Growth Strategies to Achieve Competitive Advantage Essay

Growth Strategies to Achieve Competitive Advantage - Essay Example Business growth is nothing but a double-edged sword. If it is well managed and properly controlled, it would definitely provide remarkable rewards to the shareholders as well as to the leaders of the emerging organization. But when growth is uncontrolled and poorly planned it might results in financial misery and failure (Sherman, A. J. July 13, 2006). Effective planning and management are crucial for sustaining the growth for a long time. Lack of effective planning and management would result to attack by the creditors, competitors, creative takeover specialists and hostile employees. The central question that needs to be asked regarding this topic is what strategies ought to be followed in facilitating growth. Apart from this central question, there could be various sub-questions which would be associated with the business structure, availability of the capital, time and market condition. The central question focus on the strategies that are required for growth. Without proper stra tegy, no management can keep the organization on the growth track. These strategies would be based on the structure of the organization, availability of the capital, time and market condition. As a result, these factors would be the main focus of the sub-questions. XYZ power utility company is operating in a developing state of Southern Africa. The company is a state-operated company; as a result, there is lack of efficiency in company’s operation. There could be various growth strategies for such a company. Ansoff matrix is one of the most useful growth strategies which are widely used in the industry. There are four strategies in Ansoff matrix. These are market penetration, product development, Market development, and diversification. In market penetration strategy organization tries to grow with its existing product within its existing market. In product development strategy firm introduces a new product in the existing market. In market development strategy firm identifies a new market for its existing product and finally in diversification strategy firm introduce a new product in a totally new market (Valuebasedmanagement.net, n.d.).

The Country Wife- Contextual Section Essay Example for Free

The Country Wife- Contextual Section Essay William Wycherley wrote The Country Wife in 1675 during the Restoration Period in England. He was born in 1641 at Clive Hall near Shrewsbury to a wealthy family, and he was educated in France where he spent most of his youth. Once Charles II was restored, he returned to England to study at Oxford, and then became a fine, fashionable gentleman in London, of strong intellectual power. There he was able to observe the attitudes and actions of similarly constituted social groups, whom would later be the basis of his plays. The Country Wife is a Restoration Comedy as it was written during the forty years after the restoration of King Charles II to the English throne. He had a particular passion for the theatre, and its development during this period was largely down to him. The civil war in 1642- the Puritan Revolution- had seen his father Charles I beheaded and Oliver Cromwell become the leader of England. This eighteen-year period- the interregnum- saw the puritans discourage and eventually completely ban drama, due to its connections with the monarchy and its immoral non-puritan values. After King Charles II was restored and therefore theatre, there was a general feeling of happiness and freedom in the country. People were interested in enjoying themselves after the long period of drudgery, thus increasing the popularity of theatre. The plays themselves were much more cheerful compared to the Elizabethan and Jacobean plays that they had proceeded, prompting the introduction of the Comedy of Manners. People wanted to laugh. There were other huge differences to how English Theatre was pre 1642. There were machinery allowing objects to fly and move, and there was moveable scenery permitting plays to be divided into scenes. This aided comedy of manners productions like The Country Wife to create a sense of deceit by allowing characters to hide and make numerous entrances and exits for example. However, the greatest change was that women were allowed on the stage. This was a novelty and plays were then able to use their sex appeal and flirtatiousness to include raunchier storylines, such as Horner and his many conquests in The Country Wife. Actresses spoke the prologue and epilogue, to charm the audience into applause and they established a sexual commerce with them. Many of the actresses entered the profession as orange sellers, and their talent as actresses was questioned due to their frequent liaisons with the aristocracy, including the King and Samuel Pepys. This is where the sexual connotations of oranges in The Country Wife originate.

Fall Dance Concert Review Art Essay

Fall Dance Concert Review Art Essay The performance that was observed was not lively as evidenced by the various features. The performance did not make most of the people in the audience to scream. Even the crowd was not cheerful as the performance went on and it showed that the crowd was not moved by the performance. However the dancers looked organized from the way they were entering the stage. I expected a more lively performance that could ignite the audience from the beginning to the end. Push /pull This piece had both men and women with different costumes that also differentiated them. The dance had a total of five dancers and they were dancing to some sort of soul music beats. The music lacked vocals. The stage was brightly lit such that the movement of each dancer could be noticed easily. The color of the costumes could easily be differentiated. The dancers had good costumes with the men having blue trousers and black tops. This made a common costume for the two gentlemen. The ladies costumes were not similar as in the case of the men. They wore shorts of different colors one with white and the other two with black .The ladies top costumes were sleeveless and off different colors for instance yellow light blue and violet. The theme that ran throughout the dance was acrobatic in outlook or some dance competition. From the type of song that was chosen to the costumes and the movements, the dancers express some sort of acrobatic presentation that can entertain the audience. This is a typical dance for music and drama festival events where the dancers are competing against other participants. This has been articulated by the nature of their costumes and the coordinated moves that were being made by the male and female dancers. Such a dance can be compared to the TV show dances that bring out talents in dancing. Movement such as the downward spin has become very common amongst the young dancers. The costume is also typical of the mode of dressing that has characterized TV competition dances. The movements of the dances were unique and uniformed. Both the men and women were making similar movements with their bodies. The up movements with legs apart was very common followed by the downward spins that were well executed by both men and women dancers. From my evaluation, the dance was well executed and the dancers had mastered their movements. They were all going with the same rhythm during the dance. The costumes of the ladies however could have been matched in a better way. As evidenced in the dance, their movements are an illustration of common choreographic movements that have become common in competitions today. Incline The dance had a total of ten dancers who participated in pairs of two. The stage was not lit well and it was difficult to see the faces of the dancers but their movements could be seen. The costumes of the dance were characterized with official wear consisting of shirts and long trousers for the male dancers. The color was dominated by black and white. There was no uniform color in the costumes of the dancers. This was of a formal dance with invited guest. There were different shades of color both in the male and female costume. The lady dancers were dressed in red and white dresses with a wide conical base. The dancers were responding to the classical music that was being enjoyed by most of them. The dance was rather slow and smooth with the male dances holding the female dancers and turning them round. The theme that dominates the entire dance is that of partying or some sort of celebration. This has been depicted by the nature of their costumes. The dancers seemed to be in a party ing mood. For instance this is typical of marriage celebration dances with partners holding each other and turning around to the slow and smooth music from the background. The movements that were being made by the dancers were not coordinated as in the case of competition dancers. Particularly, the male dancers seemed to be relaxed and did not make much movement without the lady dancers. At some instances the male dancer was observed holding the female ones suspended in the air. This is a very common style of dancing for party dances and has featured in the dance. Such a style has been observed quite often in the TV and in movies. Mostly in the soap operas, the dancing style is common during party and celebration scenes. In my evaluation I can point out that the dance was well executed. The movements of the dancers seemed to be right although the male dancers were almost appearing stationary. Most of the movements are done by the lady dancers. The costume was ok considering that the dance might not be for competition but rather for religious or other celebration. Even though the dancers were not consistently in the rhythm of the classical music, they have depicted good movements such as the rotations that make the dance livelier. The dance was simple and can even be perfumed by the older people. However what can be looked into in the costumes in the color choice that seemed not to be reflecting consistency especially with one dancer in red and others in white and black costumes. Overall I did not enjoy the dance to the fullest, though it was a bit entertaining with some of the unique movements depicted. The music played was not my favorite hence it determined my attitude towards the dance. This is definitely not what I expected in the concert because I did not witness the dancers swing to my favorite tunes. To make it worse, in the first dance, there were just beats only and no vocals. The concert is a reflection of what has been covered in the lectures specifically on the part of costumes, music and the theme. From the lectures it has been possible to make an interpretation about the themes that are portrayed by the two dances in the concert.

Natural Selection, Scale, and Cultural Evolution Essay -- Natural Selec

Evolution can be seen throughout all aspects of life, but for each aspect evolution does not occur in the same process. In his article entitled â€Å"Natural Selection, Scale, and Cultural Evolution,† Dunnell emphasizes and explains why evolution has made such a small impact on archaeology. Cultural evolution and biological evolution are not the same. Biological evolution uses theoretical propositions that explain the mechanisms of biological adaptation and evolution. The laws of cultural evolution â€Å"are not theoretical propositions but rather empirical generalizations† (Dunnell, 1996: 25). Cultural evolution does not explain the differences among the occurrences cultural phenomena. Dunnell’s main goal is to effectively formulate ways to integrate evolutionary characteristics and anthropological theory (Dunnell, 1996). Dunnell believed that evolutionary biology is a better method to explain evolution in cultural anthropology and archaeology rather than cultural evolution. The main problem with biological evolution is the dilemma of altruistic behavior in humans, which is the exact opposite of natural selection. Dunnell states that altruistic behavior is â€Å"the ultimate of the selfish principles† (Dunnell 1996: 26). The original solution to the issue of altruistic behavior was thought to be to change the scale of which natural selection works from that of the individual to the group. However, Dunnell gives three reasons why this change usually would not work. First, the individual, not the group, is the mean by which the reproductivity occurs. Second, the individual is the mean by which observable characteristics show themselves. Finally, changes in higher levels of ranking in society, such as that of the group, are too slow for ... ...a â€Å"culture† (Dunnell 1988). After a forty years absence, the cultural evolution method was revived in the mid-twentieth century. At first, many rejected the revival of this method, even though they were still using some aspects of the method, i.e. the stages of a cultures development. The twentieth century cultural evolution method differed from the earlier model in a few ways, but the main difference was in the definition of â€Å"progress.† During the nineteenth century, â€Å"progress† was broadly defined as â€Å"the betterment or similarity to modern European culture† (Dunnell, 1988; pg 176-177). During the twentieth century, however, â€Å"progress† took the definition of â€Å" the increase in the amount of energy captured by society† (Dunnell, 1988; pg 177). This simply means that the â€Å"least developed† cultures used less energy than â€Å"more developed† cultures (Dunnell, 1988).

