Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Toni Morrison s Beloved, Traumatic Memories From The Past...

Within America’s history there are sixty million and more African Americans with untold stories lost forever. To those voiceless, the cruelties of slavery brought suffering and loss. Cruelty involves causing pain to another, but at its core it has a much more deeper meaning; it is when an advantage over another being is unnecessarily used to inflict lasting damage and humiliation out of pleasure and self-fulfillment from the perpetrator. As seen in author Toni Morrison’s novel, Beloved, traumatic memories from the past linger among the characters as they try to deal with slavery’s scars and move forward in life. Cruelty appears in the novel through the people who profited from dehumanizing slaves and the victims who lived under oppression, which shows how a white supremacist society can have harmful long-term effects on a person’s psyche in relation to behavior and self-image. A main issue that occurred among former slaves was the difficult rebuilding of identity since they were made to feel like nothing more than cattle under the slavery system. African Americans laid in the mercy of their owners who methodically broke down the spirits of the enslaved until they lost all hope of obtaining individuality. Former slave and Sweet Home inhabitant, Paul D, expressed anguish over feeling dehumanized in the lines, â€Å"Schoolteacher changed me. I was something else and that something was less than a chicken sitting in the sun on a tub† (72). To feel worth less than a chickenShow MoreRelatedBeloved Essay3346 Words   |  14 PagesBeloved Essay In today’s modernized world, it is crucial to be able to comprehend and recognize conflicts dealing with racial tensions due to the increased growth of diversity in nations all over the world. Countries like North America are inhabited by people of different backgrounds, cultures, and colors. Since there is intermingling among everyone, the differences between the diverse ethnic backgrounds could stir up trouble which can lead to serious skirmishes like Watts Rebellion in 1965. To

Monday, December 16, 2019

Participatory sensing services for smart phones Free Essays

1. Motivation In modern society, environmental pollution is usually a headache for citizens, especially those who live in the urban areas. Many researches have shown that there is a direct link between environmental pollution and health effects. We will write a custom essay sample on Participatory sensing services for smart phones or any similar topic only for you Order Now In the last two decades, the overall environment quality has improved. However, there is still a concern about environmental pollution in the urban areas. Citizens, especially the elderly and children, are vulnerable to the effects of environmental pollution. Nowadays, the latest technologies in the wireless field provide an innovative approach for the citizens to access the information about environmental pollution. With over 3 billion subscriber lines active today, nearly half the world’s population uses mobile phones [1]. Given the right structure, the ubiquitous mobile devices could act as sensor nodes, capable of capturing, classifying, and transmitting environmental data, such as image, acoustic, and temperature. In the foreseeable future, other sensors may be embedded in or connect wirelessly to the mobile phones to gather information about air pollutants, like CO2, NO2 and SO2. Participatory sending can employ a variety of devices to collect data; however, some special characteristics of mobile phones enable them to be an unprecedented tool for engaging participants in sensing their local environment. The sheer ubiquity across the geographic and demographic spectrum and the broad proliferation of cellular infrastructure and mobile phone usage make it possible to collect data over large areas for little incremental cost. Participatory sensing will utilize current wireless network, which consists numerous mobile phones, to form a vast interactive participatory sensor network that enables professional users and lay public to gather, analyze and share environment information [2]. Citizens, especially the elderly, children, urban commuters, urban office workers and students, will benefit from such a revolutionary technology. 2. Background In virtue of the rosy prospect and importance of participatory sensing, there are more and more research institutes engaging in this field. The concept of PES has been proposed in recent years (Karatzas, 2005; Burke et al., 2006; Goldman et al., 2009), and related projects have been in development around the world, especially in the USA and Europe [3]. PEIR, one of the most successful participatory sensing projects, is research collaboration between CENS, UCLA and Nokia. It makes use of Internet to allow citizens to use their mobile phones to interact with PEIR, and explore and share the impact between environment and the citizens. PEIR senses pollution by using existing infrastructure without user intervention and emphasizes how individual transportation choices simultaneously influence both environmental impact and exposure, which makes it different from other existing carbon footprint calculators [4]. Eye on Earth project of the European Environment Agency is a two-way communication platform on the environment. It has introduced the participation of millions of ordinary people to create the first environmental portal that includes citizens’ observations on air and bathing water quality at present. Eye on Earth aims to gradually include information on many other environmental topics and grow to a global observatory for environmental change [5]. MESSAGE is to provide data collecting through three sensor platforms for the planning, management and control of the environmental impacts of transport activity at urban, regional and national level. Mobile phones are investigated to support a sensing system, in which people play an important role [6]. In addition to the projects introduced above, other participatory sensing projects have also appeared, such as Living Environments, Citysense, Common Sense, Envitori and MIMAQ [3]. A lot of evidences have shown that new intuitive ways of interactions and user friendly context aware service can be introduced by various sensors in mobile phones. Therefore, mostly specialized sensors were applied in participatory sensing. Some projects also suggest that standard sensors already embedded in the mobile phones can be used for this. Overall, there are a variety of participatory sensing projects, and they can be divided into three categories according to the participation patterns [1]: Collective Design and Investigation. A group of individuals work together to decide where, what and why to sense. Then a data collection system is collectively designed, and an investigation is conducted. The group interprets the data and acts on the results. An evident feature of this participatory pattern is that the community of participants owns the entire process. Instead of serving merely research subjects, individuals play an active role in the investigative process. Public contribution. Individuals or organizations define inquiries and then other individuals collect data in respond to such inquiries. In this case, participants actively engage in the data collection and make contributions to an effort they find meaningful. For organizers, they can gather as many data as possible at a scale unachievable by professionals acting alone. Personal Use and Reflection. Individuals log information about themselves, like images, sounds and so on. Such recorded information may reveal hidden habits and patterns in one’s life after analyzed and visualized. Participants use the results for personal discovery to reflect on, evaluate, and perhaps change patterns that were previously overlooked. 3. Methods Data collection and interpretation are the heart of participatory sensing which places the emphasis on the involvement of citizens and community groups. In spite of participation patterns, the basic process for every participatory sensing project is similar, and it can be broken down into the following eight steps: coordination, capture, transfer, storage, access, analysis, feedback and visualization [1]. Coordination explains the sensing effort to the participants and provides necessary guidance to them. Capture is the collection of data on a mobile phone, which is the core step of participatory sensing. Data can be captured by the existing sensors already embedded in the mobile phones or by those specialized sensors connecting wirelessly to the mobile phones. In the course of data collection, the credibility of data must be guaranteed. More significantly, data about geographical position and time must be captured every time. Transfer is processed automatically by mobile phones via wireless network. Mobile phone software takes the responsibility of uploading data and makes it transparent to the participants. Furthermore, mobile phone software should be tolerant of inevitable network interruptions. Storage takes place on servers which are distributed remotely in the Internet. Access is under the control of project organizers and participants according to the privacy policy. Due to the possible disclosure of private information about the participants, it is of vital importance for the participants to determine what information to share and with whom. Analysis includes various data-processing methods, the calculation of group statistics and the integration of contributed data into statistical and spatial models that can be used to determine patterns in space and time. Feedback may be required in the event of a project triggering manual or automatic events. Visualization is closely related to the analysis. It is the step to present the contributed data after analysis. In some sense, well-designed visualization increases the applicability of a participatory sensing project. The project of Participatory sensing services for smart phones can be divided into two collaborative subprojects based on the Android platform, one focusing on data gathering and the other one dealing with the data processing and visualization. We take the responsibility for presenting data in some friendly and easy-understandable way. Thus the data analysis and visualization are the center of our work. For the subproject of data processing and visualization, we have to deal with data and services. In the assumption that the contributed data are already available and their credibility has been verified, we get data via a server-based application which acts as a data storage. This server-based application will provide web service interfaces for data access. Thus WSDL language for web services will be utilized to develop an Android-based application with the aid of development environments like Eclipse. There are a wide variety of available solutions to make use of web services via Android, and the solution to use ksoap2 will be suitable for our project. The data accessed via web services can be classified into two kinds: subjective data and objective data. Subjective data: a categorization of the quality of the environment. They are feedback commented and reported by the citizens on the air quality. We intend to make use of the EEA categorization for air pollution, which is applicable on http://www.eyeonearth.eu/. Objective data: in the form of numeric values. They are automatically captured by the sensors or reported manually by the users. Images, sound, location and time are objective data. All data processed in the frame of participatory sensing project will include the following three categories of information: Georeference. Geographical position and time is extremely important for participatory sensing, and forms the cornerstone of the follow-up work. User categories. At the initial stage, our project will serve the urban commuters, office workers, students and the elderly. Other categories of users are possibly added if necessary at the later stage. We allocate every user group a unique ID, which will be used to identify the category which the users belong to. Furthermore, category ID will be used to send a request to the server which involves user category. Thematic profiling. Our project is to process information about environment and we aim to deal with air pollution, odors, noise, traffic congestion and waste. In order to present the result of the contributed data to the participants in a user-friendly and easy-understandable way, GMap API may be utilized to map the georeference and thematic profiling, which will provide an interactive feature between our project and participants. Due to the distinct flexibility, Modest Maps API is an alternative to achieve the same goal. 4. Metrics for evaluation To encourage the handset owners to participate in our project, privacy protection policy has to be taken into account to prevent privacy disclosure. One of the basic rules is that participants cannot access other people’s private information, and such an attempt should be denied. Furthermore, the data visualization should be easily and readily comprehended or understood not only by the professional users but also by the general public. In some sense, the degree of understandability of data presentation determines the scope of applicability of participatory sensing. Another metric related to the visualization is that the users are able to customize the configuration to present what they want. With regard to air quality, if the concentration of air pollutants detected does not fall into the scope which is safe and suitable for humankind, the participants should receive a warning, so that they can take actions to avoid being harmed. Due to regional differences, different air pollution standards are applied in different areas. 