Monday, September 30, 2019

Religious Allusions and Metaphorsâ€Martin Luther King Jr Essay

Martin Luther King, Jr., in his famous Letter from the Birmingham Jail, responds forcefully yet politely to a public statement made by eight Alabama clergymen in 1963. He defends his position as an African American and strongly defends racial equality, referencing countless sources and utilizing several literary devices. Most significantly, King uses frequent Biblical allusions and metaphors, not only to relate to the Clergymen and the people of Alabama, but also to display his passion for equality. For instance, when he speaks of just and unjust laws, he references the reasoning of Saint Thomas Aquinas, â€Å"To put in the words of Saint Thomas Aquinas, an unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any laws that degrades human personality is unjust†(King 180). King cites the book of Daniel when he discusses Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the disobedience of a law for higher moral principle. King also relates himself to the Apostle Paul and his thriving effort to assist the men and women who call for his aid. After much further research I have gained new insight in why King used these metaphors as he did. Outside sources have helped me analyze the deeper meaning behind the allusions and understand the changes King was hoping to impose on the public and the Clergymen. King’s ideals are supported with his immense knowledge of the Bible, which make his connections extremely credible. King opens his letter by connecting himself with the Apostle Paul in an attempt to better associate with the Clergymen. â€Å"Just as the prophets of the eighth century B.C. left their villages and carried their â€Å"thus saith the Lord† far beyond the boundaries of their home towns, and just as the Apostle Paul left his village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the Greco-Roman world, so am I† (King 174). Upon first read of the â€Å"Letter† I clearly thought that King was using Biblical references simply to relate to the Clergymen on a level they could understand. Though King is, in a sense, trying to establish his credibility by using this allusion, there is a much more clandestine meaning. â€Å"Like The prophets of the eighth century and like St. Paul, King must leave home and respond to the call for aid† (Tiefenbrun 265). After researching Paul, I found why King used him in his letter. Paul was persecuted for spreading  Christianity. So much so that he was put in prison. While in prison he, like King, wrote many letters responding to the criticism he was receiving. Some of these letters were encouragement to the Christians of Corinth and later became the book of Corinthians in the Bible. Paul died as a martyr, fighting for his beliefs just as King did. Paul’s mention was an early warning to the Clergymen of what they were doing to King. If they continued their criticism and persecution, King will end up facing a grim future. At first read I thought King was only addressing the Clergymen as a response to their letter, but with further research I have uncovered an indirect public statement. In the Letter from Birmingham Jail, King discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, praising their act of civil disobedience. He states, â€Å"It was evidenced sublimely in the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar, on the ground that a higher moral law was at stake. It was practiced superbly by the early Christians, who were willing to face hungry lions and the excruciating pain of chopping blocks rather than submit to certain unjust laws of the Roman Empire† (King 180). In this statement King is reaching out the general public, encouraging them not to conform to a â€Å"false idol† of society. † Kings Biblical reference to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego creates an identity between the Alabama demonstrators’ form of civil disobedience and â€Å"the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar, on the ground that a higher moral law was at sake† (Tiefenbrun 263). King uses Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to correlate his ideas of what a society could be not only to the ignorant people of Alabama but also to everyone willing to listen. Martin Luther King Jr. handpicked these events in Biblical history to more clearly represent what he is writing about and why he is so avidly defending his cause. He argues against repression and urges the public to defend their rights and resist the rut of conformity. Just reading Letter from Birmingham Jail won’t do it justice. Further researching the components of this letter have opened my eyes to what King was really portraying. King is pleading with the Clergymen to reconsider their prejudice against him and his beliefs. He is driving the public to become like him, and to become like  Paul stating that it is ok to be persecuted for your beliefs. He makes clear in hismessage that it will not be an easy task but it must be done in order to create an influential change in society. This change must be done now so that it can display its longstanding effects on the generations to come. Works Cited King, Martin Luther Jr. â€Å"Letter from Birmingham Jail.† A World of Ideas. Comp. Bissegger. Writers House LLC, 1963. Mott. Wesley T. â€Å"The Rhetoric of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Letter from Birmingham Jail.† Phylon (1960-), Vol 36, No. 4. (4th Qtr., 1975), pp. 411-421. Stable URL: http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0031-8906%28197536%3A4%3C411%3ATROMLK%3E2.0.CO%3B2-ITiefenbrun, Susan. â€Å"Semiotics and Martin Luther King Junior’s â€Å"Letter from Birmingham Jail†.† Cardozo Studies in Law and Literature, Vol. 4, No. 2. (Autumn, 1992), pp. 255-287. Stable URL: http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=10431500%28199223%294%3A2%3C255%3ASAMLK%22%3E2.0.CO%3B2-I

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Food Intake 3 Days

During my three day food intake I discovered that I only consumed 88 grams of protein. In these three meals I spent almost 40 dollars and I was short almost 100 grams of protein required for my weight. Four slices of pizza, and two double cheeseburgers produced the most protein. Oatmeal, beer, and coffee only counted for less than 10 grams. All six items consumed over the 3 day stretch accounted for carbohydrates. The items ranged from 10g to 100g of carbs. The only item with enough lipids was the McDonald’s oatmeal. The rest of the meals were relatively low. I need to make better planning to include more lipids into my health plan. According to the recommendation of the DRI and compared to my intake of protein, carbs, and lipid I failed to meet 100% percent of the minimum standards. I was less than 50% DRI for most of the nutrients. In fact only one out of the 35 nutrients only surpassed or reached 50%. I personally think that I need to consume more meals with adequate healthy nutrients. I would need to add more vegetables, fruits, and oils to my diet so I can achieve my goals. My calorie DRI was almost 4,000 and I just consumed 18% or almost 700 calories. I almost did good with carbohydrates meeting my DRI, but with protein I was at 17%, and with fat total I was at 33%. I was surprised that the numbers were not even close to my expectations. I understand that during these three days I didn’t meet my required DRI because I changed my diet for this assignment. I tried to limit my food intake and changed from healthy food to fast food, but nonetheless during some days this is what I have consumed during some occasions. It demonstrated that I was not anywhere near be healthy. I will need to increase my protein intake achieve my gym goals. If I was to eat little protein the muscle mass would turn to stored fat and have low energy. If I was to lose weight and I would stop exercising my fat would come back to the same level as before. For example my protein intake should be 62 grams according to my weight, but I didn’t consume any. I am very displeased to say that my fiber intake was at 0% percent. I did not consume any fruit or vegetables. When I was ordering my fast food I could have add vegetables and fruit to my pizza, oatmeal, but I didn’t. During my average day I would eat plenty of fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges to cover my six meals. I would also eat vegetables in salads or with main meals. My favorite vegetable is spinach which is a great source of fiber. I try to stay away from fibers such as breads and such. According to the iprofile eating bananas and apples also produce great amounts of fibers which cover me in the fiber intake. Insufficient or excessive amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, or fiber contribute a lot my health and illnesses. To induce rapid weight loss the easiest way to do it is to eliminate carbohydrates for many people who are in a diet. Without carbohydrates people will be more moody because it loses serotonin. If I was to drink fruit juice instead of whole fruits I would lose all of the fiber. For example to produce 8oz of apple juice I would need 3-4 apples producing about 15grams of fiber, but all the fiber is taken out when its mixed into juice. Any fruit juice that will replace soda pop or you retain the skin or pulp than is ok too. Consumers just need to be careful when they are shopping for fruit juice. Sometime is better to juice it at home because the sugar level will be lower and you will still maintain all the nutrients. The more I read about nutrition the more I get interested about maintain myself healthy be eating healthy and rigorous training. This iprofile has opened my eyes to understand the nutrients I’m lacking or I am over consuming

