Saturday, August 31, 2019

American Literature Exam Questions Essay

12. Discuss the characteristic features of the experimental prose in 1960-2000 on chosen examples. Experimental literature refers to written works – often novels or magazines – that place great emphasis on innovations regarding technique and style. Naked Lunch is a novel by William S. Burroughs, a complete American edition(1962). †¢The book is structured as a series of loosely-connected vignettes. Burroughs himself stated that the chapters are intended to be read in any order. The reader follows the narration of junkie William Lee. †¢The manner in which the novel is written the reader to see only part of the picture—as much as he wants to see. It often happens that something mentioned in the book reappears much later producing thus a series of intratextual relationships and echoes. This idea, relating to different perspectives within a larger picture, is itself a theme which runs throughout this book. †¢The novel’s mix of taboo fantasies, peculiar creatures and eccentric personalities all serve to unmask mechanisms and processes of control, and have led to much controversy. †¢By decentralizing the plot Burroughs produces a series of interrelated literal caricatures, satires, and parodies throug hout the novel. A Pynchon-influenced generation of writers in the 1990s, such as David Foster Wallace, who would combine some of the experimental form-play of the 60’s writers with a more emotionally-deflating irony, and a greater tendency towards accessibility and humor. Infinite Jest is a 1996 lengthy and complex work takes place in a semi-parodic future version of North America. The novel touches on the topics of tennis, substance addiction and recovery programs, depression, child abuse, family relationships, advertising and popular entertainment, film theory, and Quebec separatism. †¢There are frequent references to endnotes throughout the novel. In an interview with Charlie Rose, Wallace characterized their use as a method of disrupting the linearity of the text while maintaining some sense of narrative cohesion. †¢Acronyms are another signature device in Wallace’s work and are used frequently within the novel. †¢Wallace’s writing voice is a postmodern mixtur e of high- and low-brow linguistic traits. He juxtaposes, often within  a single sentence, colloquialisms and polysyllabic, obscure, or esoteric words. 13. On the example of a chosen text by Henry James, enumerate typical features of psychological realism. A psychological novel, also called psychological realism, is a work of prose fiction which: †¢places more than the usual amount of emphasis on interior characterization, and on the motives, circumstances, and internal action which springs from, and develops, external action. †¢The psychological novel can be called a novel of the â€Å"inner man,† so to say. In some cases, the stream of consciousness technique, as well as interior monologues, may be employed to better illustrate the inner workings of the human mind at work. Flashbacks may also be featured. The Portrait of a Lady is a novel by Henry James (1881). This is the story of a spirited young American woman, Isabel Archer, who â€Å"affronts her destiny† and finds it overwhelming. She inherits a large amount of money and subsequently becomes the victim of Machiavellian scheming by two American expatriates. It also treats in a profound way the themes of personal freedom, responsibility, betrayal, and sexuality. In this novel James had pushed the analysis of human consciousness and motivation to new levels, particularly in such passages as the famous Chapter 42, where Isabel meditates deep into the night about her marriage and the trap she seems to have fallen into. James made an in-depth account of Isabel’s deepest terrors in his preface to the New York Edition of the novel. 14. Characterize the genre of horror on the chosen example of American popular literature of 20th and 21st century. The trait of the genre of horror is that: †¢it provokes a response, emotional, psychological or physical within each individual which causes someone to react with fear. †¢in order for that response to be elicited there are different techniques used, such as unreal figures (phantoms, mummies, etc.), or more real situations and figures  (serial killers, rapists, kidnappers). †¢The main ingredient within horror is that the reader can relate to it somehow and that there’s always something unexpected on its way. The whole horror genre is build up upon people’s fear of the unknown and anxieties. ‘Salem’s Lot is a 1975 horror fiction novel written by Stephen King. Ben Mears, a successful writer who grew up in the town of Jerusalem’s Lot has returned home because of his wife’s death. †¢Ben plans to write a book about the â€Å"Marsten House†, an abandoned mansion that gave him nightmares after a bad experience with it as a child. He unexpectedly finds out that the Marsten House is about to be inhabited by the vampire Kurt Barlow. †¢Over the course of the book, the town is slowly taken over by vampires, reducing it to a ghost town by day as they sleep. †¢Finally, Ben and the other man succeed in destroying the master vampire Barlow, but, lucky to escape with their lives, are forced to leave the town to the crop of newly created vampires. †¢An epilogue has the two returning to the town a year later, intending to renew the battle. Ben, knowing that there are too many hiding places for the town’s vampires, sets some underbrush on fire in an attempt to destroy as many homes as possible thus making the vampires easier to hunt. The Shining is a 1977 horror novel by American author Stephen King. †¢Jack Torrance is trying to rebuild his life accepts a job as a winter caretaker at the large, isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado where he goes with wife Wendy, and son Danny. †¢Danny’s clairvoyance (jasnowidztwo) makes him sensitive to supernatural forces. †¢The hotel has a personality in its own right, and acts as a psychic lens. Danny has premonitions of the hotel’s danger to his family and begins seeing ghosts and frightening visions from the hotel’s past, but puts up with them in the hope that they are not dangerous in the present. †¢The hotel has difficulty possessing Danny, so it begins to possess Jack. Wendy discovers that they are completely isolated at the Overlook, as Jack has sabotaged the hotel’s snowmobile and smashed the CB radio in the office. She and Jack battle. Hallorann, working at a winter resort in Florida, hears Danny’s psychic call for help and rushes back to the Overlook. The hotel causes Jack to kill himself with the roque  mallet. †¢Finally the boiler explodes, destroying the Overlook. The novel ends with Danny and Wendy summering at a resort in Maine where Hallorann, the head chef, is comforting Danny over the loss of his father. 15. Characterize the genre of sci-fi and/or cyberpunk on the chosen examples of American popular literature of 20th and 21st century. Science fiction is a genre of fiction. It differs from fantasy in that, within the context of the story, its imaginary elements are largely possible within scientifically established or scientifically postulated laws of nature. Science fiction is largely based on writing rationally about alternative possibilities. The settings for science fiction are often contrary to known reality, but the majority of science fiction relies on a considerable degree of suspension of disbelief provided by potential scientific explanations to various fictional elements. These may include: †¢a setting in the future, in alternative timelines, or in an historical past that contradicts known facts of history or the archaeological record †¢a setting in outer space, on other worlds, or involving aliens †¢stories that involve technology or scientific principles that contradict known laws of nature †¢stories that involve discovery or application of new scientific principles, such as time travel or new technology, such as nanotechnology, faster-than-light travel or robots, or of new and different political or social systems EXAMPLES: Dune is a science fiction novel written by Frank Herbert, published in 1965. Dune is frequently cited as the world’s best-selling science fiction novel. Set in the far future among a feudal interstellar empire where planetary fiefdoms (lenna) are controlled by noble houses that owe an allegiance (lojalność, hoÅ‚d) to the Imperial House Corrino, Dune tells the story of young Paul Atreides (the heir apparent to Duke Leto Atreides and the scion of House Atreides) as he and his family accept control of the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the â€Å"spice† melange, the most important and valuable substance in the universe. The story explores the complex and  multi-layered interactions of politics, religion, ecology, technology, and human emotion, as the forces of the Empire confront each other for control of Arrakis and its â€Å"spice†. Ender’s Game (1985) is a science fiction novel by American author Orson Scott Card. †¢set in Earth’s future,   Ã¢â‚¬ ¢presents an endangered humankind that have barely survived two conflicts with the Formics (an insectoid alien race also known as the â€Å"Buggers†). †¢in preparation for an anticipated third invasion, an international fleet maintains a school to find and train future fleet commanders. The world’s most talented children, including the novel’s protagonist Ender Wiggin, are taken at a very young age to a training center known as the Battle School. There, teachers train them in the arts of war through increasingly difficult games including ones undertaken in zero gravity in the Battle Room where Ender’s tactical genius is revealed. †¢Ender’s â€Å"final exam† consists of a scenario where bugger ships outnumber Ender’s fleet a thousand to one near a planetary mass. Ender orders the use of a special weapon, the Molecular Disruption Device, against the planet itself, destroying the simulated planet and all ships in orbit. Soon he finds out that all the simulations were real battles taking place with real fleets, and that he had killed all the queens on their home planet. He is not allowed to return to Earth because his special skills are too dangerous. Ender is made Governor of the first human colony on a Bugger world, and they leave together on the first colony ship.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Gender, Race and Class

Disability is the condition of inability to perform any task or activity due to the presence of any physical or mental disability. Disabilities that are found in the bodily parts of a person apart from any other mental or psychological problem are called Physical disabilities. Such disabilities include inability to speak, walk, see, hear, or write (ArticleDoctor, 2009). Mental disabilities involve the inability or abnormality in the intellectual process or mind of a person, or anything that relates to the mind or cognition.Such disabilities include the incapability to think properly, inability to understand other’s emotions or talks, and mental retardation. Whereas, learning disabilities are those in which the cognitive functioning of a person doesn’t work up to the mark for the purpose of learning and acquiring skills. This may also include the inability of building up of tacit knowledge. In such case, whatever is taught to an individual is not understood, learned, or retained by him. Now let’s discuss how and why such disabilities are found in human beings.First, genetic disability is the one that is transferred to a person through his or her parents. In such case, the genes that are found in a woman, for instance inability to hear, are usually transferred to the child. Congenital disability is the one that exists at birth and not hereditary. This may be caused due to some occurrence of problem in the development of fetus. Whereas disability that is transferred to a person from the environment or other people, is called acquired disability.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

