Physical Geography Articles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Physical Geography Articles - Essay Example This article tries to define sand dune and ripples and the cause-effect relationship. The author argues that sand dunes are result of sand waves which piles up with a particular pattern over a large area mostly of desert. However, the article shows that bedforms that result to such land forms are not only caused by wind but any other fluid. It is therefore important to note that climate factor which in turn influences movement of wind and water is responsible for the various landforms that characterize Earth surface. The central idea of the article is that Dunes and ripples are considered bedforms. Increasing changes in global climate has significant effect on various land forms. The deserts are particularly in danger as temperatures plummets and humidity dwindles. The little vegetation that covers desert landforms is at the brink of complete elimination. In other words, deserts that already have scanty vegetation cover are likely to be transformed to bare land. This would lead to other features like sand dunes among others. Besides, the trend in the desert change is closely associated with rising water levels due to increasing global temperature that melts ice. This article therefor offers an insight into the complex consequences of climate change of various landforms. This article centers on the unforeseen benefits of global warming as the ice melts. The Glacial melt constitute shift of more iron deposits which are seen as facilitating growth of phytoplankton. These phytoplankton in turn help in absorbing excess carbon dioxide with marginal reduction in greenhouse effect. This fertilization observation is attributed to the silver lining that can be observed on glacial landscapes. The author of the article therefore offers an insight into the existing relationship between physical geography and climate

