'The Cubie Report' Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

'The Cubie Report' - Essay Example The report had broken its parts into the committee's recommendations, the remit, the committee's approach, the elements of approach, and the initial responses to the committee. Before these, however, was some background information on the Scottish Parliament Debate and Proposals for England and Wales. In the first, there was to be a debate if agreed - In the second, David Blunkett had proposed for a 'a major new package of extra measures to widen access to higher education and tackle student hardship in England and Wales'. Blunkett was the Secretary of State for Education and Employment then. The elements of support referred to non-repayable support, tuition fees, student loan entitlement, and costs which were discussed as subtopics. Purpose. Written at the bottom-most part of the research note is the purpose of this document that Research Notes are compiled for the benefit of Members of Parliament and their personal staff. The document then serves as a digest for Members of Parliament and their staff to orient them of specific topics covered at specific times to help them be abreast of issues. Readership. The target readership of this document is clearly the Members of Parliament and their personal staff. ... Readership. The target readership of this document is clearly the Members of Parliament and their personal staff. However, secondary target could be the public, especially students and student leaders who are the most affected. As reflected in the responses to Cubie, there were many groups interested on the issue to include the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party, The Scottish Conservatives, The Scottish Green Party, The National Union of Students Scotland, COSHEP, The AUT in Scotland, and The CBI Scotland. Evaluation of content. The issue being discussed was capsulised and placed in a box. Clearly, it was about student support that should maximise opportunity for all to be able to access high quality lifelong learning. Such support, the box shows, "should promote social inclusion, the knowledge economy and an enhanced civil society." Then the system which can enable this is described and finally tells of the government role "to remove barriers to widening access and participation." The content, as discussed, is complex, because aside from the issue of student tuition, the work of Cubie as a committee is also hashed out, including Parliament motions and actions, and the reactions of political parties and student leadership. Format. The format presentation of the website caters to the more conscious readers like the government officials and the professionals. This judgment is based on the visual and contextual representation of the website. The conscripted color template of the presentation suggests formality and its gravity, thus it could be appreciated by sophisticated readers. The single dominant color of violet in the header signifies authority and discipline. Language impact. The language used in the document addressed the

Craig Lockhart Essay Example for Free

Craig Lockhart Essay Wilfred Owen was a soldier in the First World War; in 1917 he was admitted to Craig Lockhart hospital with shell shock. He had previously written poems pre 1917 but whilst in the hospital he met Siegfried Sassoon; Sassoon had a huge influence on the way Owen wrote his poems. Owens main message in his poems was to warn the public about war, as well as dis-agree with other writers such as Jessie Pope and Rupert Brooke who presented war as noble; Owen was completely against this idea of war, especially the message these other writers tried to convey. In Owens poem Exposure the readers expectation is reversed; we expect the poem to be about exposure to enemy fire but what the men in the poem are really exposed to is the weather; this weather will eventually kill them as they die from hypothermia. In the poem the men are suffering from psychological trauma; projecting their own madness onto nature. The reader starts to sense Owens own questioning of his religion, Christianity, as he can no longer believe there is an after life and presents his theme of the futility of war. The opening of Exposure establishes the theme of psychological trauma, which is a reversal of the readers expectation because we expect the men to be exposed to enemy fire; this is the first thought the reader had when thinking about Exposure. The opening line of the poem is Our brains ache, which signals to the reader a new idea and a reversal of the original expectation we have and we sense the men are worried by silence, sentries whisper, curious, nervous. The word Our shows that collectively their brains ache and suggests the idea of the universality of war and the fact that on both sides, the British and Germans, many men suffered from psychological trauma. Another idea could be that the men are constantly worried (paranoia) about being heard or coming under attack, hence their brains ache with worry. Also, the use of sibilance throughout the opening creates an uneasy atmosphere and we can sense that the men themselves are uneasy; the sibilance creates a whispering sound; this constant paranoia surrounds the men that if they talk too loud they will die, which in turn creates psychological problems. This conveys the, perhaps uneasy, horror of war because what if affecting the men the most is not the constant Exposure to enemy fire but the constant fear that they are going to be shot at. Spring Offensive confirms Owens sincere lack of faith in an after life as he questions Gods existence throughout the poem. He suggests that the hundreds, perhaps thousands of men are not going to heaven as some would like to believe but simply just dying. The consolatory myth that many once used to believe is forgotten on the front line, as the men can no longer believe in the existence of such entity. Owen suggests that there is no Christian Heaven or Hell but that man have created a hell on earth; there is constant dying and murder yet these men do not go anywhere. This highlights that perhaps this is the most poignant horror of war, the futility of war. In Spring Offensive the theme of psychological trauma is again established in the opening stanza; the idea of the futility of war is also introduced. Many there stood still to face the stark blank sky beyond the ridge, shows that the men are perhaps afraid of going over the top for the fear that if they die they will go nowhere, no heaven or hell. Owens own fading belief in religion and an afterlife is introduced. The men in the poem are scared about what they are going to face when the go over the ridge (trench), as they have problems with what they are going to have to do when they go over the top of the ridge; they do not like the idea of killing over people. The use of sibilance is used in the poem, as in Exposure, to effectively create a sense of unease. This is a contrast to those who carelessly slept as they do not mind killing others in order to save themselves and at the end of Spring Offensive we learn that these were the ones who, eventually, survived. This perhaps suggests that they themselves have no social conscience in that they are quite happy to kill human beings like themselves and perhaps have psychological problems of a different kind. The stark blank sky could also, perhaps, be a link to astrology, with the idea from the past that the sky could show you what was in store for you in the future. A sunny day would suggest something good would happen to you and you would be fine, for example. However, the fact that they face the stark blank sky could be because they have no future, this is the end of their lives and that their own future is stark, blank; there is no hope of them going to the Christian Heaven or Hell, as Owen is trying to suggest that neither of these places exists, which strengthens the readers idea that Owen has a lack of belief in Christianity. The idea that the men are stood still is also a link to Exposure; the men are passive in the war in that they cannot affect what is going on, which also presents the theme of the futility of war. In the opening of Spring Offensive Owen successfully presents the themes of the futility of war and of psychological trauma and starts to establish his own belief that there is no such thing as Heaven or Hell in a subtle but effective manner. In Exposure the men project their own madness onto the wind and have a strong belief that nature, especially the wind, is against them; this comes from their psychological problems. Owen personifies the wind when he says winds that knive us and the men start to think of the wind as mad gusts, as well as suggesting that the bullets being fired at the men are less deadly than the air.

Silver’s Remaking Eden and the Silver Screen Essay -- Lee M. Silver

Silver’s Remaking Eden and the Silver Screen In Remaking Eden, Lee M. Silver asks three central questions: Who controls life? What counts as life? And what will human life look like in the future? The question Silver does not ask is whether or not human life as we now know and define it will change. Silver sees the advance of genetic engineering as inevitable, due to consumer demand for it as a technology and the unrelenting curiosity of scientists. Power resides in science, according to Silver, and that power is â€Å"enormous.† In the closing chapter to Remaking Eden, entitled â€Å"Tomorrow’s Children,† he recounts how â€Å"a single eccentric scientist named Kary Mullis† obliterated all â€Å"preconceived notions of scientific limitations† with his invention of the Polymerase Chain Reaction or â€Å"PCR† (240). As Silver describes it: More than any other technique invented during the twentieth century, PCR has changed the course of the biological and medical sciences. In addition to the enormous power that it added to gene discovery and analysis . . . PCR has made it possible to obtain rapid genetic profiles not only on humans but other animals and plants as well, with an enormous impact on both agriculture and environmental science. PCR has also had an enormous impact on forensics with its power to provide genetic profiles on even single hairs left behind at the scene of a crime. And PCR has provided us with the ability to look back into the past, to demonstrate that skeletons found buried in an isolated Siberian town really did belong to the last Russian Czar and his family, and much further back to derive genetic profiles on insects and plants that have been extinct for millions of years [emphases added]. (241) For all his sc... ...st 2005 . Kakmi, Dmetri. â€Å"The Mystery of Being in Gattaca.† Australian Screen Education 35 (2004): 88-90. Communications and Mass Media Complete. EBSCO Databases DuBois Library, UMass Amherst. 12 August 2005 . Lemonick, Michael D. â€Å"Cloning Classics.† Time 8 Nov. 1993: 70. Expanded Academic ASAP. InfoTrac. DuBois Library, UMass Amherst. 12 August 2005 . Silver, Lee M. Remaking Eden: How Genetic Engineering and Cloning Will Transform the American Family. 1997. New York: Perennial-Harper, 2002. Vergano, Dan, and Susan Wloszczyna. â€Å"Genetics Take Starring Role on Silver Screen.† USA Today 17 June 2002. 12 August 2005 genetics-movies.htm>.