A Breakdown of the Hiring Method of an Organization

A Breakdown of the Hiring Method of an Organization The recruitment procedure will start after a full evaluation of the need for the post as well as strategic plans, and the budget has been finished. The recruitment policy should consider the need for fresh ideas and approaches. It should ensure a diverse workforce by planning to employ groups that are not represented adequately in the company. This will be achieved by placing job advertisements in the minority ethnic press, the women’s press and other types of publications targeting the under-represented (Armstrong, 1999). The company will add statements in the advertisement that seek to encourage under-represented groups to apply for the advertised posts. Any new or modified position will be officially assessed and graded before advertising it so as to maintain equal wages for work of equal value After completing a post evaluation, the vacant position will be advertised. All positions will first be advertised within the company. This is essential so as to maximize equality of opportunity and offer existing staff a career growth. The vacant post will afterward be advertised externally through media such as newspaper and online. Adequate details will be provided to the applicants so as they can make an informed choice. Selection Policy Internal as well as external candidates should be evaluated in a neutral way using the selection criteria set out and the only candidate who possess the required specifications should be shortlisted. All managers will be involved in shortlisting candidates to avoid any possibility of bias, but the HR Manager will be in full control. All candidates will be questioned based on the individual specification. Once the short listing process is over, it should be handed to the HR service department. The shortlisted candidate will be contacted by emails or telephone and given information about the selection procedure including any interviews. Shortlisted candidate will be given a notice five days working days before the interview to allow them to participate fully in the selection procedure. The interview process will be carried out by at least two individuals. One individual will be the Company recruiting manager. Notes should be taken during the interview to record relevant points of the process. This will be used to refer when evaluating candidates and making decisions. Notes on a candidate recorded during the selection procedure should be submitted to the HR department. These notes will be stored for at least six months after the selection procedure. Candidates who fall short of the interview will be handled courteously and sensitively. They will be notified about the selection procedure results via telephone or a written letter. A reference check will be carried out before making an offer to the applicant. Before conducting the reference check the selection panel needs to familiarize thoroughly with the details provided by the applicant such as application, resume or work experience. Recognize areas that need verification particularly work experience. Telephone calls will be made to one or more referees provided by the candidates. Since most employers are not allowed to give information without permission, the selection committee will send signed applicant release and Disclosure consent form. The question will be noted in advance; highlighting the details that need verification or explained further. Employment checks will be conducted where the successful applicant will be required to provide proof of identity The successful candidate will also provide actual certificates of qualifications The successful candidate must complete a confidential health questionnaire to prove suitability in working for cloth making company.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Current Business Strategies At Tesco Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5750 words

Current Business Strategies At Tesco - Essay Example The company started trading its shares to the public in 1947 to boost its capital base. In the late 1950s, Tesco took over the ownership of numerous of grocery stores within the UK, among them being Harrow Stores Ltd, a 200-grocery chain. Moreover, Tesco has implemented strategies to penetrate the international market through acquiring already established stores. With the coming of e-commerce, Tesco has developed strategies to harness this great potential. In 2010, the company started a mobile phone based website to allow customers make purchases from their smart phones. However, the strategies adopted by the company have not always gone down well with different stakeholders. Early this year, the business has proposed to tailor its deals according to the income of the nearby shoppers. Clarkson (2012) asserts that 75 percent of the Tesco’s shoppers are opposed to a new strategy by Tesco to base its deals on the income of nearby shoppers. 1.2: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The research u ses a methodology of reviewing various sources that have discussed the strategic operations of Tesco. I relied mostly on internet sources to carry out this research. 1.3: Findings 1. Tesco has relied on a strategy of acquisition of its competitors 2. Tesco has continuously adopted strategies to penetrate into the international market 3. Tesco has a strategy of diversifying the products it offers to customers 4. Technology has fuelled the growth of Tesco, with adoption of e-commerce and mobile-commerce 1.4: Recommendations 1. Tesco should carry out a market research before implementing a strategy to avert what dissatisfaction among customers. 2. Tesco should continue increasing its express stores 3. Tesco should continue making stronger brands as this... This paper approves that key implementation issues and risks faced by the company are as follows - Tesco is planning to enter new global markets. The strategy adopted by Tesco is to protect the brand image and promote expansion plans. It has been in controversy over the treatment of customer and staff. Additionally, it’s approach in foreign business has been criticised. Tesco’s biggest criticism has been that it has been creating a monopoly in the market over products. Furthermore, the company had aggressive planning in building new stores. Tesco has adopted information systems to increase its sales through ecommerce. This report makes a conclusion that the retail business of Tesco is highly competitive and it needs technological support and innovative solutions for getting competitive advantage. The innovative solutions Tesco can introduce are - new format stores and creating a novel online shopping experience. What’s more, implementation of technologically advanced online solutions is not expensive and takes 6-8 months. For sustained competitive advantage, the company should have command over price by delivering value added competitive products and services. For example - it can introduced health foods for different age groups. The process of production of health foods will take 6 to 7 months. It needs to work on internal advantages and reduce weaknesses to create a platform for innovation, research & development. The company should also be able to organize the process of implementation along with globalization and diversification.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Human Health and the Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Human Health and the Environment - Essay Example The differences between the two diseases are their lifetime immunity which Malaria has but the same cannot be said for yellow fever. Malaria is characterized by â€Å"uncontrollable shaking† while â€Å"Yellow fever is characterized by weakness and dizziness†.(Pinheiro & Rosa Ap, 1978) C. Why are yellow fever and malaria not threats at present in North America? The reason that both of these viruses are no longer present in United States of America is because of the fact that government has initiated vaccination programs, which has made it possible to eradicate both these diseases from the U.S and there is â€Å"strict laws for vaccination of immigrants and travelers coming from countries where malaria is still present and also for tourists travelling from US to abroad†. (Kilpatrick et al, 2006) D. Why is malaria such a significant hazard in Africa? Malaria is a serious hazard in Africa because of the fact that health care in Africa is virtually non-existent. Ther e are NGO’s and non-profit organizations working with African governments to eradicated diseases like HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Yellow Fever but to no avail because of the â€Å"corruption and lack of awareness among the African populace about these diseases†. ... E. Why does the number of West Nile virus cases in people increase in warmer weather? (1 points) Because the Mosquitoes gather the virus in early fall that is why the spread of this virus is most common in warm weather or summer. (Kilpatrick et al, 2006) 2. Write a criticism of the following proposition: â€Å"Although it is impossible to measure the gains exactly, a moderately warmer climate...†¦and reduced outlays for clothing†. It is unrealistic in a sense that climate cannot be changed until and unless the above proposition is supporting global warming. For the American people, they have become acquainted to the cold climate that befalls on the North American Continent. Even though a warmer climate would lead to fewer diseases but in the long run it is unrealistic. To decrease the ratio of sick people, it is necessary that people take vaccination, live and eat hygienically and as the saying goes, â€Å"Prevention is better than cure† should be given priority. L ooking at the concept of warm and cold weather, people in cold countries are less sick as compared to people warm countries i.e. India, China, and Pakistan etc. It’s not about how less people get sick depending on the climate it’s about the precaution and prevention they do. Most of us spend winter trying to stay heated, but a little bit of experience of cold weather may not be such a bad factor. There are two types of fat in an individual’s body: white-colored fat and brownish fat. Brown fat is the heat-producing, calorie-burning fat that infants need to control their individual body conditions. Most of it vanishes with age, but grownups maintain some brownish fat. A recent scientific research

Monday, August 26, 2019

Women in the Military Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Women in the Military - Research Paper Example However these people did not have any rank. Though they served the duties of army and played an integral part for the forces they were not considered soldiers or significant section of the military. During the Civil wars there apart from espionage and duties some women also disguised as men took part in the struggle. (Devilibiss, 1) History of Participation of Women The participation of women in military has a long history. The folklore tells the story of Molly Pitcher who served in the Continental Army. But the women in military services first began in 1901 and 1908 when they were employed in the Army and Navy Nurse Corps. But in both the forces their roles were restricted to nursing. The nurses were sent along with the troops wherever required. However they were regarded mainly as an auxiliary force and never took part in actual warfare. The nurses in the initial days had no uniform or ranks and they were never considered as soldiers. During World War I for the first time women wer e employed in non-nursing profession. However these services were mainly as clerks, typists, and telephone operators. There was no risk involved and the services were typically perceived as feminine. Around 49,000 women served during this time. After the war they were returned to the normal civilian life. More women participation was seen during the World War II all around the world including Soviet Union, Great Britain and America. In the American forces the participation was restricted to only 2.3% only. Several new units like the WASP (Women’s Air Service Pilot), WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service), and WAAC (Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps) was formed. But their roles and promotions were restricted till 1967. The first rights to equal opportunities came with the Public Law 90-130 during the late seventies. In 1980 the Air Force Academy class saw for the first time students from both sexes in a class (Mitchell, 1-35). Since them the participation of the women has come a long way with the report of Military Leadership Diversity Council that has recommended the participation of women in combat in the United States Army. (Burgoyne). Women and War: Sociological Aspect Many discussions have been conducted about women’s participation in war and peace. One of the significant theories in this respect is the Feminist Peace and Conflict Theory. This theory has considered the life and the encounters of women in warfare and postulated various theories. IL the 1980s the scholars have argued that traditionally the women are advocates of peace while the men make wars. The underlying logic is that the men are more aggressive than women. Therefore they are the main proponents of war. Mary Daly and the workers of the Ecofeminist movement have proposed such thoughts. The structuralists have argued that the gendered bias of profession finds their resonance in the masculine perception of military and nation state. Many have argued that the c ontribution of women in defense have been conveniently omitted due to the patriarchal nature of historiography. The existentialist theorists have given a different argument. According to them the women in a patriarchal society are conceived as the other due to the construction of the gender concept based on existence. Therefore their participation in all forms of decision making and military was restricted. However the role of women as warriors in the struggles of Nicaragua and Vietnam changes the idea of women as the advocators of pacifist movements. New lights were shed on the perception of gender based on the aggressiveness and submissiveness. The

