Cipd

DEP F301A (L&D) CIPD Assessment Activity Template Title of unit/sDeveloping Yourself as an Effective Learning & Development Practitioner Unit No/s4DEP (L&D) LevelFoundation Credit value4 Assessment methodWritten, Discussion Learning outcomes: 1. Understand the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be an effective L&D practitioner. 2. Know how to deliver timely and effective L&D services to meet users’ needs. 3. Be able to reflect on own practice and development needs and maintain a plan for personal development. All activities should be completedActivity 1 (Note: The CIPD Human Resources Profession Map (HRPM) can be accessed at: www. cipd. co. uk/cipd-hr-profession/hr-profession-map/explore-map. aspx ) Write a report in which you: †¢briefly summarise the HRPM (i. e. the 2 core professional areas, the remaining professional areas, the bands and the behaviours) †¢comment on the activities and knowledge specified within any 1 professional area, at either band 1 o r band 2, identifying those you consider most essential to your own (or other identified) L&D role. Activity 2With reference to your own (or other identified) role, outline how an L&D practitioner should ensure the services they provide are timely and effective. You should include: †¢understanding customer needs (include examples of 3 different customers and 1 need for each, and explain how you would prioritise conflicting needs) †¢effective communication (include examples of 3 different communication methods and the advantages and disadvantages of each) †¢effective service delivery (include: delivering service on time, delivering service on budget, dealing with difficult customers, handling and resolving complaints)Activity 3 (Note: The CIPD Associate Membership Criteria can be downloaded at www. cipd. co. uk/ Membership/transformingmembership/ New-membership-criteria/about-associate-member. htm ) †¢Undertake a self-assessment against the CIPD Associate Membersh ip criteria, identifying any areas you need to develop in order to meet them. †¢Using a template, such as www. cipd. co. uk/cpd/guidance/cpdrecordandplan, devise a plan to meet your development needs, including those identified above, and the achievement of your CIPD qualification.The plan should be for a minimum of 6 months. †¢Discuss your plan with (or provide a written note to) your tutor explaining why you believe CPD to be important and explaining at least 2 of the options you considered for meeting your development needs. Activity 4 †¢During the period of your studies, reflect on your performance against the plan, including learning gained from each unit of your qualification, and add reflective comments to the plan. As you progress, identify any further development needs and revise your plan accordingly.Assessment Criteria 1. 1 2. 1 2. 2 2. 3 3. 2 3. 4 3. 1 3. 3 3. 5 Evidence to be produced Activities 1 & 2 Report of approximately 1500 words Activity 3 A Develo pment Plan/Record Tutor’s written confirmation that the Development Plan has been discussed (OR a written explanatory note from the learner). Activity 4 Written records of on-going reflection and, where appropriate, revision of the plan to include further development needs and solutions. NB: Activity 4 will therefore not be complete until the end of the programme. ) 4 DEP Assessment Guidance – Revised May 2012 AC 1. 1The explanation should refer to the HRPM, and include a summary of the HRPM (particularly the 2 core professional areas) and an explanation of the activities and knowledge, at either band 1 or 2, of any one of the professional areas. AC 2. 1Learners should identify 3 users of HR services and one need for each.They should also explain how conflicting needs would be identified and prioritised. AC 2. 2Learners should identify 3 methods and advantages and disadvantages of each. AC 2. 3The description should include: delivering service on time; delivering servi ce within budget; dealing with difficult customers; and handling and resolving complaints. AC 3. 1Learners should define and explain the importance of CPD. AC 3. 2Learners should self-assess against the CIPD Associate Membership requirements to identify development needs.AC 3. 3Learners should evaluate at least 2 options for meeting development needs. AC 3. 4The plan should be for a minimum of 6 months. A template is available at www. cipd. co. uk/cpd/guidance/cpdrecordandplan AC 3. 5Learners should provide a written reflection on their performance against the plan, including the learning gained from each unit of their qualification, and update the plan with any new development needs, as they are identified. CIPD Political discrepancy: as we are a company that has an agreement with Qatar government for the supply of natural gas, It Is Important to keep our good relation with the country to continue the business. New source of energy: Dolphin Energy is a company that supplies gas to the customers, in case of finding any applicable source of energy for gas that is less costly and has no impact to the environment, our company will shut down and loses its business. – Price changes: If the prices of the equipment used in the operation escalated, the price of our product will increase. – New competitor: another external factor that would affect the company is if there is a new company of gas Joining the market.Such competitors will affect our market price, It will have an effect on our manpower costs, people will compare the quality of the product produced, etc. 5- How the business is structured: Dolphin Energy has so many functions that plays Important role in the organization. Below , I will be explaining only four functions. Our company's structure Is considered functional structure because It has similar connected actively that are grouped together in departments.Function Discretion Corporate Communications Dolphin's corporate communications department handles all communication undertaken by the company to all its publics or stakeholders. Strategic and Corporate Planning It is responsible for all economic and corporate planning duties at Dolphin Energy. SHE It is responsible about the laity of the products, the health of the employees, the safety of the working area, and making sure they are taking good care for environmental issues.Human Resources They offer services to their employees in Talent Management, recruitment, policy, compensation, employee relation, training, and office management. O- Different functions working together: Dolphin Energy works with different departments very closely in order to make sure operation, the operation works closely with different departments to ensure they are meeting their objective. For example, operation works with human resources to circuit quality employees that have all the required qualifications skills that are needed for technical skills.Moreover, when an employee Joins the company, operation department will want their new Joiners to undertake some kind of trainings to enable them have the needed skills to operate in the field. Quality, health, safety and environment department as well works with other functions to reach their goals. SHE facilitates everything that is necessary in the operational area to ensure that the employees are working in a safe environment to minimize all the risks that might occur during the operation. SHE will also make sure that our equipments and machines do not harm the marine habitat and cause and eruption or pollution.Furthermore, SHE wants to educate the employees about some safety matters and they co pop with the training department to implement such traini ngs. 7- The culture of the organization and how it affects the operations: I believe Dolphin Energy has a mixture of task and power culture. It is considered a role culture because each employee is assigned to a particular role or Job; they have all their tasks and roles listed in their Job description. When we have everything pacified, it will help us know what each individual does and therefore no duplication in work.On the other hand, we can say that our organization is a task oriented culture as well. That is because Dolphin I-JAKE and Qatar work together in so many projects as a team to complete tasks for example, our training department in I-JAKE works with Star's to reach the department's goals and objective. The teams will be doing a specified task to complete it in a time and budget given. This mixed culture has a positive impact on the organization because it will get the most efficiency out of his effort through having everything with guidelines yet working in teams in co mmon projects and assignments.Activity B: 1- Organization Strategy: The company's strategy is to have an economic wealth as well as creating business prospects for I-JAKE nationals and ICC citizens for the future. Our company has clear vision and mission that is set which makes the employees well aware of where the company is heading and what is their future objective. Having the vision and mission clear will create order; therefore will help us in proportioning our tasks. 2- How does HER strategy supports the organization strategy?The HER does a lot of things that supports the organizations strategy. Starting from recruiting a competent employee to developing them. The HER work closely with other departments as one team to reach the organization's strategy. Below is a list of some the things the HER does to support Dolphin Energy Objectives: HER Strategy Supporting Organization's Objectives Recruitment HER uses the best ways to hire an employee. For example, we deal with hiring age nts that would get us the best people in the market.Moreover, we hire people through referral programs where an existing employee refers someone who is capable to take the Job. As well, HER have internal posting for the employees who would recommend themselves to undertake the posted position. We use technology for the hiring process; candidates can now view all the open posts on our website to compensation team participates in researches, surveys and benchmarking with companies who similar to us so we are updated with the latest paying trends and we are competing with similar industries in the market.When the company does such things, it will retain current employees specially the high potential and talented ones. Retain Talent Management One thing TM is responsible for is induction sessions which the new Joiners undertake to familiarize them with the company's departments and its work nature. This will help the employee adapt faster and work more effectively when working with diff erent divisions. Different development plans for fresh graduate students and existing employees.Offering scholarships and sponsorship to educate our employees and make them update their skills and knowledge to achieve the company's goals. Having high potential programs and succession planning which helps the employees get motivated and it will encourage them work harder to achieve the company's strategy. – How can HER/L&D professional support line managers and their staff? The HER and learning and Development support line managers in so many different ways. Some of these things are: – HER helps line managers in recruiting well qualified candidates to fill the vacant position.They do that through scanning C.V. and looking for candidates that has the skills required for the Job and then they do interviews and psychometric tests for them. When HER hires high talented people, it will help them accomplish work in efficient and effective way to meet the business goals. This way the HER will be eating the best talent out there in the market. – Learning and development helps the new Joiners have a brief orientation through all the departments in the company to give a good idea about the business and how each department operates.This will help the employees know everything about our business and help them work better with the division to achieve the goals of the company. – Having HER updates sessions that would help the HER employees and line managers know the latest updates that is happening in the HER which will help them understand how the process is and what HER services is offered. Offering best practices in Learning and development, which will encourage and motivate the employees to perform better. – Help line managers to achieve their KIP to achieve the organization objectives. Ensuring that the employees are working in a good working environment. 4- How does HER/L&D contribute in the successful of an organization? To define su ccess, first we need to know what things that makes the organization successful. Organizations have a lot of objectives each year, general objectives will be ambiguous, so one of the keys to success is to have a clear objectives. For example, avian clear mission, vision, strategy and goals clear and it should be known to everyone throughout the organization.Everything the organization does, for example, the policies and procedures that are written, he different types of programs we offer, the services we provide, etc are all clearly linked to the company's objectives for being successful. Lurch mentioned, there are four ways to a successful organization strong relation with their internal clients and they act as a focal point for certain divisions. This can be done by having good relation with the senior management in order to align the HER strategy with the business objectives. Change Agent: is the team that participates in changing the management team and then communicate internal ly to everyone to ensure smoothness of the process and then gain their trust. Change agent will ensure that the employees are adapting to new changes. – Administration Expert: it acts in a professional in the way that it executes its Job and uses the organization resources in an efficient manner. – Employee Champion: it plays as a core of the HER. HER should represent the employees, look for their best interest and make sure that strategic initiatives are balanced.