Do violent video games cause behavior problems? Essay

Violence in video games lead to violent outbreaks and bad behaviour in real life, many people believe so. Are these violent video games moulding and fuelling today’s generation of young minds to a more violent side, forgetting the idea that these games are solely for entertainment purposes. Many studies have taken place surrounding this idea, giving valid points to both sides of the topic. Video games are extremely popular all over the world, connecting people through the internet allowing them to interact with one another through a cyber-portal for entertainment, with varying genres of games from card games, first person shooter’s, racing or even 3D strategy games. These games connect millions of people all around the world, gamers spending countless hours glued to screens looking at a bunch of pixels. These games are evolving every year, as technology gets better so do the games, with more realistic graphics, sound effects and scenarios. So with this, the violent game s are also becoming far more realistic, violent and aggressive. Are these prolonged hours spent playing these games damaging these people’s minds? Many of the violent war games being released today have age restrictions on them, R16 or R18 warning people of the violent content the game has, however this does not stop underage people getting their hands on them. In the article â€Å"Video games and youth violence: A prospective Analysis in Adolescents† written by Christopher J Ferguson, it quotes â€Å"The potential influence of violent video games on youth violence remains an issue of concern for psychologists† , stating that this topic is widely concerning to many people. Many studies have taken place to look into whether or not these games are causing bad behaviour, but in this article Christopher J Ferguson states that none of these studies have developed well validated measures of youth violence caused by the games. This article also points out that having depressive symptoms can lead to violent outbreaks due to antisocial traits with the individual, and gaming is an antisocial activity, therefore these games attract to those who  already have these depressive symptoms and the potential to act out violently. And the violent game has nothing to do with making the person violent, as these potential issues are there prior t o the individual even playing the game. There have been many studies based around violence in video games, whether it is elevated blood pressure, aggressive behaviour or violent outbreaks. A study led by Brock University PhD student Paul Adachi has proved that yes these violent games are causing aggressive behaviour, but this is based on how competitive the game is and not due to the violence. Therefore a non-violent game that is equally competitive will lead the user to show similar aggressive behaviour. In many cases, like the 1999 Columbine High school massacre where Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students, one teacher, and injuring 21 other students before turning the guns on themselves. It was well known that the two teenagers who committed this extreme violent act were excessive players of the violent video game called â€Å"Doom 3D†, in which the player embarks on defending mars from aliens with large automatic weapons. A lot of people claim that this game caused the two to violently outbreak into the massacre, however there is no proof, and once again, the game has not caused anyone else, out of its millions of players over the years to commit t he same heinous crime, Eric and Dylan were capable of these crimes before playing the game, it is however a possibility that the game helped their psychopathic views to be glorified. Where normal people do not have these psychopathic traits in the first place and play games like this for entertainment only. Children failing in school can become violent or show aggressive behaviour due to the low academic marks and failing to achieve, and many studies state that video games cause children to fail school, thus leading to violent aggressive behaviour. This is falsely accusing video games based upon facts that can be associated with various other activities. Spending six hours a day watching TV, shopping, or sleeping will just as equally affect your school grades, it is down to the individual how they use their time effectively. In the article â€Å"Violent video games do not cause aggression† written by Lester Haines, it states that the university of Illinois carried out studies regarding the possible link between violent video games and real world aggression, concluding their findings from their first long term study to show that the violent games â€Å"did not cause any substantial increase in said aggression†. Violent video  games bring millions of people around the world entertainment, and social interaction through the internet connecting them with other gamers, who have similar interests. Allowing interaction through talking and playing the game, there are many people who believe that these violent video games are causing many people to act out violently, recreating what they see or play in these games. Blaming these games for people’s actions is obscured. If someone is capable of committing extreme violent acts, or acting in an aggressive manor, they were capable of it well before they took part in playing a computer game. It is down to the individual who plays these games to act responsible, know right from wrong, and play the games for entertainment only. Violence is not just in video games, it is everywhere and all around us. Works Cited Poole, S. (2000, Apr 26). Parents 2: Healthy living: Video games will make your kids violent and more likely to fail at school, according to new research. nothing could be further from the truth, says games junkie steven poole. The Guardian, pp. 16-2.16. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.aut.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/245514814?accountid=8440Ferguson, C. J. (2011). Video games and youth violence: A prospective analysis in adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 40(4), 377-377-391. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.aut.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/858659823?accountid=8440Keenan, T. (2008, Apr 04). Do some video games encourage violence?; one former soldier thinks that this type of entertainment is teaching kids to kill. Nanaimo Daily News, pp. C.6. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.aut.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/361607229?accountid=8440Study finds competition in video games, not violence, causes aggression. (2011, Sep 03 ). Daily Gleaner, pp. C.4. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.aut.ac.nz/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/887134689?accountid=8440Grace Shin. (2008). Video Games. A Cause of Violence and Aggression.Retrieved from http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1723Lester Haines, (2005, Aug 15), Violent video games do not cause aggression, retrieved fromhttp://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/08/15/video_games_and_aggression/

Graduated Sanctions essayEssay Writing Service

Graduated Sanctions essayEssay Writing Service Graduated Sanctions essay Graduated Sanctions essayThe systems of up-bringing, motivation, control of young generations have always been important and developed, aiming at increase of young people’s self-consciousness and accountability. One of effective recently developed approaches is considered to be juvenile graduated sanctions. The programs of graduated sanctions, supported by the use of valid decision making instruments, help to ensure that intervention services for youth are appropriately identified (Matese, 1997, p.2). Graduated sanctions reveal the best perspectives for community based corrections, especially for young people, providing the appropriate correction, control and support methods and guaranteeing the reduction of recidivism cases.Further this paper will be concentrated upon definition of graduated sanctions, the key levels of interventions, discussion of possible helpful resources, related to graduated sanctions.First of all it is necessary to be clear about the notion of â€Å"gr aduated sanctions†, generally it is defined as â€Å"a set of integrated intervention strategies designed to operate in unison to enhance accountability, ensure public safety, and reduce recidivism by preventing future delinquent behavior† (Matese, 1997, p. 2). The major aim of using such system is concrete subdivision of crimes, committed by young people, when limited interventions are used in case of less serious offenses, whereas more restrictive ones follow some serious crimes. â€Å"Graduated sanctions systems make use of a â€Å"multi-tiered continuum† of intervention of services and programs that allows the juvenile justice system to match these to specific characteristic of the juvenile offender† (DeComo Wiebush, 2005, p. 5). Any system of graduated sanctions usually consists of three components: â€Å"the program component, the assessment and decision making component, and the management information component† (DeComo Wiebush, 2005, p 6). It is necessary to mention, that there is a long list of possible synonyms to the word â€Å"sanctions† in this case, like fore example graduated responses, graduated consequences and so on. According to certain number of specialists in the sphere of juvenile justice, the term â€Å"sanctions† is absolutely not an appropriate term for the system, the main aim of which is to support young people in making correct choices and avoid continued criminal activities and actions. On the other hand, there is a need to have constant and stable control over the situation with juvenile delinquency.The wide discussion of such sanction systems started around 1997, when the Congress of America provided 16.5 million for development and support of such programs for young people. â€Å"The funds were to specifically support Innovative Local Law Enforcement and Community Policing (ILLECP)) programs in states that provided assurance that they had in effect, or were working on these kinds of programs† (Wilson Howell, 1993, p. 13). One of the key tasks of these programs was to control the application of accountability based sanctions to all young offenders and criminals in correspondence to their actions.As soon as graded sanctions are discussed, it is necessary to comment in detail upon each of the levels, of which there are usually five pointed out: immediate sanctions, intermediate sanctions, community confinement, secure confinement, after care.Immediate sanctions are usually applied in case of non- chronic offenders for not serious crimes. They belong to the early intervention system of sanctions, aimed at correcting illegal behavior and provision of the necessary services. â€Å"Typical immediate sanctions include community service, restitution, curfew restrictions, informal supervisions, and mandated involvement in short-term programs (shoplifter program or substance abuse education)† (Matese, 1997, p. 8). The cases of diversion from formal court processing are the most frequent basis for application of immediate sanctions.The second level sanctions are called intermediate sanctions. Logically, they come after immediate sanctions, in case juveniles continue their type of crinimal behavior. Also sometimes intermediate sanctions are good for violent offenders, who are inclined to special forms of supervision, probation and corrections.Community confinement includes sanctions useful for well developed community – based settings. Special programs are worked out for the young individuals, who committed property crimes or crimes against other individuals. In such cases the risk of recidivism is minimal, if any, and there is no need to take the offender out of his home atmosphere for treatment.The next level of sanctions, secure confinement, is usually applied towards chronic law-breakers or juveniles, committing serious crimes with violent delinquency. Typically, these young people are inclined to recidivism, and this fact should be considered, when choosing the sanctions system. For such offenders there are special correctional facilities created, mostly, they are small institutions with concrete treatment organization and orientation, because they are proved to have much stronger impact than large institutions.The final level of sanctions received the name – after care, from this it is already clear, that we are talking about the system of sanctions, which should be applied to the offenders at the moment of their return to the usual life, to the community after going through secure care. This level is of the highest importance to all categories of offenders, integrating back into social life. â€Å"A model after care program referred to as intensive supervision program should consist of the following elements:1) short term transitional placement in secure confinement, 2) day treatment, 3) outreach and tracking, 4) intensive supervision, 5) routine supervision, and 6) case closure† (Wi lson Howell, 1993, p. 25).According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, a certain list of risk factors needs to be considered before working out the course of graduated sanctions to a concrete offender. The list of these individual factors includes: â€Å"drug dealing, antisocial behavior, gang involvement and physical aggression; family factors including sibling gang involvement and parental absenteeism; school factors like frequent absences and academic failure; poverty and violence in the neighborhood; and peer behavior like drug and alcohol use and gang activity† (Matese, 1997, p. 10). All these risk factors play vitally important role for the choice of the correction program, which in its turn is responsible for preventing recidivism. Usually young offenders are aware of the fact, that there is a possibility of application of tougher sanctions and graduated sanctions in this care play a perfect crime preventive role. This is one of the serious advantages of graduated sanctions systems, because it allows applying the treatment method which is neither too hard nor too mild and is the best to prevent recidivism in some concrete case. Enough attention, which is paid to the individuality of the offender, is one of the ways to reduce the repeated offenses.When working out the system of graduated sanctions it is necessary to consider the application of decision making instruments. On the one hand the system of graduated sanctions is responsible for making young people accountable for their behavior and for the choices young offenders make; on the other hand, there is a strong need in creation of concrete range of programs and services, which would support young people in their â€Å"decision-making processes†, i.e. providing treatment interventions and services, helping to create a structured decision making model, in accordance young people’s needs and supporting them.Graduated sanctions are in many ways connected to community corrections, the main target of which is to guarantee public safety and help to avoid future criminal behavior (Wilson Howell, 1993, p. 26). Most of the prisoners and criminal offenders would have to reenter the communities again, and unfortunately this process might be rather sophisticated especially for young people, who get quickly used to the schedule and rules of some controlled environment and might get lost, when they cross the borders of it. â€Å"Returning prisoners usually face five challenges: substance abuse, physical and mental health, negative peer pressure, employment and housing† (Matese, 1997, p. 12). In order not to make them cope with these challenges alone and to avoid the risk of recidivism, it is necessary to provide the community corrections services.Overall, this paper is devoted to the problem of graduated sanctions in relation to community-based corrections; for better understanding of the importance of the graduated sanctions and thei r potential for juvenile offenders it was necessary to study the notion of graduated sanctions, the five levels of their application and finally their relation to community based corrections. It is evident, that the system of graded sanction has sufficient advantages, especially for the juvenile offenders and for their further correction processes.

