Automatic Speech Recognition Systems Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Automatic Speech Recognition Systems - Coursework Example The first software is the Dragon Naturally Speaking Premium. This software costs two hundred dollars and can be found in online markets. It is speaker independent software and supports continuous speech recognition. It is meant for Windows XP, Windows 7, and windows vista operating systems. The second software is the Dragon Naturally Speaking Home. It is available in the market for a value of one hundred dollars. It is speaker independent software and supports continuous voice recognition services. Dragon Software Company develops it. It is also developed for the Windows XP, Windows 7, and windows vista operating system. The third software is called Talking Desktop Software, which is also speaker dependent software and supports continuous voice recognition services. Its value on the modern market is ninety dollars and can be got from online markets. This software also functions on the Windows 7, Windows XP, and windows vista operating system. The fourth software available in the market is the Be Vocal Software. This software mostly supports mobile phone users. It is mostly used in the development of maps in a feature known as mapquest in the mobile phone industry. It is speaker independent software and supports continuous voice recognition services. It costs two hundred dollars in the market and works on the personal computers. The fifth software available is the Dragon Dictate Two Software. This software is meant for Mac operating systems. It costs two hundred dollars on the market. It is speaker independent software and supports continuous voice recognition service. The sixth speech-recognition service software is the 888-Telsurf (beta). This software is free in the market and supports operations on the computer. It is speaker independent software and supports continuous voice recognition service.  Ã‚   The seventh software available in the market for speech recognition service is the Word Q v3. T

The Glaxosmithkline Merger: Analysis

The Glaxosmithkline Merger: Analysis Introduction Mergers are not new in pharmaceutical industry in the recent years and the same for both Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham throughout each others history. Considering the political, social and economic resistance, the general driving forces for these mergers in this industry are, more firms showed interest in using strategic partnerships and joint ventures to develop and market new products. Though pharmaceutical holds a global market, the US market decided the growth of the industry as it holds 45% of the global market. So not surprisingly the US political, social and economic resisted and delivered a strong impact on the growth of the whole pharmaceutical industry. However Pfizers merger pushed Glaxo SmithKline to 2nd rank in the industry, they were number one immediately after their merger. So the business changes of the organisation had a heavy impact on the whole pharmaceutical industry. So this paper had assessed the reason for the merger and extend the aims of the merger is achieved. Background of SmithKline Beecham: SmithKline Beecham resulted from the merger of SmithKline Beckman (SKB) and Beecham. Beecham was well known for its traditional research strength whereas SKB was known for its aggressive sales force in US. Though the process of merger was lengthy, the change from more laid British approach of Beecham to process oriented working was success. The new company tried to keep up with critical mass but they lacked in budgeting RD, which was the real constrain for companys growth. Background of Glaxo Wellcome: Glaxo Wellcomes birth was from Glaxos takeover of Wellcome in 1995. Glaxo was well known for its strong marketing approach, commercial success of its RD efforts and blockbuster product Zantac whereas Wellcome is non-profit medical institution well known for its academic approach to pharmaceuticals. Though there were several clashes between Wellcomes laid back management style and Glaxos hard-nosed, commercial and control driven culture, with the help of economic of scale in RD activities, Glaxo reduced the conflicts and resistance. However the companys growths in producing blockbuster products were lacking. 1. Reasons for the Glaxo SmithKline Merger: Merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham was a global one. The merger was a unique all over the world and various divisions of both the companies merged in around 170 countries in 2000, expect Pakistan. The merger came through after UK court order in January 2000; however it happened in Pakistan only on 23rd October 2002. So the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham in Pakistan was the off shoot of the global merger of the companies. There were six reasons which compelled both the legendary companies to go for the merge and to build a leading company in the entire pharmaceutical industry. The reasons for merging up together were: To reduce the Research Development pipeline. To reduce the Research Development cost. Drug reimbursement issues. Political pressures and growing concerns over drug prices. Patent expirations / Generic competition. Recent developments in biotechnology and the mapping of the human genome. The right theme and idea backing the merger was, to improve quality of human life for enabling people to do more, feel better, live longer. As both the companies holds the strength in more similar kind of field that is, developing drugs for infectious respiratory neurological gastrointestinal and metabolic disease, they want to lead the way in providing treatment for the same. Apart from the above field, the join company appeared to be the worlds leading producers of prescription medicine, vaccine and consumer health care products. So they planned for delivering innovative medicines and products that help billions of people round the world live longer, healthier and happier life. The whole pharmaceutical industry was focusing and investing in RD as it delivers modern ways to handle prolonging problems