Nantucket Nectars Case Study Memo structure Essay - 1

Nantucket Nectars Case Study Memo structure - Essay Example The analysis will be carried out by the use of the net present value method. The reason as to why the method has been used is the fact that the method makes use of discounted cash flows and there is a clearly decision criteria that should be used in the making of a decision. The present value for the future projected incomes for the company is equivalent to $20,662.79. That will mean that the decision that will be made by Nantucket Nectar should bear into mind the net present value obtained. That means if the company decides to float shares, the income should be greater than $ 20662.79, if the managers decide to sell the company, the best price should be greater than $20662.79. Nantucket Nectar should consider the bids that are been offered and the company should also calculate the amount of money that will arise from the initial public offer. The value that should be considered should be greater than $ 20662.79 and that will form the basis for making the decision since the best offer should be taken by the company. If none of the offers turn out to be more profitable, then the company should be maintained at its current state (Gerald et al,

Developing a question and identifying a problem Essay

Developing a question and identifying a problem - Essay Example Therefore, nurses would need some form of training. Critically thinking, they would need an advanced training aside from their formal training on basic nursing. In retrospect, does this form of advanced training in prevention of patient falls impact on patient outcomes compared to no training? Patient falls present a significant physical health risk to the patient. Additionally, the complications that arise from patient falls incur significant hospital costs to both the patient and the hospital. The patient would have to incur extra costs for the management of the complications of the falls, whereas the hospital would put forth extra resources necessary for the management of potential complications of the fall. Besides, health care institutions could face a lawsuit with concomitant legal implications. Patient falls within health care institution in an occurrence that needs to be considered with utmost concern. Therefore, this paper will explore falls among elderly patients, its impact on the work environment, and quality of care, patient outcomes, and its significance to nursing and proposed solution. Falls in long-term care institutions and health care facilities are common. Tack, Ulrich and Kehr (2010), observe that approximately 25.5% of patients who experienced a fall had a neurological condition. Additionally, they opine that neurological patients are considered as among the high risk population. Elderly patients present with a number of neurological conditions attributed to age and lifestyle. For instance, Snijders , Van de Warrenburg , Giladi and Bloem (2010), observe that gait disorders are prevalent among the elderly can present devastating health outcomes such as reduced quality of life, increased incidence of falls and increase in mortality. Neurological diseases diagnosed in elderly patients exist with other clinical conditions. Lauretani, et al. (2014) posits that Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly could present with extrapyramidal signs

Compare The Grid And Air Gap Techniques Information Technology Essay

Compare The Grid And Air Gap Techniques Information Technology Essay The research design for this study is of a comparative quantitative, quasi-experimental nature. The rationale for this comparative study is to see what effect two different anti-scatter techniques have on image quality. The properties that make this a quasi-experimental study are manipulation of specific variables and control in experimentation and testing (Parahoo, 2006). True experimental research is characterised by three properties: manipulation, control and randomisation (Parahoo, 2006). As the researcher will not randomise any variables, this study is considered as quasi-experimental and not a true experimental study. In this research manipulation was achieved since a standard anti-scatter technique was compared to an air gap technique adapted for the projection of the hip in the lateral position. Exposure factor variables were also manipulated using an automatic exposure control (AEC). Control was maintained by testing the two techniques under the same conditions using the same research tools. Furthermore, the researcher kept control of the study by testing only the anti-scatter techniques on one specific projection. Therefore the results achieved by this study are specific to the lateral hip projection. However, the principle could be applied to other projections in order to discover which technique works better in providing good image quality in that specific projection. 3.3 Research Method 3.3.1 Background of the study The following methodology was adapted from a study carried out in the United Kingdom by Goulding (2006) who looked at the air gap and the grid technique used to image the hip laterally in the University Hospital she trained in. The study was conducted with the help of reporting radiographers in the Accident and Emergency (AE) department where they performed both grid and air gap technique as routine projections on patients. Goulding (2006) looked at image quality by attaining the hip radiographs performed with both anti scatter techniques separately. Goulding (2006) collected her data by asking reporting radiographers to comment on these radiographs. In Gouldings (2006) study the radiographs on which she based her findings and results were conducted on patients of different size and this may have lacked reliability due to different exposure factors used for each examination, different patient dose depending on patient size as well as image quality. Using a similar methodology in this study the researcher assessed image quality using a quality control phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom. In doing so the researcher will made sure that tests done on both anti-scatter techniques to assess for image quality were more precise. The methodology for this research and the tools used to measure image quality in both grid and air gap technique are explained in the following sub-sections. 3.3.2 Research tools In this study the tools discussed in this section were used to gather the data. They were used to test the anti-scatter techniques being compared and investigated in this study which will be explained further on in this chapter. Since this research looks at image quality in two anti-scatter techniques, a lead quality control phantom (PTW Normi 13) was a very important tool used to collect the data. According to Carlton Adler (2006), spatial resolution and contrast resolution are the most important properties upon which devices and techniques can be tested. The lead quality control phantom (Appendix B) is designed to perform constancy and acceptance tests on plain digital x-ray systems and is able to test image receptors for their homogeneity, spatial resolution and contrast resolution (PTW-Freiburg, 2005). However, in this research, spatial resolution and contrast resolution were the two relevant key tests for image quality. Spatial resolution is measured by counting the largest amount of line pairs per millimetre (Lp/mm) while contrast resolution is measured by the low contrast steps seen on the resultant image. The areas on the phantom that are used to measure spatial and contrast resolution are shown in Appendix B. In collecting the data, the researcher made use of an anthropomorphic pixy phantom AR10A (Appendix B) to image the hip laterally using a horizontal beam. This phantom was used so that the exposures of both grid and air gap technique performed on the quality control phantom could be done to image a hip that resembles that of a human. As the anthropomorphic phantom used had the same attenuation coefficient of a human body, it stops the radiation passing through it in the same way that a human body would. Although this study evaluates image quality in two anti-scatter techniques, the radiation given to the subject/object at each exposure using the air gap and grid technique was also recorded and compared.   The amount of radiation exposed by the tube at each exposure was also measured using a dose area product (DAP) metre. This was important in order to see how much radiation was being used at each exposure to produce an image using the grid and air gap technique. All the exposures (in this experimental testing) were made using an automatic exposure control (AEC) which is incorporated in the erect bucky in the digital x-ray system used. This device determined how much mAs was used in each exposure so that the right amount of x-ray photons irradiated the image receptor to produce an image with adequate quality. This device was used since the mAs that is used in an exposure determines how good the image quality is as well as the patient dose. Therefore when the readings using the tools mentioned were gathered from all exposures, the researcher could compare these results and identify the ideal technique and exposure that should be used in imaging the hip laterally. This technique and exposure should ideally produce a good quality image with as low a dose as possible. 3.3.3 Method The following two subsections will explain in detail how the data was collected during the experimentation on the anti scatter techniques. The researcher made sure that the tools used in the testing were kept the same to test both techniques. The same digital x-ray system was also used throughout the entire experimentation. 3.3.3.1 The Grid Technique Testing for this technique was divided in two stages. In the first stage the researcher made use of the quality control phantom (PTW Normi 13). The phantom was placed on a custom made table in contact with the erect imaging receptor. A stationary parallel grid was placed between the phantom and the receptor since this is the type of grid used in a lateral hip shoot through projection. In this technique, the object to image distance (OID) was that of 0cm since the phantom was in contact with the grid and image receptor. The source to image distance (SID) used was that of one metre (100 cm) since this is the standard SID used in such a projection in the radiology department of the local hospital. The kV used was kept constant at 75 kV and the phantom was centred to the central AEC. The light beam diaphragm was set around the contours of the quality control phantom. A further exposure was made using the same grid technique setting. However, this time the grid was removed. This was done in order to find out whether the grid was working effectively in absorbing scatter radiation, which in turn could affect image quality. The DAP metre was recorded so that the researcher could have an approximate idea of the dose given to the phantom. The second stage in testing the grid technique was done by using the anthropomorphic phantom. The researcher set up the pixy phantom AR10A with the hip in contact with the grid and receptor. The hip was centred with the central AEC and exposed. The kV and the SID were the same as the ones used in testing the quality control phantom 75kV and 100cm SID. The set-ups used to test the grid techniques using both phantoms can be found in Appendix B. 3.3.3.2 The Air Gap Technique To test for the air gap technique the researcher also divided the tests into two stages. The same quality control phantom used previously in the grid technique was also utilised in this test/experiment. The PTW Normi 13 was placed on a custom-made table. However, in this technique, an air gap between the phantom and the image receptor was applied. There were a total of six air gaps applied, varying from 10cm to 60cm. This was done in order to see which air gap was more effective in reducing scatter radiation reaching the receptor. To achieve this aim the object to image distance (OID) was increased by 10 cm after each exposure to a maximum of 60 cm. The source to object distance (SOD) was kept at 100 cm to reduce object magnification as much as possible since this may create a loss in image sharpness. The source to image distance (SID) depended on what OID was used. Therefore when an OID of 20cm was applied, the SID was that of 120cm. This was done to ensure that the distance of the source to the object remained at 100cm. In each exposure the phantom was centred to the central AEC and the light beam diaphragm was set around the contours of the quality control phantom. The researcher also made use of the DAP metre to see which air gap produced a good quality image with a reasonably low dose. This was done so that the air gap exposures could be compared with the standard grid technique. In the second stage of testing for the air gap technique the researcher also used the same anthropomorphic phantom. The setting of the technique to image the hip laterally was adapted from Gouldings (2006) study by using the same patient positioning that the author used in her study. This setting involved applying an air gap between the phantoms hip and the receptor, keeping the SOD at 100cm. A total of six exposures were also performed on the pixy phantom AR10A with the same OIDs and SIDs used to image the quality control phantom. The researcher made sure that the phantoms hip was centred with the central AEC of the erect image receptor. Both settings used to perform testing on the air gap technique can be found in Appendix B. 3.4 Data Collection The data was collected during February 2010. The data record sheets used to record the data can be found in Appendix A.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Exposure Factors The exposure factors used to produce the images in the grid and air gap technique were recorded. The kV was a constant factor while the mAs changed according to the technique used and its setting. The mAs was manipulated by means of the AED. This was done so that the amount of x-ray photons needed to produce the image and  the length of the exposure was recorded depending on the technique used.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Object to Image Distance (OID) The OID used in testing the grid and air gap technique was recorded. This was important, particularly in the application of the air gap technique. This is because the OID in the air gap technique determined the magnitude of the air gap that should be used to achieve a good quality image while keeping the radiation dose as low as possible. Therefore the researcher could see and analyse the effect on the image quality each time a specific OID was used in relation to exposure factors. In the air gap technique the SID depended on what OID was used. The researcher kept the SOD at 100cm to reduce as much as possible magnification of the resultant image.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dose Area Product (DAP) The DAP metre was recorded at each exposure for both grid and air gap techniques. Although this metre does not measure the radiation dose given to the phantoms at each exposure, it gives an indication of whether the dose would be low or high. A high DAP reading would mean that more radiation was used in the exposure and therefore the resultant patient dose may be higher. The readings from this metre for both techniques were compared in relation to image quality of the radiographs.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Signal to noise ratio (SNR) The signal to noise ratio (SNR) consists of the un-attenuated photons that have penetrated the subject without interaction (signal) and the Compton scatter and other factors that degrade image quality (noise). The SNR was used to determine how much contrast resolution an image had after each exposure. The higher the SNR the better the contrast resolution of an image (Dendy Heaton, 2006). However a high SNR also means high mAs and consequently a high patient dose. The SNR was calculated by dividing the mean pixel value by the standard deviation of the signal of each exposure. The mean pixel value and standard deviation of the signal were recorded after each exposure provided by the digital x-ray system. Therefore the equation used was: Signal to Noise ratio = mean pixel value/standard deviation (reference)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Spatial Resolution and Contrast Resolution The spatial and contrast resolution readings were recorded by the researcher from the radiographs achieved using the quality control phantom in the grid and air gap technique. The line pairs per millimetre (Lp/mm) were measured to test for spatial resolution, while for contrast resolution the low contrast steps were counted. The data recorded was tabulated in tables 2a and 2b respectively in the data record sheet. This recorded data enabled the researcher to compare the image quality in both techniques. Unlike Goulding (2006) in this study two independent radiologists that were chosen randomly from the researcher were asked to report on image quality on all the radiographs performed on the anthropomorphic pixy phantom AR10A. Radiologists were chosen in this study since in Malta there are no reporting radiographers that report on the appendicular skeleton. The radiologists were asked to report on the images by answering a likert scale (1=very poor and 5=very good) to assess image quality. The results were tabulated in table 3 of the data record sheet. 3.5 Validity and Reliability Validity refers to the degree the research instrument used in the study measures what it is intended to measure. Therefore: Validity reflects the accuracy with which the findings reflect the phenomenon being studied (Parahoo, 2006, p.80) In this study, the researcher consulted with the medical physicist at the local hospital who was asked to assess the content validity of the research tools used to collect the data. The medical physicist considered the research tools valid since the same tools are used in the medical imaging department to test for image quality on the digital x-ray systems. As the research tools were deemed to be totally valid, the data collected to measure image quality in the grid and air gap technique can also be said to be valid. Reliability refers to how consistent an instrument is in measuring what it is intended to measure (Parahoo, 2006). To maintain the equivalence reliability of the lead quality control phantom used for assessment of image quality, two independent observers were asked to measure both spatial and contrast resolution of the two images achieved using the same exposure factors, OID and SID. The researcher tested for the reliability of the automatic exposure device used. This was done by exposing the lead phantom twice without manipulating the setting or exposure factors and the results were recorded. The spatial resolution, contrast resolution and DAP metre readings were the same in both images and so the AEC was considered reliable enough to use in the testing and data collection. 3.6 Ethical Considerations Ethics is defined by Polit Beck (2006) as a system of moral values that are designed to protect the participant from the research procedures as the researcher has professional, legal and social obligations towards the participants involved in the study. However, in this research, no human subjects were involved in the experimentation and collection of data, so there were no ethical issues regarding the exposures done on the PTW NORMI 13 phantom and the anthropomorphic phantom pixy AR10A. Permission was sought for the use of the x-ray equipment from Medical Imaging Department at the local hospital. Experimentation was performed under supervision and precautions were taken to ensure that radiation would not harm any other members of the staff or public where the study was performed. 3.7 Limitations of the study Limitations were encountered by the researcher throughout this study. The study was conducted using a quality control phantom and an anthropomorphic phantom. Although both phantoms are manufactured to mimic and represent a patient as well as to produce equivalent scatter radiation, patient size was a variable that could not be added to the study. The DAP metre was used in this study so that the researcher could have an idea of the dose being attenuated by the phantoms used. Ideally the actual patient dose should be measured but this could not be done since no human subjects were used. Expansion of this study would lead to a better understanding of the dose given to patients while comparing the air gap and grid technique for the lateral hip shoot through. This study was carried out using a digital x-ray system in the radiology department at the local hospital. Tube output and technique setup may be different when using other systems. In the radiology department, computed radiography is used to perform a lateral hip shoot through examination rather than a digital system which is what the researcher used in this study. In data analysis the readings from the quality control phantoms were interpreted by the researcher himself and not by a number of people. If more than one person interpreted the results, the results may have varied. Although these limitations are valid, they had no effect on the data collected and the results achieved. 3.8 Conclusion This chapter described the methodology and the research design of this study. The next chapter consists of presentation, analysis and discussion of the data.