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Mentors comes off as unreasonable and a brutal killer. He starts off by presenting himself as kind of knowing his motivations and his strive for good will. Since he mentions positive characteristics, Fortunate indicates the care for his death. Fortunate could have done something so awful that it merits the action that Mentors takes. 2. As the story goes on, the setting changes profusely. The setting changes along with the action. In the beginning, the story has a lot of Irony and light. The action sakes place In the middle of a carnival.Carnivals usually have a happy and fun setting. Later, we start seeing how dark and evil Mentor's plans are which Is dark and literal. When the story changes to underground Into the catacombs and the pile of bones resembles the action and give strength on the object of Mentor's evil. 3. Mentors is the protagonist because he is the narrator and main character. He is evil minded and murdered Fortunate. The protagonist usually is the main character and t he hero, but Mentors is the main character and is not a hero. Fortunate is the antagonist because he amplifies the mystery and suspense. . The similarities of the two stories could be a mental disorder drawing them to the necessity for evil. â€Å"The Black cat† 1 . The narrator feels condemned and guilty, though he is not guilty for killing his wife and Pluto. This says that he is a cold hearted man. He is evil and had a desire to kill. The narrator feels guilty about hurting his cat, Pluto, and cutting its eye out but he does not feel bad about abusing all of his other animals and his wife. This tells us he gives more personality to his cat than to his own wife and cares more about the one cat. 2.In the beginning of his marriage, he and his wife got along very well and he loved animals. But then, the man started drinking and his personality changed for the worse. HIS personality changed as a result of â€Å"the Fiend Intemperance. † HIS was heavily drinking. As days went by, the drinking got heavier and heavier and he became meaner. He then threatened to physically abuse his wife. When the their loyalty to him. In the end of the story, he had killed all of his animals including his favorite cat, Pluto. 3. Yes, this fear is Justified because he sees a white mark on the body of the cat that resembles the gallows, where hangings occur.This reminds him of his hanging of his favorite cat, Pluto. When the cat came around that looked Just like Pluto. He did not want to hurt another animal so he tried to stay away. He tried to axe the cat because he was so irritated. When the cat finally left, he felt better and free. It is Justified because he resisted killing it. 4. I do see similarities in this story. The similarities that came to mind was the temptation to have what their mind was set on causing them to do evil. The narrator must have a mental disorder as well because he drank away his problems and had a desire to kill without guilt.

Explication of a Story †`The Red Convertible` by Louise Erdrich Essay

Louise Erdrich’s story entitled â€Å"the Red Convertible† is a depiction of brotherhood and selfless love. Lyman and Henry as the protagonists in the story illustrated the life of being an individual with a set of notion towards their dependence to one another. The author described the differences and similarities of the two characters as they took their journey in the wild. Despite of their differences, they have built a bond that is undeniable and unpredictable. It shows that their foundation as brothers is unbreakable by anyone. The beginning of the story is a symbolization of brotherhood and truth that lies within the struggle and personal justification of thought and ideology. However, as the ending of the story developed, the protagonists’ characterization twisted and created an opposite signification of life. It shows that the character of Henry really loves the character of Lyman because before he went to the river, Henry wanted Lyman to be as happy as he could while he ride at the convertible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Upon establishing the characters, the author already stated the conflict that was seen in the sociological perspective of the protagonists. Because the two characters strived hard to obtain what they wanted, they have also built their own pride and capabilities as individuals that are unattached to the society’s dictation. By way of seeking the characterization of the two protagonists, the author used different elements and literary images to justify the claims and arguments in the whole narrative.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The author is fond of using the color of red in the story. The color of the convertible is red as well as the river and the blood that runs within Lyman’s face. Depending on the situation and context of usage of the color, the red color signifies different forms of symbolizations. The red convertible symbolizes the life of Henry. It shows that while Henry is away, the convertible is in need of repair. When Henry comes back from the military service, the convertible becomes fine and would be able to travel again. The convertible is also moody when it comes to Lyman like the character of Henry. Its being red is a signification of love and fire within the heart of Henry towards his brother Lyman. Henry wanted Lyman to take care of the convertible like the way he took care of Henry. Henry felt that Lyman is having a hard time understanding Henry’s incapability and mood swings that is why he decided to kill himself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another symbolism that occurs in the story is the river where the brothers went through. It is also a symbolization that is connected to Henry’s characters that is seemed to be deep and quiet but full of anxieties and rejections within his own self. Lyman on the other hand brought a television for his family. The television is a symbolization of picture. It celebrated the life of the two characters but Henry broke the chain of celebration. It means that despite of Lyman’s struggle, Henry will burn the fire of brotherhood and would not mend it again.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When it comes to word usage, the character did not use technical or highfaluting terms to state the arguments of the two characters. It goes with the flow of casual words as it depicts the character’s mind and actions. The ending of the story is somehow a tragic complexity of Lyman because he could not able to retrieve his brother whom he always repossesses despite of its unjustified actions and personality after the military service. It shows that Lyman surrendered because he could not able to change his brother back from the old Henry that he used to have. Reference Erdrich, L. (2002). The Red Convertible. A Study Guide from Gale’s â€Å"Short Stories for Students,† The Gale Group

The Many Sides of Odysseus throughout the Epic story of the Odyssey Essay

The Many Sides of Odysseus throughout the Epic story of the Odyssey - Essay Example In each and every adventure that befalls Odysseus we see various facets of his character and his wanderings are seen as stages in development of humanity as a whole. We learn about ourselves through Odysseus while realizing that each stage of our life is a learning exercise: we live as we learn. The Odyssey, a tale of Odysseus’ journey back home after long years at war is also the tale of his spiritual journey through his own soul. As Odysseus leaves Troy for home, he is the typical bloodthirsty warrior. He leaves Troy feeling almost immortal and this pride is what leads to his downfall. In the course of his journey, Odysseus undergoes a symbolic death and rebirth and in the end becomes an epic hero regaining power over his household and has restored order to his life. Upon his arrival in Ithaca, it is evident that he has become a wiser man- more humble and more respectful. Homer skillfully inter-relates adventures, feelings and experiences of his characters. The vivid description and expressive language make the reading understandable to any age and social group. Even though the story is mythical, filled with ghosts, monsters and giants, the main themes can be interrelated with today’s issues of scheming, cunning, struggle for survival, race New facets of Odysseus’ character are revealed through each of his adventures. After Odysseus and his men depart from Troy, they land in Ismara. After looting the city Odysseus wisely tells his men to board the ships quickly, but they pay no heed and the next morning, the crew is attacked by the Ciconians. Odysseus manages to escape with tears in his eyes for his lost crew. â€Å"But Odysseus, clutching his flaring sea-blue cape in both powerful hands, drew it over his head and buried his handsome face† He does not disclose his identity to the Ciconians showing that he is capable of thinking ahead of his opponent displaying his superior

Scientology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Scientology - Essay Example Thus, it is through spiritual enlightenment that human beings are able to understand their creator, and enlightenment is only attainable through gaining infinite knowledge. However, the departure of the new religion from those of the past occurs in the belief that personal enlightenment, as opposed to enlightenment through religious doctrines, principles and beliefs, forms the basis of enlightenment, which then enables the individual to understand the creator (Davis, n.p.). Scientology is a religion that borrows from the ancient religions of the west, but applies none of the basic tenets of such religions, rather preferring to apply the technological language as the basis of developing and advancing spiritual concepts in daily life (Fox, 131). The faith of this new religion is in technology, and technology is the basis of running the new faith2; thus, the basis of Scientology is clouded by controversy, making it difficult to differentiate between the faith of Scientology and the way the Church of Scientology is run. The fundamental principle that qualifies scientology as a religion is that; the religion holds the belief that man is basically good, and that his fate regarding salvation ultimately depends on how man relates with the others and the universe at large (Urban, 22). This principle therefore postulates that man is the sole determinant of his own salvation fate, considering that it is based on how he develops relationships with humanity and the universe that determines his religious fate. Therefore, in a way, the religion of scientology advances morality as the basis of mans spiritual life, since it is through his awareness and capabilities to apply morality that determines his final religious fate (Davis, n.p.). Simply put, the basis of scientology as a religion is freedom; where man should live in a free world, where he is able to apply his capabilities to advance, prosper and rise to greater heights, without the limitation of social ills such as crim e, war and prohibitory laws. However, while advocating for a free world that transcends all limitations that can hinder man from rising to greater heights based on his capabilities and morality, the religion of scientology addresses the basic and fundamental principle of every other religion, whether modern or traditional; that of addressing the spiritual and natural concerns of man, in relation to eternity (Weldon, 20). This is the actual point where the confusion around scientology religion emanates, since it does not place its belief system on the religious doctrines that clearly demonstrates the relation between human life in the world and eternity, since most of the doctrines of the church of scientology are vague even to the adherents, and can only become apparent to them, after many years of followership (Fox, 133). The origin of the Scientology religion is traceable to the scientific experiment undertaken by Hubbard3, a scientist and the pioneer of the religion, who set to e xperiment on the state of mind of humans, eventually coming up with scientific findings that have been vaguely disclosed, but which forms the basis of the doctrine of the Scientology religion, referred to as the Dianetics Doctrine (Urban, 47). The field of psychology and psychosocial analysis is a field that has been widely researched, but the knowledge in this field is only held by a few. Similarly, while the issue of technology in the modern world is no longer new or associated with a

Creating, Financing, and Marketing a Business Essay - 1

Creating, Financing, and Marketing a Business - Essay Example In addition, the distribution of losses and profits and the design of the organization are more flexible than in other modes of businesses, for example, corporations. Third, partnerships have the capacity to pool funds. This decreases the financial weight of an individual operating a business and increases the rate of growth for the business. Nonetheless, partnerships have disadvantages. First, Conflicts between partners can cause disorders which may hinder the partnership from staying focused and achieving its objectives. Also, conflicts can make the partners want to leave the partnership. This may create uncertainty over the future of the partnership. Second, a partner is considered an agent of a partnership. Therefore, a partner’s inadequate management ability, inadequate decision making, inadequate negotiation ability, or inadequate judgment may have a negative impact on the partnership and cause every partner significant burdens. Third, partnership law does not adequately safeguard a partner’s investment in the business, except if a partner can give evidence of a partner violating partnership terms (Mohan, 2005). Finally, it can be difficult to make decisions. Partners in a business partnership may not come to an agreement on the undertakings of the business. Part b Venture Capital Venture capital can be helpful to small businesses when they want to expand or increase their operations. Venture capital comprises trading interest in the business (Mohan, 2005). Moreover, the interest is sold with a finance group or company, not individuals, devoted to assisting the business increase its operations. Debt Financing A small business may be set up through loans. An individual with a decent credit and is recognized with a bank may get a business loan from a credit company or bank (Mohan, 2005). If a small business is unable to get a loan from a bank, a person may get a loan from the federal small business administration. It helps small business owner s acquire funds. Equity Equity entails getting investors to finance a business. A small business may grow by selling a share of the business. Investors can be partners known to the business, for example, local entrepreneurs, business associates, and family members or private partners. Family and friends are the greatest source for equity and loan deals. These people are less strict on loans and anticipated earnings on investment (Mohan, 2005). Part c Managerial accounting refers to the comprehensive figures utilized for inner company or organization members. Managerial accounting comprise things such as cost of turnover, cost of the product, cost of employee benefits, cost of shipping, and every data that is of importance to a company. Managerial accounting can assist managers utilize the numbers to perform their jobs effectively and effectively, taking into account budgeting, product costing, and incremental analysis. Human resources managers can utilize the benefits and cost of tu rnover to give improved salaries and ascertain the budget. General Managers can employ the figures to evaluate product costing and perform incremental analysis. If a General Manager requires establishing if the prices of products are rightly set, he may review the data on sales to determine if demand has been met by supply. If the sales are low, the company may make additional products, buy less, or reduce the price of products (Mohan, 2005). In addition, managerial accounti