Amniotic Fluid Volume In Pregnancy

Amniotic Fluid Volume In Pregnancy Objectives . To assess the relationship between the amniotic fluid volume (AFV) in low risk pregnancy and the perinatal outcome, using either AFI or SDP, and to evaluate the effects of different fetal positions and Attitudes on those measurements Methods . A prospective study was performed, in which a sample of 3000 low-risk pregnant women were studied using routine ultrasound, including fetal biometry and measurement of AFI, and SDP. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression, and constructing a curve for both the AFI, and SDP measurements, according to gestational age, the fetal positions and attitudes, in addition to the assessment of the final perinatal outcome. Results . The 50th percentile remained practically constant at approximately 150 mm between the 20th and 33rd week, after which there was a decline in volume, which became evident after the 38th week. At the 40th week, the 10th percentile was around 62 mm and the 2.5th percentile around 33 mm. Among the group with intact membranes, no significant differences in perinatal outcome could be seen in relationship to the AFI and SDP, although a 50% increase in emergency operations for fetal distress was seen in women with oligohydramnios. Fetal position had significantly affected the AFI, which was remarkably lower in breech pregnancies, but without similar effect on SDP. There was no significant difference for either SDP (P = 0.8) or AFI (P = 0.3) between fetuses lying on the right or the left side of the maternal abdomen. Conclusions . The percentiles incidence of amniotic fluid measurements in low-risk pregnant women showed significant decrease with gestational age, especially after the 33rd week pregnancy. Fetal position and laterality had affected significantly the AFI, but not the SDP. Key words: Amniotic fluid index, low-risk pregnancy, obstetric ultrasonography Abbreviations: AFI: amniotic fluid index, AFV: amniotic fluid volume, GA: gestational age, p: percentile Introduction The importance of variations in volume of amniotic fluid to fetal well-being has been particularly well-established, and are closely correlated to an increase in perinatal mortality and morbidity rates (1, 2), although some doubts have recently been raised (3). Fetal well-being is an important question that can, however, remain unanswered in many situations, but progress in diagnostic techniques has resulted in better perinatal outcomes, and has also contributed to understanding the complex physiological and pathological interaction between fetus and mother (4, 5). AFI and SDP are the sonographic parameters most commonly used to estimate amniotic fluid volume. Both use a two-dimensional measurement to estimate a three- dimensional parameter and are therefore subject to error. Amniotic fluid index (AFI), a semiquantitative ultrasound measure used to denote the volume of amniotic fluid, was first described in 1987 by Phelan et al. (6, 7). Since AFI involves measurements in four quadrants and SDP only measures the deepest pocket, it is possible that fetal position would affect these two indices differently. The relative accuracy of SDP and AFI is still controversial. Using invasive methods, some studies have shown these methods to be comparable, while others have shown that one index might be better than the other. However, none of these studies took into account the potential effect of fetal position on the amniotic fluid volume indices (8). Many studies have shown an increased risk of intrapartal fetal distress in parturient women with oligohydramnios, as identified by ultrasound examination. The exact pathophysiologic mechanism of olighydramnios has not been defined, but one likely explanation is an increased risk of umbilical cord compression during uterine contractions (7,9). However, doubts remain concerning normal values of AFI for each gestational age. The reference curves established some years ago are still in use in current obstetrical practice, but there is a need for new data, using a reliable reference low-risk pregnant women sample, to establish the limits of AFI that would indicate perinatal risk (9). Some existing curves (10 13), were based on relatively small sample sizes, and normal AFI for each gestational age was not yet definitely established. The purpose of this study was to estimate the curve for the amniotic fluid volume in low risk pregnancy, using a set of obstetric sonograms of women between the 20th and 42nd week, using two established parameters, the AFI and SDP, and to assess the effects of those measurements on the final perinatal outcome, in addition to studying the effects of different fetal positions and attitudes on those measured parameters. Material and methods A prospective study was carried out to estimate and evaluate the reference curve of AFI values in low-risk pregnant women, and to follow its effects on the final perinatal outcome. The study was performed at the Feto-maternal Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at El-Minya University, Egypt. Inclusion criteria were: gestational age clearly established by last menstrual period, and confirmed by early ultrasound examination performed in first trimester of pregnancy; and gestational age between 20 and 42 weeks. Women excluded were those with pregnancy-induced hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, fetal macrosomia, ruptured membranes, placental senescence, twin pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, fetal abnormalities, fetal death, fetal isoimmunisation, or other conditions, such as metabolic disorders, kidney and heart disorders, and hypo- and hyperthyroidism. Amniotic fluid volume was measured using a 3.5 MHz linear transducer linked to a ALOKA SS 280. A scanner using the 4-quadrant technique for the assessment of AFV, described by Phelan et al.(6, 7, 9), with a modification proposed by Jeng et al.(11). A total of 3000 women between the 20th and 42nd week of pregnancy were evaluated in this study, between August 2008 and December 2010. In order to avoid any possible bias due to repetition of examinations in women with some undetected problem, an independent sample was chosen. Therefore, only the first ultrasonographic examination of each woman was included in the study, and different sample populations were used for each gestational age, in a cross-sectional design. A formal consent had been taken form the women included in the study, after full explanation and counseling, and approval of the regional ethical committee. The uterus was imaginarily divided into right and left halves along the linea nigra on the surface of the maternal abdomen. Using the mid-point between the fundus uteri and the pubic symphysis, the uterus was also divided into upper and lower halves. With the transducer head perpendicular to the ground, the largest amniotic fluid pocket in each quadrant was identified. The vertical diameter of this largest pocket of each one of the four quadrants was then measured. The AFI was defined as the sum of the measurements of each quadrant in millimeters. All examinations were performed by only one professional in order to avoid inter-observer variability. The intra-observer variability of the measures performed with this technique was estimated to be high (correlation coefficient 0.92) (14-18). Both AFI and SDP were measured at the same time during the examination. SDP was obtained by measuring the depth of the single deepest vertical amniotic fluid pocket that was clear of umbilical cord or fetal parts (19,20). AFI was calculated as the sum of the depths of the deepest pockets from each of the four quadrants of the uterus. The position of the fetal trunk was characterized by three parameters. Initially, the ultrasound probe was placed transversely on the maternal abdominal wall, with the midpoint of the probe over the sagittal midline of the maternal abdomen, at the level of the fetal abdominal circumference (Figure 1). A vertical line (Line Y) was drawn downwards from the center of the ultrasound probe. A horizontal line (Line X) was drawn across the maximum diameter of the fetal abdominal circumference. Line X was thus divided by Line Y into a shorter part (S) and a longer part (L). The first parameter to be determined was the position of the fetal trunk. This was assigned as either fetal trunk left or fetal trunk right depending on whether L was on the left or the right side, respectively, of the maternal abdomen (21-24). Next, we determined by how much the fetal trunk lay to one side of the uterus, by calculating the laterality score, defined as S/(S + L). This score ranged from 0 to 0.5; a score of exactly 0.5 meant that the fetal trunk was on the sagittal midline of the maternal abdomen, and a score of 0 meant that the fetal trunk was to the side and did not cross over Line Y. The use of the laterality score has not been reported previously. Finally, we determined the orientation of the ventral part of the fetal abdomen: a line (Line Z) was drawn from the fetal hepatic vein to the fetal spine, and the angle (A) between Lines Z and Y was determined. Fetuses were classified into one of three groups: ventral anterior (A = 300.1 360- or0-60-), ventral lateral (A = 60.1 120- or 240.1 300-) and ventral posterior (A= 120.1 240-). Figure I. The study population was categorized into different groups according to the fetal position, and AFI and SDP in the different groups were compared. Pearsons correlation coefficient between laterality score and AFI was considered the primary outcome measure. For an r of 0.25, a minimum of 62 cases was needed at a Type I error of 0.05. Based on the curve of Jeng et al. (25), and adopting a mean AFI measurement of 140 mm at 40 weeks, and a standard deviation of 48 mm, a sample size of at least 120 measurements for each week of pregnancy was estimated, assuming an ÃŽ ± error of 0.05 and a maximum difference of 10 mm between population and sample measurements. The AFI was correlated to perinatal outcome based on the Apgar score, umbilical cord blood pH, birthweight, frequency of cesarean section for fetal distress, operative delivery for fetal distress, including both cesarean section, vaginal forceps, and ventous extractions, and referral to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Fishers exact test was used for statistical evaluation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The computer program nQuary Advisor Release 3 (Statistical Solutions Ltd, Cork, Ireland) was used to calculate the sample size needed in order to obtain significance levels at p < 0.05 and 0.01 with 90% confidence intervals (CI). Data were analysed using multiple linear regression, and by constructing a curve of the 2.5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 97.5th percentiles of the amniotic fluid measurements according to gestational age. All statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows version 10.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). Students t- test, Pearsons correlation coefficient, linear regression and ANOVA were used as appropriate. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The 3000 pregnant women included in the study had a mean age of 25.9 years (range 13 46), with low parity (45% were primigravida). The sample was basically from a low risk population because of the exclusion criteria used. The values of the 2.5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 97.5th percentiles of the AFI, and SDP according to gestational age are shown in Figure II, III and IV show the data after being submitted to a smoothing process using quadratic polynomial adjustments. Analysis of the 50th percentile measurements of the AFI, and SDP curve at different gestational ages revealed that these values remained practically constant, at around 150 mm, between the 20th and 33rd week of pregnancy. At this point, values began to decrease, and this decline became particularly evident after the 38th week, reaching 130 mm at the 39th week, 120 mm at the 41st week and 116 mm at the 42nd week of gestation. Table I, and II The mean gestational age at the time of examination was 33.3 Â ± 2.8 weeks. The mean SDP and AFI were 5.5 (range, 2.8 9.3) cm and 14.5 (range, 6.7 29.3) cm, respectively. There were no significant differences in mean AFI measurements when these data were controlled for age, race, literacy, parity or previous caesarean scar (data already published elsewhere) (18). Measurements of the 10th percentile remained 100 mm until the 33rd week, when an accentuated decrease started, declining even more sharply after the 38th week of gestation, reaching values 80 mm and 40 mm at the 42nd week. According to the published normal ranges, six cases had polyhydramnios (AFI = 29.3 cm at 29 weeks gestation, SDP = 9.1 cm at 37 weeks and SDP = 9.3 cm at 33 weeks gestation) and two cases had oligohydramnios (AFI = 6.7 cm at 36 weeks gestation). Twelve hundreds and five (42%) cases were fetal trunk right and 1663 (58%) were fetal trunk left. There were no significant differences between these groups with respect to gestational age (33.1 Â ± 2.4 vs. 33.4 Â ± 2.7 weeks, P = 0.7), mean SDP (5.4 Â ± 1.3 vs. 5.5 Â ± 1.4 cm, P = 0.3) and mean AFI (15.1 Â ± 5.1 vs. 14.1 Â ± 4.0 cm, P = 0.8).Table III In fact, our results showed that fetal position had a significant effect on AFI but not on SDP; the more the fetus was positioned to one side of the uterus, the lower was the AFI. Both methods