Wednesday, October 30, 2019
GBST Reading Summary Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
GBST Reading Summary - Assignment Example In Amoral Familism, corruption is an aspect involving particularism, wherein providing resources, one believes it is only to those that the person feels obligated to (Harrison and Huntington, 2013), with nepotism as its most expressed form. Majorities of market forms are established on universalism and not particularism; hence, corruption does not sustain such market values. Similarly, corruption is equally attributed to religion and culture, based on the perspective that certain cultural and religious settings influence the occurrences of corruption. For example, from social science consensus, it is evident that religion is a significant determinant of varied secular cultures such as protestant-dominated environments having an increase in corruption compared to those with least domination of Protestants (Umphlett, 1985). Such a point of view is because protectants in contrast to other Christianity denominations believe that the ability to avoid sin is a personal issue, and each has the ability of so doing. The link between Protestants and corruption goes a long way to affect the economic developments of such areas. Considerably, the relationship between Protestantism and perceptions of corruption indicate that such a relationship enhances in the control of per capita income. Such an indication shows that higher corruption-prone areas influences higher economic development of the individuals participating in the corrupt dealings (Harrison and Huntington, 2013), according to the article â€Å"Religion, Culture (Kent, 2008), and Corruption.†In the contrary to â€Å"Amoral Familism,†ties that are most important and significant are those between families, as in a mother and her child. It is considered that such close ties, are the ones most responsible for influencing corruption through elements such as nepotism, and not ties of the
Monday, October 28, 2019
TV Advertising Essay Example for Free
TV Advertising Essay Undoubtedly, nowadays such significant promotion medium as television is loosing its power and effectiveness. This is connected with a number of various reasons, including, first of all, a huge overload of TV ads on almost all national and local TV channels. Our TV movies and shows are being interrupted several times with long breaks for commercials, which can not reach their target audience, because the majority of viewers find TV advertisements annoying and simply switch their attention to something else. Therefore, the effectiveness of TV ads declines, because TV audience got bored of numerous commercials, which usually come in such moments, when viewers are not interested in that information or not ready to accept it. Another annoyance factor is overplaying of the same commercials, which can not attract attention and evoke any interest any more. Finally, modern electronic devices (like TiVo) allow elimination of commercials and, therefore, contribute in decreasing the efficiency of TV advertising. When comparing TV advertising with such promotional medium as magazines, we can come up with the following conclusions. The main advantages of magazine advertising are its being considerably less expensive, as well as the opportunity to offer repeated exposure. A magazine reader can see the same ads on several occasions, as well as attract a number of secondary readers. That is why we can say that a magazine advertisement lasts longer than a TV advertisement, though it doesn’t allow reaching that much wide target audience. Besides, although magazine advertising can not offer sound and advanced visual effects, it is still a very prestigious and effective promotional channel. Magazine advertising employs high-quality colored images and creative compositions, slogans, which can remain in memory for long time, as well as samples and testers (for some types of products). Finally, abundance of different ads on modern television makes watching commercials less controlled and more passive, while reading a magazine usually involves more mental engagement and higher attention of the reader. Bibliography:  ·Ã‚        Consterdine, G. (n.d.). Magazine Advertising Effectiveness. PPMarketing. Retrieved April 15, 2007, from http://www.ppamarketing.net/public/downloads/MagAdEffect.pdf.. ·Ã‚        Templeton, B. (n.d.). The Future of TV Advertising. Bread Templeton’s Home Page. Clari Net Communication Corp. Retrieved April 15, 2007, from http://www.templetons.com/brad/tvfuture.html.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Bruner and Wittgenstein: Language Learning :: Psychology Children Communication Papers
Bruner and Wittgenstein: Language Learning A crucial phase in the child's development comes with its acquisition of language, but before we can engage in any pedagogical efforts to further infant development or to aid atypical cases, we need to understand methodologically what occurs during language learning. Jerome Bruner, in a methodological adaptation of Ludwig Wittgenstein's middle and later work in an extension of Noam Chomsky's LAD, has put forth one influential proposal (Bruner 1983). Ludwig Wittgenstein's own remarks on the topic also furnish an interesting story independent of Bruner's selective use of his corpus, especially insofar as his approach results in an irreducible riddle and a hypothesis by his own account (Wittgenstein 1953 and 1958). The two views are explored, contrasted and critiqued. In the end, neither will do to resolve problems in our methodological understanding of language acquisition, for which the most important reasons are given. Most children learn language with remarkable ease, but how are we to account for this extraordinary fact? The problem plaguing our understanding of language and language acquisition can be described as. How can one learn anything genuinely new and become linguistically creative and how this learning is possible at all, unless one already has some path into language, for example, a suitable framework in which language learning takes place? It is this framework that interests us here. One possible picture is provided by St. Augustine, who likens the child's learning of language to a stranger coming into a foreign land, unable to understand what is said, yet already in possession of some language, only not the one spoken 'here.' To Wittgenstein, the picture painted in St. Augustine's Confessions is not representative of the scenery encountered by the first-time language learner, for this stranger who slowly decodes the puzzle of the strange surrounding sounds already has a framework. St. Augustine alters the character of the learner so that the issue of a suitable framework does not arise. Philosophers like Chomsky or Fodor, although historically distant from Augustine, try to provide a new answer to the same question. Their solution differs only in the sense that it shifts the problem onto a 'universal grammar' or a 'language acquisition device', which thus provides the entry point into language. In his effort to dissolve philosophical issues, Wittgenstein makes a great many methodological suggestions in his later work, criss-crossing language, meaning, thought, and so forth. We also find
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Left Brain vs Right Brain Research Paper
Left brain VS Right brain Matthew Stafford Davenport University 10/25/2012 Right Brain Your brain processes and reacts to certain situations in many different ways. This is directly due to either being left brain or right brain. What is left brain or right brain you ask? People use either side to approach solutions to a variety of problems with different outcomes. People who are left brain tend to approach each problem with an analytical point of view. Right brain thinkers tend to arise at solutions based on their understanding of relationships.We will discuss how each side of the brain can have negative or positive impacts of solutions, and will give detail information on each side. (Dr. J. Robert dew, 1996) The brain-dominance theory is the study of the relationship between the brains left and right hemispheres. Roger Sperry a noble prize winner first initiated the study in 1996 and has found that each side of the brain processes information quite differently. Most people donâ€⠄¢t even realize they only use a certain side of their brain to come to a solution for a problem.Left brain thinkers tend to focus more on data and collecting all information very thoroughly before making a decision. On the other hand, right brain thinkers tend to be quite the opposite. Those who use their right hemisphere of the brain likes to jump to solutions using the perceptions they have already known. Right brain thinkers are more of the laid back, mind relaxing and tend to arrive at solutions using brainstorming and/or uses the cause and effect diagram. Right brain thinkers also identify root causes of problems by using the five-why method.Right brain thinkers also tend to use understanding of relationships to help determine a possible solution outcome and also views quality as a process for continuous improvement in which controls are only temporary. Being a right brain thinker may be negative because the person does not collect all data before arising at solution, this may lead to an unanswered outcome. Being a right brain thinker also has some advantages also. If you have a problem with a certain person, you’re feeling toward that person may be right and this will save you some trouble in the future.Left brain thinkers have a different way at arriving to solutions then right brain thinkers do. They solve their problems through the use of data. Left brain thinkers also have work done by individuals who are assigned to study a system using an orderly approach. Being a left brain thinker can have negative impacts such as not realizing the intent of another person in time to catch what they are up to, this in turn can be very dangerous. But left brain thinkers do develop solutions using logical analyses of all the facts.They also tend to identify root causes of problems by elaborately categorizing possible causes and using strict rules for questioning. Left hemisphere thinkers also try to improve quality by studying specific variations within a s ystem. They establish controls in the early stages of a system that will ensure quality is controlled throughout the systems life cycle. (Herman N, 1982) Verbal and non-verbal processing of information have a huge impact on how well a student may be in school.A left brained student has trouble in expressing themselves in words when working on a creative paper. While right brained students may know what they mean, but often have a hard time finding the right words to say. Right brain students often have to back up everything visually. If it’s not written down they most likely won’t remember it. This is true in my case, I do have hard times remembering something the next day if it is not written down somewhere. I am right brained and had that pointed out a lot by my family and friends.I remember my friend Brent saying â€Å" Matt, you would lose your head if it wasn’t connected to your body. †I also tend to have a hard time following through on a lecture u nless I know exactly what it is on and what the overview of the lecture is. I try to first look at the answer of a question then try going back to the actual question. Being right brained for me has a real negative impact on my studies, because, I tend to miss the smaller steps to a problem and more often than not, the steps I’ve missed are often the more important ones.The ways in which I can become a better student and have a more stabilized study pattern is to simply try to adopt more of the left brain patterns such as using all data to arise at a solution. Also being able to actually focus on each problem as they arrive and take time to solve each problem thoroughly will be a great addition to my learning tools. For decades people have been using learning tools to help them arrive at better outcomes to their problems. In today’s world we now have more studies being conducted to help that process be more transitional to more understanding of different methods.The le ft brain or right brain theory is a great tool to help the person understand exactly how their learning process is conducted and helps them develop new ways to better outcomes. In this paper I have shown in details how each hemisphere of the brain processes information and how each hemisphere can have either a negative or positive impact on a person’s life. References Herman N, (1982) (Los Angles, CA: the whole brain Corporation) Dr. Robert J. D, (1996), Are you a Right-Brain or Left Brain Thinker pp. 91-93
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Gay Marriages Essay
