Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Class I Railroad and Teacher Essay
Some other day in school was the equivalent, going to class going to lunch and returning home that was until I saw my timetable change. I was somewhat modest not realizing what's in store from my new classes and what were they going to resemble. At the point when I come into my new class I felt frightened, it resembled a western film, when a cowpoke stroll into a bar and its dead quiet only eyes gazing at me and not positively. I was placed in Mr. U Jimenez homeroom. Following two or three days in the class it was as yet brutal however it was showing signs of improvement for me. It was fun on certain days and thatââ¬â¢s when I realized I was coexisting with others. In the long run I got up to speed and was directly on target. In my new class the initial not many things I did was remain quiet, be glad and attempt to oblige others. The principal day of my group was towards the finish of the primary trimester. It was insane realizing I needed to begin another trimester in an alternate class; it was insane in light of the fact that when the instructor would send an understudy out with him the class will go crazy since they had ââ¬Å"free timeâ⬠and escaped from class work for two or three minutes. Following two or three days in the class it just went from a great class to a debacle. Iââ¬â¢m not such a quick author and well when it came to taking notes in Mr.à U Jimenez class it wasnââ¬â¢t so bravo. I composed as quick as could be expected under the circumstances however lamentably I wasnââ¬â¢t sufficiently quick. Before I could complete my notes the force point would change and both the class and I wouldnââ¬â¢t get an opportunity to wrap up. On the principal day of class I additionally saw that the educator called five distinctive understudy guardians for terrible conduct. Realizing that the principal day resembled this I considered what the remainder of the school year would resemble. Individuals feel a wide range of ways on their initial not many day of class. I felt that in the initial not many long stretches of being in the class were alright however then the other hardly any long periods of class werenââ¬â¢t. I felt terrified of my educator from the outset in view of how severe he was. I likewise disdain shouting and individuals educating my folks terrible news regarding me. In certain events (not to be insane) I needed to choke Mr. U Jimenez and possibly two or three different children on account of how irritating they are yet Iââ¬â¢m just thirteen and well I donââ¬â¢t need to go to prison so I chose to endure my sentiments towards that class and simply do as well as Possible. Anyway my educator has some caring minutes and prizes us with candy. The class can be fun like the sonnet venture I did. I appreciated doing that, we had some great occasions communicating, getting made, and becoming more acquainted with my colleagues somewhat more in class. I felt a wide range of responses in class. Every so often I was truly glad in class and different occasions I was entirely irritated and needed to leave or frightened. It would be fun in light of the fact that the instructor was cool on certain days. On occasion the class would get the opportunity to play who needs to be a tycoon or some instructive movement. Iââ¬â¢d make some great memories in the class kidding around with my companions. On different days itââ¬â¢s really irritating on the grounds that my educator would be mean. He calls my mother before the entire class and itââ¬â¢s quite humiliating. At the point when my instructor keeps us in class itââ¬â¢s on the grounds that an understudy has lost one of his many pen, he needs back. At the point when we do exercises in the class and with regards to questions I respond in a modest manner and remain calm and expectation he doesnââ¬â¢t pick me. In the event that the class is insane for quite a while it wonââ¬â¢t remain as such for long. Iââ¬â¢d be somewhat shocked and frightened on the grounds that Mr. U Jimenez hollers and says shut it and plunk down in our seats. Before long were back to taking quick notes and tuning in to exercises once more. My responses toward school were never truly energizing at any rate. My conduct has changed intensive Mr. U Jimenez class. At the point when I went to his group my conduct hasnââ¬â¢t change however I needed to attempt occasionally. From the start I felt terrified and somewhat timid so I donââ¬â¢t think my conduct was really awful however inevitably I felt agreeable. At the point when I began feeling great in class I was somewhat insane at certain focuses. I now Iââ¬â¢m lethargic on the grounds that I donââ¬â¢t need to accomplish my work or focus however I donââ¬â¢t think Iââ¬â¢m as languid any longer. I realize I have to get through my group so I invest somewhat more energy now. At the point when Mr. U Jimenez gets frantic we as a whole get distraught, despite the fact that he is consistently feeling cranky. Here and there when heââ¬â¢s frantic I donââ¬â¢t truly comprehend him he makes statements that donââ¬â¢t bode well; well to me that is and again he begins to call guardians now and then he does it arbitrarily as well. I know I donââ¬â¢t like it when he calls my mother. Neither my mother and I like my teacherââ¬â¢s calls yet its best for her to realize that Iââ¬â¢m not doing so well in class so I can improve better and invest more energy, when Mr. U Jimenez calls or sends papers talk about my conduct in class nor missing assignments my mother doesnââ¬â¢t give me my stipend and she takes my we and my TV, my mother would simply begin to disclose to me every one of these things about school to improve and improve my evaluations. Now and again I overlook Mr. U Jimenez name and call him (fat instructor) not to be mean Mr. U Jimenez yet Iââ¬â¢m attempting to maintain good manners. There were numerous things I felt when I began my new class. I had such a large number of things experiencing my psyche. I was pondering how I would feel, my responses, my conduct and what it would resemble. At the point when it was a no instructor zone the understudies would get entirely insane. On certain days the educator would terrifying me and bother me so I would know my response for the day until I escaped class. Every so often were better than others like the games we play and the exercises that we would do. It would be cool when we mess around on the grounds that for the individuals that won theyââ¬â¢d get remunerated with treats. My conduct has changed in my study hall and Iââ¬â¢ve gotten use to my group. Presently all I ââ¬Ëm attempting to do is to pass Mr. U Jimenez class so I can go to High School and pass science or my mother will slaughter me and send me to summer school. On the off chance that I donââ¬â¢t pass I canââ¬â¢t go to San Francisco on our Vacation Mr. U Jimenez I realize that Iââ¬â¢m not probably the best understudy but rather Iââ¬â¢m attempting my mother consistently continue saying u are keen I can do anything on the off chance that I simply make a decent attempt and focus and listen like Iââ¬â¢m with math I just donââ¬â¢t realize it till donââ¬â¢t come out of me still.
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Concerning Globalisation Essay Example for Free
Concerning Globalization Essay In contentions concerning globalization, discussion is very apparent. Talk about the positive and negative results associated with this issue. In todays life we frequently experience terms, for example, living in a worldwide town and we as a whole live in a similar world. Indeed, even just turning on the TV carries us eye to eye with occasions happening on the opposite side of the globe. News communicates transmit not just the neighborhood news or the most recent political publicity being taken care of to the individuals, yet additionally episodes occurring all over Europe, Asia, the Americas and even Africa. We as a whole observer this regular, yet we infrequently stop to really think about the suggestions. What is the hugeness of for all intents and purposes being an observer in occasions over the world? Why does this make a difference to a person? All the more significantly, what changes does this bring upon a general public? Numerous individuals think about globalization as an ongoing, present day wonder and partner it with todays exceptionally mechanical age. All things considered, the world must be globalized if humankind is fit for breaking the boondocks and sending man into space. In any case, truly globalization had considerably more modest beginnings. Since the time Christopher Columbus set foot in what is presently America, and since the time the Roman Empire started overcoming area to consolidate into its superb domain, globalization has been a fundamental social procedure. The way this has been taking spot for such a long time has guaranteed that no nation is fit for getting by all alone on the grounds that no one is independent. Individuals today are turning out to be increasingly reliant in light of the fact that a worldwide mindset is being supported and instructed. Notwithstanding, genuine globalization was eased back until 1990, the finish of the Cold War, in light of the fact that up to that point the world was isolated in two. In any case, many colonized nations (counting Malta) despite everything show solid impacts, particularly in language and culture, received from their colonizers. Along these lines, globalization exacts social change upon a nation or territory. Individuals are being associated into different societies. Be that as it may, this doesnt fundamentally imply that a nation is losing its own way of life it is essentially refreshing it. Innovation and correspondences have strongly affected accelerating globalization. What were first viewed as extravagances, for example, TV and Internet, before long became significant components prompting social change. This is on the grounds that they prompted an expansion in data availability, item openness and training. Another part of globalization is the way that regionalism is diminishing. For instance, associations, for example, NAFTA began as territorial associations yet have extended their frame of reference. The EU has concurrences with more than 100 nations outside Europe. Transnational partnerships likewise make the ways for globalization since they have numerous branches everywhere throughout the world and have no outskirts. There are 3 principle points of view toward globalization, which fluctuate radically from one another. Some contend for this wonder while others attempt to keep it from happening. The Skeptics accept that the entire contention with respect to globalization is being misrepresented. They say that this unexpected discussion regarding this subject is essentially over-advertised. Globalization has not developed as of late it has quite recently strengthened in its connections and scale. By expressing this, the doubters concede that these days there is more connection and correspondence between nations than any other time in recent memory. Doubters additionally scrutinize economy since they accept that it isn't genuinely globalize. They attempt to demonstrate this by contending that specific nations are considerably more evolved than others, and if the world were genuinely globalize nations would be equivalent. Cynics are censured furiously for what is by all accounts a good old and ethnocentric methodology. A contention put against them says that essentially on the grounds that a few nations are not yet part of it, it doesnt imply that globalization doesnt exist. They are likewise blamed for disheartening globalization since they dread that it will make individuals progressively intuitive and related, accordingly compelling their legislatures to impart their influence and cash to other people. On the other side of the coin, one can discover the Hyperglobalizers. These accept that the world is one and globalization covers the entire world and is an undeniable wonder that is felt all over the place. This procedure doesn't regard national fringes or thoughts of power. Hyperglobalizers base their contentions on parts of business, exchange and creation. Kenichi Ohmae, a Japanese hyperglobalizer, expressed that globalization prompts a borderless world. His contention presents an intriguing relationship with the Marxist belief system, yet from a contrary perspective. Indeed, Ohmae says that cash drives the world as we know it since it is contributed all around the globe, under on name. Along these lines (like in Marxism) everybody moves in the direction of a solitary objective a similar world. Hyperglobalizers base their contentions on the changing job of every country inside the entire world, not just inside a locale. Like the Skeptics, Hyperglobalizers have been censured for being excessively one-sided towards a specific perspective. Truth be told, they believe globalization to be crucial and faultless and dismiss any negative impacts it might achieve. Transformationalists give an elective view regarding the matter. They accept globalization is the focal power in a wide range of changes occurring all through the world, which isn't yet hyper-globalized. Truth be told, a few nations are profoundly globalized (for instance U.S.A., Japan and Europe) while others, (for example, African countries) are still a long ways behind in this procedure. A significant number of these nations are as yet questionable on the advantages of globalization and of what they need. Notwithstanding, nations that are globalized don't lose their autonomy or power. For instance, in spite of the fact that England are an individual from the EU, they don't utilize the Euro as their cash, however the English Sterling (albeit some state that they may before long surrender to pressure and present the Euro). This change realized by globalization expects individuals to acclimate to the new circumstance and figure out how to live with one another and with individuals from different societies and foundations. Transformationalists likewise state that globalization is a two-route stream of pictures, not just a single direction process. The No Global development is another infamous association battling against the event of globalization. They contend that it causes disparity among first and underdeveloped nations. They condemn rich nations for not helping poor nations and for making an effort not to connect the monetary and social holes between them. In any case, help must not just be demonstrations of good cause, where cash is given to their administrations, however progressively down to earth help at the foundation of the issue. There are different NGOs demoralizing globalization, for example, the Campaign for Global Justice, who consider it to be a totally negative procedure. These attempt to advise individuals that it must be eased back and, if conceivable, halted. A contention raised concerns the part of organized commerce. While a few people say that it tackles issues of neediness and imbalance, they express this solitary streams a single way the rich produce and the poor expend, subsequently compelling them to rely upon rich nations. In the event that it were genuinely facilitated commerce both would deliver and expend, in this way making an equivalent circumstance. Globalization includes certain dangers, for example, ecological debasement because of improvement, moving business designs prompting pressure and uneasiness, uplifted employment frailty and de-skilling, (for example, the notorious 7-Up case in Malta a year ago), decrease in conventional impacts and loss of self-character, disintegration of family examples, and democratization of individual connections. These are on the whole issues one must consider when attempting to assess the effect of globalization, particularly considering the imminent submission on whether Malta is to enter the EU or not. This is an abstract contention, anyway one can't deny that without globalization, the world would not be the equivalent.