show good correlation between the measurements and the actual volume of amniotic fluid. The effect of laterality score on amniotic fluid volume indices was assessed by Pearsons correlation coefficient and linear regression. It had no significant effect on SDP (r = 0.13, ÃŽ ² = 1.1, standard error = 0.9, P = 0.23). However, it did significantly influence AFI (r = 0.31, ÃŽ ² = Transverse section of maternal trunk level of fetal abdomen8.7, standard error = 3.0, P = 0.005). The regression line is shown in Figure III. In other words, when the laterality score increased, the AFI increased proportionately. When the laterality score was 0.5 (fetal trunk positioned at the midline of the maternal abdomen), the AFI was, on average, 4.35 cm higher than it was when the laterality score was 0 (fetal trunk lay on the side and did not cross the midline of the maternal sagittal plane). Figure III, IV. There were two case of high AFI (29.3 cm) in the study population. In order to exclude the possibility that the results were influenced by this single case, we repeated the analysis quadrants of the ipsilateral side, the vertical depth of these two quadrants being be much shallower compared with those on the contralateral side. Although amniotic fluid should be displaced to the contralateral side, this may not be reflected completely in a two-dimensional measurement of the depth of the other two pockets. Therefore, it is not surprising to find that AFI measurement is lower when the fetus lies on one side of the uterus instead of centrally. The difference was statistically significant and is clinically important. When the fetus lay on one side of the uterus, the AFI was, on average, 4.35 cm lower compared with the AFI for a fetus lying centrally. On the contrary, SDP is apparently rather inert to fetal position. Since SDP only measures the deepest pocket, it is understandable that the effect of fetal position on its measurement is less. Based on the results of this study, SDP may be a better index for estimation of amniotic fluid volume than is AFI, because the association between SDP and laterality score remained non-significant (P = 0.4, ÃŽ ² = 0.8, standard error = 0.9). Further analysis was also performed with linear regression to control for the effect of gestational age. These results showed that the laterality score had a significant effect on AFI (ÃŽ ² = 9.6, standard error = 3.0, P = 0.002) that was independent of gestational age (ÃŽ ² = −0.4, standard error = 0.2, P = 0.019). AFI was significantly higher in cephalic fetal position, more than with breech ones. This result had been clearly apparent after 32 weeks gestation, and with less AFI with the ventral fetal trunk attitude with the breech position, than other. SDP had not show the same picture in different fetal positions, either breech or cephalic, so SDP as an AFV parameter had not been affected with the different fetal positions. Of the 3000 fetuses, 345 were ventral anterior, 1720 were ventral lateral and 803 were ventral posterior. The respective gestational ages of these groups were 33.5 Â ± 2.7, 32.8 Â ± 2.7 and 34.2 Â ± 2.8 weeks, the SDPs were 5.5 Â ± 1.4, 5.5 Â ± 1.3 and 5.5 Â ± 1.4 cm, and the AFIs were 14.5 Â ± 5.3, 14.4 Â ± 4.4 and 14.8 Â ± 4.4 cm. None of these was significantly different between the three groups (P = 1.0, P = 0.14 and P = 0.9, respectively). The 3000 pregnant women were divided into two subgroups according to the status of the fetal membranes. The membranes were found to be ruptured at the time of the examination in 1400 (44%) women; 750 (25%) had oligohydramnios. The membranes were intact in 1600 (55); 350 (15%) had hydramnios. Table I shows the maternal variables of the two groups. The median interval between the ultrasound examination and delivery was 4 h (range 0-24 h) in the group with ruptured membranes and 6 h (range 0-70 h) in those with intact membranes. In the group with ruptured membranes there was a significant difference in the frequency of operative delivery due to feta distress between the parturients with oligohydramnios and those with a normal volume of amniotic fluid [10.6% and 3.0%, respectively, p < 0.02, OR 3.86 (range 1.34-1.11)]. No significant differences were found regarding the other variables of perinatal outcome (Table II). In the group with intact membranes, there was a 50% increased risk of operative intervention due to fetal distress (OR 1.5), though not significant (CI 0.48-4.63) (Table III). Discussion There is a variation in AFI measurements according to gestational age. Values in the current study remain relatively constant until the 33rd week of pregnancy when a progressive decrease starts, becoming particularly evident after the 38th week of gestation. The normal lower and upper limit values of the AFI commonly used up to now, which vary between 50 and 200 mm, are similar to those found in the present study up to the 40th week of pregnancy. When adopting reference values between 80 and 180 mm for every week of pregnancy (19,20), incorrect diagnosis are likely to occur. Our findings, suggested a strong influence of fetal position on sonographic indices of amniotic fluid volume. Furthermore, we recruited women with apparently normal pregnancies and hence most likely with normal amniotic fluid volumes. Further studies should look at the relationship between fetal position and amniotic fluid volume indices in cases of oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios. Pregnant women, who are classified as having oligohydramnios by these criteria, may possibly be considered normal if a reference curve of AFI specific to gestational age were used, especially in term and post-term pregnancies. The adopted limit values indicating an alteration in the AFV are variable. For the fetal biophysical profile, the measurement of just one pocket is adopted, varying from 1 to 3 cm, and considered the lower normal limit by some authors (21,22); however, in this case, total volume would be considered decreased if the AFI were used. In fact, a RCT comparing both techniques showed an overestimation of abnormal results with AFI in post term pregnancies, increasing the number of obstetric interventions (23). These variations in classifying oligohydramnios reflect doubts regarding which percentiles best express the correlation between the decrease in AFV and poor fetal outcome. When the 50th percentile AFI was compared with that reported in a previous study (14), measurements were always higher in our study at all gestational ages by approximately 50 mm up to 28 weeks, and by 30 40 mm between 32 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. On the other hand, the current 50th percentile showed fewer variations, around 10 mm at all gestational ges, compared to the results of the indian study population (15). The importance of a curve that includes the 10th and 90th percentiles is reflected in its greater capacity to identify abnormal cases. Therefore, if the 10th percentile is used as the lower normal limit, there would be less likelihood of missing a case of real oligohydramnios. A curve that included the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles would diagnose fewer cases of abnormal AFI, and this could result in more cases of oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios being included within the normal range. By adopting the 10th percentile of AFI as the diagnosis for oligohydramnios in our population, the values are higher than those found for the Chinese study up to 36 weeks, but similar around 40 weeks of pregnancy (14). When we compare the results of this study to previous published curves (10-17), similarities can be seen for the 50th percentile of AFT at all gestational ages. However, when comparing the 2.5th percentile, it is evident that the measurements in Moore and Cayles curve are lower up to the 35th week of pregnancy, after which they are higher than the values found in our study curve. The 97.5th percentile of the Moore and Cayle curve is slightly higher at all gestational ages except for the 41st and 42nd weeks. The lower limit of 2 standard-deviations and the mean values of the Jeng et al. (11) curve are slightly lower in relation to the present curve at corresponding gestational ages, except from the 37th to the 42nd week, when values remain higher than those in the present curve. The definition of normal AFI cannot, in itself, guarantee good perinatal outcome. For instance, a 42-week pregnancy with an AFI of 45 mm would be considered normal, but how physiological this value is and what real risk it represents are questions that still need to be fully answered. If the correlation between AFV and perinatal outcome can be established, this curve may have a broader clinical application in prenatal diagnosis and care. Moreover, the curve of the 2.5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 97.5th percentiles of the AFI measurements shows a significant decrease according to gestational age, especially after the 32nd week. This measurement could, therefore, considered a normal reference curve for the evaluation of AFI. The results of the present study suggest that oligohydramnios after rupture of the membranes in low-risk pregnancies is associated with a nearly four-fold increased risk of operative delivery due to fetal distress. An ultrasound examination of AFI could thus identify those who may need intensified fetal surveillance during labor. The present study was performed on a selected group of women with low-risk pregnancy. As AFI is one of the parameters checked in high-risk pregnancies at our hospital, these parturients were excluded in order to make the study blind. By adding high-risk pregnancies, a much smaller sample size would be needed. The frequency of oligohydramnios in cases with intact membranes was unexpectedly high: 15% instead of 5% in the controls. Although our pregnancies were low-risk, a few showed signs of pregnancy complications on admission to the labor ward (Table I), which might explain the higher frequency of oligohydramnios in this group. Although there was a significant correlation between operative delivery due to fetal distress and oligohydramnios in cases of ruptured membrane (Table II), sensitivity was low (11%), and false-positive and negative rates were 46% and 23%, respectively. Thus the knowledge of oligohydramnios in these low-risk pregnancies did not cause any immediate action, only more intense surveillance during labor. In the present study there was a 50% increased risk of operative fetal delivery due to fetal distress in parturients with oligohydramnios and intact membranes. Teoh et al. studied 120 pregnancies as an admission study in early labor with intact membranes. The frequency of oligohydramnios (AFI < 5 cm) in their study was 22%, and operative delivery due to fetal distress frequency among these was 27%. Based on these data, a sample size of 100 would be sufficient. We chose, however, three times that size, as the low-risk status of their population was uncertain (9, 11). The pathophysiology of oligohydramnios before membrane rupture is unclear. One theory is that a reduced perfusion of the placenta causes hypovolemia in the fetus, and/or an automatic redistribution of fetal blood volume to vital organs with a resultant reduced blood supply to the kidneys. This in turn could lead to reduced production of urine, and thus reduce the volume of amniotic fluid. Bar- Hava et al. studied signs of redistribution, renal blood flow, and signs of oligohydramnios, but could find no correlation. There was no change in the renal artery pulsatility index (12, 14, 19). Oligohydramnios in labor after the rupture of membranes in a low-risk pregnancy is probably not caused by a reduced perfusion of the placenta, but is more probably caused by the loss of large amounts of amniotic fluid at the time of the rupture. One explanation for the significantly increased risk of operative delivery due to fetal distress in the group with ruptured membranes might be that there is an increased risk of the umbilical cord becoming trapped in an ad- verse position, at the time of the rupture, if a large amount of amniotic fluid is lost. Amnioinfusion may be a way to treat such cases in order to restore the volume of amniotic fluid and reduce the risk of compression of the umbilical cord, thus averting the need for operative delivery (11, 21, 23). As a conclusion of the current study, assessment of the AFV during pregnancy using the SDP appears to be more accurate than the AFI, especially the SDP evaluation has not been affected significantly with either different fetal positions or attitudes, but still we are in need for further controlled studies to compare the accuracy of the two modes of AFV assessment. Another conclusion drawn from our study is that an ultrasound examination, including measurement of AFI as an admission test for women presenting at the labor ward with ruptured membranes after an uneventful pregnancy, could help identify those with an increased risk of intrapartum fetal distress, namely those with oligohydramnios. Moreover Measuring AFI in low-risk pregnancies on admission to the labor ward might detect cases needing special surveillance. We are currently preparing a new ongoing study, as an extension to the current study, comparing the previous two parameters of AFV assessment in high risk pregnancies, and the preliminary results could confirm the previously mentioned results, but it is too early to get to a final conclusion.