Leadership and Corporate Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leadership and Corporate Culture - Essay Example To achieve this, corporate leaders must possess certain influences and powers that will enable them shape the cultures for the betterment of the organization and without infringing on the rights of either. The first tool most managers use is the delegation of duties. By delegating duties to their juniors in a responsible manner, the managers empower the employees who in turn will go to greater lengths to maintain consistency (Ferrell, Fraedrich & Ferrell, 2011).   Another crucial aspect is employee mentorship by the corporate leaders, who instill social and professional values on the employees that are in line with the attainment of the organization’s goals. Ferrell, Fraedrich, and Ferrell (2011) state that the corporate leaders can put in place proper conflict resolution mechanisms and good communication network in their quest to transform the organization’s culture. Perhaps the last but equally important power that a corporate leader can use to influence and shape t he general culture of the organization is to cultivate a culture of trustworthiness within the environment and outside the given organization. This normally has an effect of motivating the employees and subsequently identifying the organization with the said culture of motivation (Ferrell, Fraedrich & Ferrell, 2011).   Important ethical leaders in and organization and their various roles Varieties of ethical leaders exist with each having more or less distinct roles in an organization setting. Ethical leadership entails the consistent practice and advocacy for normative actions that promote social values through engaging the employees in communication, teamwork, and decision-making. Top on the list are the decision makers who always strive to make well-informed and timely decisions about matters pertaining to the organization. This group of ethical leaders plays a strategic and proactive role within the organization (Ferrell, Fraedrich & Ferrell, 2011). There are the public relati ons leaders whose main role in the ethical sense is to ensure good and effective communication with all the stakeholders within the company. Since communication is important in solving problems, these leaders can also play a role in conflict resolution. In addition, the mentors play a major role in motivating their junior within the organization by organizing such initiatives as the corporate social responsibility (Ferrell, Fraedrich & Ferrell, 2011).   Illustration of the relations between ethical leaders and stakeholders According to Ferrell, Fraedrich, and Ferrell (2011), stakeholders contribute to, depend on, involve in, or feel the effect of the organizations activities and therefore their interests should form part of the organization’s agenda. These include the shareholders, customers, investors, and partners, whose needs, interests, and preferences can seem farfetched but in the end determines the culture exhibited by the concerned organization. Since both direct an d indirect stakeholders affect the organizations culture, all the ethical leaders within the company normally exhibit cordial relationship with all the stakeholders irrespective of the background in terms of contribution, geographic location, and size. This way, virtually every stakeholder will get higher percentage

Self Management of Diabetes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Self Management of Diabetes - Essay Example Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of diabetes and the numbers of people that are becoming obese is increasing rapidly. It is the major cause of premature mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular, renal, ophthalmic and neurological disease. It is widely accepted that control of the lifestyle situation including diet and exercise decrease the risk of complications and control the Hg1c (Porth & Matfin, 2007). This paper will discuss recent studies affecting the overall Hg1c with combined strength and aerobic exercise programs. Self management of diabetes includes diet, exercise, medication, and blood sugar control. Exercise, however has been shown to be highly important. Lean muscle mass improves Hg1c (Sigal, Kenny, Boule et.al. 2007). There has been some controversy in determining whether that exercise should be aerobic or strength or both. In researching this, studies relating to diet and other controls were eliminated and a search was conducted for supporting evidence that both types of exercise included in routines for these patients improved overall blood glucose control and limited complications from the disease. Five peer reviewed studies were retained from many found as they included both exercise routines against controls. Historically, aerobic exercise has been used to attempt to improve glucose levels in diabetic patients. However, there is a great deal of literature available now that shows a great deal of merit for adding resistance exercise to this routine for control. It appears that glucose control is only one of the benefits of this kind of routine for diabetic patients. Strength, endurance, and power are benefits received (Marcus, Smith, Morrell, 2008). There is also an increase in lean tissue mass which creates an increase in metabolic rate. The importance of physical activity in these patients cannot be denied. It is considered not only preventative but also therapeutic (Tokmakidis, Zois, Votaklis, et.al. 2004). The change that occurs in muscle mass coupled with effects on glucose uptake are the reasons for better control. This occurs even in people with insulin resistance. In operationalizing this data, education is the key. Over the past years, diabetics have been taught that walking is the perfect exercise to control their HgA1c and to some point that is true, it is the perfect exercise. However, there is a gap in the education as far as adding the needed strength training. It may be clearly important, due to the large numbers of diabetics now, to design and implement diabetic exercise programs that are couple with regular education programs. Certainly controlling blood sugar and preventing complications of this disease proves to be financially needed for both the patients and the healthcare system. Sigal, Kenny, & Boule et.al. (2007) published a study in the Annuls of Internal Medicine on this very issue. Previous studies evaluated by them determined that the effects of aerobic exercise alone provided for better glucose control. They felt that there was likelihood that a combination of aerobic and strength exercises would lead to better control. They performed a randomized control trial set in 8 community based facilities. Included in this study were 251 adults age 39 to 70 with type 2 diabete (Sigal, et.al., 2007). Patients were

Artificial Intelligent Neural Networks Assignment

Artificial Intelligent Neural Networks - Assignment Example Computer technology has graced the world for over half a century now. In its infancy, the concept of artificial intelligence was conceived in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Jackson, 2014). As Chakrabarti (2008) says, ever since, much has been achieved but the development of a computer that can fully mimic the intelligence of a human is still not in sight. Although many scientists believe that this may be achieved by the year 2030, this is still a hard thing to achieve. However, the advances so far have been commendable (Committee on Autonomous Vehicles in Support of Naval Operations, 2005). Artificial intelligence comes in all types of manner, including the so called minimal artificial intelligence which is intelligence that is geared towards one task, as opposed to an all-round intelligence. In the recent past, technology firms such as Google have been trying to develop artificial intelligence that can be used to drive unmanned cars. Secondary data will be used to analyze the growth of artificial intelligence especially in the use of this technology in robotics. The use of artificial neural networks will also be considered. To get a better understanding of the subject, a literature review of past studies will be done in order to establish how this technology has grown in the past. Recent studies will be reviewed in order to determine the state of the art for this technology. This will be feasible because there are massive studies and literature from these studies available with regard to artificial intelligence. Once the estate of the art of artificial intelligence has been determined, this will then be critically analyzed to determine how it can be used in developing unmanned cars. According to Neapolitan and Jiang (2012), unmanned Aerial Vehicle Global Hawk in 2001 was one the first unmanned vehicles to be able to make a long journey nonstop. In 2004, Spirit and Opportunity were two robots that

Understanding Best Methods in Evidence-Based Practices in Healthcare Research Paper

Understanding Best Methods in Evidence-Based Practices in Healthcare and for Nurses - Research Paper Example In today’s medical world, electronic clinical information systems (ECIS) are now found in every hospital and clinic setting, allowing for nurses and doctors to quickly access information electronically and apply solutions immediately at the patient’s bedside. When medical staff are able to complete forms and search for information electronically using national standard code terms (or SNLs) on hand-held devices, this eliminates the older practices of having to return to one’s desk to look up information in books and office folders and then notate everything on paper. Eliminating excess time by having portable access to electronic medical information databases on the go, provides the environment in all clinics and hospitals of quickly and accurately providing efficient solutions and operations for all concerned (Allread et al., 2004). The ability for nurses to conduct research also provides the development needed for gaining experience in addressing clinical questi ons about cases and confronting ethical issues (Webb, 2011). Clinical research also provides opportunities to build a strong foundation of scientific information and knowledge, particularly applicable to clinical settings. Research in evidence-based systems also provides opportunities in developing processes within the nursing management sector as part of delivering better information and infrastructure in hospitals and clinics, between management and staff and between management, staff, and patients (Webb, 2011).