When newer lifestyles creep into our society, inline with our thoughts and liberties, guardians of the older versions are likely to be taken back. These lifestyle changes happen in every sphere of life, like the way we eat or work. In getting along with it, we may have to abandon our traditional ways. Sometimes these may go unnoticed, as it may be beneficial to all, having none to worry about it. But other times the issues in question may be very important and fundamental, and there would be a social debate. Homosexuality and gay marriages is one such issue, which is still being debated widely. With homosexuality and gay marriages becoming increasingly present in our society, it is important that the subject be well debated and all issues projected so that it helps people to take appropriate decisions. The issue of homosexuality is not just relevant for the partners, but also to the families they are a part of, and to the society as a whole. It is therefore important that the society be well informed of the legal and social aspects of gay marriages, while being alive to the fact that evolving lifestyle issues could knock at anyone’s door. The media has a very important and responsible role in helping the larger part of the society to come to terms with evolving lifestyles.                This is perhaps what the film ‘The Wedding Banquet’ has attempted and succeeded. ‘The Wedding Banquet’ is a thoughtful and touching Chinese film revolving around homosexuality and family ties. The film brings into focus the perception of modern lifestyles, from the traditional point of view, and the difficulties and experiences involved in coming to terms with it (Don). The film projects homosexuality in a wider perspective. A gay relationship, in the midst of a heterosexual marriage and parenting, shows the wider realm of homosexuality and gay relationships. The film brings into focus a gay relationship between a Taiwanese expatriate Wai-Tung and his doctor boyfriend Simon. When Wai-Tung’s parents pressurize their son for his marriage, he plans to buy time by putting impossible conditions for his bride. However a dating company succeeds in finding a suitable match, when Wai-Tung strikes into a convenience marriage with his tenant Wei Wei. The marriage would help Wei Wei from being deported. It is when the parents of Wai-Tung reach America for the wedding banquet of their son, does they know of the developments in the family. The film has several turning points like when Wei Wei seduces an inebriated Wai-Tung and becomes pregnant, leading to deterioration in his relationship with Simon. Wai-Tung’s father approves of the actions of Simon, who he takes as his adopted son . His mother on the other hand is drawn affectionally to her daughter-in-law, whom his father considers as a business participant. At the end the father and mother leave for Taiwan, without any discontent. The movie definitely seems to address the issue of homosexuality in the family context. Bringing the issue of homosexuality face-to-face with traditionally heterosexual cultures, gets everyone on their toes to accept the reality. Lifestyle choices are here to stay and traditions must pave way to it and coexist. This low budget film won recognition for its director Ang Lee, who himself makes a short appearance as a banquet guest. It also won the Golden Bear award in the Berlin Film Festival of 1993 and the best film and best director awards at the 1993 Seattle International Film Festival (Berardinelli, 1993).                      The rights of homosexuals are increasingly gaining support with time. Homosexuals are being more welcome in our society and their rights are becoming more obvious. Gone are those days when homosexuality was considered a serious crime and homosexuals looked upon as people with sick minds. Although there are societies which still consider homosexuality a crime, it isn’t as dreadful as it once was. These developments indicate the growing perception that homosexuals are a part of our society and therefore should be accorded equal rights, equal protection and equal support from all welfare activities. The favorable trend towards homosexuals may be attributed to the general liberalization of policies in most parts of the world, broader thinking among people and the mixing of cultures and mingling of economics. But it is indeed sad that this never before support, is not extended to gay marriages. A major part of this support and backing, of homosexuality stops short of gay marriages. This indifference to gay marriage, particularly from among supporters of homosexuality stems from their perception of marriage and homosexuality. Gays are generally thought to have multiple partners and that therefore their relationships cannot be deep or emotional. The gays are considered as uncommitted and not being capable of forming lasting relationships. This description of gays cannot be challenged, as gays do have such relationships too. However, it should be noted here that such relationships also exist in heterosexual or straight society too, maybe to a small extent and that too mainly among the youth. What most people need to understand about gays is that, as gays grow and mature, they too like their straight counterparts begin to value and seek committed lasting relationships.                   It is important to realize the basics behind the emergence of homosexuality. Homosexuality is a naturally developing phenomenon. However, most ignorant people attribute it to a defiance of heterosexual norms and an intention to experiment. Some people feel that gays could choose being a heterosexual if they wanted, but that, only a very few consider that they have a choice. It is only like heterosexuals being asked to choose the sex they are attracted to. It should be understood that being a gay is natural and not selected. Several gay people, both men and women recall being attracted to people of their own sex from a very young age. The sexual orientation in most people emerge at a very early age like early adolescence, even prior to any sexual experience. Homosexual orientation is a complex subject and cannot be explained by any single or a simple, plain model. No consistent results have been found from research undertaken for homosexual orientation. Despite studying evolutionary and hormonal pattern in homosexuality, scientists have not yet understood the development of homosexual orientation in an individual. Therefore it is improper to assume that homosexuals have a choice, which they have chosen to bypass. Today however, most scientists agree that sexual orientation results from an influence of environment, cognitive and biological factors. Genetic and inborn hormonal traits play an important role in deciding a person’s sexual attitude. Psychologists and psychiatrists believe that homosexuality is not due to emotional or mental disorders; and it was in 1973, when the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its official list of emotional and mental disorders, after appropriate research (APA, 2008). Research based on twin studies also indicate that male homosexuality is genetically mediated. A study with about 76 gay brothers and their families in 1993 by Dean Hamer found that gay men had more gay uncles and cousins on the maternal side compared to the paternal side. One of the most reliable finding in homosexuality adoption was reported by Blanchard and Klassen in 1997, which suggested that the odds of an individual being a gay increased by 33% correpondingly for each older brother. It has been implied that the male foetus causes a maternal immune reaction which is increasingly stronger for each successive male foetus.                 Gay marriages are wrongly perceived by many people to alter family environment. The customary saying that marriage is an institution between a man and a woman holds no water, as there is no real and moral judgement behind it. Such definitions of marriages only raise questions on the eligibility and authenticity of the defining person or institution. Who should be the one to define marriage?. They feel that same-sex couples cannot provide the necessary environment for children’s normal growth. In continuation of this, many consider same-sex marriage as a deterrent to births and continuation of species. They don’t realise that marriages are not just directed to bearing children, as even infertile couples choose to marry or heterosexual couples sometimes choose against having children. Marriage is more about sharing, love and commitment and less about bearing children. It should be realized that gay couples are capable of raising children as much as any straight couple. The fact that there is no significant difference between the children of gay and straight couples, has been proved by research. Psychologists are of the opinion that the gender of the parent is not important in raising the child; it’s the love and commitment on the part of the parents that matter. As for the continuation of species, human species are in no danger of dwindling due to reproductive failure. In fact the population explosion is really disturbing and serious issues are at stake for the oncoming generations. Gay marriages can only help in slowing the rate of population increase, than adding to it. Gay marriages have seen results, since it has already been experimented. Denmark legalised gay marriages in 1989. Several Dutch cities have had same-sex marriage rights for many years. The clergy at first offered opposition to the Danish law and a survey conducted at that time indicated that about 72 percent of the clergy opposed the law. However another survey conducted in 1995 revealed that 89 percent of the clergy supported the law. Gay marriages have been experimented and proved to strengthen the institution of marriage and contribute to the society. Any doubts on the success of gay marriages are fully vacated and its positive impact on the society acknowledged.                     The interpretation of gay marriage in religion should not be ignored when considering gay marriages. Given the binding of religion and its influence on every aspect of life, people consider religious beliefs above all contemporary issues associated with gay marriages, when deciding on them. Some religions are against homosexuality and gay marriages while some do not consider it as something important to be preached upon. In the Old Testament only two passages are referred to homosexuality, among the several thousands (Piazza, 2007). Buddhism in fact attracts several homosexuals, as there isn’t any homophobia preaching in it. The Theravada Buddhism considers all relationships i.e.; gay, lesbian or straight as being personal matters bearing mutual consent (Robinson, 2008). Therefore all relationships are considered constructive and acceptable as long as both partners are happy. Many people, who believe in Christianity, oppose homosexuality and gay marriage, on the basis of the bible. It should primarily be noted here that the bible was written at a period when there was no understanding of homosexuality or psychosexual orientation. The bible therefore does not recognise people as lesbians or gays. The inference was only directed to homosexual acts committed by persons who were considered heterosexual. However, the bible has been successfully used to interpret the views of both advocates and opponents of homosexuality whenever homosexuality is deliberated. According to the Roman Catholic Church, any sex that does not lead to procreation should be avoided and thus the use of condoms and masturbation is condemned. However, it should also be noted that the church approves sex among sterile couples and sex during pregnancy, which do not lead to procreation (Corvino, 1997). An important aspect of bible interpretation is that, many Christians interpret all texts with much flexibility except when it comes to homosexuality, where  all references to homosexual acts are taken literally. The bible actually pays very little attention to this subject and most importantly Jesus speaks nothing on this topic, in the New Testament. This apart, most instructions and recommendations of the bible are of lesser relevance today, like avoiding pork. The teachings are subconsciously breached casually, as we go about our everyday lives. For instance, there was a prominent woman once spoke at length against homosexuality, in the course of which she broke several Biblical laws by Levitical standards (Piazza, 2007), namely speaking in church, she taught men and wore a cotton and polyester dress. The Bible interestingly has a few example of same sex love. David’s love for Jonathan was implied to be greater than his love for woman, Ruth’s deep love relationship with Naomi and Ruth’s words of pledge are used in most heterosexual weddings.                     