5. Outputs The output of our project is an application running on the Android platform. Interested people can download it from the Internet and install it in their Android phones to access the information about environment surrounding them. 6. Workplan The rough time schedule of our project is listed below, including the milestones and corresponding estimated completion dates. In table 1, some stages may overlap with others. In the course of project development, the time schedule may be changed according to specific situation. Milestone Anticipated completion date Analyze the project and do literary reviewFebruary 28, 2011 Define the project scopeFebruary 28, 2011 Write the research proposalMarch 23, 2011 Study mobile phone programming techniquesMay 27, 2011 Make a plan for the projectMay 28, 2011 Implement the projectJuly 28, 2011 Test the projectAugust 3, 2011 Take field trialsAugust 5, 2011 Deliver the projectAugust 8, 2011 Complete the dissertationAugust 19, 2011 7. References [1] J. Goldman, K. Shilton, J. Burke, D. Estrin, M. Hansen, N. Ramanathan, S. Reddy, V. Samanta, M. Srivastava, R. West, â€Å"Participatory Sensing: A citizen-powered approach to illuminating the patterns that shape our world† [2] J. Burke, D. Estrin, M. Hansen, A. Parker, N. Ramanathan, S. Reddy, M. B. Srivastava, â€Å"Participatory Sensing† [3] https://projects.inf.ed.ac.uk/msc/project?number=P165 [4] http://urban.cens.ucla.edu/projects/peir [5] http://www.eyeonearth.eu/About.aspx?culture=en-GB [6] http://bioinf.ncl.ac.uk/message/?q=node/5 How to cite Participatory sensing services for smart phones, Essay examples Participatory sensing services for smart phones Free Essays 1. Motivation In modern society, environmental pollution is usually a headache for citizens, especially those who live in the urban areas. Many researches have shown that there is a direct link between environmental pollution and health effects. We will write a custom essay sample on Participatory sensing services for smart phones or any similar topic only for you Order Now In the last two decades, the overall environment quality has improved. However, there is still a concern about environmental pollution in the urban areas. Citizens, especially the elderly and children, are vulnerable to the effects of environmental pollution. Nowadays, the latest technologies in the wireless field provide an innovative approach for the citizens to access the information about environmental pollution. With over 3 billion subscriber lines active today, nearly half the world’s population uses mobile phones [1]. Given the right structure, the ubiquitous mobile devices could act as sensor nodes, capable of capturing, classifying, and transmitting environmental data, such as image, acoustic, and temperature. In the foreseeable future, other sensors may be embedded in or connect wirelessly to the mobile phones to gather information about air pollutants, like CO2, NO2 and SO2. Participatory sending can employ a variety of devices to collect data; however, some special characteristics of mobile phones enable them to be an unprecedented tool for engaging participants in sensing their local environment. The sheer ubiquity across the geographic and demographic spectrum and the broad proliferation of cellular infrastructure and mobile phone usage make it possible to collect data over large areas for little incremental cost. Participatory sensing will utilize current wireless network, which consists numerous mobile phones, to form a vast interactive participatory sensor network that enables professional users and lay public to gather, analyze and share environment information [2]. Citizens, especially the elderly, children, urban commuters, urban office workers and students, will benefit from such a revolutionary technology. 2. Background In virtue of the rosy prospect and importance of participatory sensing, there are more and more research institutes engaging in this field. The concept of PES has been proposed in recent years (Karatzas, 2005; Burke et al., 2006; Goldman et al., 2009), and related projects have been in development around the world, especially in the USA and Europe [3]. PEIR, one of the most successful participatory sensing projects, is research collaboration between CENS, UCLA and Nokia. It makes use of Internet to allow citizens to use their mobile phones to interact with PEIR, and explore and share the impact between environment and the citizens. PEIR senses pollution by using existing infrastructure without user intervention and emphasizes how individual transportation choices simultaneously influence both environmental impact and exposure, which makes it different from other existing carbon footprint calculators [4]. Eye on Earth project of the European Environment Agency is a two-way communication platform on the environment. It has introduced the participation of millions of ordinary people to create the first environmental portal that includes citizens’ observations on air and bathing water quality at present. Eye on Earth aims to gradually include information on many other environmental topics and grow to a global observatory for environmental change [5]. MESSAGE is to provide data collecting through three sensor platforms for the planning, management and control of the environmental impacts of transport activity at urban, regional and national level. Mobile phones are investigated to support a sensing system, in which people play an important role [6]. In addition to the projects introduced above, other participatory sensing projects have also appeared, such as Living Environments, Citysense, Common Sense, Envitori and MIMAQ [3]. A lot of evidences have shown that new intuitive ways of interactions and user friendly context aware service can be introduced by various sensors in mobile phones. Therefore, mostly specialized sensors were applied in participatory sensing. Some projects also suggest that standard sensors already embedded in the mobile phones can be used for this. Overall, there are a variety of participatory sensing projects, and they can be divided into three categories according to the participation patterns [1]: Collective Design and Investigation. A group of individuals work together to decide where, what and why to sense. Then a data collection system is collectively designed, and an investigation is conducted. The group interprets the data and acts on the results. An evident feature of this participatory pattern is that the community of participants owns the entire process. Instead of serving merely research subjects, individuals play an active role in the investigative process. Public contribution. Individuals or organizations define inquiries and then other individuals collect data in respond to such inquiries. In this case, participants actively engage in the data collection and make contributions to an effort they find meaningful. For organizers, they can gather as many data as possible at a scale unachievable by professionals acting alone. Personal Use and Reflection. Individuals log information about themselves, like images, sounds and so on. Such recorded information may reveal hidden habits and patterns in one’s life after analyzed and visualized. Participants use the results for personal discovery to reflect on, evaluate, and perhaps change patterns that were previously overlooked. 3. Methods Data collection and interpretation are the heart of participatory sensing which places the emphasis on the involvement of citizens and community groups. In spite of participation patterns, the basic process for every participatory sensing project is similar, and it can be broken down into the following eight steps: coordination, capture, transfer, storage, access, analysis, feedback and visualization [1]. Coordination explains the sensing effort to the participants and provides necessary guidance to them. Capture is the collection of data on a mobile phone, which is the core step of participatory sensing. Data can be captured by the existing sensors already embedded in the mobile phones or by those specialized sensors connecting wirelessly to the mobile phones. In the course of data collection, the credibility of data must be guaranteed. More significantly, data about geographical position and time must be captured every time. Transfer is processed automatically by mobile phones via wireless network. Mobile phone software takes the responsibility of uploading data and makes it transparent to the participants. Furthermore, mobile phone software should be tolerant of inevitable network interruptions. Storage takes place on servers which are distributed remotely in the Internet. Access is under the control of project organizers and participants according to the privacy policy. Due to the possible disclosure of private information about the participants, it is of vital importance for the participants to determine what information to share and with whom. Analysis includes various data-processing methods, the calculation of group statistics and the integration of contributed data into statistical and spatial models that can be used to determine patterns in space and time. Feedback may be required in the event of a project triggering manual or automatic events. Visualization is closely related to the analysis. It is the step to present the contributed data after analysis. In some sense, well-designed visualization increases the applicability of a participatory sensing project. The project of Participatory sensing services for smart phones can be divided into two collaborative subprojects based on the Android platform, one focusing on data gathering and the other one dealing with the data processing and visualization. We take the responsibility for presenting data in some friendly and easy-understandable way. Thus the data analysis and visualization are the center of our work. For the subproject of data processing and visualization, we have to deal with data and services. In the assumption that the contributed data are already available and their credibility has been verified, we get data via a server-based application which acts as a data storage. This server-based application will provide web service interfaces for data access. Thus WSDL language for web services will be utilized to develop an Android-based application with the aid of development environments like Eclipse. There are a wide variety of available solutions to make use of web services via Android, and the solution to use ksoap2 will be suitable for our project. The data accessed via web services can be classified into two kinds: subjective data and objective data. Subjective data: a categorization of the quality of the environment. They are feedback commented and reported by the citizens on the air quality. We intend to make use of the EEA categorization for air pollution, which is applicable on http://www.eyeonearth.eu/. Objective data: in the form of numeric values. They are automatically captured by the sensors or reported manually by the users. Images, sound, location and time are objective data. All data processed in the frame of participatory sensing project will include the following three categories of information: Georeference. Geographical position and time is extremely important for participatory sensing, and forms the cornerstone of the follow-up work. User categories. At the initial stage, our project will serve the urban commuters, office workers, students and the elderly. Other categories of users are possibly added if necessary at the later stage. We allocate every user group a unique ID, which will be used to identify the category which the users belong to. Furthermore, category ID will be used to send a request to the server which involves user category. Thematic profiling. Our project is to process information about environment and we aim to deal with air pollution, odors, noise, traffic congestion and waste. In order to present the result of the contributed data to the participants in a user-friendly and easy-understandable way, GMap API may be utilized to map the georeference and thematic profiling, which will provide an interactive feature between our project and participants. Due to the distinct flexibility, Modest Maps API is an alternative to achieve the same goal. 4.Metrics for evaluation To encourage the handset owners to participate in our project, privacy protection policy has to be taken into account to prevent privacy disclosure. One of the basic rules is that participants cannot access other people’s private information, and such an attempt should be denied. Furthermore, the data visualization should be easily and readily comprehended or understood not only by the professional users but also by the general public. In some sense, the degree of understandability of data presentation determines the scope of applicability of participatory sensing. Another metric related to the visualization is that the users are able to customize the configuration to present what they want. With regard to air quality, if the concentration of air pollutants detected does not fall into the scope which is safe and suitable for humankind, the participants should receive a warning, so that they can take actions to avoid being harmed. Due to regional differences, different air pollution standards are applied in different areas. 5. Outputs The output of our project is an application running on the Android platform. Interested people can download it from the Internet and install it in their Android phones to access the information about environment surrounding them. 6. Workplan The rough time schedule of our project is listed below, including the milestones and corresponding estimated completion dates. In table 1, some stages may overlap with others. In the course of project development, the time schedule may be changed according to specific situation. Milestone Anticipated completion date Analyze the project and do literary reviewFebruary 28, 2011 Define the project scopeFebruary 28, 2011 Write the research proposalMarch 23, 2011 Study mobile phone programming techniquesMay 27, 2011 Make a plan for the projectMay 28, 2011 Implement the projectJuly 28, 2011 Test the projectAugust 3, 2011 Take field trialsAugust 5, 2011 Deliver the projectAugust 8, 2011 Complete the dissertationAugust 19, 2011 References J. Goldman, K. Shilton, J. Burke, D. Estrin, M. Hansen, N. Ramanathan, S. Reddy, V. Samanta, M. Srivastava, R. West, â€Å"Participatory Sensing: A citizen-powered approach to illuminating the patterns that shape our world† J. Burke, D. Estrin, M. Hansen, A. Parker, N. Ramanathan, S. Reddy, M. B. Srivastava, â€Å"Participatory Sensing† https://projects.inf.ed.ac.uk/msc/project?number=P165 http://urban.cens.ucla.edu/projects/peir http://www.eyeonearth.eu/About.aspx?culture=en-GB http://bioinf.ncl.ac.uk/message/?q=node/5 How to cite Participatory sensing services for smart phones, Essay examples