Giant Panda and Wildlife Conservation Essay Example for Free

Giant Panda and Wildlife Conservation Essay Wildlife conservation is the most important things in the world. And people have made a lot of progress in this field. In wildlife conservation, people try their best to protect endangered plants and animals, as well as their habitats. The purpose is to make sure that future generations will have enough space to survive and develop well. Countries all over the world have different agencies for wildlife conservation and plenty of nonprofit organizations also take part in the process of this activity. Various kinds of subjects are involved in the process of wildlife conservation. For example, people must use the knowledge in the field of biology and other sciences to recognize the species that are in danger, and to study those species to learn more about their needs. Economics is also involved in wildlife conservation, because the conservationists are trying to find out the most efficient solutions. Apart from these, the protection of wildlife also depends on education very much, using different methods to teach people about the importance of animal habitat conservation. However, the Earth is warming, and humans are using more water than ever before. It is important to know how people save wildlife around the world especially conservation in China, the U. S . and then when happens after conservation especially the governments role in the process to protect wildlife, as well as the effects of these measures. Conservation in China China has a vast variety of species, with the number of mammal species ranking second all over the world. In terms of reptiles and amphibians, China’s ranks are the fourth and sixth respectively. Although China only ranks eighth when it comes to its bird species, there are still about 1,244 types of birds in this country. A lot of these bird species are native to China, and that is why China has the responsibility to protect their future existence. There are sixteen primate species living in China. However, in the northern part of the tropical area, China has precious species such as the Sichuan golden monkey, which can also be found in Hubei as well as Sichuan provinces, and the Yunnan golden monkey, which lives in high-latitude places covered by snow of about 4,270 m. (Harris, 2007).. Golden monkeys, tigers, and pandas are rare and protected animals in China. In China, however, the most famous endangered species of wild animal is definitely the panda The panda is an endangered species of wild animals, and it can only be found in China. So people can say that panda is Chinas unique wild animal, so the protection of this animal is essential. The habitat of pandas lies in the provinces within China’s â€Å"Great Opening of the West†. The place is so fragile and unique that people can only run tourism on a small scale as the only economic activity. Therefore, it is extremely essential to create more nature reserves for the protection of pandas, even though some of them are not working effectively. If we do not pay most of the attention to allocating these areas as habitat for pandas, these places will definitely be used for producing wood and or agricultural crops. Recent survey in 2004 found that many threats including deforestation and persistent poaching interfere with the long-term survival of this endangered species. (Harris, 2007). For instance, Western development for pandas makes Chinese poachers see business opportunities and their harmful behaviors have seriously affected the survival of this precious animal. Human development has affected wildlife survival environment. Because of the population explosion and unsustainable use of natural resources, the panda habitat is also rapidly losing. Pandas adhere to living in a large area of natural forests, which can also be used for agriculture, timber and firewood. Because of Chinas dense population, many of the giant panda population is isolated in no more than 1093-1312 yards wide narrow belt of bamboo. Because of immigration, the pandas habitats are continuing to disappear. In more than 20 pandas range, there are many habitats fragmentation into isolated areas. In these areas, a network of nature reserves exist to protect more than half of the panda population. Because of the requirement for habitat, the giant panda cannot migrate, so they have lost a lot of flexibility as they are not able to find new feeding areas. (Calhoun, 2005). In China, humans’ over-exploitation of trees and the destruction of environment have also caused a large number of pandas to disappear. Moreover, China has no ability to build adequate reserves to protect the panda. Conservation in the United States America is a country with a focus on animal protection and people there treat animals as their close friends. The country of United States has a broad geographical location and there are many kinds of views in the United States, from the polar ice to tropical rain forests, from moderate rain forests to prairies, from mountain summits to desert and coral reefs. There are some places to live, comprising the most richest land on the Earth, such as the lower Mississippi River and the western salt marshes which are some of the most barren areas. Wonderful and various kinds of animals live in many places of this country, such as elk, wolverine, bison, grizzly bear, bald eagle, musk ox, caribou, wolf ,mountain lion, polar bear, and moose, which are booming in these areas. It is also the habitat of thousands of amphibians, fish, bird and reptiles. (â€Å"Wildlife Conservation Society,†n. d. ). Americans attach great importance to the protection of animals and people in the United States to give animals a lot of living space and a good natural environment. In order to ensure the survival of wildlife in the United States, people have founded a vast area of nature reserves. In terms of conservation innovation, the U. S. has a rich history. The U. S. created Yellowstone, the crown jewel of parks in 1872, establishing the concept of national parks. And then in 1932, the first International Peace Park, Glacier-Waterton National Park along the border with Canada was created. Even with a vast system of public lands which provides protection for the wild places in the country, including national parks and wilderness areas for fishing and wildlife refuges and state lands, there are still some conservation challenges caused by management activities on the public lands. Usually, more efficient private lands are a vital component of long-term success in conservation. (â€Å"Wildlife Conservation Society,†n. d. ). The Yellowstone national park is one measure to guarantee the protection of their animals, since the place gives wildlife enough living space. Yellowstone national nature reserve gave wild animals more opportunities and space. People also try their best to protect wolves in the United States. In March 2003, the U. S. fish and wildlife service issued a rule, significantly reducing federal protection for wolves and set the stage to liminate them from the endangered species act (ESA) protection completely. Until now, in terms of the recovery in the number of wolves in the 20th century, the U. S. fish and wildlife service has done a great job. People take wolves into the Yellowstone national park and central Idaho. This protection is considered by many to be one of the great achievements. (Calhoun, 2005). The United States fish and animal protection administration also obtained remarkable achievements in protecting the wolf population. After Conservation After the management of protection on animals by volunteers, the joint efforts of the China panda protection finally result. Recently, the world natural foundation has helped the Chinese government in the field of national habitats of giant panda and its protection program. This program has made significant progress: China now has 33 of the giant panda reserves, and the giant panda habitat reaches around more than 6177 square miles of area. According to a survey in 2004, there were 1600 pandas in the wild. (Calhoun, 2005). With the help of the animal protection association of America and China, multiple reserves are established. China needs more reference to the United States in protecting wild animals. Wildlife protection is the responsibility of people around the world. Chinese and Americans need to learn from each other about how to protect endangered wildlife better in the future. China should, for example, learn from the United States some new ideas of animal protection and the responsibilities of ordinary people when it comes to animal protection in the wild. Through the study of wildlife conservation concept, people in China can improve their animal protection measures, reduce cutting down trees and causing environmental damage any longer. Strengthening the reserve management and reducing the poaching practice, these measures will better protect endangered wild animals. The United States in the field of conservation philosophy occupies a leading position in the whole world. For instance, American people created Yellowstone national park and the international peace park. These huge areas provide plenty of living space for wild animals. China also has an extensive area, so there are a lot of important lessons China can learn from the United States, such as creating national parks and nature reserves in the areas which are suitable for specific kinds of animals. In the meanwhile, if necessary, China may also seek some help as well as advice from the United States. Conservationists work all over the world. To determine the species need to aid and protect them. The subject usually include animals and raise them. Capture prisoner ensure still large and diverse population at the same time environmentalists work establish territorial animals, so they can have a safe place in the field. Wildlife conservation needs also need to be balanced with other desires, because many countries value forms of entertainment like hiking in the wilderness, camping, hunting and makes it impossible to set aside land makes wild animals live. In this respect, China only attaches great importance to the development and demand of human beings. Ignored, the environment and wild animals, and other important factors.

Quota Printing Essay Example for Free

Quota Printing Essay The best things in life are free. However, anything that is provided without any controls attached should impose a certain degree of responsibility. This will ensure that the overall efficiency of the right can be maximized by all individuals concerned. In the case of the free printing abuse in the library, the best possible resolution is to implement an individualized imposition of responsible printing instead of simply making the facility available without limitations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One possible solution for the problem is to implement a quota for printing per student. Each enrolled individual will have to register first in the database in which they will have to input their complete name and student number. Afterwards, the library can impose a printing system which will allow each student to avail the first 50 to 100 pages (depending on the decision of the library) of printing free for the entire semester. The next pages thereafter shall be charged a definite amount of at least about five cents per page as noted in the article. This way, the students will have the responsibility to only use their free pages of printing in an efficient way which will help them become responsible. Moreover, five cents worth of printing page is still reasonable for any student’s budget allowance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For the concern of having to wait long queue of printing, the library can install one more printing machine in the library. Because of the great savings in resources (paper, electricity, ink) and the possible accumulation of budget coming from the 5c/page beyond quota charges, is it possible to purchase another equipment to make printing faster for all the students who want to request for a printing job. Of course, the same implementation ruling should be provided to the second printer which will be connected in the single student user database for the number of printed page monitoring.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is always an exciting experience to acquire something without any charges. But sometimes, it is inevitable to encounter inconsiderate individuals who would only want to abuse something that is free. In order to resolve this problem, it is always necessary to impose a definite restriction in free services to help each user become responsible. A simple limitation rule can greatly help a free system effective.

