The United States A Nation Of Immigrants - 1434 Words

â€Å"Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.† –Franklin D. Roosevelt Just under a million immigrants arrive in the United States each year. For this reason, the United States has often been called a nation of immigrants. The United States in a way is a melting pot for so many different cultures, religions and even races in the world (Scheuerer, 2012). These immigrants come to this nation wanting a chance at a better life; others are refugees whom are escaping persecution and civil wars in their home country. And many people just believe that the United States is the best place to go. Rationales like protection, freedom, and even benefits are just enough of a deal to immigrants. In the late 1800s people fled crop failures, land and job shortages, rising taxes, and famine only because it was perceived as the land of economic opportunities. More than 70 percent of the immigrants entered New Yor k City through which came to be known as the â€Å"Golden Door† (Billington, 2014). Towards the early 1890s the federal government opened a center for immigration processing on Ellis Island. As immigration grows, the debates on the issues of immigration into the U.S are also growing. Many (citizens) believe that immigration is hazardous to the U.S; other citizens believe that the crime, poverty, and overpopulations in many places are due to immigrations. Immigrants were often times discriminated and stereotyped fromShow MoreRelatedThe United States Is A Nation Of Immigrants995 Words   |  4 Pagesdiversity is very important to the way of life within the United States, it is important to remember is the United States is a nation of immigrants, that’s what ultimately made this land we all love the special place it is today. In researching this question it was discovered that one could make the assumption that the United States would be the largest nation with the larg est population of immigrants. In reviewing the article Nations of Immigrants: Do Words Matter? It was discovered that wasn’t soRead MoreThe United States Is The Nation Of Immigrants876 Words   |  4 PagesUnited States is the nation of immigrants. Everyone living in the United States has migrated here, whether it was 10 years ago, 100 years ago, or 10,000 years ago. Migrations can take place for many reasons, the main reasons being the search for a better life, escape from poor conditions or as captives. We all have stories that branch out to other homes outside of this country. Some stories are untold and will forever be hidden; like the story of my father. My father passed away eight years agoRead MoreThe United States is a Nation of Immigrants Essays1658 Words   |  7 Pages Today the United States of America is regarded as a global economic leader. The standard of living in the U.S. is higher than that of most other nations. Our nation is considered an economic super-power. Economic needs have often caused Americans to seek immigrants as workers, and economic opportunities have attracted foreigners. The United States is a nation of immigrants. Our nation has been shaped by successive waves of immigrants who have played major roles in our changing economy. TheRead MoreA Nation Of Immigrants And The United States Of America2299 Words   |  10 PagesA NATION OF IMMIGRANTS The Ways that Immigration has Shaped and Benefited the United States of America Scott Williams US History Plato Unit Activity Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free... -- Emma Lazarus (from the poem The New Colossus) These words by Emma Lazarus, inscribed on a plaque on the Statue of Liberty, strike a chord of yearning for freedom in the minds of suffering yet hopeful people, and invoke a picture of the United States meeting the immigrantRead MoreCities, Immigrants, And The Nation1290 Words   |  6 PagesCities, Immigrants, and the Nation The history of America has been associated with immigration. In fact, the population of America is believed to be highly dominated by immigrants. The topic of immigrants in the United Sates is crucial even in the present situation. There are mixed reactions on the best way to deal with the issue of immigration, especially in the political front. Immigration in the United States is quite extensive and began long time ago. This essay will address the American ImmigrationRead MoreImmigration : An Influential Aspect Of American History1172 Words   |  5 Pagesimmigration has been a constant and significant force in the country. From the early beginnings of the nation in the seventeenth century to the present day, millions of people, from a variety of different and distinct nations and cultures, made the great journey to the United States to pursue greater economic and social opportunities. Immigration has been an influential aspect of American history. These immigrants have enhanced an d contributed greatly to the fabric and the story of America. They have broughtRead MoreEssay about English Must be the Official Language in America994 Words   |  4 Pages The United States of America has instituted many rights to its citizens, which were issued in the bill of rights they are the first ten amendments. The first amendment mentions the free exercise clause, freedom of speech and of press, and by interpreting it says that congress cannot make any laws constricting to a established religion or prohibiting the free exercise. Because of the interpretation of the first amendment immigrants believe that they may come to the United States and maintainRead MoreThe Official Definition Of Illegal Is â€Å"Contrary To Or Forbidden1517 Words   |  7 Pagesillegal is â€Å"contrary to or forbidden by law†. The definition of an Immigrant is â€Å"an individual who comes to live permanently in a foreign country†. Therefore Illegal Immigrants are foreigners who enter another country, the United States of America, without a Visa. They cross the border by avoiding inspection and overstay the allotted period of time allowed as a visitor, tourist, or businessperson. There are 12 million illegal immigrants in America today. How is the possible if it is illegal? And moreRead MorePersuasive Essay On Illegal Immigration1260 Words   |  6 Pagesissue in the United States for many years, especially illegal immigration. This term can be defined as the act of immigrating, which means to move to another country where you were not born in, or which you are not a native of, and use this new country as a permanent residence. Majority of immigrants believe that the United States is possibly the best place to be. Due to the lack of freedom, protection, and benefits within other countries, these factors are very important for immigrants who desireRead MoreHow Can America Become A Better Immigrant Nation?1245 Words   |  5 PagesHow Can America Become a Better Immigrant Nation Again? It has become evident to many that the American economy is declining in recent years. Journalists are pointing out that one of the reasons why it got weaker is due to a failed immigration system and outdated policies towards illegal immigrants. For instance, Fareed Zakaria from Time magazine says, although America was once considered an example to many other immigrant nations, it is now falling behind some of them in terms of immigration-related

The Metaphysical Issue Of Free Will - 1368 Words

Everyone believes himself or herself to possess the freedom of will. If we do not have free will, then that suggests that we lack any power or control over anything, therefore, nothing is up to us. This would impair our view and perception of our society, community and the world. The metaphysical issue of free will is if the initial conditions are fixed and all the laws of nature are deterministic, then the resulting outcome that will happen thereafter is also fixed, because of the laws of nature as well as the initial conditions. So do we actually have free will? This question has become a paradoxical topic, with issues arising from philosophical concepts, including causal determinism and fatalism. This creates a problem for free will†¦show more content†¦Harry Frankfurt debates the issue concerning moral responsibility without the presence of free will. However, his hypothetical demonstration cannot exist, therefore his account does not adequately address the problem with free will. The metaphysical issue is in regards to the concept of determinism. Causal determinism describes the view that all events are the outcome of prior conditions and precedent causes, meaning that the condition at a particular time determines the condition of the next moment in time. With the laws of nature, the initial conditions essentially fix the future to go a specific way. This indicates that to us, given the past history and prior nature, we are only able to act in one particular way. Causal determinism clashes with regards to the idea of free will, because it suppresses our ability to exercise control over our actions while considering the moral responsibility that corresponds these choices. It can be seen as everything in the universe is unfolding like the domino effect, each domino falling over the next and continues onwards, suggesting it inevitable to result otherwise. The concept restrains our freedom over selecting the alternatives when making decisions, which c ontradicts the definition of free will, since free will means that we have the freedom to act otherwise in the same situation without constraints or restrictions, making them incompatible. Some argue that if we do not have the freedom to choose to do otherwise, then we

Critical Reflection Free Essays

Reflection is one of the most important parts of any forms of learning, and is a great tool to be used to allow for greater learning. Reflection whether being a student at primary school, a university student or a member of the workforce has an effect on constructing knowledge about a person and the world around them. It is a vital part of any learning experience and will form the backbone in the transformation from study to application in a field. We will write a custom essay sample on Critical Reflection or any similar topic only for you Order Now Reflection can be defined as ‘taking a look back’ on experiences in most contexts, and looking back at the experience analysing and learning from it so therefore ‘constructing the knowledge’ and making the person more knowledgeable and informed. Critical Reflection is â€Å"the process of analysing, reconsidering and questioning experiences within a broad context of issues (e. g. , issues related to social justice, curriculum development, learning theories, politics, culture, or use of technology). [(Wertenbroch Nabeth, 2000)] People learn by engaging in experiences that allow them utilise their senses and interact with a subject matter. In addition to this interaction, reflection allows for one to link a recent experience with an interrelated mental experience which allows for the development of ‘higher order thinking skills’. [Dewey (1933)] Many philosophers consider Dewey the contemporary inventor of reflection, as most of his ideas stem fr om those of many famous philosophers from the likes of Aristotle, Confucius and Plato.  Read also Critical appreciation of the poem â€Å"Old Ladies’ Home†. Critical Reflection In an article by Jack Mezirow (‘How Critical Reflection triggers Transformative Learning’) he states that â€Å"Critical reflection involves a critique of the presuppositions on which our beliefs have been built. Learning may be defined as ‘the process of making a new or revised interpretation of the meaning of an experience, which guides subsequent understanding, appreciation and action’. He implies by this statement that not just having an experience will somebody just learn from that but also reflecting on the experience and appreciating and understanding the experience in order to reap the full benefits of learning it. (Murray, Kujundzic, 2005) define four activities that are central to critical reflection. These are oâ€Å"Assumption analysis† – This is step number one and involves a person to think in such a way that it challenges how they perceive certain cultural and social values and practices in order to see here impact on their daily lives oâ€Å"Contextual awareness† – Which highlights the social and personal significance of historic and cultural contexts. oâ€Å"Imaginative speculation† – Thinking of other ways to go about usual practices to challenge the current ways of knowledge. oâ€Å"Reflective scepticism† – The interaction of all of the three above mentioned activities, and the ability to think about the subject at hand in order to determine an action or viability of a matter. How to cite Critical Reflection, Papers