Saturday, September 28, 2019

The Role of a Trainer / Assessor

The role of a Trainer / Assessor In my opinion, the role of a trainer / assessor is:- * Liaise with clients / learners and the sponsoring organisation. * Completing Individual learning plans with learners. * Preparing session plans / Scheme of work. * Conducting inductions where appropriate. * Delivering of training sessions. * Carry out one to one sessions. * Conduct assessments and tests. * Marking learners work and providing feedback to learners on progress throughout the course. * Complete assessment results forms that has to be submitted to awarding bodies within the stated deadline. Complete course reports that have to be submitted to awarding body within the specified deadline. * Maintain learners’ attendance records. * Handing out certificates at the end of course and submitting evaluation to the awarding body at the required time. * Carrying out duties including collection of enrolment forms that are forwarded to central administration by specified times. * A trainer / assessor is expected to monitor the behaviour of learners and advise management where incidents which causes concern to staff or learners.Such matters may include discrimination, bullying, equity issues, language and literacy problems that are affecting student performance. * Monitor classroom safety and OH&S issues (Duty of Care) and advices of matters that need to be reported for follow up in premises that have been provided by clients. * Must always source out ways of providing help and support for learners. * Must have an understanding of the Equality Act with the ability to set boundaries. * Excellent Time management skill Plan for first 30 days at work|Week 1| Date| Topics| Details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday| Getting to know the ethos of the organisation, | * Understand the rules and regulations * Who are my learners / my client group * My duties and work structure * Get to know my boss / verifier and colleagues * Work materials and resources available to me * Start building folders for learner / clients * Go through the list of learners / Clients * Booking one to one sessions * Sending out letters where needed. 9:00am to —–pm| (1) It is important for me to understand the rules and regulations of the organisation in order for me to know the boundaries set for learners and me. | | | | | (2) Important to understand how my workload and duties has been structured, set targets, deadlines etc. | | | | | (3) Meeting the team, seeing and understanding how they work is useful and will guide me. A meeting with the verifier is important. | | | | | (4) Imperative to see what work materials that I need to use and what resources that are available for my learners and I. | | | | (5) If there is a list of clients already, seeing the list of learners and their files will be useful. | | | | | (6) Booking learners to meet with me for a one to one session to complete individual learning plans and getting to know each other and their needs. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Week 2| Date| Topic| Details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday| Initial assessments and planning| * Getting to know my learners / clients. Understanding their needs * Agreeing mile stones with learners * Planning and sourcing various training materials and resources for my learners / clients * Planning training sessions / assessments * Booking training sessions / assessments * Consulting with management / verifier to give and gain feedbacks| 9:00am to —–pm| (1) The plan is to see approximately 7 learners per day booked at 30 minutes intervals. | | | | | (2) Using the one to one information to source out what resources and support needed for each learner / client. | | | | (3) A design for the training session to commence, it needs to include various methods to include all learners, i. e, visual, audio, handouts and games. | | | | | (4) Booki ng in house training sessions, group and individual sessions, source out the needs and work materials for each learner. | | | | | (5) Consulting with verifier and management to ensure that I am on the right track. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Week 3| Date| Topics| Details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday| Start of training / assessments. | * Start first training session * Hand learners feedback form to rate session * Next session with learner * Agree on review dates * Updating of learners data base * Send management feedbacks * Liaise with management / verifier. * Prepare for the next day. | 9:00am to —–pm| (1) The amount of clients seen in a week for training will depend on the amount of clients in group sessions or a one to one sessions and locations. | | | | (2) Review dates will be on a fortnightly plan or as designed by the orga nisation. | | | | | (3) At the end of each session / day learners data base must be updated. | | | | | (4) Ensure feedbacks are handed in and liaise with line manager. | | | | | (5) Make calls to learners to be visited the next day to ensure they remember the appointment, liaise with their managers to ensure that the session is still ok to go on. | | | | | (6) Ensure that all learning materials and resources for the next day sessions are ready. | | | | (7) Liaise with management / verifier for feedback and support where needed. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Week 4| Date| Topics| Details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday| | Training sessions| * Continue training sessions * Making appointments for new sessions and booking review dates. * Liaising with management / verifier. * Ensuring resources and work materials available. * Complete all documents. * Assess learner’s work * Update learner’s database. Confirming next day’s appointments. | 9:00am to —- pm| | | | | | | (1) Continue training sessions and re-capping on previous session, confirming the next session. | | | | | | (2) Ensure reviews are booked with learners, send out emails to notify / remind learners. | | | | | | (3) Review learners work handed in. | | | | | | (4) Ensure that all documents are completed on a daily basis to avoid back log and loss. All learners database must be updated each time new information comes in and after each review, assessment or test. | | | | | (5) Always ensure that there are work materials and resources available for learners. | | | | | | (6) Ensure that all appoints for the next day are confirmed, a re-booking should be made on the same day of receiving a cancellation. | | | | | | (7) Ensure communication with verifier / management, complete feedbacks, submit feedbacks etc. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Week 5| Date| Topics| Details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday| Training and Review sessions. * Conduct training sessions * Start first review session using individual learning plan. * Provide feedbacks and set new mile stones. * Complete learners database * Liaise with management / verifier. * Book sessions and confirm next day’s sessions / meetings * Complete all needed documents. | 9:00am to —- pm| (1) Ensure that there is a feedback from learners after each session. | | | | | (2) Ensure all reviews are carried out promptly, fairly, with positive and encouraging notes to it. Set new goals after a review of previous goals set in the individual learning plan.Adopt the PSP Mode. | | | | | (3) Ensure learner’s database is completed and booked next review session and one to one tutoring if need be. | | | | | (4) Ensure all documents are completed promptly and correctly. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Week 6| Date| Topics| details| Time| Notes| MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday| Training, Reviews and Tests| * Continue training sessions. * Continue reviews, setting new mile stones and providing feedbacks. Set Tests where needed depending on awarding body. * Liaise with management / verifier. * Book new appointments and confirm next day’s appointments. * Update Learners database * Complete various documents needed. | 9:00am to —-pm| (1) Set tests when required to do so by verifier and management. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Friday, September 27, 2019

Descriptive Statistics of the Business Model Project

Descriptive of the Business Model - Statistics Project Example Descriptive Statistics of the Business Model From table 1.1, which gives Descriptive Statistics, the mean of driving distance for the current model is 272.85 and that of new model is 269. Hence the mean of the new model is 3.85 lower than the mean for current model. The standard deviation of the current model and new model are 9.81 and 11.434 respectively. Coefficient of variation is a measure of reliability and it depicts the consistency of a series of data. If it is lower for a series of data, then the series is considered to be more reliable than the series which has relatively greater coefficient of variation. It is computed as SD divided by mean multiplied by 100. It is expressed in percentage. When we evaluate the coefficient of variation for both the models, the coefficient of variation is 3.6% for the first model and 4.25% for the second model. Hence the current model seems to be more reliable than the new model. To test whether this difference of 3.85 is significant or not we perform independent t-test. To know the ext reme values (both current and new model) both upper 5 and lower 5 values, the following table 1.2 is given. From graph 1.1, Boxplots allow us to compare each group using a five-number summary: the median, the 25th and 75th percentiles, and the minimum and maximum observed values that are not statistically outlying. Outliers and extreme values are given special attention The heavy black line inside each box marks the 50th percentile, or median, of that distribution.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

An In-depth Analysis on the Influence of Open Source System Essay - 1

An In-depth Analysis on the Influence of Open Source System Penetration Tools on Cyber-crime - Essay Example These attacks could pinpoint the vulnerable areas, and could also aid in mitigating them. Organisations from various sectors are incorporating solutions these tools to develop foolproof protection system. Many reputable industry standards are also prescribing penetration testing as one of the key security exercise. Still, there is scepticism regarding genuineness of this process, as there are chances of agencies or individual testers turning negative and compromising organisations’ critical assets. To prevent such eventualities, there are adequate legal provisions; in addition organisations and security consultants need to come up with protocols or steps, which ensure secure and safe testing. Any organisation, irrespective of the ‘domains’ they are placed in, will be vulnerable to cyber attacks, especially the ones which are maximally dependent on Information technology. These organisations will be threatened by individuals with apt technical knowledge and other inside information. Their intentions may vary from wrecking the organisation to stealing critical assets. When this type of cyber crime occurs, the organisation could suffer heavy financial losses and more than that could have doubtful future, as its key assets will be compromised aiding its competitors. Disgruntled employees or employees with ‘spying role’ could wreck the organisation by altering or breaking down the IT infrastructure, and also by bringing in IT tools from outside to disable it. Apart from those employees, external ‘elements’ in the form of hackers, cyber thieves, competitors’ aids, etc, could intrude or cyber attack the organisation. To actualize a foolproof protection system, organisations has to find out the loopholes or the vulnerable areas in its IT infrastructure. Because, once the weak points are identified, organisations will become

The U.S. Military Fighting Forces in World War II (European vs Research Paper

The U.S. Military Fighting Forces in World War II (European vs. Pacific Theaters) - Research Paper Example However, some of the technological differences made the United States more superior than most of their enemies. Furthermore, despite the disunity in the American military forces, the military of such countries as Japan, which was the strongest force in the eastern bloc, also exhibited such severe disunity thus contributing to the American victory. 1) Geographic and Environmental Conditions (i.e., effecting the style of warfare) Climatic condition played important role in earning America the victory in the war, with an effective knowledge of the pacific climate in summer, the American forces prepared adequately with appropriate attire and carried drugs and mosquito nets to cushion the soldiers from the adverse weather in the continental region. The warm and humid climatic condition of the pacific in summer presented several challenges to the Japanese who did not have adequate information of the climatic condition in the pacific region. The humid condition hastened the pace of metallic . The Japanese did not prepare for such radical ramifications and therefore lost most of their artillery as they rusted fast thus proved inefficient. Additionally, more Japanese soldiers died of rom such tropical diseases as malaria, which they had not prepared effectively for. The warm and humid climate in the region required light attire a feature that the American forces had learnt of thus leaving their Japanese counterparts ill dressed for the combat thus the ensuing inconveniences in the battlefields. The jungle environment in the pacific required specific tactic of warfare, the American formed small patrols hat would maneuver through the jungle more efficiently often relying on the efficient backup owing to the efficient communication among the small troops. Additionally, the American soldiers relied on the marines after they learnt that the terrain would not permit large military formations. American and Japanese soldiers would therefore run into each other unannounced in the ir daily patrols thus resulting in open warfare. The military combat with the infantry and artillery type of fighting this implied that fighting was at close range requiring the use of effective weaponry. 2) Type of Enemy (i.e., German's vs. Japanese soldier & tactics used); The American success in the war portrayed that the country invested a lot of resources in understanding their enemies. Information is often key in military since it helps formulate both the offenses and defenses. With the adequate information about the enemy, the American government often employed the best tactics in either attacking or resisting the advances of the enemy. Technological advancement in the war was important in the ending the war. America had to prove technological advancement in order to end the war. The eastern bloc had a renewed determination to foster the war but their evident technological inferiority influenced their decision to stop fighting. The nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki pr oved to the eastern forces that the United States had the best military technology and could annihilate their population thus influencing their decision to end the spirited fight. The Germans also proved greater