Nasality In Cleft Palate Individuals Health And Social Care Essay

Introduction:Nasality is a voice upset that is most normally met by the address linguistic communication diagnostician in topics with repaired cleft roof of the mouth, which affects the address intelligibility. The perceptual appraisal of nasality constitutes an of import facet of a comprehensive appraisal of the address of persons with repaired cleft roof of the mouth and/or velopharyngeal disfunction ( Kuehn & A ; Moller, 2000 ) . The perceptual appraisal in complex populations like cleft roof of the mouth is made more ambitious by the many-sided nature of voice ( Bzoch, 1979 ) . The comparative impact of changing constituents of the voice ( e.g. , pitch, volume, resonance ) can farther act upon the signal perceived by a hearer ( Zraich, 1999 ) . In add-on the diverse array of perceptual appraisal of nasality has some troubles including the definition of footings, dependability and the usage of different types of graduated tables ( Kreiman, Gerratt, Kempster, Erman, & A ; Berke, 19 93 ) . Several invasive techniques are used clinically to image velopharyngeal port. Inactive sidelong radiogram are used to see the velopharyngeal structures during sustained sounds ( Hirschberg, 1986 ) . Multiview videoflouroscopy allows observation of the constructions during connected address from several planes of infinite. Flexible fiberoptic nasoendoscopy allows direct observation of velopharyngeal motions during connected address. However, these techniques appear to hold more value as pre- or post-surgical appraisal, because the correlativity of the informations from these techniques with hypernasality is frequently hapless. The inclusion of quantitative measurings in a clinical appraisal battery would lend to the overall truth of an probe. Literature reveals several quantitative methods developed to mensurate facets of rhinal resonance, for illustration, the Nasometer ( KayPENTAX, Lincoln Park, NJ ) , the Oro-Nasal System ( Glottal Enterprises, Syracuse ) or the NasalView ( Tiger D RS, Inc. , Seattle, WA ; Bressmann, 2005 ) , Horii Oral-Nasal Coupling Index ( Horii,1980 ) , Sonography ( Dillenschneider, Zaleski & A ; Greiner,1973 ) , Palatal Efficiency Ratings Computed Instantaneously-Speech Aeromechanics Research System ( PERCI-SAR ; MicroTronics Corp. , Chapel Hill, NC ) . The application of these instruments is frequently limited by a combination of grounds, including a deficiency of comparative surveies straight contrasting each technique, clinical uncertainity associating to the sensitiveness and specificity of viing methodological analysiss, the popularity of imaging surveies ( typically, nasoendoscopy and videoflouroscopy ) that provide direct information on velopharyngeal inadequacy ( Bekir et al.,2008 ; Rowe & A ; D'antonio, 2005 ) and the demand of specific device and/or detector, such as the helmet required for nasalence, the accelerometers required for HONC, the aerophonoscope required for rhinal emanation sensing and frequent standardization of th e instruments. Nasality can besides be evaluated utilizing non-invasive and simple processs like, spectral analysis of speech signal. Acoustic techniques frequently entail arduous analysis governments that can necessitate extended user expertness ; the rightness of selected stimulation has non been strictly evaluated ( Watterson et al, 2007 ) . Acoustic techniques do offer some possible, as small expertness is required to enter address samples, and repeated samples can be easy obtained, doing acoustic techniques appropriate for curative pattern. Some of the spectral features associated with hypernasality are reduced strength of the first format ( F1 ) , the presence of excess resonance, displacements of the Centre of the low-frequency spectral prominence, increased amplitudes of the sets between first formant ( F1 ) and the 2nd formant ( F2 ) , and a lessening of the F2 amplitude ( Curtis, 1968 ; Hawkins & A ; Stevens, 1985 ; Kataoka et Al, 2001 ) , increased continuances of acoustic phonic sections in CVC vocalizations ( D'Antonia, 1982 ) ; prolonged VOT ( Gamiz, Fernandez-Valades, 2006 ) and decreased burst continuance ( Vasanthi, 2000 ) , decrease in volume ( Mc Williams & A ; Philip, 1979 ; Vasanthi, 2000 ; Peterson-Falzone et al. , 2001 ) . In recent old ages, nasality is evaluated utilizing spectral analysis of the address signal. The two common methods which are reported in the nasality measuring literature are one-third octave spectra analysis ( Yoshida et al, 2000 ; Kataoka et Al, 2001 ; Lee et Al, 2009 ; Vogel et A l, 2009 ) and the Voice Low Tone to HHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhjjkiuigh Tone Ratio ( Lee, Wang, Yang & A ; Kuo, 2006 ) . Both methods focus on strength fluctuation around the first, 2nd and 3rd frequence formants, an acoustic form normally seen in hypernasal address ( Chen, 1996 ; Huffman, 1990 ; Kent, Weismer, Kent, Vorperian & A ; Duffy, 1999 ) . The Voice Low Tone to HHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhjjkiuigh Tone Ratio ( VLHR ) was developed as a quantitative acoustic step based on the strength spectrum to measure rhinal resonance. Lee et Al ( 2009 ) defined the voice low tone to high tone ratio as the power ratio of the low frequence to high frequence energy obtained by spliting the voice spectrum with a specific cutoff frequence. Lee et Al, ( 2003 ) measured VLHR in topics with rhinal obstruction before and after intervention for rhinal congestion. Results revealed increased VLHR values significantly after decongested intervention. In the follow survey by same writers in 2006, obtained sustained vowels ( /a: / ) and a nasalized ( /a : / ) vowel from eight hypernasal grownups. The writers observed higher VLHR values in nasalized sounds than unwritten sounds, supplying farther grounds in support to the VLHR technique for measuring hypernasality. Lee et Al ( 2009 ) measured VLHR in topics with hypernasality caused by palatine fistulous withers and velopharyngeal inadequacy for sustained vowels. The consequences of their survey revealed important differences between VLHR values, hypernasality tonss and nasalence steps. In contrast to the old surveies, Vogel et Al ( 2009 ) compared VLHR and one 3rd octave analysis in cleft roof of the mouth kids to mensurate hypernasality. Consequences revealed that merely one 3rd octave spectra analysis differentiated hypernasal address between cleft roof of the mouth and normal kids. The difference obtained between these two surveies ( Lee et al, 2009 ; Vogel et al. , 2009 ) may be because of the methodological analysis employed to pull out VLHR and the pathological status and age of the topics participated in their survey. Sing all these factors the efficaciousness of non-invasive technique, like VLHR to measure hypernasality remains inconclusive in clinical population like Cleft lip/palate. Need FOR THE PRESENT STUDY:Very few surveies have been conducted to mensurate the nasality in cleft roof of the mouth topics utilizing VLHR. But, the consequences of these surveies are inconclusive and necessitate farther probe in other linguistic communications besides. Hence, the present survey was aimed to observe the differences in VLHR between cleft roof of the mouth and normal topics utilizing address samples collected in Malayalam linguistic communication.AIM OF THE PRESENT STUDY:The present survey was aimed to observe the differences in VLHR between cleft roof of the mouth and normal persons for voice undertaking, word list undertaking and transition reading undertaking.MethodologySubjects: A sum of 40 immature grownups within the age scope of 17 to 26 old ages participated in the survey. They were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 20 cleft roof of the mouth persons ( 10 males and 10 females, average =19 old ages ) . They were included in the survey if they had a diagnosing of inborn cleft roof of the mouth, undergone primary surgery to mend the cleft roof of the mouth, and go toing or had been referred for address therapy. Group II consisted of 20 normal, age and gender matched control topics. The topics were screened for address, linguistic communication and hearing by speech linguistic communication diagnostician. All the topics were native talkers of Malayalam linguistic communication. Subjects with a upper respiratory piece of land infections, blocked nose or with rhinal congestion as assessed during the oro-motor scrutiny were excluded from the survey. Test Material: The stuffs involved three different assortments of address samples ( 1 ) sustained voice samples ( /a: / , /i: / and /u: / ) ; ( 2 ) six meaningful words selected from Malayalam Articulation Test ( Mayadevi, 1990 ) which consisted of force per unit area consonants and ; ( 3 ) a standard Malayalam Reading Passage ( Anita, 1999 ) were used. Instrumentality: The recordings were carried out at address scientific discipline research lab of the infirmary. The address samples for the survey were recorded utilizing Sony digital recording equipment ICD-U60 placed 10 centimeters off from the talker ‘s oral cavity. This recorded address samples were fed into the Praat package ( Version 5.1.43 ) digitally and sampled at 16K Hz, 12 spot quantisation and Praat book was used to pull out the VLHR parametric quantity. Procedure: All participants were instructed to bring forth three tests of sustained vowels ( /a: / , /i: / and /u: / ) for a minimal continuance of 5 sec ; six selected word list from Malayalam Articulation Test ( Mayadevi, 1990 ) and to read a standard Malayalam Reading Passage ( Anita, 1999 ) at their comfy pitch and loudness degree. A sum of 720 ( 3 vowels*6 words*1 sentence*40 topics ) items were acoustically analyzed to pull out VLHR parametric quantity. The voice spectra was derived utilizing fast fourier transform ( FFT ) with Praat package for all the address samples recorded and averaged for farther analysis. Acoustic information was analyzed in conformity with the prescribed protocols for VLHR ( Lee et al. , 2006 ; 2003 ) . VLHR was calculated by spliting the spectrum into a low frequence power subdivision ( LFP ) and a high frequence power subdivision ( HFP ) . The mean spectrum was divided into low frequence and high frequence parts utilizing a cutoff frequence of 600 Hz by utilizing Praat book ( Lee et al, 2009 ) . The equation for VLHR is as follows: VLHR= 10 A- log10 ( LFP/HFP ) . VLHR was used to cipher values on sustained vowel undertakings ( /a: / , /i: / , /u: / ) , six meaningful words and a sentence from standard transition were used and it was expressed in dubnium. Statistical analysis: The information was subjected to statistical analysis utilizing SPSS ( Version 17 ) . The mean and standard divergence values of VLHR for address samples were calculated and tabulated for each topic. Analysis of Variance was used on the information to find the important difference between the groups and address samples.Consequence:VLHR for voice undertaking: For voice undertaking, the average VLHR values for /a/ , /i/ & A ; /u/ was 12.79 dubnium, 16.79 dubnium and 16.81 dubnium for topics with cleft roof of the mouth and for normal topics it was 4.14 dubnium, 9.59 dubnium and 6.93 dubnium severally. Consequences showed that high forepart vowel /i/ had the highest VLHR value followed by high back vowel /u/ and low mid vowel /a/ for both the groups. Table 1 and Graph 1 depicts the mean and SD of VLHR. Results of ANOVA indicated important difference between group I and group II subjects for all the vowels ( F= 50.389 ; p=0.000 ) . Voice undertaking Group I Group II F value Mean South dakota Mean South dakota /a/ 12.79 2.15 4.14 2.86 F=50.389 P & lt ; 0.005 /i/ 16.7 3.61 9.59 2.51 /u/ 16.81 4.83 6.93 4.32 Table 1: Mean and SD VLHR values for group I and group II subjects for voice undertaking. Graph 1: Represents the average values of voice undertaking for /a/ , /i/ and /u/ for Group I and Group II subjects. VLHR for word list: Table 2 represents the mean and SD values of VLHR for words for cleft roof of the mouth and normal topics. In word list undertaking, the mean VLHR value for dissected roof of the mouth topics was 10.21 dubnium and for normal topics it was 3.53 dubnium. Consequences showed higher average VLHR values for cleft roof of the mouth topics than the normal capable values for all the words selected for the survey. On statistical analysis, consequences revealed a important difference between groups ( F=60.34 ; p=0.000 ) . Word List Group I Group II F value Mean South dakota Mean South dakota Word 1 11.70 4.20 5.47 3.5 F=60.34 P & lt ; 0.005 Word 2 9.422 4.56 3.55 1.84 Word 3 10.69 4.86 2.70 1.82 Word 4 11.26 5.01 2.94 1.30 Word 5 9.14 4.92 2.55 2.02 Word 6 8.88 3.29 3.96 2.38 Overall Mean 10.21 4.58 3.53 2.47 Table 2: Mean and SD VLHR values in dubnium for group I and group II persons for word list undertaking. Graph 2: Represents the average values of word list undertaking for group I and group II subjects. VLHR for transition reading: For transition reading undertaking, the mean VLHR value for dissected roof of the mouth topics was 9.68 dubnium and for normal topics it was 2.31 dubnium. Table 3 and Graph 3 shows the VLHR values for transition reading undertaking for group I and group II subjects. Consequences showed important differences for groups ( F=48.54 ; p= 0.000 ) for transition reading. Passage reading Group I Group II F value Mean South dakota Mean South dakota 9.68 2.31 F=48.54 ; P & lt ; 0.005 Table 3: Mean and SD VLHR values in dubnium for group I and group II persons for transition reading undertaking. Graph 3: Represents the average values of transition reading undertaking for group I and group II subjects.Discussion:Vowel /a/ had important lower VLHR values compared to vowel /i/ and /u/ . This consequence of the present survey supports the findings of Neumann & A ; Dalston, 2001 and Lewis et Al, 2000. The higher VLHR values obtained may be due to the articulatory positions assumed during the production of these vowels. The low mid vowel /a/ is a unfastened vowel which creates comparatively small opposition to airflow out of the oral cavity. Therefore the maximal energy is transmitted through the unwritten pit and therefore comparatively lower VLHR values compared to vowel /i/ and /u/ values ( Lee et al. , 2009 ) . Whereas in instance of cleft roof of the mouth persons because of velopharyngeal insufficiency there might be more of nasal energy flight which is indicated through the higher VLHR values than normal topics for voice undertaking. The consequences besides support the fin dings of Moore & A ; Sommers ( 1973 ) who reported the greater grade of nasality on high vowels as the high vowels make greater demand upon the valving map i.e. , higher points of posterior guttural wall/ velar contacts, tighter velopharyngeal seals and greater velar jaunt. Higher VLHR values obtained in dissected roof of the mouth topics were similar to other surveies. Similar consequences were obtained in topics with rhinal obstruction after intervention for rhinal congestion ( Lee et al, ( 2003 ) , in palatine fistulous withers and velopharyngeal inadequacy topics ( Lee et Al ( 2009 ) . The consequences of their survey revealed higher VLHR values and important differences between VLHR values, hypernasality tonss and nasalence steps. In contrast to the old surveies, Vogel et Al ( 2009 ) compared VLHR and one 3rd octave analysis in cleft roof of the mouth kids to mensurate hypernasality. Consequences concluded that merely one 3rd octave spectra analysis differentiated hypernasal address between cleft roof of the mouth and normal kids. The major difference obtained between these two surveies ( Lee et al, 2009 ; Vogel et al. , 2009 ) may be because of the methodological analysis employed to pull out VLHR and the pathological status and age of the topics participated in their survey. The ground attributed for higher VLHR values for word list and transition reading undertaking may be due to the acoustic characteristics of the pharyngeal topographic point of articulation, notably low frequence noise energy chiefly in the chief formant part ( i.e. , the part of F1 and F2 ) . The form of the vowels was non good defined, peculiarly because nasaliztion has greatly reduced the amplitude of F2 so that this formant is hardly apparent in the spectrograph. Another common site of articulative compensations, the voice box, besides tends to be associated with acoustic energy in the chief formant part. Thus both guttural and laryngeal compensation contribute to comparatively low-frequency acoustic construction for consonants. These speech compensations hence are characterized by diminished or absent cues in some spectral parts but by extra cues in other spectral parts. Overall survey consequences showed statistical important difference between the groups for all the address samples collected. The average VLHR values in dubnium were higher for cleft roof of the mouth topics compared to that of normal topics. The consequences are in consonant rhyme with the findings of Lee et al. , ( 2003 ; 2009 ) whereas in disagreement with Vogel et al. , ( 2009 ) . The higher VLHR values obtained in the present survey may be attributed to the belongingss of increased low frequence energy i.e. , rhinal formant and reduced high frequence energy i.e. , anti resonance of rhinal voices in cleft roof of the mouth topics because of velopharyngeal insufficiency which was absent in normal topics ( Chen, 1996 ; Kent, Weismer & A ; Duffy, 1999 ) . Thus addition in the amplitude of frequences between F1 and F2 every bit good as lessening in the amplitude above F2 have been linked to hypernasality and these alterations were thought to be captured via VLHR ( Lee et al, 2009 ) . Decision:The purpose of the present survey was to observe the differences in VLHR for address samples between cleft roof of the mouth and normal topics. Consequences revealed that the VLHR values were higher for cleft roof of the mouth topics for all the address samples analyzed. The important difference obtained may be because of the belongingss of increased low frequence energy and reduced high frequence energy of rhinal voices in cleft roof of the mouth topics. Hence, we conclude that VLHR parametric quantity is sensitive plenty to observe rhinal voices in cleft roof of the mouth topics and can be implemented as a everyday clinical tool for nasality measuring. And besides the sensed success of surgical or curative intercession in dissected palate topics can be measured quantitatively with the VLHR parametric quantity extraction. Further surveies can be carried out with more figure of participants and besides in other Indian linguistic communications to set up normative.