Renaissance Drama and Staging :: Free Essays Online

Renaissance Drama and Staging Margaret Jane Kidnie states â€Å"an area significantly impacted by William Shakespeare, Renaissance Theater developed into an influential period of drama deviating upon various elements of perception in each performance† (456-473). Many scholars wrote responses about renaissance drama and staging. There was a diversity of focus portrayed throughout each presentation, therefore resulting in differentiation between performances. Jealousy, gender, and spectatorship were some of the many topics that were represented in theater throughout the Renaissance Era, influenced greatly by William Shakespeare. Having written numerous plays performed during the Renaissance era, â€Å"Shakespeare’s influence on drama and staging can be shown through the language of performance criticism,† (Masten 341). interpretation of the drama, different focal points, and the way these plays were performed in relation to the text. During the seventeenth century, most plays that were written had a focal point of jealousy and had tragic endings. According to Katharine Eisaman Maus, â€Å"Anxiety about sexual betrayal pervades the drama of the English Renaissance† (561) and becomes the plot of many plays. Many critics cannot understand why many characters have the quality of being jealous and also to being curious. Maus continues to state, â€Å"Some critics are inclined to look for cultural explanations; for then the phenomenon reflects in a particularly telling way†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (561). English Renaissance dramatists are more likely to include jealousy, sexual disloyalty and anxiety rather than non-dramatists. Shakespeare uses sexual fidelity that lead up to jealousy in many of his dramas such as Othello, and The Winter’s Tale. Maus reveals an answer to the question of why jealousy always becomes in a Renaissance drama. She states â€Å"sexual jealousy fascinates English Renaissance playwrights n ot only because it is a psychologically and socially interesting phenomenon but because the dynamic of sexual jealousy provides a complex analogy to theatrical performance and response to culture†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Maus 563). When people come to the theater, they want a good performance. A good issue to represent in most Renaissance dramas is sexual jealousy and anxiety. This allows the audience to enjoy the play, while having their own interpretation as well. Many historians and Shakespeare scholars show a great interest in how to connect the script and the performance of the play. The script or text of a play is only half of what the drama turns out to be. In order to understand the whole drama, one must comprehend the relationship between the text and the performance. Renaissance Drama and Staging :: Free Essays Online Renaissance Drama and Staging Margaret Jane Kidnie states â€Å"an area significantly impacted by William Shakespeare, Renaissance Theater developed into an influential period of drama deviating upon various elements of perception in each performance† (456-473). Many scholars wrote responses about renaissance drama and staging. There was a diversity of focus portrayed throughout each presentation, therefore resulting in differentiation between performances. Jealousy, gender, and spectatorship were some of the many topics that were represented in theater throughout the Renaissance Era, influenced greatly by William Shakespeare. Having written numerous plays performed during the Renaissance era, â€Å"Shakespeare’s influence on drama and staging can be shown through the language of performance criticism,† (Masten 341). interpretation of the drama, different focal points, and the way these plays were performed in relation to the text. During the seventeenth century, most plays that were written had a focal point of jealousy and had tragic endings. According to Katharine Eisaman Maus, â€Å"Anxiety about sexual betrayal pervades the drama of the English Renaissance† (561) and becomes the plot of many plays. Many critics cannot understand why many characters have the quality of being jealous and also to being curious. Maus continues to state, â€Å"Some critics are inclined to look for cultural explanations; for then the phenomenon reflects in a particularly telling way†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (561). English Renaissance dramatists are more likely to include jealousy, sexual disloyalty and anxiety rather than non-dramatists. Shakespeare uses sexual fidelity that lead up to jealousy in many of his dramas such as Othello, and The Winter’s Tale. Maus reveals an answer to the question of why jealousy always becomes in a Renaissance drama. She states â€Å"sexual jealousy fascinates English Renaissance playwrights n ot only because it is a psychologically and socially interesting phenomenon but because the dynamic of sexual jealousy provides a complex analogy to theatrical performance and response to culture†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Maus 563). When people come to the theater, they want a good performance. A good issue to represent in most Renaissance dramas is sexual jealousy and anxiety. This allows the audience to enjoy the play, while having their own interpretation as well. Many historians and Shakespeare scholars show a great interest in how to connect the script and the performance of the play. The script or text of a play is only half of what the drama turns out to be. In order to understand the whole drama, one must comprehend the relationship between the text and the performance.