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Accounting Calculation of Dividend Valuation Model

Question: Discuss about the calculation of dividend valuation model, it can be concluded that current share price (116.55) of the companys is lower than the calculated share price (196.22) through use the dividend valuation method? Answer: Introduction British American Tobacco plc (BAT) is a British multinational tobacco company that is a leading company that successful worldwide. BAT is operating in more than 180 countries and has taken leading position in around 50 countries. BAT is one of the worlds five largest tobacco companies and it products are enjoyed by millions of consumers in the worldwide. BAT largest and most popular brands are Benson Hedges, Dunhill, Kent, Kool, Lucky Pall Mall, Strike, and Rothmans. The company act responsibly and with integrity. In the year 2012, BAT market capitalization of 65.6 billion that is the sixth-largest of any company those are listed in LSE (London Stock Exchange). It indicates the leading position of the company in the tobacco sector and in the international market. This paper evaluates the shape of the UK yield curve and explains the concept of the UK market risk premium under existing market conditions. In addition, this paper evaluates the price of the BATs share through using the D ividend Valuation Model and recommends the BATs share should be held, bought or sold at present time. Shape of the UK Yield Curve The Bank of England division of the Macro Financial Analysis estimates yield curves for the UK. The below chart indicates the government liability nominal yield curves are derived from UK gilt prices and General Collateral (GC) repo rates. The real yield curves are derived from UK index-linked bond prices. The instruments used in the construction of the commercial bank liability curve are first converted into synthetic bonds, and the same method is then used to produce the commercial bank liability curve as is used for the nominal UK government curve. The nominal OIS (overnight index swap rates) yield curves are derived from the fixed interest rate component of spot OIS contracts (Bank of England, 2015). In addition, the spreadsheets on the Bank of Englands website provide spot rates and instantaneous forward rates for each type of curve. In the below graph, for horizons out to five years, points on the curves are available at monthly intervals. Moreover, the below graph also show available points on the government and bank liability curves out to a horizon of 5 years at half-yearly intervals. Moreover, the yields on UK government based on bonds (gilts) and include nominal and real yield curves and the inflation term structure for the UK (Bank of England, 2015). The estimates of the UK government curve from the period of 2007 to December 2014 that is derived from the estimates of the nominal government liability curves. (Source: Bank of England, 2015) The above graph shown the normal yield curve and indicates that longer maturity bonds have higher yield compared to short-term bonds because long-time risk is higher than short-time. Many economics conceive that a vertical positive curve (normal yield curve) shows higher interest rates, so investors expect high upcoming inflation and strong upcoming growth of the economy (Baker Pow, 2009). The UK yield curve (Shown in below diagram), the short-term yield (blue line) is higher than long-term yield (pink line) that is the sign of coming recession in the future. Many economics consider that an aggressively inverted yield curve indicates low interest rates, so investors assume low inflation and slow economy in the future. In the UK yield curve (in below diagram), short-term and long-term yield are similar or close (not major differences in blue and pink lines) to each other and shown an economic transition situation. The treasury securities are plots the flat yield curve because it is generally considered risk-free. The shape of the yield curve changes over time as it is lower and increased according to time period. Moreover, less changes in the yield curve indicates less uncertainty and changes in inflation and economic growth (Shenkman, Weiner Taback, 2003). In addition, the yield curve shows the less risky position of the UK market or economy due to the improvement in the chat or upward trend of the curve. At the same time, the UK yield curve shape is upward that indicates the good or positive sigh of the economy and the good inflation term structure for the UK. It represents the positive sign for the future of the UK government and indicates the Bank of England will focus on monetary policy through decrease short-term and long-term interest rate to increase growth of economic and face inflation pressure. So, future inflation impacts on yield curve as it change in a vertical positive curve (normal yield curve in the above chart). It indicates the UK government and the Bank of England focused or contributed to maintain the growth of the country through monetary policy (Bank of England, 2015). Moreover, it indicates the good situation of the investors point of view due to upward trend of yield curve and improving trend of the UK economy. UK Market Risk Premium Market risk premium is a central component of every risk and return model in finance. The standard approach to assume market risk premium remains through the use of historical returns data with the difference in annual returns on stocks and bonds over a long time period containing the expected risk premium. The main limitation related to this approach in the UK is the required long periods of historical data and its complete failure in emerging markets as well as the limited and noisy trend of the historical data (Albrecht, Stice, Stice Swain, 2007). In this situation, the UK market risk premium can be estimated through using a base of equity premium and a country risk premium. The alternative approach to estimate market risk premium is based on the updated estimates for most markets without historical data. In addition, risk and return model estimate risk in terms of variance in actual return around an expected return as the investment is riskless if actual return is equal to the expected market return (Batten Szilagyi, 2011). The below graph indicates the equity risk premium historical data points of the UK that have been calculated after taking inflation into account and are based on annual returns. The below graph indicates the past ten year equity risk premium is trending downwards that means risky situation of the market. (Source: See It Market, 2015) In addition, the recent times, the mostly preferred model of estimate market risk through the use of the local currency sovereign rating from Moody's. The Moody's equivalent of the SP rating that estimate the default spread for that rating (based upon traded countries bonds) over a default free UK government bond rate. United Kingdom Moodys rating is Aa1 that indicates the medium risk situation of the market (Damodaran, 2015). Moody rating and the above graph indicates the risky situation (more than average risk premium) of the UK market. Using Dividend Valuation Model to Evaluate the Price of the BATs Share In this section, using the dividend pricing model to evaluate the price of the BATs share and use it to make a recommendation on whether the share as at 1 June 2015, should be held, bought or sold. The below table indicates the share price of British American Tobacco plc (BAT) in the last 25 years at the year ended 31 December: Year Share price 1990 3.5 1991 3.54 1992 4.52 1993 5.25 1994 4.92 1995 6.64 1996 6.25 1997 7.72 1998 8.85 1999 4.25 2000 7.57 2001 9.39 2002 10.9 2003 17.12 2004 22.16 2005 30.41 2006 42.05 2007 50.44 2008 40.79 2009 51.93 2010 60.62 2011 78.97 2012 92.76 2013 89.27 2014 109.46 (Source: Yahoo Finance, 2015) The chart of the changes in the BATs share price in the last 25 years shown in the below that shown the continuous upward trend and high growth of the prices of the share in the market. The below graph and the above table indicates the BATs share price declines highly in 2008 due to the global financial condition but it increased in 2009 and also achieved high growth after crisis. The below table and graph indicates the dividends given by the British American Tobacco plc (BAT) in the last 25 years: Year Dividend Paid 1990 1.040 1991 0.514 1992 0.600 1993 0.589 1994 0.798 1995 0.891 1996 0.995 1997 1.072 1998 0.796 1999 1.000 2000 0.917 2001 0.949 2002 1.071 2003 1.232 2004 1.414 2005 1.615 2006 1.799 2007 2.352 2008 2.648 2009 2.776 2010 3.233 2011 3.852 2012 4.222 2013 4.336 2014 4.904 Average 1.825 (Source: Yahoo Finance, 2015) On the basis of the above 25 years trends of the dividend paid by the BATs, it can be stated that the continuous improvement in the financial performance of the company. On the basis of the continuous growth and upward trend of the BATs share prices in the market and dividend given by the company indicates the investors would have earned sufficient return with less risk in the past 25years those invest in the company stock price (Baker Pow, 2009). Dividend Valuation Model: P= d0 (1+g)/k-g There, d0= Past year dividend (average of 25 years) = 1.825 g (risk free rate) = US 10-year Treasury Bond Rate = 2.14% (Yahoo Finance, 2015) K = Constant growth rate in perpetuity expected for the dividends= 3.09% (Yahoo Finance, 2015) Then, P= d0 (1+g)/k-g (Albrecht, Stice, Stice Swain, 2007) =1.825 (1+0.0214) / (0.0309-0.0214) =1.825 (1.0214)/0.0095 =196.22 Actual share price on 17 August was 116.55. Recommendation On the basis of the above calculation of dividend valuation model, it can be concluded that current share price (116.55) of the companys is lower than the calculated share price (196.22) through use the dividend valuation method. On the basis of the dividend valuation method calculation and current share price, it can be recommended that BATs share would not be purchase by the investors and they would sell the share of the company. The low value of current share price comparison of the calculated share price indicates the risks and less return situation from the investor point of the views. The dividend valuation method calculation indicates the investor would not earn high return if they invest in the BATs stock for the long-term time period. In addition, the past 25 years trends of the share price and dividend indicates differently from the dividend valuation methods as the future of the company is secured and it able to face any financial condition in the future. The continuous high growth and upward trends of the last 25 years regarding the share price and dividend paid to shareholders indicates the improvement in the companys financial performance and its ability to face any situation in the market. The past trends of the companys related to share price and dividend paid to investors growth indicates the different from the dividend value model that investment in the BATs share would be financial beneficial of the investors. The continuous growth trend and upwards situation indicates the less risky and high return situation or condition from the investors point of views. In addition, on the basis of the both the past trends and the dividend valuation method, it can be concluded or recommended that the investors would be invested or hold the BATs share due to the positive trends and strong financial position of the company. The high growth trends in the past 25 years of share price and dividend of BATs (upwards flow of both graphs in the above) indicates in the future the company would be also achieve growth, maintain financial performance and able to face any financial situation or uncertainty of the market. It represents the buy and hold decision of the BATs stock would be good financial decision of the investors points of views in regarding earn high return at less risks. So, the finally recommended that the investors should be held as well as bought the BATs stock to earn high return at less risks rather than invest in the other company. In the global market, the strong market share and strong financial position in the more than 50 countries also indicates the investment in the stock of the BADs would be better financial or economical decision of the investors. References Albrecht, W., Stice, J., Stice, E. Swain, M. (2007). Accounting: Concepts and Applications (10th ed.). USA: Cengage Learning. Baker, H.K. Pow, G. (2009). Understanding Financial Management: A Practical Guide. USA: John Wiley Sons. Bank of England. (2015). NOTES ON THE BANK OF ENGLAND UK YIELD CURVES. Retrieved from: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/statistics/Documents/yieldcurve/yields_background_note.pdf Bank of England. (2015). Yield Curves. Retrieved from: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/statistics/pages/yieldcurve/default.aspx Batten, J. Szilagyi, P.G. (2011). The Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on Emerging Financial Markets. UK: Emerald Group Publishing. Damodaran, A. (2015). Country Default Spreads and Risk Premiums. Retrieved from: https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/datafile/ctryprem.html See It Market. (2015). Equity Risk Premium Historical Data: 1976 to 2012. Retrieved from: https://www.seeitmarket.com/equity-risk-premium-historical-data-1976-to-2012-13300/ Shenkman, M.M., Weiner, S. Taback, I. (2003). Starting a Limited Liability Company. USA: John Wiley Sons. Yahoo Finance. (2015). 10 Year Treasury Rate:2.14% for Aug 12 2015. Retrieved from: https://ycharts.com/indicators/10_year_treasury_rate Yahoo Finance. (2015). British American Tobacco p.l.c. (BTI). Retrieved from: https://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=BTIql=1 Yahoo Finance. (2015). British American Tobacco p.l.c. (BTI): Historical Price. Retrieved from: https://finance.yahoo.com/q/hp?s=BTIa=03b=14c=1990d=07e=17f=2015g=v

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Why Employee Attitude Surveys Fail Essay Example

Why Employee Attitude Surveys Fail Essay 1. What does the Author cite as the most relevant difficulty in measuring an individuals attitudes?As pointed out by Steinberg, W. (2008), it is very difficult to conduct accurate attitude surveys. According to him, it is very difficult a survey which can truly and accurately display an individuals attitude towards his/her working environment. Another main difficulty in measuring attitudes is which tools should be used in order to produce the, best results. In most companies, the management fails to meet the expectations of the workers because they shy off from using the expectation tools. This is because they fear that they cannot be able to meet the expectations of the workers.2. What are some of the conditions that may lead to unsuccessful surveys?Any company’s main objective of operation is to make profit. Therefore the role of the company’s managers is to ensure that they have extracted the best from its workers. However one question has been haunting these manager s for so long: why is it that,   no matter how regularly they conduct survey, the morale, productivity and quality of these employees do not improve?   Steinberg, W. (2008) tries to connect this problem mainly to the conditions in which these managers conduct the surveys. More often than not, most managers conduct these surveys with good intentions of improving employees’ working environment. Their good intentions notwithstanding, in most occasions these managers are not committed to put the survey findings into use. They decline to make the necessary changes that will be key to improving the employees’ working environment thus improving their productivity.In most cases, Steinberg. W. (2008) indicates that, the employees would like to get feedbacks after a survey have been conducted. Contrary to their expectations, most managers rarely or never give the feedbacks of their surveys. This makes the employees to doubt the managers’ motive of conducting the surve y hence leading to dissatisfaction. Dissatisfaction in turn will lead to low productivity.Another condition that leads to low productivity according to Steinberg, W (2008) is when the managers conduct surveys to measure how their company fares in comparison with other similar organizations. The moment the realize that they are doing better than other organizations; they decline to make any changes that will ensure the growth of their organizations.The worst of the conditions as Steinberg, W. (2008) underscores is when the management conducts the surveys with the intention of finding a reason to blame for their failure. Their main intention will be to find areas with the highest dissatisfaction and then vent their anger on those heading those departments.3. What is the downside of using a custom survey?Before you start looking for ways of fixing a problem, it is in order that you identify the problem that is to be solved. Steinberg, W. (2008), suggests that, in organizations the most serious problems are those which the management has not identified. He further suggests that, since the custom survey only have questions on where the management feels there is a problem, it will be difficult for it to reveal the problems that have not been identified by the management.   In most instances, the opposite problems which the management does not expect may occur. Most questions in a custom survey fail to address the areas with the most serious problems. Finally, the custom surveys are not as comprehensive as it is required of a survey instrument.4. Who should be surveyed?The success or failure of an organization will be attributed to all the workers who take part in the running of an organization. Steinberg, W. (2008), points out that, for a survey to be considered successful, it must involve all the workers of that organization. He also suggests that, the managerial work groups of all levels should be surveyed since their problems will directly affect the motivation and morale of other workers.5. What is cited as one of the major reasons why surveys fail?As outlined by Steinberg, W. (2008), the major reason why surveys fail is that, in most cases workers never gets feedback on the results of the survey. The employees get that impression that the management conducted the surveys with sinister motives. This will in turn make the workers feel insecure as far as their jobs are concerned thus low productivity.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Secondly, after conducting the survey, the management tends to do wrong things which may lower the workers morale and motivation. Thirdly, after following the right procedure when conducting the surveys, the employees may fail to recognize the relationship between the steps taken and the survey. Finally, the managers may fail to review the finding of the survey thus they will have nothing to present to their subordinates as feedback. Failure to give feedback leads to more employee dissatisfaction.ReferencesSteinberg, W. (2008). W hy Employees Attitude Surveys Fail. An article on human resource.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Free Essays on Allergies