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Final Examination Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Final Examination - Assignment Example Employee X and employee Y. It say that employee X are bad employee that are not motivated by the job they are doing and need coercion to work productively. Most managers will not have incentives for employees falling in category X instead they use coercion. On the other side employee Y have natural liking of their job and little motivation can double their productivity. Other theories such as Maslow hierarchy of need indicate the progressive need of motivation. As one motivation is satisfied it means a lot to productivity and reenergize for another achievement. All motivation theories address one outcome in there explanation aspect of motivation. On the same note, every theory has a role and every theory has one way or the other that can be used by a manager to increase the productivity in the company. A good example is the comparative picture that the theory of Maslow and that of McGregor when viewed in unison they draw. On commonality, they all share one fabric: the fabric of motivation. However there approach is different. On one hand the of X and Y which is a school of thought of McGregor explains that there exist two types of employee one who is self-initiated, self-motivated and work productively under supervision and coercion. Such employee is grouped as an employee Y. In real sense such an employee could be following the ladder of hierarchy postulated by Maslow being motivated at every stage. After achieving on physiological need the self-motivation of moving to safety need arises and on and on till the self-actualization is achiev ed. Consequently, the two theory fit together. On the other side, an employee who is fixated on one step of Maslow theory tend to be frustrated or retrogress to the lower hierarchy for the purposes of feeling satisfied. These employees tend to fit in category X according to McGregor. Many other theories have a commonality point of view. Public employee determine

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Economic100 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Economic100 - Essay Example Their portfolio ‘also includes some of the nation’s fastest growing beer brands, such as Hahn Super Dry and Boag’s Draught, and the leading light beer, Hahn Premium Light’ (Lion Nathan 2010). Lion Nathan appears to be in big trouble at the time this article was written and is facing severe supply issues. The strike occurred at Lion Nathan’s factories as a result of a dispute on pay rises. Brewery technicians at the beer giants western Sydney factory began ‘a week of strike action aimed at starving the amount of beer the company can supply over the peak summer period. The factory, which has been at the Lidcombe site since 1978, produces all of Tooheys beer - about 3.3 million hectolitres each year. Brewery technicians make up 84 of about 1100 of the brewerys workers but oversee the recipes and ingredients. The technicians are calling for a 4.5 per cent pay rise and say a 3 per cent offer from Tooheys parent company Lion Nathan is unfair.’ (Hills 2010). The first economic issue in this situation is that there are fewer players in the market. Lion Nathan seems to dominate the market, with a 43% share of the market in 2007 (Hills 2010). This signifies that beer production is a market in Australia which is largely an oligopolistic structure with few large players controlling the supplies. This not only means that the large players control the prices but also that the supply is largely inelastic. With the inelastic supplies, a shift in the demand curve could have a greater impact on the price than if the supply was elastic. The supply is the willingness of the producers to supply to the market at a particular market price. This supply curve is affected by the cost of production among several other factors. In the case of beer manufacturers in Australia, this cost of production has gone up which means that the supply

Monday, September 23, 2019

Evolution-Different Perspectives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Evolution-Different Perspectives - Essay Example Darwin’s understanding of the universe shook the foundations on which the then understanding of human ethics and morals rested. This paper shall seek to analyze the main points of this debate and the different perspectives that have been employed to understand it. The paper shall also seek to analyze the problems that are posed by alternative theories regarding creation, especially that of divine creation. Darwin’s understanding of the universe and its creation was a very scientific one. It entailed a very rational view of the scientific world. He held the process of natural selection to be responsible for evolution. The phrase ‘survival of the fittest’ which has today been adopted by many corporate gurus for motivational speeches, is one that Darwin employed to explain the process by which certain traits are eliminated from the gene pool of a certain species. This, according to him, was also the reason behind the extinction of certain species from the face of the earth. Traits that would make members of a species able to survive the hardships that they had to face in life were the ones that would survive. This can be seen in the case of animals. If a certain animal has a certain favorable trait, it is more likely to find a mate that would lead to procreation. This would lead to this trait being transferred to the next generation. If favorable traits are weakened over generations, then the gene pool of the entire species would be weakened. This would increase the chances of the species to get extinct. Adaptation to a certain environment, according to Darwin was the only way in which species could survive. To take an example from the animal world, giraffes with long necks have survived. Earlier explanations to this theory included ones that attributed the length to straining of the necks to reach higher leaves. This, however, is not true and the elimination of genes that cause shorter necks from the gene pool is now considered to be th e real cause. Amongst human beings, a person with a high intelligence is likely to find a mate with a high intelligence. This would increase the chances of the next generation being one that has a high intelligence. This process would continue and this would increase the chances of a certain gene surviving in the gene pool of the human species (Darwin, 1995). Many condemned Darwin’s theories and the condemnation continues to this day. The main reason for this was the opposition to his ideas by religious groups, especially Christian groups. According to Christianity, the world was created by God in six days, after which he rested for the seventh day. This theory of divine creation where humans appeared on the scene immediately, and not through a scientific process of evolution, stood refuted by the theory of Darwin. Moreover, the theory of natural selection and the adage ‘survival of the fittest’ made existence on the earth similar to a race. In the Victorian era, people were unable to adjust to these theories since their existences were based, overtly, on codes of morality that were Christian. Even oppressive and exploitative economic systems like colonialism needed to be justified according to Christian theories. In this context, Darwin’s interventions made people think of a world where the sinner would not be punished and the good would not be

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The New Rule Essay Example for Free

The New Rule Essay Judging by the numbers has been an integral way of assessing the success or failure of a company or a CEO from then and even until present. The influence of this method has been augmented by the advocacy by â€Å"successful† executives through their published and mediated ideas. But even with the prevailing numerically-dependent idea on success, it seems that globalization has paved way for people to rethink and reconsider other â€Å"rules† that must have been missed out before. Fortune senior writer Betsy Morris wrote an article about â€Å"New Rules† that, as it is implied in the text, should replace the Wallstreet-pressured old ones. The question is: Is there really a necessity to replace the old rules with new ones?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The old rules are easier to manage and apply compared to the new ones. The old rules focus merely on raising the numbers; everything is judged based on the numerical values. Theoretically, there are no people to please, and not much effort on creative thinking is necessary. All that has to be done is to follow proven formulas of success, that is, as dictated by the experiences of â€Å"successful† businessmen and executives. The only goal is to be on top and it was believed that that goal can be easily attained with linear progression as long as the â€Å"book† was followed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To exemplify this, there is this old rule about big dogs owning the street (Morris, 2006). Based on this old rule, the greatest benefits and rewards in the industry are reaped by the biggest player or by the economies of scale. This old rule is relatively easy to manage compared to its counterpart in the â€Å"new rules,† that is to be agile. Although being big is not as easy as what might have been implied, this old rule is considered one because based on what is implied in the rule, just being big allows the player to take advantage of whatever resource in the industry or to take huge profits from a specific market without much effort and simply just by being â€Å"big.† As it is with their status, the natural laws of economics come to play under normal circumstances, that is, the economies of scale could naturally spread their fixed costs and thus acquire larger revenues (Morris, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is not the case with its counterpart â€Å"new rule.† Based on the new rule, the player must be agile because being big can actually bring harm (Morris, 2006). This rule implies more than the requirement of a player to simply be agile. It implies the necessity of a certain ability that is, to properly observe the direction of the market and be able to apply this gained knowledge to the needs of the company.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The new rules, thus, require more than the ability to follow rules. It requires that the leader or executive is able to have the wisdom to realize the need to acquire knowledge and be able to use the gained knowledge (particularly the needs of the market) to direct the company towards adapting to these needs and continuously make the company flexible afterwards. The ease in managing the old rules is dependent on its nature which is based on â€Å"following,† while the new rules are mainly based on â€Å"skill and creativity†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   That the â€Å"old rules† are in fact labeled as â€Å"old† does not necessarily mean it should all be replaced with the new ones or worse, eradicated and forgotten. After all, these rules are based on wisdom from past experiences and it is not very difficult to find similarities, no matter how small between past experiences and current ones. The term â€Å"old† may not always be synonymous with â€Å"better† but the same can be said with â€Å"new†. It is actually possible that both are equally important and a fusion of which could create a better â€Å"rule†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Citing again the example on the old rule of big dogs owning the street and its counterpart new rule, agility is best, it can be said that while the old rule may not necessarily be better than the old rule, being â€Å"not big† does not also guarantee positive effects. Agility and the company’s flexibility, plus, being big, can actually create more advantage for the company. With the big company’s ability to spread its fixed costs and the agile company’s ability to make efficient use of resources, the business can actually reduce its costs and make more revenues.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Similarly, any company can attempt to find a niche or create something new. This is not an easy feat because as it is said, it involves creativity. But a company must not limit itself to just one of two choices. The old and new rules that are presented in the article are not opposites. This means that it is actually feasible for a company to both strive being the best in the market and at the same time, strive to always create something new for their market.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Starbucks may have â€Å"continuous change† as their goal but this goal is only the surface of an underlying goal. Why does Starbucks want to keep moving and evolving? This is to continue their identity, which caters to their market, that keeps their profits and thus keep the enterprise going. Starbucks may not have had being number 1 as their main goal but they were able to be on top by always creating something new for their clients. In the end, it is able to take advantage of its ability to create something new, as well as its being on top. Being on top had become one of the old rules because it had a rationale that is deeper than the â€Å"numbers†. A top business could improve the employees’ morale and could thus make them become better in performing their jobs. This could result in better relationships with clients. The businesses’ rules must not be limited to a choice between the old or the new. Both are not opposites and the instances when both can be done simultaneously to complement the other must be recognized.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While in general, the new rules teach about the importance of flexibility the necessity of the corporate world to be able to adapt and consider the actual needs of its clients, some of the old rules can be truly â€Å"greedy†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One old rule that represents this is that the shareholders rule. According to a study done by One Bain Co. (Morris, 2006), there is a significant discrepancy about the perceptions of the executives about the quality of their service and the perceptions of the customers themselves. It is said that 80% of the executives perceive themselves as doing a great service and only 8% of the customers agree (Morris, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This implies that the customers’ needs are not adequately met while the executives consider themselves as being justly compensated for their â€Å"efforts,† and the company being the just recipients of revenues. It may be that any business is made for the sole purpose of profiting. But this does not exempt anyone from disregarding ethical considerations. Simply put, any customer deserves the value of what they pay for.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In addition, the companies, whether profit-centered or otherwise, must realize that the laws of economics would indicate that catering to the customers would actually increase the revenues and considering the new rule (The Customer is King), can be a positive way of gaining profits instead of taking so much effort to decrease their operating costs, which could in almost all cases, also reduce their product’s quality. Considering the clients could only be symbiotic, benefiting both the clients and the business itself. This has been proven by companies like Apple and Genentech (Morris, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the rapidly changing times and with globalization, it seems that the â€Å"new rules† are most applicable. This is because these new rules can only be products of observations of the successful companies and CEO’s at the present time. Still, it must be noted that the â€Å"old rules† were what the people considered then as the â€Å"new rules†. This means that rules are created based on what seems appropriate depending on the demands situations and circumstances that happen at a certain period. With this in mind, what is important is not exactly to follow which rule is popular at a certain period but to allow circumstances and the nature of events to become guides in strategizing and decision-making. Truly, following the old rules religiously would be like staying at a certain era and preventing growth. But still, following the â€Å"new rules† by-the-book would be self-contradictory because the principle behind the â€Å"new rules† is to allow constant change and flexibility depending on specific factors involved. Like what the Morris (2006) said about the old rules, the â€Å"new rules† are made to answer specific problems of a specific situation at a specific time. Then, it is only the value of flexibility that must be retained. As it is, the world will always change even with resistance from business players and all that can be done is to allow themselves to be swayed and be creative so that each situation can be used to their competitive advantage. Still, the old rules must not be completely disregarded. These old rules must be seen based on the rationale or wisdom behind. Because such rules, when seen at a less common or different perspective could still apply to a specific present, although not necessarily modern situation. Jack Welch may right when he said that â€Å"If applied correctly†¦ rules can work forever.† (Morris, 2006). The only question that matters then is â€Å"what is correctly?† Again, â€Å"correctly† depends on one’s ability to gain knowledge in situations, be flexible and be creative in using these situations to his or her advantage—but of course, with all the ethical considerations. Works Cited Morris, B. (2006). The New Rules. Fortune. Retrieved 28 Feb 2007 from http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/10/magazines/fortune/rules.fortune/index.htm.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Race And Racism In Heart Of Darkness English Literature Essay

