Sex Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Sex Education - Essay Example Sometimes, when children ask where babies come from, parents would respond that babies come from storks and would stop at that explanation. Seeing that there is not enough information about sex and sexuality from the family, a teen would turn to other sources of information such as the television, movies, music, magazines, the internet, friends and even boyfriends and girlfriend. The television, movies, and music most of the times treat sex and sexuality as something that can be done anywhere, with anyone, and can be done without any responsibilities. Most of these media sources also show sex and sexuality as a way to be cool, is equal to showing affection to someone, and can be done without worry-free and without risks. Some even exaggerate about sex and sexuality and as a result they send off the wrong information. Some examples of these false information are having more than one sexual partner is alright, protection against sexually transmitted diseases is not necessary, you look cool and you become a hunk when you have had sex with lots of girls, having sex with someone you had just met is cool and acceptable, and o ther false beliefs about sex and sexuality. Magazines and the internet are also the same with television, movies and music. However, magazines and the internet are more popularly known to have been used for improper information about sex and sexuality that at times these materials are classified as illegal. In magazines and the internet, sex and sexuality is simply naked bodies of men and women and no scientific or academic explanation can be obtained from these sources. Though some magazines and some sites from the internet are educational and can be sources of proper explanation for sex and sexuality, those providing incorrect information are more common than those that give the right information. Some false information we get from magazines and the internet

Payroll system Essay Example for Free

Payroll system Essay A study or a project of this volume can never be the outcome of a single person or just a mere group of dedicated students. We are indebted to our subject teacher for being the epitome of guidance during the entire project. We are also thankful to our, HOD, Computer science Dept. for their encouragement. Without their help this project would not have seen the light of day. We are happy to present a vote of thanks to them for their sincere advice and co-operation that they have lent us unconditionally. SYNOPSIS : This is in-house system , entirely processed by hand. Where it will used to maintain the set of new employee with salary details, And the calculation of salary. The main output of the system is , to interactively calculate the salary of employee. 1. INTRODUCTION 1. 1 ORGANIZATION PROFILE : We don’t have any big organizational profile as such. We mainly focus on completing our work within the given stipulated time and also fulfilling the requirements of the end user with our software product. 1. 2 OVERVIEW OF PROJECT : The main purpose of the system is to calculate the monthly salary on the basis of the attendance of employee and the entered salary(included all types of tax and deductions). 1. 3 SYSTEM SPECIFICATION 1. 3. 1 HARDWARE SPECIFICATION : CPU -Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 RAM 1GB (MIN) Hard disk 160GB Operating System Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (CHT) 1. 3. 2 SOFTWARE SPECIFICATION PLATFORM : JAVA IDE : Eclipse DATABASE : Microsoft Access OS : Windows 1. 3. 3 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION : Simple payroll system is implemented in java platform. Main aim of this project is to develop a software application for organization through which they can mange financial information of employees. Using this application organization will manage employee salary. Details are maintained in database for future use. 2. SYSTEM ANALYSIS 2. 1EXISTING SYSTEM : In existing system still many organizations use manual methods for managing employees salary. Payments are given to hand which is not a effective method. This method will not provide pay related information for employees when they apply for bank loans. Also, in existing system it is hard to retrieve old data because data is maintained in records there is chances of loosing data in this method. 2. 2 PROPOSED SYSTEM : In order to solve this problem we will develop a payroll system through which different aspects of employee information is maintained. In our system data is managed in centralized database so retrieving old data is easy. Thus , data is got through a single application. 3. CONCLUSION Thus , the information about the employee can be stored and retrieved at anytime , easily using our simple payroll system. 4. BIBLIOGRAPHY www. google.  com http://docs. oracle. com/javase/tutorial/index. html 5. SCOPE OF FUTURE ENHANCEMENT This project has many future applications like it can be used in any of the Retail Outlet of Any Type companies. This project was build keeping in mind all the requirements of these outlets and they can be implemented in any such type of organization with very few modification. With modifications it can be possible for Employee Attendance to control all retail outlets by connecting them through a network. Because of this software all they need is a Server application and any type of connectivity to that server.

Candide: A Satire On The Enlightenment :: Voltaire Candide Essays

Candide: A Satire On The Enlightenment Works Cited Missing Candide is an outlandishly humorous, far-fetched tale by Voltaire satirizing the optimism espoused by the philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment. It is the story of a young man’s adventures throughout the world, where he witnesses much evil and disaster. Throughout his travels, he adheres to the teachings of his tutor, Pangloss, believing that "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds." Candide is Voltaire’s answer to what he saw as an absurd belief proposed by the Optimists - an easy way to rationalize evil and suffering. Though he was by no means a pessimist, Voltaire refused to believe that what happens is always for the best.The Age of Enlightenment is a term applied to a wide variety of ideas and advances in the fields of philosophy, science, and medicine. The primary feature of Enlightenment philosophy is the belief that people can actively work to create a better world. A spirit of social reform characterized the political ideology of Enlightenme nt philosophers. While Voltaire’s Candide is heavily characterized by the primary concerns of the Enlightenment, it also criticizes certain aspects of the movement. It attacks the idea that optimism, which holds that rational thought can inhibit the evils perpetrated by human beings. Voltaire did not believe in the power of reason to overcome contemporary social conditions.In Candide, Voltaire uses Pangloss and his ramblings to represent an often humorous characterization of the "typical" optimist. Of Pangloss, Voltaire writes, "He proved admirably that there cannot possibly be an effect without a cause and that in the best of all possible worlds the Baron’s castle was the best of all castles and his wife the best of all possible Baronesses." (522) The attack on the claim that this is "the best of all possible worlds" permeates the entire novel. Throughout the story, satirical references to this theme contrast with natural catastrophes and human wrongdoing. When reunited with the diseased and dying Pangloss, who had contracted syphilis, Candide asks if the Devil is at fault. Pangloss simply responds that the disease was a necessity in this "the best of all possible worlds", for it was brought to Europe by Columbus’ men, who also brought chocolate and cochineal, two greater goods that well offset any negative effects of the disease. (526)The multitudes of disasters, which Candide endures, culminate in his eventual, if temporary, abandonment of optimism.

Case Study: Improving Health by Getting Lean Essay

1. What perspective(s) of organizational effectiveness best describe the application of lean management practices? Describe how specific elements of that perspective related to the interventions described in this case study. This case study utilized several perspectives of organizational effectiveness to help adapt their goal of lean management. Within the open system perspective the most common strategy is to change the company’s products and services, as well as how outputs are produced (McShane & Von Glinow, 2015, page 9). Sunderland reached out to their external environment for information with borrowing ideas from a nearby Nissan factory and incorporated information learned. Sunderland integrated this information by mapping out their work processes, evaluated their activities, and developed ways to reduce lengthy patient wait times. In order to reach their goals, organizational learning perspective played a big part. Emphasis is placed on human capital with the knowledge and skills employees brought to the table. â€Å"Lean works because it is based on doctors, nurses, and other staff leading the process and telling us what adds value and what doesn’t. They are the ones who know† (McShane & Von Glinow, 2015, page 28). The input from employees helped reduce patient wait time, streamlines the patient pathway from 29 to 11 discrete stages, cut 34 miles of walking per day, reduced 60 percent of supplies used for hip and knee surgery, and improved congestion in the emergency department through varies of hospitals. With all the improvements high performance work practices perspective now takes shape. Involving employees in decision making and giving them more autonomy over their work activities tend to strengthen employee motivation and improve decision making, organizational responsiveness, and commitment to change (McShane & Von Glinow, 2015, page 13). Employee involvement was the key to strengthened motivation, decision-making and commitment to change. 2. Does lean management ignore some perspectives of organizational effectiveness? If so, what are the unintended consequences of these practices that might undermine rather than improve the organization’s effectiveness? In this case study, lean management may have ignored the stakeholder’s perspective if we look at this through the patients view and even the employee’s view. Although the lean management is quicker and more efficient customer care, at what cost comes from this? Wait time has always been a concern for patients but the quality of care over-rules the priority of the needs for the community (stakeholders). The case study in question only gives the point of view from the hospital, not the patient. So with that said, does the patient feel pushed through the system or do they feel they received a high quality of care? This is where corporate social responsibility (CSR) may be corrupted. CSR intentions are to benefit society with no regards to the financial or legal obligations. Looking at the reduction of time and supplies used, there is a push from the employees to rush patients through their medical services to meet their efficiency process. If this is the case, then both the patients and employees are conflicted. 3. In what situations, if any, would it be difficult or risky to apply lean management practices? What conditions make these practices challenging in these situations? In order for lean management to work, you must have management that understands the concept of lean management and how employees play a role in the success of the outcome. Leadership co-working with employees is essential for lean management to be successful. If you have managers or supervisors in place that does not allow employees to have a say in what works and what does not work, the implementation of lean management may result in failure. The conditions that make this challenging are when management decides what solution to use without understanding the real problem. References: McShane, S., & Glinow, M. (2015). Organizational behavior (Seventh ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