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Managing Risks in Product Development
Managing Risks in Product Development Staying competitive in the world of business is vital to every company, especially if it hopes to grow and expand, instead of just earning a decent profit from period to period. To achieve competitiveness, a business must always stay ahead of the game in various aspects, such as marketing, personnel management, and production management.Needless to say, product development is also an area where businesses, particularly those engaged in manufacturing, should focus on if they want to make sure that they stay ahead of the competition and will always have something new and fresh to offer to their market. © Shutterstock.com | RAGMA IMAGESIn this article, you will learn about 1) a basic introduction to product development, 2) the importance of product development, 3) stages of product development, and 4) risks associated with product development.PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INTRODUCTIONWhen you say product development, you are likely to immediately think about new product development. You wouldnât be wrong. However, that is not all there is to it.Product development is, simply put, the creation of new products, or products with new features or specifications that offer added or entirely new benefits to end users. It may involve:Formulation of an entirely new product that will meet the demands of a new market niche, or satisfy newly defined wants or needs of the target market; orModification of an already existing product.However, product development is not limited to the design and creation of the products alone; it also covers the marketing of the new products that have been developed. This means that product development is such a broad field, it covers the whole process, from coming up with an idea of a new product or product innovation, putting it through the production process, and getting the finished new product to the market.Unfortunately, it cannot be said that product development is simple or straightforward. It takes a lot of dedication and commitment, not to mention a lot of resources on the part of the business. The business should be willing to spend money and spend a lot of time on it. Aside from paying attention to the customers and their needs, there is also a need to keep an eye on your business rivals or competitors. The whole process of developing a new product must be carefully thought through, which means it entails a lot of planning.IMPORTANCE OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTLet us talk about the reasons why all businesses should be serious about product development.To maintain competitiveness. This has already been briefly touched on earlier: in order to k eep up with the competition and the constantly increasing and evolving needs of your customers, there is a need to keep coming out with new offerings. It is important to see to it that the business has a steady flow of new products, and that is where product development comes in. This is considered to be the main reason why product development is given a lot of attention by businesses.To maintain or increase the flow of income. This is just common sense: in order to ensure that the company will have a steady inflow of cash and a stream of revenue or income, it has to be ready to give its customers what they need.STAGES OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTHere are the main stages generally used in the product development process.Research Phase. Product development starts with the customers. What do they want, and what do they need?Spec Phase. From the answers gleaned in the first phase, you will be able to come up with product specifications, or the specific features that the product must have.Des ign phase. This is where the product is designed, in accordance with the specifications listed earlier. This is also where costing takes place.Testing phase. This could be one of the several pre-launch stages. Create a prototype or a pilot version of the product for testing or trial runs. This is the phase that may be repeated over and over until they get the product right.Final launch. This is where the new product is finally rolled out to the market.RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTThere is one fact that is overlooked by many that are engaged in product development: not all product development projects are the same. Depending on several variables â" such as the nature of the business, the type of products, the current state of the market and the economy, to name a few â" that will greatly affect how a project development project will go. What worked for one business does not necessarily make it effective in another, and vice versa.With that being said, it is safe to say that product development is not without its risks. Businesses that are engaged in product development processes are bound to be faced with these risks, and it will be up to them how to manage these risks so as not to hamper the future plans of the business for growth and development.Risk #1: The new product may not be what the customers want and need.This is considered to be the main risk faced by businesses when it comes to new product development.This risk is higher when you base your ideas for a new product merely on a whim, or without conducting enough market research. Businesses that are not in touch with their customers are also likely to suffer from this. For example, a business may decide to come up with a new product simply because they got hold of a new technology for it. Just because you can do it does not mean you should.One problem often encountered by product developers is deciding on what features must be included in the product. There is that fine line between a prod uct having too little features and having too much. The first one may be deemed too simple by customers while the second one turns them off for their complexity. There is a need to pinpoint exactly what these relevant features are.How to manage it:Get to know your customers and keep yourself updated on any changes in their needs and preferences. Conducting periodic market research will help minimize this risk.It would also be a good idea to involve a specific group of customers as your source of feedback.Produce a product prototype and perform a series of product testing. Start with testing the product within the company. Then test the product with a select group of customers.There are two main reasons why it would be a good idea to build a working prototype:To check if the product works, or does what it is designed to do.To assess customer reaction to the product, especially on how it looks, how it feels, and how it functions.Risk #2: The product development process may involve tec hnical hurdles and operational risks that must be overcome.The business may be developing an entirely new product that will provide new and better benefits to customers. It may also decide to modify its existing product by adding new features that will make it more appealing to the market. In these cases, it is probable that there will be technical processes that will have to be performed. These include the need for new technology or even new tools, machinery or equipment.It is also inevitable, in most cases, that they have to deal with operational risks. For instance, there may be components that have to be supplied on a regular basis, and sourcing these materials can be a problem. There may also be problems regarding transporting these materials.How to manage:Choose the right people to be in the product development team. The people tasked with developing the new product must have all the relevant skills and knowledge, especially regarding the technical aspects that will be require d in developing the product. It is often advised that the team be composed of all areas or departments of the business, from production to marketing and finance.The objectives of the product development team must be clear to everyone involved. Be prepared for any glitches or setbacks.Draw up a timetable for the completion of the product development process, and schedule a regular or periodic review.Hire experts or get help from outside. Many companies avail of the services of technical personnel in order to facilitate the development of new products.Risk #3: Product development always comes with a financial risk.You can never do away with this risk when developing a new product. It is possible that the new product that you have developed will not be able to generate enough demand at a price that will bring profit for the business. The cost of production, as well as the costs of marketing the product, may not be covered by the selling price.The high utilization of resources during th e product development stage is also a downfall for most companies. Under the assumption that they will get better results if they throw more resources into the project, they will end up spending more than they should have. Thus, costs become unreasonably high.How to manage it:Agree on an overall budget for the various parts of the project and make sure they stay within the limits.When preparing the budget, work with the core team responsible for developing the product, since they are the ones most knowledgeable about the costs that will be incurred.Employ strategies to reduce production costs for the new product, such as:Find ways to simplify the manufacturing process. If the assembly process is too complex, look for ways to work around it and make it simple, without sacrificing quality. One way to do this is to consider subcontracting part of the work, or buy parts that have already been partially assembled, cutting down a couple or more phases in the production process that you wi ll have to perform.Look for alternative parts or components. Find components that are of the same quality, but with a cheaper purchase price.Look for other sources that offer these components at a lower price. Do not stick to just one potential supplier; shop around and compare prices.Risk #4: Sticking to only one development plan may lead to losing other, better, opportunities.Businesses tend to stay within their comfort zone. Why fix something that is not broken? Why step into unknown territory when we can stay in one place that has already worked out for us? As a result, they tend to have tunnel vision and put everything they have on that one, single, plan.How to manage it:Conduct in-depth study of features. Identify what features may be added, and proceed on evaluating them, to be left with a shortlist of the relevant features. Engage the participation of key customers in this study.Perform testing, even if it has to be repeatedly done, and proceed on reworking or tweaking the p roduct design, until such time that it is found to be satisfactory.Risk #5: Conducting product development projects in an ill-timed manner.There is the risk of starting a product development too soon. It could be that the preliminaries have not been set up yet, or that market research has not been completed yet, and the company immediately proceeded towards developing a new product. It could also be that the company is still in the middle of pre-launching a new product, and it is already starting another one.Prematurely starting developing a product without getting all the bases covered is a sign of poor planning, and we all know that poorly planned projects are doomed from the start. Another possible result of this is spreading the resources of the company too thinly, and the business will suffer if it will start pouring its resources on another project while the previous one has not yet provided any returns to recoup the amount of money spent on it. One new product may also face d elays if there is another âplayerâ in the scene, sharing the resources.How to manage it:Establish a reasonable timetable, and donât rush. This is to control the rate or pace of implementing projects.Make sure everyone in the organization is aware of the objectives of the company and what their priorities are.Managing risks in product development can be summed up in a few points:Gather sufficient information by conducting market research. Focus on getting data on customer demand and pricing.Always keep abreast of what is going on with your customers, suppliers, and competitors.Make sure that the core team responsible for product development has the skill sets and qualifications that are aligned to your objectives.Keep tabs on the risks by constantly monitoring the progress of the product development.The best way to manage these risks, however, is to be proactive. Make sure that you identify what the risks are, and take action before they fully affect the whole project adversely . It will not do you any good to just act when the problem has already grown so big. Youâll only end up âputting out firesâ, spending your resources on damage control instead of investing them on the new product.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
The Impact of External Debt on the Nigerian Economy
Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa (Volume 10, No.3, 2008) ISSN: 1520-5509 Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, Pennsylvania THE IMPACT OF EXTERNAL DEBT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF NIGERIA AND SOUTH AFRICA Folorunso S. Ayadi University of Lagos Felix O. Ayadi Texas Southern University Abstract This paper investigates the impact of the huge external debt, with its servicing requirements, on economic growth of the Nigerian and South African economies. The external debts of Nigeria and South Africa are analyzed in a new context utilizing traditional, but innovative, models and econometric techniques. The Neoclassical growth model, which incorporates external sector, debt indicators, and some macroeconomicâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦South Africaââ¬â¢s loan increased from 40% to 70% of foreign debt. Its total foreign indebtedness increased steadily as loans were acquired from the IMF, whenever the foreign bankers turn down its request for loan. In addition, indebtedness was stabilized through gold swap. The debt problem became endemic in 1984, as about two-thirds of its outstanding loans had a maturity of one year or less. The public sector was responsible for the 16% of South Africaââ¬â¢s foreign debt; 44% of South Africaââ¬â¢s foreign liabilities were inc urred by the banking sector; the remaining 40% were private liabilities. When Chase Manhattan withdrew substantial credit lines from South Africa in 1985, a major foreign debt crisis became glaring. The impact of credit freeze and refusal to roll credit over on South Africa led to a drop in the value of rand (South African currency) and temporary closure of the financial and foreign-exchange market. Liabilities not affected by the freeze include trade credits, credits guaranteed by the Paris Club, member governments, and loans from IMF and Central Banks. Also compounding South Africaââ¬â¢s debt problem was the large proportion of debt that was denominated in hard non-dollar currencies, but appreciated in dollar terms as the dollar weakened. Since then, South Africaââ¬â¢s external debt has been high and continued to follow a predictable upward trend, exerting substantial negative impact on productivity and growth. The Deutsche Bank (2008) showed the South AfricanShow MoreRelate dThe Petroleum Revenue And Economic Growth Essay1610 Words à |à 7 Pagesdomestic product. Petroleum sector is the mainstay of Nigerian economy since its discovery in commercial quantity in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State Nigeria in 1956. From 1970 to 2009, the income from petroleum stood at 82 percent with 18 percent from non-oil revenue. According to the world bank, ââ¬Å"Nigeria is the biggest exporter of oil in Africa with the largest natural gas reserve in the continentâ⬠. 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Tuesday, May 12, 2020
A Task Force - 1422 Words
A task force was formed to examine issues surrounding null hypothesis significance testing and the publication of research studies regarding these results. As a result of this task force, recommendations were made to revise statistical sections of the APA publication manual. But before these revisions were implemented, the Board of Scientific Affairs (BSA) recommended to initiate discussion of these changes, the task force publish an article in American Psychologist, hence this article. I will break down these suggestions in methods, results and discussion. METHODS It is important in the design portion that the researcher is very clear and concise on the type of study they are conducting, and making it clear if there are multiple goals. By making the design section clear and concise, there is no question on what the researchers are trying to accomplish and what their goals are. Defining a population is critical to any conclusions in an article. The definition of the population, including any control groups, of the study must be clear and concise, including the characteristics, which can affect the interpretation of the data. Within the population we have the sample, the procedures of which need to be clear and concise as well, including all relevant information. If the data is clustered or stratified, as opposed to random samples, we must include that information as it will affect interval estimates. Sample size can be critical to the results of a study, to it is importantShow MoreRelatedThe Marine Air Ground Task Force2305 Words à |à 10 Pagesself-sufficiency an essential element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) expeditionary warfighting capabilities. This means that the Marine Corpsââ¬â¢ logistics mission, at all commands and support levels, is to generate MAGTFs that are rapidly deployable, self-reliant, self-sustaining, and flexible an d that can rapidly reconstitute (Logistics Operations, 1999). While the Marine Corps is unmatched in its ability to be the most rapid responding force across the globe, a deficiency exists that should beRead MoreEssay about The Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF)1372 Words à |à 6 PagesConventional warfare follows the single battle concept, where two or more well defined forces using weapons that target the opposing force. The contiguous battle-space is well defined with a deep, close and rear area allowing the force commander to array forces that can be visually displayed in a linear graphic. This does not hold true in an unconventional warfare, where the rear area may also be the close and deep fight and forces may target the civilian population either through direct, indirect or propagandaRead MoreObserver Fires Essay12305 Words à |à 50 PagesSupport at Battalion Task Force and Below FINAL DRAFT 31 May 2001 FM 3-09.30 (6-30) Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Observed Fire and Fire Support at Battalion Task Force and Below DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Preface The purpose of this field manual (FM) is to provide a source for the most current essential information about fire support at the battalion task force and company teamRead MoreAston Blair Case Essay1039 Words à |à 5 Pagesdocument from Meir and the rest of the task force team. Dr. Cornelius was informed of Bodinââ¬â¢s 6 summary statement report which suggests that the regional sales managers were consistently overstating their sales estimates in order to ensure adequate inventory and rapid delivery. Bodin shared his findings with Bacon and Reiss, in confidence, and they all agreed that none of the information would be presented in the August 4th presentation or to the task force team until Bodin had the opportunity toRead MoreThe Legal Aspect Of At T1569 Words à |à 7 Pagestheir price points are very comparable. Therefore, to continue to remain where they are today, they need to create a product that will allow them to stand out from their competitors. To do so, they need t o create a product with unique features. This task can be accomplished through the partnership of innovative ideas from their employeeââ¬â¢s ideas and the current skilled employees working together to create, test, and market the new products. One thing to consider are the possibilities Time Warner willRead MoreAcme Minerals Extraction Company1419 Words à |à 6 Pagesdoing only that task. Then, with the new technology innovations, we start seeing how companies started to trained some employees to be what they usually called ââ¬Å"multi-tasking employeesâ⬠. Since technology kept changing and became more advanced companies realized that having ââ¬Å"multi-tasking employeesâ⬠was not enough to satisfy the market demands and the production problems they were having at that moment. In other to solve these problems, group of employees were assigned different tasks, and without probablyRead MoreL Oreal Inc.1192 Words à |à 5 Pagesactivities, the higher awareness they receive. Lââ¬â¢Orà ©al can set up more groups or tasks to let more employees to involve. As the article ââ¬Å"Diversity as Strategyâ⬠talks about the example of IBM, which established task forces to make a powerful impression on employees (p.100). It will become a significant signal to all employees if Lââ¬â¢Orà ©al build the task forces. Unlike managersââ¬â¢ training, the members of each task force represent their own benefits, which means people get motivation to implement strategiesRead MoreWhy Southwest Is A Values Based Firm Looks Like1465 Words à |à 6 Pagesbetween flightsâ⬠(Southwest Airlines (A), P.16). Without Southwestââ¬â¢s culture, this matrix does not work. When the competitors apply this culture to their employees, it makes them feel stressed doing extra jobs by helping others. If the competitors force their employees to be fun for the inflight safety presentation, rather than them volunteering, they would not look fun but awkward. They cannot immediately transform their behaviors to extend cost-cutting support to the full-flight services, unlessRead MoreThe United States Military Operations2140 Words à |à 9 Pagesoperations. While the military is largely known for fighting and winning the nationââ¬â¢s wars, it is not uncommon for military commanders to face challenges outside that of military combat operations. One of the more challenging operations that Joint Force Commanders face, is that of responding to natural disasters. While military commanders may conduct exercises both in the United States and with our coalition partners and allies, natural disasters that require a military response have unique challengesRead MoreEssay on Acton-Burnett Summary2139 Words à |à 9 PagesQuestions Response by Fermions 1. What differences, if any, exist between the problems that the task force has been asked to address and the ââ¬Å"realâ⬠problems? Two Vice Presidents for the company Keene and Ryan come to the conclusion that a task force must be created to make sense of the final forecast and product demand forecast that the four marketing managers created. The task force found many problems some being systematic bias and that it seemed information was being withheld. In the
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Branding Essay Free Essays
BRANDING ESSAY Subject: The brand as an aspirational and cultural agent 14/03/2013 According to Philip J. Kotler ââ¬Å"a brand is a name, term, sign symbol or design, or a combination of them to identify the goods or services of one seller or a group of sellers and to identify them from the competitorsâ⬠. This definition expresses the brand as the sum of the representations that we have, however, the brand is also a cultural agent. We will write a custom essay sample on Branding Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now To remain permanently in the mind of the consumer brands must build a recognizable brand and offer their cultural role models to their customers. Thus it is necessary to include this cultural aspect to the marketing strategy of the brand. After explaining how this cultural and aspirational aspect is characterized in the minds of consumers and brands, it will be interesting to know its origins and consequences, finally understand why and how a brand builds a culture and a strong identity. The success of a brand depends not only on the functional value it offers to consumers, its reputation and good health depends heavily on the emotional value it adds through its products. And the brands gain momentum in todayââ¬â¢s culture, they seek to become mirrors of our personalities and that is why it is indispensable to build a distinctive brand image. The brand positioning is to place an image in the mind of the consumer. The success of the brand in the consumerââ¬â¢s opinion is fundamentally dependent on its desire to appropriate the brand and express it as a part of his personality. This cultural dimension of the brand had been discussed by Jean-Noel Kapferer (French expert of brands) in his book ââ¬Å"Les marques, capital de lââ¬â¢entrepriseâ⬠in 1990. He expresses the cultural facet of the brand as a key element of brand identity. In the same vein he argues that brands around the products and services sold, build aspirational universe in order to stand out and sell their products. This universe consists of all intangible assets acting as symbols, references, lifestyles, emotions etc. â⬠¦ feature of the brand. This set forms a specific imaginary that illustrates the values and the brand positioning to form a unique cultural heritage (Jean-Noel Kapferer et Vincent Bastien, Luxe Oblige, 2008) This heritage must be expressed and transmitted to the consumer to feel the desire to join and share. Even if this has a great value in brand equity, it is not enough to form a brand culture. The cornerstone of its creation is a major concept; which is distinct to the brand and based on an innovative aspect (e. g. Nike and culture transcendence). In this case there is a set of communication shared by a class of consumers relaying the brand culture. This research of brand culture is becoming more and more important, especially because consumers search meaning in their consumption and they need to be involved in this consumer society that is constantly evolving. Similarly, the development of the media and especially the internet makes it fertile ground for the development of this cultural facet. We are part of a brands cultural bath influencing us in all our acts of consumption. The brand