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Marketing Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Marketing Planning - Essay Example The marketing planning is thus required to first inspect the mission and vision objectives in the light of data obtained from changing external scenario through conducting marketing surveys. Use of information technology is also considered as an effective tool to gain potential data about changes in consumer preference patterns. With such data in hand analysis should be made pertaining to the internal strengths and weaknesses of the concern to help counter the external changes. Further the marketing plans for a company are required to encompass several strategic models to analyse the potential of the company in gaining on in changing market opportunities. Similarly the product, pricing, distribution and communication strategies need also be developed to effectively penetrate the consumer sphere. Finally owing to the changes being brought in the strategic marketing sphere the company needs to design an effective budget to help meet the needed changes. The business corporation is also required to render effective controls over the activities and modifications brought about in the managerial implications to render effectiveness in meeting changed objectives (Neves, 2003, p.9-10). An evaluation of Nokia’s capability for future marketing planning (LO 1.2) Nokia to compete in the international gaming market and thereby to counter competitive threat from companies like Sony and Nintendo came out with a product development venture. The product developed was named as N-Gage which penetrated the consumer gaming market through working on high quality gaming software. However the initial product was launched in the market by the company without conduct a pre-test of consumer and market ideologies. N-Gage in the initial stage gained a rapid market acceptance for having highly innovative features that at that time exceeded expectations of the consumers. However of late Nokia started facing criticisms from the consumer sphere in that they wanted a more customised gamin g product that wound render larger number of gaming variants at highly affordable prices. Again, the N-Gage failed to satisfy the communication features of a phone for it required to be held in a lateral position to the face while talking which made the whole process quite cumbersome. Nokia honoured the criticisms from the consumers and thereby focused on designing and modifying the N-Gage into N-Gage QD. This product launched reflected a better battery life with a wide and bright screen. It also reflected better controls over the game by the consumer. However the initial failure of Nokia to gauge the needs and desires of the consumers led the other competitors to design and modify their own products and this led in enhancing the competitiveness of Nokia in the gaming market (Parasuraman, Grewal and Krishnan, 2009, p.6). Details of techniques for organisational auditing and analysis of external factors that may affect marketing planning (LO 1.3) Techniques for Organisational Auditin g Organisational auditing is conducted by an auditor through some specific techniques or

Career Research Paper (Mechanical Engineering at BMW M model) Part 2

Career (Mechanical Engineering at BMW M model) Part 2 - Research Paper Example Mechanics is associated with designing and working of machines and can be ascertained as the main department of all other branches of science. A degree in mechanical engineering can be helpful to obtain a job in automobile industry, wherein an opportunity to design cars and other vehicles along with conducting various research and development activities can be gained. As a mechanical engineer, students may get assistance in planning and designing vehicle parts. Therefore, it can be stated that mechanical engineering profession is of great importance in the automobile sector (Murthy 1-18). With this concern, the research paper intends to analyze the current demand for new hires in entry-level jobs relating to one of the companies operating in the automobile industry i.e. BMW Group. The company is regarded as one of the biggest manufacturers of cars, which provides job opportunities to those students who are pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering or searching job in the respective field. The various methods followed by the students in finding jobs in automobile sector have also been discussed in this research paper. Apart from this, utmost focus has been levied upon depicting the possible career growth path along with the compensation expected by the students at the entry level job and expected pay after gaining experiences (BMWGroup â€Å"A World of Opportunities†). The demand for mechanical engineers is high in automobile industry, as they possess the ability of playing the role of automotive engineers as well. A mechanical engineer can cover the entire job roles of an automotive engineer. Both mechanical and automotive engineer are required to design vehicles for the concerned companies to whom they are employed. A mechanical engineer has the skill to design various components and parts of the vehicles and above all, they also perform additional roles of ensuring greater safety

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Some thing has related about ENVI Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Some thing has related about ENVI - Essay Example Demand for products of crop farming in Indiana is ideal. There is an active growth in demand for products of crop farming. Moreover, the demand for farm products imports is also high. This indicates that the available supply of farm products does not satisfy the current demand. Indiana spends between 1-9.9 billion dollars for farm produce imports (Hicks, 2014). This raises concerns about the farm products production capacity of Indiana. Many forests have been cleared for the sake of creating agricultural farms. A big percentage of forest land in Indiana is privately owned (Our Land Our Literature, 2014). Therefore, there lacks national control measures for deforestation. Deforestation has resulted into reduced rains and thus reduced agricultural productivity. Moreover deforestation also destroys the natural habitat of animals and birds. Although organizations such as Indiana Forest Alliance and Heartwood have come out to educate people on the need to stop deforestation, there is still a lot to be done. The forest cover in Indiana has reduced by 59% in the last thirty years (Alexander, 2013). The agricultural sector is at high danger of collapsing due to poor climate. If campaigns against deforestation are not carried out, Indiana might spend more than 10 billion in imports for farm products. If nothing is done, the currently growing population is bound to experience challenges such as famine and hiked prices of farm products. Hicks,  M.  J. (2014).  Key Economic Sectors in Indiana: State Overview. Retrieved from Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University. website:

Friday, August 23, 2019

Legal Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Legal Issues - Essay Example Very recently, an international incident happened to precisely involves a competition between two equally-important values: free speech and religious freedom. Last year, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published a series of cartoons – twelve in all – about Islam and the Prophet Mohammad that was deemed offensive by the Islamic community at large. To illustrate, one cartoon showed Mohammad with a turban in the shape of a bomb. The issue generated international controversy. Some newspapers outside Denmark reprinted the cartoons in support of the concept of free speech. Flemming Rose, the culture editor of the newspaper, stated: The cartoonists treated Islam the same way they treat Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and other religions. And by treating Muslims in Denmark as equals they made a point: We are integrating you into the Danish tradition of satire because you are part of our society, not strangers. The cartoons are including, rather than excluding, Muslims. On the other hand, the Islamic community demonstrated their outrage at the cartoons through worldwide protests and calls of boycotts. They condemned the drawings as a form of hate speech and decried what they consider to be the offensive depiction of the Prophet Mohammad as well as the not-so-subtle link made between Islam and terrorism. This whole controversy makes a very interesting case for examining the role of the law in settling disputes that involve competing legal concepts reflective of competing values. There is a clear diversity issue at stake, it is not difficult to give credence to the arguments of Muslims all over the world that such depiction of their leader will foment even further inter-religious conflict, will marginalize Muslims and will be a setback for the cause of diversity and pluralism. On the other hand, there is no dispelling the argument as well that free speech is a right that should be cherished and protected. It protects not

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Ethics in the Case of Redesigning a Park Essay Example for Free

Ethics in the Case of Redesigning a Park Essay In the course of pursuing any type of career, it is important that one undergoes training to teach them how to perform the particular job. For professionals such as engineers, doing the right job includes a lot more that what they were trained to do (Liao, 2013). These professionals must learn to be responsible to the public since they job involves interacting a lot with the members of the society For instance, if an engineer is contracted to construct a bridge, he must also consider whether the bridge will be safe for people to use besides looking at the cost of constructing that bridge (Liao, 2013). This means that professionals should be able to make judgment calls when required of them. In this light, this paper is a discussion of professional ethics as to whether closing an already existing park for two years in order to renovate it would be ethical or not. The park in question in this study is a large park that was in existence for more than thirty years. The park was used by many people during the weekends and evenings where they loved to relax and meditate about life. Moreover, many parents loved to take their children to this park where they would swing and play children’s games with their friends. The rest of the family would get to enjoy family picnics and barbeques and play different sports such as skating or bowling. Unfortunately, since the park was more than thirty years old, it had become old and degenerated and required to be renovated by a new developer. This meant that it had to be closed for almost two years for this to happen. The main ethical issue in this case is that the closure of the park will largely affect the social and interactive life of many families and people. Most of the people who frequented this park resided around the park and valued it for the relaxing effect it had on their lives. This was the place most people would meet, especially over the weekends to have chitchat as they watched their children play with each other. In overall, the park was very useful to everybody who visited it and formed part of his or her daily life routine. However, with the looming issue of redesigning the park and closing it down for two years, there are many ethical issues that require to be addressed. Assuming that I was part of the city urban planning council, I would allow the proposed project of the new park since it would bring a lot of beneficial developments to park users. According to the engineering values and ethical conduct, it is stated that engineers need to understand and promote the principles of sustainability and development. In addition, these professionals need to ensure that they uphold the high regard for environmental, social and economic obligations (Wang and Thompson, 2013). The code of engineering ethics was established by the engineers society in order to monitor the actions of fellow engineers during the course of their career (Hoke, 2013). This ethics code stipulated that engineers should not only consider the technical aspects of their work, but also the human side as well. Engineers need to ask themselves whether the projects are safe enough to the lives of people who will be beneficiaries of the building or facility they plan to put up. At all times, these professionals must make judgment calls that form part of the final decision they will make (Wang and Thompson, 2013). They must decide whether what is good for science and technology is equally good for humanity. There is always a certain responsibility to an expert in what they have created. In this case, allowing the proposed new park project will be beneficial to the previous users of the park. There are no engineering ethics that will be violated since people will be redirected to use another park and their lives will still be in safe hands elsewhere. The only violation that can be argued to be present in this project is that the cost of 20 million AED required in renovation and expansion may be a bit overboard. However, it can also be argued that the cost is justified due to the new developments that the project will bring into the new park. There are many ways that the renovations of the park, some of which may violate the engineering ethics conduct (Ameh and Odusami, 2010). First, renovation can be allowed to occur without the closure of the park. The second option would be to sub-divide the park into two parts such that the renovation occurs in a two- phase design. For each of these two decisions, there are serious consequences that may follow. In the first case, allowing the re-designing of the park while it is still in operation would endanger the lives of the people who will be frequenting the park. A building that is under construction may be a danger to the people around it. Considering that children frequent the park most of the time, they might endanger themselves in the course of play. Moreover, people who like talking a walk in the park may injure themselves in the course of the I walk through building materials and incomplete structures. In the second alternative, sub-dividing the park in order to redesign it in two phases may also have its own risks. For starters, sub-dividing the park would mean that the park would have more people in it than it usually holds. This would in turn lead to overcrowding and the park would no longer be conducive for relaxation. Moreover, it also means that the available recreational facilities would be strained such that their efficiency of park users will reduce much easily over time. In this regard, the decision to close down the park in order to re-design it would remain the most ethical approach to this matter. After the construction, the park is expected to have admirable designs and structures that people would enjoy walking through. Moreover, the new park will also have relaxation joints such as food cafes, restaurants, boutiques and public libraries. With all these features, the new park is expected to be admirable and will definitely improve the social lives of the people who frequent it. However, those families that enjoy having barbeques in the park will suffer since barbecues will no longer be allowed because of the danger of fires spreading. This is one of the disadvantages that creating the new park would have. However, when the ups are weighed against the downs, it remains very logical that redesigning of the park will have many numerous benefits to the users of this park. In conclusion, the re-designing of the park will bring with it many benefits that the users will live to enjoy. With regard to the engineering code of conduct, closure of the park for two years would mean that the lives of people would not be endangered since they will be re-directed to use other parks within the city. During the course of the two years, the park will be given a new facelift where additional social amenities and designs will be put up to enhance the appearance of the park. Ultimately, the new park would be beneficial to the frequenters once the re-designing project is complete. References Ameh, O. J., Odusami, K. T. (2010). Professionals’ Ambivalence toward Ethics in the Nigerian Construction Industry.  Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education Practice,  136(1), 9-16. Doi:10.1061/(ASCE)1052-3928(2010)136:1(9) Hoke, T. (2013). Maintaining Zero Tolerance for Bribery, Fraud, and Corruption.  Civil Engineering (08857024),  83(3), 36-37. Liao, S. C. (2013). Enhancing Ethics and the Competitive Environment by Accounting for Conflict of Interest in Project Procurement. Leadership Management in Engineering,  13(2), 86-95. Doi:10.1061/(ASCE)LM.1943-5630.0000219 Wang, G., Thompson, R. (2013). Incorporating Global Components into Ethics Education.  Science Engineering Ethics,  19(1), 287-298. Doi:10.1007/s11948-011-9295-x Source document