China Social Classes

China Social Classes The social class structure of China has a long history, ranging from the feudal society of imperial times to the industrialising and urbanising society of today. The traditional Chinese social structure was distinct in many ways from the Western societies. Not only has the Peoples Republic by far the largest population ruled by a single government, and has lacked an institutional church or otherwise powerful religious elite, it has also always had a unique and highly developed lineage system operating alongside a centralised bureaucratic political structure. The former disparities have led Whyte et al (1977) to conclude that modern processes of social change would proceed differently from both the West and other developing economies. The main aim of this essay is to describe and account for the changes in Chinas social classes since 1949. It is important, however, to firstly define this term so that a clear distinction of the social groups within the Chinese society can be drawn. It will become apparent, that not only have the changes for the various classes been vast, but also that the Maoist government had been hugely occupied with stratifying their people as a means to abolish the class structure to ultimately reach an egalitarian society. The principal line of reasoning of this paper is that these conflicting events have created the greatest divide amongst Chinese society, i.e. between the rural and the urban population, whose consequences are still omnipresent today more than thirty years after Maos death. â€Å"Class, at its core, is an economic concept; it is the position of individuals in the market that determines their class position. And it is how one is situated in the marketplace that directly affects ones life chances.† (Hurst, 2007) This was theorized by Weber in his three-component theory of stratification which includes wealth, prestige and power on the basis of unequal access to material resources.† (Weber, 1964). One of the most prominent Chinese sociologists and author of Xiangtu Zhonguo, Fei Xiaotong, argues that Chinese society consists of a meticulous ranking of people, who are classified according to distinct categories of social relationships. While western societies are made up of an organisational mode of association (tuantigeju), Chinese society is created by applying logic of chaxugeju, i.e. an egocentric system of social networks linking people together in multiple ways through moral demands on each person in a specific context. As such, Fei argues, China should not be viewed as a class-based but a net-work based system. This notion is a harsh contrast to the Marxist interpretation and to the use of class-analysis that Mao and others applied in an attempt to change Chinese society and to mobilise the peasantry, rather than as a way to understand it. Maos idea was to use Marxism to break through the old relational bonds of society, which he labelled feudalistic, and to create new ca tegories for rebuilding the social order. Much of the difficulties in understanding the Chinese concept of class stems from the tumult within the society it is intended to analyse. As Kraus (1981) notes first revolution, then rapid industrialisation have compressed a broad range of radical social changes within a single generation. And most of all, â€Å"changing Chinese approaches to the class system of the PRC are themselves elements in the social conflict which they prescribe, illuminate and obscure† (ibid). The Party had a great interest in class analysis, which was purely strategic, never academic. Maos 1926 essay â€Å"the Analysis of the Classes in Chinese Society† opens with the question â€Å"Who are our enemies? Who are our friends?† (Selected Works of Mao Tse-Tung, 1967). In order to reach one day the desired egalitarian society that Marx had proposed for the future the party had to specify the social order of the present time and of each individual c itizen. That way, potential support could be identified and mobilised, the enemies isolated and the intermediate classes be persuaded to join sides with the revolutionaries. In an attempt to identify the people who should receive benefits and those who should lose them, the Party applied a complex system of over sixty class designations which ranged from categories that were clearly bad such as capitalists and landlords, through to intermediate designations of petty bourgeoisie and middle peasant, to the workers and poor peasants in whose name the revolution had been made.1 The unfamiliarity of the ordinary people and many cadres with the Marxist notion of class categories led Mao to demand the press to publish the categories in newspapers so that all persons could understand the significance of their new class designations. Since the revolution was based in rural areas, the semi-feudal set of class designations was more elaborate than others. Kraus (1981) suggests that the differen tiation of rural classes was complex both because of the wide-ranging relationships which they encompassed and because of the Partys experience with them. It is for this reason that the designation of strata within classes was particularly rich, including e.g. hired agricultural labourer, poor peasant, middle peasant, rich peasant etc., while the varieties of landlords are even more impressive and contain a certain connotation, such as enlightened landlord, bankrupt, tyrannical, reactionary, hidden or overseas Chinese landlords. Although the Party worked systematically in applying the theories of Karl Marx in designating the different classes, and although Marxs theory of class has been subject to considerable controversy among academics and practicing revolutionaries, it is certain that Marx never understood class to be what twentieth-century western social science calls stratification. Unlike the latter, which is essentially a static concept, class is embedded in history, is dynamic and is centred upon the question of change. Dahrendorf (?) adds that, for Marx â€Å"the theory of class was not a theory of a cross section of society arrested in time but a tool for the explanation of changes in total societies.† Social Change under Mao: During empirical times prestige was generated from education, abstention from manual labour, wealth expended on the arts and education, as well as a large family with many sons and an extensive personal network. In summary, there was no sharp divide between the elite and masses, and social mobility was possible and common. Chinese society since the second decade of the twentieth century, has been the subject of a revolution intended to change it in fundamental ways. As the model shows, Chinese society now has a peasant class, a working class (which includes urban state workers and urban collective workers as well as urban non-state workers and peasant workers), a capitalist class (about 15 million), a cadre class (about 40 million and a quasi-cadre class (about 27 million). According to Li Yi the basic pattern of Chinese society was established by 1960, and all changes since then, including the economic reforms in the 1980s have only been modifications and adjustments to the pattern. Li describes this pattern as â€Å"cellular†, i.e. most people belong to one large, all-embracing unit such as a factory, government office of village. The main transformation of the society was carried out by the party during the 1950s in a series of major campaigns. Society was organised â€Å"vertical†, i.e. each individual and social group was put into a hierarchically organised system as opposed to belonging to social institutions that were organised horizontally by their members. On the macro-level one could find the pervasive system of the cerntralised buraucracy (xitong) which itself was organised according to the ‘branch (tiao) principle. The micro-level was represented by work-units (danwei), state-enterprises and rural collectives, which encompassed each individuals live comprehensively. As White (1993) notes, this â€Å"system of verticality has led to social encapsulation† , which means that individuals and groups were â€Å"encloistered† within their units and separated from other units at the same level. Cadres after 1950s: After 1949, the Communist Party cadres became the new upper class in China, with the revolutionaries ruling the country. Their status allowed them access to materials and options that werent fairly distributed or otherwise reachable. Especially housing, which was in great demand particularly in the larger cities, was easily accessible for cadres who were protected from the intense competition for the scarce living space. Countryside: When the communists came to power in the 1950s, the social hierarchy changed fundametally. The communist party held peasants and those people in esteem who had joined the communist revolution. In an attempt to reduce rural inequalities, resources were confiscated from the wealthy, and since wealth consisted primarily of agricultural land, the landlord families were the target of harsh punishment campaigns. Many of the latter as well as educated elites lost their land and other properties and many were executed in retribution for the exploitation of tenant farmers. From 1951 one, the initial land reform redistributed the confiscated land equally and foremostly to those families who didnt own any for them to farm privately. In 1953, however, a series of reformes were implemented in which the government began taking back this land, designating it as community property. â€Å"Families were required to work larger plots of land collectively, in groups of twenty to forty households† (bookrags.com, 2008) and the harvest was split between the government and the collective. At the same time, local governments took over commerce, shops, markets and other forms of private trade and replaced them by supply and marketing cooperatives and the commercial bureaus of the local governments. Thus, instead of using the farmed produce for themselves and instead of selling of the surplus on local markets, individuals were â€Å"paid† for their efforts in points by the newly established supply cooperatives, which then periodically traded the grain for money. On the whole, the size of the unit was increased and the role of private ownership as well as inherited land was decreased. By the early 1960s, an estimated 90 million family farms had been replaced by about 74,000 communes. Maos overall vision was to capitalise on the sheer number of peasants and effecitvely produce a surplus harvest that would help industralisation. This was known as the Great Leap forward, which is now widely regarded as a failure since it had resulted in the death of more than twenty million peasants. Urban life after 1950: At the same time as the land reforms were implemented in rural areas, large industries and in fact virtually all privately owned business were nationalised in the cities and craft enterprises and guilds were reorganised into large-scale cooperatives which became the branches of the local governments. Just as farmers were put into communes, state workers were placed in large work units called danweis. In an effort to ensure full employment, market competition in these firms was eliminated. People leaving school were assigned jobs bureaucratically, and once matched a job, employees could not quit voluntarily. But they could not be fired either, and thus had a job guaranteed in the same company for life with their children inheriting their position. In fact, there did not exists such a word as ‘unemploment in the Chinese language, according to the idea that there exist no unemployment in socialist countries, only individuals â€Å"waiting for work† (Imamura, 2003). Mobility within the danwei mostly only consisted of gaining administrative promotions. Since most of the alternative routes to social mobility were closed off, formal education continued to be the primary avenue of upward mobility. But since the urban education reform grew at a rate much faster than in rural areas, more and more workers were high school graduates. The slowing of state industries and the increasing number of qualified middle class candidates contributed to the fact that it became increasingly difficult to obtain a position as a state worker. Hence, urban youths not selected for further eduaction and those looking for work were often sent to rural areas to work in agriculture. This flow has been increased by more intensive mobilisation and a new law was passed that demanded secondary school graduates to work in agriculture for at least to years before becoming eligible for further schooling. In this mode, a total of 12 million urban youths were moved to the countryside betwee n 1968 and 1975 (Whyte et al, 1977). These large transfers of urban people to rural areas were made possible by the state monopoly over employment and urban housing, by the hukou registration and rationing, and by the impressive political network that had alrady been established in all neighbourhoods. On the whole, one can say that this rural settlement has been accomplished by social pressure rather than by incentives to move. It is debatable whether this massive programm of population transfers was intended primarily to â€Å"avoid having large numbers of ‘unemployed people living in cities parasitically† (Bernstein, 1977), or whether this was meant to be part of a more positive effort to close the rural-urban gap by supplying villages with well-educated and more scientifically sophisticated personnel. Urban inequalities were further reduced through salary compression in firms. Differences in the salary paid for high-skill, high-prestige occupations such as doctors and other professionals, and blue-collar work such as unskilled factory employees was decreased dramatically. Efforts were also maid to downplay the social importance of the former and to increase the prestige of the latter. Ever concerned about economic inequalities, the government also appropriated wealth and abolished labout markets in urban areas. Privately owned housing was seized and subdivided into much smaller living spaces. Effectively, families could rent apartments but never purchase them, which abolished a key element in wealth inequalities because properties could not be perpetuated from generation to generation any longer. Communist overall: position? It is readily distinguishable that communism has brought about far-reaching changes in China with the rural population having to adjust to the shifting ideological currents. Traditionally, the average citizen, and especially the more than eighty percent rural population, had little or nothing to do with the central of local government. Most peasants lives were centred on their home village or township, while the family was the main unit of economic production and social activity. The Maoist revolution, however, injected the Communist party into every sphere of rural and urban life and every institution of society. Thus, for the average Chinese citizen, whether rural or urban, Communism has brought about an almost intrusive role of governmental element into the daily life and embedded itself in the operations of all significant facets of the economy and society. The formerly local, small-scale and fragmented power structure was replaced by a national and well-integrated bureaucratic s ystem. The unpredictable consequences of market forces were replaced by administrative allocation and changing economic polices enforced by the government. Rural-Urban-Divide Marx did, moreover, make out the elimination of the distinction between city and countryside as one of the major goals of the future Communist society. In the 1950s, however, and ironically enough in light of Marxist pretensions the Party drove a wedge between rural and urban areas that was novel in Chinese history. Solinger (1999) explains that its chief purpose was to lock onto the land a potential underclass, ready to be exploited to fulfill the new states cherished project of industrialisation. The party used administrative orders and resource controls to isolate the urban population, not just geographically but socially as well. Although Marx had predicted that only capitalist states would do so, the party hoped to be to be able to draw upon the peasantry as an industrial reserve army. The Hukou-System By the 1960s the Chinese government had implemented their policy of household registration which was different from anything that had previously existed both in China and in the rest of the socialist world. The aim of the hukou system was to avoid over-urbanisation, to make distribution of state services through the work units and communes easter and to better prepare the population for a possible invastion by the Sovjet Union. It eliminated geographical mobility entirely since it â€Å"fixed people permanently on the basis of their birth place or their husbands residence† (Cheng and Selden, the City) and thus made it illegal to migrate from the countryside into cities.Accordingly, all persons were required to register their place of residence officially, with records maintained by the public security office of the higher agricultural cooperative in the countryside and in the neighborhood in cities. From then on, residence status became an ascribed, inherited one, which determ ined an individuals entire livelihood and welfare based on the location of the registration. Since rations of grain, cloth and other needed articles were tied to ones hukou, individuals living in urban areas without permission had to live off friends, relatives or the black market. Although a class system in the usual sense was abolished, a new set of categories, if not precisely a new class system supplanted the dismantled class hierarchy of the past. There were 6 different levels of ranks, in descending order: peasants, non-peasants, city and town residents, urbanities, those in large cities, and those in cities directly administered by the central government. â€Å"Just after liberation, peasant households did not fell lower rank (diren yideng) and urban ones did not feel higher Later, a great difference in interest came from the differences in where one lived†¦ A ranking structure was gradually established with the peasant household at the lowest level.† (Ging, Zhongguo xianxing). Therefore, one can conclude that the hukou system did actually set up a new class distinctions between the rural and urban populace. This understanding of class draws upon Honigs work on the ethnicity of native place in China, in which she offers the rich insight that native-place identity, and thus the urban-versus-rural-identity can well serve as â€Å"a metaphor for class† (Honig, Creating Chinese Ethnicity). The boundaries placed around the rural population as a whole rendered the peasantry as a separate, inferior class or status group in comparison to urban residents. Because the generic peasant was not legally prohibited from migrating, when the Hukou was destroyed in (?), migration took on a totally state-determined and ‘class-based dimension. As Kraus rightly states, â€Å"the CCP first set boundaries around peasants, marking them off as a separate, ascribed status group almost a pariah class and then barring them from entering urban areas.† Or if they did enter, it was never as citizens, but as subjects, who were not supported with the rationed food or access to welfare services. When peasants and semi-peasants entered the city, the often felt comparatively deprived by the tightly locked city walls. Whereas everyone was poor in the country side, differences in wealth were readily obvious after entering the city. Impact of Economic Reform on Chinese Society On the eve of reform, the structure of Chinese civil society was similar to a typical less-developed country of the third world, despite Maos efforts to make certain industrial and technological advancements, which were most notable in the nuclear armaments sector. As Chinese social statistical data (Zhongguo shehui tongji ziliao) states, in 1978 eightytwo percent of the population were rural, 71% of the countrys labour force worked in agriculture or related activites, 93.3% worked in manual labour as opposed to mental ones and the private sector was negligible so that the main destinction was between state and collective sectors. The vast majority of the people, i.e. 76% worked in rural collectives, and only 5.1% in urban collectives. 18.6 % of the people worked for state enterprises. White (1993) concludes, that this institutional devide reinforced the rural-urban distintion because levels of income and conditions of work were generally superior in state firms. Since the rise of ot her classes such as self-employed or private entrepreneurs was prohibited, Chinas social structure on the eve of reform was relatively homogenous. According to White, the ‘official structure only contained two classes (workers and peasants) and one stratum (intelligentsia). In an attempt to further homogenise the members of each social group, uniform conditions of work were imposed upon them and the emergence of internal differences limited. The economic reforms, on the whole, have affected the specific social classes in different ways and have led to changes in the existing groups and have even led to the rise of new ones. This has created a new political environment which may affect the fundamental credibility of the communist regime and may influence the policy process in the future. The main impact of the reforms on society can be described as its shift â€Å"away from the state and its ancillary agencies† (ibid) towards individuals, households, firms and groups. The change in the relationship between the state and society has brought about an uneven redistribution of economic power for the latter and this dispersion of greater social power has opened up the potential for a new social sphrere with greater social autonomy from the state. One can possible observe the shoots of an incipient civil society which also brings about crucial implications for Chinas long-term political future. These shifts were part of a broader process of rapid social differentiation. Chinese social structure has become more complex both in terms of structure and attitudes because the existing classes have itself become more internally complex due to diversification in the different economic sectors, in the forms of ownership and the levels of income. Some of the new classes and strata that have emerged are: The nuveau-riche peasant, who have made money quickly in recent years through specialised agricultural production or diversification into the local industries, trade and services. (see Song article); Private entrepreneurs in the cities, who have accumulated small fortunes through personal initiatives, specialised skills or good guanxi-networks; A growing number of entrepreneurial managers in state-owned enterprises who are well attuned to the spreading logic of market competition. Moreover, Chinese society has become more fluid and dynamic again and there has been a rapid increase in horizontal mobility within the countryside, between urban and rural areas and between regions. Conclusion: The political apparatus used to destroy the old inequalities has itself given rise to a new set of social distinctions. Political power has been employed to transform Chinese society but it seems that the Party changed society faster than it has been able to modify its comprehension of a dynamic social structure. As Wallerstein concludes, â€Å"classes do not have some permanent reality. Rather, they are formed, they consolidate themselves, they disintegrate or disaggregate, and are reformed. It is a process of constant movement, and the greatest barrier to understanding their action is reification.† In the capitalist society movement between classes is a possibility. Hence the use of the term â€Å"The American Dream† to show the ability of people to ascend to a higher class through hard work and ingenuity. â€Å"Class composition is forever changing, to the point where there may be a completely new set of families.† (Schumpeter, 165) Furthermore, Chinas leaders wanted to change some aspects that were found in the traditional society such as the content of education and rural tenure, but they left other aspects, e.g. the family structure, largely untouched. In the villages the army offered the only reasonable alternative to a lifetime spent in the fields, and in fact, demobilised soldiers staffed much of the local administrative structure in rural areas. Systematic attempt by the regime to contain society within a limited number of categories. 1 see handout about social classes References: Hurst, Charles E. (2007). Social Inequality Forms, Causes, and Consequences Sixth Edition. Allyn and Bacon Boston, MA. Weber, Max. (1964). The Theory of Social and Economic Organization. edited by Talcott Parsons. New York, NY: The Free Press Selected Works of Mao Tse-tung, Beijing: Foreign Language Press, 1967, 1:13 (Wallerstein, I. (1975) ‘Class-Formation in the Capitalist World-Economy, Politics and Society, Volume 5(3) p. 369) White, G. (1993), Riding the Tiger The Politics of Economic Reform in Post-Mao China. London: Macmillan. http://www.bookrags.com/research/social-stratificationchina-ema-05/ as at 3rd. April 2008. Imamura, H. (2003) ‘Unemployment Problems and Unemployment Insurance in China Far Eastern Studies Vol.2 (March), pp.45-67. Whyte, M.K., Vogel, E.F., and Parish, W.L. (1977) ‘Social Structure of World Regions: Mainland China Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 3, pp. 179-207. Bernstein, T. (1977) The Transfer of Urban Youth to the Countryside: Revolutionary Change in China. New Haven, Conn: Yale University Press. Zhongguo shehui tongji ziliao (ZGSHTJZL; China Social Statistical Data