Aptitude Test

Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 1 of 7 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis (GDipSA) Aptitude Test Sample All GDipSA applicants are required to sit for the aptitude test. This is a test to measure your aptitudes for learning and performing the job of computer programming and systems analysis. There are four parts to the test and each part will be timed separately – Diagram Ability, Reasoning, Number Ability, and English Language Ability. It is designed to test your problem-solving ability, your ability to read and understand diagrams, etc. You can’t really study for the test.It is designed to test what abilities you have, as opposed to testing what facts or information you know. Sample Questions Diagramming [30 Marks] Question 1 – 30 In this section there are a number of problems with flow charts (schematic diagrams) that illustrate the process by which each problem is solved. The solution to a problem is illustrated in its diagram by following the arro ws from cell to cell. Sample question 1: Customer purchases tickets Buy as family package? N Charge $10 Y 1 N Charge price with 20% discount 2 Y Get the number of persons in family Charge full price Problem and conditions A.A themepark has decided to charge their entrance fee by individual or family package. ? As individual, ticket will be sold at $10 per person ? As family, ticket will be sold at $8 per person B. There is also a difference in the fee based on the entry time into the park. ? Entry to theme park before noon will be charged at the full price ? Entry to theme park after noon will be charged the normal price with a 20% discount SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 2 of 7 Cell 1. A. Is the entry before noon? B. Is the entry after noon? C. Customer purchases individual ticketD. Customer purchases a family package E. Customer makes payment Answer: (A) Cell 2. A. Charge $10 per person B. Charge $10 with 20% discount per person C. Charg e $8 per person D. Customer makes payment E. Check the time of entry Answer: (C) Sample question 2: ADD 1 TO RESIDENCE COUNT SET RESIDENCE COUNT TO 0 HOUSEHOLD INCOME > $ 5,000 SET TYPE A COUNT TO 0 N Y 2 SET TYPE B COUNT TO 0 NUMBER OF CHILDREN > 2 N Y N Y SET TYPE C COUNT TO 0 1 HOUSING SIZE > 100 M2 4 N Y N 3 N Y Y N HOUSEHOLD INCOME > $ 3,000 N NUMBER OF CHILDREN > 4 Y Y Y ADD 1 TO TYPE A COUNT ADD 1 TO TYPE B COUNTN ADD 1 TO TYPE C COUNT 5 N IS TYPE B COUNT EQUALS 30 N IS TYPE C COUNT EQUALS 10 Y Y Y SUFFICIENT TYPE A RESIDENCES FOUND SUFFICIENT TYPE B RESIDENCES FOUND SUFFICIENT TYPE C RESIDENCES FOUND END OF PROBLEM END OF PROBLEM N END OF PROBLEM N IS RESIDENCE COUNT EQUALS 200? Y OBJECTIVE NOT MET END OF PROBLEM SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 3 of 7 Problem and conditions for Drawing 1 A. 200 Residences are randomly drawn from a pool of 5000 Residences. B. The objective is to get a group of residences of any Type (A, B or C) of a certain quantity. C.Acceptance Criteria for various types of residences are as follows: Variable Household Income Housing Size Number of Children Quantity Required Type A > $5,000 > 120 m2 >2 20 Type B > $4,000 > 100 m2 >1 30 Type C > $3,000 > 90 m2 >4 10 D. A residence can be classified as more than one Type. (ie a Residence could be Type A as well as Type C). However the selection criteria require the residence to be of a single type. An order of preference is therefore used to select the final type for such Residences. The order of preference is classified as follows: 1. Type A 2. Type B 3. Type CIn other words, a residence having both Type A and C will be considered having a type of Type A. Cell 1 A. Household Income > $ 5,000? B. Household Income > $ 4,000? C. Household Income > $ 3,000? D. Residence is not Type A? E. Residence is not Type B? Answer: (B) Cell 2 A. Household Income > $ 5,000? B. Household Income > $ 4,000? C. Household Income > $ 3,000? D. Housing Size > 100 m2 ? E. Housing Size > 120 m2? Answer: (E) Cell 3 A. Housing Size > 80 m2? B. Housing Size > 90 m2? C. Housing Size > 100 m2? D. Household Income > $ 3,000? E. Household Income > $ 4,000?Answer: (B) SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 4 of 7 Cell 4 A. Number of Children > 1? B. Number of Children equals 1? C. Number of Children > 2? D. Number of Children equals 2? E. Number of Children > 3? Answer: (A) Cell 5 A. Is Type A Count equals 10? B. Is Type B Count equals 20? C. Is Type C Count equals 30? D. Is Type A Count equals 20? E. Is Type B Count equals 30? Answer: (D) Reasoning [30 Marks] Question 31- 60 This is a test of your ability to reason and to express problems in a simple form using conventional mathematical symbols.The items in the test require you to read a problem and formulate an answer for it. Sample question 1: A new homeowner ordered an air-conditioning system which costs A dollars, six wardrobes which cost W dollars a piece, and a dozen beds which cost B dollars each. The total cost of the order is A. A + W + B B. AB + 6W C. A + 6W + 12B D. A + (W + B) / 2 E. A + (2W +B)6 Answer: (C) Sample question 2: S dollars are divided amongst 3 persons, so that the first person receives $20 less than the second person, and the second person receives $20 less than the third person. What does the last person receive? A. S – 60 B.S- 40 C. S/3 -20 D. S/3 +20 E. None of the above Answer: (D) SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 5 of 7 Sample question 3: When a shipment of eggs was received, it was found that R eggs out of the total of P eggs were broken. Which of the following expressions indicates the percent of the eggs that were unbroken? A. R*100 / P B. P / R C. P/R *100 D. (P-R)*100 / P E. P + R Answer: (D) Sample question 4: In a box containing Z pens, S pens contain red lead and the rest contain blue lead. Which of the following expressions indicates the percent of the pe n containing blue lead? A. 100 (Z – S)] / Z B. 100 – (Z / S ) C. S / (Z – S) D. (Z – S) / (Z + S) E. 100S / (Z – S) Answer: (A) Number Ability [20 Marks] Question 61- 80 This test measures your ability to make rapid numerical calculations and estimates. Sample question 1: 123. 4 ? 1/10 (approximate) A. 1. 2 B. 12 C. 120 D. 1200 E. 12000 Answer: (D) Sample question 2: 40% of 645 (approximate) A. 230 B. 260 C. 25 D. 269 E. 250 Answer: (B) Sample question 3: 13. 5 + 49. 4 – 35. 2 A. 72. 20 B. 27. 70 C. 37. 20 D. 17. 40 E. 2. 77 Answer: (B) Sample question 4: 4/7 x 3. 90 A. 0. 222 SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems AnalysisPage 6 of 7 B. 22. 22 C. 2. 228 D. 222. 2 E. 2. 222 Answer: (C) Sample question 5: (36/9 + 16) / (5 x 5 – 20) A. 40 B. 0. 4 C. 0. 44 D. 44 E. 4 Answer: (E) English Language Ability [20 marks] Question 81 – 100 Read the following passage and answer the questions below. Oct 9, 2009 JewelF est still dazzles WITH recent signs that the economy is picking up, fair organisers and exhibitors are optimistic about sales at their events starting this weekend. The organiser of the seventh JewelFest, which opens today and runs until Oct 18, expects to see sales increase from last year's $10 million to $12 million this year.Some 36 exhibitors will showcase $120 million worth of gems at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, up from 33 exhibitors and $100 million worth of gems last year. A four-day car exhibition, the inaugural Asia AutoSalon 2009, opened yesterday at Singapore Expo. About 50,000 visitors are expected at the event, with sales of at least $1 million. It features more than 100 models from more than 50 exhibitors. Both organisers cited the improved economy as the reason for their bullish outlook. . — MY PAPER Sample question 1: â€Å"optimistic about sales† shows that A. the organisers and exhibitors have lack of confidenceB. the organisers and exhibitors are by n ature a group of cheerful people C. the organisers and exhibitors are full of confidence D. the organisers and exhibitors are expecting less people to the exhibitions E. the organisers and exhibitors are unhappy with their sales Answer: (C) Sample question 2: â€Å"cited the improved economy as the reason for their bullish outlook† can be best replaced by A. explained that their bullish outlook is due to the improved economy B. felt that their bullish outook is the reason for the improved economy C. indicated that the improved outlook is due to the good economy D. greed that good economy contributes to their bullish outlook E. presented that the economy has improved and that their outlook is bullish Answer: (A) SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 7 of 7 Sample question 3: â€Å"up from 33 exhibitors and $100 million worth of gems last year† implies that A. last year there were more exhibitors than this year B. last year there wer e less exhibitors than this year C. last year there were more sales than this year D. last year there were more customers than this year E. last year there were more gems than this year Answer: (B) SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Aptitude