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Detecting Complex Image Data Using Data Mining Techniques

Detecting Complex Image Data Using Data Mining Techniques Detecting complex image data using data mining techniques IMRAN KHAN ABSTRACT The Internet, computer networks and information are vital resources of current information trend and their protection has increased in importance in current existence. The intrusion detection system (IDS) plays a vital role to monitors vulnerabilities in network and generates alerts when found attacks. Today the educational network services increasing day today so that IDS becomes essential for security on internet. The Intrusion data classification and detection process is very complex process in network security. In current network security scenario various types of Intrusion attack are available some are known attack and some are unknown attack. The attack of know Intrusion detection used some well know technique such as signature based technique and rule based technique. In case of unknown Intrusion attack of attack detection is various challenging task. In current trend of Intrusion detection used some data mining technique such as classification and clustering. The process of c lassification improves the process of detection of Intrusion. In this dissertation used graph based technique for Intrusion classification and detection. This dissertation proposes efficient intrusion detection architecture which named IDS using improved ensemble techniques (IDSIET). The IDSIET contains a new improved algorithm of attribute reduction which combines rough set theory and a method of establishing multiple rough classifications and a process of identifying intrusion data. The experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of proposed architecture. Our proposed work is implemented in MATLAB .for implementation purpose write various function and script file for implementation of our proposed architecture. For the test of our hybrid method, we used DARPA KDDCUP99 dataset. This data set is basically set of network intrusion and host intrusion data. This data provided by UCI machine learning website. Proposed method compare with exiting ensemble techniques and generate the improved ensemble technique to getting better result such as detection rate, precision and recall value. Keywords- Intrusion Detection System (IDS), IDSIET, Neural Network, rough set theory, Network Security, MATALAB, KDDCUP99 Dataset. PROPOSED METHODOLOGY AND ARCHITECTURE Comparison with linear scale-space representation While not being used explicitly in SURF, we take interest here in the approximation of Gaussian kernels by box filters to understand the advantages and the limitations of the SURF approach. 3.1 Scale-space representation linear scale space The linear scale-space representation of a real valued image u : R2 7→ R defined on a continuous domain is obtained by a convolution with the Gaussian kernel uÏÆ' := GÏÆ' âˆâ€"u (1) where GÏÆ' is the centered, isotropic and separable 2-D Gaussian kernel with variance ÏÆ'2 ∀(x,y) ∈R2, GÏÆ'(x,y) := 1 2Ï€ÏÆ'2 e−x2+y2 2ÏÆ'2 = gÏÆ'(x)gÏÆ'(y) and gÏÆ'(x) = 1 √2π ·ÃÆ'e− x2 2ÏÆ'2 . (2) The variable ÏÆ' is usually referred to as the scale parameter. Discrete scale space In practice, for the processing of a numerical image u, this continuous filter is approximated using regular sampling, truncation and normalization: ∀i,j ∈J−K,KK GÏÆ'(i,j) = 1 CK GÏÆ'(i,j) , where CK = K Xi,j =−K GÏÆ'(i,j). (3) The scale variable ÏÆ' is also sampled, generally using a power law, as discussed later in  § 3.2. Discrete box space Making use of the aforementioned box filter technique, such a multi-scale representation can be (very roughly) approximated using a box filter with square domain Γ = J−Î ³,ÃŽ ³KÃâ€"J−Î ³,ÃŽ ³K uÃŽ ³ := 1 (2ÃŽ ³ + 1)2 BΓ âˆâ€"u. (4) The question now is how to set the parameter ÃŽ ³ ∈ N to get the best approximation of Gaussian zoom-out. Second moment comparison One may for instance choose to match the second order moment ÏÆ'2 of the 1D Gaussian gÏÆ' and the variance of the corresponding box filter, as suggested by [7]. This leads to the relation ÏÆ'2 ÃŽ ³ = ÃŽ ³ Xi =−Î ³ i2 2ÃŽ ³ + 1 = (2ÃŽ ³ + 1)2 −1 12 = ÃŽ ³(ÃŽ ³ + 1) 3 , (5) where ÏÆ'2 ÃŽ ³ is the variance of the centered 1D box filter with width 2ÃŽ ³ + 1. Thus, for large values of filter size (ÃŽ ³ 1), we get approximately ÏÆ'ÃŽ ³ ≈ ÃŽ ³ √3 ≈ 0.58ÃŽ ³. Since ÃŽ ³ ∈ N takes integer values, ÏÆ'ÃŽ ³and ÏÆ' cannot match exactly in general. Moreover, due to the anisotropy of the box filter in 2D, it is impossible to match the covariance matrices. SURF scale parameter analogy Note that box filters are only used to approximate first and second order of Gaussian derivatives in SURF algorithm, and not to approximate Gaussian filtering like in [7]. However, when considering the approximation of second order Gaussian derivative Dxx GÏÆ'(x,y) = Dxx gÏÆ'(x)Ãâ€"gÏÆ'(y) = 1 ÏÆ'22 ÏÆ'2 −1gÏÆ'(x)Ãâ€"gÏÆ'(y) By these condition order box filter operator DLxx, we can see that the1D Gaussian filter gÏÆ'(y) is approximated by 1D box filter with parameter ÃŽ ³ = L−1 2. The authors of SURF claim that the corresponding Gaussian scale is ÏÆ' = 1.2 3 L ≈ 0.8ÃŽ ³for ÃŽ ³ 1, which is close but dià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erent to the value given by Formula (5): ÏÆ'ÃŽ ³ ≈ 0.58ÃŽ ³. Other analogies could have been made for scale variables, for instance by considering zero crossing of second order derivative of Gaussians, second moment of Gaussian derivatives, mean-square error minimization, but each one provides dià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erent relations. In conclusion, defining a relation between the box parameters (L and `(L)) and the Gaussian scale variable ÏÆ' seems quite arbitrary. Visual comparison Figure 8 illustrates the dià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erence between the linear scale-space representation obtained by Gaussian filtering and the box-space, that is its approximation by box-filters when using relation (5). While being roughly similar, the approximated scale-space exhibits some strong vertical and horizontal artifacts due to the anisotropy and the high frequencies of the box kernels. Again, while it is not being used explicitly in SURF, these artifacts may explain some of the spurious detections of the SURF approach that will be exhibited later on. 3.2 Box-space sampling Because of the dentition of first and second order box filters, the size parameter L cannot be chosen arbitrarily. The sampling values and the corresponding variables used to mimic the linear scale space analysis. The following paragraphs give more detailed explanations. Octave decomposition Alike most multi-scale decomposition approaches (see e.g. [13, 15]), the box-space discretization in SURF relies on dyadic sampling of the scale parameter L. The box length representation is therefore divided into octaves (similarly to SIFT [14, 13]), which are indexed by parameter o ∈{1,2,3,4}, where a new octave is created for every doubling of the kernel size. Note that, in order to save computation time, the filtered image is generally sub-sampled of factor two at every octave, as done for instance by SIFT [14]. As pointed out by the author of SURF [2], sub-sampling is not necessary with the use of box filters, since the computation time complexity does not depends on scale. However, while not being explicitly stated in the original paper [2], but as done in most implementations we have reviewed (for instance, this approximation is used in [3] but not in [5]), we choose to use sub-sampling to speed up the algorithm. More precisely, instead of evaluating the multi-scale operators at each pixel, we use a sampling†step† which depends on the octave level (this sampling is detailed in the next sections). Note that this strategy is consistent with the fact that the number of features is decreasing with respect to scale. Level sampling Each octave is also divided in several levels (indexed here by the parameter i ∈ {1,2,3,4}). In the usual discrete scale space analysis, these levels correspond directly to the desired sampling of the scale variable ÏÆ', which parametrizes the discretized Gaussian kernels GÏÆ' (see definition in Eq. (16)). In SURF, the relation between scale L, octave o and level i variables is L := 2o i + 1 . (6) These values are summarized in Table 2. Note that because of the non-maxima suppression involved in the feature selection, only intermediate levels are actually used to define interest points and local descriptors (i ∈{2,3}). On comparison of the box space and the linear scale space. (Top) Convolution with squared and centered box filters with radii ÃŽ ³ = 5 and ÃŽ ³ = 20 (respectively from left to right). (Middle) Corresponding Gaussian filters with respective scales ÏÆ'5 ≈ 3.16 and ÏÆ'20 ≈ 11.83, according to formula (5). Dià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erence between Gaussian and Box filters (using a linear transform for visualization). We can see here that the box space is a rough approximation of the Gaussian scale space, that exhibits some artifacts due to the anisotropy and the high frequencies of the box kernels. Scale analogy with linear scale space As discussed before in Section 3.1, we can define a scale analysis variable by analogy with the linear scale space decomposition. In [2], the scale parameter ÏÆ'(L) associated with octave o and level i is obtained by the following relation ÏÆ'(L) := 1.2 3(2o Ãâ€"i + 1) = 0.4L. (7) Since the relation between the scale ÏÆ'(L) of an interest point is linear in the size parameter L of box filters operators, we shall speak indià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erently of the former or the latter to indicate the scale. Remark A finer scale-space representation could be obtained (i.e. with sub-pixel values of L) using a bilinear interpolation of the image, as suggested in [2]. This is not performed in the proposed implementation. 