and monumental whiteness† of the fireplace adds to the deathlike atmosphere. This shows that Conrad had used dark and light inversely. We could assume that the dark could represent the unknown. As Marlow talks of his voyage deeper into this unknown, his capacity for self-control is tested. Kurtz seems to inhabit his every thought. While this is happening, the theme of a journey into the self and the unconsciousness is seen again. Marlow’s story clearly implies that the kind of world men make for themselves, and for others, results from the character of individual behavior. Kurtz appears to be stuck inside Marlow’s head. Every thought is focused in this man he has never met. Kurtz wins control of men through fear. His power over the natives almost destroys Marlow. Kurtz is actually a victim of the manager’s murderous cruelty. It is possible that Kurtz might never have revealed his evil nature, had he not been tortured by the manager. Marlow struggles with himself, the person he thought he was turns out to be a nobody. Marlow sees the â€Å"real† person he is, and fears himself. After seeing the Kurtz, Marlow realizes how much like Kurtz he has become and regains control from his heart of darkness. There are patterns noticeable in this book. One of these is the theme of â€Å"threes†. There are three chapters, three times Marlow breaks the story, three stations, three women, three central characters and three views of Africa. The three stations are the inner station, the central station  and the outer station. These are symbolic of the stages in Marlow’s journey of self-discovery. The inner station is the first station he goes to. Here, he sees how the natives are treated, and gets a glimpse of the things he may have to face in his future travels. He reaches the central station, and discovers that Kurtz may not be the man he first heard of. He was told that Kurtz was this wonderful man, who had plenty of power. Now, Marlow is beginning to see in his mind, someone that has followed his own ideas, and doesn’t care about anyone else. He struggles within himself to see if he is like this man. At first, he dismisses the idea that he could ever be that  kind of person, but soon after, he changes his opinion. The outer station is where Kurtz is finally reached. Conrad also uses imperialism as a major theme in the book. Marlow indirectly suggests by referring to the Roman conquest over Britain, that the theme of imperialism has existed since early human history. As Marlow tells his story, a different narrator, who is also a member on the ship they are traveling on, sees the Roman invaders to be like the English conquerors. He expresses that they were both â€Å"hunters for gold and pursuers of fame†. He does not understand that without the Roman invasion, Britain may have remained a dark country. Through Marlow’s tale of truth, pain, anxiety and the quest for complete knowledge, the major themes are revealed. Colonialism, the journey of the inner-self, the theme of â€Å"threes†, dark and light and civilization versus savagery. All of these themes lead to the understanding that Marlow’s voyage into the deepness of the Congo, is symbolic of the journey he had to take into the deepest side of himself. He successfully battled with his savage side, and came out a changed man. It just shows that no matter hoe perfect something seems to be, there is always a heart of darkness deep within somewhere.

Dealing with Complaints Essay

You know I have just moved to a new region and noticed the advertisement near by my house. I would like to know about your internet services. – Sure. first of all I want to know for what do you need the internet? For work? For communication? or may be for online games? – well, I think mostly for communication with my relatives abroad. -Ok, then how often do you use internet? -every day. – I have choose some variants for you. What kind of tariff do you prefer? limited or unlimited? unlimited, I think. – so there are 23$ and 17$ variants. Â  a days ago I have bought a new coat and didn’t noticed that there is a big hole inside! – oh, we are really sorry for it. ou can choose from several options: to refund, to replace or to repair it. -I think replacement is what I want. -wait me a minute. I’ll be back soon. Here it is. – thank you. -we apologies again for this defect How can I help you? – I would like to choose a mobile phone for present for my wife. -Well I can offer you this models. Women like it most of all. -Very good. My wife like to make a photos, so I need good camera within the phone. -ok, this models have a 16 megapixels camera. But I would recommend you this phone. It has wi-fi and 3g functions, big sized screen. Moreover this screen can react on nails! – that’s what I need. What is the price for it? -oh, lucky you! Right now we have sale on all phones of this series. It costs only 640$!!! -great. Can you say some words about the guarantees? – Of cause, it has a guarantee on 2 years. With opportunity to refund or replace it if something will go wrong. I forgot to said that it is available in 5 colors: black, white, pink, yellow and blue.