Geoglyphs - Worldwide Ancient Art of the Landscape

Geoglyphs - Worldwide Ancient Art of the Landscape A geoglyph is an ancient ground drawing, low relief mound, or other geometric or effigy work that was formed by humans out of earth or stone. Many of them are enormous and their patterns cannot be fully appreciated visually without the use of aircraft or drones, yet they are  found in isolated places throughout the world and some are thousands of years old. Why they were built remains a mystery: purposes attributed to them are almost as varied as their shapes and locations. They could be land and resource markers, animal traps, cemeteries, water management features, public ceremonial spaces, and/or astronomical alignments. What is a Geoglyph? A geoglyph is a human-made rearrangement of the natural landscape to create a geometric or effigy form.They are found the world over and are difficult to date, but many are several thousands of years old.They are often very large and can only be visually appreciated from high above.Examples include the Nazca lines in South America, the Uffington Horse in the UK, Effigy Mounds in North America, and Desert Kites in Arabia. What is a Geoglyph? Geoglyphs are known across the world and vary widely in construction type and size. Researchers recognize two broad categories of geoglyphs: extractive and additive and many geoglyphs combine the two techniques. Extractive geoglyphs (also called negative, campo barrido or intaglio) involves scraping away of the top layer of soil on a piece of land, exposing contrasting colors and textures of the lower layer to create designs.Additive geoglyphs (or positive or rock alignments) are made by gathering materials and piling them on the soil surface to create the design. This 365-foot-long (111 m) silhouette of a horse carved into the chalky side of a hill in the county of Oxfordshire, west of London, stands out clearly downhill from the ruins of Uffington castle. HOPE PRODUCTIONS/Yann Arthus Bertrand / Getty Images Extractive geoglyphs include the Uffington Horse (1000 BCE) and the Cerne Abbas Giant (a.k.a. the Rude Man), although scholars typically refer to them as chalk giants: the vegetation has been scraped away revealing the chalk bedrock. Some scholars have argued that The Cerne Abbas Giant- a big naked guy holding a matching club- may be a 17th-century hoax: but its still a geoglyph. Australias Gummingurru arrangement is a series of additive rock alignments which include animals effigies of emus and turtles and snakes, as well as some geometric shapes. The Nazca Lines Aerial View of Hummingbird Geoglyph, Nazca Lines. Tom Till / Photographers Choice / Getty Images The term geoglyph was likely coined in the 1970s, and it was probably first used in a published document to refer to the famous Nasca Lines of Peru. The Nazca Lines (sometimes spelled Nasca Lines) are hundreds of geoglyphs, abstract and figural art etched into part of the several hundred square kilometers of the Nazca Pampa landscape called the Pampa de San Josà © in coastal northern Peru. Most of the geoglyphs were created by people of the Nasca culture (~100 BCE–500 CE), by scraping away a few inches of rock patina in the desert. The Nazca lines are now known to have been begun in the Late Paracas period, beginning about 400 BCE; the most recent date to 600 CE. There are more than 1,500 examples, and they have been attributed to water and irrigation, ceremonial activity, ritual clearing, concepts of radiality like those expressed in the much later Inca ceque system, and perhaps astronomical alignments. Some scholars such as British archaeo-astronomer Clive Ruggles think some of them may be for pilgrimage walking- deliberately constructed so that the people could follow the path as they meditate. Many of the geoglyphs are simply lines, triangles, rectangles, spirals, trapezoids, and zigzags; others are complex abstract line networks or labyrinths; still others are spectacular humanoid and plant and animal shapes including a hummingbird, a spider, and a monkey. Gravel Drawings and the Big Horn Medicine Wheel One early use of geoglyph referred to a wide variety of gravel ground drawings at the Yuma Wash. The Yuma Wash drawings are one of several such sites found in desert locations in North America from Canada to Baja California, the most famous of which are the Blythe Intaglios and the Big Horn Medicine Wheel (built ca. 1200–1800 CE). In the late twentieth century, geoglyph specifically meant ground drawings, especially those made on desert pavements (the deserts stony surface): but since that time, some scholars have broadened the definition to include low-relief mounds and other geometric-based constructions. The most common form of geoglyph- ground drawings- are in fact found in almost all of known deserts of the world. Some are figural; many are geometric. Native American Geoglyph in Wyoming.   Christian Heeb / Getty Images Native American Effigy Mounds Some North American Native American mounds and mound groups could also be characterized as geoglyphs, such as the Woodland period Effigy Mounds in the upper Midwest and Great Serpent Mound in Ohio: these are low earthen structures made in the shapes of animals or geometric designs. Many of the effigy mounds were destroyed by farmers in the mid-19th century, so the best images we have are from early surveyors such as Squire and Davis. Clearly, Squire and Davis didnt need a drone. Plate XXXV from Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley. Great Serpent in Adams County, Ohio. Ephraim George Squier and Edwin Hamilton Davis 1847 Poverty Point is a 3.500-year-old C-shaped settlement located on the Maco Ridge in Louisiana that is in the shape of spoked concentric circles. The sites original configuration has been a topic of debate for the past fifty years or more, partly due to the erosive forces of the adjacent Bayou Macon. There are the remains of five or six concentric rings cut by three or four radial aventues around an artificially raised plaza. 3,000 Year Old Poverty Point Earthwork.   Richard A. Cooke / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images In South Americas Amazon rainforest there are hundreds of geometrically-shaped (circles, ellipses, rectangles, and squares) ditched enclosures with flat centers that researchers have termed geoglyphs, although they may have served as water reservoirs or community central places. Works of the Old Men Hundreds of thousands of geoglyphs are known in or close to lava fields throughout the Arabian peninsula. In the Black Desert of Jordan, ruins, inscriptions, and geoglyphs are called by the Bedouin tribes who live the Works of the  Old Men. First brought to scholarly attention by RAF pilots flying over the desert shortly after the Arab revolt of 1916, the geoglyphs were made of stacks of basalt, between two to three slabs high. They are classified into four main categories based on their shape: kites, meandering walls, wheels, and pendants. The kites and associated walls (called desert kites) are thought to be mass kill hunting tools; wheels (circular stone arrangements with spokes) appear to be constructed for funerary or ritual use, and pendants are strings of burial cairns. Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL dating) on examples in the Wadi Wisad region suggest they were built in two main pulses, one in the Late Neolithic about 8,500 years ago and one about 5,400 years ago du ring the Early Bronze Age-Chalcolithic. Atacama Geoglyphs Llama Caravan Geoglyphs, Atacama Desert, Northern Chile. Paul Harris / Getty Images The Atacama Geoglyphs are located in the coastal desert of Chile. There were more than 5,000 geoglyphs built between 600-1500 CE, made by moving around the dark desert pavement. In addition to figural art including llamas, lizards, dolphins, monkeys, humans, eagles, and rheas, the Atacama glyphs include circles, concentric circles, circles with dots, rectangles, diamonds, arrows, and crosses. One functional purpose suggested by researcher Luis Briones is that of identifying safe passage and water resources through the desert: the Atacama geoglyphs include several examples of drawings of llama caravans. Studying, Recording, Dating, and Protecting Geoglyphs The documentation of geoglyphs is performed by an ever-increasing variety of remote-sensing techniques including aerial photogrammetry, contemporary high-resolution satellite imagery, radar imagery including Doppler mapping, data from historic CORONA missions, and historic aerial photography such as that of the RAF pilots mapping desert kites. Most recently geoglyph researchers use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). Results from all of these techniques need to be verified by pedestrian survey and/or limited excavations. Dating geoglyphs is a little tricky, but scholars have used associated pottery or other artifacts, associated structures and historic records, radiocarbon dates taken on charcoal from interior soil sampling, pedological studies of soil formation, and OSL of the soils. Sources and Further Information Athanassas, C. D., et al. Optically Stimulated Luminescence (. Journal of Archaeological Science 64 (2015): 1–11. Print.Osl) Dating and Spatial Analysis of Geometric Lines in the Northern Arabian DesertBikoulis, Peter, et al. Ancient Pathways and Geoglyphs in the Sihuas Valley of Southern Peru. Antiquity 92.365 (2018): 1377–91. Print.Briones-M, Luis. The Geoglyphs of the North Chilean Desert: An Archaeological and Artistic Perspective. Antiquity 80 (2006): 9-24. Print.Kennedy, David. The â€Å"Works of the Old Men† in Arabia: Remote Sensing in Interior Arabia. Journal of Archaeological Science 38.12 (2011): 3185–203. Print.Pollard, Joshua. The Uffington White Horse Geoglyph as Sun-Horse. Antiquity 91.356 (2017): 406–20. Print.Ruggles, Clive, and Nicholas J. Saunders. Desert Labyrinth: Lines, Landscape and Meaning at Nazca, Peru. Antiquity 86.334 (2012): 1126–40. Print.