The Matrix Essay -- essays research papers

The Matrix In 1999 directors/writers Larry and Andy Wachowski (Bound) made a dark and often disturbing Science Fiction film, The Matrix. With the production expertise of Joel Silver (Commando, Predator, Lethal Weapon series, and Die Hard series), Andrew Mason (The Crow, Dark City) and Barrie M. Osborne (Face/Off, The Fan, Child's Play), The Matrix is sure to be a favorite among Science Fiction movie fans for years to come. The Matrix won the Oscar award in all four categories it was nominated for; Best Sound, Best Sound Affects Editing, Best Visual Effects, and Best Film Editing. More DVD’s of The Matrix were sold then the movie â€Å"The Titanic†. The hard work of choreographer Yuen Wo Ping (Iron Monkey, Fists of Legends) make the fight scenes very much in the Hong Kong style of film-making, including the part where one of the fighters taunts the other, by daring them to be aggressive. The music featuring artists like Rob Zombie, Ministry, Deftones, and Monster Magnet, complement s the mood of the movie remarkably well. The Matrix is filled with the spectacular visual effects of a science fiction masterpiece, and at the same time has the killer fight scenes that are included in a true action movie. â€Å"Have you ever had a dream Neo, that you were so sure was real†¦what if you were unable to awaken from that dream? How would you know the difference from the dream world and the real world?† is one of many powerful quotes spouted out by the mysterious Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) throughout The Matrix. This particular quote however, is important to the audience because it serves as a life preserver to those who might get lost in the movie’s rather complex plot. It helps establish a common ground with each and every viewer alike in that everybody has had an experience where they couldn’t tell if they were dreaming or not. In this apocalyptic science fiction action movie, Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) is a mild mannered young man, who works as a systems programmer for a respectable software company. In his spare time Anderson assumes the role of Neo, a computer hacker who is guilty of every computer crime for which there exists a law against. Throughout his Anderson has had strange dreams of unreality, but hasn't been able to figure out their true meaning. He believes the only way to find the answer is to consult an all-powerful computer hacker (the fore mentioned ... ...e seen in a human being, as he dodges all of the bullets fired at him except one. The visual effect used to show Neo dodging the bullets in slow motion creates a sort of break dancing look that is astonishing. References to this film have appeared in movies as diverse as Battlefield Earth, Charlie's Angels, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, Kung Pow: Enter the Fist, Osmosis Jones, Scary Move, Shrek, and Swordfish; as well as a few commercials and television shows. The Matrix's popularity has even transferred itself to the computer desktop in the form of screensavers, desktop themes, and wallpaper. The movie ends with the destruction of the agents by our hero Neo. He finally realizes that he is truly the chosen one. He actually begins to see the matrix for what it really is, and uses his own powers to defeat the agents. I feel that I may have spoiled much of the movie for you in my description, but I will have you know that the rest is quite worth your while. Hearing about this movie is not enough. As stated by the mysterious Morpheus towards the beginning of the movie, â€Å"One cannot be told what the matrix is, he must see it himself.† This movie is definitely worth taking the time to see.

Geographic Factors

Geographical features are the components of the Earth. There are two types of geographical features, namely natural geographical features and artificial geographical features. Natural geographical features include but are not limited to landforms and ecosystems. For example, terrain types, bodies of water, natural units (consisting of all plants, animals and micro-organisms in an area functioning together with all of the non-living physical factors of the environment) are natural geographical features. Meanwhile, human settlements, engineered constructs, etc. re types of artificial geographical features. Contents [hide] 1 Natural geographical features 1. 1 Ecosystems 1. 2 Landforms 2 Artificial geographical features 2. 1 Settlements 2. 2 Engineered constructs 3 Cartographical features 4 See also 5 References [edit]Natural geographical features [edit]Ecosystems Main article: Ecosystem â€Å"Any unit that includes all of the organisms (ie: the â€Å"community†) in a given area the physical environment so that a flow of energy leads to clearly defined trophic structure, biotic diversity, and material cycles (i. e. exchange of materials between living and nonliving parts) within the system is an ecosystem. â€Å"[1] Living organisms are continually engaged in a set of relationships with every other element constituting the environment in which they exist, and â€Å"ecosystem† describes any situation where there is relationship between organisms and their environment. What makes them geographical features is that they are located A biome is a geographically defined area of ecologically similar communities of plants, animals, and soil organisms, often referred to as ecosystems.Biomes are defined based on factors such as plant structures (such as trees, shrubs, and grasses), leaf types (such as broadleaf and needleleaf), plant spacing (forest, woodland, savanna), and climate. Unlike ecozonse, biomes are not defined by genetic, taxonomic, or historical similarities. Biomes are often identified with particular patterns of ecological succession and climax vegetation. An ecosystem is also where animals live in biomes(Ocean, Deserts, Grasslands and so on) [edit]LandformsMain article: Landform A landform comprises a geomorphological unit, and is largely defined by its surface form and location in the landscape, as part of the terrain, and as such, is typically an element of topography. Landforms are categorised by features such as elevation, slope, orientation, stratification, rock exposure, and soil type. They include berms, mounds, hills, cliffs, valleys, rivers and numerous other elements. Oceans and continents are the highest-order landforms.A body of water is any significant accumulation of water, usually covering the Earth. The term body of water most often refers to large accumulations of water, such as oceans, seas, and lakes, but it may also include smaller pools of water such as ponds, puddles or wetlands. Rivers, streams, ca nals, and other geographical features where water moves from one place to another are not always considered â€Å"bodies† of water, but are included here as geographical formations featuring water. [edit]Artificial geographical features edit]Settlements Main article: Human settlement A settlement is a permanent or temporary community in which people live. A settlement can range in size from a small number of dwellings grouped together to the largest of cities with surrounding urbanized areas. The medieval settlement research group (a British organisation)[2] includes as part of a settlement, associated features such as roads, enclosures, field systems, boundary banks and ditches, ponds, parks and woods, mills, manor houses, moats and churches. edit]Engineered constructs Main articles: Construction engineering, Building, and Nonbuilding structure See also: Infrastructure Engineered geographic features such as highways, bridges, airports, railroads, buildings, dams, and reservo irs, which are part of the anthroposphere because they are man-made, are artificial geographic features. [edit]Cartographical features Main articles: Cartography and MapCartographical features are a type of abstract geographical feature – they appear on maps but not on the planet itself, even though they are located on the planet. For example, you can see the Equator on maps, but if you were actually standing on the Equator you wouldn't be able to see it, because it is an entirely theoretical line used for reference, navigation, and measurement. [edit]See also Geography Physical geography Human geography Landscape [edit]References ^ Odum EP (1234534971) of ecology, third editionSaunders New York ^ MSRG