Review of Relevant Literature Essay Sample free essay sample

The undermentioned related literature and surveies are the pillars of our research. These pieces of information are indispensable to hold believable back uping thoughts to our research subject. The said paperss were taken from different beginnings and mentions for case stuffs from other colleges and universities. other printed paperss. and the cyberspace. The research workers besides gathered some information about other universities’ installations to heighten our survey – â€Å"PUP-COC Physical Facilities and Laboratories—A Perceptual Study† . Acquaintance with other colleges’ set of equipment will so be of great aid to the research workers. Besides. as the research workers have said in the Background of the Study. the PUP-College of Communication is considered as one of the largest communicating schools in the Philippines bearing the differentiation of being the first communicating school in the state to hold achieved Level III Accredited position as awarded by the Accrediting Agency for the Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines ( AACCUP ) in 2008. Because of the said accreditation. the research workers based the classs in our 2nd aim to the criterions of the AACCUP Accreditation. In the Area VIII of AACCUP which has the range of the Physical Plant and Facilities. it is stated that the Quality and Adequacy of the physical works and installations of a learning establishment determine to a big step the successful execution of its curricular plans. In a wide sense. physical works and installations include school site. campus. edifices and other physical substructures. equipment and services that complement institutional and plan effectivity. The AACCUP besides stated their criterion of a School Site. Campus. Buildings. Classrooms. Offices and Function Rooms. Assembly and Athletic Facilities. Medical and Dental Clinic. Student Center. Food Services/Canteen. Accreditation Center. Housing ( optional ) . Documents. Extra Information and Exhibits. While in the Area IX: Laboratories. it is stated that Labs are support systems in any academic plan. Broadly defined. they cover scientific discipline research labs. address research labs. presentation farms. stores. and other installations for practicum activities indispensable to the successful execution of the curricular plans of an establishment inclusive of their usage and maps. So from this. the research workers decided to categorise the installations and Labs of the College into Academic Related. Non-academic Related. Health and Sanitation Related. and Security Related Facilities. Foreign Surveies The Mass Communication Department of University of Sindh- Pakistan. harmonizing to their web site ( hypertext transfer protocol: //usindh. edu. pk/academics/faculties/faculty-of-social-sciences/department-of-mass-communication/179-facilities ) . runs several research lab installations and this includes different equipment such as visible radiations. picture cameras. tripods. and mikes which are available to pupils enrolled in the said section. Intended for practical preparation. the section besides provided a News research lab. including computing machine lab which is unfastened to pupils enrolled in the section that contains a assortment of package applications like MS Office. Adobe PhotoShop. Illustrator. CorelDraw. In-Page. Photo Styler. Free Hand and Adobe premiere Pro. Meanwhile. in the Daffodil International University. based on their web site ( hypertext transfer protocol: //diu. edu. bd/facilities/media-lab. hypertext markup language ) . they provide a Media Laboratory that has the undermentioned capablenesss for the Television plan manufacturers: sound and echo cogent evidence research lab. air-conditioned suites. DESA A ; spontaneous electricity. late imported assorted visible radiations of CANARA Company. experienced Lights Crew who is involved in bring forthing Television plans for a long clip. They besides have Video Editing units. to the full air-conditioned Ultra-Modern Matrix RT-X2 Real clip Multi-format Digital Editing Work Station. customized HP Workstation. SONYLMD 1420 Professional Video Monitor for picture prevue. a Conference Room which is environment-friendly. air conditioned. broad and is available for your VIP invitees. Directors. Artists and others. Alongside the Studio. you will be able to bask a large and nice auditorium wit h the following installations: ( 1 ) Modern technological installations are available. ( 2 ) Seating capacity for audience totaling 300. and ( 3 ) Shooting installation in presence of audience. On the other manus. the MISR International University. their Mass Communication section provides rather a few educational installations which include a Photography Laboratory. Multi-media Laboratory. Broadcast Studio. Post Production Studio. Audio Studio. Print Media and Design Laboratory. Audio Visual Hall. News Room. and a Video Room which is found on their web site ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www. miuegypt. edu ) . In another university in the west side of the Earth. the University of Minnesota. the School of Journalism and Mass Communication has several installations such as the Murphy Hall that is a state-of-the-art installation for learning and research of news media. mass communicating and new media surveies. The first floor of Murphy Hall includes the cardinal office. adjunct module offices. Student Services Center. Minnesota Journalism Center. a 150-seat auditorium and the Murphy Hall conference centre. While the 2nd floor has the Multimedia schoolrooms. module offices. offices for pupil organisations and a peddling machine. The Research Division. module offices and graduate pupil offices are on the 3rd floor. The Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics A ; Law. module offices are on the 4th floor. Murphy Hall besides includes: ( 4 ) multimedia schoolrooms. a 150-seat multimedia auditorium. the Digital Media Studios with capableness for picture redaction. digital and linear sound. and labs for imaging. artworks and communicating design. A important characteristic of Murphy Hall is the convergence of artworks. intelligence authorship and broadcast labs in a individual infinite. the Digital Media Studios ( DMS ) . The DMS characteristics: ( 1 ) 20-workstation learning country. ( 2 ) 16-workstation learning countries. Internet and networking connectivity. ceiling-mounted projectors for exposing computing machine or picture end product. a cart-mounted computing machine workstation for teacher usage. a broadcast production installation capable of working independently that besides integrates with the university’s telecasting and theatre installations in the Rarig Center. the Digital Information Resource Center ( DIRC ) /Sevareid Library which is a hi-tech information centre with multimedia resources needed for direction and research. The DIRC/Sevareid Library has ( 8 ) networked and interconnected Mac workstations. capable of booting either Windows or Mac OS—each with a DVD thrust and VCR with playback and recording capableness. and ( 2 ) teaming suites with digital redacting capableness. These are all sited in their web site ( hypertext transfer protocol: //sjmc. umn. edu ) . Local SurveiesIn one of the province universities of the Philippines. the University of the Philippines-Diliman. the university has several installations in different sections. In the Communication Research Laboratory. the research lab serves as a locale for computing machine categories every bit good as a depository for communicating databases. They besides have Cine Adarna which has a 1. 000-seat capacity movie theatre that on a regular basis features popular and critically acclaimed films. The wireless studio is acoustically designed and has its ain multi-recording system. The telecasting studio comes with its ain production floor infinite. control room. dressing room and spinner’s booth. The Television studio has a complete set of audio-visual production equipment. including redacting installations for post-production applications. And in the section of Journalism. the Beltran Newsroom is a installation for the single preparation of Journalism pupils in newspaper layout. design. redacting. composing and processing. This electronic newsroom is equipped with high-velocity computing machines. an LCD projector. a big format pressman. and one scanner. The university besides provided a Media Center which has a Film Studio. The Film and Audio-visual Communication ( FAVC ) Department maintains movie and picture equipment. including a exposure research lab with darkroom installations. Equipment is available for Super 8mm. 16mm. VHS. Hi-8 picture production. and personal computing machines for life and digital station production. Besides. in one of the private universities here in the state. the San Sebastian College’s Mass Communication Laboratory contains ( 2 ) spacious suites which are connected by a viewing subdivision furnished with video playback system and a multi-track audio console that provide audio-visual addendums for the instructional and workshops necessities of the next schoolroom. Equipped with a large proctor. simple camera set-up. multimedia projector and DVD and VHS participants. the said schoolroom besides serves as a locale for little and intimate seminars and Television intelligence casting activities that are created for pupils enrolled in the section. They besides provided other inside informations in their web site ( hypertext transfer protocol: //sscrmnl. edu. ph/facilities/mass-communication-laboratory/ ) for more information. However. in the Communication Arts Department of the University of the East. harmonizing to their web site ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www. ue. ed u. ph/manila ) . they have maintained and updated their installations and set of equipment. For illustration their Speech Laboratory. they have to the full air-conditioned research lab that meets the demands of a modern and sophisticated speech-radio-TV studio. For broadcast medium. film and address pupils. they provide a wireless station booth that operates on a community broadcast graduated table. Besides available are an audio-video room for movie redaction categories. an editing room with an redacting machine. a recording room. and a linguistic communication research lab with 35 entering booths. each equipped with a participant recording equipment. a mouthpiece and a brace of headsets. Besides. their Caloocan Campus has a to the full equipped address research lab at the land floor of the Academic Building. They besides have an audiovisual centre that makes available to the whole community a assortment of equipment: movie. slide and overhead projectors ; DVD/VCD. VHS and Betamax participants ; tape recording equipments. sound systems. etc. . and the contents of the media library consisting of sound and videotapes. sound and picture cassettes. graphs. postings. transparences. filmstrips. slides and others. Likewise. the Mass Communication Department of the far Eastern University has different installations to assist pupils in their field of work and hands-on instruction as stated by one of their pupils in a web site ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www. pinoyexchange. com/forums ) . They have this Television Studio which is a broadcast installation installed with incorporate professional visible radiations. sound. picture and console/control and communication/talk-back systems. The Television Studio is used by pupils who are enrolled in their Radio and Television Production and Radio-Television Announcing classs. Students who are enrolled in Radio and Television Principles and Practices besides use the installation to familiarise themselves with the set-up of a Television studio. The Television Studio has the undermentioned installations: ( 1 ) Production Room that is equipped with incorporate professional lighting system. semi-oval type background for Chroma. spot bay for picture and audio connections for mikes with latest SONY HD picture cameras. fog machine. MARTIN MAC250 ( intelligent visible radiation ) . and a traveling caput. ( 2 ) Control Room is equipped with state-of-the-art engineering such as Television Production Broadcast PIX for picture controls and blending ; theatre light TL-NOVA for illuming control and commixture ; Martin Freeky DMX accountant for particular lighting effects ; HDV RECORDER for high definition recording and LITEPUTTER DIMM ER PACK for electromotive force ordinances. ( 3 ) Post-production Room or the VTR/ Editing Room that is besides equipped with desktop computing machines installed with Adobe Premiere CS4 redacting suite which the pupils can utilize for their post-production work ( audio-video redaction ) . ( 4 ) Pre-production Room or the war room. this is where pupils can brainstorm. discuss and gestate for their shows. ( 5 ) Props/storage Room. now this is where pupils can build and piece their sets for the production and shop belongingss. ( 6 ) Male and Female Dressing Rooms with comfort suites. shortss and chest of drawerss. criterion mirror which serve as makeup and dress-up suites for the endowments. ( 7 ) Green Room is a locale for the endowments as they wait for their bend during taped or unrecorded shows. And in conclusion. ( 8 ) the Lobby is besides where invitees and visitants can remain. Besides. the FEU Mass Communication Department has a Radio Broadcast ( Technical Control ) Room equipped with professional wireless broadcast equipment. digital playback system with edit-on-the-fly system with which the phonograph record jockey can pre-arrange and re-arrange play list while on air. The installation besides has Wi-Fi transmittal engineering for listeners’ entree. The installation allows the pupils to heighten their accomplishments in phonograph record jockeying. intelligence coverage. wireless anchoring and hosting. It besides allows the pupils to bring forth unrecorded and recorded wireless plans. They besides have this Digital Audio Recording Room a installation that is equipped with professional mikes and earphones ( NEUMANN and AUDIO-TECHNICA ) to guarantee the quality of voice recording and dubbing. The chief control is PC-based/digital package ( ADOBE AUDITION ) patched to a professional sociable and online redundant recording equipment ( MACKIE MIXER and TASCAM MULTI CHANNEL RECORDER ) . The installation allows the pupils to enter wireless commercials. jangles. teasers. stingers. voice overs. public service proclamations and other collaterals ; and to nickname wireless play. The university besides provided an Audio-video Post-Production Room. This installation is equipped with PC-based/digital package ( MATROX ) for rendering and get the hanging audio-video presentations. movies. and other audio-video end products. Some of the Department’s set of Laboratory Equipment are: ( 4 ) Sony Casette-portable. ( 1 ) Motorola Communicator talk-back set. ( 4 ) DVD Player Pioneer Mo. 366. ( 2 ) DVD Recorder. ( 1 ) DVD Writer. ( 1 ) Pensonic DVD/MPEG4 Player. ( 2 ) Samsung DVD/VCR. ( 1 ) Document Camera TFV-400. ( 1 ) Sony Handy Cam. ( 1 ) Pioneer Amplifier. ( 1 ) Audio Mixer. ( 2 ) CTV 21. ( 1 ) Camera Recorder. ( 2 ) HP Laptops. ( 3 ) Satellite Laptops. ( 1 ) Toshiba Laptop. ( 1 ) Audio-technica Microphone. ( 3 ) Shure Microphone. ( 1 ) Multi-Tester. ( 1 ) Player. VCD. ( 3 ) OKI Printer. ( 3 ) Projector. LCD. ( 3 ) Wall Dalite Screen. ( 1 ) Sound Mixer 12 channels. ( 1 ) Sony Television Flat. ( 1 ) Sound System with ( 2 ) Speakers. ( 1 ) Tripod for Video Camera. ( 1 ) â€Å"3M†Overhead Projector. ( 1 ) Senrun Portable Sound System. ( 2 ) Light Mixer. ( 4 ) Redhead Spotlight. ( 1 ) DLP Projector TAXAN. ( 1 ) Tripod Samson with Dolly. and more. SynthesisThe research workers gathered four ( 4 ) Foreign and besides four ( 4 ) Local relevant surveies. The four