Life and Times of Sir Isaac Newton essays

Life and Times of Sir Isaac Newton essays Newton, Sir Isaac (1642-1727), mathematician and physicist, one of the foremost scientific intellects of all time. Born at Woolsthorpe, near Grantham in Lincolnshire, where he went to school, he began to attend Cambridge University in 1661; he was elected a Fellow of Trinity College in 1667, and a Lucasian mathematics professor in 1669. He stayed at the university, lecturing most of the years, until 1696. During these Cambridge years, in which Newton was at the top of his creative power, he singled out 1665-1666 as "the prime of his age for invention". During two to three years of intense mental effort he prepared Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy) known mostly as the Principia, though it was not put into print until 1687. As a firm opponent of the attempt by King James II to make the universities into Catholic institutions, Newton was elected Member of Parliament for the University of Cambridge to the Convention Parliament of 1689, and was also re-elected again in 1701-1702. Meanwhile, in 1696 he had moved to London as Warden of the Royal Mint. He became Master of the Mint in 1699, an office he held to his death. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1671, and in 1703 he became President of the society, being annually re-elected for the rest of his life. His major work Opticks, appeared the next year; he was knighted in Cambridge in 1705. As Newtonian science became increasingly accepted on the Continent, and especially after a general peace was restored in 1714, following the War of the Spanish Succession, Newton became the most highly esteemed philosopher in Europe. His last decades were passed in revising his major works, polishing his studies of ancient history, and defending himself against critics, as well as carrying out his official duties. Newton was modest, reserved, and a man of simple tastes. He was upset by criticism or opposition...

Important Considerations of Calorie Dissertation

Important Considerations of Calorie - Dissertation Example Most of the previous research that has been done in this field relates perceptions and attitudes of consumers towards fast food. The global trend clearly indicates that consumption of fast food have increased significantly in the past two decades with the infiltration of fast food giants into the major cities of the world. Studies conducted in United States have shown that the percentage of calorie intake from fast food have increased from 3% to 20% in the past twenty years (Henderson and Kelly, 2005). It has been documented in the existing literature that individuals who consume fast food have been observed to consume more calories compared to the nutritional content which contribute to factors like obesity and other health related problems (Binkley, 2006). Research conducted in United States regard of fast food consumption has revealed that consumption of fast food is very high for young adults. Individuals belonging to the age group of 19-25 years have been observed to consume higher proportion of fast food than individuals belonging to the age group of 12-18 and 30-39. College students prefer to consume fast food primarily because they are low in cost and conveniently available (Bowen and Vinyard, 2004). Most of the studies that have been conducted regarding the consumption of fast food among college students have shown that convenience is the most important reason that makes college students intake fast food. The increasing globalization of the world economy has altered the preference of Asian consumers.

Management in organisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Management in organisation - Essay Example To this end, the research would use the dominant theories and concepts of management and try to infuse it with the success of organisations Organizations & Businesses â€Å"Organisations are social entities that are goal oriented and are designed and deliberately structured to meet certain objectives† (Daft, 2009). An organisation involves people who come together to work together to attain certain results. An organisation revolves around the collection of various individuals and groups of people who work together to attain these stated ends. This means that the organisation has some social elements which culminate from the interaction of these different peoples who affect and are affected by the organisation. Also, an organisation works through the combination of various inputs for the attainment of specific results. This means that there is the need for some kind of person or groups of people to work and ensure that the organisation meets its stated and defined ends. â€Å" Organisations take inputs from the society and process them to outputs and offer it to the society† (Archer, 2012). This means that an organisation is more of a system that plays a role in the extraction of resources from the external environment, adding value to it and giving it to members of the society. It is therefore inevitable to have people within the organisation who have the duty of ensuring that the right things and the right proportions are met in attaining the end of the organisation. A business is formed when people pool their resources to form an organisation which has the primary aim of maximising returns on the investments of the owners or the people who pooled the resources (Hill, 2010). The owners or shareholders of such entities have the profit motive and they ensure that they have representatives who work hard to attain this profit motive for the organisation (Paddington, 2009). This group of people are known as the management. The management of an organisa tion or business have the right to use the resources of the organisation to the best interest of the owners (Millichamp, 2008). The fundamental role of management is to work hard to attain the objectives of the organisation that they work for. Management have to use various techniques and tools to combine the factors of production: land, labour and capital to attain optimal results for an organisation or entity (Ruda, 2008). In order to do this, there is the need for management to use a wide range of techniques and tools to come up with the best strategies and formulas for the attainment of organisational goals and objectives. This is done through the use of important management science and principles which provide the right combination for the various levels of management in an organisation. Strategy & Management Theory Management theories and principles define the roles of people who are tasked with management. The theories often refer to the established ideas and concepts that pr ovide the best framework for running a corporate entity (Jain, 2008). Management theories also helps an organisation to divide up work and break down its core tasks (Murugan, 2007). Management theories help managers to come up with the best ways of dividing up work and defining functions in a given business. From there, work is broken down and the span of control of each unit of the organisation is defined (Murugan, 2007). The division of work to the various

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Strategic Management - Essay Example The company should use the generic strategies to achieve competitive advantage. These generic strategies include; differentiation, focus and cost leadership. Cost leadership strategy strongly emphasizes on working towards a goal of producing low priced products. Many people would be attracted to companies that offer lower prices for their services and products. For example, South West airlines have used this strategy, and the profits have grown immensely through application of cost leadership strategy. Differentiation strategy emphasizes on production of unique products and services that are better than their competitors and are valued more by customers. For a company that wants to make great changes, differentiations of their products is very important. Focus strategy means developing a certain market target. A focused strategy targets market segments which are less vulnerable to any substitutes or in situations where competition is weakest. This will enable a company to attain comp etitive advantage. For a business that is undergoing large change, marketing strategy implementation is also very important. A company may be undergoing a change like change of product, change of process; change of location change of product composition etc. customers may not be aware of these changes and may become reluctant to buy their products (Paley, 2006 pp.21). These changes may have a negative impact on the company if they do not follow well defined strategies. The initial purposes for change which in most cases are done with an aim of increasing profit may not be met if they are not well advertised. For example; a company may decide to change their products. When these products get to the market customers who are not aware of them may be reluctant to buy. Buyers have to be made aware of the products through good marketing strategy. They need to be made aware of the benefits of using the products. Advertisement is a good marketing strategy in the business set up undergoing m assive change. Appealing means of capturing people to buy your product cannot be under weighed (Foxall, 2005).The advertisements should be made in such a way that it targets many people. For example; advertising in popular television and radio programs can capture millions of people. Similarly, advertisements can be done by use of large and attractive billboards in busy streets. For example; using a popular celebrity in your advertisement billboards can attract more attention. Good marketing strategy should be based on well developed ideas and well budgeted. It would require a good sum of money especially if large commercial advertisements have to be done. It should also ensure that the targeted population is reached. For example; a product that targets youth should have marketing strategies that adequately draw their attention more. Strategic management theory Strategic management is the approach and the process of pointing out the objectives of an organization and implementing pol icies that will ensure achievement of these objectives. In broad term, it can be seen as a combination of the formulation, implementation and evaluation of the strategy. Management theory provides a framework for knowledge organization. It also provides blueprint for actions that can guide organizations in achieving their objectives (Parnell, 2004 pp.34). Many managers rely on these contributions that were made by past industrialists.