Computer Hacking

Criminology Hacking Exposed Jacqueline Hunt June 10, 2012 Week 9 Assignment 6 Computer hacking has become a more frequent crime in today’s society. Due to the fact that computers are widely used throughout the world and all information is right at your fingertips in a matter of seconds, hacking is an effortless crime, but it comes with a tremendous gain. Albert Gonzalez was fascinated by technology â€Å"computer nerd† but he took it all as an easy way for monetary gain. Gonzalez stole 170 million credit and debit card numbers and either used them or sold them to other cyber criminals.Gonzalez case is the biggest hacker case in history it all ended in him serving a two twenty year concurrent sentences. â€Å"His parents, who had immigrated to the United States from Cuba in the 1970s, bought him his first computer when he was 8. By the age of 9 he was reported to be actively removing computer viruses. Gonzalez, a Cuban-American, attended South Miami High School in Miami , Florida, where he was described as the â€Å"troubled† pack leader of computer nerds . In his senior year at the school he and friend used the library computer to hack into computer systems of the government of India where they left messages about their culture.Reportedly India had to cancel government checks as a result. Gonzalez was not charged and was warned to stay away from a computer for six months. In 2000 he moved to New York City where he lived for three months before moving to Kearny, New Jersey. †(Wikipedia, 2012) Gonzalez ran a scheme with a group of hackers called Shadow crew. They managed to traffic 1. 5 million stolen credit and debit card numbers while in New Jersey. The domain name Shadowcrew. cc was being investigated by The Secret Service â€Å"Operation Firewall† and it is believed that $4. million was stolen. The investigation involved countries like Bulgaria, Belarus, Canada, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and the U. S. Gonzalez avoided jail time by providing evidence to the United States Secret Service against his associates. After 19 of Shadow crew hackers were indicted he then returned back home to Miami. As a Secret Service informant he earned 75, 000 a year and he continued his hacking business right under their noses. He used SQL injections and malware backdoors as tools to his biggest heist.He called the scheme Operation: Get Rich or Die Tryin’, which is a famous movie about the life of rapper 50 cent, he breached systems like Citibank, 7-Eleven, Hannaford Brothers, J. C. Penny, Target, T J Maxx, Dave & Busters and stole credit card data and resold it to international cyber criminals. His goal was to earn up to 15 million dollars, buy a yacht, and then retire. Those plans were foiled by the investigation which leads to end of his schemes. The debit from the crimes totaled a staggering 4. 1 million dollars. This type of hacker is known as the Addict. In the trial he was sentenced to two twenty year concurrent sentences, ordered to pay a 25,000 dollar fine, and he was ordered restitution. He claims his motive for the crimes he committed, was that he possessed technical curiosity and he had an obsession with conquering computer networks. He also stated that his work for the secret service was to seek out cyber criminals, which he used to his advantage to make his plan work. †(Zetter, 2010) I feel that Gonzalez is an addict hacker because he committed the crime more than once.Gonzalez was even in a situation where he worked for the people who put criminals away and he still could not stop his criminal acts. The sentence he is now serving is just. This crime could have been deterred by the idea that a criminal should not get a second chance. If he was serving time for his first crime the operation: Get Rich or Die Tryin’ would have never came about because he would not have had the access to international cyber criminals. The government should have more strict p olicies on who is used for informants and the hiring process.Gonzalez proved to be a very skillful and intelligent hacker. References Guadin, Sharon Computerworld. com. Government Informant is called kingpin. 18 August 2009 Wikipedia. com. Albert Gonzalez. 4 June 2012 Zetter, Sharon Wired. com. Tjx hacker charged with Heartland. 25 March 2010 < http://www. wired. com/threatlevel/2009/08/tjx-hacker-charged-with-heartland/> Computer Hacking Criminology Hacking Exposed Jacqueline Hunt June 10, 2012 Week 9 Assignment 6 Computer hacking has become a more frequent crime in today’s society. Due to the fact that computers are widely used throughout the world and all information is right at your fingertips in a matter of seconds, hacking is an effortless crime, but it comes with a tremendous gain. Albert Gonzalez was fascinated by technology â€Å"computer nerd† but he took it all as an easy way for monetary gain. Gonzalez stole 170 million credit and debit card numbers and either used them or sold them to other cyber criminals.Gonzalez case is the biggest hacker case in history it all ended in him serving a two twenty year concurrent sentences. â€Å"His parents, who had immigrated to the United States from Cuba in the 1970s, bought him his first computer when he was 8. By the age of 9 he was reported to be actively removing computer viruses. Gonzalez, a Cuban-American, attended South Miami High School in Miami , Florida, where he was described as the â€Å"troubled† pack leader of computer nerds . In his senior year at the school he and friend used the library computer to hack into computer systems of the government of India where they left messages about their culture.Reportedly India had to cancel government checks as a result. Gonzalez was not charged and was warned to stay away from a computer for six months. In 2000 he moved to New York City where he lived for three months before moving to Kearny, New Jersey. †(Wikipedia, 2012) Gonzalez ran a scheme with a group of hackers called Shadow crew. They managed to traffic 1. 5 million stolen credit and debit card numbers while in New Jersey. The domain name Shadowcrew. cc was being investigated by The Secret Service â€Å"Operation Firewall† and it is believed that $4. million was stolen. The investigation involved countries like Bulgaria, Belarus, Canada, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and the U. S. Gonzalez avoided jail time by providing evidence to the United States Secret Service against his associates. After 19 of Shadow crew hackers were indicted he then returned back home to Miami. As a Secret Service informant he earned 75, 000 a year and he continued his hacking business right under their noses. He used SQL injections and malware backdoors as tools to his biggest heist.He called the scheme Operation: Get Rich or Die Tryin’, which is a famous movie about the life of rapper 50 cent, he breached systems like Citibank, 7-Eleven, Hannaford Brothers, J. C. Penny, Target, T J Maxx, Dave & Busters and stole credit card data and resold it to international cyber criminals. His goal was to earn up to 15 million dollars, buy a yacht, and then retire. Those plans were foiled by the investigation which leads to end of his schemes. The debit from the crimes totaled a staggering 4. 1 million dollars. This type of hacker is known as the Addict. In the trial he was sentenced to two twenty year concurrent sentences, ordered to pay a 25,000 dollar fine, and he was ordered restitution. He claims his motive for the crimes he committed, was that he possessed technical curiosity and he had an obsession with conquering computer networks. He also stated that his work for the secret service was to seek out cyber criminals, which he used to his advantage to make his plan work. †(Zetter, 2010) I feel that Gonzalez is an addict hacker because he committed the crime more than once.Gonzalez was even in a situation where he worked for the people who put criminals away and he still could not stop his criminal acts. The sentence he is now serving is just. This crime could have been deterred by the idea that a criminal should not get a second chance. If he was serving time for his first crime the operation: Get Rich or Die Tryin’ would have never came about because he would not have had the access to international cyber criminals. The government should have more strict p olicies on who is used for informants and the hiring process.Gonzalez proved to be a very skillful and intelligent hacker. References Guadin, Sharon Computerworld. com. Government Informant is called kingpin. 18 August 2009 Wikipedia. com. Albert Gonzalez. 4 June 2012 Zetter, Sharon Wired. com. Tjx hacker charged with Heartland. 25 March 2010 < http://www. wired. com/threatlevel/2009/08/tjx-hacker-charged-with-heartland/>

Case Study, Mall of Americas

IntroductionThe purpose of this paper is to present the marketing success, retail & consumer trends, expansion and future marketing plan for â€Å"Mall of America: Shopping and a Whole Lot More. For over 20 years Mall of America has been able to attract over 40 million annual vistors driving by both local patrons and tourism. I will discuss my view on what I would like to see at Mall of America’s expansion facility and how that compares to the current facility. In addition to the selection of what vendors will occupy the space, but a marketing plan to appeal to new consumers to increase the number of annual visitors to Mall of America.Paragraph 1The Mall of America has been successful at marketing and maintaining a product that most did not expect to succeed, this is due to the fact that they have something for everyone in their retail and family entertainment complex and is viewed as more than a mall, Mall of America is a destination. Regardless of the weather conditions, yo u can always come to Mall of America and ride a roller coaster and enjoy all the features of the mall. The selection of the anchor stores and specialty stores appeals to different economic levels. In addition to the retail selection, there are activities for the entire family that include movies, a theme park and an aquarium.Paragraph 2Since the opeing of the Mall of America in 1992, consumers have seen large discount retailers that have been able to provide name brand products at a discounted rate. The consumer is always looking for a deal, especially during the time when the economy is slow. Consumers are less likely to go to a mall and spend when they can go to one store and purchase the necessary items at a discount. As we see a recovery in the economy, Mall of America needs to keep in mind that a majority of the consumers are not willing to go back to paying full price for their items and should consider the mix of high end specialy stores to those that are more economical.Para graph 3Mall of of America should use the following criteria to add new facilities to its complex; will this bring new consumers to the mall, will the reason for the visit encourage the consumer to stay an extended period of time at the facility and will the interest be enough for the consumer to return to the facility. Once you have the consumer at the mall, it is not enough to have them fulfill what they are there for, but to entice the consumer to want more. Example would be to add a small concert venue that would bring in concert goers for dinner, the concert and possible hotel stay.Paragraph 4Mall of America managers should continue to market as a destination. When you market as a destination this relates to the local consumer and those visiting from outside the area. If hotels are added, marketing can offer vacation packages to include hotel stay, theme park tickets, movie tickets and aquarium tickets at discounted rates. In addition, the vacation package could include a 10% di scount to all retailers in the mall for a specified period of time. Vacationers like to plan their vacation at a discounted rate, but also prefer to handle all the planning in one location and not have to contact several companies to plan a vacation. If Mall of America adds facilities that is similar to an all inclusive vacation package, they will continue to build on their success.ConclusionMall of America has been very successful launching and maintaining a concept that most people did not expect to succeed. The success has been driven by offering their vistors a retail and family entertainment complex that is viewed as more than a mall, Mall of America is a destination. During the expansion, Mall of America will need to determine which facilities will increase the number of annual visitors up from 40 million. Changing this destination from a one day visit to a multiple day vacation site.