Alibaba Business Model

Abstract: â€Å"Alibaba† has experienced eight years of comprehensive development the establishment of a unique business model, and a new interpretation of e-commerce, launched a new Internet business model – Alibaba model. This new network business model not only for manufacturers to reduce production and marketing costs, but also to â€Å"Alibaba† cleverly avoided because of distribution, logistics and inventory, such as forming a bottleneck for the continued development of e-commerce industry opens up New roads.Alibaba in just a few years to create the myth that Alibaba model for a time and a lot of competitors to imitate the focus of attention. But Alibaba create a model is only a beginning, the Chinese e-commerce to go for their own development path, we must Alibaba model to analyze the advantages and disadvantages, so look for more market opportunities. More careful analysis point of view Alibaba e-commerce model of the advantages and disadvantages of resea rchers and the need to establish e-commerce for SMEs to provide information useful reference. Key words: Alibaba ; E-commerce model; Sales channel; Advantages and DisadvantagesAlibaba's success has told us that the distance between dreams and ideals are not far away, but it is not the pie fall from the sky, I have a few Friends and colleagues of a site visit and repeated after the team of research, we believe that Alibaba is the main success factors: Dream Team's combination of a clear development strategy + execution + effective + unique corporate culture †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ? Now the results of our research and analysis to share with you, initiate, but also hope you criticism and valuable advice, and seek common A better future!Alibaba's success has been close to myth, even though he claims are using international standards themselves, and Ali Baba, not the slightest satisfaction. China's Internet, the business less than 5 years of Alibaba, to have the performance and impact of today, there must be worthy of him, digging Dig, and explore the profound connotation and unique reasons. Ali Baba in the success of many elements, we believe that interpretation of the dream team of Ali Baba, especially worthy of focus.Too many entrepreneurs Persons, entrepreneurs can not build a proper team, leading to their cause bottlenecks; the face of these bottlenecks in the case, although we Can find a very comprehensive theory of healing on the team, many Habitat for Humanity in the discourse of scholars lamented wake up to reality, you can continue to learn Imitation learning the truth from getting close, but once things really imminent, most people are still at a loss without a tree, sighed with regret of the free Copies.Dream Team Alibaba inspiration to us, allows us to wake up and look at itself, the team face the problem, stimulate program ideas, from This need not find any reason to stall themselves, deceive themselves, so that is directed at the core of the problem and find solutions. Ali Baba tells us: a prerequisite for establishing the team must have a clear strategy. An important strategy for an enterprise, no one has ever dared to be ignored. Establishment of an effective team must also be robust clear strategy when As a prerequisite, it is meaningful.Ali Baba that there is no clear strategy, there is no clear direction, no clear direction of the group Team, at best, but mob. Taste of Tang Seng Alibaba advocate team, it is very insightful, have long been ridiculed look down The â€Å"Simon did not know,† the monk, in accordance with the laws of the strategic priority measure, actually turned into a very competent leader, and why? As Buddhist sutras, he Clear and committed to adhere to the direction.Learn the reason for the entire â€Å"Journey to the West† can be set up, Monkey, Pig, Shahe Shang sex Cells was clear and became a valuable and complement each other good team structure. Strategy is both a prerequisite for the establishm ent of the team, but also the central figure on the team, the highest requirement standards. It is this point, when the company started horse Standing rhetoric cloud on the Great Wall, Ali Baba to do in China, the world's best e-commerce sites began to form a team for this well-laid A solid foundation.That the strategic objectives of Alibaba, the strict planning of the long-term goals and short-term objectives and specific practical war Surgery program. So, when Alibaba 1999 heat wave in the Internet and let an withdraw from the Beijing and fade into the paradise of Hangzhou, the public No one left behind and more entrepreneurs. Many people may not care about this, because to set a strategic goal of rhetoric is long term and many people Strengths.However, because of this, Ma and Alibaba China Internet will be the first to smell the smell of smoke in the bubble, and then be carried out Acclaimed series of thin rectification movement, to the attendant to Alibaba in the winter of the I nternet, maintain and enhance the team's strength, as The rise followed lay a solid foundation. Ali Baba tells us: there is no effective execution of all non-existent implementation is the true test of a team, of course, Measure of whether the marker of a team. Tang Seng, a team of four to Buddhist sutras, the definitely not get back, although four of them are present Mark clearly the strong.The team carefully explore the execution of Ali Baba, it is very surprising. The four â€Å"O† (CEO, Ma Yun, chief financial officer CFO Caichong Xin, Chief Technology Officer CTO Wu Jiong, Chief Human Officer CPO related Ming-sheng) and the team, their strengths and Entirely different characteristics, even in related fields are leading figures. These leading characters, explore their resumes to Found that they have a wealth of practical experience, has gradually grown from zero career success of their growth, the maximum quantity body Is the implementation of the charm and indispensable. Strategic direction is clear, the implementation of actions towards the direction of interpretation. For many friends, the parties may prefer to talk Direction and strategy, often overlooked and complicated implementation over time. On a team, the tireless performer is not necessarily an effective complementary Or the lack of scarce resources. Only the rich resources in this area and to join, be possible to show the strength of the team. Otherwise, whether or four monk Four Monkey King, the ultimate collapse of this team are very normal thing.Alibaba looked stunning the implementation details, whether every employee of a customer, whether products and services or staff Worker training programs, are known down to the executable can be seen the point of evaluation feedback can be, with the vice president as saying Kim Hang built, some rules and regulations Implementation of assessment criteria, did we all feel is not worth spending the time or costs, but the cost of all the important front in the implementation of all changes Was pale, but must yield.Ali Baba told us: There is no business of their own culture do not form a good team always. As a team, agree on the strategy, as the recognition of common mission, that is, the recognition of corporate culture. Without such recognition As a basis, the team only in the rain is blowing in a lax. Culture involves many aspects of a business culture is very easy to use one or two sentences General, it is difficult to nuanced interpretation of the details of the enterprise and among all levels.Alibaba trough the Internet during the plan and only 500 yuan per person salary. Took only form of pay is 500 yuan, 500 yuan but take only group Team dispersed, the cultural identity, contains the expectations on the prospects for long-term interests of the immediate interests of the discarded, the confidence of the enterprise, drip Flow with the same entrepreneurial spirit and blood. Without this cultural identity, not only unable to retain 500 per person Alibaba team, Ariba Barry worth of any person simply can not use the 500 exhibits.Very dramatically, not only to retain the original 500 venture group Team, but also attracted millions of dollars in salary as investors appeared Caichong Xin, this sounds like some mysterious circumstances in a true Ali Baba, Ali Baba visible cultural charm. Many enterprises create and can not recognize the role of culture, or that are certainly important but can not find ways and means of how to form construction, or The formation of self-righteous to build, is only a hobby and create a personal habit.To survive as a business development as mentioned above, leaving no Live talent, team morale and other phenomena, it will become normal and can not stop. Culture is building software, invisible, Can not find what you want and can not copy the clone. Alibaba experience tells us that: Create a culture, must have their first Culture. The culture here is not an ordinary sense of the culture, but have a deep understanding of the essence of the enterprise after the enterprise direction, mission, Team, a highly recognized and a consensus interpretation.He formed the atmosphere can be felt, not explained, people moving, people march in a huge Tension, to absorb the spirit of a strong, peaceful, tolerant, generous but challenging, progressive and positive factors. Ali Baba tells us: the only good team was excellent organizational structure may form the organizational structure and capacity and capability between the same teams In fact, the relationship is a mutually reinforcing one another indispensable and interdependent, the link is a healthy relationship.The operation of the enterprise, do not The operational phase with the needs of different teams to work, only the absolute best team, it may be in the enterprise through its continuous operations Adjustment at different stages of the mission capable. More teams will appear at different stages of the collapse of the different, the same as the pain can not be avoided. See fourth Internet â€Å"Competition on the West Lake† photos, almost all of the outstanding team of Internet companies have ceased to exist.Only Ariba Pakistan, five down, as the original, the only change is more confident, more refined, and more mature. This seems to inadvertently Alibaba Completed masterpiece, really surprised us insight: it is the team and organizational structure Alibaba interaction between, so that such a young Ability to organize a huge glow. A group of Internet enthusiasts that absolute idealism of action and color, not only create wealth God Words, and created a team of role models, creating a unique corporate culture, reating a large number of maverick darling of the new economy. Excellent organizational structure in the enterprise at different stages have different adjustments. The organizational capacity of the best from every employee who embodies, In the team gathered in the whole company broke out. Ali Baba said: to help customers and colleagues success is the best embodiment of their own success. Blindly chase Find their own success and the team will not be good team, and ultimately could not reach the other side of success.Alibaba ultimate understanding of the team, we think: There is no competent excellent team of key figures, it is impossible to form good team; Without the excellent team, the company can not have good execution; even execution are not the company, can not form a strong corporate culture , More can not form an effective organizational structure and organizational capacity. Inseparable link between this, which is full of inherent logic of the interdependence relations Department, both divisions of the importance of our team, but also tells us that, indeed, not every business or everyone can easily have a superior form Show team.