foreign universities chosen by the research workers are the University of Sindh. MISR International University. Daffodil International University. and the University of Minnesota. Because the research workers believe that because these universities are some of the top-ranked universities. they have if non the best. one of the best set of equipment for Communication pupils. On the other manus. the research workers chose the University of the Philippines-Diliman. University of Perpetual aid. San Sebastian College. University of the East. and Far Eastern University for local related literatures because these are besides some of the top-listed universities and colleges in the state that can vie internationally for their installations and set of equipment in their Mass Communication Departments. The research workers besides believe that these installations and set of equipmen t can assist in the present and future demands of the pupils of the college and possibly assist the university see what needs to be developed and improved in the sections. Foreign LiteratureThis survey besides tries to discourse how the Facilities and Laboratories of the college affect the pupils. In line with this. the research workers delved into literatures that tackle the same subject. From the twenty-first Century School Fund—Improving Urban Public School Facilities. a Research on the Impact of School Facilities on Students and Teachers which is a sum-up of surveies published since 2000. the research workers found out that there has been a slow but steady addition of research on the impact of public school installations on educational accomplishment and community results and of the asperity of the research. This sum-up of surveies is portion of a larger literature reappraisal conducted by the twenty-first Century School Fund with support from the Charitable Trust of the Council on Educational Facility Planners International. The reappraisal is designed as an update to the 2002 reappraisal â€Å"Do School Facilities Affect Academic Outcomes? † by Mark Schneider. originally commissioned by the twenty-first Century School Fund’s Building Educational Success Together collaborative and so expanded by Dr. Schneider and published by the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities. Recent research continues to indicate to a little but steadily positive relationship between the quality of a public school installation and a scope of academic and community outcomes. This survey reviews the literature on Facilities and Academic results. School constructing Systems. and School Facility Condition and Community factors. This new reappraisal. available in October 2009 includes an extended bibliography of research since 2002 and discusses the demand for future school installation research. On the other manus. the research workers besides found a survey conducted by Mark Schneider on November 2002 entitled â€Å"Do School Facilities Affect Academic Outcomes? —National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities† . This survey shows that the research they presented concludes that: School installations affect larning. Spatial constellations. noise. heat. cold. visible radiation. and air quality evidently bear on students’ and teachers’ ability to execute. Empirical surveies will go on. concentrating on fine-tuning the acceptable scopes of these variables for optimum academic results. But we already know what is needed: clean air. good visible radiation. and a quiet. comfy. and safe acquisition environment. This can be and by and large has been achieved within the bounds of bing cognition. engineering. and stuffs. It merely requires equal support and competent design. building. and care. Besides. Building age is an formless construct and should non itself be used as an index of a facility’s impact on pupil public presentation. Many schools built as civic memorials in the 1920s and 1930s still supply. with some modernisation. first-class larning environments ; many newer schools built in the cost-conscious sixtiess and 1970s do non. There is besides a definite consensus about the positive effects of little school size. and the effects seem to be the strongest with pupils from lower socioeconomic groups. This is an country. nevertheless. where policy shapers need the support of surveies that better set up the trade-offs between little schools and other community demands and resources. And the category size argument is unsolved. although few would reason against smaller categories. where possible. This is an educational issue that has a serious impact on school planning and design. since smaller categories require more schoolrooms or more schools. a fact that may look axiomatic but frequently is lost in the argument. There is small standardisation of facilities-related definitions. For illustration. the definition of little schools varies among surveies. and overall student-teacher ratios are frequently ( and wrongly ) taken as a placeholder for category size. The quality of facilities-related research ranges widely. Much of it is case-based and brinks on the anecdotal. and many literature reappraisals use simple counts of articles. or they present undocumented sum-ups of findings. More strict attacks to sum uping big organic structures of literature. such as metanalytic techniques. are few. and these surveies frequently lead to dissensions over the methods themselves. Better research offering more unequivocal findings is needed. Furthermore. the determinations about school installations. one time translated into brick-and-mortar. impact the day-to-day public presentation of the coevalss of instructors and pupils who use them. These determinations are based on tradition. available engineering. experience with â€Å"what plants. † and the altering demands of the times. Good installations research allows us to fruitfully screen through this mix and can assist bring forth long-run. positive effects on academic results. Local LiteratureMeanwhile. for the Local Literature. the research workers found a thesis from Felisa M. Dador ; The Library Facilities. Resources and Services of the Gregorio Araneta University Foundation. March 1996. The Problem and Background of this survey states that: the best schools have the best libraries. and the best libraries belong to the best schools. A good library speaks for its excellence in the undermentioned mode: the quality of its library services ; the quality and measure of the library instruction ; the usage of the Library by the module staff and pupils ; and the support given to it by the disposal in the planning. promoting and developing its library services as a whole. It is highly hard for the library to accomplish its maximal service. nevertheless skilled the Library staff and the module. unless the disposal understands to the full how the Library is related to the function that both module and Librarians play in developing the academic and research plans o f the establishment. The effectivity and efficiency of a library is determined by the figure of times it is put to good usage. No affair how to the full equipped and wholly administered a library possibly. if it is non used for the really ground that it exists. it is worthless. Its aggregations and services must be of high quality and carefully designed to conform to the mission and aims of the establishment. the demands of the round offerings and the wide-ranging researches or informational demands of module and pupils. In some progressive educational establishments today. the Library is regarded following to the Teachers as the most of import characteristic of the school. The author believes as she has ever believed that no school could go on to work on a high degree of criterion without a functional Library. It is the centre of larning in the entire school image. The library is organized as a service that enhances the teaching—learning procedure. Its ultimate end is to supply the â€Å"the right book for the right reader at the right clip. † It is besides organized non merely with the undertaking of run intoing the tremendous demands of modern instruction but besides in the belief that it gives chances for self-cultivation at all times. As the most of import rational resource in an academic community. the library must endeavor to run into the varied demands of its frequenters. from professors set abouting an thorough research to the novices carry throughing class assignments towards the widening Fieldss of cognition and the facet and the rapid progresss in engineering. The sum and quality of services demanded of Libraries and accordingly of Librarians are no longer limited to strictly directional or informational. or the mere imparting out of books from the counter. Demands have now shifted to more bibliographies and other information engineering. modern audio-visual equipment. projection assistance. video machines. microforms. photographic equipment and computing machine installations which become an indispensable portion of library operations. Harmonizing to Barkley. cognition is a requirement for the accomplishment of all intent and in a dynamic universe. knowing is a procedure of continual acquisition. unlearning and relearning. and non the acquisition of a inactive organic structure of cognition. With this tendency in the universe of larning. Libraries can anticipate the demands of services to turn at a much faster rate as the construct of go oning educational is grasped. and as the pattern of go oning educational spreads. However. another thesis was found by the research workers entitled â€Å"An Assessment of the Quality of Facilities and Services provided by the Philippine Sports Authority. Puerto Princesa City. Palawan. † Master in Public Administration. Palawan State University. Puerto Princesa City. February 2004 by Marlon N. Sendaydiego. The abstract of this thesis shows that this survey was undertaken to find the quality of port facilities/services provided by the Philippine Ports Authority ( PPA ) at the Puerto Princesa Port. Puerto Princesa City as assessed by its port users and siting public. It is besides looked into the quality of execution of the PPA’s concerns/projects on port methodicalness. cleanliness. security and safety. The appraisal of these two patronages groups—port users and siting public—were compared and analyzed. Problems encountered and recommended solutions by the port users and siting populace was besides solicited. including recommended extra installations and services for the Puerto Princesa City Port. The descriptive-survey method was utilized. Datas were gathered through a researcher-made questionnaire administered to a indiscriminately selected sample in April 2003. There were 248 port users and 373 siting public involved in the survey. The statistical step used were frequence. per centum. mean. standard divergence and the z-test. Here is besides the Summary of Findings to demo that among port users. the quality of port installations is really satisfactory while that of port services is satisfactory. In contrast. the siting public assessed the quality of both port installations and services as satisfactory. Both respondents gave satisfactory assessment evaluations to the execution of concerns/projects on port methodicalness. cleanliness. security and safety. Still. important differences were found between the two respondent groups in their assessment evaluations on the quality of port installations and services. every bit good as the execution of concerns/projects on port methodicalness. cleanliness. security and safety. Furthermore. there were some identified jobs and matching recommended solutions related to quality port installations. among these were: Absence of ATM booths ; Absence or deficient waiting shed for sympathizers ; deficient terminal infinite ; deficient hauling infinite ; and Lack of imbibing installations. Their suggested solutions are the proviso of such installations within the port premises. With regard to bringing of port services. both respondents’ jobs were largely on: High rate of porterage fee ; Discourtesy of porters ; impolite guards ; and Inadequate security services. Correspondingly. their recommended solutions are: Decrease or remotion of porterage fee ; Discharge or coverage of discourteous porters ; Replacement of impolite guards ; and Additional security guards. severally. Among the extra installations and services recommended by both groups are: Construction of sympathizers shed ; Installation of imbibing fountains in strategic topographic points in the larboard country ; Installation of an ATM booth ; and Extension of rider terminal edifice with proviso of imbibing fountains. Consistent with their expressed jobs. their recommended extra port services are: Extra security guards are posted at the issue gate ; Additional aid to port users ; free portage fee ; and Jeepney/transport/shuttle services. This survey concludes that Puerto Princesa City port users and siting public by and large assessed the quality of port installations services. every bit good as the execution of concerns/projects on port methodicalness. cleanliness. security and safety. as satisfactory: which is still below the coveted quality criterion. However. they differed in their quality evaluations in nine ( 9 ) out of 12 ( 12 ) port installations and six ( 6 ) out of eight ( 8 ) port services that were normally rated. The two group’s appraisal quality evaluations differed on the execution of PPA’s concerns/projects with regard to port security and port safety. but did non differ with regard to port methodicalness and port cleanliness. This survey besides recommended that the PPA’s Puerto Princesa City needs to take stairss to better. enhance and upgrade the quality of the execution of its concerns/projects specifically on port methodicalness. cleanliness. security and safety. every bit go od as the quality of its port installations and services in order to raise it from the current degree of satisfactory to the desired degree of at least really satisfactory. Similarly. specific facilities/services which were found to be really satisfactory should be maintained and enhanced to continuously run into the quality criterions set. It should besides see the identified jobs and recommended solutions. every bit good as extra port installations and services as demands or inputs in the readying of its operational and developmental programs. On the other manus. PPA’s higher direction should fast-track the blessing and release of financess on the recommended undertakings. such as Construction of Well-Wisher’s Building. Additional Passenger Terminal Building. and Park. etc. . for immediate execution in CY 2004. Last. this survey should be replicated in other PPA ports to enable the port direction to garner feedback from their primary clients on the quality of port installations and services and execution of concerns/projects in the peculiar countries. In making so. the PPA will be able to carry through its corporate duties. SynthesisThe research workers gathered two ( 2 ) Foreign and besides two ( 2 ) Local relevant literatures. The two Foreign Literatures that the research workers acquired trade with the general effects and specific effects of installations to the acquisition of the pupils in a peculiar college. On the other manus. the research workers chose this two other Local Literatures about certain installations in a public university and a province university that are related in this survey. The research workers believe that these surveies will assist them garner more thoughts about the survey that the research workers are covering with. These literatures assisted the research workers to acquire clasp of pieces of information that this survey covers. These gave the research workers thoughts that helped them do their instruments for the informations assemblage. decisions. and other parts of this thesis.