Test Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 1 of 7 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis (GDipSA) Aptitude Test Sample All GDipSA applicants are required to sit for the aptitude test. This is a test to measure your aptitudes for learning and performing the job of computer programming and systems analysis. There are four parts to the test and each part will be timed separately – Diagram Ability, Reasoning, Number Ability, and English Language Ability. It is designed to test your problem-solving ability, your ability to read and understand diagrams, etc. You can’t really study for the test.It is designed to test what abilities you have, as opposed to testing what facts or information you know. Sample Questions Diagramming [30 Marks] Question 1 – 30 In this section there are a number of problems with flow charts (schematic diagrams) that illustrate the process by which each problem is solved. The solution to a problem is illustrated in its diagram by following the arro ws from cell to cell. Sample question 1: Customer purchases tickets Buy as family package? N Charge $10 Y 1 N Charge price with 20% discount 2 Y Get the number of persons in family Charge full price Problem and conditions A.A themepark has decided to charge their entrance fee by individual or family package. ? As individual, ticket will be sold at $10 per person ? As family, ticket will be sold at $8 per person B. There is also a difference in the fee based on the entry time into the park. ? Entry to theme park before noon will be charged at the full price ? Entry to theme park after noon will be charged the normal price with a 20% discount SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 2 of 7 Cell 1. A. Is the entry before noon? B. Is the entry after noon? C. Customer purchases individual ticketD. Customer purchases a family package E. Customer makes payment Answer: (A) Cell 2. A. Charge $10 per person B. Charge $10 with 20% discount per person C. Charg e $8 per person D. Customer makes payment E. Check the time of entry Answer: (C) Sample question 2: ADD 1 TO RESIDENCE COUNT SET RESIDENCE COUNT TO 0 HOUSEHOLD INCOME > $ 5,000 SET TYPE A COUNT TO 0 N Y 2 SET TYPE B COUNT TO 0 NUMBER OF CHILDREN > 2 N Y N Y SET TYPE C COUNT TO 0 1 HOUSING SIZE > 100 M2 4 N Y N 3 N Y Y N HOUSEHOLD INCOME > $ 3,000 N NUMBER OF CHILDREN > 4 Y Y Y ADD 1 TO TYPE A COUNT ADD 1 TO TYPE B COUNTN ADD 1 TO TYPE C COUNT 5 N IS TYPE B COUNT EQUALS 30 N IS TYPE C COUNT EQUALS 10 Y Y Y SUFFICIENT TYPE A RESIDENCES FOUND SUFFICIENT TYPE B RESIDENCES FOUND SUFFICIENT TYPE C RESIDENCES FOUND END OF PROBLEM END OF PROBLEM N END OF PROBLEM N IS RESIDENCE COUNT EQUALS 200? Y OBJECTIVE NOT MET END OF PROBLEM SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 3 of 7 Problem and conditions for Drawing 1 A. 200 Residences are randomly drawn from a pool of 5000 Residences. B. The objective is to get a group of residences of any Type (A, B or C) of a certain quantity. C.Acceptance Criteria for various types of residences are as follows: Variable Household Income Housing Size Number of Children Quantity Required Type A > $5,000 > 120 m2 >2 20 Type B > $4,000 > 100 m2 >1 30 Type C > $3,000 > 90 m2 >4 10 D. A residence can be classified as more than one Type. (ie a Residence could be Type A as well as Type C). However the selection criteria require the residence to be of a single type. An order of preference is therefore used to select the final type for such Residences. The order of preference is classified as follows: 1. Type A 2. Type B 3. Type CIn other words, a residence having both Type A and C will be considered having a type of Type A. Cell 1 A. Household Income > $ 5,000? B. Household Income > $ 4,000? C. Household Income > $ 3,000? D. Residence is not Type A? E. Residence is not Type B? Answer: (B) Cell 2 A. Household Income > $ 5,000? B. Household Income > $ 4,000? C. Household Income > $ 3,000? D. Housing Size > 100 m2 ? E. Housing Size > 120 m2? Answer: (E) Cell 3 A. Housing Size > 80 m2? B. Housing Size > 90 m2? C. Housing Size > 100 m2? D. Household Income > $ 3,000? E. Household Income > $ 4,000?Answer: (B) SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 4 of 7 Cell 4 A. Number of Children > 1? B. Number of Children equals 1? C. Number of Children > 2? D. Number of Children equals 2? E. Number of Children > 3? Answer: (A) Cell 5 A. Is Type A Count equals 10? B. Is Type B Count equals 20? C. Is Type C Count equals 30? D. Is Type A Count equals 20? E. Is Type B Count equals 30? Answer: (D) Reasoning [30 Marks] Question 31- 60 This is a test of your ability to reason and to express problems in a simple form using conventional mathematical symbols.The items in the test require you to read a problem and formulate an answer for it. Sample question 1: A new homeowner ordered an air-conditioning system which costs A dollars, six wardrobes which cost W dollars a piece, and a dozen beds which cost B dollars each. The total cost of the order is A. A + W + B B. AB + 6W C. A + 6W + 12B D. A + (W + B) / 2 E. A + (2W +B)6 Answer: (C) Sample question 2: S dollars are divided amongst 3 persons, so that the first person receives $20 less than the second person, and the second person receives $20 less than the third person. What does the last person receive? A. S – 60 B.S- 40 C. S/3 -20 D. S/3 +20 E. None of the above Answer: (D) SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 5 of 7 Sample question 3: When a shipment of eggs was received, it was found that R eggs out of the total of P eggs were broken. Which of the following expressions indicates the percent of the eggs that were unbroken? A. R*100 / P B. P / R C. P/R *100 D. (P-R)*100 / P E. P + R Answer: (D) Sample question 4: In a box containing Z pens, S pens contain red lead and the rest contain blue lead. Which of the following expressions indicates the percent of the pe n containing blue lead? A. 100 (Z – S)] / Z B. 100 – (Z / S ) C. S / (Z – S) D. (Z – S) / (Z + S) E. 100S / (Z – S) Answer: (A) Number Ability [20 Marks] Question 61- 80 This test measures your ability to make rapid numerical calculations and estimates. Sample question 1: 123. 4 ? 1/10 (approximate) A. 1. 2 B. 12 C. 120 D. 1200 E. 12000 Answer: (D) Sample question 2: 40% of 645 (approximate) A. 230 B. 260 C. 25 D. 269 E. 250 Answer: (B) Sample question 3: 13. 5 + 49. 4 – 35. 2 A. 72. 20 B. 27. 70 C. 37. 20 D. 17. 40 E. 2. 77 Answer: (B) Sample question 4: 4/7 x 3. 90 A. 0. 222 SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems AnalysisPage 6 of 7 B. 22. 22 C. 2. 228 D. 222. 2 E. 2. 222 Answer: (C) Sample question 5: (36/9 + 16) / (5 x 5 – 20) A. 40 B. 0. 4 C. 0. 44 D. 44 E. 4 Answer: (E) English Language Ability [20 marks] Question 81 – 100 Read the following passage and answer the questions below. Oct 9, 2009 JewelF est still dazzles WITH recent signs that the economy is picking up, fair organisers and exhibitors are optimistic about sales at their events starting this weekend. The organiser of the seventh JewelFest, which opens today and runs until Oct 18, expects to see sales increase from last year's $10 million to $12 million this year.Some 36 exhibitors will showcase $120 million worth of gems at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, up from 33 exhibitors and $100 million worth of gems last year. A four-day car exhibition, the inaugural Asia AutoSalon 2009, opened yesterday at Singapore Expo. About 50,000 visitors are expected at the event, with sales of at least $1 million. It features more than 100 models from more than 50 exhibitors. Both organisers cited the improved economy as the reason for their bullish outlook. . — MY PAPER Sample question 1: â€Å"optimistic about sales† shows that A. the organisers and exhibitors have lack of confidenceB. the organisers and exhibitors are by n ature a group of cheerful people C. the organisers and exhibitors are full of confidence D. the organisers and exhibitors are expecting less people to the exhibitions E. the organisers and exhibitors are unhappy with their sales Answer: (C) Sample question 2: â€Å"cited the improved economy as the reason for their bullish outlook† can be best replaced by A. explained that their bullish outlook is due to the improved economy B. felt that their bullish outook is the reason for the improved economy C. indicated that the improved outlook is due to the good economy D. greed that good economy contributes to their bullish outlook E. presented that the economy has improved and that their outlook is bullish Answer: (A) SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012 Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis Page 7 of 7 Sample question 3: â€Å"up from 33 exhibitors and $100 million worth of gems last year† implies that A. last year there were more exhibitors than this year B. last year there wer e less exhibitors than this year C. last year there were more sales than this year D. last year there were more customers than this year E. last year there were more gems than this year Answer: (B) SA-DIP/ Aptitude Test Sample 2012