Continental Europe seeks to combine flexibility with security in its relations with the workforce via a range of measures one of which is flexicurity. The WritePass Journal

Continental Europe seeks to combine flexibility with security in its relations with the workforce via a range of measures one of which is flexicurity. Introduction Continental Europe seeks to combine flexibility with security in its relations with the workforce via a range of measures one of which is flexicurity. a, p. 1). Flexicurity is thereby an important element of the European Employment Strategy, which must be incorporated into all of the Employment Guidelines within the EU. This helps to modernise labour markets (Flaschel and Luchtenberg, 2012, p. 14) and achieve the 75% employment rate target that has been set by the Europe 2020 Strategy. This Strategy seeks to change Europe into a â€Å"smart, sustainable and inclusive economy† (European Commission, 2012b, p. 13). In effect, flexicurity is vital for the labour market and must be promoted by all so that unemployment and long term exclusion from the labour market can be sufficiently tackled. It was made clear in the 2011 Annual Growth Survey that in order for an integrated labour market to be created â€Å"rigorous fiscal consolidation for enhancing macroeconomic stability† (European Commission, 2011, p. 1) is needed. Growth enhancing measures as well as reforms for higher levels of employment would also create a more integrated labour market, which would help to achieve the employment rate target. However, it was stressed by Linda Richardson that in order for the employment rate target to be successful attained, work needs to be â€Å"an economically attractive option† (European Employment Observatory, 2012, p. 1). Therefore, individuals need to be provided with the incentive to work in order for this to prosper otherwise the Flexicurity strategy will become futile. In order for Flexicurity to be fully achieved, nonetheless, it is important for all Member States to â€Å"design solutions that offer flexibility and security beyond company borders in order to facilitate good and timely labour market transitions and to reduce labour market segmentation† (European Expert Group, 2007, p. 41). It remains to be seen whether this approach will also address national borders in future years b ut it is evident that Flexicurity provides an opportunity to achieve â€Å"economic efficiency and social equity to a higher level in Europe† (European Expert Group, 2007, p. 41). In addition, the pathways to establishing Flexicurity need to ensure that national contexts and histories are taken into account since each Member State has a different legal and contractual model, which often stems from historical viewpoints that have become embedded into national cultures. This ultimately shapes the ways in which Member States adapt and change, which illustrates the importance of this when it comes to implementing policy measures relating to Flexicurity. Arguably, it is manifest in accordance with this that whilst there are a number of different pathways to achieve Flexicurity, each Member State will adopt their own according to their own cultures of industrial relations. This was clearly recognised by Wilthagen (2008, p. 14) when it was pointed out that: â€Å"There is not one common or standard pathway to flexicurity and every Member States will have to construct its own pathway, based on its typical history and its political, cultural, institutional and organisational tradition and particularities.† Despite this, each Member State can in fact learn from the approaches undertaken by other Member States, yet this will require intervention by the EU so that the different pathways to Flexicurity can be promoted. It is important that Flexicurity s uccessfully addresses the problems surrounding young workers. This is because, young workers are mostly affected by reduced employment opportunities and as a result it is vital that Flexicurity is able to address this. Flexicurity should thereby â€Å"reduce the divide between insiders and outsiders in the labour market† (Eurofound, 2012, p. 1). In doing so, it is vital that insiders are being supported during job-to-job transitions, whilst outsiders are provided with easy access to work and stepping stones, which will â€Å"enable progress into stable contractual arrangements† (Eurofound, 2012, p. 1). Flexicurity for young workers has proven successful in helping young people find work (OECD, 2008, p. 109). This clearly highlights the significance of Flexicurity and demonstrates how Flexicurity can be used as a means to support specific groups of people who are usually disadvantaged within the labour market (Broughton, 2012, p. 1). Arguably, Flexicurity appears to be a solution to the problems faced within the labour market, which is why it is important for the promotion of Flexicurity to be fully realised by the EU. Not all agree that Flexicurity is the solution for all Member State s, however, and instead believe that â€Å"the concept reveals itself to be less convincing when it comes to its application within the framework of different socio-economic realities and differently shaped labour markets† (Heeger, 2012, p. 1). Therefore, whilst Flexibility does appear workable in theory, the same cannot be said in practice since there is no one size that fits all and different approaches will need to be employed. Conclusion Overall, whilst Flexicurity is an important concept, which aims to combine flexibility with security in order to achieve the 75% employment rate target that has been set by the Europe 2020 Strategy, it is evident that there are a number of different pathways to achieving Flexicurity. Because of this, there is much difficulty in deciding what the best approach to take is, however this will differ according to the historical cultures of industrial relations of each Member State. Flexicurity does appear workable when it comes to solving the problems relating to young workers, and evidently helps young workers enter the labour market. This is vital given that young workers are mostly affected by unemployment levels and as such it is imperative that Flexicurity is better promoted by the EU and its Member States. References Broughton, A. (2012) Using Flexicurity to Support Specific Groups of Workers at Company Level, IES, [Online] Available: employment-studies.co.uk/news/es16art4.php [03 January, 2012]. Eurofound. (2012) Flexicurity – It Takes Three to Tango, [Online] Available: eurofound.europa.eu/resourcepacks/flexicurity.htm [03 January 2012]. European Employment Observatory. Workshop on ‘Making Work Pay’ Meeting Report, [Online] Available: www.eu-employment-observatory.net//EEOThSeminar-MWP-21Fe [03 January 2012]. European Commission. (2011) Commission Publishes Annual Growth Survey, Economic and Financial Affairs, [Online] Available: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/articles/eu_economic_situation/2011-01-annual-growth-survey_en.htm [03 January 2012]. European Commission. (2012a) Flexicurity, Employment, Social Affairs Inclusion, [Online] Available: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=102langId=en [02 January 2012]. European Commission. (2012b) Europe 2020, [Online] Available: http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/index_en.htm [02 January 2012]. European Expert Group. (2007) Flexicurity Pathways; Turning Hurdles into Stepping Stones, [Online] Available: ec.europa.eu/social/BlobServlet?docId=1519langId=en [03 January 2012]. Flaschel, P. and Luchtenberg, S. (2012) Roads to Social Capitalism: Theory, Evidence and Policy, Edward Elgar Publishing. Heeger, K. (2012) Flexicurity – Further Erosion of Workers Rights? EU Observer, [Online] Available: http://euobserver.com/opinion/114980 [Accessed 03 January 2012]. OECD. (2008) Jobs for Youth: Netherlands 2008, OECD Publishing. Wilthagen, T. (2008) Mapping out Flexicurity Pathways in the European Union, Tilburg University, Flexicurity Research Programme.

Motivation and Means of Colonization essays

Motivation and Means of Colonization essays With the dawn of the 16th century, there came together in Europe both the motivation and the means to explore and Colonize territory across the sea It is true; in the beginning and throughout the 16th century, the time for Europeans to explore the vast unknown territory outside of their realm was ripe. Until this time, the people of many European nations had not developed the means or the motivation for the dangerous, risky, and costly expeditions. However, with an age of new thinking, known as the Renaissance, impacting the thinking of society, people were able to collaborate and begin the adventure of discovery. People had many different reasons for attempting the voyage across the ocean. Firstly, vast improvements in technology enabled people to travel on fast, light ships that could move swiftly and predictably. The invention of the compass allowed for accurate landings on the new shore; and once they were on dry land, gunpowder was used to subdue, or impress, the natives. One impression that the Europeans left on the Americas was one of power and greed. For many centuries, trade was the backbone of the European economy. By expanding the trade route into the New World, more money would be brought into the respective country, thereby improving society, and economy. Also, the competition for the trade routes was fierce, so that anyone with a controlled, private route would have the upper hand in trading. In fact, Christopher Columbus was actually searching for an alternate route to Asia when he stumbled across America. The effect of the conquistadors on Americas native tribes was destructive, yet gone unnoticed by their relentless search for treasure. Not everyone who braved the journey to America went in search of lost cities and fountains of youth. Many religious conflicts were taking shape throughout Europe, and for those who wished to escape persecution, a journey into an unknown land ...

[Infographic] Growth Hacking The Characteristics Of A Content Hacker

[Infographic] Growth Hacking The Characteristics Of A Content Hacker Have you ever heard of growth hacking? Its a  marketing technique developed by technology startups that uses creativity, analytical thinking, and social metrics to sell products and gain exposure. Its a bit scrappy, and completely focused on results. Does that sound familiar? Growth hacking isnt too far off from its counterpart, content marketing, a technique that we all know and love. In fact, its so close that it just might call for an entirely new breed of hacker:  The content hacker. Wait, hacking? Cant you go to jail for that? #ContentHacker = A growth-focused content marketer. #growthhacking #infographicListen, if you want your blog to grow, you may want to learn a thing or two from the content hacker. He or she is traffic-obsessed and focused on nothing but growth. This infographic will give you a peek inside their inner inner psyche and help you become your own content hacker. Click on the image below to see a larger view:    The Tweetable  Characteristics Of A  Content Hacker The #ContentHacker doesn't see product/market fit, he sees content/audience fit #contentmarketing The #ContentHacker eats, sleeps, and drinks blog growth #contentmarketing An opportunistic #ContentHacker turns contacts into connections #contentmarketing Where a #GrowthHacker sees scale, a #ContentHacker sees sustainability #contentmarketing The #ContentHacker eats data and only settles for moving the needle forward  #contentmarketing An SEO-minded #ContentHacker has been leveraging the search base since 1991  #contentmarketing Viral growth can be manufactured if you're a real #ContentHacker  #contentmarketing

What would be the effects of banning the use of plastic bags Essay - 1

What would be the effects of banning the use of plastic bags - Essay Example He graphically describes the waste situation there points out to the message of boycotting plastic bags, which the locals have proposed. This engenders the extent to which these bags have been abused and misused in both the West and East (Manning 1874). Exposure to such information begs one to question the notion that plastic is indeed a necessary part of human existence. Taking to account the environmental damage it portends one cannot help but to wonder if we would not be better off without it. In his discussion of Lynn offers several facts about, he offers numerous statistics about plastic that bring out the enormity of the situation. Apparently, over 50 percent of the plastic used in the US is simply thrown away to contribute to the pollution problem and Americans throw away more than 31 billion tons of plastic annually (Hasselberger). He proposes several solutions among which are rejecting single packaging where goods as singly packed in plastic instead or in one bag, alternatively people should seek options to the plastic packaging they use. Blockstein, David (1988) in the Bioscience journal, explores another major con of plastics, which justifies regulation. This article detains the attempts of congress to reduce the problem of pollution, which has been found to negatively affect most wildlife directly, or indirectly more so marine animals as evinced by the fact that fishing nets often dredge up plastic waste (Blockstein 19). According to this article, over 3000 fur seals were killed by entanglement in plastic bags result in in suffocation and accounting for 15% mortality of the threatened species (Lockwood 18). It using plastic was banned; there would be a significant increase life expectancy of these and other young animals including sea birds and fish that tend to be negatively affected by the same. However, although this would seem an ideal solution to the problem, a complete ban on plastic bags use and manufacture would not