Beowulf Good VS Eviel essays

Beowulf Good VS Eviel essays The Story of Beowulf is a classic epic poem that contains the forces of good and evil against each other. In this story evil is in the form of a horrible monster known as Grendel. Grendel is a very powerful monster who is attacking the people of Denmark. The mighty warrior known as Beowulf represents the forces of Good. He hears of what Grendel is doing to the Danes and quickly comes to the rescue. In the opening part of the story we learn what a horrible monster Grendel is. His thoughts were as quick as his greed or his claws: He slipped through the door and there in silence snatched up thirty men and smashed them (35-39). These lines show Grandes heart of stone and thats he is evil by killing whatever he wants. Grendel slips through the shadows of night and continues killing the Danes every night, represent the sneakiness of his evil. Beowulf, the brave soldier lives far away from Denmark. The poem displays him to be good when he learns of the monster Grendel and comes to the rescue. In his far-off home Beowulf, Higlacs follower and the strongest of the geats heard how Grendel filled the nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat to be outfitted (90-94). Thus showing how good at heart Beowulf is by protecting others from evil. When Beowulf arrives at Denmark his reputation proves he has come to help and he and his men are quickly taken into Denmark and Cared for. The Danes explain to Beowulf of the monster and pray he can help them. They agree to watch over his boat for him. Grendel comes one night to find Beowulf and kill him. He kills the first geat he comes to and then awakens Beowulf. Beowulfs strength overpowers that of Grendel and Beowulf mortally wounds the Monster. Grendel then flies to Die in his Den, and Beowulf has defeated the evil monster. In this poem good triumphs over evil. Beowulf being brave and good at heart comes to destroy the evil...

Disadvantages vs. Advantages of Global Warming

Disadvantages vs. Advantages of Global Warming The United Nations has been studying climate change and working to combat its effects since the first Earth Summit in 1992.  The UN Intergovernmental panels fifth report, published in late 2014, reiterates that  global warming- more precisely called climate change- is happening and will likely not abate for centuries. The report also states with 95 percent certainty that the activity of humans has been the primary cause of increasing temperatures over the previous few decades, up from 90 percent in a previous report. Weve heard the dire warnings- even if we have yet to heed them- but could there possibly be any advantages to climate change, and if so, could these upsides possibly outweigh the downsides? The short answer is no. Heres why. Advantages of Global Warming? Its a Bit of a Stretch The so-called advantages of climate are out there- if youre really looking but do they compensate for the disruption and destruction wrought by the disadvantages? Again, the answer is no but for die-hard fans of the global warming trend, advantages might include the following suspect scenarios: The  Arctic, Antarctic, Siberia, and other frozen regions of the earth might experience more plant growth and milder climates.The next ice age could possibly be prevented.The  Northwest Passage through the formerly icy Canadian Arctic Archipelago could arguably open up to transportation.Fewer deaths or injuries would occur due to arctic conditions.Longer growing seasons could mean increased agricultural production in some areas. Disadvantages: Ocean Warming, Extreme Weather For every minutely possible advantage to climate change, there is a much more profound and compelling disadvantage. Why? Since the oceans and weather are highly interconnected and the water cycle has an impact on weather patterns (think air saturation, precipitation levels, and the like), what affects the ocean affects weather. For instance: Changes in ocean circulation and the resulting warmer temperatures disrupt the worlds normal weather patterns, bringing about more extreme weather and an increased frequency of severe and  catastrophic storms, such as hurricanes and typhoons. The increase in severe storms leads to a more frequent occurrence of such things as hundred-year floods, decimation of habitats and property, not to mention, loss of life- human and otherwise.  Ã‚  Higher sea levels  lead to flooding of lowlands. Islands and coastlines are engulfed by water leading to death and disease due to flooding.The acidification of warming oceans leads to a loss of coral reefs. Coral reefs protect shorelines from heavy waves, storms, and floods and while they only cover about 1 percent of the ocean floor, reefs provide a habitat for 25 percent of the oceans species. Demolished reefs lead to increased erosion and coastal property damage and the extinction of species.Warming ocean waters means increased melting of gla ciers and ice sheets. Smaller ice sheets form each subsequent winter, which has a devastating impact on the habitat of cold-climate animals and the Earths reserves of freshwater. (According to the United States Geography Survey [USGS], 69 percent of the Earths ice is locked in ice and glaciers.)   Less sea ice, warmer water, and increased acidity are catastrophic for krill which forms the base of the oceans food web and feeds whales, seals, fish, and penguins. The plight of polar bears due to the loss of Arctic ice is well documented, but at the other end of the globe, in 2017 as a result of local climate change, in a colony of  40,000 Antarctic Adà ©lie penguins, only two chicks survived. (In 2013, in the wake of a similar event, none survived.) Emperor penguin colonies are also expected to decline due to loss of sea ice and rising temperatures. Disadvantages: Land Desertification As weather patterns are disrupted and droughts intensify in duration and frequency, agricultural sectors are particularly hard hit. Crops and grasslands cant thrive due to lack of water. With crops unavailable,  cattle, sheep, and other livestock dont get fed and die. Marginal lands are no longer useful. Farmers who find themselves unable to work the land lose their livelihoods. In addition:   Deserts become  drier, leading to increased desertification, resulting in border conflicts in already water-scarce areas.Decreased agricultural production leads to food shortages.Starvation, malnutrition, and increased deaths result from food and crop shortages. Disadvantages: Health, Social, and Economic Impact In addition to climate change affecting weather patterns and food production, which in turn have a negative impact on the future of human race as well as the planet, climate change can also put the hurt on peoples pocketbooks, the economy of an area on a larger scale, and health in general:   Insect-borne diseases increase. For example, if insects dont die off in an area because it no longer reaches the cold temperatures it once did, diseases those insects may carry- such Lyme disease- can proliferate more easily.People from poorer, drier, hotter, or low-lying countries may attempt to emigrate to wealthier or higher-elevation locales  seeking better (or at least nondeadly) conditions, causing tension among the existing population.As climates warm overall, people  use more energy resources for cooling needs, which will lead to a rise in air pollution  and deaths from increasingly hot weather conditions that cannot be mitigated.Allergy and asthma rates go up due to pollution exacerbated by the earlier and longer blooming of plants.Cultural or  heritage sites  are  destroyed due to increased extremes and acid rain. Disadvantages: Nature Out of Balance The environment around us is affected by climate change in a multitude of ways. The component parts of any ecosystem normally must maintain a delicate balance but climate change is throwing nature is out of whack- in some places more than others. Effects include:   Increase in the number of species of animals and plants heading toward extinction.Loss of animal and plant habitats causes animals to move into other territories, disrupting ecosystems that are already established.Because the behaviors of many plants, insects, and animals are dependent on temperature, a change in climate can cause an imbalance in the ecosystem itself. For example,  say the availability of food for a particular insect no longer coincides with the time when the offspring of the natural predator for that insect is born. Uncontrolled by predation, the insect population booms, resulting in an overabundance of that pest. This, in turn, leads to increased stress on the foliage the insects eat, which ultimately results in a loss of food for larger animals in the food chain that also depend on those plants for sustenance.Pests such as viruses, fungi, or parasites that usually perish at a certain low temperature no longer die off, which may lead to an increase in disease amo ng plants, animals, and humans.  Ã‚   Melting of permafrost leads to flooding and greatly increases the release of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere which only serves to exacerbate climate change. In addition, ancient viruses long held in stasis by the permafrost are allowed to escape into  the environment.  Rainfall increases in acidity.Earlier seasonal drying of forests leads to forest fires of increased frequency, size, and intensity. Loss of plants and trees on hillsides leaves them more vulnerable to erosion and landslides and may lead to an increased probability of property damage and loss of life.