My Experience in Junior Achievement

My Experience in Junior Achievement Free Online Research Papers My name is Ekong Kubiateno Michael. I obtained my secondary education at Access High School Calabar, Cross River State. I aspire to study Economics at one of the prestigious universities in the United States of America. I joined the Junior Achievement family on the 6th of April 2009. It all started with the zeal and willingness to contribute to the society before proceeding to further my studies. Junior Achievement is a non-governmental organization with the mission to inspire and educate young people to become conscientious business leaders leading a vibrant economy. Mrs. Kunbi Wuraola, the Executive Director of Junior Achievement has been instrumental in helping underprivileged children bridge the gap between the classroom and workplace. She has been impact in the society where she and her team has inspired and educated over 100,000 students in Nigeria towards becoming conscientious business leaders leading a vibrant economy. She helps in inspiring and educating young people in Nigeria on the economic realities of the country and how they can find their feet in whatever circumstances they find themselves. She helps prepare Youth Corp Members for the world of business as managers and entrepreneurs through one of the programmes of Junior Achievement. Venture in Management Program (VIMP). She has contributed to the positive empowerment of disadvantaged young people helping to reduce poverty level in Nigeria. She is a phenomenal woman and I aspire to be like her. The first week was strange, unaccustomed to life in a corporate environment, I was a bit unsure of myself trying to get used to the environment. I caught up quickly I guess it was borne out of my zeal and excitement to impact something great into the lives of young people like me. During the induction process, I was introduced to the various programs conducted in Junior Achievement and their respective program officers by the Human Resource Personnel, Miss Rita David. Mr. Afolabi coordinates the Elementary School Program (ESP), which includes six age-specific themes. It highlights the relevance of education to the work place and prepares students for the secondary school lifelong learning. Mr. Akin coordinates the Company program (CP), which is JA Nigeria’s flagship program. It is popular amongst students of public and private schools in several locations in the country, due to its practicality and profit-making potential. Miss Rita coordinates Careers with a Purpose (CWAP). Mr. Ayo coordinates JA It’s my Business, which focuses on conveying entrepreneurial concepts, cultivating entrepreneurship and instilling the entrepreneurship spirit in young people.. After the induction process, I was assigned to the program department where the economic education programs are being organized and executed. Miss Rita took me to Aunty Ayo’s Comprehensive Secondary School to have an idea of the practical aspect of CWAP. I enjoyed every bit of the session and was eager to volunteer for the program. In April, I had training on the Elementary School Program delivered by the program officer Mr. Afolabi Salaam. I learnt how to teach financial literacy to kids of age 5-11. I visited some schools like, Tomobid School Ikeja, Estaport Gbagada, Chrisland School etc. In May I had two volunteer training; Career with a Purpose and Company Program. Mr. Akin delivered the Company Program volunteer training. Company Program is an extremely practical program where students establish and run their own company. I learnt how to guide the students in setting up a company by selling shares, electing company officers, designing, producing and marketing a product and finally liquidating the company and paying out dividends to shareholders. Careers with a Purpose volunteer training was delivered by Rita David. I leant how to guide students of age 14-17 on how to make career decisions that match their skills, values, interest and fulfill their noble purpose in life. I assisted Mr. Afolabi in planning and executing the Arts and Craft program. I assisted him in contacting schools and pupils for the competition. I visited a lot of places in order to aid our selection for a venue for the competition like Nigerian Law School, British Council, Terra Kulture and Afterschool graduate Development office. I registered and coordinated the children as they came in for the competition. The program is organized yearly for elementary schools pupils to show case their creative ability. This year’s competition was held at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island on the 27th of May 2009. With the theme â€Å"Lagos our Mega City†. It was a wonderful experience watching the kids expresses themselves through their works. I volunteered for Careers with a Purpose at Eko Akete Grammar School. I visited Eko Akete Grammar School with Miss Rita in order to seek permission to run CWAP in the school. The principal was very pleased with the idea and asked me to return after two weeks and start the program. I was asked to visit the students on Wednesdays by noon. My first presentation was a great experience. During the first session I introduced myself and gave them some information about my background. I shared briefly with the students an overview of JA Careers with a Purpose and went ahead to carry out the instructions in the Volunteer guide. I visited the students on a weekly basis by noon and continued with the program. I assisted sixty students in seeking careers that help them realize their life potential. I guided the students towards realizing the importance of positive values, life maxims and ethical decision-making within the context of career and life decisions. Apart from the regular programs of the organization, I also carried out other day-to-day general office operations, which included handling daily recording of petty cash itinerary where I learnt how to keep financial record, which is key to business operation and how to distribute meager resources to meet necessary ends. I was able to use basic accounting principles. Doing my internship at Junior Achievement is one of the best decisions I have made so far in life because it created an avenue for me to learn new and exciting stuffs everyday and in everywhere I go to. I have gotten a unique personal experience that obviously will influence me as a future professional in a very good way. Research Papers on My Experience in Junior AchievementStandardized TestingInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesThe Project Managment Office SystemHip-Hop is ArtThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseTrailblazing by Eric AndersonTwilight of the UAWPETSTEL analysis of IndiaMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This Nice

The American Delima essays

The American Delima essays The Younger family is a sterling example of a typical black, urban, Northern United States family living in Southern Chicago subsequent to World War II. Their life is not an easy one, as they endure daily indignities and sufferings while trying to measure out their existence on a very uneven playing field. Indeed African Americans face many hardships; many of which are self-induced whilst others are imposed upon them by the dominant culture that exists. I. Pride is an expensive luxury that the Younger family seems to have an addiction to, however, it later serves as a character defining virtue that allows the Younger family to escape their current state of depravity and move into a new and better situation. A. Walter Lee Younger has a great manly pride that gets both him and his family in a great deal of trouble and creates huge turmoil within the Younger household. B Mrs. Younger holds on very tightly to her old fashioned pride and this serves to hold the family together, however in Walters case it back fires. C Benethas intellectual pride has a positive effect on daily family life and proves to be very important in the familys future aspirations of economic and social development. D The varying degrees and forms of pride in the Younger family all serve as catalyst for steamy family discussions and heated debates, however, it is the familys cultural and ethnic pride that allows them to rise out of their depravity and destitution. II. Mrs. Youngers hope is the primary reason for the familys ascension out of its viscious cycle of depravity. .A Mrs. Youngers hope was so strong and consistent in its fashion that it spread to other members of the family, serving an important purpose in saving the family from an eternal suffrage in their small two bedroom apartment. III. The differences in the stages of personal development of the many peopl...

Aristotle Virtue Ethics Essay Example for Free

Aristotle Virtue Ethics Essay One basic notion in Aristotelian ethics that occupies a central significance is Aristotle’s belief in the role of man’s activities in order for one to acquire ethical knowledge. That is, for one to become virtuous or to obtain virtues one should not merely confine himself to mere studying of these virtues but rather one should, more importantly, actualize this knowledge of the virtues. Thus, for one to become good, one should do good. Aristotle further stretches his ideas by proposing the doctrine of the mean. The essence of this doctrine dwells on the basic precept that one ought to avoid the extremes and, instead, settle for the â€Å"mean†. The actions of men, more specifically, ought to be framed upon the â€Å"mean† which is the virtue. For example, the virtue of courage rests on the mean between two extremes: cowardice or the â€Å"lack† of courage, and rashness or the â€Å"excess† in courage. It can easily be observed that Aristotle suggests that one should live a life that does not border on the things that are on the â€Å"most† and the â€Å"least† levels. For example, if I were to follow Aristotle’s ethics I should always see to it that I should consistently draw myself towards the middle value and avoid slanting towards cowardice and excess. All this could have been very well except for one small thing that I cannot seem to fully comprehend. How is it possible for one to ascertain that one is actually taking the middle path? Or how is it possible for one to know that this or that is the middle value or is the virtuous action? Perhaps the key in having an understanding to the notion of the â€Å"mean† is that one should act. That is, as I continually have these ideas as to what I must do when faced with an ethical situation or, at the least, an ordinary situation, I should nonetheless take the course of action so that I will be able to obtain a qualitative understanding that what I am doing is the â€Å"excess†. On the other hand, I will be having quite a rough time in acquiring the understanding as to whether the action that I am doing is virtuous if all that I do is to theorize and never let my theory be put into practice. Aristotle’s virtue ethics reminds me of Plato’s conception of ethics. For the most part of the Republic, Plato attempts to arrive at a conception of a just life by centering on the notion that the just life or that which is good is better than living a life molded on an evil framework and one which prompts individuals to act in an evil manner. At the onset of the Republic’s Book II, a conception of the idea of â€Å"justice† is advanced as the working of an individual in accordance to the role in which one is best suited as well as the belief for non-interference in the activities of others. In essence, this principle is closely related to Plato’s perspective on acting in accordance to one’s nature or intrinsic being which results to the state or condition of being â€Å"just† or acting justly once the individual acts in line to his very nature. Otherwise, if one begins to act beyond what his nature prescribes, then the individual begins to act in an unjust manner thereby resulting to â€Å"evil† actions (Plato and Kamtekar). While Aristotle insists that one should put into action the thought that one may have so as to have an understanding of the middle value that should be taken, Plato, on the other hand, suggests that one should simply go by with one’s nature so as not to be â€Å"evil†. If I were to choose which ethical precept would be better or would fit me best, I would rather be inclined to adopt Aristotle’s virtue ethics over the other because it offers me a chance to actualize myself through my actions and be guided accordingly. Whereas for Plato, what I am seeing is that I should get to know my self first before I act so that I can be good. But this cannot be met easily essentially because I find it quite difficult to know myself if I would not act first. In the light, if all the students in a certain class would build up a virtue like that of Aristotle’s point of view, the achievement of an environment which is formidably that built on the concept of philosophical and tremendously beneficial notions in life, the attainment of the virtue of goodness is towering in the highest hopes—although it eventually does not also undermine the concept of realism. Apparently, many may not stick on this kind of perception and ought to think that it is certainly not possible to achieve a life which is way beyond the bounds of a â€Å"not-so-good† life for that instance, but with the maximum height of human rationality, such may be given enough credit for the philosophers who believed in a life where â€Å"goodness comes in deeds† (Lannstrom). Lannstrom, Anna. Loving the Fine: Virtue and Happiness in Aristotle’s Ethics. Indiana USA: University of Notre Dame Press, 2006. Plato, and R. Kamtekar. â€Å"The Conventional View of Justice Developed. † Trans. D. Lee. The Republic. 2 ed: Penguin Classics, 2003. 8-14. Aristotle Virtue Ethics. (2017, Apr 20). We have essays on the following topics that may be of interest to you