Finding Grace by Alyssa Brugman

Finding Grace by Alyssa Brugman Free Online Research Papers The novel, Finding Grace, by Alyssa Brugman explores the issue of the treatment of the disabled through the character of Grace. By slowly unveiling her story through the spooky box, the reader appreciates the value of life. The mystery surrounding the spooky box captures the reader’s attention to convey Grace’s values and beliefs. Grace assists Rachel and the reader to realise that the disabled should be treated with dignity and have a worthy life. Before the accident, Grace was very clear about her personal beliefs and values. She was opinionated and headstrong. She was career-oriented and the only barriers holding her back from success were the sexist mentalities of her colleagues. This caused a constant struggle with bosses such as â€Å"little Hitler† Andre (p.90) and the â€Å"cowardly, weak and stupid† Dmitri (p.90). Grace was deprived of jobs she was more than capable of doing because letting women practise law â€Å"just wasn’t done† (p.95). This can be seen in her work life where she would not accept sexism merely because â€Å"Ambitious and intelligent women can be scary for men.†(p.94) Grace also possessed the characteristic of honesty, although many of her work colleagues found her to be too outspoken and frank, â€Å"a crime punishable by death for a secretary† (p.93) She used this confidence to insult others. This can be seen in her letter to Mr Preston’s wife where Grace states it is â€Å"flattering that you believe he is unable to resist my alleged temptations† (p.148) Grace was also very persistent although others often perceived this as stubbornness. â€Å"She was particularly obstinate about not making coffee.† (p.92) Mr Preston believes that Grace still possesses this persistent quality and â€Å"If there’s a way out† of her disabled condition â€Å"Grace will find it.† (p.44) Although Grace appeared, â€Å"as tough as old boots†(p.152) she also had a softer side. She was â€Å"moved to tears by the most simple thing† (p.152) when she saw cars move to let an ambulance past. She also valued her family and friends. Herb and Bill speak of how, â€Å"Her mum and her was real close† (p.145) She appreciated them as friends and â€Å"She made a decent pie† (p.144) for them occasionally. Her relationship with her friend Yvonne also demonstrates her humility. Grace was able to forgive her friend even though they had lost contact. Her sisters are another example of this as she put up with them because they are family despite their forceful and selfish traits. Her relationship with Anthony also shows her ability to love. There are many struggles Grace attempted to overcome. Most of these were based on her work and love life. Her intimate relationship with Anthony, her â€Å"delectable love†, caused her many concerns. Grace questioned whether Anthony â€Å"was the one† and â€Å"if the word ‘marriage’ frightened him.† (p.162) This was worsened by the fact she was pregnant and felt guilty about their affair. Her relationship with Anthony was detrimental to her career as it was â€Å"abhorrent to our associates.† (p.162) She objected to animal cruelty and loved her cat. This can be seen in her letter to ‘Shouter’ and ‘Screamer’ where she objects â€Å"to the way you beat your dog† (p.77) Also, even after the accident when Prickles has been kicked, Grace responds to her cat’s distress by â€Å"Swaying rapidlyand making a short breathy sound.† (p.106) Grace’s character increases the reader’s awareness of the dignity of others, in particular, the disabled. She has a great impact on helping Rachel mature. In the start of the novel Rachel perceives Grace as a disabled woman, not a human being. This image changes as her previous life is uncovered. As Rachel undergoes these mental changes, so does the reader. â€Å"Before the accident. Grace had a lifea loverplans for the future.† (p.171)In Rachel’s eyes, Grace changes from being labelled â€Å"Snow White†, a fictional character, into a real woman; the â€Å"Grace woman† to â€Å"turtledove†. Grace was a complex character before her accident with an appreciation for life. Although she appeared as a tough feminist, behind this mask was still a compassionate woman with feelings. By positioning the reader to form an attachment to the young Grace, Brugman accentuates the sadness of Grace’s situation. This allows the reader to empathise with the disabled and be aware that they deserve to be treated with dignity. Research Papers on Finding Grace by Alyssa BrugmanComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoMind TravelTrailblazing by Eric AndersonBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyCapital Punishment19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New Employees

Summary and Review of Proof, a Play from David Auburn

Summary and Review of Proof, a Play from David Auburn Proof  by David Auburn premiered on Broadway in October 2000. It received national attention, earning the Drama Desk Award, the Pulitzer Prize, and the Tony Award for Best Play. The play is intriguing with fascinating dialogue and two characters who are well-developed and an academic, mathematical theme. It does, however, have a few downfalls. Plot Overview of Proof Catherine, the twenty-something daughter of an esteemed mathematician, has just laid her father to rest. He died after suffering from a prolonged mental illness. Robert, her father, had once been a gifted, ground-breaking professor. But as he lost his sanity, he lost his ability to coherently work with numbers. The audience quickly learns: Catherine is brilliant in her own right, but she fears that she might possess the same mental illness which ultimately incapacitated her father.Her older sister wants to take her to New York where she can be cared for, in an institution if need be.Hal (a devoted student of Roberts) searches through the professors files hoping to discover something usable so that his mentors final years wont have been a complete waste. During the course of his research, Hal discovers a pad of paper filled with profound, cutting-edge calculations. He incorrectly assumes the work was Roberts. In truth, Catherine wrote the mathematic proof. No one believes her. So now she must provide proof that the proof belongs to her. (Note the double-entendre in the title.) What Works in Proof? Proof  works very well during the father-daughter scenes. Of course, there are only a couple of these since the father character, after all, is dead. When Catherine does converse with her father, these flashbacks reveal her often conflicting desires. We learn that Catherines academic goals are thwarted by her responsibilities to her ailing father. Her creative urges are offset for her propensity for lethargy. And she worries that her so-far undiscovered genius might be a tell-tale symptom of the same affliction to which her father succumbed. David Auburns writing is at its most heartfelt when father and daughter express their love (and sometimes despair) for math. There is a poetry to their theorems. In fact, even when Roberts logic has failed him, his equations exchange rationality for a unique form of poetry: Catherine (Reading from her fathers journal.)Let X equal the quantities of all quantities of X.Let X equal the cold.Its cold in December.The months of cold equal November through February. Another strong point of the play is Catherine herself. She is a strong female character: incredibly bright, but by no means prone to flaunting her intellect. She is by far the most well-rounded of the characters (in fact, with the exception of Robert, the other characters seem bland and flat by comparison). Proof  has been embraced by colleges and high school drama departments. And with a leading character like Catherine, it is easy to understand why. A Weak Central Conflict One of the major conflicts of the play is Catherines inability to convince Hal and her sister that she actually invented the proof in her fathers notebook. For a while, the audience ​is unsure as well. After all, Catherines sanity is in question. Also, she has yet to graduate from college. And, to add one more layer of suspicion, the math is written in her fathers handwriting. But Catherine has a lot of other things on her plate. Shes dealing with grief, sibling rivalry, romantic tension, and the slow sinking feeling of losing ones mind. She isnt terribly concerned about proving that the proof is hers. She is deeply annoyed that the people closest to her fail to believe her. For the most part, she doesnt spend much time trying to prove her case. In fact, she even tosses the notepad down, saying that Hal can publish it under his name. Ultimately, because she doesnt really care about the proof, we the audience dont care too much about it either, thereby diminishing the conflict. A Poorly Conceived Romantic Lead One more downside: Hal. This character is sometimes nerdy, sometimes romantic, sometimes charming. But for the most part, hes a dweeb. Hes the most skeptical about Catherines academic abilities, yet it seems that if he wanted, he could talk to her for about five minutes and discover her mathematical skills. But he never bothers until the plays resolution. Hal never states this, but it seems that his main contention against Catherines authorship of the proof boils down to sexism. Throughout the play, he seems on the verge of shouting: You couldnt have written this proof! Youre just a girl! How could you be good at math? Sadly, theres a half-hearted love story tacked on. Or maybe its a lust story. Its hard to say. During the second half of the play, Catherines sister discovers that Hal and Catherine have been sleeping together. Their sexual relationship seems very casual, but it does kick the level of betrayal up a notch when Hal continues to doubt Catherines genius.