Mri tech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Mri tech - Essay Example Therefore, with T1 weighted MRIs, the images will appear to be bright (high intensity). This is because the major composition of yellow marrow is fat and fat possess very short T1 relaxation phase. The red or hematopoietic marrow is framed up with 40% of water and fat and 20% protein. Water holds a longer T1 relaxation phase and therefore, the images of red marrow is low intense or dark in nature due to very low signal intensity. The diagnoses of bone marrow lesion on yellow marrow background are effective using T1 weighted MRIs but it can be difficult with the case of lesion on a red marrow. With T2 weighted images, the red marrow and yellow marrow cannot be easily distinguished. STIR is more effective than T2 weighted spin images. (Dimopoulos, Moulopoulos, 1997). The figure shows dark signals highlighted with small arrows that indicate the red marrow in the spinal region and bright signals highlighted with long arrows indicates yellow marrow around femoral epiphyses as well as apop hyses. This is an image of a normal bone marrow of a child. (Dimopoulos, Moulopoulos,1997). An abnormal situation characterized by severe pain and irritation in the knee as a result of high level of pressure offered from patella or kneecap is referred as Chondromalacia (cluett, 2010). The patella is normally covered with a smooth layer composed of cartilage. The cartilage moves effortlessly and flexibly across our knee and thus, facilitates easy bending of the knee joint. The case is different with patients affected with chondromalacia wherein the patella inclines to rub against one or another side of the joint. This results in irritation and pain in the knee. Chondromalacia patella symptoms include distributed knee pain mainly in the front and back side of knee cap. It is accompanied with worsening of pain while arising from an elongated sitting posture, climbing upstairs, wearing heels, kneeling or jumping. (Cluett, 2010) MRI appearance of chondromalacia comprises of signal hetero geneity surrounded by hyaline cartilage, predominantly with T2 weighted MR images, hyaline cartilage covered focal hyperintensity, mainly showing linear or focal abnormalities in the hyaline cartilage and asymmetrical configuration to the hyaline cartilage surface. It is required to use the modifier â€Å"severe† when variations that are greater than one cm in diameter are observed. If high density central defects are present then also the severe modifier need to be used. These defects can be distinguished from usual chondral defects by comparing the centralization of the final lesion that are widely spread and lacks surroundings (Loren, 2008) Full thickness chondral defect is appeared with high signal joint surface lesion represented in black arrow is covered by normal low intense hyaline cartilage on this spin echo T2 weighted image. (Loren, 2008) Osteochondritis dessecans is a medical condition that arises when certain amount of cartilage in a joint connected with a thin b oney layer separates from the rest of the bone. The affected person usually experience server pain, irritation and discomfort near a bone ending position. (Kennedy, no date) OCD is usually seen with larger joints such as the hips, knees and the ankles. The condition is also accompanied by severe rib pain. In association with rib pain, the uneasiness normally occurs in breastbone or in the spine where the ribs get connected. The major cause of OCD is certain type of repetitive injury or

Cloud Computing and Security Issues Dissertation

Cloud Computing and Security Issues - Dissertation Example Cloud com-puting services offer an innovative and cost effective means of utilizing IT capabilities, and as such are being offered as long term solutions for numerous educational, govern-mental, defense, and private businesses. Cloud computing can provide rapid scalability and enhanced IT capabilities to business operations with the investment of minimal costs. It allows the users to deploy services on demand using a network of pooled resources and hence helps the user in using the service as and when needed. The concept behind cloud computing is truly revolutionary as it allows small organizations to scale up their operations to high proportions without buying hardware and software and without hiring a fleet of IT experts. The immense potential offered by cloud computing is acknowledged across the industry, and yet, there is hesitation in its rapid adoption by many organizations (Armbrust et al, 2010). This is because the rapid growth in the technology is also accompanied by growing con-cerns about security related issues. Cloud computing, being an innovative method of using applications and hardware, has to face various implementation issues as it requires a shift in perceptions about work ethics, organizational culture and technical skills needed by the end users. Moreover, there have been several incidences where cloud technology has found itself defenseless in front of hacking attacks like the one against Gmail and the Sony PlayStation gaming network (Paul, 2011) The reasons for the security vulnerabilities are varied ranging from the inherent vulnerabilities in the core technologies to the network vulnerabilities (Armbrust et al, 2009). As cloud computing is an emerging technology, so are the concerns about security challenges being discovered and addressed. The current dissertation aims to explore the perception of the end users about the security challenges, their expectatio ns from the service provider and also attempts to make a list of recommendations for enhancing the security as well as building confidence in the end customers. Research Rationale There is very little evidence of any empirical research undertaken to gauge the performance of cloud computing services in organizations or to assess the satisfaction levels or expectations of the end users. There is however a plethora of information available on the various platforms and modes of cloud computing and their associated advantages and disadvantages ((Rochwergeret al, 2009; Reese, 2009; Armbrust et al, 2009; Rhoton, 2009; and Sosinsky, 2011). This information is in the form of technical knowledge regarding the concept and applications of cloud computing services and does not seem to include the point of view of the end users or the people who actually adopt and work with the services. Â  There is a growing sense of doom among some scholars who predict vicious cyber-attacks that can ride on th e security loopholes and vulnerabilities of the cloud computing services (Barroso and Hoelzle, 2009). However, there still remains a lack of research into assessing these security vulnerabilities empirically or using the perception and experience of those who are the end users of the service. There appears to be a need to conduct an analysis of the possibilities of the security attacks as well as to assess the perceptions of the organizations that are using it about the security sturdiness or vulnerability of the cloud computing environment. This knowledge is expected to provide an insight about possible challenges and opposition that cloud computing service providers’ face in marketing their products. It will also enable the researcher to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations that can be adapted to provide better satisfaction to the end users. The

Petro-Canada's Total Compensation Strategy and Program Research Paper

Petro-Canada's Total Compensation Strategy and Program - Research Paper Example So, the creation of petro Canada was a part of his dream of self-sufficient Canada. The creation of the petro Canada goes back to the year 1973 when the world found Arabs having huge reservoirs of oil were badly engaged in the bloody wars and the prices of oil went to the sky (Forster, 1993). The province of Canada, Alberta had plenty of the oil reserves which were controlled by an American corporation. This was the time when the Chinese president and the opposition felt the sheer need of the time of establishing a Canadian corporation which could control major part of the oil trade. The resident wanted the American corporation to spend more amount of the oil supply to Canada and les to be the states of America while the business was going on reverse. So, 1975 was the year of birth of the Canadian corporation petro Canada. This angered the western world (Greene, 2010). The company kept on working as the one of the Canada’ s largest corporation and fulfilling almost 40% of the Canadian domestic and industrial needs. The idea of the petro Canadian as a powerful tool however was not liked by the liberals who were against the establishment of the corporation and wanted to sell it off (IGI, 2009). 1988 was an important year in the history of the petro Canada; it was the time when the government tried to represent the corporation as a symbol of the Canadian nationalism though Olympic bid. This was the high time for the petro Canada to get popular inside and outside Canada. With the coming years, the corporation made its grounds firm by purchasing few of the world’s famous oil brands and suppliers however the services of oil and gas refinery were got by British Petroleum Canada (Forster, 1993). 1980 was the year of the changing history of petro Canada. This was the time when liberals came in power and with their authority in the government, the energy issue was raised. They stopped the idea of making petro Canada as a symbol of Canadian nationalism and m ade it just to compete with the oil companies in private sector (Shields, 2007). Soon the corporation saw its deterioration and the government decided to privatize petro Canada. In 1991 the shares were sold in the open market while keeping 19% in the company. The shares price fell dramatically and the company suffered a drastic loss with many employees being laid off (Forster, 1993). In 2009, it was merged with Suncor and now it is owned by it while the brand is used nationwide. It has owned refineries in Quebec, Alberta and Montreal. Its major projects were White Rose, Hibernia and Terra Nova (IGI, 2011). It was 2006 when the company decided to enter in the mobile market and launched a prepaid service known as Petro Canada Mobility. In 2009, it decided to open fast food restaurants and provided the services of car wash with drive thru. Its offered services also include car repair service which is known as Certigard Car Repair. The Suncor ownership has surely brought a changed envir onment while entering in the open race of competition and brings the services to increase its customer market. Petro Canada has though been privatized yet it still symbolizes the Chinese president’s dream of all being independent (Greene, 2010). Petro-Canada For entry level positions Like any other company, the level of

Conspectus and Collection Mapping Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Conspectus and Collection Mapping - Essay Example There are a lot of individuals who are using the libraries and among them are children who are going to schools or professional individuals that are in need to be guided by a certain library system that would make their library experience a bit easier and would further guide them as they surf through different services that the aforementioned library renders. A library system is a must in order to cater the needs of the users in a manner that is not stressful to them considering the fact the library should meet the demands of its users to be effective in meeting the needs of the people who are using it. In the case of the aforementioned library, the conventional method should have at least been altered in partial in order for the people and the administrator to utilize the library to the fullest. In this case library materials should be recorded subject by subject in order fro the users and the administrators not to be lost in utilizing the materials in the library. The collection of the library should develop a certain program in order to guide the people who are utilizing the library. Upon analyzing these things, Conspectus Method came into picture. Library, University of Auckland (2006) described that "According to the conspectus, library resources are divided into 24 broad subject divisions, and within these divisions each subject is further divided according to the Dewey classification system used by most of the libraries on campus. Each subject area is graded by using a code from 0 (out of scope) to 5 (comprehensive). Language coverage is defined by further codes. These codes are described on the following pages." - This means that library resources should be divided into divisions and classifies them accordingly with the use of Dewey classification system in order to group the materials accordingly. In the case of the aforementioned library where it caters approximately 650 students excluding those professional people and by-standers who are also utilizing the library, this method is really a necessity in this library considering the amount of people who are using this library. If we are to analyze, classifying the materials in the library is a big help in order for the people to be guided. Conspectus and Collection Mapping 3 For instance in the history classification of this library where it houses a little over a hundred of history books, classifying these books into a smaller fragments of classification is beneficial for the users considering the fact that a certain subject and classification has their differences from volume, the essence of their uses and the likes so it is important to have these classification in order for the users to be guided. For instance in the classification History, it was subdivided into smaller classification such as World History, American History and the likes, in the same thing, these books are also divided into volumes, years, and editions in order to locate them without hassle. If we are to look into