is a center of social identification of the individual, our consumption reflects our identity. Especially for brands that operate as social signs (car brands, clothing, food, telephone, etc. â⬠¦ ). And brands have become cultural facts, when we consume we do not consume only the product but also the brand. Every act of consumption is symbolic and cultural; there is no longer a pure commercial consumption. The brand becomes a symbol, a materiel embodiment of the myth. So as customers drink, drive or wear the product, they experience a bit of the myth. â⬠(Douglas B. How Brands Become Holt in Icons, The Principles of Cultural Branding, 2004). He explains this behavior like this: ââ¬Å"Customers use iconic brands as symbolic salves. They grab hold of the myth as they use the product as a means to lessen their identity burdensâ⬠. It means that the brand through its culture must convey specific models to achieve the desires and soothe the anxieties of consumers. The purpose of brands is to create moments of recognition that put images, sounds, feelings, on the deep desires of customers. Holt adds that a strong brand identity and a clearly identifiable culture have a positive effect on the brand and business: ââ¬Å"When a brand delivers a powerful myth that customers find useful in cementing their identities, this identity value casts a halo on other aspects of the brand. Great myths enhance the brandââ¬â¢s quality reputation, distinctive benefits, and status value. â⬠This halo effect shows brands cannot underestimate their cultural influence. The essential idea in this concept of culture is that it is an integral part of the brand, but she is not defined consistently. It is universal and timeless at the same time it must keep its customers at every change of generation. The success of a brand lies in its ability to adapt to a given society, to know how to react when tensions and desires of consumers mutate. Or that Accordance must match the brand identity. Success comes once the brand has articulated the brand identity with market expectations through the establishment of a strong brand culture. For example Nike in its infancy based its marketing strategy on its philosophy of self-transcendence, a value in accordance with an aspiration of American society in the post-prosperity when the logic of the American dream seemed to have lost its splendor. The socio-economic changes constantly and attitudes of societies are transformed. Thus it is essential that brand can find what, in its identity, can meet the expectations of customers in the generational change. The consumerââ¬â¢s desire is not focused on a specific good or service, this desire is by cluster (Gilles Deleuze, French philosopher, Anti-Oedipus, 1977). This means that when the customer is considering purchasing, the choice is not just the object itself but to all cultural, symbolic or historic associations attached to them. For example when I want this dress that is behind the showcase, I do not just want this dress, but the shoes that go with the silhouette, the style, the man, the romantic dinner and almost the lifestyle that goes with this dress. And brands need to rethink their communication model to know the consumer interest in all that associations of the product. They can no longer base their identity on customer insights; it must do so on a strong culture. The brand identity is not an element to be overlooked in a marketing strategy because the cultural and aspirational aspect it reveals is becoming increasingly important in the consumerââ¬â¢s decision. Brands must know how to create interest and special recognition in his mind through communicating their values and their major concept. The customersââ¬â¢ expectations continually evolving, that is why it is important for brands to adapt through the establishment of a strong and sustainable brand culture. I hope you understand that as an Erasmus student I used for my research French theories to support my arguments. Well I apologize for any mistakes in English that I could commit. ) Bibliography * Jean-Noel Kapferer, Les marques, capital de lââ¬â¢entreprise (1990) * Jean-Noel Kapferer et Vincent Bastien, Luxe Oblige, Paris, Eyrolles (2008) * Douglas B. Holt, How Brands Become Icons, The Principles Of Cultural Branding, Harvard Business School Press (2004) * Gilles Deleuze et Felix Guattari, Anti- OEdipe, Editions de Minuit, 1977. How to cite Branding Essay, Essays
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Asthmatic Bronchitis
Question: Write an essay on The causes of asthmatic bronchitis. Answer: Every time a person breathes in, the air enters through the nose and mouth. The air then flows down ones throat into a series of passages of air called the bronchial tubes. These tubes are supposed to be open so as to allow for the air to reach the lungs where the oxygen gets passed into the blood plasma to be transported into ones body tissues. If inflamed, the airways get complications with the air being blocked as the passage becomes impossible (Anon, 1975, 16). With the passage being blocked and less air getting in, there is a shortage of air in the lungs and as such, breathing difficulty becomes imminent. The individual becomes and feels short of breath. This may lead to an obvious case of wheezing and or coughing in an attempt draw in more oxygen via the tightened passageways. Bronchitis and asthma are known to be two inflammatory airway disorders. Acute bronchitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the airway lining that normally recovers itself after going through its course. The causal agents for this condition are either viruses or bacteria. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, being the longest regarding its shelf-life is triggered by one being exposed to environmental agents of irritation like tobacco, dust, smoke and chemicals among other irritants (Springer, 2016, 33). Asthma, on the other hand, is an inflammatory disorder that causes the tightening of muscles surrounding the airways as well as their swelling which in most cases, causes the airways to narrow (Springer, 2016, 30). The causes of asthmatic bronchitis There are many triggers known to trigger the release of inflammatory elements. The common trigger of asthmatic bronchitis includes tobacco smoke, allergens like pollens, dust, mold, food additives, chemicals, some groups of medications like aspirin and beta-blockers, weather changes and viral or bacterial infections. The symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis include shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in chest, coughing and mucus production in excess. It should be noted that asthmatic bronchitis is not contagious (Springer, 2016, 30). DRG refers to a system of patient classification based primarily on their related diagnosis and co-morbidities, complications and procedures that form the basis for calculating the public hospital funding in Australia. In full, AR-DRGs is Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups, which in this brief, Asthma and Bronchitis is given attention. The DRG consists of 670 patient classes and which are allocated classes that are used to determine their weighted inlier equivalent separation (WIES) value for a given patient admission which ultimately, is assigned a dollar value (Hosford-Dunn, et al., 2008, 12). Essentially, a DRG program is put in place to help determine the kind of DRG is suitably assigned for a given patient based on the coded ICD analysis, additional diagnoses as well as other procedural codes (Hosford-Dunn, et al., 2008, 12). DRG standards in Australia The National Case-mix and Classification Centre formed part of the Australian Health Services Research Institute and was formed in March 2010 after efforts by the University of Wollongong in its move to develop international Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems among other major health concerns (Mackay, B., 1995, 9).The Australian Health facilities have thus adopted a DRG coding system at which point 23 major categories of diagnoses are based. For any patient admission, a DRG Grouper analysis is carried out which then allocated individual patient based on age, sex, their clinical edits and consequently, assign them an MDC, performs a pre-MDC processing on them, assigns adjacent DRG and then compile and comorbid the level and determines the level of the complexity of the PCCL assignment. After determining the above, it then becomes clear for the DRG Grouper to assign a patient a DRG (Mackay, B., 1995, 9). The common notable DRG codes for admissions without catastrophic co-morbidities with this respect in UTS Hospital is E69B. By definition, Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways. Among susceptible individuals, the inflammatory processes cause some recurrent episodes of collagen deposition, breathlessness, cough, chest tightness and wheezing. These episodes are normally accompanied by variable obstructions of air which are sometimes reversible by treatment or just a spontaneous process (Moore, G., 1890, 11).It should be noted that asthma inflammations are characterized by hyper-reactivity of the bronchial. The inflammation, therefore, becomes the result of the vasodilation as well as the increase of the vaso-permeability and endothelial adhesiveness to the leukocyitic cells from circulation to the body tissues and fluid (Moore, G., 1890, 11). Close to 22 million Australians have asthma, and it is among the common chronic diseases among children whose numbers are capped at 6 million. The weight of the disease affects not only the patients but also the families and society as a whole regarding schooling and other costs that are directly related to production (Anon, 2009, 10). An improved scientific concept of understanding the asthma conditions has seen remarkable interventions that have posed significant improvements on how to handle cases of asthma. There are no exact causes of asthma, and it is believed to be as a result of the combination of several factors even though the two main factors are thought to include environmental and genetic factors (Anon, 1973, 143-144). This report includes a multi-scenario forecast for asthma therapeutics in Australia. The current asthma treatment guidelines and choices, a detailed pipeline analyses, a clinical trial result, the main drivers and barriers, the promising pipeline molecules and the strategic as well as co-development deals among the key players in therapeutic asthma markets. Treatment of asthma can be classified as either long term meditation or a quick relief meditation that are aimed at relieving the exacerbations as well as the acute symptoms. The long term control meditations are known to include Inhaled Corticosteroids, immunomodulators, cromolyn sodium, nedocromil, methylxanthines and leukotriene modifiers (Tulchinsky et al. 23). Additionally, the long acting beta-adrenoceptor Agonists also abbreviated as LABAs can be made use of when combined with inhaled corticosteroids. This should however not be used a monotherapy for the severe or mild asthma. To date, only one biologic omalizumab is recognized and approved as an add-on treatment of therapy for allergic asthma in Australia. Nonetheless, there is an unfulfilled need that is yet to be met, and that is the treatment of acute eosinophilic asthma (Tuberculosis, 1969, 21). Scope of the report The contemporary asthma market in Australia contains novel products that include Xolair, which is a recombinant humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, seretide/ Adoair, an ICS-LABA among others. Having over 274 molecules, some late stage investigational f=drug candidates are under evaluation with improved dosing administration and regime routes being compared to the contemporary market products (Einf, 1970, 24-26). The analyses of the clinical trials carried out since the year 2006 has brought about the identification of failure rates when it comes to asthma molecules. These were capped at the highest rate being in Phase III representing a percentage of 46, an overall attrition rate of the development of asthma being capped at 78 percent (Lorig, K. 2012, 17). In the forecast period of between 2017 and 2021, the asthma therapeutics in the Australian continent is expected to rise in value at a compound annual growth rate of 7.2 percent that ranges from $3.5 billion to close to $5.6 bi llion (Maddock, A.,1855, 18). The rising prevalence and the uptake of newer biologists are projected to have a significant market growth in the course of the forecast period despite the affordability issues. The importance of this report This report will help the UTS hospital governing council in- Understanding the clinical context of bronchitis and asthma through the considerations of symptoms, etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and the treatment options. Identifying the strategies of therapy, products and the companies that dominate the current products landscape and the recognition gaps as well as the areas of the unmet needs. Identifying the key pipeline trends in the molecule type, novelty, administration route, and the mechanism of action for the same Considering the market opportunities as well as the