3.3 Comparison with Gaussian derivative operators 3.3.1 First order operators The first order box filters DL x and DL y defined at scale L are approximations of the first derivatives of Gaussian kernel at the corresponding scale ÏÆ'(L) (see Eq. (7)), respectively corresponding to Dx GÏÆ'(x,y) = − x ÏÆ'2(L) GÏÆ'(x,y) and Dy GÏÆ'(x,y). These operators are used for local feature description, in detailed we compares the first order box filter impulse response with the discretized Gaussian derivative kernel. DL x ÃŽ ´ (Eq. (6)) Dx GÏÆ'(L) Illustration of the discrete derivative operator DL x (defined in Section 2.3.1) and discretization of the Gaussian derivative kernel Dx GÏÆ'(L) when using scale relation ÏÆ'(L) from Eq. (7). 3.3.2 The second order operators Second order dià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erential operators are computed in the scale-space for the detection of interest points [9, 10]. In the linear scale-space representation, this boils down to the convolution with second derivatives of Gaussian kernels Dxx GÏÆ'(x,y) = 1 ÏÆ'22 ÏÆ'2 −1GÏÆ'(x,y), Dyy GÏÆ', and Dxy GÏÆ'(x,y) = xy ÏÆ'4 GÏÆ'(x,y). (8) In the SURF approach, the convolution with theses kernels are approximated by second order box filters, previously introduced respectively as DL xx, DL yy , and DL xy . A visual comparison between second order derivatives of Gaussian and their analogous with box filters. These operators are required for local feature selection step in section 4. 3.3.3 Scale Normalization According to [12], dià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erential operators have to be normalized when applied in linear scale space in order to achieve scale invariance detection of local features. More precisely, as it can be seen from Equation (21), the amplitude of the continuous second order Gaussian derivative filters decreases with scale variable ÏÆ' by a factor 1 ÏÆ'2. To balance this eà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ect, second order operators are usually normalized by ÏÆ'2, so that we get for instance (a) (b) (c) (d) On comparison of second order box filters and second order derivative of Gaussian kernels. (a) operator DL yy; (b) discretizedsecondorderGaussianderivative D2 y GÏÆ'; (c) operator DL xy; (d) discretized second order Gaussian derivative Dxy GÏÆ'; For comparison purpose, we used again the scale relation ÏÆ'(L) from Eq. (7). †¢ the scale-normalized determinant of Hessian operator: DoHÏÆ' (u) :=uÏÆ' −(Dxy uÏÆ')2; (9) †¢ the scale-normalized Laplacian operator: à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  ÃÆ' u := ÏÆ'2à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬   uÏÆ' = ÏÆ'2à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬   GÏÆ' âˆâ€"u = ÏÆ'2(Dxx + Dyy)GÏÆ' âˆâ€"u = ÏÆ'2(Dxx uÏÆ' + Dyy uÏÆ'), (10) where à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬  ÃÆ' GÏÆ'(x,y) = ÏÆ'2(Dxx +Dyy)à ¢- ¦GÏÆ'(x,y) =x2+y2 ÏÆ'2 −1GÏÆ'(x,y) is the multi-scale Laplacian of Gaussian. Observe that this operator can be obtained from the Trace of the scalenormalized Hessian matrix. These two operators are widely used in computer vision for feature detection. They are also approximatedinSURF,asdetailedinthenextsections. Asaconsequence, suchascale-normalization is also required with box filters to achieve similar invariance in SURF. To do so, the authors proposed that amplitude of operators DL xx , DL yy , and DL xy should be reweighted so that the l2 norms of normalized operators become constant over scales. The quadratic l2 norm of operators are estimated from the squared Frobenius norm of impulse responses kDL xxk2 2 := kDL xx ÃŽ ´k2 F = kDL yy ÃŽ ´k2 F =1 + 1 + (−1)2L(2L−1) = 6L(2L−1), so that kDL xxk2 2 ≈ 12L2 when L=1, and kDL xyk2 2 := kDL xy ÃŽ ´k2 F =1 + 1 + (−1)2 + (−1)2LÃâ€"L = 4L2. This means that box filters responses should be simply divided by the scale parameter L to achieve scale invariance detection. Interest point detection: In the previous sections, second order operators based on box filters have been introduced. These operators are multi-scale and may be normalized to yield scale invariant response. We will now take interest in their use for multi-scale local feature detection. Once the integral image has been computed, three consecutive steps are performed which are detailed in the following sections: 1. Feature filtering based on a combination of second order box filters; 2. Feature selection is combining non-maxima suppression and thresholding; 3. Scale-space location refinement ( § 4.3) using second order interpolation. This interest point detection task is summarized in Algorithm 1. Step-1 Filtering Image by Integration: Integral image and box filters Let u be the processed digital image defined over the pixel grid à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¦ = [0,N-1]Ãâ€"[0.M-1], where M and N are positive integers. In the following, we only consider quantized gray valued images (taking values in the range [0; 255]), which is the simplest way to achieve robustness to color modifications, such as a white balance correction. The integral image of I for(x,y) à Ã¢â‚¬Å¾ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¦ is Flow Diagram: Figure3.1: showing the flow chart of the process for object detection Step 2: Point Detection: During the detection step, the local maxima in the box-space of the determinant of Hessian† operator are used to select interest point candidates. These candidates are then validated if the response is above a given threshold. Both the scale and location of these candidates are then refined using quadratic fitting. Typically, a few hundred interest points are detected in a megapixel image. input: image u, integral image U, octave o, level i output: DoHL(u) function Determinant_of_Hessian (U; o; i) L 2oi + 1 (Scale variable, Eq. (19)) for x := 0 to M à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ 1, step 2oà ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬1 do (Loop on columns) for y := 0 to N à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ 1, step 2oà ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬1 do (Loop on rows) DoHL(u)(x; y) Formula (24) (with (4), (10) and (11)) end for end for return DoHL(u) end function Algo input: image u output: listKeyPoints (Initialization) U IntegralImage(u) (Eq. (1)) (Step 1: filtering of features) for L 2 f3; 5; 7; 9; 13; 17; 25; 33; 49; 65g do (scale sampling) DoHL(u) Determinant_of_Hessian (U; L) end for (Step 2: selection and refinement of keypoints) for o := 1 to 4 do (octave sampling) for i := 2 to 3 do (levels sampling for maxima location) L -> 2o i + 1 listKeyPoints -> listKeyPoints + KeyPoints(o; i;DoHL(u)) end for end for return listKeyPoints So that the scale normalization factor C(L) for second order box filters should be proportional to 1 L2 However, the previous normalization is only true when L1. Indeed, while we have kDxxGÏÆ'k2 2 kDxyGÏÆ'k2 2 = 3 at any scale ÏÆ', this is not exactly true with box filters, where: kDL xxk2 2 kDL xyk2 2 = 3(2L−1) 2L ≈ 3 when L1. To account for this dià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erence in normalization for small scales, while keeping the same (fast) un-normalized box filters, the author of SURF introduced in Formula (24) a weight factor: w(L) = kDL xxk2 kDL xyk2  ·kDxyGÏÆ'k2 kDxxGÏÆ'k2 =r2L−1 2L . (26) The numerical values of this parameter are listed in the last column of Table 2. As noticed by the authors of SURF, the variable w(L) does not vary so much across scales. This is the resaon why the weighting parameter w in Eq. (10) is fixed to w(3) = 0.9129. Feature selection: In our methodology, interest points are defined as local maxima of the aforementioned DoHL operator applied to the image u. These maxima are detected by considering a 3 Ãâ€" 3 Ãâ€" 3 neighborhood, andperforminganexhaustivecomparisonofeveryvoxelofthediscretebox-spacewith its 26 nearest-neighbors. The corresponding feature selection procedure is described in Algorithm 3. Algorithm 3 Selection of features input: o,i,DoHL(u) (Determinant of Hessian response at octave o and level i) output: listKeyPoints (List of keypoints in box space with sub-pixel coordinates (x,y,L)) function KeyPoints (o,i,DoHL(u)) L ↠ 2oi + 1 for x := 0 to M −1, step 2o−1 do (Loop on columns) for y = 0 to N −1, step 2o−1 do (Loop on rows) if DoHL(u)(x,y) > tH then (Thresholding) if isMaximum (DoHL(u),x,y) then (Non-maximum suppression) if isRefined (DoHL(u),x,y,L) then addListKeyPoints (x,y,L) end if end if end if end for end for return listKeyPoints end function Remark A faster method has been proposed in [21] to find the local maxima without exhaustive search, which has been not implemented for the demo. Thresholding: Using four octaves and two levels for analysis, eight dià ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erent scales are therefore analyzed (see Table 2 in Section 3.2). In order to obtain a compact representation of the image -and also to cope with noise perturbation- the algorithm selects the most salient features from this set of local maxima. This is achieved by using a threshold tH on the response of the DoHL operator DoHL(u)(x,y) > tH . (27) Note that, since the operator is scale-normalized, the threshold is constant. In the demo, this threshold has been set to 10 assuming that the input image u takes values in the intervalJ0,255K. This setting enables us to have a performance similar to the original SURF algorithm [2, 1] (see Section 6 for more details). Figure 13 shows the set of interest points detected as local box-space maxima of the DoHL operator, and selected after thresholding. For visualization purpose, the radii of the circles is set as 2.5 times the box scale L of the corresponding interest points.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Impact On Fashion Industry Marketing Essay