It is in all likelihood a sinus infection - sinusitis in medical parlance, an ailment that afflicts an about 37 million Americans each year, that is now soaring in prevalence and that is the fifth most common reason for which antibiotics are prescribed. But, experts say, in many cases that prescription is inappropriate and ill-advised, and this misuse of antibiotics is contributing to a growing medical crisis: antibiotic resistance among common bacterial causes of respiratory infections. Sinus infections actually know no seasons, but as the weather cools and upper respiratory infections race through families, friends and work sites, the chance that one or more people will wind up with sinusitis sharply increases. Thus, it is important for everyone to know when to suspect sinusitis, when and how to self-treat and when a doctor's visit and antibiotics are warranted. Causes, Signs and Symptoms Sinusitis is an infection in one or more of the sinus cavities, the air-filled spaces in the front of the skull that keep the head from being too heavy to hold up. There are four sets of sinus cavities located behind and around the nose and eyes. Three of those sets - the maxillaries inside each cheekbone, the ethmoids between the eyes and the spenoids behind the nose - are present at birth but do not develop fully until about the age of 20. The fourth set, the frontal sinuses above the eyes and nose and behind the forehead, does not begin to develop until about the age of 8. Each sinus cavity is connected to the nasal passages by a very thin tube that allows mucus to drain and air exchange to take place. An upper respiratory infection or nasal allergy can block drainage from a sinus cavity and permit a bacterial infection to take hold in the accumulating mucus. Typical symptoms of a bacterial sinus infection include nasal congestion, globs of thick yellow-green mucus, facial pain or pressure, sometimes pain in the upper teeth and a low-gr... Free Essays on Allergies Free Essays on Allergies It is in all likelihood a sinus infection - sinusitis in medical parlance, an ailment that afflicts an about 37 million Americans each year, that is now soaring in prevalence and that is the fifth most common reason for which antibiotics are prescribed. But, experts say, in many cases that prescription is inappropriate and ill-advised, and this misuse of antibiotics is contributing to a growing medical crisis: antibiotic resistance among common bacterial causes of respiratory infections. Sinus infections actually know no seasons, but as the weather cools and upper respiratory infections race through families, friends and work sites, the chance that one or more people will wind up with sinusitis sharply increases. Thus, it is important for everyone to know when to suspect sinusitis, when and how to self-treat and when a doctor's visit and antibiotics are warranted. Causes, Signs and Symptoms Sinusitis is an infection in one or more of the sinus cavities, the air-filled spaces in the front of the skull that keep the head from being too heavy to hold up. There are four sets of sinus cavities located behind and around the nose and eyes. Three of those sets - the maxillaries inside each cheekbone, the ethmoids between the eyes and the spenoids behind the nose - are present at birth but do not develop fully until about the age of 20. The fourth set, the frontal sinuses above the eyes and nose and behind the forehead, does not begin to develop until about the age of 8. Each sinus cavity is connected to the nasal passages by a very thin tube that allows mucus to drain and air exchange to take place. An upper respiratory infection or nasal allergy can block drainage from a sinus cavity and permit a bacterial infection to take hold in the accumulating mucus. Typical symptoms of a bacterial sinus infection include nasal congestion, globs of thick yellow-green mucus, facial pain or pressure, sometimes pain in the upper teeth and a low-gr...

Friday, November 22, 2019

Finding Conditions for Factor Returns and Scale Returns

Finding Conditions for Factor Returns and Scale Returns A factor return is the return attributable to a particular common factor, or an element that influences many assets which can include factors like market capitalization, dividend yield, and risk indices, to name a few. Returns to scale, on the other hand, refer to what happens as the scale of production increases over the long term as all inputs are variable. In other words, scale returns represent the change in output from a proportionate increase in all inputs. To put these concepts into play, lets take a look at a production function with a factor returns and scale returns practice problem. Factor Returns and Returns to Scale Economics Practice Problem Consider the production function Q KaLb. As an economics student, you may be asked to find conditions on a and b such that the production function exhibits decreasing returns to each factor, but increasing returns to scale. Lets look at how you might approach this. Recall that in the article Increasing, Decreasing, and Constant Returns to Scale that we can easily answer these factor returns and scale returns questions by simply doubling the necessary factors and doing some simple substitutions. Increasing Returns to Scale Increasing returns to scale would be when we double all factors and production more than doubles. In our example we have two factors K and L, so well double K and L and see what happens: Q KaLb Now lets double all our factors, and call this new production function Q Q (2K)a(2L)b Rearranging leads to: Q 2abKaLb Now we can substitute back in our original production function, Q: Q 2abQ To get Q 2Q, we need 2(ab) 2. This occurs when a b 1. As long as ab 1, we will have increasing returns to scale. Decreasing Returns to Each Factor But per our practice problem, we also need decreasing returns to scale in each factor. Decreasing returns for each factor occurs when we double only one factor, and the output less than doubles. Lets try it first for K using the original production function: Q KaLb Now lets double K, and call this new production function Q Q (2K)aLb Rearranging leads to: Q 2aKaLb Now we can substitute back in our original production function, Q: Q 2aQ To get 2Q Q (since we want decreasing returns for this factor), we need 2 2a. This occurs when 1 a. The math is similar for factor L when considering the original production function: Q KaLb Now lets double L, and call this new production function Q Q Ka(2L)b Rearranging leads to: Q 2bKaLb Now we can substitute back in our original production function, Q: Q 2bQ To get 2Q Q (since we want decreasing returns for this factor), we need 2 2a. This occurs when 1 b. Conclusions and Answer So there are your conditions. You need ab 1, 1 a, and 1 b in order to exhibit decreasing returns to each factor of the function, but increasing returns to scale. By doubling factors, we can easily create conditions where we have increasing returns to scale overall, but decreasing returns to scale in each factor. More Practice Problems for Econ Students: Elasticity of Demand Practice ProblemAggregate Demand Aggregate Supply Practice Problem

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Competitiveness Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Competitiveness Report - Essay Example Kanter (1995:71) on his work of "Mastering Change" argues that success in the present day business is not for those companies that re-engineer the way they do things, or for those fixing the past. According to Kanter (1995) such an action will not constitute an adequate response. This is so because success is based on an organization's ability to create, rather than predict the future by developing those products that will literally transform the way the world thinks and view it self and the needs (Kanter 1995:71). Through an environmental analysis will understand how a firm's competitive position is affected by different forces. More and more companies are engaging in corporate social responsibility reporting, which helps major stakeholders to better understand how the company interacts with its society. (Sacconi, 2004). This essay uses the PESTLE framework to analyse the impact of an out of town shopping centre to the general population, the transport system and the traditional shopping environment. There after, attention is shifted to a normal shopping environment where, using the SWOT matrix one service organisation (TESCO) is analysed. According to Johnson et al (2005), the PESTEL framework can only be used to look at the future impact of environmental factors and how this impact might be different from the past. Thus an understanding of how the factors in the above framework may drive change is only a starting point (Johnson et al 2005).There is also the need for an understanding of the key change drivers. 1.2 Political Factor Analysis with Respect to the Stockport Shopping Centre Politically, the Manchester out of town shopping centre has been used by politicians as a way to push out and solve the growing congestions within the Manchester city area. The creation of these shopping centers has thus reduced congestion to an extent. Alternative out of city routes are now put into effective use. Though, the political situation of the UK is a stable and unique one, it over dependence through the support of the United States egoistic policies under the pretext of democracy, the war on terror, the tit

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

ABC Application Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

ABC Application - Essay Example The inspiration of this idea was developed when I came across Speak and Translate software of Apple. With the passage of time, as I grew up the issues prevailing in different genders was one of the most controversial things. In my past relationship, understanding a woman remained was the most crucial aspect. I always desired to encode focusing on the tone and way they speak to understand what they actually mean. The idea of ABC Software developed when I was able to see several fun applications for assistance in different things. The use of the sensor to dedicate heartbeat, eye movement, hand movement, etc is possible with a Smartphone. The inducement of the science and technology has always been possible with Smartphone. The conflict between the psychology between the two genders (Male and Female) has remained to be one of the major issues in relationships. Personal inspiration to put science and technology together to create innovate way to overcome psychological gaps between male a nd female is possible through this application. The idea is inspired by several personal life events and observations have provided me a vision to develop this application. The tone detection to translate and decode the meaning is one of the major strength of the application. The unique feature of this application makes this application unique and desirable for individuals. The application can effective way to decode the actual meaning of a girlfriend and can significantly contribute to resolving the conflicts.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Sample Media Interview Q&a Essay Example for Free

Sample Media Interview Qa Essay Sample Media Interview QA Internal Question Answer (QA) documents are often developed to prepare media spokespersons for interviews and include tougher questions than FAQs. Internal QAs also include areas of vulnerability (e. g. who is to blame and could the medical response have been quicker? ) Use the sample QAs below as a guide to create your own during a crisis event. Q: What happened? (Examples: How many people were injured or killed? How much property damage occurred? ) A: At approximately XX:XX, an incident was reported at (location). The details at this point are unknown, however we are working very closely with local emergency response agencies to ensure that the safety of the surrounding community remains the number one priority. Q: Was this a terrorist incident? A: An investigation is taking place and we will update you with details from that investigation as we receive them. Right now, however, our greatest concern is for the welfare of the victims and their families. Q: When did it happen? A: Early reports indicate that the incident happened at approximately XX:XX. Q: Who is to blame? A: The details at this point are unknown. An investigation is taking place and we will update you with details from that investigation as we receive them. Right now, our main focus is on rescue efforts and on the well-being of the victims and their families. Q: Has this ever happened before? A: I will be happy to research that and get back to you, right now we are focused on the incident at hand, and on making sure that members of the surrounding community are safe. Q: Who was involved? A: In order to protect the privacy of those involved, we are withholding the release of victims’ names pending notification of family members. Q: Why did it happen? What was the cause? A: Those details will be investigated. Right now our primary concern is for the welfare of the victims and their families. Q: Will there be inconvenience to the public? A: That information will become available once the damage is assessed by local emergency response agencies. If we gather future information, we will be sure to pass it along. Q: When will we find out more? A: Our company, along with our local emergency response agencies, will be providing updates throughout the day. We encourage you to check our website at www. xxxxxx. com for up-to-the-minute information.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