Internal Controls Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Internal Controls - Essay Example Lack of attention to the internal controls creates a business environment ripe for fraud, carelessness, and mismanagement and underutilization of business resources.An individual, staff member or external parties commit fraud. Fraud will occur when the internal controls set aside do not adequately fit the purpose to an extent that the fraudsters believe that suspecting them is impossible (Arwinge, 2013). Therefore, improper internal controls create an environment for a fraud that consequently leads to loss of business resources. The business may eventually become insolvent. Moreover, lack of proper business internal controls leads to bad decisions for the business (Leitch, 2012). Wrong decisions on financial matters of the business may eventually lead to the business becoming insolvent or bankrupt.Lastly, lack of proper internal controls leads to improper and inefficient allocation of resources. As a result, the managers spend a lot of time fixing the problems that could be avoided w ith proper internal controls (Arwinge, 2013). Consequently, a reduction in business output occurs compelling the company to shut its operations.Improper internal controls eventually lead to business closure. The management and staff should take it their responsibility to ensure that the internal controls in place are operational (Sebastian, 2011). The staff should report to the management staff any breach internal controls. The management should first establish a proper vertical communication to ensure that the employees report such incidences.

Failure Mode Effective Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Failure Mode Effective Analysis - Essay Example In the following years, it was employed in the aerospace industries to eliminate errors in the industry due to its use of massive funds. It then spread across many other manufacturing industries throughout the world ever since. Today its use is slowly entering the service industry. There are numerous approaches and methods of FMEA have been created by researchers across the very many professional fields besides engineering. FMEA is various forms whereby some are more frequently used compared to others. They include concept FMEA in which we have design FMEA and process FMEA. FMEA has for many decades been used by researchers in the early design concepts to analyze systems and subsystems. An investigation of FMEA single failures of the system was involved in the identification of the failure modes, the causes and the results of each possible failure mode on the service and developing appropriate corrective measures. FMEA when extended by Criticality Analysis process (CA) it became the Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA). On their analysis, they provided the description and a review of FMECA fundamental principles, methods enhancements, types, automation and available computer codes, how it is combined with other techniques applications of particular types. An approach that analyzed the design work guidelines, product features analysis, review of product design and work design team building model was later developed. This model described the application of tools for a design like the design for assembly (DFA), FMEA and quality function development (QFD). DFA implementation was monitored in three products development projects in a period of two years. They concluded that DFA method was able to be used for four purposes that correspond to GAPT model levels. The method led to more cooperation between production engineers and designers and better communication. The outcomes

Responding to GASB Requests for Public Comment Essay

Responding to GASB Requests for Public Comment - Essay Example Therefore, it is greatly relevant to release the exposure drafts for public commentary before they get implemented by the government. The major benefit of exposure drafts is primarily to improve financial reporting by state of local government pension plans. This would help improve the effectiveness of the obtainable principles of accounting and fiscal reporting for drafted pensions. When the public are aware of these drafts, it opens a wide room for recommendations for them, thus providing the concerned bodies such as the local government and the respective institutions to make appropriate decisions regarding all the citizens’ opinions (GASB, 2011). This further encourages transparency between the government and the citizens of a nation and its citizens. The benefits of exposure drafts exist in the inter-period equity and the supporting statements of accountability which is highly essential to the government as it facilitates easy cooperation for the implementation of the rel evant policies concerning employees for a particular country (GASB, 2011). This would ease the intensity with which different employees are to be paid considering various logistics involved in the decisions made. Through these measures, new and effective accounting and financial reporting standards would emerge. ... Critical elements of the exposure draft The critical elements of the exposure draft are the key parts of the draft that needs to be looked at by the citizens, especially when they are giving their views and observations. This will help the financial and accounting board in implementing the new standards effectively. First, a defined benefit pension plan should present a statement of a plan net position which includes various information about plan assets, liabilities, deferred outflows and inflows of resources and the net position are considered as per end of the reporting duration (GASB, 2011). The benefit pension plan should also contain a statement of changes in a plan net position that incorporates information such as additions to, deductions from and the net increase or decrease in plan position of the net during that period. The defined pension plan schedule should also be able to show the measurement of the net pension liability of employees. The net pension liability of the e mployee is determined as the total pension liability of the employer measured in conformity to total pension liability, timing and frequency of the measurement, assumptions on selection, project of benefit payments and ac considerate discount rate. When all these aspects are collectively considered then it becomes effective to understand and interpret the financial information presented. Consequently there should an element of the effective date and transition which is effective for financial statements for periods commencing next year thus the plan should encompass a single employer pension plan, plan net pension as per the first fiscal year reporting (GASB, 2011). Therefore, it is should be noted by the board that effective dates address the user’s needs considering the information

Ethical Dilemma Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Ethical Dilemma - Essay Example The involved people encompassed the child’s parents and my peer medical staffs though the latter did not have the power to overrule the creed’s based decision (Guichon & Mitchell, 2009). This is regardless of the parents faced with the bitterness of losing their child, which touched and left me helpless besides not knowing how to convince them. Since, on every moment I tried to, they challenged me with Biblical scriptures, for instance, Lev.7:10-14 (Guichon & Mitchell, 2009). Besides, I could not involve many people to convince them especially the ethicists’ because of HIPPA’s statutes that compel me to observe patients’ confidentiality (ANA, 2013). Canada overruled A.C’s case to have a blood transfusion, which was contrary to Jehovah Witness’ statutes (Bricker, 2008). The court argued that the patient was a minor whereby the state via its medical personnel has an obligation of acting in the best interests of the minor (Bricker, 2008). Joshua declined receiving blood after undergoing an awful accident whereby he eventually died of excessive bleeding (McAuley, 2010). The teenage issued this informed directive based on Jehovah Witness’ statutes, which prohibit its followers from receiving a blood transfusion (Bock, 2012). The outcome of this dilemma culminated to the minor’s death due to the parents’ stubbornness. This was a negative outcome, which prompted parents after the child’s death experiencing depression coupled with guilty. Since, they chose to observe their religious statutes that could not help their ailing child who was experiencing severe pain. However, after loosing the child, regret was well evident in their faces though they could not express it verbally. Since, this will contradict what they strongly claim to believe. Mainly, these would challenge some of the creed’s beliefs

Special2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Special2 - Essay Example Q1: The type of partnership that the plaintiff and defendant have established is a Term partnership because it envisages a 2 year term plan, and they have jointly pooled their resources for the operation of partnership business. It is for a profit venture that they have jointly set stakes in the firm and they would have shares profits upon mutual consent. The Uniform Partnership Act states a partnership as "an association of 2 or more persons . . . to carry on as co-owners a business for profit. . . No one factor is alone determinative of the existence of a partnership." In this case, one of the partners claimed that Maslbenden’s participation was just that of a financier and not a partner. However, the Court held that Maslbendens involvement in the business supported the claim that he was a partner. (Lupien v. Malsbenden: Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, 1984). Q5: Yes, the capital contribution by each partner is a significant factor in dividing the assets. The Court would like to know the amounts invested by each partner in order to assess the mode of splitting the firm’s assets. This is because partners may not have brought capital into the business in equal proportions, and therefore, it would not be in legal consistency to divide the assets equally. Verdict: I agree with the Judge’s ruling. This is because, in the absence of written contract, the conduct of the parties would bind the partners. In this case, Jeannie Smithers, the defendant wishes to quit the partnership and have it dissolved. In the event there was a written covenant, it could bind the parties. Even a verbal contract is a contract, but the terms and conditions would be as determined by the parties, which may change from time to time. Moreover, only a written partnership agreement could bind the partners in their relationships with other partners and

Responding to GASB Requests for Public Comment Essay

Responding to GASB Requests for Public Comment - Essay Example Therefore, it is greatly relevant to release the exposure drafts for public commentary before they get implemented by the government. The major benefit of exposure drafts is primarily to improve financial reporting by state of local government pension plans. This would help improve the effectiveness of the obtainable principles of accounting and fiscal reporting for drafted pensions. When the public are aware of these drafts, it opens a wide room for recommendations for them, thus providing the concerned bodies such as the local government and the respective institutions to make appropriate decisions regarding all the citizens’ opinions (GASB, 2011). This further encourages transparency between the government and the citizens of a nation and its citizens. The benefits of exposure drafts exist in the inter-period equity and the supporting statements of accountability which is highly essential to the government as it facilitates easy cooperation for the implementation of the rel evant policies concerning employees for a particular country (GASB, 2011). This would ease the intensity with which different employees are to be paid considering various logistics involved in the decisions made. Through these measures, new and effective accounting and financial reporting standards would emerge. ... Critical elements of the exposure draft The critical elements of the exposure draft are the key parts of the draft that needs to be looked at by the citizens, especially when they are giving their views and observations. This will help the financial and accounting board in implementing the new standards effectively. First, a defined benefit pension plan should present a statement of a plan net position which includes various information about plan assets, liabilities, deferred outflows and inflows of resources and the net position are considered as per end of the reporting duration (GASB, 2011). The benefit pension plan should also contain a statement of changes in a plan net position that incorporates information such as additions to, deductions from and the net increase or decrease in plan position of the net during that period. The defined pension plan schedule should also be able to show the measurement of the net pension liability of employees. The net pension liability of the e mployee is determined as the total pension liability of the employer measured in conformity to total pension liability, timing and frequency of the measurement, assumptions on selection, project of benefit payments and ac considerate discount rate. When all these aspects are collectively considered then it becomes effective to understand and interpret the financial information presented. Consequently there should an element of the effective date and transition which is effective for financial statements for periods commencing next year thus the plan should encompass a single employer pension plan, plan net pension as per the first fiscal year reporting (GASB, 2011). Therefore, it is should be noted by the board that effective dates address the user’s needs considering the information