The Typical Firms in Hong Kong and Singapore Assignment

The Typical Firms in Hong Kong and Singapore - Assignment Example There are several methods that are currently being used to encourage economic growth for the typical firm in Hong Kong and Singapore. Four methods will be discussed in this paper namely: the development of well-functioning markets; enhancement access to productive opportunities; strengthening of the international framework of policies and institutions (U.S. Agency for International Development, 2008) and increase in the rate of technological progress. The development of well-functioning markets would include effective fiscal policies which focus on a fair, properly administered and implemented tax system. It should not be susceptible to corruption and must not be a hindrance to the economic activities of the country. The monetary policy plays a significant role in the economic growth of the country. It can either slow down or speed up the economy through manipulation of interest rates or the exchange rates (Johnson, 2005). Aside from an efficient fiscal and monetary policy, economic growth is promoted by removing the barriers to entry of foreign investors and promoting healthy competition among enterprises (USAID, 2008). Barriers to entry would include such aspects as corruption and too much red tape from the government. Foreign investors are also attracted to economies which have a strong system of intellectual property rights protection which minimizes investment risks. Systems of commercial law should also be in place for both the public and private institutions. The judicial system must be perceived as being fair and just and settlements of disputes must be expeditious and transparent. Other contributing factors in the development of well-functioning markets are the improvements in the agricultural development programs, support for infrastructure, trade capacity-building, financial sector reforms, enterprise development and privatization and workforce development. The second method that can be employed to encourage economic growth is to enhance access to pr oductive opportunities. This method would mean that both the poor and non-poor members of society should be given equal opportunity to become productive and contribute to the economy. All sectors of society should be given access to finance especially to sources of credit even without being able to offer adequate collateral. Banks, particularly the government-owned ones should offer financing programs for small and medium-scale enterprises. Aside from financial support, these small enterprises need access to other non-financial business services such as technical and supply chain expertise (USAID, 2008). This is necessary for the firms to be able to be competitive in the face of globalization. A country’s economic growth is fueled by a productive labor force. To achieve this, the labor markets must be able to create new jobs and at the same time assist in the improvement of the workers’ skills and productivity (U.S. Agency for International Development, 2008). Fair lab or practices, specifically protections and benefit programs for the workers must be observed to motivate them; thereby, increasing their productivity. Other ways of enhancing access to product

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

Short answer - Essay Example However, the state in availing welfare to the public acts within certain outlined guidelines meant to evaluate certain involved loses or costs, hence implement measures whose purpose is to limit excesses of some individual groups. Implementation of SOPA seeks to ensure public interest via shunning either intrusion or pirating of people’s intellectual property and counterfeit goods (â€Å"Economics Week†). Mainly, the provision of this enforcement involves requesting court to prevent advertising bodies and online payment facilities from conducting transactions with infringing websites or search engines (â€Å"Economics Week†). Hence, expand the already existing laws with the intention of safeguarding the public’s interest by barring streaming of unauthorized copyrighted content and imposing harsh sentences to the culprits not more than five years. as a result of this first â€Å" mass† medium of communication linguistic unity would be one of the broadcasting’s main effects establishing physical and cultural unification not only English, but proper, uninflected English would become the national standard/norm. defined as â€Å" pussy- willow† English Somehow, this will yield to the eroding of some cultural practices but with time. Since, the upcoming generation due to this implementation will tend to move away from their cultural norms and adopt the incoming practices or ways of life. This is to ensure they interact with others while contributing to varied issues being broadcasted, for instance, those pertaining to politics. They usually erode diverse and numerous archaic practices commonly held by people as taboo, hence prompting all genders assuming roles that were earlier prohibited. For instance, in acting whereby each gender and people from varied races can mimic whom they want in plays for the purpose of relaying the intended information. This has extended to the present but