potential risks through examining the trends in asthma and bronchitis clinical trials, duration, and failure rates through a stage-wise development, molecule types and the mechanism of action of the trial. Recognizing the late stage molecules that demonstrate strong therapeutic potentials in asthma through the examination of clinical trial data as well as the multi-scenario products that forecast the projections. Discovering the trends in the licensing and development deals that concern the asthma products as well as identifying the key strategic consolidations that shape the commercial landscape. Notably, there are comparatively a trivial number of patients having chronic medical conditions, and this accounts for the larger percentage of the inpatient costs. There is some considerable evidence asserting that case management can help in improving the quality of life health wise as well as reducing the number of time a patient can get readmitted. To establish whether or not a statistical algorithm can be employed in identifying patients risks of readmission and whoever will derive benefits from the case management (Understanding bronchitis and asthma, 1965, 296). METHODS The UTS database for the hospital patients who had at any time secured an emergency admission for the chronic medical disorders like the congestive heart failure, the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dementia among others. The multivariate logistic regression was employed in developing an algorithm for the prediction of readmission within a given period of time. The performance of this algorithm was piloted against recoded readmissions with such considerations done on sensitivity, likelihood ratios and specificity (Russell, H., 1934, 231-231). Results There were several factors that were identified to serve as sure predictors of readmission, that is, age, economic disadvantages, co-morbidities and previous cases of admissions among other factors. The power of discrimination model proved to be modest as was determined by the area under receiver operating characteristics known as the ROC curve denoted as c and caped at c= 0.65. At a score threshold that is capped at 50 and which is considered a risk zone, the algorithm was identified to be 44.7 percent of the patients who were admitted with a condition of admission being in the 12 months of 37.5 percent of the patients flagged incorrectly (Shayevitz, M., Shayevitz, 1991, 31). The statistical algorithm based on the UTS hospital data accomplished just some moderate identification of patients at risk of getting readmitted. Data The data for the patients in the public sector came from the UTS hospital, meaning that the inter alia, the demographic traits of patients, the principal diagnosis, the other treated conditions, and other procedures performed to the effect. The UTSHAPDC is kind of similar to the routine databases of the inpatient in some states and territories within the Australian continent and is also more likely to differ substantially from the states in the United Kingdom (Simpson, A. 1857, 57). The inclusion criterion In the survey, a list of 28 conditions was made use of. These included congestive heart failure, the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dementia among others. Below is the reference table used in defining cases for the predictive algorithm. Patients were picked for inclusion in this study if they had any form of an emergency inpatient admission for the reference condition. The admissions represented a percentage of the inpatients identified to be using the AR-DRG codes as well as the emergency admissions of inpatients as defined in the treating physicians opinion. In case the patient had more multiple emergency admissions, the first admission is taken as the trigger for the admission for purposes of consistency with the precious studies. Sensitivity analyses carried out indicated that patients with multiple admissions made no difference concerning the results whether the first or the last admission was selected for purposes of triggering the admission (Watts, R. 1999, 249-252). Outcome measure Patients were classified as either readmitted if within the first 12 months after discharge for purposes of initiating admission, they had witnessed at least an acute admission. The predictor variables The demographic characteristics of the area of focus were obtained from the trigger entry and entailed such factors as sex, age, Indigenous statuses, socioeconomic status and marital status among other traits. The Indigenous status was collected from the UTSHAPDC and categorized as non-indigenous versus native. The use of SEIFA mainly characterized the socio-economic status, particularly noted as the social and economic indexes for the areas, the index of the disadvantages and advantages based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This is by all means a composite measure describing an area advantage or disadvantage based on the range of social as well as economic factors based on the census data (Weissflog, D. 2000, 333). Co-morbidities The presence of the co-morbidities recognized from the perspective of both primary and secondary diagnoses for the trigger of admission as well as the acute admissions before the trigger makes up the event. Having the decision to carry out an evaluation of the comorbidities throughout the admissions including the admission for trigger was meant to give an account of the potential lapses as used in the coding of the various diagnoses. The comorbid conditions in the question were synonymous to the reported study in the United Kingdom (Weissflog, D. 2000, 333). The comorbidity conditions as evaluated in the development of risk algorithm Statistical algorithm Predictive algorithm The predictive algorithm as developed through the use of logistic regression. This regression was applied to the SAS version of 9.1. The predictor measures were given a further analysis within the natural groups and aimed at minimizing the co-linearity and the prevention of a vast number of the conceptually equal measures from doing anything close to saturating the archetype. For instance, the social demographic variables entered into the regression model as a group identifying the best subset for purposes of the proposed selection methods (Maddock, A., 1855, 24). CONCLUSION For the purpose of consistency, the previous admissions as enumerated preceded the trigger admissions for the number of years. These included such things as any forms of admission or the kind of emergency admission. The measures so displayed indicated the natural skewness of the hospital use of data which was seen to be resolved through the measure of the ordinal variable being categorized as 0, 1, and 2 and so on. Works Cited Anon, 1998. Clinical management of HIV and AIDS at district level, New Delhi: World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia. Anon, 1975. Health and safety a survey of provisions in labor agreements in the federal service, October, 1975, Washington, D.C.: The Office. Asthma. SpringerReference. https://doi.org/10.1007/springerreference_44133 Bronchitis, Chronic. SpringerReference. https://doi.org/10.1007/springerreference_110130 Hosford-Dunn, H., Roeser, R.J. Valente, M., 2008. Audiology: practice management, New York: Thieme. Mackay, B., 1995. Kaupapa Maori and responsiveness: management responsiveness to Maori health issues in the reformed health service of the 1990's: a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Policy, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, Massey University, Aotearoa, Moore, G., 1890. Bronchitis and asthma: their spray and pneumatic treatment, London: James Epps. Anon, 2009. Personalized Data Service For Master Data Management. Proceedings of the International Conference on e-Business. Anon, 1973. Foundations for Health Service Management. Public Health, 87(4), pp.143144. Tulchinsky, T.H. Varavikova, E., The new public health, Tuberculosis, Climate, Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis. (1969). https://doi.org/10.1159/isbn.978-3-318-00064-1 Lorig, K. (2012). Living a healthy life with chronic conditions: self-management of heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, depression, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other physical and mental health conditions. Boulder, CO: Bull Pub. Co. Maddock, A. B. (1855). Pulmonary consumption, bronchitis, asthma, chronic cough and various diseases of the lungs, air-passages, throat, and larynx successfully treated by medicated inhalations; illustrated with cases. Philadelphia: Vanhorn. Understanding bronchitis and asthma. (1965). Public Health, 79(5), 296. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0033-3506(65)80050-6 Russell, H. S. (1934). Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis. Bmj, 2(3839), 231231. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.3839.231 Shayevitz, M. B., Shayevitz, B. R. (1991). Living well with chronic asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Yonkers, NY: Consumer Reports Books. Simpson, A. (1857). Compressed air as a therapeutic agent: in the treatment of consumption, asthma, chronic bronchitis and other diseases. Edinburgh: Sutherland and Knox. Watts, R. W. (1999). Asthma Management In Rural Australia. Aust J Rural Health Australian Journal of Rural Health, 7(4), 249252. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1584.1999.00235.x Weissflog, D. (2000). Prs17: Epidemiology and Costs Of Bronchial Asthma And Chronic Bronchitis In Germany. Value in Health, 3(5), 333. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1098-
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Alchemy Essays (3507 words) - Paranormal, Hermeticism, Alchemy
Alchemy ALCHEMY: The science by aid of which the chemical philosophers of medieval times attempted to transmute the baser metals into gold or silver. There is considerable divergence of opinion as to the etymology of the word, but it would seem to be derived from the Arabic al=the, and kimya=chemistry, which in turn derives from the late Greek chemica=chemistry, from chumeia=a mingling, or cheein, `to pour out` or `mix', Aryan root ghu, to pour, whence the word `gush'. Mr. A. Wallis Budge in his "Egyptian Magic", however, states that it is possible that it may be derived from the Egyptian word khemeia, that is to say 'the preparation of the black ore', or `powder', which was regarded as the active principle in the transmutation of metals. To this name the Arabs affixed the article `al', thus giving al-khemeia, or alchemy. HISTORY OF ALCHEMY: From an early period the Egyptians possessed the reputation of being skillful workers in metals and, according to Greek writers, they were conversant with their transmutation, employing quicksilver in the process of separating gold and silver from the native matrix. The resulting oxide was supposed to possess marvelous powers, and it was thought that there resided within in the individualities of the various metals, that in it their various substances were incorporated. This black powder was mystically identified with the underworld form of the god Osiris, and consequently was credited with magical properties. Thus there grew up in Egypt the belief that magical powers existed in fluxes and alloys. Probably such a belief existed throughout Europe in connection with the bronze-working castes of its several races. Its was probably in the Byzantium of the fourth century, however, that alchemical science received embryonic form. There is little doubt that Egyptian tradition, filtering through Alexandrian Hellenic sources was the foundation upon which the infant science was built, and this is borne out by the circumstance that the art was attributed to Hermes Trismegistus and supposed to be contained in its entirety in his works. The Arabs, after their conquest of Egypt in the seventh century, carried on the researches of the Alexandrian school, and through their instrumentality the art was brought to Morocco and thus in the eighth century to Spain, where it flourished exceedingly. Indeed, Spain from the ninth to the eleventh century became the repository of alchemic science, and the colleges of Seville, Cordova and Granada were the centers from which this science radiated throughout Europe. The first practical alchemist may be said to have been the Arbian Geber, who flourished 720-750. From his "Summa Perfectionis", we may be justified in assuming that alchemical science was already matured in his day, and that he drew his inspirations from a still older unbroken line of adepts. He was followed by Avicenna, Mesna and Rhasis, and in France by Alain of Lisle, Arnold de Villanova and Jean de Meung the troubadour; in England by Roger Bacon and in Spain itself by Raymond Lully. Later, in French alchemy the most illustrious names are those of Flamel (b. ca. 1330), and Bernard Trevisan (b. ca. 1460) after which the center of of interest changes to Germany and in some measure to England, in which countries Paracelsus, Khunrath (ca. 1550), Maier (ca. 1568), Norton, Dalton, Charnock, and Fludd kept the alchemical flame burning brightly. It is surprising how little alteration we find throughout the period between the seventh and the seventeenth centuries, the heyday of alchemy, in the theory and practice of the art. The same sentiments and processes are found expressed in the later alchemical authorities as in the earliest, and a wonderful unanimity as regards the basic canons of the great art is evinced by the hermetic students of the time. On the introduction of chemistry as a practical art, alchemical science fell into desuetude and disrepute, owing chiefly to the number of charlatans practicing it, and by the beginning of the eighteenth century, as a school, it may be said to have become defunct. Here and there, however, a solitary student of the art lingered, and in the department of this article "Modern Alchemy" will demonstrate that the science has to a grate extent revived during modern times, although it has never been quite extinct. THE QUESTS OF ALCHEMY: The grand objects of alchemy were (1) the discovery of a process by which the baser metals might be transmuted into gold or silver; (2) the discovery of an elixir by which life might be prolonged indefinitely; and there may be added (3), the manufacture of and artificial process of human life. (for the