Special2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Special2 - Essay Example Q1: The type of partnership that the plaintiff and defendant have established is a Term partnership because it envisages a 2 year term plan, and they have jointly pooled their resources for the operation of partnership business. It is for a profit venture that they have jointly set stakes in the firm and they would have shares profits upon mutual consent. The Uniform Partnership Act states a partnership as "an association of 2 or more persons . . . to carry on as co-owners a business for profit. . . No one factor is alone determinative of the existence of a partnership." In this case, one of the partners claimed that Maslbenden’s participation was just that of a financier and not a partner. However, the Court held that Maslbendens involvement in the business supported the claim that he was a partner. (Lupien v. Malsbenden: Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, 1984). Q5: Yes, the capital contribution by each partner is a significant factor in dividing the assets. The Court would like to know the amounts invested by each partner in order to assess the mode of splitting the firm’s assets. This is because partners may not have brought capital into the business in equal proportions, and therefore, it would not be in legal consistency to divide the assets equally. Verdict: I agree with the Judge’s ruling. This is because, in the absence of written contract, the conduct of the parties would bind the partners. In this case, Jeannie Smithers, the defendant wishes to quit the partnership and have it dissolved. In the event there was a written covenant, it could bind the parties. Even a verbal contract is a contract, but the terms and conditions would be as determined by the parties, which may change from time to time. Moreover, only a written partnership agreement could bind the partners in their relationships with other partners and

Capital Budgeting Worksheet Essay Example for Free

Capital Budgeting Worksheet Essay Read the scenarios below and select one to review and analyze. Determine the proposal’s appropriateness and economic viability. For all scenarios, assume spending occurs on the first day of each year and benefits or savings occurs on the last day. Assume the discount rate or weighted average cost of capital is 10%. Ignore taxes and depreciation. Proposal A: New Factory A company wants to build a new factory for increased capacity. Using the net present value (NPV) method of capital budgeting, determine the proposal’s appropriateness and economic viability with the following information: †¢Building a new factory will increase capacity by 30%. †¢The current capacity is $10 million of sales with a 5% profit margin. †¢The factory costs $10 million to build. †¢The new capacity will meet the company’s needs for 10 years. †¢The factory is worth $14 million over 10 years. Proposal B: New Equipment A company wants to buy a labor-saving piece of equipment. Using the NPV method of capital budgeting, determine the proposal’s appropriateness and economic viability with the following information: †¢Labor content is 12% of sales, which are annually $10 million. †¢The new equipment will save 20% of labor annually. †¢The new equipment will last 5 years. †¢The new equipment will cost $200,000. Proposal C: New Advertising Program A company wants to invest in a new advertising program. Using the NPV method  of capital budgeting, determine the proposal’s appropriateness and economic viability with the following information: †¢The new program will increase current sales, $10 million, by 20%. †¢The new program will have a profit margin is 5% of sales. †¢The new program will have a 3-year effect. †¢The new program will cost the company $200,000 in the first year.

The History Of Childhood Obesity Children And Young People Essay

The History Of Childhood Obesity Children And Young People Essay This essay discusses about parenting and its effects on childhood obesity. Whether parents should be solely blamed for the outcome of an obese child. Modeling behaviour, dietary habits, parenting styles, parents beliefs and expectations were also discussed as the few factors which contributed to childhood obesity. This essay also discusses about the imbalance of energy input and output of children which also contributes to children ¿Ã‚ ½s obesity. Furthermore, ideas were given on the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity through healthy lifestyle changes. Keywords: parenting, childhood obesity, dietary habits Parents Should be Punished for their Children ¿Ã‚ ½s Obesity Over the years, the definition of obesity has been continuously revised and altered. What we would define as obesity in this era could be very much different from how we would define obesity in the past. So it all comes down to one question, what is obesity? Many find this difficult to answer as there are numerous perspectives, some may base their definition on culture, whereas others may base it on science. However, there are a few definitions from various different aspects. According to Kretchmer (1988), obesity is defined as  ¿Ã‚ ½a complex biological situation and a prime example of a problem where there is a constant interaction of genetics and environment. ¿Ã‚ ½ Based on Kretchmer ¿Ã‚ ½s definition, he believes that it is pointless to argue on whether nature or nurture has a greater influence on the origination of obesity. On the other hand, from a nutritional and scientific point of view, a method known as the body mass index weight in kilograms divided by height in met ers squared, defines whether an individual falls within the normal or obese range (Kretchmer, 1988). Based on the results from the 2009 ¿Ã‚ ½2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), an approximate of 16.9% of adolescents and children in the United States between the ages of 2-19 are obese (National Center for Health Statistics, 2012). The main question is how exactly do these young individuals end up being overweight and obese? Should they be fully responsible for their own physical well-being, or are there other factors that contribute to this epidemic. This essay will discuss on how parents become the main source of reason behind the childhood obesity outbreak, mainly focusing on their lifestyles which thus affects their children, as well as their beliefs, expectations, modeling behaviour and parenting styles. However, childhood obesity can also be caused by various other factors, ranging from dietary to sedentary lifestyles, which will also be discussed in this essay Majority of the time, a child ¿Ã‚ ½s parents are his/her primary caregiver, therefore t hey spend hours with their mother and father. This thus allows parents to be the number one most influential people in a child ¿Ã‚ ½s life, their presence could result in either promoting or impeding the child ¿Ã‚ ½s healthy lifestyle.Furthermore, parents equip their children with their food environment, model eating habits and control their children ¿Ã‚ ½s food intake. According to Birch (1979), the child ¿Ã‚ ½s familiarity with food contributes to 25 to 50% of the changes in their dietary preferences. The familiarity with food was tested by Birch and Marlin (1982), whereby they introduced unusual fruits and cheeses to various children and found that there was a significant relationship between the amount of exposure and preference. This suggests that children would rather prefer foods that they are introduced to at home. McCarthy (1935) also discovered that children showed a distaste for foods that their parents have no liking for. This studies are also interrelated with the parents beliefs, as it contributes greatly in their children ¿Ã‚ ½s eating habits. For example, most parents have the belief that children disfavour skim milk, and that the temperature of the milk given would greatly affect consumption. However, studies done by Herbert-Jackson et al. (1977) proven otherwise, when children were given different milks with differing fat densi ty at varying temperatures, they noted no differences in the consumption of the milk. Foman (1974), suggests that because some parents find skim milk distasteful, they presume that their children find skim milk distasteful too. Likewise with salt and sugar that are added to baby foods, parents perceive that their taste preferences would be similar with their offsprings ¿Ã‚ ½. These studies thus shows that parents play a very important role in their children ¿Ã‚ ½s food environment. Although most children do not have a specific taste preference, due to their parents influence they consume much more salt, sugar and fats than what is nutritionally needed as they are affected by their parents ¿Ã‚ ½ taste preferences, this could thus result in an obese child. Furthermore, the modeling of parents may act as an intermediary on how children develop their eating habits and activity levels. Harper and Sanders (1975) compared the impacts of persuading and modeling on children ranging between the ages of one to four. They discovered that children reproduced the adult model ¿Ã‚ ½s eating behaviour in 80% of the situations. However, when persuaded to eat, children would only reciprocate 48% of the time. Though prompts to eat does affectthe intake of foods, an adult model is even more a influentialstimulant. Therefore, this study shows that an adult model had a great impact on children. In this study, unidentified adult models were introduced to the children, yet the response of modeling behaviour was still high. Parents would consequently provide a much more greater influence considering how the children are constantly exposed to their parents ¿Ã‚ ½ presence. In addition, a review article done by Sleddens et al. (2011) investigated on general parenting and its impact on their children ¿Ã‚ ½s physical activity level, eating habits and weight status. According to Sleddens et al. (2011), it was found that variousstudies showed a significant relationship with general parenting. Parents who raise their children in a authoritative manner resulted in their children having high levels of physical activities, more healthy eating habits, and have lower BMI scores in contrast with other children who were raised in a different parenting style. According to Maccoby and Martin (1983), an authoritative parenting style is defined as a family setting whereby emotional support and warmth is conveyed, along with a comprehensible and clear-cut communication between the parents and the children. For that reason, parenting style plays a very important role on how it influences the health of the children. Although there are many studies relating parenting with childhood obesity, it is however not the only factor that contributes to the obesity of children. According to Kutchman et al. (2009), they theorised that an imbalance in the child ¿Ã‚ ½s energy intake and energy output affects the weight of the child. Due to the sedentary lifestyles of young individuals in this era, they are more prone to be inactive despite consuming the same amount of foods as children did in the past. This is due to the increased usage of computer use (e.g. surfing the internet, social media websites  ¿Ã‚ ½ facebook, twitter), and increased television viewing time. There was a positive correlation found between obesity and global television viewing time (Robinson, 2001). A study done by Matheson et al. (2004), showed that children who watch television while eating resulted in the consumption of more calories in contrast with children who did not watch television while eating. According to Proctor et al. (2003), children who watched less than an hour and forty-five minutes of television per day had significantly lower levels of BMIs as compared to those children who watched television three hours or more. They also found that those children who watched large amounts of television during their early years had the most increase in body fat over an extended period of time (Proctor et al., 2003). This study thus demonstrates that the child ¿Ã‚ ½s level of physical activity is greatly affected by the level of computer usage and television viewing. Although there are two sides to how a child ¿Ã‚ ½s obesity is affected, it all still points towards the direction on how the parents handle their children. As children are still not old enough to make such sensible decisions, parents thus play the larger role in disciplining and modeling healthy behaviours for their children (Bries Gartin, 2006). In conclusion, I believe that parents are to blame for their children ¿Ã‚ ½s obesity, however to punish them would not be as appropriate, but to educate them on leading a more active and healthy lifestyle would be more beneficial for both the parents and the children. Further directions includes research that should be conducted on the investigation of intervention studies that focus on the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity through general parenting (Gerards, 2011). Another area to consider would be to focus on creating awareness on childhood obesity, and how this epidemic has been increasing over the years. Parents along with schools should work together in battling this ever growing problem. Ultimately, they should encourage healthy lifestyle changes for not only the children, but with the parents as well because  ¿Ã‚ ½weight-loss among children and their parents have greater long-term success rates than programs focusing solely on child weight reduction ¿Ã‚ ½ (La rimore et al., 2005).