Even though gay couples are now socially accepted like never before, they are far from equal civil rights. The withholding of civil rights to gay couples can sometimes be life ruining and even life threatening. The inconvenience and sufferings of gay couples as a consequence of these unequal rights can be endlessly said. In most American states, gay couples are not given the right to make medical decisions for their partners, during emergencies. State laws stipulate that the hospitals should reach out to the families of the hospitalised partner, thereby ignoring the gay partner’s concern. Very often, the families are not in good terms with the gay couple, and may even be without contact for a considerable long time. It is obvious that the decisions taken by such families would not be in the best interests of the couple. It is sad that the hostile family even have the right to exclude the partner from the treatment room. Even upon death, the will of the gay partner can be easily challenged and custody decisions overturned by the family (Bidstrup, 2004). Families have the right to deny the surviving partner, even a visit to his partner’s grave. There are several cases where gay couples had been extremely careful in drafting their will, which however were overturned, leaving the surviving partner literally penniless. Whenever arrested, gay couples are forced to provide evidence and testify against their partners. Most gay couples, particularly the older ones have numerous such stories of injustices meted out to their friends or acquaintances. The testimony of a gay partner is as irrelevant as the testimony of a complete stranger, in most courts. In case the partner is jailed, the right to visit the partner is denied in most cases. In matters of law, arrest or imprisonment, the whims of a hostile family and the cooperation of a homophobic judge can have devastating effects on the gay couple. The discrimination is pathetically extended even to the children of gay couples, as gay parents are not able to get parenting rights when children are brought into their family, either by birth or through adoption. These are some civil rights issues, which are in no way connected to the nature of marriages. State laws, which provide for the rights of legally married couples, are denied for gay couples.                   Gay couples are definitely not accorded equal rights, although the situation is improving and would one day catch up with those accorded to heterosexual couples. One must not forget that African-American marriages were not allowed, till the end of civil war. Until 1967, there were at least 15 states that prohibited interracial marriages. It required a US Supreme Court decision that year to ensure inter-racial marriages throughout the United States (Robinson). Same sex marriages are recent happenings, which were earlier not permitted anywhere in the world. The law is often the deciding factor in the fate of homosexuality like in November 2003 when the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court termed the ban on gay marriage as unconstitutional. Legislators have indeed played an important role in the acceptance of homosexuality and gay marriages. However there is a lot more for them to do. There are many states in the US, which have yet not legalized gay marriages. Apart from US, there are only a few countries that have recognized homosexual relationships. Social acceptance is a major struggle for homosexuality, which however can begin only after its legalization. Given the progress in acceptability of homosexuality till now, it is evident that all constitutions should and one day, would legalize homosexuality. It should be noted here that the European Union had demanded Turkey to form more liberal laws on sex, as a condition for its membership. Once homosexuality and gay marriages are legalized, the law should provide for the rights of gay couples, and for individual partners. Gay couples should be allowed to live peacefully like any other family, raise children and plan for their future. Homophobic attitudes should be better identified and punished when it attempts to hinder the rights of gay couples. Gay couples too have the responsibility to stand up against victimization rather than suffer alone in silence, fearing social stigma. It is rightly appropriate here to mention the fact that Brendan Fay had lodged a complaint against the Polish president for using his marriage images to warn his countrymen against gay marriages. Fay’s marriage to his partner Tom Moulton, and their marriage certificate was shown in his televised address to the nation. Fay said he considered it to be an insult and has complained to the Polish Consulate in New York (Salazar).                     The debate on providing equal rights to same-sex couples would go on. The public support for gay couples, would gradually translate to more support for marriage rights. However it is the law, which ultimately dictates on the right to gay marriages. The right of the individual to exercise his choice on his personal matters would ultimately be given to him, to enable him to select the gender of his partner. When South Africa’s highest court recognised same-sex marriages and decided to extend legal marital rights to gay couples, it became the first country to do so in a continent, which condemns homosexuality. It must be noteworthy to mention here that South Africa’s constitution is one of world’s most advanced and progressive constitutions. Constitutional reforms are important for any society to meet its trends and demands. Conservative societies should recognise and be willing to accept newer trends and passions. Just like racist discrimination was ruled out, a new dawn awaits the universal removal of discrimination to gay marriage; a dawn when all gay couples can live happily with all rights and liberties, without any fear or discrimination. â€Å"Although we cannot find that a fundamental right to same-sex marriage exists in this state, the unequal dispensation of rights and benefits to committed same-sex partners can no longer be tolerated under our state constitution,†said New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Barry T. Albin, while offering equal rights to same-sex couples.                  Education too has an important role to play in understanding homosexuality. Understanding the demands and options of today’s lifestyle, is very crucial for any individual, and one should have the relevant education to take appropriate decisions. Our traditional educational policies should be revamped with the realities of today. Educators must let people know to what extent the law currently permits one to select the gender of the person he or she wishes to marry. Educators must be prepared to transform individuals as responsible persons capable of loving, marrying and raising a family, irrespective of the gender of the partner he or she would be married to. Recognition of same sex relationships as being equal to traditional marriages would drastically redefine the meaning of family (Knight, 1997). Educational policy makers should realize that they hold a sacred duty of imparting education and social skills incorporating relevance to homosexual society too. As the legalization of homosexuality and gay marriages are slowly but steadily gaining ground, one thing is clear; these steps will always progress in the same direction. Therefore education must also keep up closely in the same direction for the welfare of its beneficiaries.                The legislators have a moral responsibility to provide and ensure proper implementation of the marriage rights of gay couples, as civil and partnership laws cannot provide the same benefits as that of marriage (Johnson, 2007). The educators have a responsibility of not only transforming the society to be receptive of gay marriages, but also ensuring that gay couples succeed in every aspect of life. The society as a whole should not only integrate gay couples into its fold, unconditionally, but also be fully prepared to welcome newer lifestyle changes of tomorrow.                                                  REFERENCES Don Willmott (2004) The Wedding Banquet [Electronic version]. Retrieved on March 19, 2008 from http://www.filmcritic.com/misc/emporium.nsf/reviews/The-Wedding-Banquet Berardinelli, James (1993) The Wedding Banquet [Electronic version]. Retrieved on March 19, 2008, from http://www.reelviews.net/movies/w/wedding_ban.html Salazar C. New York man files complaint against Polish president for anti-gay marriage speech. International Herald Tribune (19 Mar, 2008) [Electronic version] from http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/03/19/europe/EU-GEN-Poland-Gay-Rights.php American Psychological Association. Sexuality [Electronic version]. Retrieved on March 19, 2008, from http://www.apa.org/topics/orientation.html#whatcauses  2008 Piazza M.S. Homosexuality and Christianity [Electronic version]. Retrieved on March 20, 2008, from http://www.cathedralofhope.com Robinson B.A, (2008). The Buddhist religion and homosexuality [Electronic version]. Retrieved on March 18, 2008, from http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_budd.htm Corvino John. Why shouldn’t Tommy and Jim have sex? A defence of homosexuality. Same Sex: Debating the ethics, Science and Culture of Homosexuality, Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. (1997). Bidstrup Scott, (2004). Gay Marriage: The arguments and the motives [Electronic version]. Retrieved on March 18, 2008, from http://www.bidstrup.com/marriage.htm Knight Robert,. How domestic partnerships and Gay marriage threaten the family. Insight bulletin, Family Research Council. (1997) Johnson, Ramon. (2007) Gay marriage around the world. [Electronic version]. Retrieved on March 20, 2008, from http://gaylife.about.com/od/samesexmarriage/a/legalgaymarriag.htm
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Analysis of Kamakura and Asuka Period Sculpture essays
Analysis of Kamakura and Asuka Period Sculpture essays Japan has a very rich history of sculpture- from prehistory pottery to a focus of materiality in modern Japanese sculpture. It's history also very rich when it comes to dealing with the figure. The Yumedono Kannon of Horyu-ji is a fantastic glimpse into the past and the idealization of form. It's considered a national treasure, and is only viewable by the public twice a year. The Yumedono Kannon serves as a prime example of Asuka period sculpture. Kosho's statue of the monk Kuya was created roughly 600 years later than the Yumedono Kannon. It's a beautiful example of displaying a strikingly real form with attention to detail found throughout the piece. This attention and realistic approach has become characteristic of early Kamakura sculpture and is defined throughout the rest of era. The similarities between these pieces stretch far beyond the idea that it's a figurative sculpture, while the differences are the key indicators of the growth the artistic mindset and the approaches t aken to the creation of art. The Yumedono Kannon is stylistically an idealized form. The head has indication of bone structure in the cheeks, jaw and brow area. However, the construction of it is very generic and ovular. The layout of the facial features is very symmetrical, and smooth. The neck is tubular in nature and very plain. There's no indication of an Adam's apple and the chin doesn't stick out very far from the connection between the two. The Kannon has very rounded shoulders that sort of angle down giving the figure a relaxed demeanor. The torso further emphasizes symmetry in the clothing and drapery hanging from the back. The streamlined appearance from afar comes from the harsh, straight lines flowing down. The form itself is very simple, with a little indication of the body under the clothing, but it's also incredibly generic. There is a little play with asymmetry but it's mostly where the clothes become connected on the upper torso, the ha...
Monday, October 21, 2019
The Genetic Aspects of Infertility essays
The Genetic Aspects of Infertility essays Infertility or the inability to reproduce, affects males and females as well. It is caused by numerous factors such as a trinucleotide repeat expansion in the androgen-receptor gene in males, or a luteinizing hormone deficiency in females (Lee SL, et al, 1996; Dowsing AT, et al., 1999; Nachtigall LB, et al., 1997). In the past, the causes of infertility were unknown. This is due to the fact that symptoms are hardly ever detectable. Most infertile individuals do not experience any symptoms at all. The small percentage that does show symptoms is very likely to receive an incorrect diagnosis. This occurs because the symptoms are very common to other illnesses as well. Symptoms such as loss of strength, and fatigue are common to many different conditions (Nachtigall LB, et al., 1997). This disease was believed to be predominant in females. This assumption is incorrect, since males show the highest percentage of infertility in comparison to females. Due to the complexity of spermatogenesis, the process through which millions of sperm cells are produced, the probability of defective sperm is higher than that of an egg in the female reproductive cycle. For spermatogenesis to be successful it requires the presence of androgens, and a functional androgen receptor. This androgen-modulated, DNA-binding protein regulates transcription of androgen target genes. Since the androgen-receptor gene was isolated and cloned, mutations in this gene have been associated with various disorders including complete androgen insensitive syndrome, various motor neuron diseases, and prostate and ovarian cancers as well. Many phenotypically normal men have abnormalities of the androgen receptor. These infertile males are more likely to have longer than normal CAG (a trinucleotide) repeats in the androgen-receptor gene than fertile males. This elongation is responsible for spermatogenic defects as well as reduced sperm count. Lower numbers of CAG repeats ...