List of Organs Damaged by Smoking Expanded

List of Organs Damaged by Smoking Expanded Smoking causes diseases in nearly every organ of the body, according to a comprehensive report on smoking and health from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Published 40 years after the surgeon generals first report on smoking which concluded that smoking was a definite cause of three serious diseases this newest report finds that cigarette smoking is conclusively linked to diseases such as leukemia, cataracts, pneumonia, and cancers of the cervix, kidney, pancreas, and stomach. Weve known for decades that smoking is bad for your health, but this report shows that its even worse than we knew, said U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona in a press release. The toxins from cigarette smoke go everywhere the blood flows. Im hoping this new information will help motivate people to quit smoking and convince young people not to start in the first place. According to the report, smoking kills an estimated 440,000 Americans each year. On average, men who smoke cut their lives short by 13.2 years, and female smokers lose 14.5 years. The economic toll exceeds $157 billion each year in the United States $75 billion in direct medical costs and $82 billion in lost productivity. We need to cut smoking in this country and around the world, HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease, costing us too many lives, too many dollars, and too many tears. If we are going to be serious about improving health and preventing disease we must continue to drive down tobacco use. And we must prevent our youth from taking up this dangerous habit. In 1964, the Surgeon Generals report announced medical research showing that smoking was a definite cause of cancers of the lung and larynx (voice box) in men and chronic bronchitis in both men and women. Later reports concluded that smoking causes a number of other diseases such as cancers of the bladder, esophagus, mouth, and throat; cardiovascular diseases; and reproductive effects. The report, The Health Consequences of Smoking: A Report of the Surgeon General, expands the list of illness and conditions linked to smoking. The new illnesses and diseases are cataracts, pneumonia, acute myeloid leukemia, abdominal aortic aneurysm, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, kidney cancer and periodontitis. Statistics indicate that more than 12 million Americans have died from smoking since the 1964 report of the surgeon general, and another 25 million Americans alive today will most likely die of a smoking-related illness. The reports release comes in advance of World No Tobacco Day, an annual event on May 31 that focuses global attention on the health hazards of tobacco use. The goals of World No Tobacco Day are to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use, encourage people not to use tobacco, motivate users to quit and encourage countries to implement comprehensive tobacco control programs. Impacts of Smoking on Overall Health The report concludes that smoking reduces the overall health of smokers, contributing to such conditions as hip fractures, complications from diabetes, increased wound infections following surgery, and a wide range of reproductive complications. For every premature death caused each year by smoking, there are at least 20 smokers living with a serious smoking-related illness. Another major conclusion, consistent with recent findings of other scientific studies, is that smoking so-called low-tar or low-nicotine cigarettes does not offer any health benefit over smoking regular or full-flavor cigarettes. There is no safe cigarette, whether it is called light, ultra-light, or any other name, Dr. Carmona said. The science is clear: the only way to avoid the health hazards of smoking is to quit completely or to never start smoking. The report concludes that quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits, reducing risks for diseases caused by smoking and improving health in general. Within minutes and hours after smokers inhale that last cigarette, their bodies begin a series of changes that continue for years, Dr. Carmona said. Among these health improvements are a drop in heart rate, improved circulation, and reduced risk of heart attack, lung cancer, and stroke. By quitting smoking today a smoker can assure a healthier tomorrow. Dr. Carmona said it is never too late to stop smoking. Quitting smoking at age 65 or older reduces by nearly 50 percent a persons risk of dying of a smoking-related disease. Unexpected Organs Damaged by Smoking Aside from the major organs- heart, lungs, brain, stomach, etc.- cigarette smoking and excessive exposure to secondhand smoke can cause damage to some unexpected parts of the body, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Ears: By reducing the flow of oxygen to the cochlea, a snail-shaped organ in the inner ear, smoking can damage the cochlea, resulting in mild to moderate hearing loss.   Eyes: Besides increasing the risk of blindness from cataracts, nicotine from cigarettes reduces the body’s ability to produce the chemical necessary for being able to see at night, especially dangerous when driving after dark. Mouth: Long known for causing disfiguring and potentially fatal oral cancers, cigarette smoke is now known to cause smokers to have more mouth sores, ulcers and gum diseases than non-smokers. In addition, smokers are more likely to have tooth decay and lose their teeth at a younger age. Skin and Face: By causing the skin to become dry and lose its elasticity, smoking can lead to stretch marks and wrinkles. By their early 30s, many regular smokers have already developed deep wrinkles around their mouth and eyes. According to the NHLBI, quitting smoking can protect the skin from premature aging.

Marketing planing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Marketing planing - Assignment Example M&S has been operating for last 129 years and has â€Å"grown from single market stall to an international multi-channel retailer† (Marks and Spencer plc., 2013a). The company is operating in more than 50 territories all over the world and has almost 82,000 employees. The organization stands on the pillars of trust, innovation, service, value and quality and works hard to offers quality products that are relevant to the customers. M&S is diversifying its product range, channel, locations and store that will help the company in broadening the international operations and reduces the dependence on UK. The turnover that M&S generates from its operations in UK are segregated into two parts like general merchandise contributes about 46% and food contributes 54%. They have nearly 766 stores all over UK and a flourishing e-commerce business (Marks and Spencer plc., 2013b). The company sells great value and high quality food. They aim towards providing the customers with an outstandin g shopping experience. The study focuses on formulating a marketing plan for M&S after conducting the marketing audit and identifying its strength weakness opportunities and threat. 1. a. Review the changing pattern in the marketing planning and assess capability of your chosen company in carrying out the marketing plan. Changing pattern The process of bringing the ability of the organization and requirement of the customers under one roof is termed as marketing. Profit generation and marketing are two interrelated items. The customer receives benefits, gets satisfied, makes payment and in turn the company makes profits. However this balance in the market place is dependent on many factors, which is achieved through various practices and affects the marketing environment (Westwood, 2002). Cultural and Local preferences The customers are seen to show preference on some particular products based on the national culture, local conditions and local traditions. M&S has been expanding the ir business in large number of countries. In order to enhance the international buying process the company has amalgamated their central planning with the knowledge about local market and has created tailored products that reflects customers profile, culture and local seasonality (Marks and Spencer plc., 2013b). Government Policies The economic, political and legal conditions of the country in which a firm operates can affect the marketing plan; like exchange rates are often seen to influence the decision of manufacturing locally. The operating profit of M&S has been seen to decline by 9.9%, which was due to start up cost, macroeconomic condition and currency translation. The company has planned to launch in-country websites to reach the customers more easily. Competition The competitors are also seen to impact the marketing plan of the company. Product, pricing and many other facets are affected by them. M&S have many competitors like Tesco, BHS and Asda with whom they have to comp ete. Not only in the home market but also they face stiff competition in the other countries. Change in Technology The technology is undergoing dramatic changes, which is also leading to changes in the requirement of the customers. Innovation has lead changes the ways M&S conducts business. They have launched transactional websites in about ten markets. The company has

Literary Analysis Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Literary Analysis Paper - Assignment Example lped each other and made life bearable, the aspect of race is brought out in the story however the social class which a person belongs to have a bigger role. The two characters have the ability to be victimizers since they have one another. They share the same fact of being left by their parents in St. Bonny’s. The reason for Twyla to be there was because â€Å"she danced for the whole night† and Roberta’s was because she was ill. Both girls felt the pain of being abandoned by their parents and it was the main reason that the girls remained together irrespective of their different races. The later meeting they had at the dinner was however described as not worm by Twyla. The aspect of their racial difference seemed to be an issue of the feeling. However, when the two ladies talk about their meeting they mention of how they lived together in Newburgh, a society that was segregated racially and also had different social and economic classes (Yurdasever 36). Roberta got married to a rich person, and Twyla married a fireman. The hierarchies of power are involved with powerlessness and also intimidation; however, in the scene of business they are comprised with race. In the story Twyla described Maggie as being â€Å"sandy-colored,† and when Roberta referred to Maggie as a black person Twyla immediately rejected the idea. The memory of Twyla can get the question at this time; also to be questioned is the completeness of Twyla in terms of storytelling. She states â€Å"I could not be certain." She questioned her memory and could not tell the race in which Maggie belonged. She only remembered that Maggie had semicircle legs and a kiddie hat. It indicates that the race was not a major issue in St. Bonny’s. However, in the community the two women are living the aspect of race has taken a new meaning (Yurdasever 39). Elizabeth Abel indicates â€Å"Roberta is skeptical concerning racial harmony.† The issue of her mother being overbearing is supposed to be the cause for

Summary response paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary response paper - Essay Example The result is that the general southern populations eat unhealthy foods in a region that is still much agriculturally productive; large scale production and technology have taken over agriculture and the produce is exported elsewhere since it is now a luxury to the poor southerners. Hence, the rich eat healthy and get thinner while the poor eat unhealthy meals and become obese. I contend that Sabin raises a critical observation and that mass production of fresh foods for export may be killing the ability of the poor to access these foods forcing them to eat fast foods. I have found it cheaper to visit fast food stores than make a purchase at gourmet eating places which are now the reserve of the high-end markets. I however would argue that the activities of large scale producers should not hinder organic farmers; a policy of not competing with them would be important. If all small scale farmers practiced their traditional production, there would still be enough fresh produce for the local markets. Stanley articulates the issue of our uncontrolled consumerism and disregard for the plants and animals and even the earth in our efforts to satisfy our guts. He argues that the production process is concealed from the market to civilize the same form of savagery practiced in the jungle. We really are just as bad as wild animals; â€Å"†¦Man is such a hypocrite: I often watched these documentaries in fascinated horror while casually chomping a chicken breast sandwich on my couch†. The production process remains hidden from the consumer with the packaging and marketing concealing the cruel sourcing (112). Stanley argues that it is quite difficult for someone raised on meat to transform into a vegetarian and states that we should mind how we treat the living sources of food to compensate for our dependence on them (115). The ignorance of the

International Financial Reporting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