Women in Colonial Times :: American America History

Women in Colonial Times Women have always played a major role in history. Despite the hardships, pain and trials most of the women experienced, they still succeeded in enduring some of the differences between their opposite sex. Throughout history, women have always been fighting for their freedom, thus this fight still goes on in this present time. Women had a great role in shaping America as what it is right now. They, not only the fact that took care of the welfare of their family, but also were responsible to the increase in the population of early settlers causing expansion, diverse ethnicity and distinct cultures among the early colonies. In colonial times, men have always dominated the world not only in power but also in number. Multitudes of bachelors flooded the southern colonies and the longing for a wife dismantled a number of men out of their colony. Frequent deaths made by deadly diseases contributed to the decline on the number of women in the southern colony. The well-known Bacon's Rebellion was one of the effects of the frustration felt by majority of the men's population. In the late 1700's, settlers began to adopt their environment and created immunity among certain diseases. Women's population incline tremendously giving forth the rapid population growth. The need for land and shelter expanded the territories of the early colonies. Unlike the southern colonies, the New England had a large women population. The women also experienced more freedom than those in the southern colonies or among the African -American slaves. These women constantly worked inside the house, caring for children and performing household chores. Marriages were done at an early age and reproduction was common. The death of a spouse led to remarriage. Children in colonial family were numerous. The amount of women and birthrate in a colony contributed to the growth of the population. Women also greatly affected the religious condition of the society in New England. Most of the members of the Puritan congregation were women. Also, superstitions and made up stories by young women troubled the minds of early settlers in New England especially in Salem, Massachusetts. The Salem Witch Trial "reflected the widening social stratification of New England, as well as the anxieties of many religious traditionalists that the Puritan heritage was being eclipsed by Yankee commercialism." A number of innocent women were accused of performing witchcraft and were sentenced to death.

Explain how Golding describes the setting of the novel in chapters 1 :: English Literature

Explain how Golding describes the setting of the novel in chapters 1 and 2 of The Lord of The Flies Golding has a style of contrasting the good things and the bad things about the island in ‘The Lord of The Flies’. The author also describes the setting by using imagery extensively. The author develops a positive ambience of an uninhabited island by giving the island features that the reader knows are more positive than negative. An example of this is when the author describes a cirque on page 25. The author describes the boys position using: â€Å"They were on the lip of a cirque†. The use of personification makes the reader identify that the island is more like a person and not an evil thing. If Golding had used a sentence such as â€Å" They were on the knife edge of a cirque†, then the reader would have identified the island with images of danger and negativity. The author later similarises the cirque with a waterfall. He uses the words: â€Å"Filled†, â€Å"Overflow† and â€Å"Spilled† to make connections with a waterfall. A waterfall is usually a thing of beauty, which can be found in national parks, and people do not identify a waterfall as being a bad thing. The words also come in chronological order. For example something cannot be spilled before it is filled. This gives the reader a sense of natural series of events, the feeling as if everything is occurring the correct order and therefore the island is normal and passive. However, if the author had mixed the words in the incorrect order then the reader might have felt a bit confused and wondered about the safety of the island. In contrast, the author describes the island as the children’s worst enemy. On page 4 the author uses negative words to describe the setting. Golding uses the words; â€Å"Coarse†, â€Å"Torn†, â€Å"Upheavals†, â€Å"Fallen†, â€Å"Scattered† and â€Å"Decaying† to describe the shore and its contents. Under analysis the words, â€Å"Torn†, â€Å"Upheavals† and â€Å"Fallen†, mean that something is not in the correct position, that the island does not seem to be right, that the island has an air of animosity. The words are not pleasant words and hint to the reader that neither is the story. The author describes how the coconuts are slowly dying by using the word â€Å"decaying†. This poses the question: If things that live on the island cannot survive how can a group of young school boys from a different region? It suggests that the children are going to die, just like everything else on the island. Eventually everything on the island dies, the island dies from the uncontrollable fire, the

Catholic Baptism

Roman Catholicism relates itself to broader and more dominant religion of Chrisitinity. They share a large number of similarities in terms of biblical references(Contender Ministries, 2005). From the immaculate conception of Mary to the trinitarian belief. They share the deity of Jesus Christ who died on the cross and was resurrected after three days. Its history started with Peter the Apostle. Being the rock where Jesus Christ appointed his church, Peter along with the other apostles started their â€Å"ministries† and traveled around Europe and to other continents to spread the Word of God and life of Jesus Christ(Religion Facts). From then on the appointment of a pope became a necessity in the survival of the church. Peter being the first pope and considered as the spiritual heir to the leadership of Jesus, Catholics subject themselves in its ruling. The pope administers and heads a hierarchy of religious leaders from the lowest parish priests to cardinals. Also, the crusades have contributed greatly in the acceptance of the Catholic church around Europe. Almost all of the beliefs of the Catholic church is similar to the beliefs of other â€Å"varieties† of Christianity. Being based from a central bible, it follows the teachings of prophets, apostles, and disciples. Also, the concept of a single god with three personas, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ as both divine and human are shared among Catholics. Examples of distinctive beliefs are the leadership of the pope, the existence of purgatory in afterlife, and transubstantiation or the use of bread to represent the body of Christ (Religion Facts). Also, catholics venerate saints as intermediaries to their prayers to God. Catholics gather in their Eucharistic celebration called mass. The mass is usually held weekly, specifically on Sundays, to commemorate the gospels and teachings of Christ. It constitutes gospel readings, a homily or sermon, utterance of certain prayers like The Lord's Prayer, songs, sacrifices, and communion. Communion symbolizes the last supper where Christ shared bread and wine to His apostles. The structure of a Catholic Church is patterned from that of St. Peter's Bassilica. It has a large facade that resembles a large altar due to the presence of stone statues of saints. Inside it has a dome over the altar where the ceremonies are being held. Churches also commonly have a grotto in veneration of Mary's apparition in Lourdes, France (Queen of Peace Productions). Similar to other â€Å"varieties† of Christianity, Catholicism practices baptism. Baptism is included in the seven sacraments they follow to attain eternal salvation(Contender Ministries, 2005). The practice originated from the story in the bible where the Apostle John poured water on Jesus. It is believed that through baptism we are cleansed of our original sin and are now welcome to the chruch of God. In baptism, a person is being poured with holy water over a large basin under the sign of the cross. This marks the acceptance of the person being baptised to the church of Christ. Before the person is poured with water, the presiding priest asked the people present to renounce the devil and the sins accompanying it and follow the teachings of God. On this respect they show their rejection of evil and thus cleanses them particularly the person being baptised from their original sins (Cathechism of the Catholic Church). Also, the utterance of the Apostle's Creed is done for this purpose. The person being baptised wears white clothes to signify his acceptance of Christ. The whole ceremony is very solemn, though there were jokes on the number of guests which become the godparents of the person being baptised. there feeling of oneness is present among the attendants. The ceremony suggests a feeling of relief for the person being baptised, because again another person is introduced to a religion with its moral and spiritual teachings.

Greek Mythology: The Muses

Greek Mythology The Muses Sister Goddesses, The Muses, were in charge of the world of Literature, Art, and Society. The Nine Daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne; they gave inspiration to artist, writers and other artistically gifted people. â€Å"The Nine Muses have been inspiring artists since the antiquity and there countless paintings, drawings, designs, poems and statues dedicated to them. All artists of the Renaissance acknowledged their importance in artistic creation, dedicating their works to the Muses. †[1] The number of Muses varies over time.At first only one Muse was spoken of but later poets mention three: Melete (Practice, Study), Mneme (Memory), and Aoede (Song). They were nymphs in Pieria, which is found in western Thrace, and their cult was brought to Mount Helicon in Boeotia by the Aloads. Eventually it became accepted that there were nine muses: Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia, and Urania. The Muse Clio discovered histo ry and guitar. History was named Clio in the ancient years, because it refers to â€Å"Kleos† the Greek word for the heroic acts.Clio was always represented with a clarion in the right arm and a book in the left hand. Muse Euterpe discovered several musical instruments, courses and dialectic. She was always depicted holding a flute, while many instruments were always around her. Muse Thalia was the protector of comedy; she discovered comedy, geometry, architectural science and agriculture. She was also protector of Symposiums. She was always depicted holding a theatrical – comedy mask. Opposite from Thalia, Muse Melpomene was the protector of Tragedy; she invented tragedy, rhetoric speech and Melos.She was depicted holding a tragedy mask and usually bearing a bat. Terpsichore was the protector of dance; she invented dances, the harp and education. She was called Terpsichore because she was enjoying and having fun with dancing ( â€Å"Terpo† in Greek refers to be amused). She was depicted wearing laurels on her head, holding a harp and dancing. Muse Erato was the protector of Love and Love Poetry – as well as wedding. Her name comes from the Greek word â€Å"Eros† that refers to the feeling of falling in love.She was depicted holding a lyre and love arrows and bows. Muse Polymnia was the protector of the divine hymns and mimic art; she invented geometry and grammar. She was depicted looking up to the Sky, holding a lyre. Muse Ourania was the protector of the celestial objects and stars; she invented astronomy. She was always depicted bearing stars, a celestial sphere and a bow compass. Muse Calliope was the superior Muse. She was accompanying kings and princes in order to impose justice and serenity. She was the protector of heroic poems and rhetoric art.According to the myth, Homer asks from Calliope to inspire him while writing Iliad and Odyssey, and, thus, Calliope is depicted holding laurels in one hand and the two Homeric poems in the other hand. The ancient writer Hesiod said of them, â€Å"They are all of one mind, their hearts are set upon song and their spirit is free from care. He is happy whom the Muses love. For though a man has sorrow and grief in his soul, yet when the servant of the Muses sings, at once he forgets his dark thoughts and remembers not his troubles.Such is the holy gift of the Muses to men. â€Å"[2] The Myth â€Å"[The Muses] are all of one mind, their hearts are set upon song and their spirit is free from care. He is happy whom the Muses love. For though a man has sorrow and grief in his soul, yet when the servant of the Muses sings, at once he forgets his dark thoughts and remembers not his troubles. Such is the holy gift of the Muses to men. † ~Hesiod~[3] Ancient Greek legend tells us that Pegasus often wandered, stopping to rest on Mt. Olympus.One day, when his hoofs touched the ground on Mount Helicon, four sacred springs of water formed and from these springs the Muses (goddesses of inspiration) were born. The Muses were the nine beautiful chosen goddesses that reigned over the liberal arts and sciences, especially music, poetry, and all of the visual arts. Athena caught and tamed the wild Pegasus and kindly presented him to the Muses. One day the muses began to sing on Mt. Helicon. The mountain, so filled with ecstasy, it rose to the heavens until Pegasus, under Poseidon's command, kicked his hoof, stopping the mountain's upward progress.A fountain of water gushed forth called the Fountain of Hippocrene. The fountain was sacred to the Muses and is believed to be the source of music and poetic inspiration. According to legend, the birth of both wine and art occurred when Pegasus' hooves unleashed the sacred spring of the Muses. [4] Norn's [5] The Goddesses of Destiny In Norse mythology, the Norn’s are the demi-goddesses of destiny. They control the destinies of both gods and men, as well as the unchanging laws of the cosmos.They a re represented as three sisters: Urd (â€Å"fate†), Verdandi (â€Å"necessity†) and Skuld (â€Å"being†). They live at the base of the World Tree Yggdrasil in the realm of Asgard. Nothing lasts forever, and even the mighty Yggdrasil is subject to decay. The Norn’s try to stop this process, or at least slow it down, by pouring mud and water from the Well of Fate over its branches. This magical liquid stops the rotting process for the time being. In other myths, the Norn’s were thought to give assistance at birth, and that each person has his own personal Norn. [6]