Interventional MR systems Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Interventional MR systems - Assignment Example The most critical challenges in using this technique have thus been discussed followed by a conclusion. Keywords: Interventional MR, iMRI, intraoperative MRI, MRI, Magnetic Resonance, Operating Room, imaging Table of Contents: Introduction 3 Definition and Classification 3 Classification 5 Safety Considerations 7 Advancements 8 Improved MR scanner 8 Interventional pulse sequencing and adaptive imaging 9 MR compatible instruments, tracking and visualisation 9 Augmented reality introduced in surgical system 11 Challenges 12 Conclusion 14 References 15 Introduction Magnetic resonance or MR techniques are extensively used in the medical world for imaging purpose. Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is reliable, precise and detailed. Also, advanced MRI implementation can culminate at three dimensional or 3D view of a patient’s tissue system. Previous to the development of interventional MRI or iMRI, most of the existing medical imaging technologies were primarily used for the purpose of diagnostic processes. But MRI proves to be more reliable than even the most advanced technologies like computerised tomography or CT scan (Blanco Sequeiros et al 2005). Therefore, experts are now considering expanded intraoperative usage of MR technologies, and iMRI has become a prime area of research in this field. In this paper, iMRI is defined and classified in a detailed manner. Next, safety considerations are discussed. After that, important advancements in the field of iMRI are discussed. Contextually, challenges in the way of optimizing iMRI are detailed. The paper ends in a concise conclusion. The overall discussions in this paper are focussed on iMRI and the technology of magnetic resonance is elaborated wherever deemed necessary. Definition and Classification Initially, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI was utilised to find out and examine greater intricacies of tissue structure. The primary aim was to understand patient morphology with the help of case specific detail s in furtherance with increase in scientific knowledge. Through the 1990s, research in magnetic resonance instrumentation targeted at finding out new methods to acquire detailed images more rapidly at higher resolutions to harness greater intricacy in understand patient condition and tissue abnormalities. The basic principle of the function of a conventional MRI device is shown in Figure – 1. (Coyne 2013; Brown and Semelke1999) Figure – 1: Basic function of a conventional MRI system (Coyne 2013) So conventional MRI and Interventional MRI (may also be referred to as intraoperative MRI) or iMRI are completely different techniques although the basic technology behind them is the same. MRI is used in a largely stationary environment to meet diagnostic aims. But iMRI aims at not only examining but also treating the abnormal tissues diagnosed or discovered during an operative procedure. Furthermore, iMRI can both guide and improve the treatment process, including procedures in an operation room (OR). (Blanco Sequeiros et al 2005; Lufkin, Gronemeyer, and Seibel 1997) Hushek et al (2008) state that iMRI applications have facilitated development of various improved ancillary devices and techniques that have enriched medical technology and biophysics holistically. For example, continuous research in the field of iMRI led to the invention of advanced pulse sequencing to establish a rapid imaging system with the help of an MR scanner. Furthermore, iMRI

Computer technology advancement in Forensic science Essay

Computer technology advancement in Forensic science - Essay Example The system was great for its time. System worked well. The image was not of best quality it worked, better then the old Identity kit. Nothing compares to a good forensic composite artist who can draw the image by hand. However, for those of us who aren't so talented with that medium, the computer and software became our medium and the results were excellent. Computer industry changed. The VISATEX program was in the DOS environment, everything was changing to a graphical environment, Windows. The costs of computers were dropping fast, the programs were cheaper and a lot of those in the industry just couldn't keep up with the changing technology, a financial drain. The "newer" composite programs were using a lot more memory, hard drive space and required better printers. When law enforcement finally caught up to the modern computer world the new composite programs matched the current computers capability. This is where we are today. Several composite programs are offering their composi te images in 16 bit, soon to change to 32 bit images. They are now photo quality, some are even in full color! Computer programs are available for sketching crime scenes and blood spatters by inputting certain measurements associated with the scene and the individual spatters. This blood spatter program will then calculate and draw the spatters' points of origin.

Journey of life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Journey of life - Essay Example Another family tradition that has been very important in my family is the weekly prayers and lunch, every Friday, we would get together and share a meal after our prayers, and this helped us understand the importance of family and spirituality. Religious Events As a Muslim, each year we have the Ramadan, this is the time we take to fast and pray, we do not eat after sunrise and after sunset we are allowed to partake in our meals. This event has taught me that one cannot be a slave to food or the desires of his body and that the spiritual life is crucial. We also have the Eid Alfeter and Eid Aladha in our calendars in addition to Alhaj when we go the Mekkah in December for one week to worship Allah; it is a time of rejuvenation for our spiritual life, this seems to echo the sociocultural theory that children master activities and add value to them just as we do with our spiritual life. Academic Events I have been very fortunate in life to have two graduations, one from college and the other from the English program and in both events my family was there to celebrate with me, they were some of my proudest moments in life. I knew that I had achieved a major milestone as is expected in my journey through life and as an interpretation of the sociocultural theory which includes learning as part of cognitive development. Having my family to be a part of it showed me that family always rejoices with one in good and in bad times. This achievement was a step into the adult life because I was now walking into the world to fend for myself and not rely on my family as I always had. Career Events After school, I got a job with a company and to celebrate, I invited my colleagues for dinner, this was a way to form a relationship with them while at the same time celebrate the blessings in my life. After a while I moved jobs and took another one as a high school teacher, this was necessary as in life one cannot stagnate in the same position, growth is expected and is a way of sh owing positive development, it is one of the steps to self actualization Relationship Events My wedding day was one of the happiest days in my life, after an year of engagement to my fiance I was happy to be taking this major step, this was the only romantic relationship I had had in my life in line with the psychosocial development theory, intimacy as compared to isolation became important in my life. Taking the marriage step was a bold move on my side, despite it being the norm, there were times I was not sure if I would make a good husband but after evaluating myself I decided that I was ready and I would become better each step of the way as we guide each other, my wife and I. Challenging Events Coming the United States was not just exciting but challenging as well, I was overwhelmed and culture shock hit me hard, I did not know how o speak English and it being the main language I knew I had a long road ahead of me. As the social cognitive theory states that people observe and a t times take up the behaviour of others, I took up the challenge and decided that I would master the language come rain or shine and I am happy that my determination bore fruits as I can now effectively communicate in English. Looking back at all the events in my