What Compact Disc Would I Take to a Desert Island? :: Music

What Compact Disc Would I Take to a Desert Island? Tough question. What else to take? Easy Enough. I would bring as many bags of Utz Salt n’ Vinegar potato chips as possible, one copy of Earnest Hemmingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, and I figure just about any woman would suit me. Denied these things, the choice of a Desert Island Disc is made much more complicated. With nothing else to occupy my mind I need that one great disc. Much like Nick Tosches’ choice of Sticky Fingers I find this decision extremely difficult: "But Sticky Fingers is a choice as mysterious and as difficult to explain to myself as anyone else."(Tosches 4) The choices are numerous and I’m pulled and so many different directions at once it is very difficult to decide. Santiago had it easy; I’ll take the Marlin over this essay any day. The first band that popped into my head was, of course, Led Zeppelin. But, before I thought of any Zeppelin albums a few other choices came by. The first had to be Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. This album gets as much listening time as any single Led Zeppelin album. The music is haunting, powerful, and emotional. The problem with this is it lacks some of the levity that I felt would be necessary on the Desert Island. Tracks like "Time", which is about how fast time goes by in life, would only remind of how heart wrenchingly slow time would flow on the desolate sandbar. Darkside had to go. My next thought was Yes 90125 released when the band reformed in the early 80’s. This album in my opinion is on of the greatest albums ever composed. It though my entire lifetime has consumed the lion’s share of my listening time. This album flows as almost a singular musical creation. But this lacked levity and more importantly the variety that I wanted. This one wouldn’t fly either. The next album that popped into my head was Das Efx Dead Serious. This rap album might sound like a strange choice when compared to the other albums I’ve described. But I love it. It like 90125 really is a masterpiece of album composing. I love the beats and the rolling rhythm of the lyrics. The problem with this is that much like Yes it lacks the variety I wanted. All said and done my choice has to be Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy. What Compact Disc Would I Take to a Desert Island? :: Music What Compact Disc Would I Take to a Desert Island? Tough question. What else to take? Easy Enough. I would bring as many bags of Utz Salt n’ Vinegar potato chips as possible, one copy of Earnest Hemmingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, and I figure just about any woman would suit me. Denied these things, the choice of a Desert Island Disc is made much more complicated. With nothing else to occupy my mind I need that one great disc. Much like Nick Tosches’ choice of Sticky Fingers I find this decision extremely difficult: "But Sticky Fingers is a choice as mysterious and as difficult to explain to myself as anyone else."(Tosches 4) The choices are numerous and I’m pulled and so many different directions at once it is very difficult to decide. Santiago had it easy; I’ll take the Marlin over this essay any day. The first band that popped into my head was, of course, Led Zeppelin. But, before I thought of any Zeppelin albums a few other choices came by. The first had to be Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. This album gets as much listening time as any single Led Zeppelin album. The music is haunting, powerful, and emotional. The problem with this is it lacks some of the levity that I felt would be necessary on the Desert Island. Tracks like "Time", which is about how fast time goes by in life, would only remind of how heart wrenchingly slow time would flow on the desolate sandbar. Darkside had to go. My next thought was Yes 90125 released when the band reformed in the early 80’s. This album in my opinion is on of the greatest albums ever composed. It though my entire lifetime has consumed the lion’s share of my listening time. This album flows as almost a singular musical creation. But this lacked levity and more importantly the variety that I wanted. This one wouldn’t fly either. The next album that popped into my head was Das Efx Dead Serious. This rap album might sound like a strange choice when compared to the other albums I’ve described. But I love it. It like 90125 really is a masterpiece of album composing. I love the beats and the rolling rhythm of the lyrics. The problem with this is that much like Yes it lacks the variety I wanted. All said and done my choice has to be Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Communication Methods Essay

There are many groups, which the organisation must communicate with such as internal groups and external groups. A type of communication that may take place would be an oral communication. There are many advantages and disadvantages, an advantage would be that oral communication tends to be faster than written forms this allows interpretation and further discussion. A disadvantage would have to be that it lacks the permanent nature of written communication this means it cannot be stored and referred to later. Oral communication includes a face-to-face meeting like interviews. An advantage of this would be that that it’s quick and saves time than writing out forums. A disadvantage would be oral communication depends on the person listening skills. If the listener is not proactive, the communication exercise fails. Oral communication also includes formal meetings; most face-to-face communication is very structured. Most business meetings are often formal and follow a set agenda. Meetings may have a chairman who decides what will be discussed and who will talk. Often a specific person will introduce a point on the agenda. An advantage is that everyone will know what is going to be discussed in advance. A disadvantage is that formal meetings take time to organise. Another oral communication is interviews were there is a formal question and answer session. They can take place in many different situations. They may be used when applying for jobs. Interviews are normally face-to-face communication. Advantage is both sides can ask questions and detailed questions can be asked. A disadvantage is that information given is not always truthful and interviews sometimes do not always show if the applicant can do the job. Another type of communication would have to be a written communication. An advantage of this type of communication would have to be that it would provide ready records and references. Another advantage would be that it is a permanent mean of communicati on. A disadvantage would be there would be too much paper work and e-mails involved and written communication does not save upon the costs. Written communication includes writing letters, and handing out notices, this includes reports. One type of written communication is letters; this is a very formal way of communication. Advantages of this would be that they are confidential, and provide a hard copy. Disadvantages of this would be that it takes time to write letters and takes time for them to arrive and  for replies to be received. Another type would be a memorandum this type of written communication is a simple note from one person to another. In business it is often written in a formalised way. It will be used when someone wishes to send quick messages to one or more people. Advantages would be that they are very quick to write and send and can also be kept as a record. Disadvantage would be people that is not intended for and cannot be useful for long or complicated information could read it. Another type is notice; these are used when a message needs to be sent to a number of people. Notices are formal, most times they are informal. They give information about social events. An advantage is that everyone can see the message, and many people can receive it at the same time. A disadvantage would be it is not confidential and most people may not bother to read it. Records are used to give information about something that has been researched or investigated. They are used in different situations. An advantage would be the formal way of presenting reports means that the reader can easily follow the points being made. Disadvantage would be that they take a long time to research and write. One last type of communication would be electronic communication. This kind of communication could lead to quite a few problems; such as the system could be hacked into therefore important information would be lost this would be a disadvantage. There are advantages of this kind of communication they are simple to use and more and more people are beginning to use the e-mailing system etc. E-mails are the process of using computer networks as a postal system. Data is created on one computer and then is transmitted. An advantage is it can be used to send a wide variety of types of message. A disadvantage is that the sender and receiver must have computers and software that is compatible. Public address is a system that uses microphones and electronically systems to warn about fires. An advantage would be staff could usually hear the message wherever they are in the building. A disadvantage is that if they are used to often staff will stop paying attention. Telephones have been used in business for internal communication. An advantage of this would be that the communication is very quick and telephones allow people to talk to each other. A disadvantage of this would be there is no written record, although telephone conversation  can be record. Another disadvantage would be cost of mobile phones are very high. Fax machine converts pictures and text into electronic pulses which are then transmitted by telephone to another fax machine. Fax machines are less popular because emails can be used instead. An advantage of this would be communication is quick and documents can be sent and received. A disadvantage is it is slower compared to emails. Tele-conferencing is when large business operates on different sites around the country. It’s difficult to get together so they make video calls; this allows them to talk to each other. An advantage would be its much quicker and usually cheaper than bringing people together. An disadvantage wo uld be that these systems are expensive to set up, meeting are more difficult to control because people are in different places.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Nicholas Carr vs Steven Pinker Essay

There is no doubt about it that in today’s generation the Internet is one of the best phenomenal creations invented. By simply having a computer, cell phone, tablet, ect, anyone and everyone can access the Internet. But can this powerful yet simple creation have a drastic effect on how the new generation operates today? The entire world is rapidly becoming obsessed; everywhere you look you’re bound to see something related to the Internet. Search engines, texting, twittering, blogging; to name a few. We have all heard of at least one of those internet friendly applications. But can those applications become too friendly to the point where they are a distraction to the young mind? Can those applications hinder how the human brain functions? There are numerous arguments, views and statements regarding such an important question. Two writers that I researched share their opinions and views based off of how the internet has affected others intelligence today. These two writers go by the name of Nicholas Carr and Steven Pinker. Without having any knowledge of what the articles are about one only needs to read there titles to distinguish the differences between the two. Where as Nicholas Carr’s article is titled, â€Å"Does the Internet Make You Dumber? † Steven Pinker’s article is titled, â€Å"Mind over Mass Media†. Both writers have completely different types of titles but one can assume that they are responding to the same subject. After thoroughly reading both articles, Nicholas Carr and Steven Pinker have completely different views when it comes down to how the internet influences others. Firstly, Nicholas Carr addresses heavily how in fact the internet does make you dumber. All throughout the article he gives examples of studies aimed at showing how the internet doesn’t positively contribute to the brain at all. As stated from the article Nicholas Carr explains how â€Å"People who read text studded with links, comprehend less than those who read traditional linear text. How, people who watch busy multimedia presentation remember less than those who take in information in a more sedate and focused manner†. All of which are pretty apparent that the effect that the internet has on the mind is quite drastic. On the other hand, Steven Pinker’s article strongly disagrees at the fact that the internet affects the human brain. His defensive points primarily explain how without the internet a lot of today discoveries and new inventions wouldn’t be possible. Also he defends the fact that distraction or addiction is not a new phenomenon. Regardless of whether the internet is a popular utility or not, distraction would still be an occurring issue. It is quoted: â€Å"If electronic media were hazardous to intelligence, the quality of science would be plummeting. † Also, â€Å"Yes the constant arrival of information packets can be distracting or addictive, especially to people with attention deficit disorder. But distraction is not a new phenomenon. The solution is not to bemoan technology but to develop strategies of self-control as we do with every other temptation in life. † Steven Pinker is trying to get the reader to understand that the internet doesn’t essentially make you dumber but it does hinge at one’s attention span. Outside of the internet distractions are common everywhere. One can become distracted by their job, parents, work, internet, ect. Because of these interruptions Steven Pinker’s makes it known that all distractions require self-control. If one doesn’t have self control over an issue they will become addicted. Lastly my research wasn’t over. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t get a third opinion to help provide some extra study. A third writer that I came across was a woman named Sherry Turkle. Sherry Turkle has written a popular novel titled â€Å"Alone Together†. In the novel Alone Together author Sherry Turkle explains a third completely different concern on how technology affects the average American. This concern is in regards to how individuals will end up alone together because technology has distanced face to face relationships. That society expects more from technology and less from each other. Over the years Sherry Turkle has examined how technology has jeopardized the true meaning of hands on communication. Although she does not mention how the internet may interfere with learning or brain capabilities she does still presents other exceptionally important factors. In conclusion, in comparison of the two primary articles that I researched I would ultimately have to agree with the Nicholas Carr piece. I feel as if the Nicholas Carr piece will convince more people. His article compared to Steven Pinker’s has a lot of legitimate studies and facts. His studies included one conducted at Cornell University, where they conducted the laptop experience, which compared the effect of students who studied utilizing the traditional method of the library and those who studied using the laptop for research, with the conclusion that those who studied using the library grades were higher; studies from Stanford where they conducted a multi-tasking trial, also, studies from the University of California in San Francisco where they conducted a brain experiment. Where, Steven Pinker’s article comes off as an opinion piece with little to no background information or supporting references. I would want to believe that the mind is in fact over mass media but Steven Pinker’s article doesn’t defend his title strongly at all. Thus, leaving me with the conclusion that the internet is a major distraction, can hinder how I use my brain properly, and can jeopardize my in person communication skills that I have available.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Making the right choice Essay Example