Impact On Fashion Industry Marketing Essay The increasing variety of choices, cheaper prices, increasing use of social media and increasing level of comfort across all age groups are changing the retail landscape with more and more users going online to purchase products. In line with this trend, Australian online shopping expenditure is predicted to be worth $26.9 billion by 2016, a growth of 14.1% (PwC). Research conducted by PwC indicates that the retail categories that will show the strongest online growth is clothing, foot wear, jewellery and fashion accessories; in short the fashion industry. With 62% of Australians owning a smart phone and 22% owning a tablet pc (PwC), use of advanced mobile devices are growing at a rapid pace. Further, research shows that 73% of smart phone users and 90% of iPhone users use their phones to access the internet (Essential research). This accessibility has given rise to mobile shopping, as research by PwC shows that of all devices used to purchase goods online in Australia, 34% was through mobile phones and 17% was through tablet pcs. Further, the same research indicated that 57% of Australian online shoppers have increased their online spending through mobile shopping in the last 12 months. Retailers are taking note of these trends; online retailers are mushrooming, while the brick and mortar businesses are building more interactive and mobile-optimized web sites, enhancing them with mobile apps, including aspects of social media such as mood boards and fashion diaries, they are trying to cater to the tech savvy customer. This phenomenon along with emerging technologies such as wave and pay has the ability to completely transform the fashion retail industry. This new trend in consumer buying behaviour poses opportunities as well as challenges to marketers to engage in innovative ways with the consumers. This will involve understating consumer needs, and understanding the importance of the rise of advanced mobile devices and its impact on the fashion industry consumers. Description Source Source Justification Impact (Key takeout) David Jones Media release on new strategic direction David Jones Ltd. David Jones is an up-market Australian department store chain founded in 1838. It currently has 37 stores located in most Australian states and territories. Identifying the evolving practises and innovations of companies in response to changing consumer behaviour. The future of retailing an insight into the Australian online shopping market PwC Australia PwC is a global professional services firm. It is the worlds largest professional services firm and the largest of the Big Four accountancy firms measured by 2011 revenues. The factors stimulating growth of Australian online retail, how consumers and technologies are evolving and key considerations for the future. Market Profile Guide for Apparel (Fashion) In Australia New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) NZTE is New Zealands economic development and trade promotion agency. It provides a wide range of standard services and sophisticated solutions that assist businesses through every stage of the export process. Key information and statistics on the Australian apparel industry. Research on online retailing in Australia AustraliaInstitue The Australia Institute is an independent public policy think tank based in Canberra. Since its launch in 1994, the Institute has carried out highly influential research on a broad range of economic, social and environmental issues. Key information and statistics on the Australian online retailing. Australian e-commerce Forrester Research and PayPal Forrester Consulting provides independent and objective research-based consulting to help leaders succeed in their organizations. PayPal is a secure payments system that lets people buy online without sharing their personal financial Information. PayPal has operated in Australia for 5 years. The challenges and opportunities facing Australian businesses in the online retail boom. Retail statistics and performance Textile and Clothing sector of Australia Australian Bureau of Statistics (website) A government source which provides accurate and up to date information. A comparison of online and brick and mortar apparel retailing performance The impact of search technologies MckinseyCompany MckinseyCompany is a leading research company with experience in research across many sectors. The primary sources of value from search for online retailers Critically assess one macro environmental change (socio- technological) The popularity of new mobile devices How will it effect consumer behavior mobile shopping, group shopping, customers looking for more interactive and social shopping experience How to respond to it à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Strategic marketing perspective Effects on marketing in the industry Visionary Creative thinking A smart phone is a mobile phone built on a mobile computing software including more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a normal feature phone. Smart phones generally include high resolution touch screens, web browsers and high speed data access via wi-fi and mobile broadband. A tablet pc is a mobile computer, usually having a touch screen. Sales of smart phone devices are huge with 467 million units sold worldwide in 2011. With such popularity of smart phones, the smart phone industry is set to grow at a massive 19% from 2012-2016 (Market research.com).

Monday, August 19, 2019

Legalization Of Weed :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this country, we are locked in a war we simply cannot win. We strive to protect over 10,000 miles of border, against enemies who are driven by the lure of a huge profit. We fought a version of this war before with prohibition, and we lost that one. All that has really resulted from this war is the overcrowding of prisons, the expansion of law enforcement’s ability to infringe on the personal lives of ordinary citizens, paranoia and distrust. If its not obvious already, I am referring to the war on drugs, marijuana in specific. Why spend millions of dollars fighting a war that can not be won? Legalizing marijuana would not only make the government money, but also improve society as a whole.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To most the financial reasons for ending the war are the most convincing. For example, it costs over $30,000 per year to house a prisoner - this does not include processing and legal fees. There are over 1.5 million non-violent drug law offenders in prison right now, and this number is increasing daily. That means we are spending a minimum of $45 billion per year keeping former tax-paying citizens locked up with murderers and rapists. When these people get out of jail, they will have criminal records which will make it nearly impossible to get a decent job. Most of whom had jobs and were contributing to the economy in some way.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The United States spend $37 billion per year funding police efforts to fight the war on drugs.. Recent evidence suggests the CIA has been involved in drug-trafficking to fund its own private wars. Currently there is over $150 billion worth of drug traffic that remains untaxed. If you figure a tax rate of 15%, that is a total of $22.5 billion of taxes that America doesn't see. The U.S. Treasury estimates America wastes a minimum of $104.5 billion per year fighting a war that can not be won. Meanwhile crime rates continue to rise (because of the huge profits made possible by the risks involved in the drug trade as drugs remain illegal), and the quality of education, medical care and environmental protection falls due to lack of money in the budget.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The problem with drugs is not their effect, it is the corruption that is tied to the huge profits that doing illegal business commands. Increasing penalties for drug crimes will just increase the prices and thereby the profits for people willing to take the risk. Along with these profits will come increasing war in our neighborhoods as gangs and

The Ethical Issues of Sex Pre-Selection Essay -- Exploratory Essays Re

The Ethical Issues of Sex Pre-Selection Although science is at a peak for overwhelming and astonishing outbreaks, the ethical issues concerning these â€Å"out breaks† have been inadequately addressed. As the options that couples that are desperate to have a child expand, so do too the expectations of whom the child becomes. Couples are able to choose a donor, of either gender, based on characteristics that they see fit to their liking. Although imperfect, couples now have the ability to choose their child’s gender. â€Å"Medicine tends to be patient-driven at the moment.† Said Charles Strom, MD, PhD, director of medical genetics at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. â€Å"A patient needs something and physicians do all they can to provide that service, and that sometimes makes one shortcut the ethical considerations.† With our vast opportunities in reproductive technology, â€Å"one thing that’s not been well defined is what really constitutes research and what is [merely] improvement in clinical design,† Dr. Strom said. (Foubister) Sperm retrieval, in which an elec...

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Humorous Wedding Speech †Reasons I Admire the Groom -- Wedding Toasts

Humorous Wedding Speech – Reasons I Admire the Groom Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen - I’m not an experienced public speaker, so I find it easier just to read the speech word for word. In fact, I’ve practiced it almost daily for about a week and a half now, so that I know it very well. It’s a tip that I read in a book about public speaking. I’ve also been drinking profusely to help calm my pre-speech nerves. I made that tip up myself. Laughter Yes, I am a little nervous about being the best man. But I am more bothered with the title of 'best man'. Saying that I'm the best man is saying quite a bit. If I'm the best man, why is Maria marrying Karl? So I'm just happy saying that I am a pretty good man, because today Karl is the best man. And he’s a man I admire for the following reasons: 1) His generous nature – what with him donating his body to science when he started at ...