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Standard Conditions Versus Standard State
Standard Conditions Versus Standard State Standard conditions, or STP, and standard state both are used in scientific calculations, but they dont always mean the same thing. Key Takeaways: Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) vs Standard State Both STP and standard state conditions are commonly used for scientific calculations.STP stands for Standard Temperature and Pressure. It is defined to be 273 K (0 degrees Celsius) and 1 atm pressure (or 105 Pa).The definition of standard state conditions specifies 1 atm of pressure, that liquids and gases be pure, and that solutions be at 1 M concentration. Temperature is not specified, although most tables compile data at 25 degrees C (298 K).STP is used for calculations involving gases that approximate ideal gases.Standard conditions are used for any thermodynamic calculation.Values cited for STP and standard conditions are based on ideal conditions, so they may deviate slightly from experimental values. STP is short for Standard Temperature and Pressure, which is defined to be 273 K (0 degrees Celsius) and 1 atm pressure (or 105 Pa). STP describes standard conditions and is often used for measuring gas density and volume using the Ideal Gas Law. Here, 1 mole of an ideal gas occupies 22.4 L. An older definition used atmospheres for pressure, while modern calculations are for pascals. Standard state conditions are used for thermodynamic calculations. Several conditions are specified for the standard state: The standard state temperature is 25 degrees C (298 K). Note that temperature is not specified for standard state conditions, but most tables are compiled for this temperature.All gases are at 1 atm pressure.All liquids and gases are pure.All solutions are at 1M concentration.The energy of formation of an element in its normal state is defined as zero. Standard state calculations may be performed at another temperature, most commonly 273 K (0 degrees Celsius), so standard state calculations may be performed at STP. However, unless specified, assume standard state refers to the higher temperature. Standard Conditions Versus STP Both STP and standard state specify a gas pressure of 1 atmosphere. However, the standard state isnt usually at the same temperature as STP. The standard state also includes several additional restrictions. STP, SATP, and NTP While STP is useful for calculations, its not practical for most lab experiments because they arent usually conducted at 0 degrees C. SATP may be used, which means Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure. SATP is at 25 degrees C (298.15 K) and 101 kPa (essentially 1 atmosphere, 0.997 atm). Another standard is NTP, which stands for Normal Temperature and Pressure. This is defined for air at 20 degrees C (293.15 K, 68 degrees F) and 1 atm. There is also ISA, or International Standard Atmosphere, which is 101.325 kPa, 15 degrees C and 0 percent humidity, and ICAO Standard Atmosphere, which is atmospheric pressure of 760 mm Hg and a temperature of 5 degrees C (288.15 K or 59 degrees F). Which One to Use? Usually, the standard you use is either the one for which you can find data, the one closest to your actual conditions or the one required for a specific discipline. Remember, the standards are close to actual values, but wont exactly match real conditions.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
1. Identify the artifacts produced on the images during CT scans Essay
1. Identify the artifacts produced on the images during CT scans. Describe the - Essay Example measurements are consistent, so any error of measurement will usually reflect itself as an error in the reconstructed image (Barrett, and Keat, 2004, 1680). Artifacts have a major role to play in diagnostic accuracy because their presence can degrade the quality of image of computed tomography or CT scan. In this article, various types of CT artifacts and strategies to avoid or minimize them will be discussed. Based on their appearance, there are several categories of CT artifacts and they are shading artifacts, streak artifacts,ring artifacts (Goldman, 2007, 222), distortion (Barrett, and Keat, 2004, 1680), slab artifacts, step artifacts and blurring artifacts (Siemens, 2). Beam hardening effects is the most common shading artifact. they are due to imperfect correction of beam hardening and occur in almost all CT images. They appear as "nonuniformities in the CT numbers of a uniform material, such as CT numbers that are lower at the center of a uniform phantom than at the periphery" (Goldman, 2007, 222). The nonuniformities are most of the time less than 5HU and usually unapparent unless viewed through a narrow window. larger hardening occurs if the scan is passing through a contrast medium or thick bone regions. Shading artifacts can also occur due to scattering. But scattering is uncommon in recent scanners. Streak artifacts are very common and are encountered in almost all scanners. they occur mainly due to bad detector measurements or inconsistent measurements. Such inconsistencies occur due to metals, partial volume effects, motion, insufficient intensity of X-ray and malfunctioning of the tube arc (Goldman, 2007, 222). (Goldman, 2007, 222). Ring artifacts or partial ring or arc artifacts occur due to drift in calibration, errors, measurement inaccuracies and imbalances. The current generation CT scanners have corrective algorithms and are able to detect inaccuracies in measurements (Goldman, 2007, 222). Metallic artifacts
LAW 2112 EUROPEAN SINGLE MARKET Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words
LAW 2112 EUROPEAN SINGLE MARKET - Essay Example EU sets out three types of relationships between member states and the EU, namely: exclusive competences, shared competences, and fields in which EU law cannot exclude national legislatures from making law. (Damian Chalmers et al.p.184-5) The primacy principle applies here and it was first proclaimed in the case of Costa. EU law takes precedence over national law. The Costa v ENEL case was concerned with the nationalisation of the Italian electricity industry, whose bills Costa refused to pay in protest since he said its creation breached EU law. The Italian Constitutional court said that subscription to the EU was an ordinary law, subject, like any other, to repeal. The ECJ ruling overturned this, saying (1) that upon the EEC Treaty coming into force a â€Å"new legal order†came to exist, which caused EU law to enter into domestic law and that domestic courts are â€Å"bound to enforce†it. And (2) that â€Å"transfer from [member states’] domestic legal syste ms to a Community legal system†meant a loss of sovereignty and hence any subsequent act made in breach of EU law would be ineffective, since EU law would prevail. It was held by the ECJ: To allow national laws to be effective even when they conflict with EU law would frustrate the aim of creating a truly common market. It is implied that EU law is supreme over national law: otherwise it would be meaningless to say that regulations are binding and directly applicable†¦as national legislation could just nullify its effects. Law stemming from the treaty is an â€Å"independent source of law†. This ruling established that member states couldn’t deviate from EC treaties without prior permission. It also established that national high courts couldn’t determine incompatibility of national and EU law without consulting ECJ. This principle was neatly illustrated in Internationale Handelsgesellschaft v. Einfur in which the Court ruled that EU law takes precede nce over all forms of national law, including national constitutional law. â€Å"Therefore the validity of a Community measure or its effect within a member state cannot be affected by allegations that it runs counter to either fundamental rights as formulated by the constitution of that State or the principles of a national constitutional structure†Article 288 TFEU provides: To exercise the Union’s competences, the institutions shall adopt regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations and opinions. A regulation shall have general application. It shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. A directive shall be binding, as to the result to be achieved, upon each Member State to which it is addressed, but shall leave to the national authorities the choice of form and methods. A decision shall be binding in its entirety upon those to whom it is addressed. Recommendations and opinions shall have no binding force. Article 19 TEU pro vides: The Court of Justice of the European Union shall include the Court of Justice, the General Court and specialised courts. It shall ensure that in the interpretation and application of this Treaty the law is observed. Member States shall provide remedies sufficient to ensure effective legal protection in the fields covered by Union law. It follows that the law stemming from
Friday, October 18, 2019
Teaching English as a Foreign language Assignment
Teaching English as a Foreign language - Assignment Example Secondly the immigration and migration rates to English speaking countries are quite high even after the low admittance rates existing in such countries. Therefore teaching and learning English as a foreign language has gained great impact. In view of this importance, the methodologies that are being applied are of great significance to people. We would see about ten techniques for teaching English as a second or foreign language in this essay. Firstly a brief introduction shall be conveyed about each of them and some significant applications they could carry out in assisting the teaching of English as a foreign language. Secondly the author of this essay shall share the methodologies that she feels best about using and the argument she has for these choices. The Traditional methods being studied include the direct method, the Audio Lingual approach, and the Grammar-translation method. Traditional methods have a history of focusing on grammar, structure, dictation, and appropriate handling and usage. The concepts though old are still not replaceable in all situations, and at one or the other time teaching English as a foreign language requires their application. Direct Method. The Direct method does not believe in translation and permits students to comprehend meaning directly through the language meant to be learned. Pantomimes and visual aids are used to augment the vocabulary and produce a clear picture of things pertinent to the words. All communication is emphasized to be in the target language. The interaction between the tutor and the pupil becomes more interactive. Practices such as perception of context using intuitive guesses and hints from the teacher or completing the fill- ins are common in this methodology. For example students studying English as a foreign language might be shown different picture cards of the things found in common usage or are part of usual knowledge, like picture cards of
The Secret History of Forced Sterilization and America's Quest for Essay