Making the right choice Essay Example Making the right choice Paper Making the right choice Paper I believe the research was valid, based on the answers from certain questions; although it lacked clarity in the hypothesis and vagueness in the questions asked. Despite lack of clarity in some questions, others were very direct and gave clear answers. A number stated that cost would influence their decision to undertake counselling, others said that race would not influence them but gender would.  Advantage: Brought about direct and clear responses  Disadvantage: Sample group to small to reflect wider perspective Reliability:  I believe the answers are reliable for the sample group selected. The questions were reliable in terms of being simple and not over complicated. The outcomes shown in graph gave a fair indication of perception of counselling at that given time. If I had made comparisons with other research methods such as literature interviews or surveys, it may have highlighted a different view.  Advantage: This was a good choice of research method for topic.  Disadvantage: Lack of comparison may change results on outcome. Relevance: Initially, some questions seemed relevant such as age, gender, race of respondents. However, it may not have been politically correct to request this information if the outcome did not show how it was to be used. Other factors may contribute to perception of counselling service that were not asked such as, economic factors / wage, class / geography, disability, status. If I were to do this again I would rethink why I requested this information and made sure they were relevant in the outcome of the results if requested, Alternatively, I could simply not ask for this information, even though I believe that it is relevant.  Advantage: Information may be vital in the outcome of findings  Disadvantage: Not relevant if not used, difficult to collate under Equality or Discrimination Acts. Bias:  The questions were closed therefore not giving the respondent leverage to express views. Use of language such a therapeutic is not helpful and may constitute a loaded question. If the client states they have never undertaken counselling how would they know if it is therapeutic? This may have been dealt with differently if conducted in interview method.  Advantage: Good learning outcome and evaluation for future research. Disadvantage: May have contributed to final results  ETHICAL AND VALUE ISSUES:  Questionnaires are easy to administer confidentially. Often confidentiality is the necessary to ensure participants will respond honestly if at all. Examples of such cases would include studies that need to ask embarrassing questions about private or personal behaviour. (Internet.2)  http://schatz.sju.edu/methods/sampling/intro.html  Confidentiality: Respondents were not required to give information that would personally identify them. Questionnaires were given out safely were there little or no suspicions to answers were raised. All replies were collated and keep safe.  Advantage: Privacy and safety of personal information a paramount concern.  Disadvantage: None identified.  Artificiality:  Within this research I did not identify anything that may be construed as artificiality. I assume the reason for this is based on the question being about counselling as a profession and not personalising or criticising respondent as a user of the service. The questions gave little reason for respondent to become defensive; it was also given and received collectively as opposed to privately. Therefore the permission to be honest and direct was available. However, if this research had been undertaken via interview techniques or observation it may have had a different response.  Advantages: Freedom of choice,  Disadvantage: Limited and unclear questions caused ambiguity, no room for alternative answers such as not applicable or maybe / sometimes.  Choice in participation:  Questionnaires were distributed randomly, or in large groups such as class groups. A brief was given regarding the purpose of the research and no pressure placed on participation. The same can be said to respondents on an individual basis and choice given to participate or abstain. Participants were not given enough choices for an answer; it was either yes or no. Options such as not applicable, maybe or sometimes could have been added.  Advantage: Respondents were given the choice and were under no pressure to complete questionnaire  Disadvantage: None identified.  3. Evaluate the research methods using a piece of research in counselling  Title: Brief dynamic counselling:  Making the right choice  In reading and evaluating the above article I was very impressed with the hypothesis. The background and introduction made it clear to why it was deemed to be good material for research. Unlike my research the writer had given much thought to the subject and examining its implications on counselling practice. The methodology used in this research seems to be Case Studies and Literature review. In view of the topic my thoughts were this may not have been the best method. Richards gave two good examples from both sides of the argument. However, the major context of the research seems to be bias against Brief Therapy / Dynamic counselling with negative undertones / prompts to discourage the reader from considering this could possibly be advantageous for the client.  The person carrying out a research study may be highly  committed and passionate about the project and  therefore less open to seeing potential problems  (McLeod. 2003 pg 168 -169.) The research speaks of society and organisations emphasising lack of time and funding. Although Richards does acknowledge there is a place for this therapy in schools. This highlights that the article was published in 1999 and some articles may take up to two years to be published. Many of the quotes are also almost ten or more years old. Today as I write this society is moving even faster and almost anything can be achieved within an hour or less. Clients still arrive and ask how many sessions they are expected to attend before being given the all clear. It was interesting to see finance and money are still a consideration in counselling, and that agencies, organisations and private counsellors are seeking ways of making counselling affordable.  Ethically, I totally agree that restraints placed on practitioners including strict numbers of sessions or any other description may harm the clients, whether it is financial, lack of resources, poor assessment, inadequate training, and an inexperienced or incompetent counsellor. All these and more can cause more damage than good to the client and profession. The only exception to this would be in of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) where the model may specify that target to be met by a certain number of sessions, and the clients agree to this contract,  Otherwise, ethically after assessment clients should be informed that further sessions may be required outside the allocated time or through private therapy.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

2018 Hurricane Names

2018 Hurricane Names 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 Below you will find the listing of hurricane names for the Atlantic Ocean for the year 2018. For every year, there is a pre-approved list of tropical storm and hurricane names. These lists have been generated by the National Hurricane Center since 1953. At first, the lists consisted of only female names; however, since 1979, the lists alternate between male and female. Hurricanes are named alphabetically from the list in chronological order. Thus the first tropical storm or hurricane of the year has a name that begins with A and the second is given the name that begins with B. The lists contain hurricane names that begin from A to W, but exclude names that begin with a Q or U. There are six lists that continue to rotate. The lists only change when there is a hurricane that is so devastating, the name is retired and another hurricane name replaces it. The 2018 hurricane name list is almost the same as the 2012 hurricane name list.  Hurricane Sandy was a large and destructive storm in 2012 so the name was retired from the list and Sara took its place. 2018 Hurricane Names AlbertoBerylChrisDebbyErnestoFlorenceGordonHeleneIsaacJoyceKirkLeslieMichaelNadineOscarPattyRafaelSaraTonyValerieWilliam

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Divorce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Divorce - Essay Example As Per divorce statistics, it is estimated that between 40 percent and 50 percent of first marriages end in divorce in the U.S while in other countries, the divorce rate for first marriages exceed 50% (Grazian para 1). Statistics also indicate that marriages between couples at a tender age have a higher probability of getting a divorce as opposed to couples who get married in their late-twenties. There exist numerous reasons for seeking divorce, which are associated with the collapse in the marriage institution. One of the key reasons that contribute to failure in marriage is the lack of communication or poor communication among the couples, this depicts a situation where one feels that he/she is not appreciated, and thus resentment develops. Other reasons include martial conflicts and arguments, infidelity, age, religion, education, and income. Education and income play a vital role in divorce statistics whereby married couples with higher education and a higher income are less like ly to get divorced, as opposed to couples with lower education and lower income levels. Different religious denominations also show different divorce rates with those having no religious affiliations bearing a lower divorce rate. The society has experience degradation from the overspill of events among the ever-increasing number of divorced couples. This experience ranges from moral degradation of their children to the tainting of the marriage institution. The effects of divorce can be felt in the society's family life, in terms of income potential, crime, and drug abuse, which takes toll in their physical and emotional health. Increased divorce rates in the society raise tension and anxiety among married couples, who fear ending up like their divorced friends. In addition, strain accrued from divorce proceedings take their toll on the parties involved as well as their children. This has seen an increase in the rate of drug abuse and alcoholism in an attempt to alleviate the strain. Divorce proceeding decrease the income levels of a household, thus diminishing their potential to generate and accumulate wealth. There has been a drop in income in households undergoing divorce, which not only affects the children being raised in the household, but also the economic productivity potential of a nation, which is a negative effect to the society. With the divorce rate being at an all-time high, the society ought to be involved in the preservation of the marriage institution. The restoration of the importance of marriage to the society should involve all parties, as well as a commitment of resources to pro-marriage programs. Among the most commonly, reported reasons for divorce, alcohol and drug abuse are prime contributors to the deteriorating state of matters between couples (Amato and Previti 614 para 3). Alcohol-induced behaviors tend to dissolve social skills by creating a hostile or disapproving attitude towards everyone. Such behaviors may lead to infidelity, p oor communication and may inflict emotional trauma to one’s partner. The alcohol-induced behaviors may lead to insensitivity towards one’s partner, which alters communication skills and illustrates hostility. Poor communication skills among couples become a significant reason to seek dissolution of marriage, in which couples grow apart and initial attraction is lost. Children whose parents are divorced elicit signs of neglect, and suffer the blunt of the separation. They frequently demonstrate a diminished

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Minimalism, functionalism and neo-eclectic Essay

Minimalism, functionalism and neo-eclectic - Essay Example Another important feature was simplicity. Simplicity was introduced to make a structure appear more natural and thus more livable. Smallness and simplicity thus became the core of minimalist aesthetics and have been associated with such important names as Walter Gropius, Alberto Giacometti, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, Constantin Brancusi, Le Corbusier, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Barth has explained the minimalist doctrine in these words: "artistic effect may be enhanced by a radical economy of artistic means, even where such parsimony comprises other values: completeness, for example, or richness or precision of statement". Functionalism as the word suggests is a movement that focused on utility of structures. It was felt that a structure must do what it is intended to do. And while the movement may have suffered from ambiguity, no one can seriously deny the effectives of the basic doctrine of functionalism. Every object must be created to perform that job it is int ended to perform. It was felt that each part of a structure must serve a purpose. It was a rather austere and neutral approach to building as if a work of art was suddenly stripped off its soul. While utility was an important characteristic and one that even modern architects cannot ignore, basic aesthetic values were largely ignored and this gave rise to criticism. It was argued that if utility is taken a bit too far, things other than utility may take a backseat and thus the entire approach suffers. This has been interestingly explained by Pile (1979) in these words: "Simplistic discussions of function in design often lose sight of the complexity of multiple functional requirements that characterize the development of most modern objects. If one supposes that each thing has a function, it can seem that discussions of this matter are pointless. The definition of a chair, after all, requires that any chair can be sat in. Similarly, all knives must cut, airplanes fly, and failure in this kind of primary function dooms an object to total failure and, in all probability, to the junk heap. In practice, every object has, in addition to the obvious primary function, many other subsidiary

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

DQ 6 DQ 7 WEEK 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

DQ 6 DQ 7 WEEK 5 - Essay Example Questionnaires were not used because key personal determining the factors affecting price changes in gasoline were not accessible. Other data was collected by use of interview with gas station personnel to gather their opinion concerning possible causes for changes in gasoline prices. Good research provides new and unbiased findings that are important to some entity or group of people. The researcher must not benefit from the outcomes and findings of the study as to ensure the integrity of the findings. Information collected should best represent the population that is being tested. Good research utilizes the most appropriate data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, etc and research tools such as periodical indexes, databases, and Web sites. If the null hypothesis is not rejected, then the alternate hypothesis is not accepted. This is because the initial sample of 30 records did not provide enough information to infer statistically significance of the hypothesis to be tested.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Horizontal Gene Transfer In Prokaryotes Biology Essay