Radio spot Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Radio spot - Essay Example THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS THAT THE OUTSIDE APPEARANCE OF AN ORGANIZATION ENHANCES ITS CHANCES OF ATTRACTING CUSTOMERS. THIS GIVES IT AN OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE SALES, CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMY. THE ORGANIZATION THROUGH ITS UNIQUES DECORATIVE TECHNIQUES THAT ARE AIMED AT CONSERVATING THE ENVIRONMENT HAS MADE IT POPULAR AMONG HOME OWNERS, AS WELLS AS SMALL SCALE BUSINESS OWNERS. THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE AFFORDABILITY OF ITS SERVICES, AS WELLS AS THE HIGH QUALITY OF ITS PRODUCTS. THIS ATTRIBUTES HAS MADE THE ORGANIZATION TO POSSESS A STRONG BRAND NAME, EQUIVALENT TO THAT OF MULTINATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS COCA COLA, AND NIKE. BECAUSE OF THIS ASPECTS, THE DEPARTMENTS OF ENVIRONMENT AND COMMERCE MANAGED TO NOTICE THE ORGANIZATION, THEREBY REVEIVING AN AWARD FROM THE FEDEARL GOVERNMENT. THIS IS ORGANIZATION IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF HOW EMERGING ENTERPRENEURS, CAN MAKE IT IN THE FIERCE AMERICAN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT. THEY MUST COME UP WITH UNIQUE IDEAS, AND EMPHASIZE ON HARD WORK. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE AWARDS PRESENTED TO THE ORGANIZATION, VISIT ITS WEBSITE AT,

Conspectus and Collection Mapping Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Conspectus and Collection Mapping - Essay Example There are a lot of individuals who are using the libraries and among them are children who are going to schools or professional individuals that are in need to be guided by a certain library system that would make their library experience a bit easier and would further guide them as they surf through different services that the aforementioned library renders. A library system is a must in order to cater the needs of the users in a manner that is not stressful to them considering the fact the library should meet the demands of its users to be effective in meeting the needs of the people who are using it. In the case of the aforementioned library, the conventional method should have at least been altered in partial in order for the people and the administrator to utilize the library to the fullest. In this case library materials should be recorded subject by subject in order fro the users and the administrators not to be lost in utilizing the materials in the library. The collection of the library should develop a certain program in order to guide the people who are utilizing the library. Upon analyzing these things, Conspectus Method came into picture. Library, University of Auckland (2006) described that "According to the conspectus, library resources are divided into 24 broad subject divisions, and within these divisions each subject is further divided according to the Dewey classification system used by most of the libraries on campus. Each subject area is graded by using a code from 0 (out of scope) to 5 (comprehensive). Language coverage is defined by further codes. These codes are described on the following pages." - This means that library resources should be divided into divisions and classifies them accordingly with the use of Dewey classification system in order to group the materials accordingly. In the case of the aforementioned library where it caters approximately 650 students excluding those professional people and by-standers who are also utilizing the library, this method is really a necessity in this library considering the amount of people who are using this library. If we are to analyze, classifying the materials in the library is a big help in order for the people to be guided. Conspectus and Collection Mapping 3 For instance in the history classification of this library where it houses a little over a hundred of history books, classifying these books into a smaller fragments of classification is beneficial for the users considering the fact that a certain subject and classification has their differences from volume, the essence of their uses and the likes so it is important to have these classification in order for the users to be guided. For instance in the classification History, it was subdivided into smaller classification such as World History, American History and the likes, in the same thing, these books are also divided into volumes, years, and editions in order to locate them without hassle. If we are to look into

Summary Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Summary - Assignment Example They have time out. Over the time, Leo discovers and appreciates many aspects of Stargirls personality such as reading newspapers, or observing people, and then helping them in different ways. However, Leo is much embarrassed when Stargirl puts a note on the school bulletin board "STARGIRL LOVES LEO" (94). Moreover, he has to share the full-scale impact of Stargirls shunning at the hands of others for being her boyfriend. He tries to hide his relation with Stargirl. He also begs Stargirl to be "normal" (47), which she does swiftly, and even switches name to Susan (her real name). Leos happiness on this change soon vanishes when the students keep shunning Stargirl and Leo. Stargirls character opens up more when she delivers a speech at a contest in Phoenix. She calls her speech "I Might Have Heard a Moa." Despite winning that contest, Stargirls hopes for acceptance by the students at Mica fritter away. Disillusioned, she resumes her identity as Stargirl. Stargirl feels change in Leos attitude, and mentions it to him by saying, "I know you’re not going to ask me to the Ocotillo Ball" (118). She gives Leo her usual smile and at which Leo hates her. He actually does not invite her to the Ocotillo Ball. She still goes, enchants everybody again, and disappears forever. Leo is unable to find her whereabouts. At the end of the novel, Fifteen years later, Leo visits Archie, a retired teacher, whom Leo used to visit occasionally along with other students during school. Archie tells Leo, "Star people are rare." He also takes Leo to Stargirls workplace, where Leo finds out that Stargirl had been maintaining files on different people. Leo also takes Archie into the foothills, where Archie buries his prize Paleocene rodent along with a slip of paper. Archie does not tell what is on the slip of paper. The ending part of the novel entitled "More Than Stars" tells that Kevin, Leos friend, is an insurance salesman. Mica