Literature Jarhead, Anthony Swafford Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Literature Jarhead, Anthony Swafford - Essay Example Men are smart and men are animals, in that they don't want to die so simply for so little" (Jarhead 199). Being a fighter and a combatant, there would be some desire to fight and to kill. But striving to live in the battle is stronger and more urgent. They enter in the academy knowing that their lives are very much in danger. Being a soldier they know the consequences of their lives. They are the one who choose where to spend their lives. As a man of armor, their lives are important to us, the people whom they are protecting. They are the one who choose their purpose in life. They die in serving the nation. They die as a hero. Being a patriotic, a heroine man. Soldiers are parents too; they choose it just to give the best life that they can give to their love ones. As a parent who chooses by God to dwell a life they also feel the pain of being apart to their love ones. For my opinion, I disagree to the statement of Swofford. Being a human I also respect lives. I also treasure ones life. Money can be change, even other material things can be change. But our only one life that God given. It cannot be paid by money. This is for sure, we have only one life. We must live our lives to the fullest. Because a time that we are in need to face the Lord we cannot found a second chance. A point of view here is being a soldier is not an easy task. We need to sacrifice many things but what are they. It is depend to the person who chooses to be a soldier, maybe they want to serve. But we can serve without sacrificing one thing. But anything that need to go through in to our lives we must realize that apart from GOD we can do nothing. Apart from GOD we are nothing. We must face any consequences into our lives. Everything that we choose we must be ready and alert, face any tasks and responsibilities. We need to move on. To go for what we want to go. But always be ready for what it takes make sure that it will not going to be a consequences to other. We must stay in the word, of our commandant saying. Be always ready to listen. Make sure that you are willing to obey. Before we go t o our destiny we must acknowledge the power of the Supreme Being who strengthens to us. Be alert, always ready.Marine who never really gets fulfill his mission. Jarhead help us to see the real meaning of work of a soldier Their lives has been jeopardized & sometimes it has been deteriorated, horribly, & incredibly killed. This story, is a is a story of a man who designated his life to the battle field. Being a soldier, they have a principle in life; to obey what is told to do, and to protect who is need of protection. Soldiers are always on call, always alert, always ready. They intend to protect and to be command. In the point of view of a story; jarhead is a story of a soldier who has a purpose in obeying what is told to do. In significance to human experiences, we are also a soldier. We have also our own battle field. We are calling it in many ways. Sometimes we call it problem, sometimes we call it a test, sometimes we call it a test. But the real one is we are calling it a spir itual warfare. Into our lives, we are facing many problems, temptations, deceptions, test, and accusations. We have also our own enemies. Sometimes they are our friends, relatives, classmates, and even we. But the question here is how we going to face our

Ethical dilemma about the same sex marriage Research Paper

Ethical dilemma about the same sex marriage - Research Paper Example text, the â€Å"Firm Balk at Gay Wedding† can be viewed as demonstrative of both ethical dilemmas raised by gay marriages and the way it can make interests of people clash. To start with, the gist of the article is a controversy concerning the human rights and religious views of a person as far as gay marriages often make these considerations collide. For instance, as it was explained in the article â€Å"Firms Balk on Gay Weddings† by Nathan Koppel and Ashby Johnes, people refused to serve wedding ceremonies of gay couples as it would insult their religious convictions. (Koppel & Johnes) Subsequently, there raises the dilemma of whether it is ethically right to deny gay couples services due to personal views. Obviously, there could be various opinions on this question, depending on the approach one uses. From the duty-based ethics, a person who denies services to a gay couple is right as far as he/she does it due to believing in immorality of such relationships. The basics of the given theory are found in the works of Immanuel Kant, one of the most influential proponents of deontology. According to it, a person is morally obliged to act accordingly to a set of principle and rules, regardless of whether an outcome would be good or bad. (Shakil) Putting it in other words, the only criterion to evaluate the ethics or morality of a decision or action is this action or decision itself. Subsequently, applying this theory to the situation described in the article, it is right to allow people to deny serving a gay couple if they act in accordance with their religious beliefs. In contrast, the given situation can be regarded as wrong when appealing to the outcome-based ethics that obliges to evaluate the degree of morality of an action or intention on the basis of the consequences it will bring. ("Consequentialism," 2014) Subsequently, the fact that business owners denied gay people an access to the services, such as â€Å"baking cakes for the ceremonies† is wrong