migrant workers in UK

IntroductionThere has been a big addition in the figure of migratory workers in the UK in recent old ages ( McKay, Craw & A ; Chopra, 2006 ) . These additions have been spurred on by globalization, the spreads opening in the UK labor market and legislative alterations that provide many and varied methods for coming to the UK. While many migratory workers move into extremely skilled occupations, there are besides a important figure who carry out low-paid, low-skilled occupations in the UK. The wage and conditions in these occupations has become the focal point of much involvement, particularly in the aftermath of the flooring deceases of 23 migratory workers reaping cockles at Morecambe Bay. This essay, hence, critically examines the history of migration and current policies, the ways in which migratory workers have been exploited, wellness and safety hazards they face and legal protections that have been put in topographic point.History of migration and migration policiesThe history of migration into and out of the UK is good established ( Sriskandarajah & A ; Drew, 2006 ) . In the past the consequence of this motion has been that people have by and large left the state: normally heading for Australia, New Zealand Canada. Then, more late, people progressively moved out of the UK to Spain and France. It was n't until the eightiess that the UK became a state which had a net inflow of migrators ( Sriskandarajah, Cooley & A ; Kornblatt, 2007 ) . Net in-migration reached its highpoint in the UK in 2004 at 222,600 ; a twelvemonth subsequently it fell back by around 40,000. There were a figure of histrions that caused this alteration. Dobson et Al. ( 2001 ) explain that one ground for this alteration to net in-migration was that the extremely skilled could command better rewards and obtain an improved life style in the UK. In add-on there was besides a big addition in the figure of refuge applications at this clip ( Home Office 2006 ) . Further, with the add-on of new member provinces to the EU, there was increasing migration with 605,375 people successfully registering to work in the UK from these new member provinces ( Home Office, 2007 ) . Despite the net in-migration to the UK, many do non mean to remain for good. Spencer, Ruhs, Anderson and Rogaly ( 2007 ) found that merely one-fourth of those immigrating from East and Central Europe intended to remain for good. Others once more, can be considered irregular migrators. These are people who have come to the UK without the right authorization. Pinkerton, McLaughlan and Salt ( 2004 ) estimation at that place could hold been every bit many as 430,000 illegal immigrants in the UK in 2001. This figure has been questioned, nevertheless, by Dorling ( 2007 ) who suggests this figure might falsely include US military forces stationed here, and others, thereby unnaturally blow uping the Numberss. Whatever the true degree of migrators in the UK, both legal and illegal, there have been clear alterations in in-migration policies over the last few decennaries. Laws sing migration into the UK have besides changed quickly and a big assortment of different ways of come ining the UK have been developed ( Dench, Hurstfield, Hill & A ; Akroyd, 2006 ) . A recent Home Office study finds that there about 50 different methods for people migrating to the UK for both work and survey ( Home Office, 2005 ) . Five strategies are identified as peculiarly of import by Dench et Al. ( 2006 ) . The first of these is the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme ( SAWS ) . This was introduced to let workers populating outside the European Economic Area ( EEA ) to work in the UK transporting out seasonal work in the agricultural industry. Under this strategy 16,250 people each twelvemonth who are over the age of 18 and in full-time instruction are allowed to come in the UK for a period of six months to tra nsport out chiefly unskilled work. This includes picking and wadding of harvests and the handling of farm animal. The ordinances allow that workers may travel employers in that period to take into history the variableness in the crop. Workers are supposed to be paid the lower limit pay and supply adjustment, for which they are allowed to bear down & amp ; lb ; 27 a hebdomad. A 2nd strategy is the Worker Registration Scheme ( WRS ) which applies to people from the eight Accession States ( those that have merely joined the EU ) . In order to forestall mass in-migration and the immediate claiming of benefits, workers traveling to the UK are required to register, and merely one time they have worked without a interruption for 12 months are they entitled to full benefits and other rights. A 3rd strategy is the Sectors Based Scheme ( SBS ) which is designed to let workers to come in the UK to make a insouciant or short-run occupation. This lone applies to two peculiar sectors: nutrient fabrication and cordial reception although it has since been withdrawn from cordial reception because of maltreatment ( Home Office, 2005 ) . A 3rd strategy is the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme ( HSMP ) which is designed to let extremely skilled workers to come in the UK. The Home Office ( 2005 ) study provinces that many migrators come ining the UK under this strategy are ph ysicians or are working in the country of wellness. A 5th class, and the largest method of entry, is through concern and commercial work licenses. Broadly, this allows companies to enroll from outside the UK if they are unable to make full a place with a UK national, or it allows them to travel persons between states within the same company.Motivations for migrationAt the highest degree of analysis one of the chief grounds for in-migration is globalization. Globalization refers to a figure of forces which includes the increased connexions between cognition Centres, easier entree to communications, easier and cheaper travel and an increased flow of labor ( Somerville, 2007 ) . By and large, so, there is much greater integrating across big economic countries such as Europe. It has been argued that one of the specifying marks of globalization is in-migration ( Castles & A ; Miller, 2003 ) . Somerville ( 2007 ) argues, hence, that one of the major factors at the bosom of globalization a nd so migration is economic sciences. As economic force per unit areas change in the UK, so make the types of occupations for which in-migration occurs. Salt and Millar ( 2006 ) show that in 2005 the industry in which most work licenses were issued was wellness and medical services ( 26.1 % ) . This was followed by computing machine services and direction and concern disposal ( 18.1 % and 11.8 % severally ) . Migrants are, hence, clearly reacting to the peculiar demands that the UK economic system nowadayss to them more readily than those already in the UK. This consequence has been amplified by the fact that the UK has seen a period of uninterrupted growing of the economic system from the mid-1990s until recent old ages. Therefore there are considerable macroeconomic effects impacting the increased degrees of migration into the UK. These types of findings are besides reflected in tantamount microeconomic phenomena. Blauw ( 2002 ) has examined the grounds why employers have a inclination to utilize migratory workers. Blauw ( 2002 ) found that while employers tended to look foremost in the UK labor market, if they could n't make full the places they had available they began their hunt amongst migratory workers. Research carried out in Northern Ireland by Bell, Jarman and Lefebvre ( 2004 ) found that migrators were required in peculiar to make full both skilled and unskilled spreads in the labor market. It has besides been found that migratory workers are frequently seen by employers as being & A ; lsquo ; better workers ‘ . Reed ( 2005 ) , for illustration, investigated migratory workers in the nutrient fabrication industry. It was found that the usage of migratory workers had decreased the sum o f illness leave every bit good as the turnover of employees. Many of these findings were backed up by research into employers of migratory workers by Dench et Al. ( 2006 ) . They besides found that in the agricultural industry domestic workers merely did non use for the occupations that required filling, while in the hotels and providing industry domestic workers were non prepared to work the flexible hours that were required for the occupation. Dench et Al. ( 2006 ) points out that it is natural to presume that possibly employers were non seeking really hard to make full their occupations with domestic workers, given that migratory workers often provide cheaper labor. This thought, though, was strongly denied by employers who claimed that they had made extended attempts to enroll domestic workers, but without success. Some employers in the agricultural sector reported that when they tried to enroll from the Jobcentre, possible employees would come for an interview merely so that they could turn out they had been for an interview, so that coul d claim benefits. Other employers in the same sector explained that domestic workers would frequently discontinue after merely a few yearss ‘ work. On the other manus migratory workers frequently worked difficult and stayed in the occupation. Some similar consequences were seen in the hotels and providing sector. The attack to their work that domestic workers showed was really low compared to the dedication that migratory workers displayed. The sum of accomplishment required for the occupation was besides an of import factor for employers ( Dench et al. , 2006 ) . A good illustration was in the building industry where employers particularly valued Polish workers who were extremely motivated and could make full the spread in accomplishments that were seen in the industry. A similar image in relation to accomplishments was besides seen in other industries. In the Finance and Accountancy sector employers complained that they could n't acquire workers with the right makings. As a consequence they had bureaus who would seek globally for the right campaigners. Overall, though, employers understood that the ground that they recruited migrators was that the same sum of money meant more to them than it did to domestic workers. Of class non all employers accepted migratory labor, some said they were diffident precisely what criterions foreign workers were trained up to, and others thought that their deficiency of eloquence in English was a job ( Dench et al. , 2006 ) . Despite this, many employers saw considerable advantages in using migratory workers. Migrant workers were much more dependable and likely to demo up for work than domestic workers – some employers even had to remind workers to take their one-year vacation. Employers besides saw much lower degrees of turnover with migratory workers. This was likely influenced by the fact that those registered on the WRS have to reregister if they move their employer. Further, employers reported that migratory workers were much more hard-working than domestic workers. This meant they were frequently prepared to work longer hours and were enthusiastic about making overtime. Although non mentioned by many employers it was besides clearly a factor that migr atory workers were more likely to be satisfied working for the lower limit pay than domestic workers. Similar findings for why migratory workers are employed are besides revealed by McKay et Al. ( 2006 ) . There are besides considerable inducements from the migratory workers ‘ positions to come to the UK for work. Unsurprisingly one of the chief motives is the handiness of work and the deficiency of work in their state of beginning. Research conducted by Norfolk County Council and YMCA Norfolk ( 2005 ) found migratory workers were chiefly motivated by the comparatively high rates of wage in the UK compared to their state of beginning. Many were peculiarly interested in larning English, particularly those who were from states that had late joined the EU.Exploitation of migratory workersThe motivations for migration in footings of globalization and its specific effects on the labor market clearly set up a state of affairs in which development is a possibility. A recent Trades Union Congress ( 2007a ) study looked at whether migration hurts migrators. They conclude that despite the advantages for employers and the immediate advantages perceived by some migratory workers, there are b esides important jobs faced both at the macro- and microlevels. The World Bank ( 2005 ) , for illustration, has examined the effects on world-wide economic sciences of the international flow of labor. This finds that migratory workers themselves are surely better off working outside their ain state, nevertheless, migrators who stay in the same state really do worse over the long-run. Looking more specifically at the state of affairs in the UK, though, reveals a much more assorted image about the inquiry of migratory workers. A assortment of surveies have attempted to look at the existent on the job conditions of migratory workers. A study from the Health and Safety Executive has looked closely at the types of hazards to which migratory workers are exposed in the workplace ( McKay et al. , 2006 ) . These writers point out that some old grounds suggests that migratory workers face important degrees of development in the workplace. Lawrence ( 2004 ) , for illustration, has pointed to how the nutrient industry has used migratory workers in order to drive down costs and increase productiveness. There have besides been a series of high profile instances in which migratory workers have been injured at work. In the worst of these at Morecambe Bay in 2004, 23 Chinese workers lost their lives while picking cockles when they were caught in lifting tides. Evidence from the Citizens Advice Bureau ( 2004 ) , though, suggests the maltreatments of migratory workers are more systematic. They provide grounds from a figure of different sectors about the conditions under which migratory workers are employed. In the attention place sector it has been found that many well-qualified workers from other states, such as nurses, have been promised work of a similar degree in the UK but end up in places that are significantly below their degree, such as transporting out cleansing or other humble undertakings. Employers will besides often keep onto the migratory worker ‘s passport so as to be able to intimidate them. As a consequence of this kind of bullying, many migratory workers report happening it hard to do any sort of ailment against their employer as they are reliant on the money earned to direct back place to their households. Consequently there is improbable to be any alteration in the migratory workers ‘ place. Within the cleansing sector, the Citizens Advice Bureau ( 2004 ) study that there are a figure of ways that migrant workers have been exploited. They report on migratory workers who have been recruited to clean motorway service Stationss for & A ; lb ; 600 a month, of which & A ; lb ; 200 is deducted for life costs of a shared room in a house. These workers did non have a contract of employment, a National Insurance figure or a payslip. The Citizens Advice Bureau ( 2004 ) besides study on the enlisting of foreign subjects at universities in the UK who are given cleaning occupations after being told they will be paid in arrears – so they are merely non paid at all. Within the cordial reception sector more maltreatments have been seen. Again, the Citizens Advice Bureau ( 2004 ) study that workers are hired for cleansing or working in eating houses but are non given National Insurance Numberss, or contracts, and are paid below the National Minimum Wage. In the agricultural industry, the Citizens Advice Bureau ( 2004 ) study that migratory workers negotiate with & A ; lsquo ; gangmasters ‘ who present themselves as employment bureaus. Workers often face really hapless adjustment as portion of the understanding for which they pay comparatively high rates from their rewards sing the adjustment provided. The Citizens Advice Bureau ( 2004 ) have received ailments on a figure of common subjects. These include really low rates of wage, no proviso of payslips, non-payment of National Insurance parts, really hapless adjustment that is frequently overcrowded and the hazard of dismissal from the occupation without traveling through the proper processs . The findings of the Citizens Advice Bureau ( 2004 ) were besides echoed by Dench et al. , ( 2006 ) . These writers found studies of many of the same jobs, every bit good as narratives that some gangmasters in East Anglia were merely paying migratory workers & A ; lb ; 1 per hr. This was done lawfully be paying the minimal pay but so claiming back a immense proportion for adjustment. Migrant workers are non merely taken advantage of by employers. There are studies of some people bear downing migrators for the privilege of happening them adjustment and work. Sing the studies from the Citizens Advice Bureau ( 2004 ) and other anecdotal grounds, it seems likely that migratory workers ‘ wellbeing would be significantly affected by their on the job conditions. Shields and Price ( 2003 ) examined the psychosocial wellbeing of migratory workers in the UK in relation to different labour market results. They found, possibly unsurprisingly given the grounds reviewed so far, that the welln ess of the severely treated migratory workers is peculiarly hapless. In add-on they have significantly lower degrees of psychological wellbeing.Health and safety hazards of migratorsSing the many reported disadvantages which migrant workers face in the workplace, it is utile to analyze the hazards to which they are exposed. McKay et Al. ( 2006 ) carried out a survey of 200 migratory workers who were interviewed across five different countries in both England and Wales. One of the purposes of the survey was to measure whether migratory workers were placed at any greater hazard than other workers who were of domestic beginning. McKay et Al. ( 2006 ) point out that one of the cardinal issues in wellness and safety is the proviso of preparation. One-third of those who were interviewed in this survey indicated that they had non received any preparation. There was, nevertheless, a considerable difference depending on the sector in which people worked. Those who worked in the populace sect or were significantly more likely to have preparation than those who worked elsewhere. It was thought that private sector employers ‘ attitudes were that one time migratory workers had obtained enfranchisement they would go forth for better occupations. Clearly one of the jobs in preparation is linguistic communication. Shellekens and Smith ( 2004 ) found that communicating was made peculiarly hard through the usage of slang and proficient footings. Some employers did supply instructions in different linguistic communications but these interlingual renditions were non ever dependable, or were faithfully read by migratory workers. Training was besides limited in the sense that while there was sometimes induction preparation, there was improbable to be any on-going preparation. There was besides considerable confusion about who was responsible for supplying the wellness and safety preparation in the first topographic point. For illustration in instances where migratory workers were employed by an bureau, respondents to the research were ill-defined whose duty the preparation was. Overall McKay et Al. ( 2006 ) argue that migratory workers are likely to be at a disadvantage in footings of equal preparation in their occupations compared to other workers. Consequently it is apprehensible that around half of the migratory workers McKay et Al. ( 2006 ) interviewed had no cognition of wellness and safety processs in their workplace. In footings of equipment there was some confusion uncovered in the survey about whether equal protection was provided – migratory workers frequently claimed they were n't given full equipment while employers claimed they did supply it. A similar degree of contradictory messages was received when migratory workers and employers were asked about the figure of accidents that occurred in the workplace. A one-fourth of migratory worker respondents indicated that they had suffered or witnessed an accident – a comparatively high proportion ( McKay et al. , 2006 ) . Many besides said that accident were non reported for fright of jeopardizing their occupations. On the other manus, employers stated that accidents were rare and that all accidents, even the most minor, were reported and recorded. Employers did state, though, that they knew migratory workers were brought up in a civilization of incrimination and so would be improbable to describe accidents. Despite the confusing image, McKay et Al. ( 2006 ) conclude that degrees of accidents are likely higher amongst migratory workers. This is partially due to the fact that employers who agreed to be interviewed were likely more likely to hold good processs in topographi c point along with the fact that migratory workers who have experienced jobs are besides more likely to come frontward for the interviews. This might partially explicate the spread in coverage. The general public assistance of workers was besides examined by McKay et Al. ( 2006 ) who looked at the temperature of working conditions, the interruptions, noise and chemicals. They found, once more, that there was confusion over interruptions with employers by and large stating that interruptions were allowed, while migratory workers stating that they frequently were n't – or at least that their wage was docked if they did take a interruption. Similar differences were seen on the inquiry of temperature – many migratory workers worked in the extremes of temperature. For noise and chemicals there were few differences seen between migrator and other workers. Other types of ailments about working confirmed the findings of the Citizens Advice Bureau ( 2004 ) study: that migrant workers work long hours and frequently did non hold written footings of employment. As a consequence of these findings the Trades Union Congress ( 2007b ) have made a figure of recommendations to better the on the job conditions of migratory workers. They argue that all accidents should be reported, that there should be sufficient proviso of first assistance and public assistance, that the right protective equipment should be provided along with equal preparation and information. This preparation and information should be accessible and hence translated into the relevant linguistic communication should this be required. Finally the TUC recommends that migratory workers should fall in a trade brotherhood so as proper support and administration can be provided.Legal protection for migratory workersSince migratory workers are so susceptible to exploitation it is natural to inquire what legal protection is in topographic point to better their on the job conditions. Since, as McKay et Al. ( 2006 ) point out, migratory workers are amongst the most vulnerable, they surely require excess protection. One peculiar job identified by McKay et Al. ( 2006 ) is the behavior of some & A ; lsquo ; gangmasters ‘ and how it has been addressed by excess legal protection. A gangmaster is person who is responsible for the payment and supervising of a whole group of workers. While some gangmasters behave decently, others have been identified as the cause of serious jobs. Anderson and Rogaly ( 2005 ) have found that the employment relationship can be earnestly confused in the instance where migrators are employed through gangmasters. Surveies of gangmasters have found that merely 10 % of them follow the jurisprudence on employment and 40 % were interrupting the jurisprudence in at least six different ways ( Lawrence, 2004 ) . To try to battle some of these jobs the Gangmasters ( Licensing ) Act 2004 introduced excess protection for those working in the piscaries and agricultural sectors. This purported to present the condemnable offense of undertaking with gangmasters who had non followed the proper licensing processs. These licensing processs are an effort to look into bureaus and gangmasters follow the proper employment processs such as making the relevant wellness and safety criterions. The Act has been badly criticised, nevertheless, as since it came into force the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs ( DEFRA ) has been really slow to pull up the ordinances. Besides, since the ordinances have been drawn up it has become clear that the original powers of the Act have been significantly reduced ( Davies & A ; Freedland, 2007 ) . One of the clearest ways in which this legal protection is limited is that it merely doesn't cover the huge bulk of migratory workers, who work in industries other than agribusiness or piscaries. But even in the industries that it does cover, there is a degree of agnosticism about whether it will do a immense impact ( McKay et al. , 2006 ) . Employers pointed out that the existent criterions required in the licensing were comparatively low and that much more rigorous steps need to be put in topographic point. The coverage of the system across the state besides appears to be patchy. There was grounds that gangmasters had moved from one portion of the state to another in order to avoid ordinance. In add-on, many felt that the audit itself did n't look excessively closely into the existent yesteryear working patterns of the gangmasters and bureaus themselves. Finally, there were besides inquiries about how good these new Torahs would be enforced.DecisionThe motivations for migration app ear to be strong in the current labor market state of affairs: globalization, accomplishment deficits and the sheer handiness of certain occupations in the UK mean that migratory workers are in demand. Changes to in-migration policies have meant that there are now a assortment of strategies available for migratory workers to come to the UK. Overall the point should be made that the consequence of migration on both the host and place states is likely positive. Unfortunately it has become clear, due to recent surveies, that a important proportion of migratory workers, peculiarly those working in low-paid, low-skilled businesss, are being exploited. This development appears to run right from the simple bending of regulations to the complete flouting of standard UK employment patterns. Both Health and Safety and TUC probes have uncovered serious defects in the intervention of migratory workers. New regulations have been introduced by Gangmasters ( Licensing ) Act 2004 to seek and contro l the illegal patterns of gangmasters and bureaus. Despite this, and despite the immature age of the statute law, these regulations have been roundly criticised for neglecting to supply equal protection for migratory workers. Not least of these unfavorable judgment is that the statute law does n't cover the bulk of migratory workers. Clearly much greater degrees of ordinance are required to protect those migratory workers who are at the highest hazard of being exploited in the UK labor market.