Arguments against and for Reframing Labor Rights as Human Rights Assignment

Arguments against and for Reframing Labor Rights as Human Rights - Assignment Example The labor law on the other hand argues that although the Act may be helpful in filtering and filling some gaps in the framework of legal protection at the workplace, the general effect is quite limited. This is due to the narrow range of employment-related issues to which convention rights apply. In addition, the Act provides limited opportunities for direct and indirect enforcement of employees who claim to be victims of a breach by their employers (Bakan, 1997). The effect of the duty on courts to interpret legislation in a manner which gives effect to convention rights is likely to disappear through the narrow interpretation of the respective rights by the Strasbourg authorities and the equivocal nature f the rights themselves. Incorporation is not a substitute for carefully tailored legislation as it raises questions about the obligations under the international treaties in the social field like the Council of Europe’s Social Charter. The first argument for reframing labor rights as human rights is that human rights approach facilitates partnerships with human rights friends. In addition, the system works well with the inexorable internationalization of labor struggles, it allows the naming, blaming and shaming of labor abusers and it is more responsive to the current political and cultural zeitgeist as compared to the traditional labor arguments (Savage, 2009). A human rights reframing is likely to bring about authoritativeness to labor discourse that will never be achieved by trade unionists (Adams, 2008). The historical curve of labor organizations keeps on changing toward wage compression, equal pay for work of equal value as well as equal benefits bringing up the bottom at a faster pace than advancing the top. Some unions that had gone to two-tier contracts succeeded in reversing them when possible.  Ã‚  

Main Tenets of the Theory in Criminal Justice Essay

Main Tenets of the Theory in Criminal Justice - Essay Example Social learning theories explain that people learn new behavior through overt reinforcement, punishment or observation. People learn through others’ behavior.   If people observe positive, desired outcomes in the observed behavior, they are more likely to model, imitate, and adopt the behavior themselves.   It also suggests that the environment can have an effect on the way people behave.   This theory believes that criminality is a function of individual socialization, how an individual has been influenced by his experiences or relationships with his family, peer groups, teachers, church, authority figures, and others.   Various theorists have attempted to develop concepts on how an individual within the social order learns. This has been an important topic because of the manner in which different people function within society. For example, the habitual criminal may not always learn from a jail sentence because of behavioral patterns learned in childhood. Yet, if this is the case, criminal justice entities, as well as psychological therapists have a method of understanding the behavior and treating it.     Learning is defined as the habits and knowledge that develop as a result of experiences with the environment, as opposed to instincts, drives, reflexes, and genetic predispositions. Associationism is the oldest learning theory.  It is based on the idea that the mind organizes sensory experiences in some way, and is called cognitive psychology today.  Behaviorism is the second oldest learning theory.  It is based on the idea that the mind requires a physical response by the body in order to organize sensory associations.  There are two types of learning in behavioral psychology: classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Most social behavior is of an operant nature.  

Understanding Geospatial Data in Development Assignment

Understanding Geospatial Data in Development - Assignment Example A band ratio approach can be used by diving band 5 by band 2 in order to separate the water line from the clouds. The rate of change of the coastline can be calculated for transects greater than 16000 and generated at intervals of 50 m along the coastline and the main islands. This can be done using the End point Rate technique in the Digital Shoreline Analysis System in ArcGIS. Bangladesh is located at the mouth of Brahmaputra and Ganges which are the two largest rivers in the world flowing from the Himalayas. A large part of the country is located in the Bengal basin which is an extensive geosyncline and has a large population of about 14.2 million people. Most people live in the low lying plains floodplains and delta plains which are usually very vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon season (Alesheikh et al, 2007). As a result, Bangladesh is normally considered as one of the most risky countries in the world due to exposure to the effects of climate change and sea level rises. The coastline of Bangladesh covers an area of about 47,201square kilometers and this region is inhabited by about 46 million people. River Ganges drains about 1114000 square kilometers of catchment area and the River Brahmaputra drains 935000 square kilometers of catchment area and these supplies billions of tonnes of sediments every year in the Bengal basin. This rapid increas e in sedimentation results into a very rapid accretion in the estuaries (Goodbred, 2003). In other sections of the coastline where rapid erosion is experienced due to strong tidal currents and strong waves action, rapid subsidence can be noted with a recession of about 3-4 km of the shoreline from its original position. If we compare the Landsat images between 1973 and 2000, the recession rate of the shoreline and the time frame can be established (Benny, 2000). By comparing the satellite images

Arguments against and for Reframing Labor Rights as Human Rights Assignment

Arguments against and for Reframing Labor Rights as Human Rights - Assignment Example The labor law on the other hand argues that although the Act may be helpful in filtering and filling some gaps in the framework of legal protection at the workplace, the general effect is quite limited. This is due to the narrow range of employment-related issues to which convention rights apply. In addition, the Act provides limited opportunities for direct and indirect enforcement of employees who claim to be victims of a breach by their employers (Bakan, 1997). The effect of the duty on courts to interpret legislation in a manner which gives effect to convention rights is likely to disappear through the narrow interpretation of the respective rights by the Strasbourg authorities and the equivocal nature f the rights themselves. Incorporation is not a substitute for carefully tailored legislation as it raises questions about the obligations under the international treaties in the social field like the Council of Europe’s Social Charter. The first argument for reframing labor rights as human rights is that human rights approach facilitates partnerships with human rights friends. In addition, the system works well with the inexorable internationalization of labor struggles, it allows the naming, blaming and shaming of labor abusers and it is more responsive to the current political and cultural zeitgeist as compared to the traditional labor arguments (Savage, 2009). A human rights reframing is likely to bring about authoritativeness to labor discourse that will never be achieved by trade unionists (Adams, 2008). The historical curve of labor organizations keeps on changing toward wage compression, equal pay for work of equal value as well as equal benefits bringing up the bottom at a faster pace than advancing the top. Some unions that had gone to two-tier contracts succeeded in reversing them when possible.  Ã‚  

Understanding Geospatial Data in Development Assignment

Understanding Geospatial Data in Development - Assignment Example A band ratio approach can be used by diving band 5 by band 2 in order to separate the water line from the clouds. The rate of change of the coastline can be calculated for transects greater than 16000 and generated at intervals of 50 m along the coastline and the main islands. This can be done using the End point Rate technique in the Digital Shoreline Analysis System in ArcGIS. Bangladesh is located at the mouth of Brahmaputra and Ganges which are the two largest rivers in the world flowing from the Himalayas. A large part of the country is located in the Bengal basin which is an extensive geosyncline and has a large population of about 14.2 million people. Most people live in the low lying plains floodplains and delta plains which are usually very vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon season (Alesheikh et al, 2007). As a result, Bangladesh is normally considered as one of the most risky countries in the world due to exposure to the effects of climate change and sea level rises. The coastline of Bangladesh covers an area of about 47,201square kilometers and this region is inhabited by about 46 million people. River Ganges drains about 1114000 square kilometers of catchment area and the River Brahmaputra drains 935000 square kilometers of catchment area and these supplies billions of tonnes of sediments every year in the Bengal basin. This rapid increas e in sedimentation results into a very rapid accretion in the estuaries (Goodbred, 2003). In other sections of the coastline where rapid erosion is experienced due to strong tidal currents and strong waves action, rapid subsidence can be noted with a recession of about 3-4 km of the shoreline from its original position. If we compare the Landsat images between 1973 and 2000, the recession rate of the shoreline and the time frame can be established (Benny, 2000). By comparing the satellite images