Diversity in the Work Place Essay Example for Free

Diversity in the Work Place Essay Diversity in the work place has been a subject of contention for decades whether taken on the perspective of gender parity, in terms of race or considering factors that constitute age of the individuals at the work place. In addition, the contemporary world is changing so fast such that the factors that play role in sustainable social development in the society are generally changing. With organizations like the WLO (World Labor Organization) taking proactive steps towards ensuring equitable resource allocation at the work place for both men and women, it is a point of concern for anyone to consider the capability of women to perform the same task as do men and if they receive or should receive equal payment (Vardy et al 2008). The focal point of this paper is an in-depth scrutiny of whether women are capable of performing the same work as men and if at all they are equally paid for the same job done. In order for the paper to provide a clear view of this issue, it endeavors to analyze the values and judgments pertaining to the present human resource practices. By doing this, it will provide an insight focus on the future of these human resource practices in the work environment. Therefore the backbone of this discussion is the case of gender discrimination at the Home depot stores. Introduction Societal dynamics have put a level ground- or have endeavored to place a level ground- for both men and women to equally benefit from their achievement without discrimination. Nevertheless, the question of equal pay for equal work has persistently beleaguered the American place of work. Though federal and state laws proscribe varied pay rates based on sex, wide-ranging statistics indicate that the American woman has historically continued to receive less pay than the man. To some extent, this disparity comes about as a result of the fact that relatively more women are generally employed in fields like service sector work jobs which are traditionally less paying. On the same platform women’s rights organizations and union maintain that promotion of women employees to the executive positions on limited basis is a clear reflection of gender discrimination at the work place. Historically, professional and executive ranks in organizations have predominantly been occupied by men. Despite the fact that the latest trends show an increase in the number of women obtaining such posts, the proportion of women the population is bigger and therefore they still lag behind significantly (Conrad, 2007). Values, judgments, regarding present Human Resource practices It is worth noting that several legislative acts have been put forth to guide the present human resource practices at the work place. Similarly, these nondiscrimination laws have been intended to provide a guideline for employers to offer equal chances for women and men without discrimination. Despite these laws there is still more to be done as general trends show that there is still disparity and pay gaps. Other than these nondiscrimination laws, the central government and various states have implemented affirmative action laws since 1970s. These laws require employers should apply fairness and be just when recruiting employees and promoting. Though some business entities slowly embraced the laws they still remain to be among the most difficult issues Along with issues about a womans place in the work force, they continue to be some of the most complicated issues concerning American employers and workers (Swartz et al 2007). Gender and Sexual Orientation in the Workplace Women are playing a progressively more significant function in the workplace. Nonetheless with statistics showing that the gender disparity is still wide open, employers cannot afford to overlook gender-related matters and have to carry on with the endeavor to avert gender inequalities in the place of work. A number of legislations have been enacted to act as a guiding line for employers in the modern workplace. Thus the federal agencies have recognized the importance of making the workplace a friendly and fairly rewarding place to those who are employed there without discrimination. Among the regulations include the Equal Pay act, sex Discrimination Act and regulations like Employment Equality regulation (Vardy et al 2008). Case: Sex Discrimination Lawsuit against Wal-Mart Overview of Wal-Mart Wal-Mart Stores, Incorporation is an American public corporation that operates a chain of large, price cut department stores. It is the worlds biggest public corporation by returns. It is also the world largest retailer with over 7,200 stores with close to 975 discount stores. Wal-mart employs about 700,000 women and counts as the largest private sector employer of women in the United States. It is only unfortunate that these women employees have had to endure conditions of unequal pay and favoritism in advancement and assignments of tasks. These inequities happen at all levels of management in the organization starting from the worker who works on hourly basis up to the one at the senior management level (Swartz et al 2007). Current Lawsuit Wal-Mart Gender Discrimination Lawsuit Wal-Mart is presently confronted with the likelihood of compensating out billions of dollars in recompense for purportedly discriminating against the thousands of women workers. A group of courageous women came forth to claim for compensation for alleged discrimination at work. As a snapshot of the corporation, it has close to a million employees in the US and Canada. Among these employees, over 40% are female. The problem that arises is that of the 40% only and in fact less than 30% of the management positions are held by female employees. Values and Judgments Most organizations have taken a proactive stance towards creating an environment for equal opportunity devoid of gender discrimination. Globalization and the general paradigm shift that has made the idea of integration fast acceptable and worth embracing have also made it possible for organizations all over the globe to embrace the changes that call for equality at the place of work. In this manner therefore the modern organization is up on heels to create a climate of equal opportunity by coming up with models and frameworks that are specifically geared towards managing diversity. The problem that comes along this is that the contemporary working environment is heavily complicated and therefore a number of business entities, for fear of change or uncertain about the impact of change are reluctant to embrace such measures. Those embracing it are doing it at a lag pace. This arises from the complexity of the manner in which environmental issues, values, factors, and cognitions create diverse perceptions concerning fair treatment at the place of work. The group of women who advanced a case against Wal-Mart identified a number of malpractices in human resources management at the corporation. There are several tactics employed by Wal-Mart to d discriminate against women employees. These tactics are basically executed through methods ranging from pay disparities to denial of promotion (Vardy et al 2008) Unequal Pay The women decried the two pay scales used at Wal-Mart and identified it as a major hitch in human resources management practices. This practice shortchanges the women since they perform the same job and tasks just as men yet men workers are paid between five and fifteen percent more than women. On the same platform, further statistics indicate that even if the women were given a promotion into management this does not guarantee them any better as far as fair treatment is concerned. Though women at the corporation have higher ratings and longer seniority ratings on average as compared to their male counterparts, those who make it to the top management positions are still discriminated against as they receive an annual pay about $5,000 less than the man counterpart in the same position. Male management trainees receive an annual pay nearly $5,000 more than female counterparts. And the top executive positions are also not spared. Women employees holding top executive positions at Wal-Mart are exposed to discrimination. This is evident from the fact that the women employee who holds this position receives an average of about $279,800 on annual basis as compared to a male counterpart who receives more than three- quarters of this more. Methodical Denial of Advancement Despite the fact that women employees constitute more than 70% of the workforce in the corporation men dominate the ranks of management. Women only comprise less than 35% of managers and less than 20% of the managers. Lower paying jobs in the corporation are concentrated with women where they make the biggest percentage. Jobs like sales associates and cashiers are filled b y women in percentages than men. Wal-Mart is trapped in the Past Wal-Mart provides work for fewer women in administration in the present day than its competitors did in 1975. Twenty equivalent traders employed an average of 41. 6% women managers by then. Today, Wal-Mart provides employment for slightly over 30%. Today, Wal-Mart’s competitors have over 55% of management positions made up of women employees constitute (Christian et al 2006). Women encounter unreasonable barriers to promotion at Wal-Mart On average, a male employee takes about 2 years to be promoted to the rank of assistant manager, counted from the day of hire. The woman employee will be promoted to the same rank in about four years’ period. Impediments are created in the organization and hinder women from getting promotion as their male counterparts. For instance, one among the women who sued the corporations said that though she had worked for seven years at the company and managed to receive evaluations indicating â€Å"goes beyond expectations† was advised to commit herself in writing to working overnight in the stores for two years when she expressed a desire to be accorded a promotion. This was strange since the men employees were not required to undergo such process to be promoted. Key Success Factors for Women in Management positions Though women at work place have been discriminated in several ways, there are also several factors that influence women’s future career development in management. Campaigns have been staged world over by a number of organizations both governmental and non-governmental to promote education without discriminating against girls. This has made it possible for women to prosper in various management positions thus gaining representation in fields like science and other professional jobs. Women continue to excel in these areas just as men. A study was carried out in Turkey which explored the factors that play role in women’s career advancement. The study revealed that though women have a substantial representation in professional and scientific jobs, they are only represented by 4% in top management. The most significant factor that was identified as a major barrier to women’s career advancement is the cultural norms towards gender roles. Cultural norms that are bent and biased against women in the society extend into the field of management thus causing the same bias against women even in management of business entities (Conrad, 2007). Verdict In conclusion, the supreme court dealing with the issue of Wal-Mart discrimination against women is likely to suggest that the group of women be compensated by the corporation for the wrong done. The future of women performance and appraisal at the workplace looks bright since if several of such rulings are passed in favor of the wronged groups of women, other likely perpetrators of women discrimination will hold back. This will encourage the appreciation of the fact that the modern woman is capable of performing the same duty the man performs and the employing organization should find no trouble paying her for the task. Works Cited Christian, J. , Porter L. W. , and Moffitt G. â€Å"Workplace Diversity and Group Relations: An Overview Group Processes Intergroup Relations†, (2006). 9, (4). 459-466. Conrad, Alison M. (Ed) â€Å"Hand Book of workplace Diversity† 2007. Swartz L. Garden, Rowe A. , Digh P. and Bennett, M. â€Å"The Global Diversity: Supervision of an International Workforce† 2007 Vardy, F. J. J. and Morgan, J. â€Å"Diversity in the Workplace† 2008