Modeling Meiosis Lab Lesson Plan

Modeling Meiosis Lab Lesson Plan Sometimes students struggle with some concepts that relate to evolution. Meiosis is a somewhat complicated process, but necessary to mix up genetics of offspring so natural selection can work on a population by choosing the most desirable traits to be passed down to the next generation. Hands-on activities can help some students grasp the concepts. Especially in cellular processes when it is difficult to imagine something so small. The materials in this activity are common and easily found. The procedure does not  rely on expensive equipment like microscopes or take up a lot of space. Preparing for Modeling Meiosis Classroom Lab Activity Pre-Lab Vocabulary Before starting the lab, make sure students can define the following terms: MeiosisChromosomeCrossing OverHaploidDiploidHomologous PairGametesZygote Purpose of the Lesson To understand and describe the process of meiosis and its purpose using models.   Background Information   Most cells in multicellular organisms like plants and animals  are diploid. A diploid  cell has two sets of chromosomes that form homologous pairs.  A cell with only one set of chromosomes are considered haploid. Gametes, like the egg and sperm in humans, are examples haploid. Gametes fuse during sexual reproduction to form a zygote which is once again diploid with one set of chromosomes from each parent. Meiosis  is a process that starts with one diploid cell and creates four haploid cells. Meiosis is similar to mitosis and must have the cells DNA replicate before it can begin. This creates chromosomes that are made up of two sister chromatids connected by a centromere. Unlike mitosis, meiosis requires two rounds of division to get half the number of chromosomes into all of the daughter cells.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Meiosis begins with meiosis 1 when homologous pairs of chromosomes will be split.  The stages of meiosis 1 are similarly named to the stages in mitosis and also have similar milestones: prophase 1: homologous pairs come together to form tetrads, nuclear envelope disappears, spindle forms (crossing over may also happen during this phase)metaphase 1: tetrads line up at the equator following the law of independent assortmentanaphase 1: homologous pairs are pulled aparttelophase 1: cytoplasm divides, nuclear envelope may or may not reform The nuceli now only have 1 set of (duplicated) chromosomes. Meiosis 2 will see the sister chromatids split apart. This process is just like mitosis. The names of the stages are the same as mitosis, but they have the number 2 after them (prophase 2, metaphase 2, anaphase 2, telophase 2). The main difference is that the DNA does not go through replication before the start of meiosis 2. Materials and Procedure You will need the following materials: String4 different colors of paper (preferably light blue, dark blue, light green, dark green)Ruler or Meter StickScissorsMarker4 paper clipsTape Procedure: Using 1 m piece of string, make a circle on your desk to represent the cell membrane. Using a 40 cm piece of string, make another circle inside the cell for the nuclear membrane.Cut 1 strip of paper that is 6 cm long, and 4 cm wide from each color of paper (one light blue, one dark blue, one light green, and one dark green) Fold each of the four strips of paper in half, lengthwise. Then place the folded strips of each color inside the nucleus to represent a chromosome before replication. The light and dark strips of the same color represent homologous chromosomes. At one end of the dark blue strip write  a large B (brown eyes) on the light blue make a lower case b (blue eyes). On the dark green at a tip write T (for tall) and on the light green write a lower case t (short)Modeling interphase: to represent DNA replication, unfold each paper strip and cut in half lengthwise. The two pieces that result from cutting each strip represent the chromatids. Attach the two identical chromati d strips at the center with a paperclip, so an X is formed. Each paper clip represents a centromere.4 Modeling prophase 1:  remove the nuclear envelope and put it aside. Place the light and dark blue chromosomes side by side and the light and dark green chromosomes side by side.  Simulate crossing over by measuring and cutting a 2 cm tip for a light blue strip that includes the letters you drew on them earlier. Do the same with a dark blue strip. Tape the light blue tip to the dark blue strip and vice versa. Repeat this process for the light and dark green chromosomes.Modeling metaphase 1: Place four 10 cm strings inside the cell, so that two strings extend from one side into the center of the cell and two strings extend from the opposite side into the center of the cell. The string represents the spindle fibers. Tape a string to the centromere of each chromosome with tape. Move the chromosomes to the center of the cell. Make sure that the strings attached to the two blue chromosomes  come from opposite sides of the cell (same for the two green chromosomes).  Modeling anaphas e 1: Grab onto the ends of the strings on both sides of the cell, and slowly pull the strings in opposite directions, so the chromosomes move to opposite ends of the cell. Modeling telophase 1: Remove the string from each centromere. Place a 40 cm piece of string around each group of chromatids, forming two nuclei. Place a 1 m piece of string around each cell, forming two membranes. You now have 2 different daughter cells. MEIOSIS 2 Modeling prophase 2: Remove the strings that represent the nuclear membrane in both cells. Attach a 10 cm piece of string to each chromatid.Modeling metaphase  2:   Move the chromosomes to the center of each cell, so they are lined up at the equator. Make sure the strings attached to the two strips in each chromosome come from opposite sides of the cell.Modeling anaphase  2: Grab onto the strings on both sides of each cell, and pull them slowly in  opposite directions. The strips should separate. Only one of the chromatids should have the paper clip still attached to it.Modeling telophase  2: Remove the strings and paper clips. Each strip of paper now represents a chromosome. Place a 40  cm. piece of string around each group of chromosomes, forming four nuclei. Place a 1m string around each cell, forming four separate cells with only one chromosome in each.    Analysis Questions Have students answer the following questions to understand the concepts explored in this activity. What process did you model when you cut the strips in half in interphase?What is the function of your paper clip? Why is it used to represent a centromere?What is the purpose of placing the light and dark strips of the same color side by side?How many chromosomes are in each cell at the end of meiosis 1? Describe what each part of your model represents.What is the diploid chromosome number of the original cell in your model? How many homologous pairs did you make?If a cell with a diploid number of 8 chromosomes undergoes meiosis, draw what  the cell looks like after Telophase 1.What would happen to an offspring if cells did not undergo meiosis before sexual reproduction?How does crossing over change diversity of traits in a population?Predict what would happen if homologous chromosomes did not pair in prophase 1. Use your model to show this.