Malaria Mosquito Borne Infectious Disease Biology Essay

Malaria Mosquito Borne Infectious Disease Biology Essay Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by parasites of the genus plasmodium. It begins with a bite from an infected female mosquito (more than 30 anopheline species), which introduces the parasite via its saliva into the circulatory system, and ultimately to the liver where they mature and reproduce. The disease causes symptoms that typically include fever, chills and headache, which in severe cases can progress to coma or death. Malaria is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions in a broad band around the equator, including much of Sub Saharan Africa, asia and the Americas. There are five species of parasites of the genus Plasmodium that affect humans and of which only 3 species are found in India. These are Plasmodium malariae (Laveran, 1881), Plasmodium vivax (Grassi and Feletti, 1890), Plasmodium falciparum (Welch, 1897), Plasmodium ovale (Stephens, 1922) and Plasmodium knowlesi (Robert Knowels, 1932). Malaria due to P. falciparum is the most deadly, and it predominates in Africa. P. vivax is less dangerous but more widespread, and the other species are found much less frequently. P. knowlesi is the fifth major human malaria parasite (following the division of plasmodium ovale into 2 species). This is an emerging infection that was reported for the first time in humans in 1965 and it accounts for up to 70% of malaria cases in certain areas in South East Asia where it is mostly found. HISTORY Malaria has great impact on social and economic development of humans. Malaria was linked with poisonous vapours of swamps or stagnant water and named by the Italians in the 18th century as Malaria (from the Italian mala bad and aria air). In the fifth century B.C., the greek physician Hippocrates described the clinical manifestations and some of the complications of Malaria. The first major breakthrough in understanding the etiology of the disease was in 1880, when Laveran, a French army surgeon in Algeria, described exflagellated gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum in a fresh blood film from a patient with Malaria. It was only in 1897, that Ronald Ross, a British army surgeon in India, conclusively established the major features of the life cycle of plasmodia by a careful series of experiments in naturally infected sparrows. During the 20th Century, progress was made in vector control technology and in 1955 potent synthetic compound called DDT was found and along with other residual insecticides, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a worldwide program of malaria eradication. This ambitious program was hindered by the development of DDT resistance among vector and chloroquine resistance in some strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Soon it was accepted by the world that Malaria was here to stay and subsequently in 1978, the World health assembly changed its focus from eradication to control. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MALARIA Global Scenario Based on documented cases, the WHO estimates that there were 216  million cases of malaria in 2010 resulting in 655,000 deaths. This is equivalent to roughly 2000 deaths every day. A 2012 study estimated the number of documented and undocumented deaths in 2010 as 1.24  million. An estimated 3.3 billion people were at risk of Malaria in 2010, although of all geographical regions, populations living in Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest risk of acquiring Malaria; in 2010, 81% of cases and 91% of deaths are estimated to have occurred in the WHO African region. The majority of cases (65%) occur in children under 15 years of age. Pregnant women are also especially vulnerable: about 125  million pregnant women are at risk of infection each year. In Sub-Saharan Africa, maternal malaria is associated with up to 200,000 estimated infant deaths yearly. There are about 10,000 malaria cases per year in Western Europe, and 1300-1500 in the United States. Both the global incidence of disease and resulting mortality has declined in recent years. According to the WHO, deaths attributable to malaria in 2010 were reduced by over a third from a 2000 estimate of 985,000, largely due to the widespread use of insecticide-treated nets and artemisinin-based combination therapies. Malaria is presently endemic in a broad band around the equator, in areas of the Americas, many parts of Asia, and much of Africa; however, it is in Sub-Saharan Africa where 85-90% of malaria fatalities occur. As of 2010, about 106 countries have endemic malaria. Every year, 125 million international travelers visit these countries, and more than 30,000 contract the disease. The geographic distribution of malaria within large regions is complex, and malaria-afflicted and malaria-free areas are often found close to each other. Malaria is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions because of rainfall, consistent high temperatures and high humidity, along with stagnant waters in which mosquito larvae readily mature, providing them with the environment they need for continuous breeding. Regional Scenario Out of the 11 countries of SEAR, 10 are malaria endemic. Maldives has no endogenous transmission since 1984. SEAR accounts for 30% of global morbidity and 8% of global mortality due to malaria. An estimated 82.8% of the total population is at risk and about 2.5 million cases are reported annually in the region. India contributes to more than three-fourths of the total cases in the South East Asian Region. Since 2004, there has been an increasing number of reports of the incidence of P. knowlesi among humans in various countries in South East Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia. Country Scenario Malaria transmission occurs in almost all areas of India except areas above 1800 meters sea level. Countrys 95% population lives in malaria risk prone areas and 80% of malaria reported in the country is confined to areas consisting 20% of population i.e. residing in tribal, hilly, difficult and inaccessible areas. Directorate of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) has framed technical guidelines/ policies and provides most of the resources for the programme. The case load, around 2 million cases annually in the late nineties, has shown a declining trend since 2002. At low levels of surveillance, the Slide Positivity Rate (SPR) may be a better indicator. The SPR has shown gradual decline from 3.32 in 1995 to 1.41 in 2010 (3). The reported Pf cases declined from 1.14 million in 1995 to 0.77 million cases in 2010. However, the Pf % has gradually increased from 39% in 1995 to 52.12% in 2010. Number of reported deaths has been leveling around 1000 per year. Currently, 80.5% of the population of India lives in malaria risk areas. Since 1970s, in India, areas with an API above 2 cases per 1000 population per year have been classified as high risk and thereby eligible for vector control. The current situation of Malaria in India is shown in Fig 6.1. Malaria in India is unevenly distributed with a risk of increase in cases in epidemic forms every 7-10 yrs depending on the immune status of the population, breeding potential of the mosquitoes and the rainfall pattern. In North-East states efficient malaria transmission is maintained during most months of the year. Intermediate level of stability is maintained in the plains of India in the forests and forest fringes, predominantly tribal settlements in 8 states (AP, Gujarat, Jharkhand, MP, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Rajasthan). The largest number of cases in the country is reported in Orissa, followed by Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The largest numbers of deaths are reported in Orissa, followed by West Bengal, Assam, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh Fig 6.2. Annually about 100 million fever cases are being screened by blood smears. There are 3.12 lakh Drug Distribution Centers, 1.17 lakh Fever Treatment Depots and 13 thousand Malaria Clinics functioning in the country. IMPORTANT TIMELINE 1947: At the time of independence, malaria was responsible for an estimated 75 million cases and 0.8 million deaths annually. 1953: National Malaria Control Programme was launched. 1958: With its overwhelming success, GOI launched National Malaria Eradication Programme. 1965-66: Due to concerted implementation of strategies, particularly spraying with DDT, the number of annual cases was successfully brought down to 100,000 and deaths were eliminated. 1971: Since the resurgence of malaria in early 1970s, urban malaria has been recognised as an important problem contributing to overall malaria morbidity in the country. To assist the states in control of malaria in urban areas, Urban Malaria Scheme (UMS) was launched in 1971. The scheme is being implemented in 131 towns in the country. Urban malaria poses problems because of haphazard expansion of urban areas. The urban malaria vector, An. stephensi breeds in stored water and domestic containers. Construction activities and aggregation of labour provide ideal opportunities for vector to breed and transmit malaria in urban areas. 1976: However, in the following years, the Programme faced various technical obstacles as well as financial and administrative constraints, which led to countrywide increase in malaria incidence to 6.47 million cases. 1977: Modified Plan of Operation (MPO) under NMEP was launched as a contingency plan to effectively control malaria by preventing deaths, reducing morbidity so as to improve the health status of the people. With the adoption of the MPO strategy, the total malaria cases decreased significantly. Presently, about 2 million cases are being reported in the country annually, about half of which are P. falciparum cases. 1982: The National Anti-malaria Drug Policy was drafted in 1982 to combat the increasing level of resistance to chloroquine detected in Pf. 1997: The name of the programme was changed to National Anti Malaria Programme. Enhanced Malaria Control Project (EMCP) was launched in April 1997 with the assistance of the World Bank. This is directly benefiting the six crore Tribal Population of the eight peninsular states covering 100 districts and 19 urban areas. 2003: National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme was envisaged as an umbrella programme for prevention and control of Malaria and other vector borne diseases such as Filariasis, Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis and Kala-azar. 2008: the global malaria action plan (GMAP) was launched by the roll back malaria partnership (RBM) as a blueprint for the control, elimination and eventual eradication of malaria, setting as its objective the reduction of the number of preventable malaria deaths worldwide to near zero by 2015. 2010: The year 2010 was an important milestone on the way to achievement of internationally agreed goals and targets for malaria Control. It was the date set by the World Health Assembly in 2005 to ensure reduction of the malaria burden by at least 50% compared to the levels in 2000. The aim was to make indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINS) available to all people at risk of malaria, and for all public health facilities to be able to provide reliable diagnosis and effective treatment for malaria. 2011: In the light of progress made by 2010, RBM updated the GMAP targets in June 2011. Maintaining an overall vision of a malaria-free world, the targets are now to: (i) reduce global malaria deaths to near zero by end-2015, (ii) reduce global malaria cases by 75% from 2000 levels by end-2015, and (iii) eliminate malaria by end-2015 in 10 new countries since 2008, including in the WHO European Region. These targets will be met by: achieving and sustaining universal access to and utilization of preventive measures; achieving universal access to case management in the public and private sectors and in the areas where public health facilities are able to provide a parasitological test for all suspected malaria cases, near zero malaria deaths is defined as no more than 1 confirmed malaria death per 100,000 population at risk. SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT Malaria affects everyday life of the afflicted persons and is one of the major causes of loss of income and absenteeism in schools. It is thus, directly linked with socio-economic development and referred to as both a disease of poverty and a cause of poverty. Economists believe that malaria is responsible for a growth penalty of up to 1.3 percent per year in some African countries. When compounded over the years, this penalty leads to substantial differences in GDP between countries with and without malaria and severely restrains the economic growth. The direct costs of malaria include a combination of personal and public expenditures on both prevention and treatment of the disease. The indirect costs of malaria include lost productivity or income associated with illness or premature death. Although difficult to express in financial terms, another indirect cost of malaria is the human suffering caused by the disease. J. A. Sinton estimated a loss of Rs.7, 500 million per year to the Indian economy on account of malaria in 1935. The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad calculated that each rupee spent on the malaria programme since 1953-54 has brought in a benefit of Rs.9.27 to the nation. According to an estimate by MRC-ICMR, Delhi, in 1994, every rupee invested in malaria control produces a direct return of Rs. 22.10. The calculations do not include the hidden but large savings on account of the labour days, which is many times higher than that of the direct savings of an individual. In terms of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), malaria in India contributes to 1.86 million years. Among the females, DALYs lost were 0.786 million as against 1.074 million in the males. The maximum DALYs lost (53.25%) were in the middle productive ages from 15 to 44 years followed by children 45 years of age. Transmission dynamics of malaria A large number of factors related to Agent, Host, Vector and Environment have a role in determining the transmission dynamics. Host factors Age : All ages are equally affected. Children are usually effective carriers of gametocytes. In areas with high falciparum transmission, newborns will be protected during the first few months of life due to maternal antibodies transferred to them through the placenta. Gender : Gender does not affect the incidence or severity of malaria infection and disease per se, but because they are often related to frequency of exposure (via occupation, social behaviour, and migration). Innate Immunity : Some persons residing in highly malarious areas do not acquire infection. This may be due to innate immunity of the individual. Such immunity is mainly due to antibodies and T-lymphocytes specific for Plasmodium, which result in reduced illness despite infection. Blood group : There are other factors, which determine immunity against malaria. Genetic characteristics of the erythrocytes and presence of haemoglobinopathies usually confer some sort of protection against infection with malaria parasite. Individuals lacking in Duffy blood group antigen are refractory to P.vivax infection. This points to the fact that Duffy coating on the RBC wall may modify receptors in respect of P.vivax merozoites. Haemoglobin HbS sickle cell trait and Haemoglobin C have a protective effect against P.falciparum. Economic Status : Economic status is inversely related to incidence of malaria mainly because of poor housing. Ill ventilated and poorly