Community Service Essay -- Humanitarian Organizations Essays

Community Service People complain everyday about the problems in this world. One of my complaints is about people who complain! I have a high respect for those who take actions to try to solve these problems. One major group which has to solve problems this is internationally recognized is Rotary International. Another group with similar goals is The Ruritan Foundation. Both of these groups have a website used by people all over the world to communicate information about their organization and how people can get involved. Ruritan focuses on the loval community and serving on a much smaller scale than Rotary. For Rotary, an overall emphasis is made on international service needs and diversity among people, as well as advancing global awareness about issues. There are more ignorant people out there than you may think. According to the main website, www.rotary.org., "Rotary International is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ehtical standards in all vocations, and help huild good will and peace in the world." Rotarians devote their lives so much to humanity that its motto is "Service before Self,"by service and helping others and ultimately, in a utopian world, accomplishing peace, in daily personal lives as well as while working on Rotary-specific projects (About Rotary). You may be asking what types of concerns this association cares about. According to the "About Rotary" section of the website, they address many of today's most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracu, and violence, to name a few. Getting involved in a particular area of concern would not be a s... ...s website in that it contains a list of links on the left side to investigate differnt aspects of the organization. The webpage is not as formal as that of Rotary International, but still is not necessary that it is. The differences between Ruritan Foundation and Rotary International actually complement each other. while Ruritan focuses on the local community and serving its needs, Rotary has world-wide perspective on similar issues. Information for prospective members is also a crucial objective of these websites since they are target readers. People who are too stagnate to follow through with their altruistic desires can at least donate money to the people who take action on their calling to kindness. The Rotary and Ruritan organizations relate to almost all people in this world, whether a member, donating, or receiving care; everyone can benefit.

Metamorphosis Essay -- essays research papers

Metamorphosis Metamorphosis is a story that is easily related to this ever so cruel world and the life each of us live today. Each of us experience alienation just as Gregor did in the story. We experience from friends and even worse family. When changes arrive that we can't cope with, we sometimes except them grudgingly, or we simply run away from that change. What we fail to realize is the fact that the change (trial or problem) will still be there to deal with upon returning. Gregor Samsa had already been experiencing some alienation in the beginning. Gregor provided for his family, believing that they weren't capable of this. In being the only individual providing for his family, he had a slight tendency to work too hard and too much, pushing himself away from them and keeping to hi...

21st Century Capitalism Essay -- Term Papers Research Essays

21st Century Capitalism 21st Century Capitalism. By Robert Heilbroner. (New York: Norton, 1993. 175pp., $17.95) The Work of Nations: Preparing Ourselves for 21st Century Capitalism. By Robert Reich. (New York: Vintage, 1992. 339pp., $14.00) Undoubtedly, the 20th century has witnessed some of the most significant economic events in modern history. For example, the Great Depression saw capitalism come close to its end, and the principles of laissez-faire repudiated as the New Deal was enacted to rehabilitate the economy. More recently, the downfall of the Soviet Union represented a major victory for capitalism over the now-defunct communist system, which is nearing extinction even in the land of Mao, as China reluctantly and gradually moves towards a free market economy. Despite the fall of communism, one should not be too quick to celebrate. Alas, the future of capitalism remains undetermined. Several notable economists have issued predictions for the role of capitalism in the upcoming years. I choose to focus on two: Robert Heilbroner and Robert Reich. Robert Heilbroner, the Harvard-educated economist and New School professor most noted for The Worldly Philosophers, details his predictions for the future of capitalism in 21st Century Capitalism. Heilbroner is reluctant to draw any great conclusions about capitalism’s future and instead leads a rather deceptive course, first analyzing capitalism â€Å"from a distance†. Heilbroner’s first task is to study the primitive !Kung people of Africa’s Kalahari Desert in a brilliantly effective and easy-to-understand strategy intended to differentiate between the three forces of Command, Tradition, and the Market. Describing Tradition, he writes â€Å"From their infancy, Kun... ...xpecting striking revelations about capitalism’s future. Perhaps the disparity is due to the fact that Heilbroner is a brilliant economist, equal to the likes of Keynes, Schumpeter, and Galbraith, while Reich is a politician-as-academic. Another point worth noting is the likely audiences of both books. Heilbroner, whose works are read in college economics courses across the nation, likely intended his book for serious economists. On the contrary, Reich’s book with its colorful cover is likely intended for the general audience. In conclusion, Heilbroner’s long list of scholarly achievements will now grow by one. 21st Century Capitalism is a brilliantly written work with expert analysis and a masterful study of the future of economics. However, Reich's work is somewhat less impressive, and his analysis is, to a certain extent, less in-depth than that of Heilbroner.

Effective institution & education

In the increasing diversity and challenges in education, every student looks for an effective institution that will cater their needs and interests as an individual. Each one feels the need to be comfortable not only in the curriculum or degree they are taking but at the same time the availability to expand their knowledge and experience outside the four walls of the classroom.In the end, the integral part of the learning process involves synchronizing student goals with the framework of the school/college.The choice of education has always been an important decision for me as I engage into another phase of my life. I feel the need to prefer a school that will cater to my needs as a student and at the same time offer opportunities to grow in my other talents and capabilities. Moreover, it must also showcase a nurturing environment where I can establish healthy social relationships with my peers and colleagues.Lastly, I favor an educational institution that will accommodate for my hol istic maturity as an individual. With all of these, Gonzaga College High School came into my mind.One important reason how the Gonzaga will benefit me as a student is the fact that it can serve as my training ground to have the necessary skills to be competitive amongst my counterparts. Its curriculum boasts numerous classroom programs aimed towards enhancing potentials inside and outside the classroom.Likewise, it can instill in me the discipline and proper attitude to address work and study. By giving me these relative experiences, I can better deal with more complex and complicated situations without compromising effectiveness and quality of work.Another reason that Gonzaga can provide assistance in my education is its ability to harness my other capabilities and talents. With my current interest in lacrosse, I feel that I can be a good contribution to the team if ever I am accepted. I will try to the utmost of my capacity to make it one of the best in the league.On the other han d, my musical inclination can be enhanced by the school as well. By giving me the opportunity to play in a musical band, my guitar skills can be better and at the same time provide enjoyment to listeners.Lastly, I do believe that Gonzaga can supply my interests as a student which is why it has been my first choice for attending and independent school. This is because I do not believe that the public school system can give me the sufficient academic and social environment that Ð ° student like myself desires and needs for future advancement.With a better management and dedicated educators, I feel that making this choice shall never be a mistake. This is why I firmly believe that the admission in Gonzaga will give me an edge and provide a learning environment in which I can use to excel and pave the way for a good college education.In the end, it may be true that a good educational institution is beneficial for the student to have a better future. However, it must also take the dedic ation and perseverance of an individual to succeed. I believe that I too must also contribute to my overall improvement.Though the school can have the necessary tools towards attaining these objectives, the rest of the process still rests on my part. Due to this, I feel that having the proper attitude and mindset towards education and learning can supplement what the school and teachers provide. It is this merging and continuous exchange between two processes that the overall goals of self improvement and success are attained