The Secret History of Forced Sterilization and America's Quest for Racial Purity - Essay Example There was little history of the eugenics that was known to the people, thus Harry Bruinius extracted the history and wrote about it in his book with the emphasis on the forced sterilization that was approved and lead to thousands of Americans to be deprived of producing. Whether the policy was justified or not, yet Bruinius discusses the impact and the reasons behind sterilization. He talks about the cases that were brought to court and the decisions that were taken for the sterilization, in order to quest for America’s racial purity. He talks about two women in the history who were poor and who had to face the consequences of sterilization. Harry Bruinius’ book was an analysis of how the people at that time accepted this contribution of science as the national policy where it was a quest for America’s moral and social purity. He laid arguments about how the lives of women have been changed just because they were poor or unfit. His book is a descriptive writing a bout the woman who is associated with this policy and was used by the state medical authorities as a test case to bring to the court their program. Analysts have discussed that at times the way Harry Bruinius has written the detailed case is prolonged and gets into deep details like the events that leads up to her sterilization, the mental level of the victim, the recreation of the event, and also involves the technique that has been applied by the scientists to create the theories that lead to the eugenics movement. As written by Bruinius, â€Å"this book is an account of scientists who shared this dream in the past, and the ‘worthless’ class they sought to sterilize†. Despite the detailed descriptions in the book and the moralizing of the connections or relations of American eugenics with the Nazi Germany, the author has managed to keep his point of view in front of the readers in a very critical manner. His arguments are justified and clearly connect the eugen ics to the people, the state and to the rest of the world. The author is successful as his writing is influential and effective for the readers, and greatly helps to bring out the policies and events that took place at the time of the eugenic movement. His real purpose of the book stands out to reach to the readers and reveal to them the history that he believed was a secret, though it was not. However, the history and the events that took place were little known and Harry Bruinius has tried through his writing to give the information to a wide range of readers. He says, â€Å"After a century in which humankind has probed the mysteries of heredity and discovered some of the secrets of the human genome, the specter of better breeding and eugenics still attracts a host of people who long to remake their imperfect selves and breed a better type of human being†. The eugenics movement was founded by the core ideas of Charles Darwin. It started when socialists started realizing tha t the life of many humans is defected and many hold problems that come from their genes. Sociologists found that the improvement of human race can take place with the scientific control on breeding. The first eugenics movement in America was found by many of the new-world wee known biologists in the country. Supporting this group were a number of names that continued to get involved in the movement to improve the
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Research project -- Using balanced scorecaed in human resource Essay
Research project -- Using balanced scorecaed in human resource management - Essay Example With the support of just a single sheet of paper, the administrative authorities can achieve both the basic financial goals and the most significant non-financial drivers for the success. The main purpose of Balanced Scorecard is to assist the managers in using their elusive resources effectively. Executive authorities apply Balanced Scorecards to analyze and measure the performance of the employees proficiently. The managers use Balanced Scorecards as an additional aid along with other financial measures. This paper is initiated by the fact that numerous organizations are falling short in aligning their corporate strategy with their visions. In this paper, the strategic use of Balanced Scorecard is discussed which is considered as one of the important component of modern human resource management. The main purpose of the paper is to identify how a balanced scorecard can help the mangers to integrate a well-defined strategy and the vision. Balanced Scorecard is a measuring and strategic management tool that is used to bring all the organizational activities and employees’ performance with respect to its vision and strategies (Harvard Business Review, 1992 & 1993). It identifies a small number of financial and non-financial measures along with attached targets to them, so that they are assessed to verify whether or not the contemporary performance would meet the expected standards or goals. The Balanced Scorecard, developed by Dr. Robert Kaplan and Dr. David P. Norton, can be effectively and productively used in communications as well as to evaluate goals and performance of over all organization. According to David Norton, almost 60% of large US companies are using those Balanced Scorecard that merge financial and non-financial measures. Kaplan and Norton (1996) wrote their book The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Strategy into Action that â€Å"The
Teenage Abortion Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Teenage Abortion - Research Paper Example In olden days, ancient people used natural abortion practices when cases involving health complications and emotional immaturity to save a mother’s life (Soranau’s Gynecology) (Bull. Acad. Natl. Med. 171 (8):1027–32). In 21st century, with the increasing urbanization and industrialization, the number of girls, who visit the clinic for abortion, is extremely high. According to the National Abortion Organization, nearly one million teenagers become pregnant each year and 78 percent of these teenage pregnancies are unintended. A practice, which is used to save a mother’s life on olden days, is now became big concern as teenagers started thronging into the clinics because of unwanted pregnancies. There are several reasons behind girls choosing abortion. It is the responsibility of all educated to empower teenage girls to stay away from the activities that helps unwanted pregnancies. As teenagers who are carrying an unwanted pregnancy are visitin g clinics without any parental notification for abortion, empowering teenagers regarding the implications of unwanted pregnancy will prevent teenage abortions. Teen Abortion has always been most controversial subject in nature. I feel, this is attributable to the well known fact that majority of the people have got different set of beliefs that are inherited from the religion and society. Some people say teenage abortion is wrong but some enunciate it is right under some circumstances. As per the statistics of National Abortion Federation, 80 out of 100 Americans have sex before 20 years of age. The average age of a girl, who loses her virginity is around 17 years. This is the main reason behind the teen abortions in America. There are a very few cases where girls under 15 years of age become pregnant due to forceful sex and they will not have any option but to choose abortion. Teen abortion was legal in all states before 1991. The law in a
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Research project -- Using balanced scorecaed in human resource Essay
Research project -- Using balanced scorecaed in human resource management - Essay Example With the support of just a single sheet of paper, the administrative authorities can achieve both the basic financial goals and the most significant non-financial drivers for the success. The main purpose of Balanced Scorecard is to assist the managers in using their elusive resources effectively. Executive authorities apply Balanced Scorecards to analyze and measure the performance of the employees proficiently. The managers use Balanced Scorecards as an additional aid along with other financial measures. This paper is initiated by the fact that numerous organizations are falling short in aligning their corporate strategy with their visions. In this paper, the strategic use of Balanced Scorecard is discussed which is considered as one of the important component of modern human resource management. The main purpose of the paper is to identify how a balanced scorecard can help the mangers to integrate a well-defined strategy and the vision. Balanced Scorecard is a measuring and strategic management tool that is used to bring all the organizational activities and employees’ performance with respect to its vision and strategies (Harvard Business Review, 1992 & 1993). It identifies a small number of financial and non-financial measures along with attached targets to them, so that they are assessed to verify whether or not the contemporary performance would meet the expected standards or goals. The Balanced Scorecard, developed by Dr. Robert Kaplan and Dr. David P. Norton, can be effectively and productively used in communications as well as to evaluate goals and performance of over all organization. According to David Norton, almost 60% of large US companies are using those Balanced Scorecard that merge financial and non-financial measures. Kaplan and Norton (1996) wrote their book The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Strategy into Action that â€Å"The
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
The Impact of Socio-economic Status on Student Achievement and Essay
The Impact of Socio-economic Status on Student Achievement and possible Intervention. Focus Australian education - Essay Example One may ask, why focus on early childhood education? It has been proven in numerous studies that the early years of any child’s life have a formative impact on their learning, development, future health as well as well-being. This forms the justification for this paper. It begins by exploring what exactly ECEC is in various contexts. It then goes on to give a background of the issue, highlighting various theories and schools of thought on the subject. Next, it discusses the Early Childhood Education and Care sector in the Australian context. In this section, the paper also highlights the different ECEC service types, particularly LDC, FDC, OSHC, IHC, preschool, Occasional care as well as the non-mainstream ECEC services. Next, it goes on to discuss the problems hindering the provision of quality ECEC services in Kenya. It then goes ahead to explain the role of Government in the provision of high quality education in general, and in ECEC sector in particular, with a focus on ho w Government intervention affects disadvantaged children. Then, the paper goes into highlighting the specific roles of the Australian as well as State and Territory governments in the ECEC sector, and how regulation can ensure the provision of high-quality ECEC services to all children, regardless of their family background. Introduction The level of student success in today’s education context is determined by a wide range of factors. This paper seeks to focus on the socio-economic status as a factor in student achievement, with a focus on the Early Childhood Education and Care sector in Australia. It is proven that the early years of any child’s life have a formative impact on their learning, development, future health as well as well-being. If the child is exposed to positive experiences in their formative years, it will also have positive outcomes in their future (Waldfogel, 2007). Research has revealed that, despite its importance, the level of quality of ECEC ser vices may not be as high as it ought to be. This is mainly caused by disjointed policy approaches and information asymmetry among other factors. These issues have been discussed in more detail further into the paper. However, the government of any nation has a responsibility to ensure that the quality of ECEC services to all the state’s children, regardless of economic background, as the adequate provision of this has bearing on economic development through adequate workforce participation (Smart, Sanson, Baxter, Edwards and Hayes, 2008). Definition of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Waldfogel (2007) reveals that early childhood education can simply be defined as the process of administering formal teaching and care of children by people who are not part of their family, or is outside their respective home setting. Early childhood refers to the age before normal schooling, that is, between birth and five years of age. However, this definition varies between differen t nations: for example, the United States National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) defines early childhood as before the age of eight (Waldfogel, 2007). Background A child’s needs in the early years are very different from those of older children. This is because early childhood sees the greatest growth and development. The stages are such that the brain develops