Race And Racism In Heart Of Darkness English Literature Essay One of the central issues that arise from Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness (1899) is the colonialist bias used to misrepresent the African race. Whilst Conrad was not himself accountable for the xenophobic westernised image of Africa, his story maintains the damaging stereotyping of native people. By painting them as bestialised, barbaric, primitive and uncivilised, he explores the black race through the lens of a hegemonic European representation; Conrads uses of myth and metaphor supported the colonial conquest of African people on the colonisers assumption that these people were racially inferior. Nevertheless, Conrad was writing at a time when the historical representation of Africans had always been a discourse of racism. Also, perhaps Conrad failed to appropriately depict Africans because he recognized little of their culture, having primarily spent time with white men during his 6 months at the African Congo. Moreover, by undermining imperial superiority and giving satanic ref erences to the colonisers, one may contend he is similarly insulting towards the Europeans, and that his exaggerated racism seeks to ridicule Europes civilising mission, and expose the ingrained racist ideals of Victorian imperialists. Marlow, the central protagonist and narrator of Heart of Darkness, expresses old racist prejudices against the Africans: They howled and leaped, and spun, and made horrid faces, but what thrilled you was the thought of their humanity like yoursà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ugly. Not only does he deny the Africans a distinction of a name, he also rids them of normal human behaviour. Marlow belittles them with derogatory language, stressing that they mimic animalistic behaviour and have no methods of speech outside of violent babble and crude grunts. According to Chinua Achebe, these representations call the very humanity of black people into question. On the matter of communication, it is noteworthy that a small amount of English syllables are placed into the mouths of one or two Congolese Africans. It is in submitting to the hegemonic language of the coloniser that Conrad replaces native culture with his own, which he considers superior. It is this supposition of an advanced humanity which leads A chebe to brand Conrad a through-going racist. Nonetheless, it can be argued that Marlow is a product of a fairly racist era in history; a period in which racist discourses remained structured by Empire to legitimize its political ideology of suppression over the Africans. Like his contemporaries, Conrad is writing at a time where it was acceptable to view Africans as the other, and by overusing the words savage and nigger, he conforms to the racist sentiments of the day. Consequently, his story which was published in the Blackwood magazine, targets the conservative politics of the late nineteenth century. Furthermore, Conrad mentions in his authors note that his over exaggeration of the savage image had the purpose of bringing it home to the minds and bosoms of the reader. This admittance of a distorted characteristic account of the natives may explain his savage depiction of them. He also uses these images to make the setting realistic, accentuating the novels grave themes of darkness, and fear of the unknown. Being a victim of his time, Conrads portrayals of the African race also conform to the evolutionary trope of Charles Darwins theory of evolution. By painting Africans as the prehistoric man, and portraying Marlows voyage upriver as travelling back to the earliest beginnings of the world, Conrad integrates the temporal evolutionary trope in Heart of Darkness; he suggests that Europeans are at a more superior position, since the Africans have not yet emerged from prehistory. His repeated animalistic images of the natives place Africans at the low end of the scale: one of the creatures rose to his hands and knees and went off on all fours towards the river to drink. Linking in with Darwinism science, Conrad reduces the Africans into a subspecies between apes and Caucasians. The African here is represented as a modern ancestor, an animal, a barely human body without intelligence. Consequently, he views the Africans as prehistoric evils in desperate need of European influence and evolutio n; an outlook which reaffirms him as the personification of colonialism. Darwins views which had become entrenched in society are used here by Marlow to provide the principal ideological support for imperialism. Suggests that Europeans are at a more superior position, as opposed to the Africans since the latter has not yet emerged from prehistory Though truthful, Marlow is a prejudiced man; he is the personification of colonialism.   Going into the Congo, Marlow views the natives as prehistoric evils in desperate need of white influence and civilization. Throughout the physical journey, Marlow is confronted with the natives time and time again, seeing them chained as slaves, living in a village and attacking his own steam boat. Marlow holds fast his prejudiced view of the natives, referring to them as savages or calling them by more derogatory terms such as niggers. Through his exploration, he questions the humanity of Africans. According to him this deliberate stylistic obfuscation merely aided to satisfy the racial sentiments of the day, and Conrad was only acting as the purveyor of comforting myths Counter argue that he was a polish writer who had to show his mettle with the English language However, in his authors note he writes how over exaggeration is used. Sombre theme given sinister resonance perhaps explains the extreme savage image. It can also be said Much of his animalistic language of the black race conforms to the evolutionary trope of Charles Darwin whose views became entrenched in society. African on all fours like ants. So for someone, who had little contact, he makes use of these derogatory stereotypes, and it can be said that he relies on these preconceived ideas and western baggage since they dominate his descriptions. Maintains, and justifies imperialism, and although he witnesses the horror of colonialism and suppression of the Africans, it is interesting to note his approval of efficient imperialist activity. However, his constant questioning of imperialist values, and the sham of it all, reveal his anti essentialist views. slightly flatter noses. This acknowledges that the black race is more or less equal to whites, barring a few inconsequential physical attributes. Kurtz on the other hand shows no remorse whatsoever. He holds the absolute essential view to exterminate all the blacks. He holds the ideology of making the black race extinct. Hes a ruthless ivory trader, and arranges for the dead heads to displayed on poles. The white race use crude violence, and brute force. Very occasionally the natives show resistance, but their left largely helpless against the overpowering military control of the Europeans. They have no authority or voice. The colonists have become corrupted. They are blinded by the notion that this is their sacred duty to uphold the superiority of the colonial empire and white heritage. Through Marlow disapproval, he shows and exposes the Europeans, is equally deameaning, offensive, and undermines their superiority. flabby white devils.. Critiques immoral European behaviour. Transcends such prejudice, shows him to rise above racism. Ridicules benevolent project of civilisation. Uses an ambivalent tone to show the violent colonial enterprise. Kurtz the ultimate satanic, racist. Has the heart of darkness. However if he is showing Africa to be the reason for the deterioration of the European mans morale, it merely becomes a backdrop which eliminates the African as human factor. They have become marginalised. This marginalisation shows further through Kurtz mistress. He is racist towards her, but not so to his white woman. 333 But its interesting, that Marlow does approve of efficient colonialism. Puts in a section of Brtish colonialism. It is almost with this preconceived mindset that Marlow almost succumbs to this same worst impulsive violent mindset (look at thinking lit answer bold). Going further into self discovery and realises his own heart of darkness. Paints Africa as the heart of darkness, suggesting that its wilderness and wild inhabitants drive the Europeans to insanity and violence. Takes this stance to almost show how the Dark Continent is responsible for his behaviour, thus showing it to be the cause of Kurtzs insanity. Almost blaming Africans that they hold out temptations. His racist sentiments continue throughout. However, unlike the other colonists, Marlow does show some sympathy and admiration towards the natives; a viewpoint, emphasising his forward thinking mindset. Upon his very first encounter, he praises there vitality, muscles and seems entirely at peace with them. Gives the dying man a biscuit, and becomes friends with helman. Has a remote kinship with them as opposed to nothing with Europeans. Therefore it can be evaluated that he is just brainwashed by the politics of the time, but his contemplative nature, allows him to see through the cracks, and appreciate the African race. Later descriptions thus allow for readers to see the absurdity of racism. (Cedric Watts) Conclusion Although Marlow shows himself to be concerned with the heart of humankind, and the souls of individuals, the text emerged out of the very centre of racism and imperialism, therefore Marlow can be seen as merely replicating the colonial discourses available to him. Although he criticises the extreme brutal ness of Imperialism, he discourse is grounded in political, economic interest. He simply looks at Africa through a haze of distortions and cheap mystifications. It can be said that Conrad just uses Marlow to confirm and consolidate the wildest fantasies of the African savages to his European readers. However in my opinion his racist exaggeration and imperialist critique, are used to show how absurd racism was. http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=7947