Play Macbeth by WIlliam Shakespeare Essay Example for Free

Play Macbeth by WIlliam Shakespeare Essay The play Macbeth was written by WIlliam Shakespeare in the 1600s. The whole play revolves around the theme of power. The theme of power is shown through ambition, betrayal and revenge using the symbolisms of sleep and blood. William Shakespeare used the issue of ambition to portray power in Macbeth. Macbeth was driven by his ambition of gaining power. Macbeths hunger for power made him blond to the atrocities and iniquitous deeds he was performing. In Act 1 Scene 7 Macbeth is stating that ambition was his only motivation to kill Duncan. I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent,but only Vaulting ambition which oerleaps itself And falls on thother. Shakespeare used a horse metaphor to show the conflict of emotions in Macbeths mind.Macbeth thinks of his purpose to kill Duncan as a cavalry horse:but he has no motive to urge it into action so it stands still. Macbeths ambition is pictured as a rider springing into his saddle who overleaps himself and falls on the other side of his steed.Macbeth means that his ambition to be king would inevitably lead him too far. The quote is effective in defining Macbeths drive to ambition. Ambition is used by Macbeth to take the power from Duncan. William Shakespeare used the issue of betrayal to portray power in Macbeth. The issue of betrayal is shown throughout the play from the start when the Thane of Cawdor betrayed Duncan. Macbeth betrayed Duncan,his guest,king and relative by killing him to take the crown of Scotland. Macbeth betrayed his friend and colleague Banquo who stayed by his side when they were fighting against the Norwegians. Macbeth also betrayed Lady Macbeth his wife by dismissing her from formal duties. In Act 1 Scene 7 Macbeth is telling lady macbeth to hide their knowings of duncans murder under an innocent face. Away,and mock the time with the fairest show, False face must hide what the false heart doth know. Shakespeare used an iambic Pentameter to lend dignity and presence to Macbeth after his devious plans to kill Duncan. The quote is effective in showing that Macbeth would betray his king and guest and act innocent with the devious plan in his mind and stoop low just to gain what he wanted. Betrayal i s the weapon that Macbeth used to gain power. The issue of revenge was used by William Shakespeare to show power in Macbeth. Revenge was shown from the start of the play when the witches got revenge on the sailors wife who didnt give the witches any chestnuts. Banquo got his revenge on Macbeth when he came back as a ghost and frightened Macbeth as well as embarrassing him in front of other thanes. Macduff got his revenge by killing Macbeth who slaughtered his family. In act 4 scene 3 malcolm comforts macduff who heard that his family was slaughtered by Macbeth by telling him to make revenge his medicine to cure his grief. lets make us medcines of our great revenge To cure this deadly grief Malcolm is telling Macduff to make the revenge on Macbeth, a medicine that would cure his grief. Malcolm is implying that revenge is sweet. The quote is effective in showing that macduffs revenge on Macbeth was to cure his own grief caused by Macbeth. Revenge was the issue which made one person to rise up or fall down. Blood was a symbolism which helped to symbolize the issues that shows power in Macbeth. The word blood occurs frequently throughout the play. In act 1 scene 2, the wounded captain told a report which described the bloody war. Blood was also related to guilt after after macbeth had murdered Duncan. Once Macbeth and lady Macbeth embark upon their murderous journey, blood comes to symbolize their guilt, and they begin to feel like their crimes have stained them in a way that cannot be washed clean. Blood symbolizes the guilt that sits like a permanent stain on the consciences of both Macbeth and lady Macbeth, one that hounds them to their graves. The enormity of Macbeths crime has awakened in him a powerful sense of guilt that will hound him throughout the play.

Developing Equality and Transparency

Developing Equality and Transparency Platon School Model United Nations 2014 | 7th –9th March 2014 Forum: Special Political Decolonisation Committee Issue: Promoting good governance and democracy through transparency and equality Student Officer: Anastasios Kardamakis Position: Chair PERSONAL INTRODUCTION Esteemed Delegates, My name is Anastasis Kardamakis and it is an honour to serve as a chairman in the fore coming 4th PS Model United Nations Conference. I am 16 years old and I am currently a student of the second class of the Arsakeio High School of Patras. hope that you will all take particular interest in the issues of the Political committee since they are crucial and affect us today. I would like to endorse personal research on the multiple aspects of the issues and come prepared to the conference acknowledging your countries’ policies as well as current affairs. My final advice will be to come up with creative solutions and have a strong will for participation in all procedures. INTRODUCING TOPIC â€Å"Addressing todays inter-linked challenges requires sound,  forward-looking public policies and transparent, accountable governance  structures that embody solidarity with the poorest and most vulnerable Secretary General Ban Ki-moon â€Å"Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.† Former Secretary General Kofi Annan   The dawn of the 21st century has been marked by the unlimited access to information and international efforts aiming at the protection of human rights and equality of all forms. Both the aforementioned social trends are key aspects of the universally recognized ideal of democracy as well as the so called good governance in the community of nations. Therefore, it is the duty of every national government and a responsibility of the United Nations system to ensure that every governmental activity is transparent and every group has equal rights with the others regardless of their origin, religious beliefs, social status, sex, educational and financial background as ways to promote democracy and good governance. DEFINITION OF KEY-TERMS Governance: the activity of governing a country (Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary). Governance is considered  «good to the degree in which a countrys institutions and processes are transparent. Democracy: a system of government in which all the people of a country can vote to elect their representatives (Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary) Transparency: the fact of being transparent (Longman dictionary of contemporary English). In the context of the state â€Å"transparency† means that the citizens are aware of the plans and actions of the government and its institutions. Equality: the fact of being equal in rights, status, advantages etc ( Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary).The equality forms that are associated with the issue are gender,political,religious,racial and legal ones. HISTORICAL AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION Good democratic governance and Equality â€Å"In a democracy there is, first that most splendid of virtues, equality before the Law† Herodotus, ancient Greek historian Equality is a key aspect of democracy and good governance. When the mob revolted in France in 1789, among others, they demanded equal status of all the citizens before the law and human rights .The female movements all over Europe and America in the 19th and 20th centuries called for gender equality and the African people rose their arms against the western colonizers because the wanted to gain their independence and bring an end to the discrimination owing to their origin. These examples from human history confirm how important gender, social, racial and legal equality is for the progress of humanity and the promotion of democratic reforms. When all the citizens of a nation are equal, then all the opinions on collective matters can be heard and therefore the purpose of pluralism is served. Many conventions have been signed and ratified by States aiming at the maintenance of equal rights such as but not limited to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination again st Women (CEDAW),the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Those treaties protect and cordially endorse the aforementioned forms of equality. When women are empowered and able to vote and work, foreign nationals are not afraid to practice their cultural and religious beliefs in public. Everyone is subject to the same laws and their personal freedom is ensured, then the states are able to achieve sustainable development, the economy flourishes and the ties between the members of a society are tight. In essence, these are the characteristics of good governance. So it is apparent to anyone that strengthening equality of every form is a solid way to promote good governance and democracy. Good democratic governance and transparency â€Å"Information is the currency of democracy† Thomas Jefferson, 3rd US President According to the United Nations, democracy and good governance must be characterized by transparency. Transparency and more specifically social transparency is the cornerstone of democratic governance as it enables citizens everywhere to hold institutions and governments accountable for their policies and performance. It is based on a combination of politics and ethics in which the interests and needs are focused in the citizen. When the citizens are fully aware of the implementation of national policies, the work of institutions and the actions of their elected governments, there is trust and better cooperation between individuals and the authorities, the public sector is free of corruption and bribery and the right of every person to know the way his government acts is not being abused. The new technologies allow the continuous flow of information regarding a country’s policies and as a result everyone can be informed about the latest updates. In other words, transparency pr ovides â€Å"a universal rationale for the provision of good records management systems, archives, and financial regulatory and monitoring systems† whilst fighting corruption which hinders the right of knowledge of the society. Last but not least it has to be mentioned that the large movement toward transparency dates back only in 1990s when international organizations such the UN,IMF ( International Monetary Fund) and the World Bank wanted to see democratic practices and stable political Leadership in various Member States. TIMELINE OF IMPORTANT INCIDENTS Events related to equality 1787: United States constitution was the first to include equality before God and Law as the Founding fathers realised that this was a way to promote democracy in the newly founded State. However, this was a premature statement because it lacked basic forms of equality such as racial and gender one and it would take many years to develop as a constitutional idea. 1789: This year the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was signed. Its first article reads â€Å"Men are born and remain free and equal in rights† .This declaration was the foundation of the brief French Republic. Neither the French nor the American revolutions and their philosophical foundations however led to full gender or political equality. It would take many years of revolutions, feminist and anti-discrimination movements as well as wars until equality became a basic concept of legislation. 1948: The United Nations General Assembly adopts the Universal declaration of Human Rights. Its first article reads â€Å"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights†. This phrase is not just important because it stated that any form of discrimination towards an individual is outlaw. It also promoted democracy as most constitutions today include it as their first clause. Many Member States of the UN have signed acts or treaties so as to end inequality. One example is the United Kingdom which in 2010 implemented Equality Act 2010 that aimed at reducing socio-economic inequalities, reforming and harmonising equality law and eradicating differences in pay between male and female employees. Events related to transparency Some extent of transparency existed in the Athenian democracy where there was a system of civilian oversight of public funds and the wealth and incomes of all public figures (including generals), so that they did not benefit from their public positions. In the 18th and 19th centuries with a rise in representative government accountability and transparency became much broader in scope. The U.S. Constitution required the legislative and executive branches to publish laws, regulations, and proceedings. Most western countries though began to adopt domestic legislation for accountability and transparency in the 1950s.In addition to that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has adopted standards and proposes model legislation to govern institutions, such as corporations, nonprofit organizations, and trade unions. The United Kingdom has also enacted comprehensive freedom of information legislation for the public sector. In 1996, the IMF stressed the importance of promoting good governance in all its aspects, including by ensuring the rule of law, improving the efficiency and accountability of the public sector, and tackling corruption, as essential elements of a framework within which economies can prosper. Finally, in 2003 the United Nations adopted the United Nations Convention against corruption (UNCAC) which proposed mechanisms to combat corruption. MAJOR PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE ISSUE Organisations and agencies United Nations: Through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), the Department of Political Affairs (DPA) and the Office of the High Commissioner for the Human Rights (OHCHR), promote human rights, the rule of law, and women’s participation in political life to ensure the access to information by strengthening legislation and media capacities. In particular, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted the resolution A/RES/55/96 which promotes and consolidates democracy. Moreover in 2007 the UN adopted resolution A/RES/61/245 making the organization more transparent. Countries This issue is general and therefore affects all countries both those which need a political transition to democracy and those which are in need of democratic reforms. Countries with non democratic systems: In this category belong states with authoritarian regimes, monarchic, communistic or theocratic ones. In order to exemplify, some of these countries are DPR Korea, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ,the Peoples’ Republic of China ,Kazakhstan and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Because of their political system freedom of expression and participation in democratic procedures do not exist. There is no transparency or equality, even legal or gender one which have been deemed fundamental nowadays. United Nations statistics show that in these Member States high levels of corruption especially among high officials and poverty problems have not been eradicated. Democratic Nations: The majority of the modern states fall into this category. However, there is always the prospect of reforms so as to ensure that all governmental actions are transparent and the human rights in terms of equality are not violated. This is because many cases of suspicious illegal governmental actions have been reported among with human rights abuse ones. States have to realize that so as for them to savour the benefits of good governance, fundamental human rights must be respected. POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS All delegates are highly encouraged to find their own solutions to this issue after taking into consideration their countries policies. This study guide is purely to help them gain an insight into this political topic but some realistic and possible solutions would be that all Member States ,despite their different views about politics, engage in negotiations for better equality of their citizens and also agree on the establishment of an independent UN agency under the Secretary General whose main responsibility will be to promote transparency by encouraging and consulting governments to publish their decisions on line and in newspapers as well as combat corruption and bribery because both actions undermine good governance. Also, each Member State can open a national-level dialogue with individuals in order to increase participation of all national groups to governance and become more transparent. Finally, Non-Governmental organizations such as Transparency International and Human Ri ghts Watch can assist the Member States’ work by organizing educational campaigns and reporting any case of corruption, lack of accountability and inequality to the United Nations and its relevant agencies. BIBLIOGRAPHY AFRICAN CHARTER ON DEMOCRACY, ELECTIONS AND GOVERNANCE 28 Dec. 2013 http://www.achpr.org/instruments/charter-democracy/ Democracy Web 28 Dec.2013 http://www.democracyweb.org/accountability/history.php UN adopted resolution A/RES/61/245 28 Dec. 2013 http://www.un.org/ga/president/62/issues/resolutions/a-res-61-245.pdf United Nations cyberschoolbus 28 Dec. 2013 https://cyberschoolbus.un.org/briefing/governance/gvprogress.htm United Nations global issues /governance 28 Dec. 2013 http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/governance/ United Nations global issues/ democracy 28 Dec. 2013 http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/democracy/index.shtml Wikipedia / Equality Act 2010 28 Dec.2013 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equality_Act_2010 Multimedia resources http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoQFKv7SFzA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao0qAoApT1M http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV6epYm5h18