lighted houses provide ideal resting places for mosquitoes. Migration : Large scale migration of population from one part of the country for sowing, transplanting and harvesting of crops results in spread of malaria. Tropical aggregation of labour is associated with malaria. The labour migrating from malarious to non-malarious areas bring immune and non-immune population together coupled with local and imported parasite reservoir at the site of temporary camps. Focal outbreaks can be explosive in such situations. They also bring different strains of malaria parasite to the project site including drug resistant strains. Environmental factors Weather: There are seasonal variations in mosquito density, resting, feeding and biting habits, longevity and flight capabilities. Malaria is therefore, seasonal in most parts of the country. In most of the states the maximum transmission is during the period July to November. Temperature and Humidity : Optimal conditions for malaria transmission occur when the temperature is between 20 °C and 30 °C and the mean relative humidity is at least 60%. Sporogony does not occur at temperatures below 16 °C or at temperatures higher than 33 °C. Water temperatures regulate the duration of the aquatic breeding cycle of the mosquito vector. A high relative humidity increases mosquito longevity and therefore increases the probability that an infected mosquito will survive long enough to become infective. The forest cover of an area keeps humidity levels at high level resulting in long survival of all vector mosquitoes. Altitude : Transmission decreases with increasing altitude and as a rule and it stops above the heights of 2000 m. Man made malaria : Construction of roads, railways, irrigation works, dams and barrages, deforestation and other engineering projects have resulted in creation of mosquito breeding place in many new areas. The proximity of human habitation to breeding sites directly influences vector human contact and, therefore, transmission. Agriculture and irrigation have an intricate role in malaria transmission. In areas where irrigation channels are not properly maintained, high vector mosquito density is observed. Temporary hutments in agriculture fields result in increased exposure to mosquitoes. Wells, overhead tanks, ornamental tanks, roof gutters, water storage containers, construction sites, room coolers, valve chambers etc. are important breeding places for A.stephensi. Use of disposable cups, bottles and other items, which can collect water, increase the risks of mosquito breeding. The slums within the town and its periphery are the worst affected areas because of lack of water managem ent and appropriate anti-larval operations. Agent factors Genus : The disease is caused by the haemoparasites of genus Plasmodium, family Plasmodiidae, suborder Haemosporidiidae, order Coccidia. Life cycle : The life cycle of the plasmodium occurs in two stages, the sexual cycle (sporogony) in the mosquitoes and asexual cycle (schizogony) in the human host. Within the vertebrate host, schizogony is found both within erythrocytes (erythrocytic schizogony) and in other tissues (exo erythrocytic schizogony). The development of asexual cycle in man, its duration and course of infection are determined by the genetic composition of the malaria parasite. Sporozoites (microscopic, motile forms of malarial parasite) are released into blood of the human host from the saliva of infected female mosquito when it bites him/ her. Within minutes, these attach to and invade liver cells by binding to hepatocyte receptor for the serum proteins thrombospondin and properdin. The sporozoites multiply in the hepatocytes and get released in batches from them in form of merozoites, which are the asexual, haploid forms. The human red blood cells contain sialic acid residues on the glycophorin molecules attached to their surface. The plasmodium merozoites attach to these sialic acid residues by a parasite lectin like molecule. In the RBCs, the parasites grow in a membrane bound digestive vacuole, hydrolyzing hemoglobin through secreting enzymes. This stage is called the trophozoite and contains a single chromatin mass. The next stage is the schizont (erythrocytic schizont) with multiple chromatin masses, each of which develops into a fresh merozoite. The schizont forms after about 48 hr of intra-erythrocytic life (72 hr for P. malariae) and is characterized by consumption of almost all the hemoglobin and occupation of most of the RBC cavity. The RBC ruptures and a new batch of merozoite is released from it, which infects other RBCs. This cycle repeats itself till the host immune mechanisms come into play. Some schizonts mature into sexual forms called the gametocytes that infect the mosquitoes when they take their blood meal. During the hepatic phase, a proportion of sporozoites do not devide but remain dormant for a period ranging from 3 weeks to a year longer before reproduction. These dormant forms are called hypnozoites and are the cause of relapses that occur in P. vivax and P. ovale. After being ingested in the blood meal of the biting female mosquito, the male and female gametocytes form a zygote in the insects gut wass. The resulting oocyst expands by asexual division until it bursts to release a myriad of motile sporozoites, which then migrate in the hemolymph to the salivary gland of the mosquito to await inoculation into other human at the next feeding episode. Parasite load : The parasite load and the gametocyte production are influenced by development of immunity in human host. The difference in parasitaemia levels observed in P.vivax and P.falcipatum are attributed to the fact that P.vivax tends to invade younger RBCs while the P.falciparum invades all RBCs irrespective of their age. Reservoir : The source of infection is a malaria case with adequate number of mature viable gametocytes circulating in the blood. It has been estimated that in order to infect a mosquito, the blood of a human carrier must contain at least 12 gametocytes per mm3 and the number of female gametocytes must be more than the male gametocytes. The human case of malaria becomes infective to mosquito when mature, viable gametocytes develop in the blood of the patient in sufficient density. Bionomics of malaria vectors There are many species of anopheline mosquitoes in India but only 6 are regarded as primary vectors and another 3 or 4 as secondary or local vectors. The following characteristics of vector mosquitoes play an important role in the epidemiology of malaria. Breeding Habits : The breeding habits of mosquitoes show a lot of variation. Hence, vector mosquitoes tend to be confined to certain geographical areas only. Anopheles sundaicus prefers to breed in brackish waters. The main urban vector Anopheles stephensi commonly breeds in wells, cisterns and over head tanks. Tanks, pools, burrow pits and ditches are the preferred breeding spots for Anopheles annularis and Anopheles philippinensis while Anopheles dirus is usually found breeding in forest pools, streams and slit trenches. A.culicifacies is the major vector of rural malaria. It breeds in different ground water collections. During the rainy season, breeding places are numerous. Hence the density is at its peak in the rainy season. The other major vectors are A.minimus and A.fluviatilis. They breed in running channels with clear water. Therefore the densities reach the peak after the monsoon season when streams and channels have slow moving clear water. Density : For effective transmission of malaria in a locality, the mosquito vector must attain and maintain a certain density. This is called critical density and it varies from one mosquito to another and also under different environmental conditions. Anopheles culicifacies needs a very high density for transmission of malaria. Longevity : A mosquito, after an infective blood meal, must live for at least 10 days to complete the development of malaria parasites. Tropism : Some mosquitoes like Anopheles fluviatilis, Anopheles minimus prefer human blood and are called anthropophilic. Others like Anopheles culicifacies preferably feed on animal blood and are called zoophilic. When the densities are high or when the man cattle ratio is higher, they feed on humans too. This preferential feeding habit is called tropism. It has obvious bearing on the transmission of malaria. Biting and resting behaviour : Some vector mosquitoes bite at or soon after dusk, others either during late night or early hours of the morning. However, some species may be active at two different periods during the same night. Control strategies should consider such habits of mosquitoes. Use of impregnated bed nets would definitely be more effective when there are late biters in that area. A female mosquito rests either indoors (endophilic) or outdoors (exophilic) after a blood meal for maturation of its eggs. The common resting places are either human dwellings, cattle sheds or mixed dwellings. Flight Range : The distribution and dispersal of vector species depend upon their flight range. This is important for tracing the source and planning control measures. Some have a short flight range e.g. Anopheles dirus, Anopheles annularis and Anopheles fluviatilis. The species with flight range upto Two km distance are Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles stephensi. Anopheles sundaicus may fly upto 8 or 10 km. MODE OF TRANSMISSION The most prevalent mode of Transmission of malaria is through the bite of the infected Female anopheles mosquito. The mosquito is infective only if the sporozoites are present in its salivary glands. However, malaria can also be transmitted by intravenous or intramuscular Injection of infected blood or plasma in an otherwise healthy person. The parasite can stay alive for nearly two weeks at 4 °c in bottled blood. Rarely transmission can also occur from Infected mother to the newborn. Malaria SURVEILLANCE Malaria surveillance connotes the maintenance of an on-going watch/ vigil over the status of malaria in a group or community. The main purpose of surveillance is to detect changes in trends or distribution in malaria in order to initiate investigative or control measures. 1. Fortnightly Domiciliary visits The active case detection is carried out by multipurpose health workers (male) under primary health care system by conducting active case detection every fortnight by making domiciliary visits. Technical justification for a fortnightly blood smear collection is based on transmission dynamics of malaria. The incubation interval in case of P.vivax is approximately 22 days while for P.falciparum it is 35 days. Thus, surveillance cycle of less than one incubation interval will catch most of the secondary cases before the commencement of next cycle. 2. Fever Treatment Depots (FTDs) Fever Treatment Depots are established in remote villages. The FTD holder is given training for one or two days at the PHC in the collection of blood smears, administration of presumptive treatment, impregnation of bed nets, promotion of larvivorous fish, etc. 3. Passive Case Detection (PCD) All Allopathic, Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, Siddha medicine dispensaries in the health sector are identified and involved in passive case detection. All the fever cases attending the hospital should be screened for malaria and given presumptive treatment. 4. Rapid Fever Survey In case of an epidemic outbreak, every house of the village in the suspected epidemic zone is visited and all fever cases are screened by taking blood smears. 5. Mass survey As an alternative to Rapid Fever Survey, if possible mass survey of the entire population may be carried out in the suspected epidemic zone. Here all the population irrespective of age, sex or fever status is screened by taking blood smear. 6. Drug Distribution Centre (DDC) If it is not possible to have FTD, the medical officer should establish DDC. The functions of DDCs are the same as those of FTDs, except that the DDCs do not take blood slides but administer drugs to fever cases. 7. Annual blood smears examination rate and its validity All fever cases occurring in the community are examined for malaria parasite, and then the total malaria parasite load is examined. The monthly blood examination rate (MBER) norms are 0.8 percent during non-transmission season and 1.2 to 1.8 percent during transmission season were laid down in the Indian Malaria Eradication Programme. ABER = No. of blood smears collected during the year x 100 Population covered under surveillance MBER = No. of blood smears collected during the month x 100 Population covered under surveillance ABER/ MBER is an index of operational efficacy of the programme. The Annual Parasite Incidence (API) depends upon the ABER. A sufficient number of blood slides should be systematically obtained and examined for malaria parasite to work out accurate API. 8. Slide Positivity Rate (SPR) The Slide Positivity Rate among the blood smears collected through both active and passive surveillance gives more accurate information on distribution of malaria infection in the community over a period of time. Trends in SPR can be utilized for predicting epidemic situations in the area. If monthly SPR exceeds by 2  ½ times of the standard deviation observed in SPR of the preceding 3 years or preceding 3 months of the same year, an epidemic build up in the area can be suspected. SPR : No. of blood smears found positive for malaria parasite X 100 No. of blood smears examined 9. Annual Parasite Incidence (API) This parameter measures the incidence of malaria. It is calculated as: API = No. blood smears found positive for malaria parasite x 1000 Total population under surveillance API can be utilized for assessing the malaria endemicity in the area and impact of control operations. The level of API determines whether spray should be taken up in any area. In only those areas with API more than 2, regular rounds of spray would be planned. API calcualtes incidence of malaria and based on this, areas are divided into high low risk zones. 10. P. falciparum Percentage This is calculated as: P.f % = No. blood smears found positive for P.falciparum x 100   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   No. blood smears found positive for malaria parasite Pf % is required to find out prevalence of P.falciparum infection, which can cause severe manifestations of malaria including death. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY P.vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae cause low level parasitemia, mild anaemia and in rare instances, splenic rupture and nephritic syndrome. P. Falciparum on the other hand usually cause high levels of parasitemis, severe anaemia, cerebral symptoms, renal failure, pulmonary edema and even death. Pathophysiology of malaria results from destruction of erythrocytes, the liberation of parasite and erythrocyte (Cytokines, Nitric Oxide etc) material into the circulation, and the host reaction to these events. P. falciparum malaria differs from the other human species of malaria parasite because infected erythrocytes also sequester in the microcirculation of vital organs, interfering with micro circulatory flow and host tissue metabolism, which results in severe organ damage. The P. falciparums greater pathogenicity is due to the following reasons: (a) It is able to infect red cells of any age and maturity, leading to high parasite burden and profound anaemia. (compared to that caused by other species which infect only the young or very old RBCs) (b) P. falciparum causes infected RBCs to clump together (forming rosettes) and to stick to the vascular endothelium (sequestration) blocking the blood flow. Ischemia due to poor perfusi