Friday, September 20, 2019

Perraults Puss in Boots :: Perrault Puss Boots Essays

Perrault's Puss in Boots The myriad characters in every fairy tale each contribute a great deal to the plot structure, their slightest actions bringing forth a favourable or grievous outcome. The overall sense of a story lies almost entirely on what is included in their dialogue and descriptions. In comparing the well known Rapunzel, as told by the brothers Grimm, to a lesser known version Petrosinella, by Giambattista Basile, a reader can distinguish each as unique based on these elements. Further analysis reveals what all characters donate to create each storyline, as well as a pair of equally distinctive endings. The Grimm Rapunzel is remarkably descriptive when compared with the 1637 Basile variation. The Grimm’s introduce a man and wife that have long wished for God to grant them a child, going on to describe the beauty of the neighbour's garden and the wife’s long and intense yearning for the rapunzel. What takes the better part of a page in Rapunzel condenses into three short sentences in Petrosinella, which comes across as far more abrupt. The first character is introduced, sees what she wants next door, and craves it; no other clarification is provided. The opening sentence states that â€Å"there lived a woman named Pascaddozia, who was pregnant.† Already there are three factors not present in the Grimm tale. Firstly, the woman is living alone-there is never mention of a husband. Second, she is named, which is very unusual in any fairy tale because the parent(s) often have a very small role overall and are not so important as to have names. Third, she is with child, and we are given no indication that there were the classic problems of conceiving. These points summon an image of a strong, single mother, more significant in the life of her child than the Grimm’s couple. Rapunzel describes how the man yields to his wife and fetches her some of the herb from the witch’s garden. Pascaddozia, however, steals into the garden several times to indulge her cravings. This bravery shown by the mother again reflects on how different she is from the Grimm wife, a trait that is revealed in her daughter Petrosinella. The witches also differ in each tale. Petrosinella portrays a rather slow-witted antagonist that behaves with more fury. Reacting to the theft in her garden, this one vows revenge if she catches the culprit.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Life of Black Maids in The 1960s Essays -- African American Women,

Harsh, cruel, and stressful are three words to describe the life of African American women domestic workers during the Civil Rights Movement. During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, there were many contributions other than just the typical marches, speeches, and violence that everybody hears about. One of the many topics that have not been heard about frequently is the life of the colored maids during this time period. What were black domestic workers? These women worked for many white families usually in the south for practically their whole lives taking care of their employer’s children and working their houses cleaning and doing many other tasks. The life of a black maid had many responsibilities and difficulties that challenged these women on a daily basis. When discussing the background of the many women who became maids, it is often questioned where they came from and when they started working. In almost every black town there were many ladies all over who were maids. As early as 10 years old, these ladies had worked for many white families all over southern states. They started off by just doing simple tasks such as answering doorbells and sweeping the yard. When they start to become older, they learn to become cooks and then eventually are suited to be a maid to white families in the south (History Matters). Firstly, an African American maid raised white children and had many chores while doing so. An experienced black maid quoted on â€Å"History Matters† refers to the amount of work she had to do by saying, â€Å"It’s â€Å"Mammy, do this, â€Å"or â€Å"Mammy, do that,† or â€Å"Mammy do the other,† from my mistress, all the time.† The maids were required to wash, dress, and feed the children more than three times a day. Somet... ...were that they had. Even though they were dealt with many issues, they learned to stick up for themselves knowing the consequences that they would get. Not only did they have many responsibilities, but they had several hardships to deal with. Even later on in the years there was still problems between domestic workers and white employers during the Civil Rights movement and even after it. Even today, discrimination are still going on between different races, genders, etc. To this day, people all over are still willing to fight for their rights. Works Cited History Matters. n.d. 21 April 2014 . Kilen, Mike. The Desmoines Register. 8 October 2012. 25 April 2014 . Sharpless, Vanessa May and Rebecca. UNC Press Blog. n.d. 21 April 2014 . Stockett, Kathrynn. The Help. New York: Penguin Group, 2009.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

The Labor Unions Essay -- essays research papers fc

The Labor Unions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Unions have become commonplace in the labor arena. They provide employees with a valuable tool that allows them to stand together against their employer to make sure that their rights are upheld in the workplace. This paper will focus on labor unions with regards to how they work in two very different companies, Ford Motor Company and United Airlines. Also, a brief history will be outlined as well as legislation regarding unions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many unions are at battle with their respected employers. Some of these fights are better known than other fights. United Airlines is trying to renegotiate contracts to save their company money. This has been a long battle for United, that some may see as having begun with the events of September 11, 2001. In truth, the International Association of Machinists, the union that represents a majority of United employees and United have been locked in a heated battle for some time now, even before the events of that September.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By contrast, Ford Motor Company has had very little trouble recently with the union that represents the majority of their employees. The UAW has not gone on strike at Ford since 1976. The last time that Ford-UAW relationship even made the news was in 1999, when the UAW was negotiating their new contract. Comparatively speaking, the two companies could not be further apart when it comes to working with their respective unions. History Although some people trace the beginning of labor unions in the United States to the very beginning, when guilds men got off the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock, the beginning of the modern labor movement began in 1886. That is the year when Samuel Gompers founded the American Federation of Labor. The statement of the founders of the AFL reads in part: The various trades have been affected by the introduction of machinery, the subdivision of labor, the use of women's and children's labor and the lack of an apprentice system-so that the skilled trades were rapidly sinking to the level of pauper labor. To protect the skilled labor of America from being reduced to beggary and to sustain the standard of American workmanship and skill, the trades unions of America have been established. (AFL-CIO, 2002)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first major union strike in this country was the P... ...8/2004 at http://money.cnn.com/2002/11/18/news/companies/ual/ Commission for Labor Cooperation (2002) â€Å" United States Labor Law.† Viewed online on 11/18/2004 at http://www.naalc.org/english/publications/labormain.htm Encyclopedia Britannica, Online Edition (2002) â€Å"Labor History: United States.† viewed   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  online at http://www.britannica.com International Assocaition of Machinists (2002) â€Å"Union Member ights and Officer   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Responsibilities Under the LMRDA.† Viewed online on 11/18/2004 at   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.goiam.org/memberadvantages.asp?c=884 U.S. Department of Labor (2002) â€Å"The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Act.† Viewed online on 11/18/2004 at   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.doleta.gov/programs/factsht/warn.htm U.S. Department of Labor: Occupational Health and Safety Administration (2002)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"OSHA’s Mission.† Viewed online on 11/18/2004 at   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.osha.gov/oshinfo/mission.html. United Autoworkers of America (2002) Viewed online on 11/18/2004 at   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.UAW.org

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Marketing and Robertson Tool

Q) If you were Mr. Vincent would you try to gain control of Robertson tool in May 2003 If I were Mr. Vincent , yes I would like to gain control of Robertson tool in May 2003. The synergy after acquiring as well as profits which would be gained after the merger will be more than the cost of the merger. Monmouth had earlier acquired Dessex. It acquired a quality product line, an established distribution system of 15000 retail hardware stores spread across United States as well as in Canada and Mexico. The Acquisition of Dessex provided a solid base for the other two companies which were added, Keane and Kroll.Keane was highly profitable but was under mismanagement whereas Kroll was a leading supplier of soldering tools to industries, electronics and consumer market. The sales force in Monmouth’s Dessex-Kroll-Keane tools lines overlap with Robertson and this would provide a one of the opportunities of lowering costs of operations. Robertson was one of the largest domestic manufac tures of cutting and edge hand tools and a leader in its two main product areas. This well fitted with Monmouth’s strategy to acquire only leading companies in their respective market segments.The two companies will also complement each other in terms of their sources of earnings where Robertson’s’ strength in the industrial market and its strong European distribution system would of great asset and would pull Monmouth’s products strengthening their presence in this market. Acquisition of Robertson Tool fits well with Monmouth’ diversification strategy and will allow them to broaden markets and be less sensitive to the general economic conditions. Robertson has great distribution system with coverage all over the world.Robertson is believed to have the strength to grow as fast as other companies in terms of sales (6%-7%) in its industry. More importantly, it could provide Monmouth the diversification of product line. The expansion in the hand tool market would lessen the volatility of Monmouth caused by the cyclical nature of heavy machinery and equipment sales. Besides, Monmouth could help Robertson Tool reduce its cost of goods sold and selling expenses substantially, due to the elimination of sales and advertising duplication and excessive number of products.The two companies would also be complementary since they each dominate in the industrial and consumer market. Q) Why is Simmons eager to sell its position to Monmouth for 50$ per share? Simmons wanted to gain a majority stake at Robertson yet he was falling short of 249000 shares which needed to give him majority control. Simmons now feared that Robertson might merge with NDP and he would have to receive NDP common stock for its 177000 shares of Robinson Stock which he knew wasn’t good at all.On the other hand, a merger of Monmouth and Robertson would allow Simmons to convert its share into common stock of Monmouth at an acceptable exchange rate. Simmons expecte d a rebound from cyclical downturn and Monmouth stock would show price appreciation. The stock was traded on NYSE which provided substantial liquidity. So he agreed for 50$ per share as it was a good price. Moreover the Book value was $53 so it seemed to be a pretty good deal for Simmons. Marketing and Robertson Tool Q) If you were Mr. Vincent would you try to gain control of Robertson tool in May 2003 If I were Mr. Vincent , yes I would like to gain control of Robertson tool in May 2003. The synergy after acquiring as well as profits which would be gained after the merger will be more than the cost of the merger. Monmouth had earlier acquired Dessex. It acquired a quality product line, an established distribution system of 15000 retail hardware stores spread across United States as well as in Canada and Mexico. The Acquisition of Dessex provided a solid base for the other two companies which were added, Keane and Kroll.Keane was highly profitable but was under mismanagement whereas Kroll was a leading supplier of soldering tools to industries, electronics and consumer market. The sales force in Monmouth’s Dessex-Kroll-Keane tools lines overlap with Robertson and this would provide a one of the opportunities of lowering costs of operations. Robertson was one of the largest domestic manufac tures of cutting and edge hand tools and a leader in its two main product areas. This well fitted with Monmouth’s strategy to acquire only leading companies in their respective market segments.The two companies will also complement each other in terms of their sources of earnings where Robertson’s’ strength in the industrial market and its strong European distribution system would of great asset and would pull Monmouth’s products strengthening their presence in this market. Acquisition of Robertson Tool fits well with Monmouth’ diversification strategy and will allow them to broaden markets and be less sensitive to the general economic conditions. Robertson has great distribution system with coverage all over the world.Robertson is believed to have the strength to grow as fast as other companies in terms of sales (6%-7%) in its industry. More importantly, it could provide Monmouth the diversification of product line. The expansion in the hand tool market would lessen the volatility of Monmouth caused by the cyclical nature of heavy machinery and equipment sales. Besides, Monmouth could help Robertson Tool reduce its cost of goods sold and selling expenses substantially, due to the elimination of sales and advertising duplication and excessive number of products.The two companies would also be complementary since they each dominate in the industrial and consumer market. Q) Why is Simmons eager to sell its position to Monmouth for 50$ per share? Simmons wanted to gain a majority stake at Robertson yet he was falling short of 249000 shares which needed to give him majority control. Simmons now feared that Robertson might merge with NDP and he would have to receive NDP common stock for its 177000 shares of Robinson Stock which he knew wasn’t good at all.On the other hand, a merger of Monmouth and Robertson would allow Simmons to convert its share into common stock of Monmouth at an acceptable exchange rate. Simmons expecte d a rebound from cyclical downturn and Monmouth stock would show price appreciation. The stock was traded on NYSE which provided substantial liquidity. So he agreed for 50$ per share as it was a good price. Moreover the Book value was $53 so it seemed to be a pretty good deal for Simmons.