Horizontal Gene Transfer In Prokaryotes Biology Essay Horizontal gene transfer is also known as lateral gene transfer and it is the phenomenon of gene transferring between prokaryotic organisms like bacteria, virus etc. HGT is a general gene transfer method among bacteria-like microorganisms (Archaea). Bacteria and Archaea possess a primitive nucleus hence they named as prokaryotes and differentiated from a eukaryote cells by lacking a perfect nuclei. In horizontal gene transfer process, an organism acquiring genetic material from other organism and do not producing the offspring of that organism. This process is different from vertical gene transfer (mainly occurring between eukaryotes) in which the incorporate gene of one organism produces offspring of the donor organism. Even distantly related bacteria can achieve a genetic feature from other bacteria by horizontal gene transfer mechanism. For example, the increased drug resistance capability of different bacterial strains. Horizontal gene transfer is occurred through three different mechanisms. Transformation, transduction and bacterial conjugation are the three mechanisms for genetic transfer in prokaryotes. Among them bacterial conjugation allows bacterial gene transfer by cell to cell contact. Transduction process can be achieved by moving DNA from one bacterium to a different one by using bacteriophages. Laboratory experiments followed by a issue in Vietnam (in 1996) due to the antibiotic chloramphenicol resistance threatening of a pathogenic bacteria called Meningococcus exhibited the chloramphenicol resistance genes similarities with a previously identified genes (Tn4451) of Clostridium perfringens. Meningococci is an entirely different bacteria from Clostridium which is a Gram positive and anaerobic one. HGT also occurs in eukaryotic protist organisms and is a major characteristic of microbial evolution. DNA sequence analysis of different prokaryotic cell genomes has revealed that such genomes usually include conserved resolved genes which are liable to disruption by DNA islands. Such DNA islands can alter comparatively during prokaryote evolution by incorporating foreign DNA due to insertion, deletion incidents. Studies about resistance genes to antibiotics make available convincing proof for wide inheritability of genes between taxonomically different microbial strains. Horizontal gene transfer can lead to the generation of new antibiotic resistant pathogens strains. This shows, gene transfer and recombination processes creating another pathogenic strains and it is an example for prokaryotic evolution by transferring genes horizontally. Antibiotic resistance is achieved through horizontal transfer process. It has proved experimentally in transformation competent bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae . Plasmid and transposon exchange of resistant acquired bacterial cell can alter the genomes of recipient organism through recombination of new resistant genes via insertion process. Insertion of the new gene in to a main chromosome is carried out by some mechanisms directed by these transposons. Role of horizontal gene transfer in bacterial evolution The researches of Joshua Lederberg about the natural evolution of pathogenic flora of the gut bacterium (E.coli K-12 strain) in 1948 afford a better understanding of prokaryotic evolution and the importance of horizontal gene transfer in evolutionary studies of bacteria. DNA transformation has been demonstrated in different bacterial species consisting Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Bacillus, Cyanobacteria and Rhizobium species. Transmissible plasmids in microorganisms Lambda and fertility factor based studies in bacteriophages by Lead Francois Jacob et al in 1958 has shown that the insertion of various genetic structures -episome of DNA- into bacterial chromosomes could alter modes of existence within the cell. Study of these aspect exhibited several occurrences of mobile DNA in a vast range of microorganisms (jumping genes) which permit F plasmid insertion and distributed horizontal gene transfer implying by bacteriophage, plasmids and mobile DNA. Conserved DNA genome sequences shows E. coli like bacteria have genomes which bears conserved backbone genes altered by foreign DNA inserts acquired during evolution by addition of genes gradually. Genomic researches propose that the past natural events of horizontal gene transfer acclaims interpretation of previous events in evolution of cells and the nature of the common ancestor of life. Lateral gene transfer between prokaryotes and multi-cellular eukaryotes The elaborated genome sequencing studies and researches have produced proof for lateral transfer of genes between prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. As mentioned earlier, lateral gene transfer (LGT) has an important role in the evolution of prokaryotes and unicellular eukaryotes. Lateral gene transfer between prokaryotes and multicellular eukaryotic organisms show a contradiction from the above statement. This is more arguable nowadays. Evidence has gathered up for bacterial symbiotic origin within genomes of eukaryotes. For example, roughly complete copies of bacterial symbiont Wolbachia genome in the host nuclear genome. Anyway, there is no proof available to understand whether the transferred copies of the genes are functional in the eukaryotic genome or not. For instance, some minute manifestations have been found for some transferred genes. Their inclination seems to be identical to that of recently transferred mitochondrial genes to the nucleus. Lack of function of such genes may lead to their degradation. Recent researches have given a better understanding about the transferred prokaryotic genes function and their expression in the eukaryotic recipient. Studies of Nikoh and Nakabachi demonstrate that the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum prone to have achieved two genes from bacterial strains. These give rise to probably been acquired without help commencing facultative derived symbionts: one on or after Wolbachia or a definite relative, the additional starting an undescribed bacterium. The authors broaden operate to facilitate these genes are both extremely articulated in the bacteriocytes, expert cells that cherish the aphids oblige core symbiont Buchnera aphidicola. Buchnera, which has a strappingly shortned genome, lacks these two genes, while other bacteriae, counting Buchneras similar free-living relatives, acquire these genes. Such two genes may be functionally indispensable to uphold Buchnera creating the nuclear inserted replicate a biting contender for existence functionally active. In addition, functionality is indirect by the opinion with the purpose of the bacterial basis is not currently offer in the aphid implying with the purpose of the assign is not recent and pseudogenization may be predictable in the absence of clear mixture for function. The aphid review is one of numerous fresh identification recitations on the side pass on in symbiosis. Rumpho et al. create substantiation for LGT amid two eukaryotes, the alga Vaucheria litorea and its predator, the sea slug Elysia chlorotica by consuming on V. Litorea. E. chlorotica obtains the algal plastids, which remain to photosynthesize for months in the sea slug. This is surprising, for the reason that the bulk of proteins required for photosynthesis are encoded on the algal nuclear genome. Rumpho et al. now speculate with the purpose of the sea slug capacity effectively assert photosynthesizing chloroplasts since it has acquired vital genes by LGT beginning the algal genome, and they grant proof for LGT of a nuclear RNA from prey to predator. They whats more exhibitions to the genetic material is articulated in the sea slug. Two additional researches pass on to an earliest LGT occurrence between mosquitoes and the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. The concerns of exchange genes encoding salivary gland come out (SGS) proteins of mosquitoes, which possess a position in insect-Plasmodium interactions. Same genes have identified in two of the six sequenced Wolbachia genomes. The mechanism and role of the DNA in Wolbachia is unfamiliar, but it has diverged substantially on or after its mosquito equivalent, is not pseudogenized and is expressed. No equivalents in new prokaryotic or eukaryotic arrangement databases obtain been found. The guidance of transport (from bacterium to mosquito or commencing mosquito to bacterium) relics uncleared. Accumulating prokaryotic DNA and genome sequences expose with the aim of the swap of genetic details via together homology-dependent recombination and horizontal (lateral) RNA transport (HGT) is far new important, in magnitude and value as until that time imagined. The accepted view, with the intention of prokaryotic evolution can be tacit primarily in provisos of clonal departure and periodic selection, be obliged to be greater than before to support genetic material talk as a creative force, itself reliable for to a large extent of the copy of similarities and differences concerning prokaryotic microbes. Instead the replacement of periodic variety on genetic diversity, RNA loss and chromosomal alterations can be considered as crucial players in adaptive evolution. Role of homologous recombination The evolutionary significance of recombination measures would depend on the probability to the yield of DNA replacement proffer selective advantages. If recombination has introduced maladaptive changes, eliminated niche-specific information, or disrupted co-adapted alleles, after that recombinant adolescent want be counter selected. Therefore, ecological delineation may oblige a selective control on simplistic genetic swap in the deficiency of any mechanistic barriers forced by the inequality adjustment system. Horizontal, or lateral, RNA transport (HGT) is dissimilar equally in method and in impact. Barriers to homologous recombination do not stop its occurrence-even connecting same distinctly allied organisms-because plentiful dishonest resources existing for integrating foreign DNA addicted to the genome (Ochman, Lawrence, and Groisman 2000). HGT can occur concerning still extremely evenly connected organisms, e.g., among bacteria and plants or fungi (Heinemann and Sprague 1989; Garcia-Vallve, Romeu, and Palau 2000). The bearing of such horizontal transmission is to molecular phylogenies calculated for unlike molecules commencing the similar set of species, although regularly like-minded in broad outline (e.g., Ludwig et al. 1998 ), are no more than rarely wholly harmonizing (Gogarten et al. 1992; Gogarten 1995). A decade ago, evolutionary biologists were undecided to invoke HGT as an rationalization for these discrepancies. Now, fulfilled genome sequences submit a load of proof for HGT and highlight its perplexing sound effects in reconstructing the story of organismal evolution (Koonin et al.2001). Detection of Horizontal Gene transfering Methods for collecting signal of capability RNA replacement procedures normally trip over keen on two catagories. Phylogenetic methods seem for out of the usual run of things distributions of genes diagonally organisms and may enter the identification of genes by means of very confidential distributions, submit in cut off taxa but deffecient from directly interconnected species (Olendzenski et al. 2000; Lawrence 2001). Phylogeny-independent methods take to make something stand out genes with the intention of look as if anomalous in their present genomic context, liable sparkly long-term evolution in genomes in the corporation of dissimilar mutational biases. These methods assay nucleotide and dinucleotide frequencies (Karlin and Burge 1995; Lawrence and Ochman 1997), codon procedure bias (Mrazek et al, 2000), or patterns descented by Markov shackle analyses (Hayes and Borodovsky 1998). One strength think about the risk so as to molecular phylogenies file particularly thermophilic bacteria as the oldest bacterial lineages as they dwell in an background wherever a good number of the accessible genes are beginning Archaea and wherever they can participate a lesser amount of in HGT by way of new bacteria. Biochemical and physiological changes can and escort to genetic isolation and so alter an organisms seeming stance in grass based on DNA satisfied or sequence. For instance, may be the narrative transcriptional apparatus of the Archaea may perhaps tolerate prepared it excluding expected for them to incorporate genes on or after organisms via bacterial dictation machinery. The progression of a bacteriophage-type RNA polymerase role and its mechanisms in mitochondria provides a paradigm to demonstrate so as to strong replacements in the record machinery can take place (Cermakian et al. 1997 ; Rousvoal et al. 1998 ). As the occurrence of HGT is not doubted, present is seeming controversy in assessing its influence in microbial evolution, as well as opinions ranging commencing acute concerns not far off from its bewildering sound effects on phylogenetics (Doolittle 1999) to grave reviews which downplay any key impact (Kurland 2000 ). If one chooses a set of strongly allied bacteria (e.g., the enterobacteria) and examines phylogenies of genes pool along with them, scores of sundry genes may re-create the consistent phylogeny of species. Similarly, estimates of HGT based on uncommon gene content mean so as to an alternative of genes have reached in to these genomes just by Horizontal transferring of genes (Perna et al. 2001). Such consequences are not unbalanced by HGT having a dominant effect on the evolution of prokaryotic genomes in the elongated term. Transfers up past to the diversification of a set such as the enterobacteria can simply be detected in better phylogenetic reconstructions (Woese et al. 2000). Similarly, surveys which test phylogenetic clash as brim as nonconforming genetic material sequences as an catalog of HGT in a genome consistantly turn up a better quantity of genes with the aim of gain been issue to replacement of gene sequences (Ragan 2001; Lawrence et al. 2002) since methods identifying out of the ordinary sequences are imperfect to detecting simply contemporary transfers. HGT confounds evolutionary relationships as a rule firmly on broad timescales. Vertical inheritance-propagating mutational changes, DNA rearrangements, and added intragenomic alterations-and DNA trade by homologous recombination dominate concluded the condensed term. Moreover, HGT probable affects discrete li neages in several fashions, possibly illustrated the largest part dramatically by the least payment of HGT in the evolution of intracellular paracites undergoing genome saving (Andersson and Andersson 1999; Wernegreen et al. 2000). Conserning range and scale can perform as in effect arbiters what time merging statistics collected on or after diverse systems. Dykhuizen and Green (1991) anticipated with the purpose of homologous recombination provided taxonomic reason amongst groups of strains. Recurrent RNA exchange by homologous recombination fallout in strains in a species so as to resemble all extra supplementary than they resemble strains out of the species. HGT can afford phylogenetic reason at top taxonomic levels. In equally cases, genes in the groups are supposed to put under somebodys nose incongruent phylogenies, though the groups themselves stay behind monophyletic for a large amount genes. HGT and its impact on DNA Trees and rRNA Phylogenies A number of groups experience secondary organismal phylogeny by means of so-called gene-content vegetation (Fitz-Gibbon and bungalow 1999; Snel, Bork, and Huynen 1999; Tekaia, Lazcano, and Dujon 1999). This draw near uses the sheer existence of a gene as a character, and original dendrograms formed this way do explain the substantial analogy in the corporation of customary 16S rRNA phylogenies, reproducing the three-domain partition and the connection of the genomes starting members of the unchanged