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Essay on The Person Whom I Admire Most Essay Example
Essay on The Person Whom I Admire Most Essay Example Essay on The Person Whom I Admire Most Paper Essay on The Person Whom I Admire Most Paper Whom I Admire Most Personal essay Virtually everyone has a person whom they admire. A majority of people seem to admire someone because of fame or fortune. I, on the other hand, do not place my admiration on material possessions or people who idolize them. My admiration is reserved for someone far more priceless than anything this world may offer. Therefore, my mother, is the person whom I admire most because she was supportive, she was tenacious, and she was a provider. First, I adore my mother because she was supportive. I participated in a lot of extracurricular activities as a kid, and my mother was always there to encourage me. For example, at age five I began to play soccer on Saturday mornings for an organized team and even though my motherââ¬â¢s only time away from work was Saturday mornings she came to every game. Also, during my high school years I wanted to go on a church trip to Mexico, however the trip was expensive and I was unable to collect enough money to go. Nevertheless, my mother paid the remaining balance by working extra shifts. Lastly, when I wanted to volunteer to join The United States Air Force three months prior to my high school graduation she drove me to the military enlistment processing station and watched proudly as I signed my contracts. In addition, my mother deserves my admiration because she was a provider. During my adolescent years, I began to understand how much she sacrificed to provide for me. I remember her having to sale items that were of significant personal value in order to pay our monthly bills. Additionally, my mother worked two jobs to ensure I had the essentials needed to enjoy my high school years. Also, my mother made whatever sacrifice was necessary to ensure our survival. For example, during the summer before my junior year of high school my mother was laid off from work and we lost our rental house; nevertheless, she sent me to live with my aunt for a year as she was more concerned with me having a stable living environment than her on personal well being. Most importantly, I cherish my mother because she was tenacious. My mother could have been misunderstood as being hardheaded; however, she stood strong for what she believed in and was unyielding to outside influences. My mother taught me to never give up on my dreams and to endure through the hard times. Consequently, I have accomplished many wonderful things, but none are more gratifying than the fact that I take care of my mother whom suffers from dementia. Her spirit has not grown weak and she continues to stand strong. For example, when I go to visit her she is constantly telling me that she will beat that dreaded disease and go home one day. However, I know the truth is that dementia will slowly take more and more of her away from me, but this will prove my motherââ¬â¢s tenacity once again through me. Because my mother was supportive, tenacious, and a provider she is the person whom I admire most. We may face many challenges in life, but to see how my mother stood solid and defeated most of those challenges is an inspiration. I have endured many hardships throughout life, but I my mother taught me two priceless lessons. First, nothing in life worth having will be easy. Second, no matter the circumstances never give up on your dreams.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Research Tools and their Effectiveness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Research Tools and their Effectiveness - Essay Example The research took more than 26 weeks to complete. With the sensitivity of the matter, training them for only 8 weeks doesnââ¬â¢t make a lot of sense in that they will not have experienced the necessary knowledge which they can use with ease to determine whether to report as casualty or not. Further, the issue of monitoring the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy is not much encouraged because, if you monitor them, they will tend to be accurate and may not sway away from normality due to your presence. For a research to have the required scientific vigor homogeneity of data is required and this can only be obtained if some certain restrictions are imposed on the participants (Agnes, A 2007). This may include: Age, gender, occupation, health status, earning and many others depending entirely on the objective of the study. For example, for one to take part in this study, the researcher ensured that, he/she had at least some experience in radiography which he himself knew and another which had brought him to that health facility to assist in the provision of the service. However, they were not required to have any formal training in radiography. In any scientific research which involves human participants, freedom to take part in it is a priority as you cannot force one to get involved without his/her consent (Mailu, S. 2004). Participants have to be given the opportunity to say what they want based on the restrictions above. In this study, all the participants are not provided with the necessary information and a verbal consent is not sought from each of them. Mainly a consent form is signed by him/her stating that, all that is involved in the study will be followed to the later voluntarily (Charles, A 2000). The protection of human participantââ¬â¢s information is key for any research to be successful (Bailey, 2005).
Monday, February 3, 2020
Create a new animal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Create a new animal - Assignment Example The fins have strong muscles that can break the jaw of man and other strong animals like a dog and this means it can scare away several water mammals. The most outstanding feature in this animal is its strong jaws with three pairs of chisel shaped incisors and a row of corrugated molars and premolars. It can tear the strongest and thickest flesh in any animal as it is more of a carnivore. Its mode of attacking its prey which is big fish and other water mammals is very ferocious and gruesome as it ruthlessly tears them and maim within two contacts. This means that it has to kill the prey within the first furious three bites and eats it away slowly. The funny thing about this animal is that it cannot eat carcass that has been there for more than six hours .The water bear is a unique creature with high level of intelligence that can sense impending danger two kilometers away and prepare for a reaction. It is the only water animal that hisses like a snake and can stay underwater for more than thirty minutes yet it breathes using lungs. It is an experience watching this wonder of the
Sunday, January 26, 2020
Effects Of Breakwater In The Civil Engineering Field Construction Essay
Effects Of Breakwater In The Civil Engineering Field Construction Essay Problems of erosion, reduction in shorelines, disappearance of beaches, and environmental impacts have led to the recession of many economies around the world. To resolve, engineers have devised man made structures like breakwaters and piers to address a variety of coastal problems such as shelter, fishing, docking and coast line recession. While these problems are resolved, new ones emerge when breakwaters and jetties are constructed in the areas. Clearly, breakwater engineering and related civil engineering fields are still at their rudimentary level, despite the fact that these structures have been in use since age old. In the following study, the researcher carries out investigation into the hydrodynamics of breakwaters, and their engineering aspects, with the view to gain insight into their importance to civil engineering fields. The researcher aims to explore, evaluate and analyse the impact of breakwaters on engineering professions, and ways that their knowledge limits or opens up new channels for engineering innovation. The results are compiled, and the researcher concludes that breakwater engineering has great scope in contributing to civil engineering knowledge, provided that its design and applications are researched further. Chapter 1 Introduction Background and Rationale A coast is a geological system that is subject to constant movement and change. Shorelines, beaches, and coastal areas in effect affect human lives, and vice versa. The diverse and complex nature of the coastal system is the result of processes involving waves, tides, currents and winds that affect the geological state of the coast in an attempt to keep a balance between land and water. However, these are not the only factors that influence and shape coastlines. Human activities for economic and social purposes contribute towards its modifications. Natural processes, coupled with human intervention, contribute towards erosion, sedimentation, and accretion (Hsu, Lin, and Tseng 2007). In fact, according to French (1997), human activities bring about changes that influence the environment adversely by creating new habitat and decreasing environment stability. Though not all changes affect the environment adversely, nevertheless the natural processes are affected by the unnatural conditions. Coasts and estuaries are not indifferent towards human intervention where a range of variations in their structure and environment can alter the geological, oceanological and marine system therein. Added to this status is the fact that coasts have become the ideal place for human population, industrialisation, commercialisation transportation etc. Human has, in effect, taken over to develop coastal areas to act as shelters, ports, docks, and for numerous other activities. The pressure for benefitting human lives has inevitably changed the environment drastically towards degradation. To compensate, a host of management strategies have been undertaken to operate, manage and sustain coastal areas, to control the activities and maintain a balance between nature and mankind (dAngremond and van Roode 2004). One of these management control methods is building of breakwaters and jetties. Jetties and offshore breakwaters are man made structures designed to protect coastal areas from the natural and unnatural recession of the shoreline. Breakwaters are usually built parallel to the shore or at an angle to direct serious wave action from its destructive impact on the shoreline. Jetties, on the other hand, are built with the purpose to prevent erosion of the inlet or harbour area. Offshore breakwaters provide shelter as they are built based on wave refraction and diffraction (Putnam and Arthur, 1948). Similarly, groins are structures built to face seawards and at an angle to slope at the same angle as the normal beach. Groins are built at an elevation above datum to act as the stabilising structure and to increase the width of the beach by arresting the shore drift in part or as a whole (Paige 1950). Apart from these, coastal areas are subjected to geological problems such as natural processes including coastal erosion, deposition, sedimentation, tsunami, tidal waves etc. These require human intervention to protect and conserve human and natural habitat. For these purposes, an engineering field called coastal engineering has been introduced in the academic arena for enhancing the knowledge and skills of professionals to develop coastal areas with minimal damage to the natural and man made environment. Coastal engineering involves developing and protecting existing coastal protection work with the view to predict future natural coastal processes. Comprehending the nature and value of coastal processes, enables engineers to devise plans and strategies to protect these processes better. Moreover, knowledge of the coastal condition helps professionals in the field to construct, facilitate and execute better breakwater construction. Breakwater construction is a field that is directly related with coastal engineering. However, it also has close relations with other engineering fields