Monday, October 14, 2019
Meccan people Essay Example for Free
Meccan people Essay Zoroaster’s miracles are often very similar to Jesus’s, although most of Zoroaster’s miracles focus on healing others, rather than displaying power. He often healed people of blindness, lameness, and other physical conditions suffered by those he encountered. One particular miracle proved to be very significant for Zoroaster’s role as a prophet. When called before a king of a neighboring country, Zoroaster was asked to cure the king’s horse, which had fallen lame. Zoroaster agreed to perform this miracle if the king agreed to convert to Zoroastrianism and provide his army to protect the faith. The king agreed to this provision, as long as Zoroaster was able to assure the king where he would reside spiritually after his demise. According to the Zoroastrianism followers, Zoroaster healed the horse and the king was immediately visited by a group of angels who showed him the true way of Zoroastrianism. The king converted and spent his life protect the faith of Zoroastrianism (Quinn 116-118). Unlike Jesus and Zoroaster, Muhammad never performed any miracles. He instructed his followers that such displays were counterproductive to understanding the true nature of God. He also suggested that the vast majority of miracles performed by numerous other prophets, other than Jesus, were artificial productions (Fatih 156). The three prophets are also said to have had similar instances were each was tempted by the Devil. Zoroaster met Ahriman, or the Devil, while having a vision where he traveled both to heaven and to hell. He was tempted many times to renounce his faith in Ahura Mazda, but Zoroaster resisted this temptation through his prayers to Ahura Mazda (Hambartsumian 34). Jesus was tempted three times by the Devil after having fasted in the desert for forty days. For the first temptation of Jesus, the Devil told him, â€Å"If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread†(NIV, Matt. 4:3). Jesus was also tempted to jump for the roof of the temple, and, finally, to worship the Devil. After each of these temptations, Jesus rebuked the Devil and reaffirmed his commitment to God (Anwar 155). The temptation of Jesus and Zoroaster are well established traditions within the literature of both religions. While there are literary records of Muhammad’s temptation, most Muslims refuse to acknowledge these reports as being true. According to these accounts, known as the Satanic Verses, Muhammad was â€Å"tempted to acknowledge another polytheistic religion in order to convert the Meccan people†(Najmi 12). The account given by the Satanic Verses states that Muhammad succumbed to this temptation and acknowledged the polytheistic deities. The angel Gabriel then appeared to Muhammad and chastised him for giving in to such temptation. Muhammad then recanted his statement and asked for forgiveness. Various reasons have been given to deny this account. Prominently, most Muslims agree these verses were added by unhappy Meccans to discredit the message of Muhammad (Anwar 156-157). Another substantial dissimilarity between these religious figures is their use of the word â€Å"prophet†went describing their own actions. Muhammad was the only figure to actively refer to himself as a prophet. He believed that he was a continuation of a long line of prophets that included Abraham, Moses, and Christ. Even though Muhammad elevated himself to the standing of prophet, he never considered himself divine in any way (Beki 209). Jesus, on the other hand, never considered himself a prophet, but promoted himself as being a combination of divinity and mortal and as being the one true son of God (Eve 44). Zoroaster refused to refer to himself as even a prophet. He claimed that he has a learned man who had been able to achieve some connection with God, and was used, by God, to relay His messages (Quinn 115). While each of these religious figures is held as prophets or deities in their own religion, their ultimate successes and failures seem entirely unrelated to their similar experiences in life. Muhammad successfully united his followers in order to conquer Mecca and convert its people. Jesus was thought to have been crucified by the Roman government, and then resurrected as a fulfillment of Judaic prophecy (Anwar 158). Zoroaster was murder in his old age by a disgruntle member of an opposing religion (Quinn 153). Ultimately, Christianity and Islam, the religions inspired by the lives of Jesus and Muhammad, succeeded in attracting vast masses of people to the teachings of their leaders. The two religions globally dominate as two of the world’s largest organized religion. Zoroaster, on the other hand, has gradually faded throughout history. The religion is currently only practiced by a few devout followers in Iran and Northern India. Although it has seen a slight resurgence in recent years, Zoroastrianism will probably never reach the level of popularity enjoyed by both Islam and Christianity (Choksy 430).. All three religions have many characteristics in common, but these similarities have not been enough to create a similar success for each of these religions. Works Cited: Anwar, Etin. â€Å"Prophetic Models in Islamic and Christian Spirituality. †Islam Christian- Muslim Relations 15. 1 (2004): 142-162. Beki, Niyazi. â€Å"The Concept of Revelation According to the Bible and the Quran. †Journal of Academic Studies 7. 26 (2005): 191-210. Choksy, Jamsheed K. â€Å"Hagiography and Monotheism is History: Doctrinal Encouncters Between Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Christianity. †Islam Christian-Muslim Relations 14. 4 (2003): 407-432.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Strategies to Test for Rheumatic Heart Disease
Strategies to Test for Rheumatic Heart Disease Rheumatic heart disease remains a major public health problem in many parts of the world. While the incidence and prevalence of ARF and RHD have been decreasing in developed countries since the early twentieth century, they continue to be major causes of morbidity and mortality among young people in developing nations. It is estimated that there are more than 15 million cases of RHD worldwide, with 282,000 new cases and 233,000 deaths annually[1]. Globally, India contributes nearly 25%-50% of newly diagnosed cases, deaths, hospitalizations and burden of RHD.The earliest reporting of RHD was done in 1910. Even during the 1980s, hospital admission data suggested that RF and RHD accounted for nearly one-half to one-third of the total cardiac admissions at various teaching hospitals all over India. A more recent survey across various tertiary care hospitals found that hospital admission rates of RHD had declined (5%-26% of cardiac admissions). Population-based epidemiological data to ascertain the prevalence of RHD and their impact on community in India are lacking. A properly planned population study in 1993 reported a prevalence of 0.09% for RHD. Most of the epidemiological studies are school-based surveys. The reported prevalence of RHD varied from 1.8 to 11/ 1000 schoolchildren (average 6/1000) during the 1970s and 1980s, and 1-3.9/1000 during the 1990s.Studies using echocardiographic validation of clinical diagnoses show a much lower prevalence of RHD. The surveys conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also indicate a decline in the prevalence of RHD over decades. The epidemiology of rheumatic heart disease in India is of special interest as it may help to understand the effects of economic transition on this particular enigmatic disease. Critical appraisal of the published literature suggests the possibility of a real decline in the occurrence of the disease in some parts of the country, but a continuing onslaught in several other regions. The rate of decline seems to correlate more with improved public health facilities than with economic growth alone. However, the cumulative burden of the disease remains high, and sustained efforts for the prevention of rheumatic heart disease needs special attention [2]. Rheumatic fever is the most common cause of mitral stenosis. Other less common etiologies of obstruction to left atrial outflow include congenital mitral valve stenosis, , mitral annular calcification with extension onto the leaflets, cor triatriatum, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, left atrial myxoma, and infective endocarditis with large vegetations. Pure or predominant MS occurs in approximately 40% of all patients with rheumatic heart disease and a past history of rheumatic fever. In other patients with rheumatic heart disease, lesser degrees of MS may accompany mitral regurgitation (MR) and aortic valve disease. In temperate climates and developed countries, the incidence of MS has declined considerably over the past few decades due to reductions in the incidence of acute rheumatic fever. However, it remains a major problem in developing nations, especially in tropical and semitropical climates[3]. In normal cardiac physiology, the mitral valve opens during left ventricular diastole, to allow blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This flow direction will be maintained as long as the pressure in the left ventricle is lower than the pressure in the left atrium and the blood flows down the pressure gradient. Mitral stenosis (MS) is a mechanical obstruction during blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Obstruction happens due to thickening and immobility of the leaflets, thickening and fusion of the chorda tendinae or mitral annular and commissural calcification[4]. In rheumatic MS, the valve leaflets are diffusely thickened by fibrous tissue and/or calcific deposits. The mitral commissures fuse, the chordae tendineae fuse and shorten, the valvular cusps become rigid, and these changes, in turn, lead to narrowing at the apex of the funnel-shaped (fish-mouth) valve. Although the initial insult to the mitral valve is rheumatic, the later changes may be a nonspecific process resulting from trauma to the valve caused by altered flow patterns due to the initial deformity. Calcification of the stenotic mitral valve immobilizes the leaflets and narrows the orifice further. Thrombus formation and arterial embolization may arise from the calcific valve itself, but in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), thrombi arise more frequently from the dilated left atrium (LA), particularly from within the left atrial appendage. In normal adults, the area of the mitral valve orifice is 4-6 cm2. In the presence of significant obstruction, i.e., when the orifice area is reduced to To asscess the severity of obstruction hemodynamically, both the transvalvular pressure gradient and the flow rate must be measured. The latter depends not only on the CO but also on the heart rate. Increase in heart rate causes shortening of diastole proportionately more than systole and diminishes the time available for flow across the mitral valve. Therefore, at any given level of CO, tachycardia, including that associated with rapid AF, augments the transvalvular pressure gradient and elevates further the LA pressure. The LV diastolic pressure and ejection fraction (EF) are normal in isolated MS. In MS and sinus rhythm, the elevated LA and PA wedge pressures exhibit a prominent atrial contraction pattern (a wave) and a gradual pressure decline after the v wave and mitral valve opening (y descent). In severe MS and whenever pulmonary vascular resistance is significantly increased, the pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) is elevated at rest and rises further during exercise, often causing secondary elevations of right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic pressure and volume. In temperate climates, the latent period between the initial attack of rheumatic carditis and the development of symptoms due to MS is generally about two decades; most patients begin to experience disability in the fourth decade of life. Studies carried out before the development of mitral valvotomy revealed that once a patient with MS became seriously symptomatic, the disease progressed continuously to death within 2-5 years. In patients whose mitral orifices are large enough to accommodate a normal blood flow with only mild elevations of LA pressure, marked elevations of this pressure leading to dyspnea and cough may be precipitated by sudden changes in the heart rate, volume status, or CO, as, for example, with excitement, severe exertion, fever, severe anemia, paroxysmal AF and other tachycardias, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, and thyrotoxicosis. As MS progresses, lesser degrees of stress precipitate dyspnea, the patient becomes limited in daily activities, and orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea develop. The development of permanent AF often marks a turning point in the patients course and is generally associated with acceleration of the rate at which symptoms progress. Hemoptysis results from rupture of pulmonary-bronchial venous connections secondary to pulmonary venous hypertension. It occurs most frequently in patients who have elevated LA pressures without markedly elevated pulmonary vascular resistances and is rarely fatal. Recurrent pulmonary emboli, sometimes with infarction, are an important cause of morbidity and mortality rates late in the course of MS. Pulmonary infections, i.e., bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, and lobar pneumonia, commonly complicate untreated MS, especially during the winter months[3]. Mitral valve assessment with echocardiography should include the pattern of valve involvement and calcification, severity of stenosis, associated mitral regurgitation and other co-existent valve lesions and atrial chamber dilatation and function. Mitral stenosis can be assessed in parasternal, apical or subcostal views. As with any stenotic valve the main diagnostic feature in the parasternal long axis view. As in rheumatic MS, the anterior mitral leaflet (AMVL) shows diastolic doming or hockey-stick shape and the posterior mitral leaflet (PMVL) has restricted motion or is totally immobile. This doming is due to the reduced mobility of the valve tips compared to the base of the leaflets. Echocardiography can also adequately assess the Subvalvular apparatus changes such as thickening, shortening, fusion of chordal calcification. Color Doppler in this view with diastolic turbulence across the mitral valve confirms the diagnosis. On the other hand, Parasternal short axis view of the mit ral valve is used for assessing the leaflets thickening, fusion and calcification of commissures. The parasternal short axis view is also used to assess the mitral valve orifice area by planimetry of the mitral leaflets at the level of tips. The Following are different means of measurements by echocardiography to ascess the severity of MS. Planimetry of mitral valve at the level of the leaflets tips is done in parasternal short axis view. This method is a very familiar technique by 2D echocardiography but the same method can also be used in 3D echocardiography en-face view of mitral valve. However, newly developed QLAB software in 3D echo is now available for calculation of mitral valve orifice area which requires further validation. Calculation of mitral valve area (MVA) by pressure half-time (P1/2t) should be done in an apical four chamber view using continuous wave. Doppler Pressure half-time method is not valid immediately after percutaneous balloon mitral the Doppler curve. The gradient can be measured by tracing the dense outline of mitral diastolic inflow and the mean pressure gradient is automatically calculated. The severity can be assessed as mild (10) [4]. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of valvular heart disease can be improved by 3D echocardiography. Anyplane and paraplane analysis of a stenotic valve allows an accurate planimetry of the smallest orifice area. Zamorano et al demonstrated that 3DTTE is a feasible, accurate and highly reproducible technique for assessing the mitral valve area in patients with rheumatic MV stenosis. In a consecutive series of 80 patients, MV area was assessed by conventional echo Doppler methods and by 3DTTE, and results were compared with those obtained invasively.Compared with all other echo-Doppler methods, 3DTTE had the best agreement with the invasively determined MV area, and intra- and inter-observer variability of the method was very good. Zamorano et al also studied 29 patients undergoing percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty. 3DTTE had the best agreement with the invasively determined MV area, particularly in the immediate post procedural period; therefore, the method could be proposed as an ideal one throughout this procedure and could make invasive evaluation unnecessary in this setting. As part of these very important quantitative data, 3DTTE can be integrated with 2D evaluation in the qualitative morphology assessment of the MV. Commissures, leaflets, annulus calcifications and subvalvular structures can be visualized from different and unique planes facilitating the understanding of this complex apparatus. Vegetations, commissural diseases, subvalvular pathologies (tip of the leaflets/chordae/papillary muscles), clefts can be accurately diagnosed. So assessment of the severity of mitral valve stenosis requires accurate measurements of the Mitral valve orifice area (MVA). Direct measurement of the MVA can be performed by planimetry using two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D echo). Mitral valve area determined by planimetry reflects the anatomic orifice area and is largely independent of hemodynamic variables, left ventricular compliance and concomitant valvular disease. However, planimetry by 2-D echo requires significant experience and operator skill to define the correct image plane that displays the true mitral valve orifice. In addition, planimetry requires a parasternal short axis view of the mitral valve and is therefore limited to patients with favorable image quality from a parasternal window. To bypass the difficulty of a parasternal short axis view, Doppler traces of the diastolic transmitral flow is obtained from a four-chamber apical view and the mitral valve area is estimated using the pressure half-time (PHT). Ho wever PHT is influenced by hemodynamic variables, left ventricular compliance and concomitant valvular disease. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3-D echo) is a novel imaging technique that is expected to enhance the ability to perform planimetry of the mitral valve. 3D echo utilizes a matrix array echo probe to scan a pyramidal volume in real time. A precise cross-section of mitral valve orifice at the tips of the leaflets with correct plane orientation may provide more accurate assessment of MS severity than two-dimensional echocardiography. Thus it can eliminate one of the principle limitations of 2DE in determining MVA by planimetry. There is less inter- and intra-observer variation also during MVA calculation. Therefore, real-time 3D echo can be used as a practical and accurate method for planimetry of mitral valve areas. This study will be performed to evaluate the feasibility, reproducibility and accuracy of 3-D echo for the assessment of MVA over conventional 2D planimetry Doppler PHT methods.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
geograhy of Ireland :: essays research papers
Geo essay Ireland Ireland is an island on the western fringe of Europe between latitude 51 1/2 and 55 1/2 degrees north, and longitude 5 1/2 to 10 1/2 degrees west. Its greatest length, from Malin Head in the north to Mizen Head in the south, is 486 km and its greatest width from east to west is approximately 275 km. Since 1921 the island has been divided politically into two parts. The independent twenty-six county area, comprising 70,282 sq. km, has a population of 3,523,401 (1991). Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom and contains six of the nine counties of the ancient province of Ulster, has a population of 1,569,971 (1991). In 1973 Ireland became a member of the European Union (EU). The two great mountain systems of Europe, north of the Alps, converge westwards to meet and mingle in Ireland. The older (Caledonian) extends from Scandinavia through Scotland to the north and west of Ireland, where it gives rise to the rugged and mountainous landscapes of Counties Donegal, Mayo and Galway. The higher mountains are of quartzite that weathers into bare, cone-shaped peaks such as Errigal (752 m) in Donegal, Croagh Patrick (765m) in Mayo and the Twelve Bens in Galway. Structures of similar age are responsible for the Wicklow and Blackstairs Mountains that extend southwestwards from Dublin Bay for a distance of more than 100 km. In these, long-continued denudation of a great anticlinal structure has exposed a granite core that now forms rounded peat-covered uplands, the crests being notched in places by glacial cirques. Deep glacially modified valleys of which the best known is Glendalough in County Wicklow penetrate the mountains. The younger structures (Armorican) extend from central Europe through Brittany to southern Ireland, where they reappear as a series of east-west anticlinal sandstone ridges separated by limestone or shale-floored valleys. The hills rise in height westwards culminating in Carrantouhill (1041 m) in the Magillycuddy Reeks, the highest mountain in the country. The famous Upper Lake of Killarney nestles in the eastern slopes of this range. The sea, giving rise to a number of long deep inlets has flooded the valleys separating the western extension of these mountains. In northeastern Ireland basaltic lavas spread widely over the existing rocks in Eocene times and now form the bleak plateau of east Antrim. Westwards the basalt is downwarped and the resultant drift-covered lowland is occupied in part by Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Ireland.