How Lost Lake has Influenced My Life :: Observation Essays

How Lost Lake has Influenced My Life One day when I was five years old I recall my grandfather asking "Steve, why don't, you go with us to Minnesota next week?" My grandfather was a very important person to me, until he died in 1986. I spent every possible moment of my life either with him or thinking about him. Everything he loved, I loved, and vice-versa. Being bored with my present lifestyle in Peoria and excited about traveling with my grandfather, I took up his offer. After a day long car ride with my father, uncle, and grandparents, I arrived at the location that would forever influence and inspire my life: Lost Lake, Minnesota. I first remarked on the cabin we were going to stay in, for it reminded me very much of the cabin on Log Cabin pancake syrup. I was also surprised at the trees: along with the beautiful pines were these trees with white bark. I asked my grandfather what kind of trees they were, and he told me that they were birch trees. I thought he said "perch", figuring that the trees were named after a species of fish common in the lake. When we went out on the lake to fish I caught a bass on the first cast of my fishing career. My excitement was colossal. While we were fishing I heard a sound I had never heard before: the call of the loon, the state bird of Minnesota. This haunting sound is the trademark of the North Woods. Its sound is quite similar to a moan in a horror picture. Since I experienced all of these new things while having the time of my life, I fell in love with the fish, the loons, and the birch trees. These feelings would stay with me forever. Many of the things I witnessed on my first trip to Lost Lake closely reflect primary interests in my life now. That smallmouth bass introduced me to one of my very favorite hobbies: fishing. I now go fishing at every possible opportunity. Unfortunately, central Illinois is not blessed with fishing lakes, so my fishing is limited to local farm ponds and creeks. I try to go fishing at least once a week. After seeing those mysterious white trees I became very interested in studying trees. Today I can identify any tree anywhere in the United States.

Admiral Jarroc as a Traitor :: Star Trek Essays Papers

Admiral Jarroc as a Traitor In the Star Trek episode of "The Defector," Admiral Jarroc betrayed the Romulans by giving out his own empire state's information concerning a base being built in the neutral zone. For the sake of Admiral Jarroc's circumstance, he did not know whether he was being tested for his loyalty. According to R. H. Webster College Dictionary, a traitor is someone who commits treason by betraying his or her country. A loyal person will not reveal vital information to gain his or her personal advantages as Jarroc did to protect his family. Jarroc displayed his dishonesty first when he gave a false name and then destroyed his vessel before the Federation could examine it. This incident causes Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew members to have doubts regarding Jarroc's honesty. Then Admiral Jarroc told the Federation about an illegal base being built. The Romulans are building a military base too close to the Federation and this will cause a war to break out instantly. Jarroc also has no real evidence about the plans of a base being constructed in that area. On the other hand, he told Picard that he saw reports and work orders for the military base being planned out by the chief of the Romulans. Not only did Jarroc commit treason, his emotions played an important role in his decisions. To the Romulans officials, Jarroc is a traitor because he revealed secret information pertaining the illegal base to the their enemy. The reason why Jarroc betrayed his country is to save his daughter. For the safety of his daughter and the other Romulans, Jarroc released the information to the Federation hoping they can stop the construction of the military base that can cause war. Any loyal soldiers would have sacrifice anything for their empire. Jarroc let his emotions interfere with loyalty according to Joe Chung, "The Romulans are a race which the same ancestors as the Vulcans. The main difference between these two races is that the Vulcans are 100% logical and the Romulans act on their feelings." As you can see Romulans react to their emotion too and Jarroc is not any different from the rest of them. This explains why Jarroc's action committed this treason. Emotions can influence a person's decision and Jarroc happens to fallen within the characteristic of a traitor. According to my beliefs, Jarroc is a traitor because he betrayed his country or empire within the boundaries of danger.