like geology, construction, environment and computer engineering. It is within this context, that the researcher shall be investigating the importance of breakwater engineering and the ways it affects the engineering field. Aims and Objectives The aim of this dissertation is to investigate how breakwaters and their construction affect various civil engineering fields. The objective is to: a. Identify the various civil engineering fields that breakwaters affect b. Evaluate how breakwaters impact civil engineering professionals; and c. Study how the knowledge of breakwater construction adds to the skill knowledge of engineers Scope and Limitations The research, in essence, is not a pure scientific empirical study, but rather an exploratory one. The researcher is aware that in exploring the dynamics of breakwater engineering, he/she will have to link civil engineering techniques and skills, which makes it a successful defence structures for both, humans and marine life. In this context, the study shall limit its discussion to the various fields breakwater construction entails, and shall not delve extensive into any particular field which concerns its engineering perspectives, such as marine life or construction engineering. However, it will touch upon these topics byway, to enumerate on its role and effects on the engineering field. Audience readers shall find the study insightful and enlightening as it would provide the numerous aspects that coastal engineering of breakwaters impact. However, academics and scholars shall find the content of the study limiting as it shall not be holistically technical. Fellow students shall find the dissertation a good stepping stone for furthering their research into areas of specialisation like geological engineering, construction engineering and so on. Ne vertheless, the dissertation shall aim to address the social and scientific aspects of breakwaters. Outline of Dissertation To accomplish the above objectives, the researcher shall endeavour to carry out the study in the following manner: Chapter 1 shall introduce the background and the rationale for the study. Chapter 2 shall provide the theoretical background based on an extensive literature review on the aspects of the study outlined above. Chapter 3 shall outline the methodologies considered and the rationale for the chosen research approach. Chapter 4 will be the analysis segment in which the researcher shall evaluate the data gathered, and discuss with the aim to acquire conclusive results. Chapter 5 shall be the conclusion to the research, offering insights gained from the research, summarising whether the researcher has accomplished the objectives or not, and perhaps some recommendations for future research. Chapter 2 Literature Review Introduction Breakwaters and similar coastal structures are human interventions, which are exposed to strong waves, currents and other marine processes. The construction of such structures needs to be enduring, as well as fitting, with the natural environment. The design and construction of breakwaters and interrelated structures indicate that knowledge of pure engineering alone is not practical. In fact, it requires consideration for various empirical and theoretical knowledge for its design. To the extent of this knowledge, the researcher is of the view that civil engineering relating to large scale hydraulic structures has developed considerably. According to dAngremond and van Roode (2004), coastal problems of erosion, tides and currents have existed since the beginning of civilisation. However, the management of these movements and problems have gained considerable attention today due to the commercialization and population of coastal areas around the world. For these reasons, problems such as sea level rise, tidal asymmetry, sedimentation budget etc. need to be tackled. These are carried out through careful coastal defence and management practices, and engineering skills, which shall be discussed in the following sections. Coastal Engineering Ocean waves are generated by wind and propagated from the ocean towards the shoreline. The orbital motions of wave kinematics influence the depths and heights of the ocean bed. Near shore ocean beds are greatly impacted by the velocities and the wave strengths. As a result, sediment beds often change in topography due to continuous impact of the fluid forces of waves. Sedimentation response or impact is negligible, but, in effect, compound the problem of sediment transportation to and away from the local beach. The scale, depth, and extent of the influence of the waves on the beach may and may not result in coastal degradation. For these reasons, detailed investigation on the continental shelves, fluid dynamics, near shore motion and variation of ocean topography are required in order to monitor and maintain the natural barrier to land. When the problems of natural erosion and sedimentation become too great to manage, measures like construction of barriers, submerged shoals, breakwat ers and artificial headlands are undertaken to sustain the environment (Birbena et al 2006). Construction of this nature is triggered by defence planning, storm handling and flood prevention. In fact, coastal defence system and management require formation of framework for projects to be planned, investigated and implemented to meet the needs of the environment and its people. These are the civil aspects of coastal engineering (French 1997). Not only this; structures like breakwaters also require continuous monitoring and protection work to predict future performance. This is carried out through coastal engineering processes such as modelling to estimate the changing environment and angle of repose of shorelines, site investigation to study the cycles of hydrographic and marine life status, as well as processing these to build a profile for the shorelines on which breakwaters are constructed. For example, in Iskander et als study (2007), the authors studied and developed a monitoring model for studying coastal structure along the El Agami area of Egypt. The study indicates that where breakwaters exist, shoreline fluctuates, marine life is impacted, as well as wave hydraulics. Coastal engineers need to record and study the gradual change that takes place due to the presence of breakwaters. Issues concerning wave distribution, shoreline sand composition, coastal calibration, marine survey, and effect on the harbours population are taken into account. Apart from these, breakwaters also affect the coastal structure such as villages, ports, or other such human activities (Iskander et al 2007). Furthermore, coastal engineers also need to ensure that the construction of breakwaters and estuaries does not adversely affect human activities as a result of design fault of these structures. For example, in Donnell et als article (2006), the authors indicate that the breakwaters on Tedious Creek estuary on the shoreline of Chesapeake Bay in Dorchester County, MD caused substantial damage to local vessels than the benefits it provided for its shelters. The setup of breakwaters is aimed at protecting the boat dock and public piers from storms, but, in reality, the projects design fault has resulted in under performance, both in functionality and structure to benefit the locals. It is in instances such as these that coastal engineers need to be ascertained of the need and importance for breakwater structures. Similarly, breakwaters can also result in beach morphology that effectively negates the protection objective when breakwaters are constructed with limited knowledge applied relating to practical engineering. Accurate study of the shore area through cross shore distribution, long shore sedimentation transport rates and performance of breakwaters in advance, as well as using model calibration and validation, hydrodynamic module, wave modules etc. could positively affect the performance of the structures. Therefo re, coastal engineers are responsible for studying the wave conditions, down drift side, expected erosion and current patterns behind submerged breakwater, to gauge incident waves. These mechanisms, according to Ranasinghe and Sato (2007), can relatively influence the function and utility of breakwaters function. Thus, coastal engineering is greatly influenced by the type and design of breakwaters structures. Construction engineering Breakwaters and such coastal structure construction combine design and functionality with the view to protect the coastal area. The design process is similar to structural design of buildings as it entails paying attention to functional requirements, limitations of the state of the structure, exposure, construction phases and occurrence of natural conditions. Breakwaters also require considerations for knowledge of construction materials including quarry stone, concrete blocks, caissons and similar types of materials to apply to its construction. Equipments for both floating and rolling breakwaters too need to be studied and related to the specificity of the breakwaters site, function and design. The development of breakwaters also requires functional and structural monitoring of performance, with enduring characteristics. According to Camfield and Holmes (1995), coastal structures like breakwaters and jetties are influenced by long periods of water level changes. They need to be built parallel to the entrances, in an attempt to stabilise entrances and safe navigation. Construction along the shore should be carried out with the direction of the channel in mind, to prevent migration of channel thalweg, rapid shoaling and erosion of the coastline (Morang 1992 qt. Camfield and Holmes 1995). This is because construction o f jetties and breakwaters often creates a new equilibrium for the tidal system. For this purpose, surveys of adjacent shorelines, natural bypass and the material that may ebb tidal activities need to be carried out for effective construction of the structures aligned with the regional dynamic and hydraulic processes. Construction engineering approach such as cross sectional relationship of inlet and tidal prism, as well as depths of the jetties and breakwaters, and water flows are studied before finding the ideal balance between performance, flow conditions, and natural marine activities. Knowledge of construction material, as mentioned earlier, is imperative for choosing and designing breakwaters to complement the need of the local landscape and environment. Since breakwaters are made up of rubble mounds or caissons or are concrete filled, knowledge of construction material adds to the skills required for developing structures for dispersing wave currents to minimise impact, as well as conserve energy from wave hydraulics where possible (Arena and Filianoti 2007). Not only this; new construction material knowledge also provides an edge over the design and planning of the breakwater armour unit. Reedijk et al (2008), for example, indicate that the development of Xbloc by Delta Marine Consultants in 2001 has innovated armour concepts in terms of designs, tests and prototypes. Xbloc are concrete blocks designed to armour shore protection and are being used in breakwater construction actively by engineers today. Muttray et al (2003), in their study of the suitability of Xbloc in breakwater construction, indicate that Xbloc are shaped to suit the harsh environmental conditions of waves, and such hydraulic activities. When placed interlocked with each other, Xblocs not only reduce concrete volumes, but also achieve the stability required for achieving breakwaters impact from wave loads and damage (Muttray et al 2003; Reedijk et al (2008). Added to this fact is the cost of layering breakwaters with Xbloc, which is significantly reduced as compared to other armour blocks. Furthermore, coastal protection design and construction require development and use of probabilistic design tools to gauge uncertainties, prediction of wave impact, as well as structure stability. One of the main concerns for construction engineers is that the structures can sustain its functionality for coastal protection, regardless of the wave conditions and transformations of water bodies. The basic premise is that wave transformation in foreshores and offshore areas cannot be relied upon through model designs. In fact, it requires construction engineers to have knowledge of coastal shores by using prediction models for wave transformation to study the effect of wave height, setup and distribution before designing the breakwater and jetty structures (Muttray et al 2001; Coduto 1999). Consideration for these aspects would help design structures to achieve its long term goals, as well as retain beach composition from long shore transport processes. Analytical engineering Breakwaters are constructed based on engineering approaches and processes that exploit the nature of wave parameters and hydraulics. According to Huizinga (2003), breakwater engineering often fails after 5 to 10 years as a result of poor design. Engineers fail to grasp the concept of breakwater designs and modelling, which uses propagation of water around of breakwater with the assumptions that water is the ideal fluid and incompressible. Waves