Role of Genetics in Myopia

Role of Genetics in Myopia Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is a refractive error defined as an optical condition where parallel light rays entering the eye are focussed before the retina, resulting in a blurred image. Optical correction of this refractive error can be done with spectacles, contact lenses and surgical procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy. People with myopia are usually classified into two groups, low to moderate myopia (0.00D to -6.00D) or high/pathological myopia (greater than -6.00D). High myopia is also known as pathological myopia because it is often associated with sight threatening ocular conditions such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and glaucoma (Fredrick, 2002). Also systemic findings of many genetic syndromes such as Marfan and Stickler syndromes have myopia as consistent feature (Terri et al., 2004). Throughout the world myopia is a common cause for visual disability particularly in underdeveloped countries where the health care is poor or even non-existent. Myopia currently affects over 1.5 billion worldwide and this  is expected to increase to approximately 2.5 billion by the year 2020 (Dirani et al., 2006a). Prevalence varies between countries and ethnicities, reaching as high as 9 out of 10 people affected in some Asian populations such as Singapore and China (Chow et al., 1990; Wong et al., 2000). Epidemiological studies show that the prevalence of myopia is increasing and this is becoming a significant public health problem (Fredrick, 2002; Paluru et al., 2003; Saw et al., 1996). As well as needing resources for optical correction of myopia, the associated increased risk of vision loss has further economic and social implications for the population. Therefore extensive research is being carried out to understand the mechanisms and factors underlying myopia development in aim to reduce the incidence of myopia. An emmetropic eye is one that has zero or negligible refractive error. Most babies are born hypermetropic (long-sighted) and emmetropisation is the process by which the eye goes through changes to reach emmetropia, this occurs within the first 5-8 years of life (Fredrick, 2002). The simple reason for the increasing prevalence of myopia may be due to changes in environment, especially modernisation of the underdeveloped world which is partly due to improved education infrastructure and the technological/internet revolution. This means people are now using their eyes for near tasks such as computing much more than before. Therefore this near visual experience may have some influence in the emmetropisation process, resulting in the eyes becoming myopic instead of emmetropic. However there are many studies, such as twin and family history studies that have also found a strong positive correlation between genetics and myopia (Hammond et al., 2001). Other studies have mapped particular gen es that influence the onset of myopia or predispose an individual to becoming myopic. It seems there is some interaction between environment and genetics and how they influence the onset and progression of myopia but the relative contribution of each is not fully understood (Saw et al., 1996). Identifying potential myopia disease genes will help us understand the pathophysiological mechanisms behind myopia development. The potential for this in the future would be the ability to identify individuals at risk from myopia and help develop preventative therapies (Tang et al., 2008). This dissertation will aim to explore the role of genetics in myopia and review the current genes that have been identified to be associated with myopia. There are multiple ways to help identify genes associated with myopia, and researchers often employ a combination of techniques to further validate their findings. Genes are identified using genetic markers and genetic mapping techniques, these are explained further below. Genetic markers A genetic marker is a gene or DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome. It is usually described as a variation, which may be due to mutation or alteration in the genomic loci. This variation is what helps researchers identify genes associated with a particular trait like myopia. Genetic markers can be short DNA sequences, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), or long sequences such as microsatellites. SNPs are polymorphic markers that are variations in the DNA sequence occurring when a single nucleotide in the genome differs between two members of the same species (Warthmann et al., 2007). For example people with myopia will have a common SNP compared to those without. Microsatellites are short sections of DNA made up of repeating units containing 10-60 base pairs. Although microsatellites may have different or unknown repeating units, the repeating unit within the microsatellite is relatively constant (Dorland, 2007). The number of repeating units varies between individuals in a species i.e. they vary in length and these differences in DNA can be detected via capillary gel electrophoresis (Tang et al., 2008). Microsatellites have a high level of polymorphism that makes them another useful tool to help identify genetic markers. Genetic maps are made up of many microsatellites with known positions; this allows genes to be located relative to the microsatellites. Genetic mapping The aim of genetic mapping is to assign DNA fragments to chromosomes, which eventually accumulates to a complete genetic map for a condition. There are two methods for genetic mapping; linkage analysis and association study (Tang et al., 2008). Each method has its own advantages that help overcome different situations. Linkage analysis Linkage analysis is based on the link between loci (locations of genes). If two loci are inherited together on the same chromosome then they are said to be linked. Meiosis results in genes being recombined from parent chromosomes into a new combination in the offspring and this crossing over of DNA can cause alleles previously on the same chromosome to be separated. Therefore if two loci are closer together, the possibility of them being inherited together is greater i.e. there is a reduced chance of alleles being separated and therefore the offspring is more likely to inherit parental traits. Linkage studies aim to uncover genetic markers that are linked to disease genes with the potential to identify other genes as possible disease gene candidates (Terri et al., 2004). Association studies (FIND BOOK REF) An association study is another route to help identify susceptibility genes when studying a multifactorial disease like myopia. Association studies are different from linkage studies in that a common allele is associated with the disease where as linkage study allows different alleles to be associated with the disease in different families (Cordell et al., 2005). There are two separate approaches that an association study can take, it can either be population-based or family based. The main aim is to compare DNA samples from affected individuals against non-affected individuals similar to case-control studies. If the findings show a common allele in the affected individuals that is not found in the controls then it can be assumed that this allele is positively associated with a specific disease (Zhang et al., 2010). Population-based association studies take a sample of people from the population and compares genetic markers between affected individuals (cases) and unaffected individuals (controls). The two groups must be unrelated (no blood relation) although the human population does share common ancestry and so it can be argued that the wider population is just an extended family (Tang et al., 2008; Cordell et al., 2005). Small genetic differences can be detected for complex traits using population-based studies and this can produce powerful results but there may be a confounding effect due to population stratification. Therefore a careful selection of cases and controls is required for a good quality association study. Family-based association studies involve nuclear families consisting of affected offspring and their parents. It is presumed that the non-transmitted alleles from the parents act as internal controls and the transmitted alleles act as the cases. This means family-based studies eliminate any mismatching between cases and controls, therefore avoiding any chance association due to population stratification (Tang et al., 2008). GENETIC INFLUENCE ON MYOPIA Many studies have been conducted to help identify the exact role of genetics in myopia onset and progression. As myopia seems to be multifactorial, twin and family studies are performed to help differentiate between the genetic influence and other factors such as an environmental influence. Twin studies There are two types of twin pairs; monozygotic and dizygotic. Identical twins are known as monozygotic i.e. they originated from the same fertilised ovum, where as dyzgotic twins originate from two separately fertilised eggs therefore their DNA is not identical. In 2001 a classic twin study was performed by Hammond et al. using 226 monozygotic and 280 dizygotic twin pairs from the UK, all female and aged between 49 and 19 years old. The study looked at heritability values of refractive error and found a much higher correlation in monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins; this can be seen in fig 1. This suggests there is a strong genetic influence when inheriting refractive error since monozygotic twins have identical DNA and dyzogitc twins only share up to half their DNA. However heritability is population specific, and if this study was repeated for another population sample with a different gene pool or environment then similar results may not be seen (Hammond et al., 2001). A more recent study carried out by Dirani et al. in 2006 was composed of 345 monozygotic and 267 dizygotic twin pairs aged between 18 and 88 years old. Twins were recruited from Australia both male and female. Again the study found similar results to above; a significantly higher correlation was found in the monozygotic than the dzygotic twin pairs. The study found that the high heritability can explained by additive and dominant genetic effects which suggests there are multiple genes involved in the aetiology of myopia (Dirani et al., 2006b). Many other twin studies have also reported on the importance of genetic factors in myopia (Teikari et al., 1980; Hu, D., 1981; Miller, E. M., 1995; Dirani et al., 2008). This leads one to conclude that genetics plays an important role in myopia development. However twin studies do rely on a common assumption that all twins share a similar environment (Dirani et al., 2006a). This way the studies performed can assume all results are are relative with no significant environmental discrepency i.e. there is no confounding effect as long as the assumption holds true. Although twin studies show good evidence of genetics influencing myopia, some argue they do not apply to the singleton population as twin studies rely on contestable assumptions (Hammond et al., 2001; Morgan et al., 2005). An alternative approach to studying the genetic influence is to conduct a familial study. Familial studies Familial studies concentrate on the heritability value of a condition being passed on from parents to their offspring. If there is a family history of particular condition then there is a greater probability that the children will inherit the same condition. For myopia, there is a higher risk of the children developing the condition if one or both parents have myopia compared to children without myopic parents (Zadnik et al., 1994). A study surveying 2888 children in China and Hong Kong found the prevalence of myopia to be 7.3% if neither parent was myopic, 26.2% if one parent was myopic and 45% if both parents were myopic, reinforcing the view of a strong genetic influence in myopia (Yap et al., 1993). Although this seems like a genetic predisposition to myopia, there is a possible confounding effect since family members not only share common genes but also share a similar environment (Morgan et al., 2005; Sperduto et al., 1996). Therefore when comparing families careful selection should be made to ensure a large difference in environmental circumstances does not exist between the families. If there is a difference in the environment then this should be factored into the results. Familial studies suggest that a gene-environment interaction exists but this conclusion must be used with an open-mind since parental myopia history can denote a genetic marker, a common lifestyle, or both (Saw at al., 2001; Young et al., 2007). Mendelian inheritance The classic Mendelian inheritance model has laws that state the inheritance of traits is linked to single genes on chromosomes in the nucleus. There are four modes of Mendelian inheritance; autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked dominant and X-linked recessive (Book ReF). There are genetic differences between forms of high myopia and low myopia (Olmedo et al., 1992; Pintado et al., 1992). Some studies have found a Mendelian inheritance pattern for myopia, particularly for dominantly inherited simple high myopia (Guggenheim et al., 2000). Young et al. found an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance identifying two loci for high myopia (Young et al., 1998a; Young et al., 1998b). A recent family-based study consisting of 162 Chinese nuclear families found an association and linkage between the myocilin gene (MYOC) polymorphisms and high myopia (Tang et al., 2007). Many other genetic linkage studies dealing with familial high myopia have also identified myopia loci with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance (Naiglin et al., 2002; Paluru et al., 2003; Paluru et al., 2005; Zhang et al., 2005; Nallasamy et al., 2007). However, similar studies have also found that myopia is likely to be influenced by multiple genes (Hammond et al., 2004; Wojciechowski et al., 2006) and other factors like environment (Morgan et al., 2005). This concept of a multifactorial disorder suggests that myopia does not conform to a single-gene Mendelian inheritance model (Ashton, 1985; Klein et al., 2005; Young et al., 2007). Therefore Mendelian inheritance patterns may only apply to simple high myopia i.e. low myopia and some forms of high myopia are comlex traits that do not conform to a Mendelian inheritance model. Complex trait myopia Myopia can be expressed as part of a syndrome, rarely as a monogenic form (typically high myopia) or most commonly as a complex disorder (Tang et al., 2008). A complex trait results from the interaction of multiple factors, each of which has a relatively small effect. Family studies show that myopia is more prevalent with a positive family history but it is not a single-gene defect and there may be an environmental influence. This multi-factorial inheritance suggests that the disorder is only expressed if a critical number of genes are inherited independently, and accompanied with an environmental influence i.e. near-work (Saw et al., 1996; Young et al., 2007). Many low myopia loci have also been mapped using linkage analysis (Hammond et al., 2004; Wojciechowski et al., 2006; Klein et al., 2007). However, the genes influencing myopia onset and progression are still not fully understood and research has continued to help identify potential candidate genes that may have a critical role in myopia development. Susceptibility genes Many genes are involved in eye development processes such as emmetropisation, and some of these have been suggested as candidate genes that make an individual more susceptible to develop myopia. PAX6 The PAX6 gene is part of the Pax family that are transcriptional regulators and have an important role in the developing eye. Mutations in the PAX6 gene have been implicated for the development of serious ocular conditions such as aniridia and congenital cataracts (Glaser et al., 1994; Hever et al., 2006). Varying the dosage of PAX6 gene in transgenic mice has been proved to influence eye size (Schedl et al., 1996). Therefore it is thought that polymorphisms in the PAX6 gene may be associated with developing a refractive error in humans. Hammond et al. (2004) carried out a genomewide scan of 221 dyzygotic twins and found 5 SNPs with strong linkage to the PAX6 gene but no associtaion, suggesting that PAX6 may influence myopia development. Another study perfomed by Simpson et al. (2007) used 25 tag SNPs, which covered the PAX6 gene, and found no association between PAX6 and refractive error. However, more recent studies have suggested there is an association between the PAX6 gene and high myopia (Tsai et al., 2008; Han et al., 2009). It seems an association may exist but due to the lack of evidence further investigation is required to fully understand the potential influence of the PAX6 gene in myopia development. TGIF The transforming growth ÃŽ ²-induced factor (TGIF) gene functions as a transcriptional repressor. Mutations in TGIF have been identfied in patients with holoprosencephaly; a common congenital forebrain development defect (Satoh et al., 2008). Young et al. (1998) identified MYP2 locus on chromosome 18p11.31 to be associated with autosomal dominant high myopia. The TGIF gene has been mapped to be located within the MYP2 interval and therefore is considered as a candidate gene for MYP2-associated high myopia. However, studies investigating the relationship between TGIF and high myopia have not found any association (Scavello et al., 2004; Hasumi et al., 2006; Wang et al., 2009) Although experimental science has found a strong expression of TGIF in mice during early stages of retinal development (Satoh et al., 2008), the exact role of TGIF in neural development is not fully understood. Further research is required to determine the underlying mechanisms and influence of TGIF in developmental processes. HGF The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been found to be strongly linked to determining the eye size in mice i.e. causing myopia (Zhou et al., 1999). HGF has also been closely associated with biological mechanisms influencing axial myopia such as critical scleral remolding proteinases (Hamasuna et al., 1999; Gong et al., 2003). This makes HGF a potential candidate gene for myopia. A recent family-based study found a positive association between a HGF gene polymorphism and high myopia in the Han Chinese population (Han et al.,2006). However, another study by Wang et al. (2009) found little association between HGF and myopia. It seems many candidate genes have been suggested to be associated with myopia, particularly with high myopia loci, but none of them have been proven to be clearly involved (Scavello et al., 2004; Young, T. L., 2004; Wang et al., 2009). Environmental Influence Normally in humans the eyes develop from neonatal hypermetropia to emmetropia in the early years of life (Fredrick, 2002). However, this same process in animal models can be disrupted by environmental factors. Experimental animal studies have shown that if an image is not allowed to be focussed on the retina, either by suturing eyelids or placing diffusers over the eye, then myopia will develop (Wallman et al., 1978; Raviola et al., 1985; Siegwart et al., 1998). In human infants naturally occuring diseases, such as congenital cataracts and periocular haemangiomas, cause similar vision deprivation. In eyes that are left untreated, axial elongation and myopia develops (Hoyt et al., 1981; Fredrick, 2002), however not all these patients develop myopia (Young et al., 2007). Therefore the emmetropisation process may be sensitive to envronmental factors but it is not solely influenced by them. Myopia prevalence is increasing and becoming a more significant public health problem (Saw et al., 1996; Fredrick, 2002; Paluru et al., 2003). The use-abuse theory suggests that near work causes myopia, therefore people that are highly educated are more like to be myopic than others (Saw et al., 1996). However educational attainment is related to intellect which is strongly influenced by genes, therefore the use-abuse theory should not be solely considered as an environmental factor (Dirani et al., 2008b). Differences in myopia prevalence between the old and new generations also suggest that myopia is more likely to be influenced by environmental changes, such as increased near work like surfing the internet, rather than genetic changes. However, even in these modern times with a high incidence of myopia, there are individuals that do not develop myopia. This supports the theory of influential interaction between genetics and environment factors i.e. some individuals are genetically predisposed that makes them more susceptible to develop myopia due to environmental risk factors, such as near work (Lyhne et al., 2001). Gene-environment interaction In this theory it is assumed that myopia results from both genetic and environmental factors. This means that in the parental generation, those that have myopia genes may not develop myopia due to lack of exposure to environmental risk factors and those that have no myopia genes but are exposed to the environmental risk may become myopic. Therefore this makes it very difficult to study the potential impact of this theory, particularly where there are large changes in the environment and prevalence of myopia between old and new generations (Morgan et al., 2005). Saw et al. (2001) found that although a gene-environment interaction may exist for myopia, the association between near work and myopia is different for children with no, one or two myopic parents. The study found that children can be classified as high or low-risk depending on if parental myopia exists e.g. those with two myopic parents and high environmental exposure have a significatntly higher chance of developing myopia compared to those on the opposite scale. However, it is not known whether family history is a factor due mainly to inheritance or to common lifestyle, nor is it known how inheritance might interact with nearwork (Goss, 2000). In 2001 Lyhne et al. performed a study to investigate the genetic and environmental impact on myopia. The study found a strong heritability value for myopia but no significant environmental impact. Other studies have also explored the complex gene-environment theory but have not found any conclusive results (Zadnik et al., 1994; Saw et al., 2001). Many studies looking at the potential interaction between genes and environment use a classic quantitative method to analyse their results. This method does not take into account the potential influence of gene-environment interactions. Therefore to get a true quantitative estimation of interaction the model needs to include a very large population sample with reliable information on early life environmental encounters, such as study habits (Lyhne et al., 2001). However, the environment may have a significant influence, especially when you compare the increasing prevalence of myopia with the modern world where there is better educational, increasing computer usage and mobile phones etc. The gene-environment interaction theory needs to be investigated further to help understand the relative influence of individual factors and how they work together. DISCUSSION It is generally accepted that myopia is a complex disease and its increasing prevalence is becoming a more significant public health problem; there is the social impact of visual disability and economic impact of treatment costs. This has instigated many research projects to help identify underlying mechanisms influencing myopia onset and progression. Current mapping techniques include linkage-analysis and association studies Credibility of  Mapping Techniques Each has its own advantages and researchers tend to use a combination of mapping techniques to help identify myopia loci and study potential disease genes. Many myopia loci have been identified and candidate genes have been suggested, but no specific genes have been identified to cause myopia. Results from family studies and twin studies have suggested there is a strong genetic influence in myopia development. However, the genes involved in complex or multi-factorial diseases are difficult to identify and their influence may be affected by unrelated genes and environment (Young, 2004). Therefore when selecting samples for studies care needs to be taken to ensure any discrepancies are kept to a minimum and taken into account when interpreting results. Other factors such as environment have also been implicated in the development of myopia, especially when looking at results from animal studies. The main environmental risk factor is considered to be increasing near work but there are possibly other environmental aspects to also consider such as personality, social and cultural factors. Understanding each factor in association to myopia will help further understand the environmental influence and the extent of interaction between genes and environment. This gives rise to the gene-environment theory which is very difficult to study. This is because myopia is a complex disease where several different influential factors may need to be taken into consideration when performing a study. Again much more investigative research is required to understand and add substance to this theory. In 2003 the 13-year Human Genome Project was completed and identified approximately all the genes in the human DNA. Currently analysis of the data is continuing through many research projects. Further advancements in genetic research and technology will definitely benefit the human population and hopefully ongoing research will eventually give us a much better insight into the underlying mechanisms of myopia development. This will in turn help determine the relative influence between genetics and environment, and eventually help develop better therapies to manage myopia.