Ambition in Your Life Essay

Ambition a passion that never fails you and will never let you fail it, and this is why it will ultimately cause the downfall of the individual. In the novel Frankenstein and in the Play Macbeth, ambition is the main theme in these two pieces. Both Victor and Macbeth had great dreams of accomplishing certain things that defy a higher order. Ambition drove both of them to strive for what they want and never give up on their dreams. Ambition without doubt help or even single handling brought Macbeth and Victor to their dreams. Ambition is the best quality that a person can have, it allowed Victor and Macbeth to achieve what they always wanted. Whatever can bring you to the top, also has the power to make you fall harder then you fell before, being overly ambitious can also destroy a person and people that surrounds this individual. Victor and Macbeth succeeded in accomplishing their deepest desire but this does not mean they have succeeded in achieving happiness. Everyone dreams about achieving goals and dreams in life that is nearly impossible to grasp due to certain circumstances. Why do some individuals still try in chasing their dreams even though they know that the chances of succeeding are very slim? In the novel Frankenstein and the play Macbeth, Victor and Macbeth had dreams of achieving goals that defy a high order which promises server consequences. Victor and Macbeth are examples of the individual that were driven by ambition, this ambition was so strong and relentless that it actually allowed both Victor and Macbeth achieved their impossible dreams. In Victor’s case he succeeded in creating life and Macbeth succeeded in becoming king and this was all due to being ambitious and determined. Yes Victor and Macbeth did achieved what they wanted but both paid great prices in doing so. Was it worth it? Ambition is the best quality anyone can have, until we crossed the line of chasing a dream and just being obsessed. No one is born with the ambition that makes you obsessed with your goals and dreams in life. Certain incidents must occur to push this person to let ambition make you become obsessed with the goals and dreams in life. Victor and Macbeth both experience this incident that allow their ambitious minds to take over. Victor experienced the lost of a love one, which was his mother. This shock was too great for Victor to handle, this caused victor to hate the fact of death and suffering in life. The chance and opportunity of being able to bring his mother back, and to end all suffering was to captivating. He had the knowledge and power to do so. This caused his ambitious mind to grow and start to take over. The same line of events occurred to Macbeth as well. Macbeth had no intention in betraying his king and taking the throne. Until the three witches implanted the seed of betrayal in Macbeth, he started to think of the opportunities that being the king would bring to him. Betrayal thoughts started to occur in his mind. Macbeth was never sure of what to do until he talked to his lovely wife, she convinced him in taking this opportunity in becoming king. Macbeth kept his ambitious mind under control until the actual first deed of betrayal was committed which was the killing of Duncan, the current king of Scotland. After this incident, ambition took over Macbeth and caused in to do everything in his power to secure his throne. A determined and overly ambitious mind is a blind one. You may spend your whole life striving for a dream or goal that you have. You work so hard in getting what you think you really want, but when you actually achieved and accomplished you goal or dream. You realized that you’re not happy and lost certain things that are so much more important to you then your so called dream or goal. Macbeth and Victor both experienced this in their lives. Victor tried to create life and he succeeded in doing so, but in the course of creating â€Å"The monster† he abandoned what was really important to him, which is his family, his friends, most importantly his life. His creation actually destroyed everything that Victor loved and cared for. The monster should not be blamed because victor crossed the line of trying to better human kind and playing God. He created this hideous and ugly monster that no one can possibly love and abandoned it and left it to die. The actions of victor can also justify the actions of the monster. If victor actually took the time in thinking of what he was doing, he would’ve realized the mistake he was making. He made another mistake right after making the first one. He gave this monster life and limitless power and intelligent, obviously this monster can survive and cause great harm to him and his love ones. If he actually stayed with the monster and taught him how to live and act towards other beings, things would’ve of turned out totally different. Macbeth experienced the same exact lines of events and feelings that victor did in his life. If Macbeth thought of the acts that he was committing, he would’ve of realized that the only thing he is accomplishing in killing the king, is damning himself, his only loved ones. It is obvious that if he committed this act of betrayal and defiance of a higher order, only bad can occur from this. He didn’t realize this right after this act just like victor. He continued to do wrong because of his ambitious mind, which Victor also experienced. He continued acting on his relentless ambition to secure his throne and his undying passion to seek happiness which at the time was being king for him. Which was completely wrong. Knowledge is power and power can corrupt any human being. Victor and Macbeth had the opportunity to achieve their dreams and goals. This thought corrupted both their minds. As both Victor and Macbeth succeeded in achieving their dreams, they experienced different feelings. When Victor was successful in creating life, it totally scared him that he actually create life and it caused him to flee. This ultimately caused the downfall and death of Victor. In Macbeth’s case when he became king, it made him a more determined and stronger person. It made him paranoid and trusted no one, which caused him to make more mistakes, such as killing any one that stood a threat. Victor and Macbeth both were not happy even though they achieved their dream. This is because they acted on impulse which caused them to do whatever it takes to succeed, which caused them to make mistakes that they regretted towards the end of their lives. All of this and every mistake that both Victor and Macbeth made were because they let their ambitious mind blind them of their senses and conscious of what is really important to them and what truly makes them happy. Chasing a dream is good, until the mind is obsessed and is poisoned with the ambition that will change you to a whole new person. You can also order a custom term paper, research paper, thesis, dissertation or essay on ambition from our professional custom essay writing service which provides students with high-quality custom written papers at an affordable cost.

Electronic civil disobedience Essay

Civil disobedience has been a large part of societies and the past generations that have existed. With the further dawning of the information technology era, civil disobedience has taken another form—electronic civil disobedience (ECD). Though ECD takes a rather non-violent means in advancing the interests of certain groups and positing challenges to the status quo of several institutions, ECD has nevertheless remained a crucial force in shaping the image of mankind in general and will remain to be a contributing element in the coming years—and beyond. A look into electronic civil disobedience: comparisons and analyses In contrast to computer criminality, electronic civil disobedience is a means merely designed to â€Å"attack the institutions† whereas the former is more inclined to obtain profit from â€Å"actions that damage an individual†. This standing distinction contests the probable argument that there is no solid, or at least an ideal difference between the two and that both are the same means in putting down the strength of an institution or of an individual. However, while computer criminality is, by the name itself, a crime punishable by existing and applicable laws under the jurisdiction of certain states, resistance via electronic means—the most common of which is through cyberspace—is deemed to be a means to challenge the existing authority, for instance, in pushing forth necessary changes that are being sought after by individuals. This measure is, apparently, still within the borders of the law and are, hence, legal. Electronic civil disobedience (ECD) is oftentimes carried out in a manner that is not violent or, at the very least, in ways that do not involve direct physical contact (â€Å"Electronic Civil Disobedience†). Although there can be indirect physical consequences that can be attributed to the means and ends that are involved with ECD, a large bulk of the essence of ECD rests on its forefront—resistance through the maximum utility of the intangible resources available. These resources are largely comprised of electronic information and invisible systems in cyberspace that do not require physical contact among the individuals that seek to advance their interests in the face of another individual or an existing authority. Though by and large much of the past generations—and even a considerable number of the present generation of citizens—have been closely attached to the physical means of civil disobedience such as in the literal sense of â€Å"taking-up the streets†, a shift in the manifestation of civil disobedience is greatly felt in the electronic realm. Since information technology’s presence has increasingly grown over the past few decades and since its developments have been continuous and have been exponential in refinement, the impacts of electronic civil disobedience has also risen in levels proportional to the booming of the information technology industry. As recent developments in the field of cyberspace expand abruptly, so are the probable means in which ECD can make itself successful in achieving it’s goals or, at least, in making its presence and mission felt across territorial boundaries of states (Cleaver). Moreover, this growth in information technology (IT) has also started to break down the physical barriers as well as the invisible fences that hold back attempts at pushing forth civil resistance or disobedience. The physical institutions that seek to eradicate or lessen the probability of occurrence of these civil resistances have slowly diminished its grip on its capability to harness barriers and put up defensive mechanisms that strain the success of resistance from citizens. At the height of the development communication tools, effective communication has spread like wildfire from among various areas in the globe. Cellular phone technology has amassed for the people easier means to effectively transmit messages across wide distances, thereby instituting a smoother flow of information relay. Group organization and mobilization is held at a unifying pace that easily penetrates the state borders and geographical barriers. This leads us to the notion that the as the advent of electronic communication—the internet and cellular phone technology to name a few—the expected rise in the efficiency and effectiveness of group mobilization and organization in the face of electronic civil disobedience is within reach. However, the abuse of ECD as in the case of civil disobedience (CD) is always a possibility to the extent that legal measures have also to be taken by the proper authorities so as to dismantle probable grounds for violent and unlawful measures in furthering the interests of several groups. ECD, for the most part, can be a ploy utilized by extreme groups that do not only seek refuge in the non-violent methods encapsulated within the essence of ECD but also seek unlawful ends through violent actions that spring forth from the devices and advantages brought up by the electronic media. Terrorists, for example, can opt to start their large scale plans of wreaking havoc in a populated society by getting a good hold of the electronic resources available almost everywhere. The September bombings of the World Trade Center in New York has devastated a number of lives and even up to this day the damage done can still be felt not only by those who were directly affected but also by the millions of people who fear the havoc of terrorism, especially in contemporary times where ECD is not something new. It would be interesting to note on the delimiting strands that segregate those that are purely in the form of ECD and those that hid behind layers of terrorist ploys. For the most part, ECD remains today as a growing tool used as a means in contesting the status quo by oppositional forces. This brings us to the security issues posited by the ECD that confront the targeted institutions by modern-day activists. Although security measures have been reinforced throughout the years with the further advancement in technology, cyberspace remains an open territory for civil activism—and hackers. Though there may be inconclusive findings that seek to establish a connection or an alliance between hackers and ECD groups, there remains the possibility that an actual connivance may actually exist, only that the alliance is hidden beneath the rubrics of the intangible world of technology. It may be an extreme thought to dwell on such a possibility. Nevertheless one cannot entirely dismiss its factual occurrence. In the context of the general population that subscribes to the established groups that further ECD, certain identifying marks have to be made so as to pinpoint the possibility of having a hacker among the number of activists that attempt at penetrating the electronic defense mechanisms of institutions. However, the rapid growth of the electronic resources and its availability prove to be one hefty factor to surmount by the institutions. Activism is all the more fueled by this growth and, thus, the efforts of the institutions are to be doubled or thickened accordingly if ECD is to be diminished. Quite on the other hand, ECD may not be diminished at all, nor can it be totally dissolved especially when the generation we have of today is one that is teeming with the abundance of electronic wealth (Wehling). It must be further realized that such an (ever increasing) abundance in the electronic resources found in cyberspace provides a fertile starting point for extreme organizations that might utilize ECD as an initial step towards electronic violence and as a front for the extensive damage that can be instigated through system crashes and data hostages. The person adept at information technology and electronic systems will readily convey that the probable damage of system crashes as well as data hostages are devastating in the sense that they do not only shaken the virtual foundations of institutions but also destroy the intangible interior foundations that build the electronic core of the institutions. Reparations may be met, though, but the time to successfully recover or at least partially get back on track is yet another factor that must be considered. Hence, security measures are as equally significant as the protection of the interests of these institutions, if not even far more important. Conclusion The impacts of ECD have been felt in many ways. As the growth in cyberspace continues to expand and exceed the standards set forth by previous generations in their attempt to resist the institutional forces and further the specific aims for taking up civil disobedience, ECD continues to be a driving force in directing the path of the electronic world. The presence of ECD in contemporary times will eventually stretch through time for as long as there remains a continued expansion in the domain of cyberspace and for as long as the interests of people are not met and properly addressed.