and helps in the long term growth of the industry. The hunger to deliver medicines for new diseases made the join group (GlaxoSmithKline) to pay more attention in RD and wished to reduce the number of products in the pipeline of RD. Though both companies produced similar kind of drugs and so integrating their products line was very obvious, the process demanded more time and efforts. This was mainly because; both had more number of products in the pipeline and hardly had blockbuster products in market. Still the management believed that the time for working on new diseases will be reduces by working together on lesser products. And in general all research and development evolves a risk of failure. Not that each compounds and all research towards developing new drugs for a targeted diseases comes out as success but in turn consumes high time, efforts and money. B ut the RD is the only answer for the long term growth of both the joint company and the industry. So sticking to mission and vision of the new company, GSK has decided to focus of RD but in a different way of approach .i.e. cost saving, economics of scale and licensing from other firms. Apart from these, a PEST analysis on the pharmaceutical industry will give a clear picture and highlight the hidden reason for the recent merger activities in industry and in particular GSK. PEST Analysis on Pharmaceutical Industry: Political: Considering the Medicare in USA and UKs National Health Service, the level of political interest developed in this industry can be determined. In addition USA and European market hold the first and second place of industrys global market respectively. So its very clear that the industry has gained a massive political attention because of the increasing social and financial burden of healthcare and safety. In the increased political attention on the industry, has kept the industry low to live up the expectation and their interference on most moves of the industry was a really worrying the giants of the industry. Also the pressure of civil in rapid delivery of products has kept their quality and the industry finds hard in delivering effective products. Economic: The economic growth of the industry was rapid in recent years and next to IT industry with nine geographic markets account for over 80% of global pharmaceutical sales these are US, Japan, France, Germany, UK, Italy, Canada, Brazil and Spain. Of the above listed markets, US market holds a major one and fastest too however there is down fall in 2009. The US Pharmaceutical Industry is one of the mainstays of the Economy of America. It has been observed that the US Pharmaceutical Industry is growing at a rapid pace and is showing no signs of slowing down. The US Pharmaceutical Industry Growth is also considered as a very significant part in the world pharmaceutical industry as well. Source: http://www.economywatch.com/world-industries/pharmaceutical/us.html According to analysis, in 2009, global pharmaceutical sales increased by only 2.5% ~ 3.5%, reaching a total of about 750 billion-760 billion U.S. dollars, which is lower than in October last year the growth rate of 4.5% to 5.5%, a total of 8200 the forecast 100 million U.S. dollars. This growth rate is the lowest in the past 25 years. Source: http://www.sourcejuice.com/1169843/2009/05/08/Growth-rate-global-pharmaceutical-industry-lower/ Social: Every industry tries to have a good social relation. But this industry is many steps forward than the other industries because; good health is an important personal and social requirement. All the companies of this industry hold and play a vital and unique role fulfilling societys need for good health. And threat of some killing diseases like, AIDS, SWINE FLU, SARS etc. had not only attracted the attention of public and media but developed a more depending and demanding situation on the industry. This immense situation has made the industry to maintain direct relation with the society (consumers) with the help of media and government care. Technological: The advance scientific technologies have increased the need for high spending in research and development in regards to encourage the innovation. The growth of technology drives the industry to responds faster to the expectation of the environment. This technology advancement evolves both risks and rewards. Legal Environment: However in current situation, government involves the industry in the proposal for regulatory outflows to encourage the innovation, these legal and regulatory affairs of US in special was a speed beaker for the development of the industry. European pharmaceutical giants really struggled in this situation. Sykess statement summarized how Europes pharmaceutical companies have been locked in a high stakes multibillion dollar struggle with their US rivals to stay in business in the 21st century. This struggle is associated with increased takeover activity and pharmaceutical companies seeking economies of scale to finance escalating research and development budgets. Source: Case study GSK a merger too far? Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington. 2. To what extent have the aims of Glaxo SmithKline merger been achieved? Some of the aims of the newly formed Glaxo SmithKline were, Not to protect future earnings growth but actually to increase critical mass to really outperform the industry. To become the indisputable leader in the industry in terms of conquering the challenges that the industry faces. To deliver innovative products that helps millions of people in the world to live longer, healthier and happier. To achieve the aims, the management formed a new structure for RD, highlighting the cost reductions and breaking of pipeline. However, the lack of focus on general organisational structure and internal management structure resulted in low returns compared to the estimate one. To handle the situation, the all the long terms aims has left unfocused and the management tried to recover the company from the sudden-death syndrome. This clearly gives an evidence for Glaxo SmithKlines downfall form the anticipated growth. The inability of GSK