International Financial Reporting - Essay Example Moreover, in order to explain the concept, certain examples have been discussed for a hypothetical organisation - Noka. IAS 16 deals with recognition of property, plant and equipment; and their depreciation charge calculation. It also provides guidance on how to determine the carrying value of these assets and the treatment during disposal of these fixed assets. In order to facilitate the users in reading financial statements, IAS 16 standardises the recognition, measurement, revaluation, depreciation and de-recognition of property, plant and equipment; and provides guidance on accounting treatments. The standard provides flexibility to organisations in terms of subsequent measurement of value of the fixed asset. So, it can either be stated at original cost (less impairment and depreciation), or can be revalued to state its fair value (the current market value). The organisation must state the method used to measure the asset in the disclosure section of the financial statements. This would assist users in determining whether the original cost is used to value the asset or if the market value is used to provide a fair value closer to the current market value. ... The organisation must state the method used to measure the asset in the disclosure section of the financial statements. This would assist users in determining whether the original cost is used to value the asset or if the market value is used to provide a fair value closer to the current market value. But, in order to assure the users that revaluation was done properly, addition disclosures are required including date of revaluation, method used to revalue, if independent valuer was involved, etc. The implication of carrying value is significant. This is because in most circumstances, organisations would opt to incur additional expenses of revaluing the asset only if they are confident that revaluation will assist in increasing the carrying value of the asset. This directly impacts the balance sheet. Depreciation The depreciation is the charge on usage of the asset; and is treated as a non-cash expense. At the end of the year, depreciation is charged to the income statement of the organization. IAS 16 requires that organisations use a depreciation method consistent to the useful life of the asset (the period in which economic benefits can be obtained from the asset). The method used to calculate depreciation may vary. In addition, organisations are allowed to change the depreciation method but it has to be documented under disclosure section along with reasons for the change. The implications may be significant. If reducing balance method of depreciation is used, the company will be able to depreciate the asset faster in the beginning as opposed to straight line depreciation that requires same depreciation charge for the entire useful life of the asset. De-recognition or

Foreign Exchange Rates as Unbiased Estimate of Future Sport Rates Dissertation

Foreign Exchange Rates as Unbiased Estimate of Future Sport Rates - Dissertation Example This knowledge will enable the formulation of trading strategies to enhance the effectiveness of market entry and exit, to properly time the purchase of currencies at the lows, and the sale at the highs, or to adopt an adequate hedging position. The study employed three methods of determining the existence of EMH with the intention of arriving at results that corroborate each other, since any one method taken alone can never be assuredly accurate. The first method employs the regression of future spot rates against forward exchange premiums. The second method tests for a confirmation of the unbiased forward rate hypothesis which is indicated by the co-integration of the forward exchange rate and the future spot rate. The third method employs an analysis of EMH on real terms also through regression modeling and equation estimation. Each of the three methods provided evidence that the efficient market hypothesis is valid in the currencies exchange market, specifically in the Swiss fran c – US dollar spot and forward exchange rates. The weak form of market efficiency has been tested and validated, for which reason investors and business would most likely not realize abnormal profits through the use of methods of technical analysis for price forecasting. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 5 Background of the problem 5 Statement of the issue 6 Structure of the work 7 Literature Review 8 EMH and the Foreign Currencies Market 8 EMH in the forex market before and after the 2008 global financial crisis 9 The relationship of forward and spot rates in the forex market 10 Further studies on the predictability of foreign exchange rate behavior 12 Theoretical Framework 14 The Efficient Market Hypothesis 14 Weak form EMH. 15 Semi-strong form EMH 16 Strong form EMH 18 Evidence for and against EMH 19 Empirical Framework 21 Results 23 First Test: Result of regression estimation 23 Second Test: Determining co-integration between st+1 and ft 27 Thi rd Test: Real terms 30 Conclusion 33 Summary of the dissertation 33 Conclusion 34 Other studies could explore the semi-strong and strong forms of efficiency in the currencies exchange market. Responses of prices to news announcements affecting fundamental value or confidence about the underlying economy may prove useful to determining the rate of adjustment of a partially semi-strong efficient market to newly available information. It shall also be a challenge to conduct a study on the strong form market efficiency, because of the difficulty of obtaining data on essentially illegal activities. 36 Bibliography 37 Introduction Background of the problem In the early sixties and prior, the exchange rates in international currencies were governed by the fixed exchange rate regime. From 1973, however, the general free floating exchange rate regime was adopted by the major European central banks, with other international monetary systems adopting the same policy. As a result, companies wit h international exposure (there were very few â€Å"multinationals† then) were particularly prone to shifts in exchange rates of the currencies in which it dealt with (Soenen, 1979). Companies with international operations would at any one time be purchasing raw materials in countries where they are cheap, with their local currency, and selling the finished products in other countries where the demand is great, also with their local

Home work Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Home work - Assignment Example Technical writing has several characteristics, including having a specific purpose for writing, the audience written for, providing accurate information, and logical and linear organization (â€Å"Characteristics†). The mentioned characteristics are found in the given prose. The purpose of the prose is to inform readers in a matter-of-fact manner the characteristics and causes of fog, most probably written for academically-engaged individuals like science students. The prose provides scientific information necessary for the audience and not consisting opinions, as in technical writing. It is arranged in an organized manner, initially introducing fog, then progressing to its types and occurrences, finally concluding to how fog poses hazards to vehicle drivers’ ways to disperse fog. The presence of such technical writing features in the prose thus supports that the characteristics of the former can be applied to the latter. Reference Characteristics of technical writing. (n.d.).

Foreign Exchange Rates as Unbiased Estimate of Future Sport Rates Dissertation

Foreign Exchange Rates as Unbiased Estimate of Future Sport Rates - Dissertation Example This knowledge will enable the formulation of trading strategies to enhance the effectiveness of market entry and exit, to properly time the purchase of currencies at the lows, and the sale at the highs, or to adopt an adequate hedging position. The study employed three methods of determining the existence of EMH with the intention of arriving at results that corroborate each other, since any one method taken alone can never be assuredly accurate. The first method employs the regression of future spot rates against forward exchange premiums. The second method tests for a confirmation of the unbiased forward rate hypothesis which is indicated by the co-integration of the forward exchange rate and the future spot rate. The third method employs an analysis of EMH on real terms also through regression modeling and equation estimation. Each of the three methods provided evidence that the efficient market hypothesis is valid in the currencies exchange market, specifically in the Swiss fran c – US dollar spot and forward exchange rates. The weak form of market efficiency has been tested and validated, for which reason investors and business would most likely not realize abnormal profits through the use of methods of technical analysis for price forecasting. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 5 Background of the problem 5 Statement of the issue 6 Structure of the work 7 Literature Review 8 EMH and the Foreign Currencies Market 8 EMH in the forex market before and after the 2008 global financial crisis 9 The relationship of forward and spot rates in the forex market 10 Further studies on the predictability of foreign exchange rate behavior 12 Theoretical Framework 14 The Efficient Market Hypothesis 14 Weak form EMH. 15 Semi-strong form EMH 16 Strong form EMH 18 Evidence for and against EMH 19 Empirical Framework 21 Results 23 First Test: Result of regression estimation 23 Second Test: Determining co-integration between st+1 and ft 27 Thi rd Test: Real terms 30 Conclusion 33 Summary of the dissertation 33 Conclusion 34 Other studies could explore the semi-strong and strong forms of efficiency in the currencies exchange market. Responses of prices to news announcements affecting fundamental value or confidence about the underlying economy may prove useful to determining the rate of adjustment of a partially semi-strong efficient market to newly available information. It shall also be a challenge to conduct a study on the strong form market efficiency, because of the difficulty of obtaining data on essentially illegal activities. 36 Bibliography 37 Introduction Background of the problem In the early sixties and prior, the exchange rates in international currencies were governed by the fixed exchange rate regime. From 1973, however, the general free floating exchange rate regime was adopted by the major European central banks, with other international monetary systems adopting the same policy. As a result, companies wit h international exposure (there were very few â€Å"multinationals† then) were particularly prone to shifts in exchange rates of the currencies in which it dealt with (Soenen, 1979). Companies with international operations would at any one time be purchasing raw materials in countries where they are cheap, with their local currency, and selling the finished products in other countries where the demand is great, also with their local

Business and the business environment of Starbuck Essay

Business and the business environment of Starbuck - Essay Example Strong and persistent focus on international sales led to significant growth and expansion of this company during the subsequent years. During the second quarter of 2010, for instance, Starbucks’ profits increased eightfold to $217.3 million (Starbucks, 2010a). Currently, this company has more than 1700 stores in various locations in the world. It distributes its products in terms of stores and does not sell franchises. Apart from specialty coffee, this company owns other two brands namely; Tazo Tea and Seattle’s Best Coffee. This paper examines the external and the internal environments affecting the performance of this company. It also analyzes the key stakeholders of this company and their relationships to the company. PESTEL Analysis The following PESTEL analysis will examine in brief the factors of the external environment that affect the performance of this Starbucks namely economic, environmental, political, legal issues, social and technological factors. Politic al Environment One of the political factors affecting the performance of Starbucks is trade restrictions in terms of tariffs and other non-tariff barriers placed by various countries across their international borders. Strict and coercive trade barriers may adversely affect the ability of this company to source the best beans and to export its output to over 50 countries in which it operates (Anon, 2010). In addition, this may adversely affect its reputation, sales and competitiveness in the global market. Secondly, political stability in the countries where Starbucks operates is an important issue. In Israel, Starbucks was forced to put off all of its operations due to political hostility between the Palestinians and Jews (Starbucks, 2012). This adversely affected its strategy for expansion into the international market. Generally, political environment is unfavourable to some extent and presents threats to this company. European Union recently expanded to include Hungary, Slovakia , Poland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovenia, Latvia, Lithuania Cyprus and Malta (Kole, 2011). This makes trade across the borders of these countries more liberal and opens opportunities for Starbucks to expand its operations into those markets. Finally, Starbucks has in the past been evading paying corporate taxes in various countries in Europe and this issue has adverse effect on its reputation in the European market (Kole, 2011). Recently, this company has bowed to pressure from the UK government authorities to pay taxes from 2013 henceforth. It is vital for Starbucks should be compliant to such government requirements in all countries where it operates to avoid damaging its image. Economic Environment The stability of the US dollar is a vital issue to the operations of Starbucks. Weak monetary policies, for instance may lead to a decline in the dollar rates in comparison to other currencies (Oxford University Press, 2010). The company may as a result incur higher costs of vit al inputs such as coffee, milk and sugar. This may force the company to pass the extra cost to the consumer, which may put at risk its reputation, sales and competitiveness. The recent economic crisis that peaked in 2007 and 2008 led to increased unemployment rates in many countries. For instance, the number of unemployed persons in Britain rose three-fold to 2.5 million by 2010 (National Coffee Drinking Trends, 2011). This also adversely affecte