Banking services in saudi arabia research proposal The WritePass Journal

Banking services in saudi arabia research proposal Literature Review Banking services in saudi arabia research proposal Literature ReviewI.  IntroductionII.  Lending Institutions in Saudi Arabia  III. Regulatory Framework of Banking System in Saudi ArabiaIV. Improvement of Banking ServicesVI. Service Quality in Saudi Arabian BanksVII.  Technology Use in Banking Service ProvisionRecommendationsReferencesRelated Literature Review I.  Introduction The beginning of the modern banking system began in October 1952 with the creation of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) the principle agency responsible for management of monetary matters. Paper money was first introduced in the early years of the 1950s decade. Banking problems in the late 1950s decade resulted in regulatory framework being strengthened in Saudi Arabia during the middle 1960s decade in which broad supervisory capacity was given to SAMA in a legal environment that upheld the concept of a Universal Banking Model allowing banks to make provision of a wide range of financial services â€Å"including banking, investments, securities, etc. through their branches.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.3) There were 12 operating banks by 1979 only three of which, were non-Saudi banks and branches had doubled by that year to 140. II.  Lending Institutions in Saudi Arabia Five major lending institutions were introduced in the decade of the 1970s: (1) Saudi Credit Bank; (2) Saudi Agricultural Bank; (3) Public Investment Fund; (4) Saudi Development Fund; and (5) the Real Estate Fund. (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004,  Ã‚  Ã‚   p.3) Restructuring was accomplished arising from encouragement by the Saudi Government and by 1975 there was a reported â€Å"10 international bank†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦including â€Å"29 branches present.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.3) There was a rise and fall in the economy and SAMA faced a critical challenge for supervision in 1982 â€Å"when irregularities appeared in Saudi Cairo Bank’s operations. Two senior managers were involved in unauthorized trading in bullion during the 1979-81 period, and had concealed accumulated losses that exceeded the Bank’s share capital.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.3)   It is reported that SAMA required the Bank to issue new shares and doubl e its capital in 1986. SAMA arranged this increase to be taken up entirely by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Bank also benefited from â€Å"low-cost† deposits from the Public Investment Fund. These measures helped the Bank with liquidity and rescued it back to a healthy position.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p. 4-5   III. Regulatory Framework of Banking System in Saudi Arabia SAMA in collaboration with Saudi Arabia Ministry of Finance ensured the financial system’s stability and assisted banks in clearing the hurdles of economic downturn. Included in this collaborative initiative were the following actions: (1) Banks were required to seek SAMA’s approval prior to announcing their dividends. The Banking Control Law required all banks to build their statutory reserves equal to their share capital. SAMA further encouraged Saudi banks to build additional reserves to strengthen their capital base. (2) Most foreign shareholders in Saudi banks enjoyed a tax holiday for the first five years of their ownership. To encourage retention of profits, the tax holiday was extended in most cases by another 5 years after which a deferred tax scheme was permitted; (3) In 1986, SAMA obtained a ruling from the Tax Department that permitted the tax deduction of loan loss provisions on   an accrual basis. This encouraged banks to increase their loan loss provisi ons for doubtful accounts; (4) To encourage Saudi banks to increase their inter-bank dealings and to support the development of a riyal inter-bank market, a tax ruling was obtained which exempted foreign banks from withholding taxes when carrying out inter-bank transactions with Saudi banks; (5) Corporate Governance.   SAMA recognized the need to encourage banks to take strong steps to improve their risk management and control procedures. Consequently, it took major initiatives in the area of corporate governance. Firstly, it required all banks to develop and strengthen their internal audit departments, and secondly it issued minimum internal control guidelines.   In addition, SAMA issued accounting standards for Commercial Banks in Saudi Arabia which were in line with International Accounting Standards; (6) Creation of Banking Disputes Committee. In 1987, Saudi authorities established a Banking Dispute Committee by the order of the Council of Ministers.   The creation of this Committee as the only relevant quasicourt to handle dispute between banks and their customers significantly strengthened the legal system.   By law, all banking disputes had to be referred to this Committee and the rulings of this Committee were given the same enforcement support as decisions from any other court; (7) Exchange of Information on Large Borrowers and on Delinquent Loans. In the early 1980’s, SAMA established a credit information service that provided information to Saudi banks on all large exposures of the Banking System.   This enabled banks to better assess the credit position and risk of big borrowers.   Also in 1986, SAMA permitted banks to exchange information on delinquent borrowers as a means of applying collective pressure on them. These measures have proved quite effective in resolving problems of delinquent loans.† (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p. 5-6) IV. Improvement of Banking Services Banking and financial services were improved during the early decade of the 1980s by technological advances and SAMA had acknowledged a decade earlier that there was not only a potential but as well as need to â€Å"enhance and strengthen the Saudi financial markets through greater investment in modern technology. It is reported that the primary objectives of this strategy were: (1) elimination of duplication of efforts and waste; and (2) development of a national infrastructure. (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p. 7) Technology enhanced business services introduced included: (1) automated Cheque Clearing System (1986); (2) linking of Saudi Arabia with the SWIFT payment network; (3) introduction of a national Automated Teller Machine System enabling customers to access accounts from any machine in Saudi Arabia and from the major financial markets; (4) introduction of debit, credit and charge cards; and (5) introduction of Point-of-Sale terminals that link customers, traders and banks. (Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, 2004, p.7) International Islamic Financial Institutions It is reported that International Islamic Financial Institutions are reported in the work of Memon (2007) entitled â€Å"Islamic Banking: Present and Future Challenges† to be making provision of â€Å"a wide range of services in accordance with the basic principles of Shariah. The products are reported to include: (1) Mudaraba; (2) Murabaha; (3) Musharaka; (4) Ijarah; (5) Isstina; and (6) Salam. (Memon, 2007, p.4)   Conventional banks are reported to operate under the concept â€Å"of lender-borrower relationship where interest is considered as the rental income on capital. The depositors are assumed to be capital providers.† (Memon, 2007, p.4) Bank customers are reported to be divided into three broad categories as follows: (1) religiously motivated customers; (2) high profit customers; and (3) customers who are religiously motivated but also expect returns at least similar to conventional banks. (Memon, 2007, p.6) It is reported as follows in regards to the Islamic economic system: â€Å"Islamic economics is a system, which not only fulfils our moral, ethical, and religious obligations but also demonstrates to be economically feasible and financially rewarding. Islamic banking is based on asset-based transactions for the purpose of income generation, and prohibits financing in all forms of economic activities, which are normally and/or socially injurious to the society.† (Memon, 2007, p.6) Additionally stated is that the Islamic field of Banking operations â€Å"is unlimited. It is under continuous process of evolving and Islamic financial modes instruments have been developed to cover nearly all kinds of businesses including consumer financing, project financing, house financing, working capital financing, import and export financing, venture capital, etc.† (Memon, 2007, p.6) A survey conducted in the United States indicates that U.S. banker perception of Islamic Banking includes that 10 out of 20 Islamic Banking practices are viewed as acceptable. Those ten include: (1) investment accounts; (2) transfer of funds; (3) cost plus finance; (4) profit and loss; (5) sharing, (6) trust financing, (7) leasing, (8) lease purchase, (9) letters of guarantee, and (10) flexible investment of deposit and role as trustees. (Memon, 2007, p.8) VI. Service Quality in Saudi Arabian Banks The work of Al-Fawzan (2005) entitled â€Å"Assessing Service Quality in a Saudi Bank† states that service quality is defined as â€Å"the degree of alignment between customers’ expectations and their perceptions of the service received.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005, p.1) Al-Fawzan (2005) states that the move to â€Å"†¦managed service has increased demands for outcome-based accountability, cost containment, and attention to customer-focused quality in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment. This dual focus on driving down costs while increasing quality has intensified pressures to understand, measure, and manage quality from a customer perspective.† (p.101) While banking systems are stated to provide services that are the same they are differentiated by the quality of services provided. In addition, today’s customers are â€Å"†¦more aware of the alternatives and their expectations of service have increased. Service quality c an, therefore, be used as a strategic tool to build a distinctive advantage over competitors. Banks are striving for zero defection and retaining every customer that the company can profitably serve in order to achieve service excellence.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Zero defections makes a requirement of ongoing efforts for improving service quality. It is reported that while quality â€Å"can not be improved unless it is measured, it can be defined from several perspectives, e.g., the ability to satisfy the needs and expectations of the customer, or the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bears on its ability to satisfy given needs.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) There is a growing acknowledgement of quality importance in banking services although â€Å"its conceptualization and empirical assessment have remained limited.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Al-Fawzan (2005) reports that the â€Å"central tenet of the quality paradigm is the importance of understand ing and utilizing customer data to drive operational and strategic decisions, defining quality from the outside-in based on customer information is critical. This shift in defining quality often necessitates a fundamental change in the way professionals, managers, staff, and policy makers think about and identify those who buy or use products and service.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Those who use banking services are not generally refers to as ‘customers’ but instead are referred to as ‘client† suggesting â€Å"†¦a passive voice in the service delivery process, which is reflected by professionals in the field who question the credibility of client evaluation of services. On the other hand, customer carries an image of an active participant with more input in determining choices and decisions. Clients of human service organizations who follow directions from professionals and make few demands on the system are labeled as cooperative. In contrast, customers in the business sector who are loyal to the service, interact with the staff, and are willing to show their preferences are viewed as desirable customer.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) Al-Fawzan states that customers have difficulty in the articulation of â€Å"banking service quality† therefore â€Å"the recipient of the service can only really assess it, thereby making its mea surement more subjective than exact. Hence, the measurement of banking service quality has to be based on perceived quality rather than objective quality because services are intangible, heterogeneous and their consumption and production occur simultaneously.† (2005) It is reported that service quality   â€Å"†¦ is a measure of how well the service level matches customers’ expectations.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) It is reported that Parasuraman et al. â€Å"†¦defined service quality as perceived by customers and items from a comparison on their expectations of the services they will receive with their   perceptions of the performance of the service provider.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) The study reported by Al-Fawzan (2005) summarizes the results stated the following findings: (1) the most important dimension determined by Saudi Bank customers is that of ‘assurance dimension’; (2) a service gap exists in service quality provided by Saudi Banks w ith the most notable gap being the accessibility dimension; (3) Saudi Bank customers, on average, rated Saudi Banks service quality to be overall good; (4) the expectations of Saudi Banks by customers are â€Å"highest in reliability dimension; (5) 67.8% of SB customers rated the overall service quality as good and very good; (5) SB employees dress nicely and they are polite when talking to customers; (6) SB has exceeded customers’ expectations in performing the service right from the beginning and in instilling the confidence in customers that their transactions are complete and safe.† (Al-Fawzan, 2005) The work of Sohail and Shaikh (2008) entitled â€Å"Internet Banking and Quality of Service: Perspectives from a Developing Nation in the Middle East† reports a study that had as its objective the measurement of the quality of service from the perspective of the customer on internet banking in Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted via a questionnaire survey and an extensive review of literature. Findings in the study report that upon the basis of a factor analysis three factors were found to influence the evaluation of quality of internet banking services by users. Those three factors identified are stated to include: (1) efficiency and security; (2) fulfillment; and (3) responsiveness. (Sohail and Shaikh, 2008) In 2010 Jasimuddin reported in the work entitled â€Å"Saudi Arabian Banks on the Web† reports that commercial transactions via the Internet began in 1995 and that online banking is an application with much promise. However, while many banks in developed countri es have made provision of banking services via the Internet, Saudi Arabia is â€Å"lagging behind.† (Jasimuddin, 2010, p.1) The environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s environment is very conducive to Internet banking service provision. Jasimuddin reports that as of 2000 there were 11 banks and 1201 branches operating in Saudi Arabia. As of the middle of 2000, there are 11 banks with 1201 branches operating across Saudi Arabia. Eight banks are reported to have established a web site presence which is a rate of 73% of banks with a web site presence although only two of these offer Internet Banking Services. When the Saudi banks web sites are compared there is not major difference noted in the content of the bank web sites. The contents of the websites are stated to be inclusive of information about the bank, the addresses of branches and ATMs, phone and fax numbers, press releases, newsletters, news about the site and welcome letters, hot links, job opportunities, publications, contact and email, feedback, sitemap, site search, online forms and so forth. (Jasimuddin, 2010, paraphrased) Practically all of the banks provide information relating to customer services that â€Å"incorporate financial market, retail and corporate banking, investment treasury service, telephone and PC banking.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) I t is reported that online banking in Saudi Arabia is still a â€Å"very marginal activity† and that internet is presently being used by Saudi banks primarily for â€Å"brand awareness and promotion.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) Saudi banks will be driven by â€Å"the dynamic and imperatives of e-finance†¦to build web site and to start Internet banking.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) In other words, since this is a banking service that is increasingly familiar customers will be requesting these services from banks in the future in Saudi Arabia. VII.  Technology Use in Banking Service Provision It was reported in 2007 that the National Commercial Bank of Saudi Arabia was established in Saudi Arabia prior to any other banks being established. This bank has 300 branches throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with some branches stated to be â€Å"dedicated exclusively to Islamic Banking Services. The National Commercial bank reports having implemented use of a digital signage system which is reported to make provision of a â€Å"better platform for NCB to better communicate with its employees, educating them about the banks products and services and enhancing the service they provide to their customers.† (Jasimuddin, 2010) Summary of Literature Reviewed It is clear that banks in Saudi Arabia are faced with a diverse customer-base and this makes a requirement of diversification of banking services offered by banks in the Kingdom. While internet banking services provision is somewhat behind the development in the rest of the world, it is certain that Saudi Arabian banking customers will clearly see the benefits to Internet banking and that the push will soon be on for provision of this banking service by Saudi Arabian banks. Internet banking as well as other technological advanced service possibilities are presently being explored by Saudi Arabian banks including such technologies as a digital signage system among others. While the banking sector is quite developed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia there does appear to be a general mistrust of Internet banking technology and not just on the part of customers but in the view of the banking industry in Saudi Arabia as well. Recommendations Arising from this study is a recommendation for research to be conducted examining the quality of banking service provision by banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a focus on technology use.    References Memon, N.A. (2007) Islamic Banking: Present and Future Challenges. Journal of Management and Social Sciences. Vol. 3, No. 1, (Spring 2007) 01-10. Institute of Business and Technology (BIZTEK). Retrieved from: biztek.edu.pk/downloads/research/jmss_v3_n1/1-islamic%20banking.pdf A Case Study On Globalization and the Role of Institution Building in the Financial Sector Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency. February 2004. Retrieved from: sama.gov.sa/sites/samaen/OtherReportsLib/SK521-04(CaseStudyonGlobalization-RoleofInstitutionBuildinginSaudiArabia-Final)Dr.Shaukat.pdf Al-Fawzan, MA (2005) Assessing   Service Quality in a Saudi Bank. J. King Saud Univ., Vol. 18, Eng. Sci. (1), pp. 101-115, Riyadh (1426H./2005). Sohail, M.S. and Shaikh, N.M. (2008) Internet banking and quality of service: Perspectives from a developing nation in the Middle East. , Online Information Review, Vol. 32 Iss: 1, pp.58 72 Jasimuddin, Sajjad M. (2010) Saudi Arabianu Banks on the Web. Array Development. Retrieved from: tenso.fr/emarketing/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Aper%C3%A7u-de-%C2%AB%C2%A0Saudi-Arabian-Banks-on-the-Web%C2%A0%C2%BB.pdf