Advanced Manufacturing Processes I( Laser Manufacturing ) Assignment

Advanced Manufacturing Processes I( Laser Manufacturing ) - Assignment Example This is in the aim of supporting the dental prosthesis i.e. denture, bridge, crown, or facial prosthesis in addition to acting as an orthodontic anchor (Graf, 2014). Usually made of titanium, these are implanted through the biological process of osseointegration, aiding in the formation of an intimate bond to the bone. In general, such a biomedical implant usually comprises of a metal base structure, and a deposit (comprising of a first metal and an anti-microbial material) formed onto a metal base structure wherein the formed deposit is not derived by either electro-plating or anodization. Apart from titanium, the metallic dental prostheses are also made of platinum, stainless steel, gold, tantalum and cobalt-chrome amongst other alloys (Pompa, et.al 2015:1). Typically, implants and dental prostheses consist of a titanium (tooth-root resemblance) screw, having either a smooth or a roughened surface. Notably, most of the dental implants used are manufactured using commercially unalloyed titanium that is available in four different grades. The grades are differentiated by the amount of iron, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon contained. The cold work toughened CP4, containing maximum impurity levels of 0.50% of Fe (Iron), 0.40% Oxygen, 0.015% Hydrogen, 0.10% Carbon, and 0.05% Nitrogen, is the most widely utilized titanium for various bio-medical implants. An auxiliary component such as the Grade 5 Titanium (6AL-4V), which is a bit harder than the CP4; contains 4% vanadium alloy and 6% aluminium. It is mainly utilized in the manufacture of abutments and abutment screws that aid in the implantation process, as well as holding the prostheses in place. The importance of Titanium in bio-medical dental prostheses amongst other functionalities is influenced by core characteristics, which make it highly durable (Gu, Meiners,

Once an Eagle Essay Example for Free

Once an Eagle Essay Leadership is an important characteristic in any field. Early on, it has been recognized that the success of any organization is highly dependent upon the quality of leadership. Even if the organization has a number of talented individuals, without strong leadership, there would be no success. In a similar light, the success of the military depends on strong leadership. It has been said that in the military, leadership is a requisite. As an integral component in warfare, leadership determines the outcome of combat operations, without it, it can be fairly argued that no military operation would be success. As the brain, leaders are expected to have the power of command. The subordinates in the group all rely upon the leader to provide wisdom and guidance, not to mention excellent judgment. It is essential, therefore, that a good leader has the following characteristics such as charisma, confidence, sound judgment, wisdom and intelligence. Military history is filled with individuals who were â€Å"born leaders. † A brief glimpse into the role of monuments and military commanders will reveal a common characteristic, they were all excellent leaders. The civil war gave rise to many superior commanders such as Joshua Chamberlain and John Logan who, despite their lack of military training, were able to lead their troops into combat and inspire many victories. The requisite ability that these fine commanders possessed was the ability to inspire their troops by providing an excellent example. Unlike other leaders, these fine leaders chose to lead through example. They were regarded as the epitomes of self-sacrifice and honor. None of them felt that they were too important to be left out of the battlefield and they were never hesitant to take their place in the frontlines should it be required of them. This aspect is what made them leaders. Another important aspect of leadership that is best exemplified by the actions of General Robert E. Lee who not only won the affection of his troops but also exhibited a talent for disciplined application. While it may not be necessary to have the affection of one’s troops during war, as shown by General Ulysses S. Grant, current military strategies emphasize the importance of a leader who is not only able to provide sound judgment but who is also able to inspire his troops. Charisma combined with the ability to make the best decisions in any given situation would therefore be the essence of excellent leadership. The reason for this is that in achieving one’s goal it is necessary that it be accomplished through motivation, direction and purpose. These essential characteristics have been shown by many of the great Commanders during the Second World War including but not limited to General Douglas McArthur who liberated Australia and the Philippines from Japanese occupation. It is difficult to say which style works the best as it is possible that the combination of charisma and the ability to make the best decisions in any given situation may be exhibit in many different forms of leadership. Leaders may sometimes be directors, participators or even delegators. Yet, it is not so much how the practice their leadership but their ability to get results. The military operations during the first Gulf War gave rise to a new breed of military commanders who were able to obtain results despite the differences in their leadership styles. Commanders such as Norman Schwarzkopf and Collin Powell demonstrated that leadership need not necessarily be overbearing. The important thing is that the commander understands the importance of the situation and is able to use the abilities of the troops, despite the limitations, to achieve the intended results. In any case, it must be remembered that the leadership that these great commanders possessed was not limited to the battlefield. From the very first day that they took command, they showed their leadership and cultivated the necessary traits that they felt was needed in their troops in order to become effective in future tasks.