are small in amplitude and can be analysed using the linear wave theory. Their flow is usually rotational, which can be analysed through Laplace equations. Breakwaters depth is constant and its dynamics are determined by diffraction, refraction or reflection (Huizinga 2003). Diffraction analysis takes into account of the water height, and the interaction of breakwater and waves. The wave energy is assumed to disperse as the waves come into contact with breakwater structures, which could be understood using linear diffraction theory. In this context, a rubble mound breakwater is a diametric form, with certain density and diameter designed to disperse wave motion. The velocity of the waves is retarded by its action, in contact with the breakwater. The change in direction of the wave affects the sediment supply, composition, wave properties, topography, and breakwater properties. Therefore, the variables in the breakwater interaction change in response to the caisson. The underlying assumption set forth is that the physical movement of breakwater is associated with the wave action, the permeability of the breakwater surface, seabed composition and response of the breakwater over a long period of time (Huizinga 2003; Twu and Chieu 2000). Alternatively, wave reflection and wave run up is the model for analysing breakwater through a cross section and slopes. In this method of engineering, wave reflection is determined by the 3 guage method. Wave conditions comprise of relative depth, height, steepness, and breaker index. Measurement of wave conditions is accomplished by analysing its reflection at the seaward direction when the wave surface comes into contact with the structure and foreshore. The water surface comes into contact with the breakwater as a toe and an anti knot. The wave run up and run down impact the breakwaters wave resistance. When engineers analyse the efficacy and effectiveness of breakwater, they study the angle of the incident wave, as well as its reflection coefficient, to determine the impact of regular wave action. The analysis is critical for gauging the significance of wave run up and run down on breakwater surfaces, and inevitably its longevity. This is achieved by using the higher order wave theory for assimilating waves and horizontal seabed asymmetry. Furthermore, wave reflection measurement is determined by its dynamics such as local wave height, wave pressure, wave energy dissipation and wave penetration into the structure (Muttray and Oumeraci 2002). How waves break or non break is dependent on the breakwater slope and the reflection set for critical wave incident impact (Clyne and Mullarkey 2008). These analytical approaches are various forms of analytical engineering, which are engaged to evaluate the strength, longevity, efficacy and effectiveness of the breakwater functionality. Alternatives in analytical engineering, therefore, help construction of the breakwaters more effective, as they establish the baseline for stabilisation potential, as well as extend the life cycle of the structure (Wiegel 1962). Environment engineering Breakwaters and jetties are engineering solutions to resolve the problem of erosion and sedimentation of shorelines. These are constructed with the view to sustain the shoreline, and in turn benefit the local human communities. Just as breakwaters and jetties affect the hydraulic system of the areas, they also produce long and short term impacts on marine life. Hydrodynamic conditions, sedimentation patterns, wave motion, physical and chemical factors tend to alter the composition and nature of the habitat. Not only this; the habitat tends to change in its characteristics and life cycle due to the change induced by the presence of breakwaters. No doubt, there is an imperative relationship between biological life form and breakwater structures. Even though breakwaters are developed with the objective to provide shelter to marine life, as well as harbour for human activities, the type of alleviation, shoaling and access to aquatic floral and faunal also gets impacted when breakwaters are constructed without careful monitoring of quality, composition and marine lifecycle. In fact, construction of breakwaters for creating inlets often results in f loral and faunal morphology of marine life due to the quality of sand, water chemical properties and the wave action. Water temperature, with variation through seasonal change, substantially affects the fish population, as well as other marine life forms. For example, the components of macrozoobenthos, algaes and polychaetous worms densities change (increase/decrease) according to the increasing or decreasing water depth. Thus, construction of breakwater tends to adversely affect the micro constituents of marine biology (Biological effects of breakwater construction 1985). At times, colonisation of fishes within the vicinity is affected due to the elevated turbiditys and suspended solids concentrates near the breakwater. Moreover, maintenance of the depth of entrance to the area, and exposure of the same, can alter the sustenance level of fish populations. By streamlining the natural sand bypass, the morphological performance can be improved to simulate waves, currents and sediment transport, which corresponds with the marine life processes (Broker et al 2007). The reliability of the effect of breakwater calibration process ensures that the constructed structure does not hinder marine life forms. For this purpose, marine engineering knowledge, combined with the breakwater development know how, can help local engineers to establish dynamic coastal structures to fit within the parameters of the natural environment. Risks and failures While it is clear that breakwaters have their own functionality and utility for which they are used to sustain beach line sustainability and continuity, they are also risky.The utility and functionality of breakwaters and jetties depend on the model, material and simulation upon which they have been based. Measurement for their horizontal and vertical fluid velocities, breakwater composition (porous or non porous), energy dissipation rate and modification intensity, all contribute towards its impenetrable nature. However, any variation and standard deviation in the design such as surface elevation, velocity variation, calibration, and structure permeability can result in its wear and breakage. According to Kobayashi et al (2007), breakwater permeability can affect its situation in the beach zone, effectiveness in eliminating serious wave impact and structural longevity. In fact, breakwater transformation as a result of wave load, pressure and velocity can lead to shattering. This is dependent on the design of the breakwater and its sensitivity and test against breaker ratio. Steepness of seaward slope, wave breaking motion, and wave parameters greatly influence the structure, to the extent of predicting its durability (Kobayashi et al 2007). In fact, Oumeraci et al (2006) are of the view that analysis of saturation due to liquefaction phenomena in sand gravity structure tends to increase the risk of structural failure. Vertical breakwaters, especially, are vulnerable to permanent deformation of the subsoil, which leads to irreversible strains at the peak stress level. As a result, breakwaters structures can give way to wave load induced by the fluctuation in pressure along the seabed and the pore pressure in the concrete itself. Failure of such monumental nature affects the stability, composition, and cyclic mobility. Failure is also the result of the nature of the breakwater structure, whether it is designed for offshore or onshore coastal defence. It is greatly influenced by the depth, and nature of the sand composition underneath the seabed upon which the breakwater is constructed. The relative density of the sand, pressure of the fluid, as well as storm yield, all contribute towards its endurance (Oumeraci et al. 2001). Apart from these physical risks and failures, breakwaters are also vulnerable in terms of their effect on marine life forms. Changing chemical composition due to displacement of fauna colonisation, as well a toxicity of the structures along the sediment banks, can result in breakwater biota fluctuations. While the human benefits of breakwaters last for 5 to 10 years, the long term effects of marine life cycle and fishery can alter the nature of the coast altogether if careful engineering approaches are not undertaken for the construction of breakwaters (Biological effects of breakwater construction 1985). Conclusion The above discussion has been carried out with the view to provide an overview of the relationship between breakwater construction and its impact on engineering fields. While engineering is a vast discipline, in this study the researcher has included engineering fields related to the construction of breakwaters and their maintenance. The discussion indicates that breakwater structures are not merely coastal construction monuments, but have multidimensional impact on the physical, biological and human life. For this purpose, engineering and designing of these structures need to be analysed, planned and implemented with care, for its impact. Chapter 3 Research Methodology The nature of research problem determines the choice of its methods. Before one chooses the research method, its objectives, audience and underlying assumptions should be justified. The methodologies are then weighed and evaluated to justify for its choice. The theoretical perspective of the study should provide the background reality, as well as the constituent for increasing readers knowledge. Within these dimensions epistemology is concerned with providing a philosophical grounding for deciding what kinds of knowledge are possible and how we can ensure that they are both adequate and legitimate (Crotty 1998). The epistemology, therefore, allows the researcher to decide the application and the underlying academic literature that is required for adding knowledge to the existing consciousness. Generally, there are two options objectivism and constructionism. The objectivistic approach entails the investigation of existing knowledge and spanning it to extend its consciousness. The aim is to discover the objective truth. On the other hand, the constructionist approach entails the research which requires interaction with the world, and finding the truth in the process. Underlying the constructionist approach is the premise that research endeavours need to explore views from multiple angles before deciding on the objective truth. This approach is grounded in the qualitative methodology (Crotty 1998 qt. Levy 2006). Alternatively, researchers in the applied field usually conduct research based on quantitative methods that entail action research and evaluations for studying particular aspects and issues. The premise for choosing action research is to endeavour to capture the reality with certain degree of control on the phenomena under research. Although, the nature of the coastal engineering field mandates that research activities be subject to quantitative empirical methods whereby researchers carry out extensive action research strategies and processes. However, in this case, the researcher has opted for the qualitative approach as it complements the nature and topic under discussion. Whereas the study of breakwater is pragmatic, the exploration of its connection and impact on the engineering field is qualitative in nature. Furthermore, to understand the implications of breakwaters and their effect on civil engineering profession, investigation into the subjective views of experts within the field is required, rather than engaging in empirical research to achieve its findings. Having said that, the researcher is also aware that qualitative research requires a paradigm for basing the enquiry. According to Gummesson (2000), a paradigm is a very general conception of the nature of scientific endeavours within which a given enquiry is undertaken (p.18). It is a world view which allows the researcher to base his/her research outcomes and understanding. Research paradigms can be divided into positivist, which is characterised by the world as the external dimension and must be researched through facts and fundamental laws, and by studying concepts through sampling. On the other hand, the phenomenological paradigm involves the social construction of the subject, and characterised by the understanding of the totality of the situation by investigating the issue through established phenomena. For the current study, the researcher shall adopt the phenomenological paradigm for analysing the effect of breakwaters on the engineering field. The rationale is based on the premise that even though through the course of discussion some technical and practical aspects shall be discussed, the analysis shall regard the ideology, decision logic and utility behind breakwaters and their link with civil engineering fields. While the researcher is aware that the phenomenological paradigm is not suited for engineering and scientific research, he/she also has the understanding that research of this qualitative nature
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