History of Statistics Essay

The history of statistics can be said to start around 1749 although, over time, there have been changes to the interpretation of the word statistics. By the 18th century, the term â€Å"statistics† designated the systematic collection ofdemographic and economic data by states. In the early 19th century, the meaning of â€Å"statistics† broadened to include the discipline concerned with the collection, summary, and analysis of data. Today statistics is widely employed in government, business, and all the sciences. Electronic computers have expedited statistical computation, and have allowed statisticians to develop â€Å"computer-intensive† methods. The Word statistics have been derived from Latin word â€Å"Status† or the Italian word â€Å"Statista†, meaning of these words is â€Å"Political State† or a Government. Shakespeare used a word Statist is his drama Hamlet (1602). In the past, the statistics was used by rulers. The application of statistics was very limited but rulers and kings needed information about lands, agriculture, commerce, population of their states to assess their military potential, their wealth, taxation and other aspects of government. Gottfried Achenwall used the word statistik at a German University in 1749 which means that political science of different countries. In 1771 W. Hooper (Englishman) used the word statistics in his translation of Elements of Universal Erudition written by Baron B.F Bieford, in his book statistics has been defined as the science that teaches us what is the political arrangement of all the modern states of the known world. There is a big gap between the old statistics and the modern statistics, but old statistics also used as a part of the present statistics. During the 18th century the English writer have used the word statistics in their works, so statistics has developed gradually during last few centuries. A lot of work has been done in the end of the nineteenth century. At the beginning of the 20th century, William S Gosset was developed the methods for decision making based on small set of data. During the 20th century several statistician are active in developing new methods, theories and application of statistics. Now these days the availability of electronics computers is certainly a major factor in the modern development of statistics. * Statistics helps in providing a better understanding and exact description of a phenomenon of nature. * Statistical helps in proper and efficient planning of a statistical inquiry in any field of study. * Statistical helps in collecting an appropriate quantitative data. * Statistics helps in presenting complex data in a suitable tabular, diagrammatic and graphic form for an easy and clear comprehension of the data. * Statistics helps in understanding the nature and pattern of variability of a phenomenon through quantitative obersevations. * Statistics helps in drawing valid inference, along with a measure of their reliability about the population parameters from the sample data. * Actuarial science is the discipline that applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in the insurance and finance industries. * Biostatistics is a branch of biology that studies biological phenomena and observations by means of statistical analysis, and includes medical statistics. * Business analytics is a rapidly developing business process that applies statistical methods to data sets (often very large) to develop new insights and understanding of business performance & opportunities * Chemometrics is the science of relating measurements made on a chemical system or process to the state of the system via application of mathematical or statistical methods. * Demography is the statistical study of all populations. It can be a very general science that can be applied to any kind of dynamic population, that is, one that changes over time or space. * Econometrics is a branch of economics that applies statistical methods to the empirical study of economic theories and relationships. * Environmental statistics is the application of statistical methods to environmental science. Weather, climate, air and water quality are included, as are studies of plant and animal populations. * Epidemiology is the study of factors affecting the health and illness of populations, and serves as the foundation and logic of interventions made in the interest of public health and preventive medicine. * Geostatistics is a branch of geography that deals with the analysis of data from disciplines such as petroleum geology,hydrogeology, hydrology, meteorology, oceanography, geochemistry, geography. * Operations research (or Operational Research) is an interdisciplinary branch of applied mathematics and formal science that uses methods such as mathematical modeling, statistics, and algorithms to arrive at optimal or near optimal solutions to complex problems. * Population ecology is a sub-field of ecology that deals with the dynamics of species populations and how these populations interact with the environment. * Psychometrics is the theory and technique of educational and psychological measurement of knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and personality traits. * Quality control reviews the factors involved in manufacturing and production; it can make use of statistical sampling of product items to aid decisions in process control or in accepting deliveries. * Quantitative psychology is the science of statistically explaining and changing mental processes and behaviors in humans. * Statistical finance, an area of econophysics, is an empirical attempt to shift finance from its normative roots to a positivistframework using exemplars from statistical physics with an emphasis on emergent or collective properties of financial markets. * Statistical mechanics is the application of probability theory, which includes mathematical tools for dealing with large populations, to the field of mechanics, which is concerned with the motion of particles or objects when subjected to a force. * Statistical physics is one of the fundamental theories of physics, and uses methods of probability theory in solving physical problems. * Statistical thermodynamics is the study of the microscopic behaviors of thermodynamic systems using probability theory and provides a molecular level interpretation of thermodynamic quantities such as work, heat, free energy, and entropy.

Eco friendly theme parks Essay

Inquiring and analyzing Theme parks contribute to a number of environmental problems, one being air pollution. Theme parks require large amounts of energy; they need energy to power the rides, to keep the ac running, to light the park etc. Providing all this energy contributes to CO2 emissions. Not only does the park need huge amounts of energy, the transport to the theme park (e.g. cars, trains, buses etc.) also emit CO2. Also there’s lots of excess waste produced due to the large crowds attracted to the theme park creating trash. Also, water parks use an excessive amount of water to run their water slides, this creates water wastage. Theme parks may also destroy animal and plant habitat in order for them to be built on the right location but this varies from different theme parks. Why do we need a solution? Global warming is one of the biggest issues that our generation faces, by contributing in this battle against global warming every bit helps. Creating a more ecofriendly form of entertainment can possibly help save our planet. By providing an eco friendly theme park we’re not only making teenagers more aware of our environment but we’re also saving our earth from large emissions of carbon dioxide. Theme parks are mainly here for people’s amusement and entertainment where people can relax and have fun. They’re socially beneficial to escape from one’s daily life and bond with others. Identify and prioritize the primary and secondary research needed to develop a solution to the problem Conducting an online Survey using survey monkey targeting teenagers. 1) Conducting how often teenagers visit theme parks and what types to find a suitable solution (ages 14-19) of 20 students. How often do you visit a theme park? Never Once a year Once every couple of months Every months Every week What irritates you the most? Crowded areas Trash Diluted Air What type of Theme park do you prefer Water Park Amusement Park What would you think is a suitable solution against global warming? Solar panels Wind mills Recycling Hydroelectricity http://www.ehow.com/info_8483212_environmental-come-making-theme-park.html http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/solar-power-help-environment.htm