Monday, September 16, 2019

“Let’s Talk About Sex” Documentary Essay

James Houston put together the documentary â€Å"Let’s Talk About Sex† that highlights the differences between American’s approach to sex education and that of other countries like the Netherlands. The stereotypes, controversy, and irony all related to sex is put out in the open and discussed. Throughout the film, it is obvious that America’s ways of sex education and attitude towards sex has created a negative connotation. The Europeans have a much more open approach when it comes to the discussion of sex and started sex education at an early age. American’s, on the other hand, have a very closed approach to sex discussion and save sex education for later ages. This negative connotation and approach to education has resulted in the States having much higher rates of teen pregnancy, teen birth, and sexually transmitted infections when compared to European countries. One could say that it’s time the United States changes its approach and opinions regarding sex, sexuality, and the education behind it. Throughout the movie, there was a commonality between those who held a biased opinion on the topic of sex. Those who believed abstinence should be enforced and were against an open discussion of sexual relations were often times from the older generation. It’s the parents of teens, most teachers of sex education, and even people within the churches that held a bias. They believed that teens should not be involved in sexual activities and that it should be saved for marriage. Along with that, they stood behind the idea that the teens should not be educated about sex until later in high school and the open discussion of sex and sexuality was not proper. Kelsey’s mother was one of these biased people. She was strongly against the idea of Kelsey taking part in sexual activities until she got married and did make it easy for Kelsey to openly communicate with her about her sexual relations. For those teens that do take part in sexual activities, they are looked down upon in the greater portion of American culture because of the negative connotations that have been established here in the United States. With these biases, it has put sex into a negative category not just for the minority, being the teens, but most Americans in general. In America, sex is not something people openly talk about nor is it something that teens are â€Å"suppose† to take part in. The idea of teens taking part in sexual relations prior to marriage is greatly frowned upon and the stigma of carrying a condom has scared them away from it. An example of this, which was shared in the movie, is that in the Netherlands, carrying a condom starting in their teens is very common and encouraged. Where as in the states, if a teen were to be caught with a condom, others would view that as a sign of someone who is very promiscuous. In the movie, females thought males who carried condoms wanted nothing but sex from a girl while males thought that women who carried condoms were easy and considered sluts. This negative impact in the States has generated these stereotypes surrounding sex. The effects of these stereotypes have negative outcomes. For example, if a guy is afraid to carry a condom because of the stereotype and when it comes time for him to take part in sexual activities, he won’t be properly prepared. Without the protection, he is at risk for STIs and possibility of pregnancy in girls. This is also true vice versa with girls; they too should carry condoms, but are afraid due to the negative association. There is also a negative idea behind the discussion of sex in an open setting. Most parents in the US are afraid to talk about sex with their teens sharing both their sexual lives and discussing their teens. Because the parents are not open to it, the teens are afraid to approach their parents with sex related questions or tell them they have taken part in sexual activities. Because of this, many teens go with out proper instruction and correct information in regards to sexual activities. Where as if the parents were more open and accepting of the idea of their teens taking part in sexual activities, it would open an avenue for better knowledge and maybe even help prevent STIs, pregnancies, and other sex related issues. The minority group in â€Å"Let’s Talk About Sex† stood as US teens. These teens faced the discrimination of elder groups and negative stereotypes, but throughout the course of the movie, it showed how things are slowly changing. Several people who are often viewed as community leaders are working to properly educate teens. An example was reverend Williams, who created an open area to discuss sex related things and offer proper education. Some teachers also voiced their opinion on how they believe sex ed. should be more about sexual relations and not about human anatomy. They also believe the education should begin at younger ages when kids are going through puberty and developing sexually developing. This is one way these teens are getting the upper hand on discrimination. Another is that opening the idea of family discussions about sex and the idea of teens being involved in sexual relations. Breaking the assumption that abstinence is the only answer and opening the door to discussion, using the Netherlands as an example. By the end of the movie, Kelsey, whose mother originally frowned upon sex before marriage, was able to change her mothers mind and even talk about her sexual relations. These are just a couple of the ways the teens slowly made change, there is still a lot more to be talked about and changed. When reflecting back, I too can relate to the US teens in the documentary. I have noticed the closed door in terms of the discussion of sex and human sexuality as well as the stigmas associated with teens’ involvement in sexual activities. I do believe there is something to be said about the Netherlands approach to human sexuality and sex, especially when looking at the number of teen pregnancies and transmission of STIs compared to the much larger number in the US. We, as the United States, could benefit from a change in the atmosphere surrounding teen sex, and sex in general. Sex is a natural thing.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Stranded: Gun and Injured Wolf

Frozen, with snow barricading the front door. Opening one old, rickety door took us more than ten minutes. We had physically exhausted ourselves, digging through the snow with our bare hands. Every inch of our bodies ached and all sensation had been lost. â€Å"Hurry up, It's getting dark and I'm getting hungry. † I shouted. â€Å"We need to find that weapon or something sharp! † Squeaked Jim. I quickly decided to abandon the Idea of a rescue plan for the Injured wolf. This seemed a good Idea at the time due to everybody feeling the way they did.We later found out that it was the wrong decision to leave the wolf injured and nearly paid with our lives. I decided to ask Scarlet and Jim if they minded that I was behaving as team leader without a vote from the group. As I was the strongest and oldest they were happy to agree. Our first night away from our parents wasn't pretty. No food, no defense. What had started out to be a rescue mission for the Injured mammal; had alre ady become ours. It was a long night, with the snow drifting Inside the cabin. We were out In the open and were fighting for our lives.To survive we had to work as a team and be quick Through the shutters on the broken, rusty window was a distant figure. Suddenly he started to approach the cabin. â€Å"01†¦ Who are you thinking you can trespass on my property! † bellowed a strange voice in the background. â€Å"Hello? † we all answered simultaneously. You could tell we were all petrified. I tried being fearless, but inside I trembled in my boots. I was hoping this was not apparent to the stranger, who I considered scary and looking like a hillbilly's! I dread to think how Scarlet was feeling.I could see her physically shaking. An old, wrinkly man appeared wrapped with layers of wool around him. His long, rough, black hair blew in the strong, icy wind. However I quickly noticed dripping on the floor was thick, black, blood, Just like on the injured wolf. Straight t he way we stood, and were full of terror. Stranger danger! I could hear my mum reminding me in my head! We could never trust the man. I took a step back from Scarlet and Jim. They were frozen on the spot seeming to be glued to the floor. I quickly grabbed them towards me creating a little space.We noticed he had a gun in is left leather pouch on his belt. We knew we were already at a disadvantage. Miracles do happen! With the sudden noise and movement of a wild boar on the cabin roof. The stranger became distracted. This was the moment to see if he was really a human! Quickly we all opened the shutters on the windows to let as much sunlight in as possible. It was our only chance. My nightmare became reality. The stranger was full of fury and howled like a beast. This exposed his disgusting, large, yellow fangs. His fingers sprouted claws of a wolf.We all knew he wasn't human, neither mammal. He was a werewolf. Typically we had learnt something valuable in school regarding how to kil l a werewolf. We new the sunlight weakened him. He stood tall as if he felt in charge. The gun from the leather pouch dropped when the sunlight hit him. We all scrambled for the gun. Scarlet was the quickest and released a few rounds of bullets. The werewolf hesitated and ran for his life. Scarlet thought she had missed but remembers Mrs. Hilton saying â€Å"Only one silver bullet will kill a werewolf; nothing other than. †