Saturday, August 17, 2019

University of Manila

Organizational Framework This Chapter consists of History of the company, mission and vision of the company, Nature of the company, size of the company, organizational chart, strategic trust and program, critical business and system management as well as strategic concern and IT used. Name of the company / school: The University of Manila Proposed System : Payroll System and Employees Information System History of the SchoolNinety one years ago there were five visionaries whose dreams where for the Filipino youth. Their collective vision: to establish institution of learning which would mold the minds of the youth and ultimately shape the destiny of this country? Undaunted by the challenge s that lie ahead and an incurable optimist that they were, they pursued the realization of their dreams with unflagging devotion and unflinching courage. Armed with hard rock determination, steely idealism and unparalleled dynamism, they tenaciously blaze the trail.The men behind such grand dream, dream a rainbow coalition of sort four men and woman of diverse interest yet united in a single purpose of establishing an institution geared towards excellence: Apolinario de los Santos, Mariano de los Santos, Maria de los Santos, Buenaventura Bello and Manuel Montilla. From these giants, the INSTITUTO DE MANILA was born on October 5, 1913, with Dr. Apolinario de los Santos as its first president. The INSTITUTO’S doors first opened in school year 1914-1915.The forerunners of this institution, offered only elementary and high school courses in a leased building on the corner of Madrid and Penarubia Streets. Binondo District. Effective school year 1919-1920 however, the INSTITUTO conducted its burgeoning populace and to provide better education facilities. Before embarking on a more ambitious program of expansion to meet the growing needs of the country, the INSTITUTO perforce had to undergo internal changes.Its original incorporators unanimously agreed, on the occasion of the eight anniversary of the founding of the institution, effect massive reorganization geared towards the attainment of a universities status. The decision was subsequently followed by the reincorporation of the INSTITUTO as THE UNIVERSITY OF MANILA on November 3, 1921 under the provision of act 1459 of the former Philippine Legislature. Right after its re-incorporation, the university progressed by leaps and bounds. The development marked the turning point of these democratic and progressive institutions, which has withstood the ultimate test of time.It fortunately survived two world wars and bewildering variety of changes – ideological, social, economic, and political. From being an institution which offered only elementary and high school programs, the university crescendo dramatically, with its building reaching for the sky. The mustard seed that was THE UNIVERSITY OF MANILA continue to grow throughout the years. Its genesis of growth was meteoric. In March 1919, the Colleg es opened in 1922-1923 namely: College of Philosophy and Letter, College of Education, College of Business administration.The Department of Graduate Studies (LIM) opened in 1941-1942. The College of Engineering opened in December 1945. In 1946, the Academy on Music and the school of Foreign Service were born. In 1949, M. A. in Political Science was offered in the Department of Graduate Studies followed by M. A. in History in 1951. Bachelor of Science and Elementary Education was offered in 1951. Then from 1963-1966, the College of Criminology and penology, School of Secretarial and Master’s degree in Public Administration was opened.The fruition of these labors was products of the highly innovative, creative and brilliant mind of those who occupied the reign of the presidency. Dr. Apolinario de los Santos headed this seat of higher learning since its inception until 1927 when he was succeeded by his brother, Dr. Mariano de los Santos. Dr. MVDLS assumed the presidency at the a ge of 29 and it is a matter of record and source of pardonable pride that he held the distinction of being the youngest president until his untimely demise on October 13, 1959.The unfinished task of leading the University was continued by Madame Helen de los Santos, who was later described by Dr. Mariano as a life partner in his book, Education and Life, as one â€Å" who has shared with me all the tribulation of life but cared so little for its vainglories†, was a complete Filipino women. She held presidency with the distinction from 1959 up to 1981. Another chapter of U. M’s history unfolded when the incumbent president, Dr. Virgilio de los Santos (from the second generation of the de los Santos’s) took over the reign of presidency in 1981.With Dr. Virgilio de los Santos the helm, the University continually strives to strengthen its resolve and commitment for total academic excellence. It has remained true to its trilogy: Patria, Sciencia ET Virtues. Under Vir gilio’s stewardship, the University has placed to a higher level of credit and standard. In line with the thrust of the government and in order to cope up with the tempo of the times, the University offered courses in Tourism, Hotel and restaurant Management and Computer Technology in the later part of the 80’s.The University of Manila has come of age. In response to the clarion call of the 90’s. It has another string of new course to offer: Doctor of Education, Doctor of Public Administration, and Master of Business Administration to provide administrators, Businessmen, educators, Analyst Researcher with the board theoretical and conceptual background and the specialized technical skills needed for the planning, implementation, management, supervision, and evaluation of public policies, in a developing country like the Philippines.These three new programs are design with the board purpose of developing competent government managers, strengthening executive lead ership and raising standards of administrative performance in the public and private service. The Elementary and High School department is presently undergoing expansion. The elementary building in Turtuosa St. has been demolished to give way for the contraction of the University hospital. The presidentVirgilio, who is endowed with a thousand and one ideas declared: â€Å" I have plans in the future to open medical courses like Nursing, Medical Technology, Physical Therapy, Midwifery, Dentistry and even Medicine. â€Å" Under a workaholic president who refused to understand the word rest, the University is headed towards a glimmering future ahead. These are positive proofs that the University continue to grow throughout the years.The complete composite and all around education of the youth is the major reason why the University exists. It is concerned with the making of man, the search for academic knowledge, the development of technical and vocational skills and most importantly, instilling and inculcating on the learners mind lasting and far reaching spiritual and moral values such as deep reverence of God, patriotic fervor and love of country and benevolent good will and peaceful co-existence with his fellowmen.The University of Manila aims to give the young men and women, who posses requisite talents, aptitude and moral fitness, a convenient opportunity to acquire a well rounded education and the necessary training for any of the various professions needed to cope with the complex demands and requirements of the present age. Mission StatementThe University of Manila, an institution of higher learning aims to create an atmosphere of academic excellence and competence, that is firmly anchored with love of country, science virtue where citizens, deeply concerned and truly committed to respond to the socio-cultural, psycho-spiritual and politico economic challenges of the contemporary Filipino community are formed, fully empowered with modern scientific tech nological skills with which to brave the challenges of the global society. Vision StatementThe University of Manila envisions a dynamic community that is deeply steeped in the trilogy of UM ideals; love of country, love of science, and love of virtue; fully equipped with human conceptual and technological skills, firmly determined to make life for changes, better brighter, lighter, and more livable by making quality education accessible to all. Nature of the school The University of Manila is one of the oldest and prestigious private universities in the Philippines. It is located in the center of commerce, industry and education.It is right in the heart of Sampaloc District Manila. Bigger challenges and opportunities face the University of Manila as it approaches the 21st century in pursuit of world class research. With its newly-acquired computer and Engineering equipment, UM is preparing itself to become one of the â€Å"Leading institutions in the Philippines and in the Asia Pac ific region. With its growing culture of research in all its colleges particularly in the Graduate School and with the infusion on high-tech devices. UM gains an advantage in undertaking project of scientific merit and excellence.For eighty years, the University of Manila has served not only the Filipino youth of the land but also other Asian who have hosen this institution as their second home in their educational pursuit. UM is headed towards the year 200 and beyond with the goal of rendering better service through the quality of education. The University of Manila is totally committed to academic excellence, which is the benchmark to its revered founders would continue to live throughout the ages as history unfolds. Size of the School University President – 01Executive Vice – President & Registrar – 01 Senior Vice President & Chief Academic Office – 01 Treasurer – 01 Executive Officer & Dean of the College of Liberal Arts-01 University Comptroll er & Consultant -02 College of Law – 01 College of Business Administration & Accountancy -01College of Criminology -01 College of Engineering -01 College of Education – 01 College of HRM 7 School of Foreign Service -01 ROTC Commandant – 01 Head, Computer Department -01 University Physician -01 University Dentist – 01 Executive Assistant, Office of the Senior Vice President – 01Executive Secretary College of Criminology – 01 Executive Secretary College of Engineering – 01 Chief, Record Section II, Registrar Office – 01 Chief Librarian – 01 Assistant Chief Librarian – 01 Security Guard – 04Maintenance – 06 HR Department – 06 Total: – 39 Strategic Thrust and Program of the School Another building has been constructed to be able to meet the demands of the changing time and the growing population of the school. Other laboratories have been erected and modified for the convenience of the stud ents and to be able to make learning easier but knowledgeable.The university administration has been complying with all CHED and DECS requirements to be able to provide added knowledge for the students. The Revised Audio-Visual Learning Resource Center has been added to help the student to improve their learning process, thus, teaching become more innovative, creative and effective. The New Physical Education Building was also created the construction of these new physical education building in a manifest sign of their vibrancies and relevance as an educational institution attuned to the needs of the new millennium.The University of Manila is home to the winning’s basketball team of the decade not only in the Philippines but all throughout the Asia. Also the newly-erected UM Gymnasium was renovated as sign of UM’s growth and progress as it moves toward the next millennium. The University of Manila also held some programs like dancing, beauty contest, and etc. every fou ndation day in order to help the students to enhance their skills, powerful and amazing talents as well as their abilities. In this research, the researcher found that there is no existing format information about the salary of their employees.The system software proponents has conducted study and developed systematically designed payroll system. This proposed system makes the work easier, faster, effective and less human effort through computerized system that the user or authorized personnel are the first beneficiaries of this proposal. In the long term the company will benefit from having less expenditure because of the latest version and automated system that can make payroll transaction accelerated and accurate. As part of this system, it limits the number of Information that only certain user responsible to know and getting information to the epartment not allowed to know the information of anybody. Critical Business and System Management Basically, the school used a system wh ich is not secured, intruders might access and resulted into a tampered of inputs because there is no Database Management System. The computation of the wages of their employees is manually done. The authorized personnel of this institution encountered some different problem like the computation is time consuming. The information of their employee is not secured because there is no Database Management System in Storing data.The computation of the total hours of employee is also manually done as well as the computation of deduction such as SSS, tardiness and withholding taxes are also manually computed. Strategic Concerns for IT used Stated here are the possible problems that will need information technology as possible solutions. 1. School’s employee records can be edited without anybody noticing if it is not secured. 2. Deleting, editing and storing new employee records may become a hard task if records are nowhere to be found. 3.The computation of the wages of their employe es is manually done. Based on the problems encountered, the following solutions are: 1. School’s employee records should be secured by passwords to avoid accidental editing and maintenance of privacy. 2. Editing, deleting and storing new employee records will be easier to do if the records for their employees are intact. Creating databases will help make the task easier. 3. Computerized payroll system should be developed for faster transactions and efficient in payments.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Why Did Civil War Break Out in 1642