Investigating Special Education Internet Resources Essay Example for Free

Investigating Special Education Internet Resources Essay Family Village For Families of Children with Special Needs http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/websites.html This website offers a wide variety of resources for the community to use when trying to navigate around the internet. It has sources such as Parent to Parent Matching, Mental health Websites, Diagnosis, and Internet resources. The Tulsa Area Alliance on Disabilities – http://208.112.118.116/disabili.html The website explains the benefits of early inclusion with students with and without disabilities. The website also breaks down the stages in which the person should be reaching milestones such as work and self-sufficiency. Tulsa Kids For Parents. For Families. For Life http://www.tulsakids.com/October2011/Tulsa-Special-Needs-Resource-Guide/ The Tulsa Kids for Parents webstie offers five pages facilities where children with disabilities can utilize for exercise, activities, cheerleading, horseback riding and many other events that students with disabilities can participate in. This site also provides churches, foundations, learning facilities and legal services. This can be very helpful when parents are searching for activities their child may be interested or therapeutic exercise. United Way – Tulsa Area United Way – http://www.tauw.org/Member_Agencies.asp The Untied Way provides a tremendous amount of support in the Tulsa area for people with disabilities. The United Way partners with agencies to provide support for services the New Leaf that provides residential living skills classes and vocational training. Parents National Center for Learning Disabilities – http://www.ncld.org The NCLD website provides over 101 videos on different disabilities in order for parents to get an understanding of what type of disability their child may have. Not only does it provide facts about the disabilities it also provides true life stories from parents who have a child with a disability. Oklahoma Department of Human Services – http://www.okdhs.org/programsand services/dd/prvdrs/docs/providerlistab.htmlThe Department of Human Services is one of the most crucial services a parent can utilize. Having a child born with a disability is very expensive and the services the parents are offered are sometimes are life savers. Families can rely on free home visits for therapy, vouchers for formula, free shots and wellness baby checkups. Wrightslaw – http://www.wrightslaw.com/ Wrightslaw is a website that provides newsletters for parents to subscribe to concerning where to turn for Special Advocacy, Legal issues, revised regulations in education. This is a must to parents with a child that has a disability due to the fact that the website gets you headed in the right directs if a problem arises. The information is up to day on the No Child Left Behind Act. Students Funbrain – www.funbrain.com This website provides interactive games such as connect the dots to create a picture of an animal or character. Funbrain is for all school age students and are arranged in different grade levels. KidsKnowIt Network – http://www.kidsknowit.com – The Kids Know It Network can be used as a homework helper by watching math videos on the problems a student may be struggling with. There are also bidoes on astronomy, biology, geology, history, math, memory and so much more. Teachers can utilize this website as an additional tool in the classroom. The great part about this website is it is free. Learn4Good – http://www.learn4good.com/kids/indes.htm Learn4Good offers all ages Pre-k through 12 interactive games, lessons, math, reading, and can provide a report on student progress. At first I did not think students should be on this website but then took a closer look at what it had to offer the lower grades as well as the upper grades. Many times the older grades do not have enough educational websites to keep their interests or only geared to lower level learners. Starfall – http://www.starfall.com – Starfall offers children a large variety of learning tools to begin students learning adventures for all ages. The different categories range from learning their alphabet, colors, days, sounds to the students reading. My students with disabilities use this website when they come into the computer lab. Teachers Department of Education http://www.ed.gov The Department of Education is one of the most valuable websites that keeps teachers and administrators informed of the changing laws in education. It provides resources for grants, professional development and funding. Do2Learn http://www.do2learn.com Do2Learn is a must for teachers who teach children with autism. It allows you to print pictures of the child’s daily routine with flash cards. Self help toilet procedures, clothing, social behaviors and emotions. It offers over 2,500 pictures cards that can be printed. Most features on this site are free but there are some that you will need a subscription for. This website is a must for parents and teachers who work with Autistic students. Khan Academy http://www.khanacademy.org Khan Academy is one of the most valuable websites for teachers to utilize as a resources tool. It offers 750 math videos that allows students to view a 3-5 minute video on the math problem that they are currently working. If students struggle with a certain step of a math problem they can view the video as many times as they may need. This is great as a homework helper. Learning Disabilities Association of America http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/teachers/index.asp The LDA can provide a path to understanding of many of the disabilities that teachers come in contact with every day. As an educator it is important to utilize resources that can provide definitions of their student’s disabilities. It provides signs, symptoms and strategies. National Association of Special Education Teachers http://www.naset.org The NASET offers a wide range of resources for teachers such as Professional Development Courses, IEP Development Tools, E-Journals, IEP Golas, Objectives and Activities App. The most up to day features are also avail and can be utilized form your ipad or iphone app. One very important feature about this website is that it provides handouts, printable forms and reports. No Child Left Behind http://www.2.edu.gov/nclb.landing.jhtml The No Child Left Behind website offers resources for teachers and strategies that can be utilized in the classroom. Free special educational resources, bullying resources, are just some of the resources. The website also provides changes in the state standards, which is something that all teachers need to be aware of at all times.

The Impact of Wal-mart Essay examples -- Business, Low Prices

Wal-Mart, the multi-billion dollar corporation and the second largest employer in the world, is the most controversial corporation in the world. Wal-Mart stands as a global powerhouse and affects countless individuals around the world. This company is constantly receiving criticism from unions, human rights groups, small towns and small businesses. There are accusations of Wal-Mart treating workers poorly and driving small businesses out of business. However these accusations are false and over exaggerated. Wal-Mart offers families and low income individuals quality products at affordable prices. Their workers are paid competitive wages and are treated with respect. Wal-Mart opens their stores in rural and under developed areas. Wal-Mart improves the lives of the folks who live rural area and improves their lifestyles. Wal-Mart provides low prices for people to afford more of these great products and to stretch their dollar more. Wal-Mart opens their stores in rural areas that are destitute. These people don’t have the ability to buy the latest and finest products around. That lifestyle of buying and getting the modern item is foreign to them. Thanks to Wal-Mart these people are able to grasp this lifestyle and experience for themselves (Coster 1). People are saving hundreds of dollars and these savings really add up. According to a study by the New England Consulting group, U.S. consumers save $100 billion annually, or $600 for the average America family (Maich 6). These savings for consumers and families are astounding. This data is not only about those who shop at Wal-Mart but this data is about all consumers. This is so because â€Å"Wal-Mart sells for less, it forces competitors to cut prices in order to compete† (Maich 6). A s... ...pplications for their jobs. Every time a new store opens, Wal-Mart receives 6 to 10 applications for each job that is available (Maich 5). If Wal-Mart was horrendous and a poor employer, there will be no applying for these jobs. This shows that Wal-Mart is a great employer and not what critic says it is. Wal-Mart is beneficial to many types of people. Wal-Mart is good for the economy and good to it workers. Wal-Mart hires many people from different walks of life and offers their workers many benefits that others retailers don’t offer. Wal-Mart with their low prices benefits consumers and help consumers to save. Wal-Mart is a positive to local economies and improves profits of local businesses. Wal-Mart is not a monster as critics’ states and all these attacks by critics are incorrect. Wal-Mart is not perfect but it is better than most of the other corporations.

Organizational Behavior and Its Importance to a Company Essay -- Organ

Organizational Behavior and Its Importance to a Company What is organizational behavior and why is it important for a company to understand it? There are several crucial reasons why companies should utilize the concepts of organizational behavior, as well as understand the key terms that are associated with organizational behavior. To understand and utilize organizational behavior there are several key terms that must also be understood, for example organizational culture, diversity, communication, organizational effectiveness and efficiency, organizational learning. Intracorp, a bill review company, has the potential to be more efficient and employees could possibly be more eager to meet intended goals. Definition of Organization Behavior Organizational behavior is defined as â€Å"Organizational Behavior is the study and application of knowledge about how people, individuals, and groups act in organizations† (Clark, 1998). Being able to understand how individuals act within the organization gives management the tools needed to develop an â€Å"effective leadership guide† (Clark, 1998). Should management try and implement a way of leadership that most of the employees are not familiar with will only lead to conflict. It is important that management develop and interpersonal relationship and understand their employees goals should they want the most out of their employees. Intracorp could be one of the leading bill review companies should they have happy and willing emp...

Outsourcing Essay

†¢ Question 1: Is the accounting policy proposed by OSI to defer costs associated with the origination of the agreement an appropriate policy? What advice would you give OSI regarding its policy election? Accounting policy proposed by OSI to defer costs is an appropriate policy. Cost should be deferred if they create or add value to an asset. In FASB Concept Statement No. 6, Par 25 states asset as â€Å"probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by a particular entity as a result of past transactions or events.† In the case of Outsourcing, management believes all up-front cost incurred are a necessary investment and will generate substantial profits through call revenue, therefore we could say the costs associated with the contract are part of revenue generating arrangement. This arrangement could be consider as an asset because revenue (Set-up and Call revenue) provides a future economic benefit, and this arrangement is controlled by Outsourcing Services, Inc. †¢ Question 2: If the accounting policy to defer costs is appropriate, what costs, if any, would be eligible? Any cost directly relate to the revenue arrangement are considered eligible for deferral. SAB Topic 13Af provide descriptions of cost that are eligible for deferral. Eligible cost are in the case of Outsourcing are: a) $1,500,000 Direct costs to a third party to configure OSI – The direct cost is incremental direct cost incurred with third parties. (FAS-91 or ASC 605-20-25-4) b) $250,000 Sales Commission – allow deferring the cost under FTB 90-1 because it is associated with the contract. c) $50,000 corporate cost – corporate personnel dedicated to contract negotiation is direct loan origination costs, these cost are eligible for deferral under FASB Statement No. 91 or ASC 310-20-25-2. †¢ Question 3: If there are costs for which deferral is appropriate, what is the appropriate period over which to defer these costs Utilizing matching principle: recognize deferred cost at the same time as related revenue is recognized. In the case of Outsourcing, they will recognize revenue over the estimated customer life, therefore the costs listed in question 2 are deferred and expensed over the period of 4.3 years. Both SAB Topic 13Af, question 4 and SC 605-20-25-4 state â€Å"acquisition of that contract (incremental direct acquisition costs) shall be deferred and charged to expense in proportion to the revenue recognized†.