Friday, October 11, 2019
Arthur Conan Doyle Essay
Examine the ways in which the author, creates suspense and tension in ‘The Speckled Band’ by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the ‘Body Snatcher’ by Robert Louis Stevenson Speckled Band The Speckled Band is about an evil stepfather named Dr Roylott who has the intention of murdering his stepdaughter Helen to gain her property, having already murdered her older sister Julia, in a mysterious way. When his younger stepdaughter gets suspicious, as the mysterious circumstances repeated themselves, she contacts Mr Holmes. Mr Holmes tries to help Miss Stoner find out who killed her older sister and what with. In the opening paragraph we are given unanswered questions, which makes the reader feel uncertain of the situation. We are told Holmes only investigates strange cases; this makes the reader wonder what they are going to be learning of. Sherlock Holmes awoke from his sleep earlier than usual, even though he is described as a ‘late riser’. This interests the reader because of the sense of urgency, which Homes shows. Miss Stoner is described as wearing ‘a black dress and veil’. This makes the reader curious as to why is she wearing black as black usually symbolises death or that a tragedy has happened. Watson and Holmes mention that she is shivering, a sudden twist occurs when the woman replies ‘It is not the cold which makes me shiver†¦ it is fear†¦ it is terror’. This reply creates tension and apprehension, we are presented with many unanswered questions, ‘Why is she scared’ being the main one. This creates suspense and tension because the unanswered questions give us vague details about the whole situation. Miss Stoner had ‘prematurely grey hair’ this detail was mentioned because sometimes people who have a lot of stress get grey hair prematurely, so the author is trying to emphasise that she is extremely worried about the situation. Also she is described as a ‘hunted animal’, this emphasises her vulnerability and causes the reader to be uncomfortable. We only know that she is troubled and fatigued but what caused it is unknown to the reader even though we are told all of these descriptions of Miss Stoner. We are told about Dr Roylott and of how he murdered ‘his native butler’. This increases the awareness of the reader about Dr Roylott’s aggressive and violent behaviour. He keeps exotic Indian animals such as the ‘baboon and cheetah’, which makes Dr Roylott baffling since he doesn’t act in a normal way so the reader cannot fully understand his character. Dr Roylott followed Miss Stoner to Mr Holmes house. This makes Dr Roylott seem a desperate person seeing as he is willing to spy on his stepdaughter and it therefore seems that he has something to hide. Dr Roylott is described as a man with ‘immense strength’ and with a very short-tempered anger. This is reinforced when Dr Roylott bent the poker and warned Mr Holmes that he is a very dangerous man. This striking first appearance of Dr Roylott makes the reader understand why he is such a dangerous man. Dr Roylott has the ability to intimidate most people but not Sherlock Holmes. Holmes is now seen as the knight in shining armour who is going to save Helen. Dr Roylott lets gypsies to stay on his land he becomes friends with them. This makes him seem more mysterious because people in that time of age wouldn’t usually allow gypsies to stay on their grounds and then associate themselves with them, this is a very abnormal type of behaviour. Miss Stoner told Sherlock Holmes that Julia said before she passed away that it was the ‘speckled band’ and then pointed towards Dr Roylott’s room. This leads the reader to think that the death had something to do with the gypsies, the reason being that gypsies were usually stereotyped as wearing bandanas. The reader assumes that the gypsies may have killed Julia. We learn about Helen’s problems when she explains them to Holmes, we are now answered some of the questions the reader had before. We are told that Helens sister was murdered which raises tension in the conversation. The fact that Julia died just before the day of her wedding raises the awareness of the reader. Since Dr Roylott wanted to keep the money, he’d have to get rid of Julia before she was married, this raises suspicion about him. The reader asks ‘why did he go to bed early? ‘ We have more unanswered a question such as ‘How did she die? ‘ that bewilders the reader. Helen tells us in great detail about the night Julia died next-door to Dr Roylott’s room. Julia earlier that night heard a peculiar ‘low whistle’ and a loud sound of metal being struck. These strange noises give a sense of unease to the reader. The two sisters would lock themselves in their room, which tells us they don’t feel safe on their own, ‘we had no feeling of security unless our doors were locked’. Julia is alone and isolated from her sister and the strange sound creates tremendous stress within the reader because the reader is scared for her. A cheetah and a baboon are loose in the garden. Helen is engaged; when Julia was just about to get married she was killed. The reader already knows that if they got married Dr Roylott would lose a lot of money. These two factors are put together and now the reader fears for Helen’s life. Mr Holmes inspects the room that Julia died in. He notices that the house is being repaired even though it doesn’t seem to need repair. Helen told Holmes ‘I believe that it was an excuse to move me from my room’, now that she is in the room in which her sister died in, she is now very vulnerable. The fact that the house has scaffolding gives the reader the impression that a person may have entered the house from the outside, this misleads the reader slightly from what really happened. The room door had been locked and shutters with iron bars blocked the windows. The room had very unusual features such as ‘dummy bell ropes and ventilators that did not ventilate’. The ventilator goes into Dr Roylott’s room, we are now wary of Dr Roylott that he used these features to kill Julia. In Dr Roylott’s room was a ‘saucer of milk’, which is quite strange since if it were for a cheetah it would have drank it in one lick. Also a ‘lash that was tied in a loop of whipcord’ was found in Dr Roylott’s room, this produces an image that he may have strangled Julia because it was designed to get tighter when pulled and could have been placed through the ventilator to strangle her. The whole situation holds the reader in suspense and there is a sense of unpredictability as to what is going to happen. Mr Holmes is capable of noticing small points and then reaching a conclusion, he demonstrated his ability as a detective at the beginning of the story when he knew how Miss Stoner got to his house by glancing at her ticket and coat. He notices these small points and puts them together, after that incident the reader is able to rely on Mr Holmes for answers. After he examined both of the rooms he advised Helen to listen to what he said because her life may depend upon it. Holmes had certainly spotted something very significant but he does not tell us which adds to the anxious and tense atmosphere. Mr Holmes and Watson discuss the situation, Mr Holmes clearly informs Watson that the bed being clamped to the floor, the ventilator and dummy bell rope played a link of the death of Helen. The scene is dark that gives a chilling scene. Mr Holmes and Watson encounter a ‘distorted child’ whilst walking on the grounds it was described as having ‘writhing limbs’. This is a grim picture that adds to the dark and chilling atmosphere. The child is described as ‘running swiftly across the lawn into darkness’, which makes everything seem mysterious and strange. We later find out it was the baboon. When Holmes is in Helen’s room they agree to ‘sit without light’, since there is no light unexpected things happen such as the noises they hear. The reader is now fearful for Holmes and Watson because they can’t clearly see what’s happening. Holmes tells Watson to have the pistol ready which gives the impression that they are waiting for something terrible to happen which creates a huge amount of anxiety and apprehension. Holmes for the first time in the story is nervous; this makes the reader think that a big event is about to take place. The cheetah is at liberty that increases the sense of insecurity. We as readers are unsure of what is going to happen and so is Watson, they waited ‘silently for whatever might befall’. They sit in the room waiting for what is going to happen for hours. ‘Holmes sprang from the bed and lashed furiously with his cane at the bell pull’; the reader and also Holmes are very anxious and edgy. Mr Holmes shouted to ask Watson if he could ‘see it? ‘ but he couldn’t, this creates tension and the fact that Watson can’t ‘see it’ he is at a higher risk of being harmed so therefore the reader worries for Watson. Then the low whistle occurred followed by a ‘horrible cry’ which swelled up louder and louder’, Watson and the reader are disorientated about what could of that scream have meant. The doctor was being choked but we don’t understand what is going on. Watson and Holmes feel insecure, ‘take your pistol and we will enter Dr Roylott’s room’. Holmes and Watson find a swamp adder wrapped around Dr Roylott’s neck. The reader now understands that the ‘speckled band’ was the patterns on the snake, the suspense and the tense feeling gradually fades away from the reader. At the end of the story an unpredictable twist happens, that of the ‘speckled band’. The author used a very successful red herring; the reader now knows the red herring was the gypsies, because the reader when told of the ‘speckled band’ in the beginning assumes that it was the gypsies. As the story progresses there are more and more possibilities of the cause of Julia’s death, the gypsies being one of many. Holmes solved that the ‘saucer of milk’ was there to lure the snake, the reader couldn’t link these clues together and therefore tension is built up very well. The baboon and cheetah acted as a slight red herring since they made them feel insecure and increased the tension in situations even though they were not involved. The author is successful in keeping suspense and tension all through out the story keeping the reader intrigued and interested.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
The relationship of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its neighbouring countries and with the United States
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has cordial relations with most of its neighbouring countries, especially those that are part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It has made significant efforts to settle disputes regarding borders and helped considerably in improving the relations with Yemen and United Arab Emirates. Although relations with Iraq were tense after the Kuwait invasion, they got better in 2003 when the regime was overthrown. In 2008, Prince Saud al Faisal aimed to appoint an ambassador in Iraq and initiated a diplomatic mission in Baghdad. It has been a mediator in regional crises and has supported the Palestianian-Israel negotiations. Saudia Arabia’s role in the Gulf War has helped it in developing new allies in 1991 and improving its existing relations. King Abdullah has played a big role in providing monetary assistance and resolved regional crises in Sudan, Lebanon and Somalia. Although the relations between Saudi Arabia and Algeria, Libya and Tunisia were strained after the Kuwait invasion, now they have returned back to normal. Relations were Jordan are also very good. United States knowing that Saudi Arabia has the largest oil reserves and a strategic location has always tried to stregthen ties with this nation. In 1944, the United States embassy opened in Jeddah but diplomatic relations established a long way before that in 1933. The embassy in Jeddah later became the Consulate General for United States. The two countries share common economic interests, concerns over sustainable development, terrorism and security. Having good relationships with these countries is important because United States is highly dependent on the oil exports of Saudi Arabia. Whereas, US is the largest trading partner for Saudia Arabia. Exports from United States also find their way into Saudi Arabia as it is the largest market for US exports in the Middle East region. The US also provides training and support in terms of weapons and security services to the Saudi forces. Saudi Arabia has also bought military weaponary and other equipment from the United States. The prosperity of both countries lies in building and maintaining good relationships with each other.
Natural Disaster Responses in California
For years, geologists have been predicting that a major earthquake will occur in california. In october 1989, a 7.1 quake hit the san francisco area. Five years later, northridge and southern california experienced an earthquake of similar magnitude. Why too many people is still coming to places like california where earthquakes and natural disasters are predicted? In my point of view, these are the strongest reasons: the most popular place to emmigrate, job opportunities, and better schools, education, and systems. California is the most popular place to emmigrate because it has a great weather, there are too many touristic atractions, many different places you can go to, and there is too many people that come from the same place you came from. I want to use mexican people as an example, they all come for one reason, â€Å"Succed†. They also know they will find a lot of people from mexico in california, specially in los angeles.They also kown that probably about half of the people california would talk spanish so I won†t be really hard for them to communicate with others. Job opportunities is another really strong factor that induces people to come and look for a better life. There are so many jobs in california that is almost a sure thing that anyone would get a job, educated or not educated people, or even if you are not legally able to work in usa you will still get a job. You can easily support yourself with a minimun wage, because you will probably get about 45 or 50 dollards a day when in places like mexico you will just get five dollards for the whole day and doing a really heavy job. Also relatively speaking, everything is expensive in mexico, I mean, here you can get or buy whatever you need for a low price, and you will still have some money left, but in mexico, you will never have enough money unless you are in the high class. â€Å"Schools,†california has great schools, great education level, and better systems than other places. Ucla and usc are some of the great universities california has and if you think about it, everything is related, if you go to a good school and become a really educated person, you will get a really good job and make really good money and then you won†t really worry about a good future because with your education that wiil be garranty. Scientist, doctors, and some other educated people come to usa, not only to california because of all technology that is here and can be helpul. A lot of support from schools, people, and business are another reasons teat encourages you to keep going and get better everyday, and if one day you decide to go back to the place you came from your education will open lots of doors for you. In my personal point of view, I think some people are aware of the disasters that are predicted, some others don†t care or just don†t believe it, nad the other part just come to make some money and come back to their native places. It is a true fact that so many people is still coming to california and when you hear about those things that are predicted, I†m sure you ask yourself why do people still come if they are aware of what†S going on? , well if you think about it I†m sure you will come out with almoist the same answers I just told.
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