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Nuclear Battery

The short and unpredictable nature of the conventional chemical batteries, along with the frequent replacements that they require, has created an acute need for a reliable, longer-lasting and rugged source of energy. Moreover Radars, spacecrafts, interstellar probes and other advanced communication devices require much larger power than that can be met by conventional energy sources. The solution to long term energy source is the nuclear powered batteries which have a life span of few decades and can pack in energy densities thousands of time greater than conventional battery sources.Hence, there is an urgent need to harvest enormous amount of energy released naturally by the tiny bits of radioactive material. Unlike conventional nuclear power generating devices, these batteries do not rely on the fission or fusion reactions and do not generate any radioactive material as by-product. They promise clean, safe, reliable and almost endless energy without any drop in its yield or efficie ncy during its entire life span-which runs up to minimum of 10 years. They are generally used as power sources in unmanned and unmaintained locations requiring energy for longer durations.Nuclear batteries are not only going to replace conventional batteries, chargers and adapters but also present innovative means of powering portable devices. The nuclear battery technology is geared up to make way into commonly used day to day product like cell phones, laptops, automobiles etc. Surely it is battery of future. INTRODUCTION In this day and age of miniaturization the size of electronic circuitry has been diminishing at a astonishingly dizzying pace but the batteries that power these devices are not keeping up with them.The world of tomorrow that the technology manifests will be a very small one and we will need smaller batteries to power it !! Be it our personal laptops or cell phones, batteries still occupy a significant portion of the volume. The reason being the batteries are still nothing more than cans of chemicals like they were two centuries ago. They have not undergone any significant change in their functionality since Italian physicist Alexandaro Volta demonstrated flow of lectric current between two conductors by alternating discs of zinc and copper with pieces of cardboard soaked in brine. Many systems ideally (especially those in remote locations) have to operate for long periods, and it is not always feasible to recharge or replace their batteries. Now, with technology ushering in new era of miniaturization where MEMS (Micro Electrical Mechanical System) are gaining widespread popularity and are increasingly being used for a multitude of applications, they lack a durable onboard power supply. Batteries are at a critical juncture here!!MEMS are finding increasing applications in everything from sensors in car that trigger an alarm to injectible drug delivery system to environment monitoring ‘Smart Dust’ but they lack a long lasting on-d evice power source. To work around this power block, researchers have found an intriguing way: by harvesting the huge amount of energy released by radioactive material. Although several sources of energy could be used to supply this needed power (solid, fossil fuel) by these MEMS based systems but nuclear batteries are fast becoming a popular option in terms of power density and lifetime.For example A tiny speck of radioisotope like nickel-63 can generate enough energy to power these MEMS for decades. These nuclear micro batteries have energy at densities at thousand times greater than the Lithium ion batteries. So with these miniature machines really hitting their stride, we’ll need smaller, reliable and longer lasting battery sources! To clear the common misconception, nuclear power sources are not miniature nuclear reactors and they do not involve any fission or fusion reactions.In these power sources we use specific isotopes which emit particles that are blocked by the la yer of dead skin that covers our bodies. They penetrate no more than 25 micrometers in most solids or liquids, so in a battery they could safely be contained by a simple plastic package! TechnologyEnergy Density (milliwatt-hour /milligram) Lithium ion in a chemical battery0. 3 Methanol in a fuel cell3 Tritium in a nuclear battery850 Polonium-210 in a nuclear battery57 000 Energy Content in Different Type of Batteries IT IS A STAGGERINGLY SMALL WORLD THAT IS BELOW,† Said physicist Richard P. Feynman in his visionary talk to the American Physical Society, when he envisioned the fabrication of micro- and nano devices and declared that one day the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica could be written on the head of a pin. Feynman’s vision has finally begun to manifest, thanks to ever more sophisticated microelectronics. Micro and nano scale machines are ushering a multibillion-dollar market as they are being incorporated in virtually every electronic devices.Among the trendsetti ng applications in this development are ultra dense memories capable of storing hundreds of gigabytes in a fingernail-size device, micromirrors for enhanced display and optical communications equipment, and highly selective RF filters to reduce cell phones size and improve the quality of calls. But, again, at very small scales, chemical batteries can’t provide enough power for these micro machines. As the size of such a battery is reduced, the amount of stored energy goes down exponentially.Reduction in each side of a cubic battery by a factor of 10 as the volume is reduced —and therefore the energy that can be stored— reduces by a factor of 1000. In fact, the sensors today which are no larger than a speck of dust require batteries which are as large as a shirt button!!!!! COMPARISION WITH OTHER WELL KNOWN ENERGY SOURCES FOR NANO DEVICES In a bid to power these nano devices, researchers are turning away from conventional fuels like hydrogen and hydrocarbons (pro pane, methane, gasoline and diesel) and are meddling with micro fuels that consume hydrogen to generate power like other conventional fuels.Many are also developing on- board combustion engines that consume hydrogen to generate energy much like an average automobile. But these approaches are facing many hurdles. The primary road block is relatively low energy densities of these mechanisms and other being the continuous need to supply the fuel and eliminate the by-products formed . In case of other liquid fuels the major challenge is to develop a packaging that will contain sufficient liquid fuel to power these devices and which can be scaled down to micro and nano sizes at the same time.The nuclear batteries that are being developed won’t require any refilling or recharging. and will last as long as the half-life of the radioactive source. And even though their efficiency in converting nuclear to electrical energy isn’t high—about 4 percent—the extremely high energy density of the radioactive materials makes it possible for these micro batteries to produce relatively significant amounts of power. For example, with 10 milligrams of polonium-210 (contained in about 1 cubic millimeter), a nuclear powered battery could produce 50 milliwatts of electric power for more than four months.With that level of power, it would be possible to run a simple microprocessor and a handful of sensors for four continuous months. Specific Power Density Of Leading Power Isotopes KEY ELEMENTS OF THE TECHNOLOGY Why not conventional Gamma Emitters The first lesson to be learned here is: What are Radioisotopes Radioisotopes are basically unstable atoms that spontaneously emit high-energy particles as they decay to a more stable state. Most radioisotopes emit Gamma rays (which are essentially high-energy X-rays that can penetrate most materials including human flesh).But radioisotopes used in nuclear battery emit Alpha particles (an aggregate of two protons an d two neutrons) and Beta particles (high-energy electrons) that can’t penetrate as deeply and therefore pose less risk. Another reason why Gamma Emitters are not considered for development of the nuclear battery is that they would require sufficient amount of shielding. The Alpha Emitters, on the other hand, have an advantage due to the short range of the Alpha particles. This short range allows increased efficiency and thus provides more design flexibility, assuming that a sufficient activity can be achieved.The half life of the isotopes must be high enough so that the useful life of the battery is sufficient for typical applications, and low enough to provide sufficient activity. In addition, the new isotope resulting after decay should be stable, or it should decay without emitting Gamma radiation. The nuclear powered batteries that are being developed contain1 to 10 millicuries of nickel-63 or tritium, whose beta particles have relatively low energy and can be blocked by a layer of 25 to 100 micrometers of plastic, metal, or semiconductor (they are even blocked by the thin dead-skin layer covering our bodies. ) ISOTOPERADIATION TYPEHALF LIFE Yr)MAX. ENERGY (keV)AVERAGE ENERGY H-3Beta12. 3 y18. 65. 7 Ni-63Beta100. 2 y66. 917. 4 Po-210Alpha138. 8 y530. 43- Commonly Used Isotopes NUCLEAR BATTERIES WHICH ARE CURRENTLY USED JUNCTION TYPE BATTERY This type of battery is very useful for long term applications in devices like space crafts,battle field sensors and nanoelectric sensors.. The device basically consists of a small quantity of Nickel-63 placed near an ordinary silicon p-n junction( hence the name)—a diode, basically. As the Nickel-63 decays it emits beta particles, which are high-energy electrons that spontaneously fly out of the radioisotope’s unstable nucleus.The emitted beta particles ionizes the diode’s atoms, creating paired electrons and holes that diffuse away from each other at the p-n junction. These separated electr ons and holes travel away from the junction, thereby producing the current. Why Ni-63 is used in Junction Battery? Nickel-63 is ideal for this application because its emitted beta particles travel a maximum of 21 ? m in silicon before disintegrating; if the particles had more energy, they would travel longer distances, thus escaping the battery. This battery has a capacity of producing about 3 nanowatts, using 0. millicurie of Nickel-63 , power which is more than sufficient for nano devices. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS CANTILEVER BATTERIES These new types of batteries generate more power than a typical junction battery. These devices operate like generators where the radioactive energy is first converted into mechanical energy and then into pulses of electrical energy. Even though these devices involve an intermediate phase,their efficiency remain unaffected- if anything they actually tap the kinetic energy of the emitted particles for conversion into mechanical energy and hence provide a m ore continous flow of energy than conventional junction battery.Figure 5 Beta particles move from radioactive source and accumulate at Copper plate leading to electrostatic force of attraction Why Thin Film RadioIsotope is used in Cantilever Batteries? This device primarily uses a thin film of radioisotope. On top of this film, a small rectangular piece of silicon is cantilevered, its free end able to move up and down. As the electrons move away from the radioactive source, they travel through the air gap and hit the cantilever, charging it negatively. The source, which is positively charged, then attracts the cantilever, bending it down .This mechanical energy is converted instantaneously into electrical energy. SELF RECIPROCATING SiN BATTERIES These batteries use low stress thin film of SiN. In this device a Wheatstone bridge is formed using four resistors. The purpose of using Wheatstone bridge is to measure the deflections. The output from a Wheatstone bridge is sent to an opera tional amplifier and the amplified signal is measured. A self-timed reciprocating movement is obtained between the film of radioisotope and the cantilever arm.As compared to a conventional thin film cantilevers they offer better efficiency as the RF signal conversion from mechanical signal is more streamlined and compact. OPTOEELCTRONIC BATTERIES An optoelectronic nuclear battery has been developed by the researchers of Kurchatov Institute of Moscow. The Beta emitter would power an excimer mixture ( argon and xenon) which would produce light to excite a photocell. The primary advantage of this battery is that precision electrodes are not required and most electrons contribute to battery’s power output. NANONUCLEAR BATTERIESAny with technology â€Å"nano† suffixed ushers in a debate. A generally accepted criterion for labelling nanotechnology given by Mihail C. Roco( Ph. D. , a National Science Foundation Chair on the Nanoscale Science Engineering and Technology Subcomm ittee (NSEC) of the National Science and Technology Committee (NSTC)) states â€Å"one dimension of about one to 100 nanometers, designed through a process that exhibits fundamental control over the physical and chemical attributes of molecular-scale structures, and the ability to combine to form larger structures. †These technologies for the nano- nuclear battery have same operational and structural micro nuclear battery except it’s done on a nano level. These batteries have better efficiencies as compared to micro-nuclear batteries and the path for the research of nuclear battery ends at such nano powered devices. CURRENT PLAYERS NASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTRE, CLEAVELAND The scientists at the Glenn Research Centre are working in collaboration with the researchers at RIT on a project to develop alpha voltaic batteries for miniature military devices for US Army with sensing and communication capabilities.This project will be of three years duration and will focus on use o f a radioisotope Americium, which is used in smoke detector, along with handful of semiconductor devices to convert alpha energy into usable electricity. The project will conclude with full manufacture of device and plans for commercial manufacture. ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH LABORATORY, NEWYORK A team of researchers at RIT led by Ryne Rafelle, Head of physics and Microsystems have obtained funds ranging around $1. 2 million dollars from DARPA (Defence Advanced Project Research Agency) to develop nuclear power supplies for military use.The researchers are planning on using an innovative nanomaterial (quantum dots) to protect the semiconductor used inside the battery from radiation damage. This will make the battery not only safer but also increase its life to unprecedented levels. KUSHATOV INSTITUTE, MOSCOW The technology for Optoelectric nuclear batteries was developed by a team of researchers at Kuchatov Institute. In a revolutionary development, they used Radioiso tope Strontium-90 and Technetium-99 as beta emitters suspended in gas or liquid which permits nearly lossless transmission of beta energy. PRIVATE PLAYERS (QYNERGY CORPORATION, ALPLA V INC. WIDETRONIX ETC. ) These are leading private players company harvesting nuclear energy for the purpose of providing cutting edge energy and power solution that are not provided by current battery and storage system. Using their proprietary technologies they have developed high density power cell using the energy generated by radioisotopes. ECONOMIC POTENTIAL SPACE APPLICATIONS- SATELLITE AND INTERSTELLAR PROBE Radio isotropic Thermoelectric Generator(RTGs) are nuclear batteries which consists of stacks of thermocouples which convert the thermal energy obtained from the decay of radioisotope into usable electrical energy.They have emerged as the most popular power sources for the unmanned and unmaintained locations requiring power less than few hundred watts for durations which are too long for con ventional fuel cells and where solar panels are not feasible. RTGs are used as power sources in the satellites, space probe vehicles by NASA and in various unmanned remote locations, like a series of lighthouses built by the USSR in the Arctic Circle. Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP) units which comprise of handful of RTGs are used especially for probes that travel far enough from the Sun that solar panels are no longer viable.Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, Voyager 1, Galileo, Ulysses, Cassini and New Horizons used RTGs to meet their power requirements. Also, RTGs were used to power the two Viking landers and for the scientific experiments left on the Moon by the crews of Apollo 12. RTG also used on interstellar precursor missions and interstellar probes. One such example is the Innovative Interstellar Explorer (2003-current) proposal from NASA which will be using RTG Am-241 This could support mission extensions up to 1000 years. UNDERSEA APPLICATIONS- DEEP SEA SENSORSThe recent tsunami, earthquake and other under water phenomena have increased the demand for underwater sensors which can withstand such extreme conditions. These sensors are integrated with nuclear batteries which can work for longer durations in inaccessible places under crude situations. MEDICAL APPLICATIONS- NUCLEAR PACEMAKERS In early days, pacemakers used were powered with mercury and zinc batteries which could run for three years. Most often however, such mercury battery would fail in 20 months requiring the patient to undergo another implant for the replacement of the device.Nuclear Batteries are used extensively in the pacing industry to prolong the longevity of the implanted device. Pacemakers, implanted with nuclear batteries, offer young patients the chance to go through their entire lifetime with just a single implant. MOBILE DEVICES- CELLPHONES & LAPTOPS Xcell-N is a nuclear powered laptop battery that provides between seven and eight thousand times battery life as compared to a normal laptop battery- thus any laptop can be kept on for five continous years without having to charge it.Xcell- N is in continuous working state since the past eight months and neither has been turned off nor has been plugged into electrical power. Most cell phones use RF filters for frequency selection which occupy a large part of the volume. Researchers are currently developing MEMS based RF filters which provides not only better frequency selectivity (thus better quality of calls) but also reduced sizes. These MEMS filters, however, may require relatively high dc voltages, and drawing it from the main battery would require complicate electronics.Instead, a nuclear powered battery designed to generate the required voltage—in the range of 10 to 100 volts—could be used to juice up the filter directly and more efficiently. AUTOMOBILES Although it is in initial stages of development but it is expected that nuclear powered batteries will soon replace the weary chemical batteries. This implies that running short of fuel or time will be things of past. Fox Valley Auto Electric Association has already started working on the ways to implement this. CHALLENGESThough there are many merits the nuclear battery there are few challenges too, which needs to be overcome to make it realty, in the immediate future. SAFETY Since nuclear powered batteries involve the use of small amounts of radiation and radioactive materials, it is necessary that they must comply with current Radiation Protection Standards which are based on the Linear Non-Threshold model (LNT) . This model assumes that any amount of radiation exposure, no matter how small, will have a detrimental effect on health.The external dose associated with the radioisotopes used in these batteries is zero, because an alpha particle needs to have an energy of more than 7. 5 MeV to penetrate the protective layer of the skin (0. 07 mm think), and a ? particle needs to have an energy of more than 70 keV. Sin ce radio isotopes in nuclear batteries have energies lower than these they are unable to penetrate the skin. INHALATION INGESTION DOSE LIMIT [mrem/d]44. 575. 479 Dose Equivalent [mrem/d]No. of batteries to be inhaled to reach the limitDose Equivalent [mrem/d]No. of batteries to be swallowed to reach the limit H32. 418. 0346158 Ni645. 697. 081367Radiation Levels After Ingestion or Inhalation Of 5 µCi of Ni or H Nuclear Battery In fact, radioisotopes have been used for decades in commercial applications. Many smoke detectors contain 1 to 5 microcuries of Americium-241, used to ionize the air between a pair of parallel plates. And some emergency exit signs in public buildings, schools, and auditoriums that have to remain visible during power outages contain 8 to 10 curies of tritium, whose emitted electrons excite phosphor atoms, illuminating the sign. The amount of radioactive material in the nuclear batteries falls between that in a smoke detector and in an exit sign.And for whatev er amount, any commercial application of such nuclear powered batteries will have to comply with all the established safety measures (including design of safe packaging) and follow regulations about handling and disposing of the device. COST As it is the case with the most ground breaking technology , the initial cost of production is quite high. But as the product goes for mass production the cost goes down. The major challenge lies in finding sources of inexpensive radioisotopes that can be efficiently integrated into the electronic devices.For example 1 millicurie of Ni-63 costs around $25. But the researchers have come up with a potentially cheaper alternative tritium which is produced by some nuclear reactors as a by product and costs few cents( for 1 millicurie). WASTE DISPOSAL The environmental impact of disposing of the nuclear devices once their useful life has ended, as well as the associated costs are minimal. Since after three half-lives the activity of the isotope decay s to about 10% of the original activity, the nuclear powered batteries would be below background radiation level by that time. SOCIAL ACCEPTANCEThe nuclear technology has lost its credibility as the world has seen enough nuclear disasters. Thus acceptance for the nuclear technology will be very hard to come by. However the immense potential of this technology will soon overpower this initial resistance. CONCLUSION & WAY FORWARD Clearly the current state of research is making it harder to deny that chemical batteries will be replaced by nuclear powered batteries- and soon. Nuclear Batteries present a logical solution to the burgeoning need for a safe, reliable, compact, lightweight, longer lasting and self contained power supply.They not only protect our declining natural resources but also serve to make our traditional energy sources redundant. As the energy associated with the radioactive materials is much more than the conventional sources and by far the highest without any waste generation, the world can be transformed into a new one without green houses gases and its associated risks. Scientists have overcome a major stumbling block to make mass production of these batteries a viable and hugely profitable option. The system we have developed is mechanically simple, potentially leading to more compact, more reliable and less expensive systems. This was an attempt at something that seemed viable. â€Å", said Mark Prelas , Director of Research at University of Wisconsin’s Nuclear Science and Engineering Institute. Recent breakthroughs, at University of Missouri where the researchers have developed a economically feasible energy conversion system that uses safe isotopes to generate high-grade energy, only prove that these MEMS Marvels are going to be very successful in near future.Success of few similar small projects will give sufficient learning to make this technology big very soon. REFERENCES 1. â€Å"Nuclear and Radiochemistry† , Gerhardt Friedlander and Joseph W. Kennedy 2. Technolyreview. com 3. Powerpaper. com 4. http://ieeexplore. ieee. org/stamp/stamp. jsp? arnumber=01330808 5. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Atomic_battery 6. http://www. physorg. com/news174139641. html 7. http://www. scribd. com/doc/8929973/Nuclear-Battery