The Story Stuff Essay -- Environment, Corporations, Consumerism

In the essays that we have been reading, there is a consist theme that has been occuring. This consist theme has been that there are people who are in power, and that their conscience has been covered by hot iron, becuase their minds are being controlled by their love for money, and that they have screwed up the way that the world works in the pursuit of money. The first assignment that we had was to watch the â€Å"Story of Stuff† and then had to talk about it. In the â€Å"Story of Stuff†, the main idea was that corporations cared about one thing and one thing only, making the most money, even if that meant destroying human lives and destroying the planet. In the next assignment, we had to read Naomi Klein’s essay â€Å"No Logo†, in which she tells us that the corporations found that they could make money without making any products, instead they made something called â€Å"brands†, which were nothing but concepts that did not require them to make the actual products. So instead they had several companies that treated their workers without any respect, but could make the products for the corporations at cheap costs. And in the essay â€Å"Iron Maiden† written by Jacobson and Mazur, the authors tell us about how the media has created an environment in which women honestly believe that only when they buy â€Å"brands† and torture their bodies to the horrors of unnecessary cosmetic surgery. And all of this is because there is a group of people, who have their morals controlled by their love of money, and that they have a race for who can own the most things and that nothing can get in their way, and all of this is shown by the essays that we have been studying. In the first assignment that we did as a class,which was watching the movie "The Story of Stuff", ... ...ke unneccary surgey that "may cause immune-system and death"(Jacobson and Mazur 214). And why is the media telling women this evil image of the "Iron Maiden", it is becuase of their love for money and the fact that their consciences have been sealed shut with a piece of hot iron, and because they have fallen for their own lie. The lie that "if you don’t own or buy a lot of stuff,you don’t exist"(Leonard 4). In conclusion, everything that we have learned this quarter has shown the truth about the current state of consumerism. That it is a state that has been created by a lie, and has grown with lies, and it is a state of existance that stomps on the human race each day with a huge iron toe boot. And I believe that this state will be changed into a perfect state of being, a state that will not view humans as expendable resources, but as living and breathing people. The Story Stuff Essay -- Environment, Corporations, Consumerism In the essays that we have been reading, there is a consist theme that has been occuring. This consist theme has been that there are people who are in power, and that their conscience has been covered by hot iron, becuase their minds are being controlled by their love for money, and that they have screwed up the way that the world works in the pursuit of money. The first assignment that we had was to watch the â€Å"Story of Stuff† and then had to talk about it. In the â€Å"Story of Stuff†, the main idea was that corporations cared about one thing and one thing only, making the most money, even if that meant destroying human lives and destroying the planet. In the next assignment, we had to read Naomi Klein’s essay â€Å"No Logo†, in which she tells us that the corporations found that they could make money without making any products, instead they made something called â€Å"brands†, which were nothing but concepts that did not require them to make the actual products. So instead they had several companies that treated their workers without any respect, but could make the products for the corporations at cheap costs. And in the essay â€Å"Iron Maiden† written by Jacobson and Mazur, the authors tell us about how the media has created an environment in which women honestly believe that only when they buy â€Å"brands† and torture their bodies to the horrors of unnecessary cosmetic surgery. And all of this is because there is a group of people, who have their morals controlled by their love of money, and that they have a race for who can own the most things and that nothing can get in their way, and all of this is shown by the essays that we have been studying. In the first assignment that we did as a class,which was watching the movie "The Story of Stuff", ... ...ke unneccary surgey that "may cause immune-system and death"(Jacobson and Mazur 214). And why is the media telling women this evil image of the "Iron Maiden", it is becuase of their love for money and the fact that their consciences have been sealed shut with a piece of hot iron, and because they have fallen for their own lie. The lie that "if you don’t own or buy a lot of stuff,you don’t exist"(Leonard 4). In conclusion, everything that we have learned this quarter has shown the truth about the current state of consumerism. That it is a state that has been created by a lie, and has grown with lies, and it is a state of existance that stomps on the human race each day with a huge iron toe boot. And I believe that this state will be changed into a perfect state of being, a state that will not view humans as expendable resources, but as living and breathing people.