Lack of Money One of the reasons why the civil war broke out in England in 1642 was because of Charles' lack of money. To discover the source of this, we have to go back to the beginning of James' reign. James was the first King to reign over both England and Scotland, and when he came down from Scotland it is said that he was astonished at how rich England was, while James had needed to borrow money for his travelling expenses. When James died in 1625, Charles came to the throne, and he, like his father, had very little money.Once Charles became King, the County Faction1 wanted him to go to war with the Catholics in Spain, so Charles asked them for taxes to use on the war. They refused to pay enough, so the war was hopeless, and Parliament blamed the King for this. The reason Parliament granted so few taxes was that they wanted to make sure they were called again. Charles, a firm believer in the Divine Right of Kings, thought that he should not have to rule with Parliament, and the only thing that kept him calling it was money2. One good example of the way Parliament made sure they were called back in Charles' reign was tonnage and poundage.These were duties imposed on certain imports and exports. It was normal for these duties to be decided in the first Parliament of a monarch's reign, but in the case of Charles, they only decided on it for one year, so the King would be forced to call them again. Although Charles tried to ask for more money, Parliament refused, because they believed he spent it on his favourites. Because of this, Charles had to get himself more money. He began using the Church Courts, exploiting taxes such as ‘ship money'3, and selling monopolies and titles. He also opened a Court of Star Chamber, which he used to fine people heavily to raise money.Since the judges in the Star Chamber were officials of the Crown, and there was no jury, Charles could be sure of getting a favourable result. Parliament was furious with this, and immediate ly drew up the Petition of Right, which asked the King to stop illegal taxation. The King signed it, but only because Parliament threatened to impeach Buckingham, one of the King's favourites. The quarrels about money went on, and eventually Charles decided to dissolve Parliament. He reigned without them for 11 years. When the new prayer book was brought into Scotland, a group called the Covenanters attempted to invade England.Charles called a Parliament to try and get taxes to fight the Covenanters, but they refused4, so Charles dissolved them again. He was forced to pay the Scots ? 850 a day to stop them advancing, and eventually, in 1641, his money ran out, and he had to call Parliament – he was bankrupt and at their mercy, so money was definitely a key factor in the outbreak of the civil war. Religion Another major influence in the outbreak of the civil war was religion. The religious quarrels began right at the start of Charles' reign, when Charles married Henrietta Mari a, a French Catholic.Although Charles didn't choose to marry her – his father, James, set up the marriage – the public, especially the Puritans, didn't like having a Catholic as Queen. A few extremists even saw this as a sign that Charles was secretly Catholic! After the King dissolved Parliament, he made William Laud the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1633. While Laud was Archbishop, he made many changes to the Church. Most of these changes involved beatifying the Church and bringing back robes for priests, statues and stained-glass windows. All these things reminded the English of Catholicism.In 1636, Archbishop Laud decided to introduce the English Prayer Book (which stated how services should be run) into Scotland. There was nationwide rioting, because no one wanted to follow the new Prayer Book. Scotland was a Presbyterian (Puritan) country, and they thought that the English Prayer Book was far too Catholic to use in Scotland. This eventually led to many Scots, call ed the Covenanters, marching down the country in an attempt to invade England. At this point, Charles had to call Parliament to ask for taxes to pay for the war, but was horrified to see that most of the MPs were on the Covenanters' side.Parliament agreed that the Prayer Book was too Catholic, so Charles dissolved them again, but after he ran out of money to pay the Scots (see the Money section above) he was forced to call Parliament again. Parliament first put Laud on trial, and found him guilty. Later they decided to execute Strafford on charges of organising an army in Ireland, where he governed. It turned out that this was a big mistake. As soon as Strafford was executed, the Irish Catholics rebelled against the Protestants, saying they were rebelling for the King.Although it was clear this was not true, Parliament did not trust the King when he asked them for an army, and so refused, believing he would use it to crush them instead. Foreign Affairs Another factor in the outbreak of civil war was foreign affairs. On the continent, the 30 Years War was going on, where Catholic rulers attempted to wipe out the Protestants in their countries. This fuelled people's fears that something similar might happen in England. Other foreign causes of the war were from Ireland and Scotland, and are detailed above. Charles' PersonalityAlthough it may seem unimportant, Charles' personality was a major factor in the events leading to civil war. To start with, Charles hadn't expected to be King at all – his elder brother, Henry, had been expected to take the job, but when he died suddenly in 1612, Charles became the heir to the throne. Charles also believed in the Divine Right of Kings. He thought, as his father had before him, that Kings were appointed by God, and could not be wrong. He disliked having to rule with Parliament, and thought that he should be able to do anything he liked. This caused much friction between him and the MPs. Parliament The Short Parliament When Parliament was summoned in April 1640, Charles had governed for eleven years without them5, and while this certainly went against the spirit of the English constitution, it was within the King's prerogative to do so. Charles was forced to call a parliament when the Scots rebelled. Putting an army into the field to deal with the Scots put a heavy drain on the royal finances, so Charles needed to levy a tax, which he could only do with the consent of Parliament. When Parliament met the gentry from the counties used the occasion to vent their frustration, with Harbottle Grimston and John Pym leading a catalogue of complaints.Three weeks later, Charles dissolved Parliament, blaming ‘the malicious cunning of some few seditious affected men'. This was known as the Short Parliament and it sat from 13 April, 1640, to 5 May, 1640. The war with the Scots did not fair well for Charles, but he eventually came to an agreement of ? 850 a day to keep the Scots at bay. The Long Parliamen t In order to pay this and get funds for a final settlement Charles had to summon another Parliament6. This time Charles could not afford to dismiss Parliament until he got what he wanted, and this gave Parliament an important card to play in what was to come.The Long Parliament, as it was known, sat from 3 November, 1640, for 13 years, until Oliver Cromwell suppressed it. It should be noted it was not formally dismissed until 1660, after the Restoration. Therefore, when Parliament met in November 1640, it was with a mood of constitutional reform. Of the 493 MPs elected: * 340 were anti-Court (the County Faction) * 64 were for the Court (supporters of the King) * 59 were of an unknown disposition * 17 were disabled from sitting (these were mainly of the ‘Court Camp') * The remaining 13 were probably of the Court Faction.Parliament pinned the blame for what went wrong on the King's advisors, rather than Charles himself, sending both Strafford and Laud to the Tower. Charles also tried to heal the rift by signing Strafford's death warrant, passing a bill that allowed for Parliament not to be dissolved without its own consent, a bill making ‘ship money' illegal and other bills that taken together demolished the framework of prerogative government. The Thrilling Climax All of these causes led to some key events in 1641 and 1642. It turned out that the execution of Strafford had been a mistake. Without Strafford to reign over Ireland, the Irish rebelled in 1641.This raised an insoluble problem; who would command the Army, King or Parliament? John Pym took the initiative by issuing the Militia Bill and, more importantly, the Grand Remonstrance. It listed all the things Charles had done wrong in his reign, suggested less power for bishops, and said that Parliament should have power over the Church and the appointment of Royal ministers. It was passed by 11 votes, which meant that, while most of the Commons had previously been against him, now almost half o f them supported him. However, it was after this that the King made a foolish move.On the advice of his Queen (who was used to French politics, where the King had much more power over the way the country was run), Charles decided to arrest the five ringleaders, including Pym. On 4 January, 1642, Charles attempted to get into the Commons to arrest the five MPs, and found that after he and his guards had battered the door down, the MPs had been warned and weren't there. This action turned most of Parliament against him once more, because it was held to be a breach of Parliamentary privilege7. On the next day, the escaped MPs paraded up and down London guarded by the Trained Bands, an army of part-time soldiers.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Name of college or university

A review of the successful strategy and tactics of warfare will inevitably lead to the concept that battlefield victory will depend on the decisive employment of the proper elements with the appropriate equipment in the right place at the correct time.Col. P. I. Lisitskiy[1] describes specific assault and special operations deployments during World War II illustrative of this model and that military leadership on both sides understood the necessity of airborne methods to accomplish battlefield victory. Unfortunately he fails to provide sufficient illustration and examples of the use of special operations forces. Further, he provides little insight into the training regimen and capacity of these specialized forces.However his historical perspective and review is still significant as recent military actions demonstrate military commanders must have a thorough understanding of the critical strategic role of airborne and airmobile tactics in the successful use of assault and special oper ations forces.World War II was in essence the â€Å"laboratory† for the development of airborne operations and special operations. British, German and American armies formally organized airborne units â€Å"and by the fall of 1943, the U.S. armed forces had as many as five airborne divisions (11th, 13th, 17th, 82nd, and 102nd).† (169).Lisitskiy defines â€Å"special operations† of the World War II era as being either â€Å"airborne, subversion and terror, and subversion and reconnaissance troops.† (169) He subdivides this broad categorization by detailing mission- and objective-specific operational groups. Lisitskiy concludes the World War II experience demonstrates the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these operations and they will be a vital component of any future military engagement.Lisitskiy describes three methods of movement of airborne troops during the war: parachute drops, troop placement via glider, and air transport to seized airports.Plac ement of the force could be (a) immediately on top of the area to be assaulted, (b) adjacent to the field of battle, or (c) within striking range of the target. According to Lisitskiy these troops had their share of personnel, logistical and communication problems, usually directly related to the nature of the battlefield and the speed, method of their arrival and distance from support bases.Lisitskiy uses actual battles to illustrate his theme regarding the method of transport and placement of troops. He cites the German Army â€Å"airdrop on a Belgian fort, Eben Emael, 10 May 1940. It was possible to capture the fort only by landing troops atop it.† (172) the allied Operation Overload, what Americans refer to as D-Day, perfectly illustrates â€Å"the airlifting of units with seizing airfields ahead of their landing.†(171) the feasibility and necessity of landing paratroops away from the target is exemplified by â€Å"the operations of the 3rd German Paratroop Rifle Regiment on Crete. Assigned to take the town of Khania the troops were dropped on the road†¦some 3km from Khania, whence the regiment began pushing towards its objective in a planned manner.† (172)Other examples given illustrate the notion that special operations come with special problems. Of a critical nature to a rapidly inserted or swiftly moving force are logistics and communication. Airborne operations by their very nature require stringent weight scrutiny.Lisitskiy refers to the German developments specific to airborne operations, including lightweight shoulder arms as well as specialized artillery pieces. The same weight considerations applied to communication gear. The failure of German commanders in Crete was directly attributed to communication difficulties between entrenched and newly arrived troops.[1]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Col. P. I. Lisitskiy is the Sector Deputy Chief at the Center for Military-Strategic Studies of the General St aff of the Russian Federation Armed Forces. Â