Digital Fortress Chapter 22

David Becker strode over and stared down at the old man asleep on the cot. The man's right wrist was wrapped in a cast. He was between sixty and seventy years old. His snow-white hair was parted neatly to the side, and in the center of his forehead was a deep purple welt that spread down into his right eye. A little bump? he thought, recalling the lieutenant's words. Becker checked the man's fingers. There was no gold ring anywhere. Becker reached down and touched the man's arm. â€Å"Sir?† He shook him lightly. â€Å"Excuse me†¦ sir?† The man didn't move. Becker tried again, a little louder. â€Å"Sir?† The man stirred. â€Å"Qu'est-ce†¦ quelle heure est-† He slowly opened his eyes and focused on Becker. He scowled at having been disturbed. â€Å"Qu'est-ce-que vous voulez?† Yes, Becker thought, a French Canadian! Becker smiled down at him. â€Å"Do you have a moment?† Although Becker's French was perfect, he spoke in what he hoped would be the man's weaker language, English. Convincing a total stranger to hand over a gold ring might be a little tricky; Becker figured he could use any edge he could get. There was a long silence as the man got his bearings. He surveyed his surroundings and lifted a long finger to smooth his limp white mustache. Finally he spoke. â€Å"What do you want?† His English carried a thin, nasal accent. â€Å"Sir,† Becker said, over pronouncing his words as if speaking to a deaf person, â€Å"I need to ask you a few questions.† The man glared up at him with a strange look on his face. â€Å"Do you have some sort of problem?† Becker frowned; the man's English was impeccable. He immediately lost the condescending tone. â€Å"I'm sorry to bother you, sir, but were you by any chance at the Plaza de Espana today?† The old man's eyes narrowed. â€Å"Are you from the City Council?† â€Å"No, actually I'm-â€Å" â€Å"Bureau of Tourism?† â€Å"No, I'm-â€Å" â€Å"Look, I know why you're here!† The old man struggled to sit up. â€Å"I'm not going to be intimidated! If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times-Pierre Cloucharde writes the world the way he lives the world. Some of your corporate guidebooks might sweep this under the table for a free night on the town, but the Montreal Times is not for hire! I refuse!† â€Å"I'm sorry, sir. I don't think you under-â€Å" â€Å"Merde alors! I understand perfectly!† He wagged a bony finger at Becker, and his voice echoed through the gymnasium. â€Å"You're not the first! They tried the same thing at the Moulin Rouge, Brown's Palace, and the Golfigno in Lagos! But what went to press? The truth! The worst Wellington I've ever eaten! The filthiest tub I've ever seen! And the rockiest beach I've ever walked! My readers expect no less!† Patients on nearby cots began sitting up to see what was going on. Becker looked around nervously for a nurse. The last thing he needed was to get kicked out. Cloucharde was raging. â€Å"That miserable excuse for a police officer works for your city! He made me get on his motorcycle! Look at me!† He tried to lift his wrist. â€Å"Now who's going to write my column?† â€Å"Sir, I-â€Å" â€Å"I've never been so uncomfortable in my forty-three years of travel! Look at this place! You know, my column is syndicated in over-â€Å" â€Å"Sir!† Becker held up both hands urgently signaling truce. â€Å"I'm not interested in your column; I'm from the Canadian Consulate. I'm here to make sure you're okay!† Suddenly there was a dead quiet in the gymnasium. The old man looked up from his bed and eyed the intruder suspiciously. Becker ventured on in almost a whisper. â€Å"I'm here to see if there's anything I can do to help.† Like bring you a couple of Valium. After a long pause, the Canadian spoke. â€Å"The consulate?† His tone softened considerably. Becker nodded. â€Å"So, you're not here about my column?† â€Å"No, sir.† It was as if a giant bubble had burst for Pierre Cloucharde. He settled slowly back down onto his mound of pillows. He looked heartbroken. â€Å"I thought you were from the city†¦ trying to get me to†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He faded off and then looked up. â€Å"If it's not about my column, then why are you here?† It was a good question, Becker thought, picturing the Smoky Mountains. â€Å"Just an informal diplomatic courtesy,† he lied. The man looked surprised. â€Å"A diplomatic courtesy?† â€Å"Yes, sir. As I'm sure a man of your stature is well aware, the Canadian government works hard to protect its countrymen from the indignities suffered in these, er-shall we say-less refined countries.† Cloucharde's thin lips parted in a knowing smile. â€Å"But of course†¦ how pleasant.† â€Å"You are a Canadian citizen, aren't you?† â€Å"Yes, of course. How silly of me. Please forgive me. Someone in my position is often approached with†¦ well†¦ you understand.† â€Å"Yes, Mr. Cloucharde, I certainly do. The price one pays for celebrity.† â€Å"Indeed.† Cloucharde let out a tragic sigh. He was an unwilling martyr tolerating the masses. â€Å"Can you believe this hideous place?† He rolled his eyes at the bizarre surroundings. â€Å"It's a mockery. And they've decided to keep me overnight.† Becker looked around. â€Å"I know. It's terrible. I'm sorry it took me so long to get here.† Cloucharde looked confused. â€Å"I wasn't even aware you were coming.† Becker changed the subject. â€Å"Looks like a nasty bump on your head. Does it hurt?† â€Å"No, not really. I took a spill this morning-the price one pays for being a good Samaritan. The wrist is the thing that's hurting me. Stupid Guardia. I mean, really! Putting a man of my age on a motorcycle. It's reprehensible.† â€Å"Is there anything I can get for you?† Cloucharde thought a moment, enjoying the attention. â€Å"Well, actually†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He stretched his neck and tilted his head left and right. â€Å"I could use another pillow if it's not too much trouble.† â€Å"Not at all.† Becker grabbed a pillow off a nearby cot and helped Cloucharde get comfortable. The old man sighed contentedly. â€Å"Much better†¦ thank you.† â€Å"Pas du tout,† Becker replied. â€Å"Ah!† The man smiled warmly. â€Å"So you do speak the language of the civilized world.† â€Å"That's about the extent of it,† Becker said sheepishly. â€Å"Not a problem,† Cloucharde declared proudly. â€Å"My column is syndicated in the U.S.; my English is first rate.† â€Å"So I've heard.† Becker smiled. He sat down on the edge of Cloucharde's cot. â€Å"Now, if you don't mind my asking, Mr. Cloucharde, why would a man such as yourself come to a place like this? There are far better hospitals in Seville.† Cloucharde looked angry. â€Å"That police officer†¦ he bucked me off his motorcycle and then left me bleeding in the street like a stuck pig. I had to walk over here.† â€Å"He didn't offer to take you to a better facility?† â€Å"On that godawful bike of his? No thanks!† â€Å"What exactly happened this morning?† â€Å"I told it all to the lieutenant.† â€Å"I've spoken to the officer and-â€Å" â€Å"I hope you reprimanded him!† Cloucharde interrupted. Becker nodded. â€Å"In the severest terms. My office will be following up.† â€Å"I should hope so.† â€Å"Monsieur Cloucharde.† Becker smiled, pulling a pen out of his jacket pocket. â€Å"I'd like to make a formal complaint to the city. Would you help? A man of your reputation would be a valuable witness.† Cloucharde looked buoyed by the prospect of being quoted. He sat up. â€Å"Why, yes†¦ of course. It would be my pleasure.† Becker took out a small note pad and looked up. â€Å"Okay, let's start with this morning. Tell me about the accident.† The old man sighed. â€Å"It was sad really. The poor Asian fellow just collapsed. I tried to help him-but it was no use.† â€Å"You gave him CPR?† Cloucharde looked ashamed. â€Å"I'm afraid I don't know how. I called an ambulance.† Becker remembered the bluish bruises on Tankado's chest. â€Å"Did the paramedics administer CPR?† â€Å"Heavens, no!† Cloucharde laughed. â€Å"No reason to whip a dead horse-the fellow was long gone by the time the ambulance got there. They checked his pulse and carted him off, leaving me with that horrific policeman.† That's strange, Becker thought, wondering where the bruise had come from. He pushed it from his mind and got to the matter at hand. â€Å"What about the ring?† he said as nonchalantly as possible. Cloucharde looked surprised. â€Å"The lieutenant told you about the ring?† â€Å"Yes, he did.† Cloucharde seemed amazed. â€Å"Really? I didn't think he believed my story. He was so rude-as if he thought I were lying. But my story was accurate, of course. I pride myself on accuracy.† â€Å"Where is the ring?† Becker pressed. Cloucharde didn't seem to hear. He was glassy-eyed, staring into space. â€Å"Strange piece really, all those letters-looked like no language I'd ever seen.† â€Å"Japanese, maybe?† Becker offered. â€Å"Definitely not.† â€Å"So you got a good look at it?† â€Å"Heavens, yes! When I knelt down to help, the man kept pushing his fingers in my face. He wanted to give me the ring. It was most bizarre, horrible really-his hands were quite dreadful.† â€Å"And that's when you took the ring?† Cloucharde went wide-eyed. â€Å"That's what the officer told you! That I took the ring?† Becker shifted uneasily. Cloucharde exploded. â€Å"I knew he wasn't listening! That's how rumors get started! I told him the Jap fellow gave away the ring-but not to me! There's no way I would take anything from a dying man! My heavens! The thought of it!† Becker sensed trouble. â€Å"So you don't have the ring?† â€Å"Heavens, no!† A dull ache crept through the pit of his stomach. â€Å"Then who has it?† Cloucharde glared at Becker indignantly. â€Å"The German! The German has it!† Becker felt like the floor had been pulled out from under him. â€Å"German? What German?† â€Å"The German in the park! I told the officer about him! I refused the ring but the fascist swine accepted it!† Becker set down his pen and paper. The charade was over. This was trouble. â€Å"So a German has the ring?† â€Å"Indeed.† â€Å"Where did he go?† â€Å"No idea. I ran to call the police. When I got back, he was gone.† â€Å"Do you know who he was?† â€Å"Some tourist.† â€Å"Are you sure?† â€Å"My life is tourists,† Cloucharde snapped. â€Å"I know one when I see one. He and his lady friend were out strolling the park.† Becker was more and more confused every moment. â€Å"Lady friend? There was somebody with the German?† Cloucharde nodded. â€Å"An escort. Gorgeous redhead. Mon Dieu! Beautiful.† â€Å"An escort?† Becker was stunned. â€Å"As in†¦ a prostitute?† Cloucharde grimaced. â€Å"Yes, if you must use the vulgar term.† â€Å"But†¦ the officer said nothing about-â€Å" â€Å"Of course not! I never mentioned the escort.† Cloucharde dismissed Becker with a patronizing wave of his good hand. â€Å"They aren't criminals-it's absurd that they're harassed like common thieves.† Becker was still in a mild state of shock. â€Å"Was there anyone else there?† â€Å"No, just the three of us. It was hot.† â€Å"And you're positive the woman was a prostitute?† â€Å"Absolutely. No woman that beautiful would be with a manlike that unless she were well paid! Mon Dieu! He was fat, fat, fat! A loudmouthed, overweight, obnoxious German!† Cloucharde winced momentarily as he shifted his weight, but he ignored the pain and plowed on. â€Å"This man was a beast-three hundred pounds at least. He locked onto that poor dear like she was about to run away-not that I'd blame her. I mean really! Hands all over her. Bragged that he had her all weekend for three hundred dollars! He's the one who should have dropped dead, not that poor Asian fellow.† Cloucharde came up for air, and Becker jumped in. â€Å"Did you get his name?† Cloucharde thought for a moment and then shook his head. â€Å"No idea.† He winced in pain again and settled slowly back into his pillows. Becker sighed. The ring had just evaporated before his eyes. Commander Strathmore was not going to be happy. Cloucharde dabbed at his forehead. His burst of enthusiasm had taken its toll. He suddenly looked ill. Becker tried another approach. â€Å"Mr. Cloucharde, I'd like to get a statement from the German and his escort as well. Do you have any idea where they're staying?† Cloucharde closed his eyes, his strength fading. His breathing grew shallow. â€Å"Anything at all?† Becker pressed. â€Å"The escort's name? There was a long silence. Cloucharde rubbed his right temple. He was suddenly looking pale. â€Å"Well†¦ ah†¦ no. I don't believe†¦Ã¢â‚¬  His voice was shaky. Becker leaned toward him. â€Å"Are you all right?† Cloucharde nodded lightly. â€Å"Yes, fine†¦ just a little†¦ the excitement maybe†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He trailed off. â€Å"Think, Mr. Cloucharde.† Becker urged quietly. â€Å"It's important.† Cloucharde winced. â€Å"I don't know†¦ the woman†¦ the man kept calling her†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He closed his eyes and groaned. â€Å"What was her name?† â€Å"I really don't recall†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Cloucharde was fading fast. â€Å"Think.† Becker prodded. â€Å"It's important that the consular file be as complete as possible. I'll need to support your story with statements from the other witnesses. Any information you can give me to help locate them†¦Ã¢â‚¬  But Cloucharde was not listening. He was dabbing his forehead with the sheet. â€Å"I'm sorry†¦ perhaps tomorrow†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He looked nauseated. â€Å"Mr. Cloucharde, it's important you remember this now.† Becker suddenly realized he was speaking too loudly. People on nearby cots were still sitting up watching what was going on. On the far side of the room a nurse appeared through the double doors and strode briskly toward them. â€Å"Anything at all,† Becker pressed urgently. â€Å"The German called the woman-â€Å" Becker lightly shook Cloucharde, trying to bring him back. Cloucharde's eyes flickered momentarily. â€Å"Her name†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Stay with me, old fella†¦ â€Å"Dew†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Cloucharde's eyes closed again. The nurse was closing in. She looked furious. â€Å"Dew?† Becker shook Cloucharde's arm. The old man groaned. â€Å"He called her†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Cloucharde was mumbling now, barely audible. The nurse was less than ten feet away yelling at Becker in angry Spanish. Becker heard nothing. His eyes were fixed on the old man's lips. He shook Cloucharde one last time as the nurse bore down on him. The nurse grabbed David Becker's shoulder. She pulled him to his feet just as Cloucharde's lips parted. The single word leaving the old man's mouth was not actually spoken. It was softly sighed-like a distant sensual remembrance. â€Å"Dewdrop†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The scolding grasp yanked Becker away. Dewdrop? Becker wondered. What the hell kind of name is Dewdrop? He spun away from the nurse and turned one last time to Cloucharde. â€Å"Dewdrop? Are you sure?† But Pierre Cloucharde was fast asleep.