phylum. Even if other current analyses conclude so as to HGT has played a considerable function in decisive DNA matter (Snel, Bork, and Huynen 2002), these consequences dissimilarity along with a good number resolved phylogenies of specific protein-coding genes, which performance dramatic conflicts to mutually the 16S rRNA and genome satisfied trees. As the on the whole correspondence concerning gene-content trees based on entire genome sequences and 16S rRNA phylogenies would give the im pression to argue that HGT has played a some degree of part in shaping the evolution of microbial lineages. (Snel et al, 2002). Nearby is an added doable clarification for analogy involving gene-content vegetation and phylogenies based on rRNA. rRNA phylogenies force grant by gene-content analyses since rRNA genes are themselves variety and in cooperation phylogenies cogitate large-scale genetic material transfer. Intragenic recombination has been experimental in various genes, and gene-conversion procedures care for to elect copies of duplicated genes extra comparable to one any more (Gogarten and Olendzenski 1999). Acknowledgment of RNA reassignment surrounded by and in the middle of lineages restructures microbial evolution in further conduct than submission new interpretations of the imitate of microbial phylogeny. Fixed models of microbial evolution by mutational processes, pooled through the measurement of environmental tolerances in laboratory environments, imparts a regard of ecological niches as somewhat static domains, inside which organisms evolve unsurprisingly on the road to maximal fitness. For example, it is possible to calculate the organisms improve in suitability after mature for thousands of generations in glucose-limited surroundings (Papadopoulos et al. 1999). Bacteria may confined to chemostats can challenge campaign for them, inventing new niches. For example, bacterial strains which opted for glucose in take could generate microbial strains specializing in the scavenging of acetate ravage materials (Treves, Manning, and Adams 1998). Accepting evolution by HGT as a method of niche acquisition quite than alternation of place exploitation has unexpected implications. For instance, a mesophilic heterotroph force benefit door to a to hand substrate-rich but too-warm location used by moderately thermophilic autotrophs, finished acquisition commencing them of genes encoding extra thermostable versions of proteins whose labilities establish its better cyst temperature. Conceivably, the newly acquired genes are enormously poorly adapted to the heterotrophs additional cellular machinery, so with the aim of increase time in moreover milieu is dreadfully sluggish and organisms comportment these new genes cannot compete in the unique environment. They would nonetheless be the just heterotrophs at the greater temparature and can stretch to dominate there. Thus, niche acquisition can mid with the intention of scores of organisms are lucrative as of the distinctiveness of the niches they discovered recently slightly than for th e reason that of fine-tuning of their cellular machinery in relation to the utilization of to niche. The niches produced by genetic material turn over proceedings diverge extensively in their stability or novelty. selected events, reminiscent of the acquisition of an antibiotic resistance gene, let for transient exploration of a new environment, but this line may not persist finished evolutionary phase (that is, this experience desire probable not establish a clad of antibiotic-resistant bacteria distinguished by their joint aptitude to be strong to a distinct antibiotic). Additional actions are correlated in the company of the long-standing exploration of new niches, approximating the acquisition of the lac operon by E. coli or pathogenicity islands by Salmonella. Rarely, a genetic material transfer occasion may make available for the formation of radically diverse organisms so as to inhabit niches totally inaccessible by organisms relying on mutational processes isolated to explore environments. Examples of such lineages embrace the untrained plants (acquiring chloroplast by endos ymbiosis [Bonen and Doolittle 1975), methanotrophs (gaining the knack to make unfavorable cofactors by acquiring genes beginning methanogenic archaea [Chistoserdova et al. 1998), cyanobacteria, and bacteria utilizing halorhodopsin homologues as light-driven proton pumps (Beja et al. 2001). A classic replica for adaptation has been the Shifting set of scales conjecture (Wright 1982). Adaptive changes may suggest itself over and done with sequential variety of mutations, and maybe round about genome-specific, thing genes are the harvest of such characteristically Darwinian processes. But intragenic recombination can facilitate express exploration of this adaptive landscape for the reason that the valleys of low health require by no means be crossed (Bogarad and consider 1999). Variant alleles among near-optimal finesses may be recombined to bring in compound changes simultaneously, in that way avoiding the formation of suboptimal intermediate states. HGT offers a delayed scope to these models, which present finally with the intention of recombination between accessible variants, offers root to fitness peaks. Although fitness peaks may not at all be explored if they ought to be reached one genetic material at a time, many genes may be secured as bacterial operons and RNA clusters (Lawrence et al. 2001). As of an evolutionary perspective, extraction diversification is frequently viewed as an instant event, a peak afterward which genes in two groups of organisms are no longer in genetic communication. Recombination stuck between populations at such loci may give a reduced amount of fit offspring to facilitate would be counter selected. Homologous recombination can altercation alleles stuck between such populations at loci uninvolved in opening ecological delineation (Lawrence 2002). It is fine with the intention of a RNA is duplicated all age a small room divides. In undo organisms, genes are uncontrolled to evolve manifest biochemical functions. Moreover the functional coverage of the genetic material result may inflate to involve supplementary actions or selected of the DNA goods unusual functions may be spellbound if functions are not grave in this organism. If genes are not at all reintroduced keen on the matching cytoplasm and their ecological role never been recognized then, orthologous genes persist in unattached cytoplasmic contexts. If the genes are reunited in the equal cytoplasm, they are obliged to control achieved physiological uniqueness for in cooperation to persist. Reintroduction of genes interested in the equal genome is mediated by DNA transfer, with equally homologous recombination through mismatched crossing-over-here, a merodiploid strain is fashioned at the preliminary indicate of DNA exchange, and HGT, which is the a large amount dramatic way of allowing genetic material hand over to establish paralogous genes interested in the unchanged cell. In the evolutionary-theoretical approaching horizontal transfer, above all as it occurs between eukaryotes and bacteria, is an affidavit to the remarkable unity of molecular-biological mechanisms in all types of cells to consequence in the compatibility of eukaryotic and bacterial proteins with the purpose of bear evolved in their noticeable milieu for billions of years. While co-adaptation of proteins in the evolution force hold up horizontal transport of particular types of genes, workings of a lot of functional systems act to be entirely compatible. One may possibly think this bring up direct set the eukaryotic proteins expression in bacteria routinely exploited in the laboratory. This is outstandingly significant for xenologous genetic material dislocation for the reason that in these cases, the transferred, heterologous types of a gene must at once turn out to be superior, starting the standpoint of selection, to the unique type usual of the recipient species. In one case, with the purpose of eukaryotic isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase displacing the imaginative DNA in a number of bacteria, this has been convincingly explained by acquisition of antibiotic resistance. It seems apt with the purpose of these observations give common implications for xenologous genetic material displacement. In round about suitcases of acquisition of new genes, the environment of the selective gain whats more appears clear, such as for the ATP/ADP translocases acquired by intracellular scrounging bacteria, Chlamydia and Rickettsia. In largely instances, however, comparative genomics can lone place to the genes with the purpose of own maybe entered the particular genome by horizontal transfer. The biological impact of horizontal genetic material transmission choice insists on turn tentative studies by means of these genes. Dramatic differences in DNA repertoires similar in the middle of bacteria with the purpose of are in the right place to the equal evolutionary lineage, such as E. coli and Haemophilus influenzae, indicated with the aim of genome evolution possibly will not be plausibly described in vertical tumble alone. It is see-through that to a large extent of the disparity was attributable to differential genetic material loss, outstandingly in parasites, but horizontal RNA relocate is the new foremost evolutionary thing with the intention of may possibly avoid give explanation the emerging complex photo of prokaryotic genomes. The archaeal genomes accessible a chiefly stunning genomescape solidly redolent of vast horizontal RNA transfer. In arrangement and the before indications commencing phylogenetic studies, but now on the whole-genome scale, it has suit release so as to archaeal proteins divide hooked on persons genes with the purpose of were a large amount alike to their bacterial homologs and so as to looked eukaryotic. around exceptions notwithstanding, the bacterial and eukaryotic proteins in archaea were neatly on bad terms beside functional lines, by way of persons drawn in in in a row handing out screening the eukaryotic affinity, and metabolic enzymes, structural components, and a category of un-characterized proteins so as to appeared to be bacterial. for the reason that the informational workings commonly arrive on the scene to be a reduced amount of issue to horizontal DNA convey and in harmony plus the paradigm exemplar of the first part of evolution whereby eukaryotes let somebody in on a communal ancestor along with archaea, these observations boast been tentatively explained by colossal DNA replacement among archaea and bacteria. This survey has been advance supported while the genomes of two hyperthermophilic bacteria, Aquifex aeolicus and Thermotoga maritima, were sequenced. both of these genomes controlled a appreciably larger portion of archaeal gen es than any of the further bacterial genomes, establishing a plausible association amid the similarity in the lifestyles of evolutionarily distant organisms and the obvious esteem of horizontal DNA swap linking them. Also, these findings emphasized the hand out of the adaptive versus opportunistic makeup of horizontal RNA transfer. The judgment so as to the gifts of horizontal DNA remove and lineage-specific DNA debit to the DNA repertoire of prokaryotes was equivalent to with the intention of vertical crash amounted to a most important reallocate in our compassion of evolution. Indeed, it became ostensible that, in scores of cases, phylogenetic plants for distinct genes were incongruent not for the reason that of artifacts inherent in tree-construction methods but for the reason that of authentic differences in the evolutionary histories of these genes brought just about by horizontal transfer. Horizontal genetic material assign proceedings can be classified hooked on at smallest amount three marked categories along with obey to the relationships concerning the horizontally acquired RNA and homologous genes pre-existing in the recipient lineage. Acquisition of eukaryotic genes by bacteria is potentially of exacting fascination since of the probable job of such horizontally transferred genes in bacterial pathogenicity. Chlamydiae and their kins had a protracted account of parasitic or symbiotic relationships by means of eukaryotes and at a number of stages of their evolution may perhaps come up with been parasites of plants or their relatives. Summary Comparative analyses of genetic material and genome sequences point toward with the intention of chat of genetic in rank surrounded by and amid prokaryotic species, in spite of this defined, is far added hang around and all-purpose than before we thought. While homologous recombination is partial by classification disagreement and must lessen clearly including phylogenetic distance, switch over by the diverse dishonest recombination processes jointly designated HGT is not so controlled. New pact of in cooperation phenomena and their promise interaction suggests with the purpose of accepted models for prokaryotic evolution based on clonality and periodic assortment is too little to portray the manner of prokaryotic evolution at the species equal height and to tree like phylogenies are ineffective to act for the mold of prokaryotic evolution at any level. At this time an elaborated new deal to confirm with the aim of a coherent replica for prokaryotic evolution which invokes DNA or RNA handing over as its rule explanatory impose is sufficient and would encompass countless profit for diversification and adaptation. In particular, we can possibly resolve the species problem rise the valid differences in cadence and manner connecting prokaryote and higher eukaryote evolution, let straightening out of the convoluted histories of genes and genomes supersede the quest for one authentic organismal phylogeny, expound new models for distinguition of prokaryotic niches and description of adaptedness, and, at the aim of the gene, put forward new scenarios for evolution of different function. Workings of this new scrutinize as it relates to species and adaptation give by now been evidently articulated, particularly by Maynard Smith, Spratt, and Levin and their collaborators (Levin and Bergstrom 2000; Maynard Smith, Feil, and Smith 2000; Feil et al. 2001). Phylogenetic implications hold whats more been explored by Martin (1999) and Woese (2000), with others. Taking on DNA rem ove and refit promises a broad and radical revision of the prokaryotic evolutionary paradigm. This command take place as of a fusion of population genetics, molecular genetics, epidemiological and environmental genomics, microbial ecology, and molecular phylogeny, fields with the aim of be inflicted with industrial customarily in isolation beginning both other. Even though the new look at as if it were opposing to established understandings of prokaryotic evolution, in the extended run can give an approval to a synthesis with the intention of wish acknowledge DNA replace and clonality, weblike and treelike manners and adjustments and the evolution of new work by loads of modes. finding out whether frequencies of within- and between-lineage DNA switch support a classical be partial to so as to depicted in or whether vertical deterioration residue the most excellent descriptor of the description of a large amount genes larger than evolutionary time. little here are hang-up issues of m easurement and focus to overcome, promptly accumulating genome sequences make available no famine of data. Acquisition of eukaryotic genes by bacterial genomes, chiefly parasites, and symbionts, and, to a less important extent, by archaeal genomes, is one of the eminent directions of latteral genetic material flow. Apparent horizontal RNA handing over has been detected in different functional module of genes, though it is chiefly characteristic of definite categories, such as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and unusual sign transduction systems.