Aztec Tradition

The driving creation beliefs of the Aztec religion begin with the dual god, Ometecuhtli/Omecihuatl. * This god created itself and it was both male and female, bad and good and, chaos and order. * The Aztecs believed that the contrasting aspects in the world would create balance and unite the origins of the world. * The god had four children and each of them represented the four directions of the world north, south, east and west. The Aztecs believed that their empire was at the centre of the universe and therefore the directions mentioned in the creation story link to this. * The four gods created the water and then other gods who then created Cipactli a creature who was part crocodile and part fish. * This creature begun to eat all the creations made by the gods and were eaten. * The four direction gods attacked the Cipactli and stretched him into the four corners and the world was created when it was defeated. * It is believed that the head contained the 13 heavens, the body contained the world and tail held the 9 underworlds Principal beliefs of the Aztecs: * The Aztecs beliefs were based upon the theme of nature * Aztecs believed that the gods needed to be nourished by humans and therefore sacrifice is an integral aspect of Aztec tradition * They believed that the world was divided into five eras, or suns. Each previous era had been governed by one deity and it had ended with the destruction of the elements or phenomena after which it had been named. They believed they were living in the fifth and last era. They believed this era was the era of movement as they believed an earthquake would end the world and time would come to an end. The Aztecs believed in an underworld and a paradise where in which there were 13 heavens and 9 hells in which one could go after death * The sun fought against the darkness every night and rose to save mankind * The Aztecs saw the Earth as a giant flat circular disk (sometimes imagined to be an enormous alligator, whose scales were mountains), surrounded by water as far as the distant horizon, where it joined the sky Identify and describe the role of the supernatural powers and deities in the religion: * The Aztec tradition is a polytheistic religion and is credited over 100 gods and creatures that possess supernatural powers. They worshipped many gods and goddesses, each of whom ruled one or more human activities or aspects of nature. * Many of the gods were agricultural based as the Aztec period was heavily based on farming * Some of the deities were benevolent while others had terrifying characteristics and feared the people * The deities needed to be fed fresh blood in order for the chaos in the world to be avoided. If this was not done the Aztecs believed they would wither and die. They believed that the processes that make life possible like the rain or solar energy and that the destiny of people depended on the will of these gods * Many of the Aztec deities belonged to a number of tribes, cultures and regions Discuss the relationship between sacred spaces and the beliefs of the religion * Aztecs called their temples Teocalli and they were used to worship, pray and make offerings to the Gods. * Some spaces were built purely for specific celebrations of the Aztecs * Many of their sacred spaces were used to carry out the blood offering to the Gods. The temples were a dwelling place on earth for a particular deity and hence why the sacrifices were chosen to be done within this space * The Aztecs believed that once an area is used as a sacred space it is incredibly important and essential that it remains this way * The size of the space which was used for worship was not relevant as long as it was sacred and remained separate and was distinct to the other areas of the house * It is a common belief amongst the Aztecs that this sacred space needs to be present even if it is simple and basic. It must be respected regardless of the size. Identify the principal rituals and examine their significance for the individual and community * The loyalty, respect and even fear which was felt towards the Gods lead to the establishment of various rituals * The main rituals of the Aztec traditions are: Sacrificial Blood letting Deity impersonation Reenactment of myth * The Aztecs had 18 months in one cycle, and for each of the 18 months there was ritual sacrifice. The victim would be painted as a part of the ritual, they would be placed on a slab where their heart would be removed and held up to the sun. The body would be thrown down the stairs of the temple/pyramid. The body would be disposed in several ways including being fed to animals and it is even believed cannibalism took place amongst the Aztecs * Blood letting was a ritual amongst the Aztecs where people would cut themselves to offer their blood to the gods. Such blood-letting was tied to rank: the higher one was in social or priestly rank, the more blood one had to sacrifice * It was the role of priests or another elected individual would dress up and achieve the likeness of a specific deity. This individual would be the physical manifestation of the god until the inevitable end when the gods likeness had to be killed as the ultimate sacrifice under great circumstance and festivities * Similar to the impersonation of gods, the purpose of the reenactment of myth was to remind the Aztec community of the past mythical events but was also to perpetuate the word by spreading the important events of creation Explain the relationship between the religion and its society * The Aztec society was heavily related to the culture which was established. In many ways the Aztec culture was expressed in through their beliefs * The Aztec culture was incredibly creative and filled with rich and beautiful forms of art (music, tattoos, poetry). This art which they created linked to their beliefs and furthermore their unique tradition * The Aztec warfare is portrayed through their art and examples of this can be found in the form of paintings and pottery found in temples * Religion evidently played a large role in the Aztec culture. Many of their actions were linked to the deities. They were expected to work hard in order to please the gods and therefore keep the balance of the universe * The remains of temples are examples of how their lives were based around showing their dedication and lives towards their deities. The culture and way of life was based around keeping the gods content in order for their lives to be good Explain how the religion provides a distinct response to the search for meaning * As identified in the previous sections, the Aztecs have proven a culture which is unique through the way in which they conduct their rituals and way of life. The deep respect and honor the Aztecs have for their gods is an incredibly unique way of communicating their reason for being and search for meaning * In everything that they do they convey their love and dedication to pleasing the deities. It is evident through their religion and their culture it is very evident that their reason for existence is to please the gods * Many other traditions include similar bel iefs however for the Aztecs it provides their reason for being and the basis of their lives Identify the principal rituals and examine their significance for the individual and community: The Aztecs practice many rituals which are significant to their religious identity, and on a wider scale their culture. These forms of rituals explore and make the tradition unique and support and tie into the beliefs which are followed by the Aztecs. All the rituals are designed and performed in order to celebrate and honor the gods, and the world they have given to us. It is the central belief of the tradition that they exist to serve and show gratitude to the gods that placed them on this earth. The rituals which are common within the Aztec religion include blood –letting, human sacrifice, impersonation of deities and reenactment of myths. Even from the names of these rituals it is evident that the focus around the gods play a significant role. Blood-letting was the process by which elite individuals including community leaders and religious figures would cut themselves in front of a congregation. They would intentionally cut parts of their body usually their tongues and then collect the blood on paper and then burnt as an offering to the gods through the form of smoke. This was significant for the Aztecs as it demonstrated the strong connection the person performing the ritual had with the supernatural and gods. It was a way of showing respect to the higher beings. It was a way in which all individuals could be involved through joining as a community and observing a sacrificial practice. It was also integral because it provided as a form of maintaining political power and legitimizing the prominent social position of the chosen blood-letting figure. Human sacrifice was a ritual which the Aztecs are still known for today. This ritual required 5 priests to take the victim to the top of a temple where they would then tear the beating heart out of the body. This was because the gods required living human hearts for nourishment. The heart would be burnt and the corpse would be pushed down the stairs of the temple. Many people in the community would choose to impersonate deities and then died as a sacrifice to that particular god. Approximately 20,000 Aztecs were sacrificed each year and in comparison to other traditions at the same time this was incredibly high. This ritual was particularly significant to the Aztec religion because it was the most extreme form of sacrifice. Individuals in the Aztec community were chosen at random to be the sacrificial person and therefore each person needs to be prepared to do so. The beliefs of the tradition link to this ritual in the way that all people should be fully dedicated and show gratitude to the deities. As a community they were expected to respect this ritual and support the reasoning behind it. The reenactment of myths was a ritual where in which people in the community would gather together and reenact mythical stories of the deities. These reenactments were a special part within the community because they provided as reminder of the Aztecs of their creation story and their myths. The recreation of these myths ensured that the important events behind the religion were passed down through the generations. This is another way in which the community gathers in order to show their respect to their beliefs and furthermore show pride in their culture. It is clear to see that the Aztecs were a group of people who had a strong connection with their gods. They performed rituals that expressed the gratitude, which they had towards the gods. These rituals were a way in which individuals could convey their dedication to the higher beings.