Definition and Examples of Platitudes in English

Definition and Examples of Platitudes in English Definition A platitude is a trite and obvious observation, in particular, one thats expressed as if it were fresh and significant. Adjectives: platitudinous and platitudinal. Verb: platitudinize. A person who habitually uses platitudes- or clichà ©s- is (among other things) a platitudinarian. Platitudes can be instruments of gentle criticism, says Karen Tracy. Platitudes are  especially useful in the context of public argument, for they promote the sense that a speaker is addressing a policy concern rather than actually criticizing or attacking a person (Challenges of Ordinary Democracy, 2010). Etymology: From Old French, flat, dull Pronunciation: PLAT-i-tood Related Concepts Platitudes are similar to some other terms, but can also be mixed up with some of these terms. Some of the related concepts and language terms are: CatchphraseChunkClichà ©CollocationDead MetaphorIdiomPet PhraseProverb Examples of Platitudes Youre as young as you feel.Crime does pay.It doesnt matter what youre doing, as long as youre having fun.Love will always get you through.Crime doesnt pay.He/she who laughs last, laughs best.Everybody needs somebody.Alls well that ends well.Honesty is the best policy.Life begins at 50 (or 60).Its okay to be silly.You have to act your age.Acting your age is for old people.Love what you do.Do what you love.The secret to a long life is doing what you love.Who cares what other people say? Observations About Platitudes There are already some four-star platitudes on the list, some old sayings, some repeats, and a few opposing ideas. (Jay Douglas, Stalking the Story. Alpha Books, 2011)His subjects are intriguing, but Coles is embarrassingly conventional and unreflective. He writes in platitudes (about lifes ironies, the dilemmas of our time, the richest nation in the world, peoples darker side, Freuds superior cast of mind, etc.). (William White, The Library Journal Book Review, 1975)He was fond of thinking in platitudes- but to him, all platitudes were profound and had the freshness and vigor of original thought.Like bubbles, he said to himself, human life is as momentary as a bubble.(Khushwant Singh, Posthumous. Not A Nice Man To Know: The Best of Khushwant Singh. Penguin, 2000)Everybody can repeat the platitude that the mob can be the greatest of all tyrants. But few realize or remember the corresponding truth which goes along with it- that the mob is the only permanent and unassailable high pries t. (G.K. Chesterton, Charles Dickens: A Critical Study, 1906) Anti-Intellectualism in Politics: Inspirational Platitudes and Partisan Punch Lines Instead of bringing arguments to the public deliberative sphere, [American] presidents are increasingly inclined to declare and assert, offering us a predictable inventory of inspirational platitudes and partisan punch lines. I turn first to George W. Bush and his use of inspirational platitudes as an instance of argument by declaration, then to Bill Clinton and his use of partisan punch lines as an instance of argument by assertion. It may appear at first glance that these two anti-intellectual strategies are polar opposites of each other. Platitudes articulate the obvious and are therefore assumed to be universal, while partisan punch lines are strategically one-sided and therefore particular. Both, however, are united by their rejection of the weighing and judging of reasons. Both are proffered as foundational beliefs that cannot be argued for or against. Self-evident truths can be declared without justification, just like partisan punch lines are asserted strategically to preempt consideration of the other side. Both paradoxically transmit ambiguous meaning in categorical language. Indeed, that is why partisan punch lines are often dressed up in the ambiguous language of platitudes. Phrases such as liberty, support our troops, and freedom in Iraq are often deployed as coded conservative punch lines delivered as creedal platitudes that cannot be denied, while fairness, universal health care, equal employment opportunity are the liberal analogs of projects that are self-evidently unobjectionable. (Elvin T. Lim, The Anti-Intellectual Presidency: The Decline of Presidential Rhetoric from George Washington to George W. Bush. Oxford University Press, 2008) The New Rhetoric of Civility The new rhetoric of civility misunderstands the role of argument as a social and socializing process. In so doing, it dissuades the public from embracing and refining argument as a means to achieve civility. In seeking a cure to incivility, todays discussions have characterized argument as a disease, when its cultivation might actually offer the most efficacious cure...If we fail to redeem ourselves through rhetoric, we condemn ourselves to recycling platitudes about civility. And through those platitudes, the new rhetoric of civility will continue to perpetuate the very stereotype about argument that, ironically, have led to todays calls for civility.(Rolf Norgaard, The Rhetoric of Civility and the Fate of Argument. Rhetoric, the Polis, and the Global Village: Selected Papers From the 1998 Thirtieth Anniversary Rhetoric Society of America Conference, ed. by C. Jan Swearingen and Dave Pruett. Lawrence Erlbaum, 1999) Platitudes in Drama That an idea is not available dramatically until it has become a platitude is itself one of the most platitudinous of dramatic platitudes. But there is a considerable difference in the mere availability of a platitude and the conversion of the platitude into lively and engaging drama. Good drama, in point of fact, consists in so veiling a basic platitude with the vari-colored gauzes of imaginative beauty that it shall be but vaguely perceptible to those who give it eye and ear. The greater the dramatist, the more successful he is in deceiving his audiences as to the existence in his work of the platitude. He is, in a way of speaking, a prestidigitator of platitudes: one whose infinite legerdemain of metaphor, fancy, wit, and surface originality is successful constantly in making the ever-present platitude seem to disappear. (George Jean Nathan, Materia Critica. Alfred A. Knopf, 1924)

Sales planning and operations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Sales planning and operations - Essay Example he process of marketing planning; lastly, allocating where during periods of product shortage, the sales force might have a significant effect in the manner in which available stocks are allocated. Most importantly, personal selling has been found to lead to an actual sale. The information gathered by the salespeople can be utilised to improve the aggregate sells and production. The information also the firm maintains equilibrium between supply and demand. Besides, the information is also used to comprehend the customer’s needs and behaviour. The stages of decision making process include problem recognition, evaluation of alternatives, evaluation of the decision, search process, and selection stage (Pride & Ferrell, 2012:23). When purchasing a high-level product such as a house, the salesperson has higher chances of influences the buyer’s decision by providing more benefits of the house. In this case, the prospective clietnt will be easily persuaded to buy the house. The salespeople ensure that the need of the customer is met, thus revising the price of the product upwards. In relation to low-level products such as a newspaper, the chances of influencing the consumer purchasing behaviour are low since the products are of low risk. Besides, the decisions of purchasing the product is a routine (Kotler & Keller, 2009:134). The responsibilities of Halfords sales team that sells cycling and motoring products and services comprise of the following: establishing personal deliverables, improving targets and charter, having knowledge your firm’s products and services, accepting the quota responsibility my mapping out how one will attain goals, customer contacting, account management by managing account asset, executing the sales process, and opportunity management. The roles of the sales team comprise include managing the resources of the sales support, making periodic account and territory review presentations, offering of timely management reports, and finally,