It Takes a Thief :: Short Stories Stealing Burglary Essays

It Takes a Thief The thief moved slowly through the long stone hallway, not making a sound. He virtually clung to the grey walls, just another shadow in the dark. He paused for a moment, stretching every inch of his six foot frame, eyes and ears straining in the blackness. There it was again, the sound of sandaled feet echoing through the hall. Dropping down and touching the floor, he felt vibrations reverberating through the stone. And they were coming closer! He swore softly, and looked around quickly. Spotting a door, he hurriedly said a prayer to whatever god was willing to listen, and he stepped through it. He noted that he was in a large, empty candlelit room, but that was all he looked at for a moment. Breathing a sigh of relief, he wiped his brow and pushed back his shoulder length black hair, revealing a large, pointed ear. "You're getting to old for this Thronn," he whispered in the silence. Two hundred years. He was two hundred years old. That was really nothing but a pinch of salt in the life of an elf, but the constant pressures of his profession was starting to wear on him. Being a thief added a lot of stress to one's life. This job especially. Usually, he came out ahead, but not this time. His mouth quirked up in a cynical grin at the though of the mere two hundred gold that he was getting for this job. Raiding the castle of Lord Paraxel was not his idea of sane, not even his idea of insanity. But, he had needed the money at the time. He shook his head angrily and looked up. A lapse like that could easily cost him. Finally, his head clear, he scanned the room. It was bigger than he had originally thought and, he smiled, it was the very room he was looking for: the armory. Cabinets were in numerous places along the floor, and numerous weapons were hanging along the walls. Reaching into his belt pouch, he drew out a scroll that his employer had given him. He'd been told that when he was finished reading it, the weapon that glowed would be the one to take. He looked at the scroll with revulsion. He never had liked magic very much, even though he'd always had a way with it. Suddenly, with a flick of his wrist, a dagger appeared in his right hand. It Takes a Thief :: Short Stories Stealing Burglary Essays It Takes a Thief The thief moved slowly through the long stone hallway, not making a sound. He virtually clung to the grey walls, just another shadow in the dark. He paused for a moment, stretching every inch of his six foot frame, eyes and ears straining in the blackness. There it was again, the sound of sandaled feet echoing through the hall. Dropping down and touching the floor, he felt vibrations reverberating through the stone. And they were coming closer! He swore softly, and looked around quickly. Spotting a door, he hurriedly said a prayer to whatever god was willing to listen, and he stepped through it. He noted that he was in a large, empty candlelit room, but that was all he looked at for a moment. Breathing a sigh of relief, he wiped his brow and pushed back his shoulder length black hair, revealing a large, pointed ear. "You're getting to old for this Thronn," he whispered in the silence. Two hundred years. He was two hundred years old. That was really nothing but a pinch of salt in the life of an elf, but the constant pressures of his profession was starting to wear on him. Being a thief added a lot of stress to one's life. This job especially. Usually, he came out ahead, but not this time. His mouth quirked up in a cynical grin at the though of the mere two hundred gold that he was getting for this job. Raiding the castle of Lord Paraxel was not his idea of sane, not even his idea of insanity. But, he had needed the money at the time. He shook his head angrily and looked up. A lapse like that could easily cost him. Finally, his head clear, he scanned the room. It was bigger than he had originally thought and, he smiled, it was the very room he was looking for: the armory. Cabinets were in numerous places along the floor, and numerous weapons were hanging along the walls. Reaching into his belt pouch, he drew out a scroll that his employer had given him. He'd been told that when he was finished reading it, the weapon that glowed would be the one to take. He looked at the scroll with revulsion. He never had liked magic very much, even though he'd always had a way with it. Suddenly, with a flick of his wrist, a dagger appeared in his right hand.

Horizontal Mergers Essay

Mergers occur when one business firm buys or acquires another business firm (the acquired firm) and the combined firm maintains the identity of the acquiring firm. Business firms merge for a variety of reasons, both financial and non-financial. There are a number of types of mergers. Horizontal and non-horizontal are just two of many types. WHAT IS HORIZONTAL MERGER? A merger occurring between companies in the same industry. Horizontal merger is a business consolidation that occurs between firms who operate in the same space, often as competitors offering the same good or service. Horizontal mergers are often a type of non-financial merger. In other words, a horizontal merger is undertaken for reason that have little to do with money, at least directly. Simply stated, a horizontal merger is usually the acquisition of a competitor who is in the same line of business as the acquiring business. By acquiring the competitor, the acquiring company is reducing the competition in the marketplace. Suppose, for example, that Pepsi were to buy Coca-Cola. This would be a horizontal merger. Horizontal mergers are common in industries with fewer firms, as competition tends to be higher and the synergies and potential gains in market share are much greater for merging firms in such an industry. Many businesses use this strategy when one is failing to perform. T hey merge as a last ditch effort to keep from going completely out of business. NON-HORIZONTAL MERGER A non-horizontal merger is the opposite of horizontal mergers. A merger between companies in different industry. It is a business consolidation that occurs between firms who operate in different space offering different goods and services. They involve firms who do not operate in the same market. It necessarily follows that such mergers produce no immediate change in the level of concentration in any relevant market. Although non-horizontal mergers are less likely than horizontal mergers to create competitive problems, they are not invariably innocuous. FORMS OF HORIZONTAL MERGERS There are two basic forms of non-horizontal mergers: vertical mergers and conglomerate mergers. Vertical mergers are mergers between firms that operate at different but complementary levels in the chain of production. Vertical mergers or vertical integration happens when the acquiring firm buys buyers or sellers of goods and services to the company. In other words, a vertical merger is usually between a manufacturer and a supplier. It is a merger between two companies that produce different products or services along the supply chain toward the production of some final product. Vertical mergers usually happen in order to increase efficiency along the supply chain which, in turn, increases profits for the acquiring company. In vertical mergers there is no direct loss in competition as in horizontal mergers because the parties’ product did not compete in the same relevant market. Just like horizontal mergers, vertical mergers can result in anti-trust problems in the marketplace by reducing competition. An example would be if an automobile manufacturing company was to buy up other businesses that exist along its supply c hain. It takes many different types of businesses to support automobile manufacturing. If an automobile company bought a seat belt manufacturing company, companies that manufactured different parts of the engine block and the transmission, as well as sources of its raw materials, transportation, technology, and sales (dealerships), imagine the market power that would accrue to that automobile manufacturing company. It would effectively totally control the price for its vehicles without having to consider any other factors. That is the kind of market power that anti-trust laws are meant to control. However, it should be noted that in general vertical merger concerns are likely to arise only if market power already exists in one or more markets along the supply chain. Conglomerate mergers involve firms that operate in different product markets, without a vertical relationship. They may be product extension mergers, i.e. mergers between firms that produce different but related products or pure conglomerate mergers. Conglomerate mergers generally involve the union of two companies that have no type of common interest, are not in competition with any of the same competitors, and do not make use of the same suppliers or vendors. Essentially, the conglomerate merger usually brings together two companies with no connections whatsoever under one corporate umbrella. This type of arrangement can be very desirable when the investors for the newly created conglomerate wish to create a strong presence in two different markets. In practice, the focus is on mergers between companies that are active in related or neighboring markets, e.g., mergers involving suppliers of complementary products or of products belonging to a range of products that is generally sold to the same set of customers in a manner that lessens competition. Proponents of conglomerate theories of harm argue that in a small number of cases, where the parties to the merger have strong market positions in their respective markets, potential harm may arise when the merging group is likely to foreclose other rivals from the market in a way similar to vertical mergers, particularly by means of tying and bundling their products. When as a result of foreclosure rival companies become less effective competitors, consumer harm may result. However, it should be stressed that in these cases there is a real risk of foregoing efficiency gains that benefits consumer welfare and thus the theory of competitive harm needs to be supported by substantial evidence