in producing blockbuster products, joint hand with the above described situation made things worse. Focusing on employees and other internal management issues in the later part helped the company to handle the global resisting issues and focus on their long term goals. Analysing GSKs stock market performance (1998 2003), tells that GSK failed to touch the anticipated heights and were only able to sail along with the industry growth. Based on the Lewins force field model, the driving forces of GSK were not too enough to overcome the resistance for change and thus failed to achieve the fixed target. Evidence for GSK loses record: In the first year of post-merger, GSK claimed 12% increase in pharama industry, with the help of cost savings and disposal of assets. The firm anticipated double the level of saving in the next year. The health care grew only 3%. They fail to record returns in RD in spite of combined RD budget and investment. It also failed to deliver blockbuster product to enhance the revenue. Instead to maintain the tempo, the management kept buying 40 licenses from other companies. GSK has shed more than 15,000 jobs; Managers were unable to retain the talent that resides on the firms. Instead of creating a powerhouse, research was split into smaller, autonomous units. (Abrahams, 1992 p.22) GSKs new radical structure was a response to a series of failures in research at the two merger partners. (Dyer, G., 2002 p.3). The new radical structure resulted James Palmer (Head Development) resignation in October 2002. At the AGM on 19 May 2003, GSK shareholders rejected a motion regarding a  £22 million pay and benefits package for CEO, JP Garnier. This was the first time such a rebellion by shareholders against a major British company has occurred, but was regarded as a possible turning point against other so-called fat cat deals within executive pay structure. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GlaxoSmithKline In November 2005, AIDS Healthcare Foundation accused the company of boosting its short-term monopoly profit by not increasing production of the anti-AIDS drug AZT despite a surge in demand, hence creating a shortage that affected many AIDS patients in Africa. GSK announced that it had halted clinical trials of the CCR5 entry inhibitor, aplaviroc (GW873140), in HIV-infected, treatment-naive patients because of concerns about severe hepatotoxicity.[27] In June 2006 GSK said it was further cutting, by about 30%, the not-for-profit prices it charges for some of these medicines in the worlds poorest countries. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GlaxoSmithKline To analyse, extend the aims of the merger have been achieved; SWOT analysis is done on the joint company, Glaxo SmithKline. Remuneration lenient explicitly SWOT Analysis Glaxo SmithKline: Strengths High potential staffs and experienced managers. Wide-ranging set of documents in health sector. Strong platform in health care division. Strong market position Focus to concentrate and develop leadership in Public relations i.e. to strengthen the social context of the environment. Modern hospital system, Clear public health and health care service purchasing Balanced finance in the health sector Strong IT development Product development track record. Weaknesses Lack of clear and wide perspective .goals to achieve the aims Weak bond among health care, public health and social care. Inability to cope with the cost increases. Low brand value for its products. Inefficiency in motivating the experienced leader and thus failing to make maximum use of the potential staffs. Lack of viable training and management skills. Not an efficient HR strategy in retaining key professionals. Lack of right proposition of various competences. Co-marketing agreements can limit GSKs global presence. With mass RD, inability to produce blockbuster products. Opportunities Technological development Social changes and challenges. Economic growth of the industry (immediately next to IT industry). Free movement of goods, services, labour. Developing vaccines for persistent diseases chance to have craic. Empowerment of citizens and their greater engagement Threats Patent expiry on drugs that generate strong income Ageing and demographic change. Safety issues surrounding the products. Ecological and public health threats. Expectations of the raising population As the RD of global rivals work on similar products in most of the cases, the competition is high and much demanding. Emerging of potential regional market like China and India. Political pressure in fixing the price for new drugs, which fails to fulfil even the research cost. Ever increasing cost of drug trials and ever higher standards imposed by national drug approvals bodies (Aspirin would not get approval if invented today!) Conclusion: Thought there are several giants in the industry, similar to the current situation, there was an uncertain situation during the period of early 90s. And to overcome that uncertain situation, most of the firms in the industry move themselves towards the strategy Mergers and acquisition. But, as there is always a saying that not all mergers works, most of the mergers in the industry fail to achieve the anticipated growth and I feel Glaxo SmithKline is the right example for the scenario. GSK believed that bigger the size, bigger the growth and bigger earning. But it failed to realise bigger the size, bigger the expectation, bigger pressure and failing to handle the pressure and keep the expectation will reflect badly. Various merger analyse debated, though GSK claim some success through cost saving and pipeline synergies, the aimed and announced growth was not received in terms of market. So I conclude that, the merger served the company only in short term success and failed to achieve the aims of the merger. Reference and Source: http://www.ucc.ie/quality/INTERNET/PESTAnalysis.pdf www.gsk.com Johnson G, Scholes K and Whittington R (2008) Exploring Corporate Strategy, (Prentice Hall) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GlaxoSmithKline#cite_note-43 http://www.wikiswot.com/SWOT/4_User_Generated/GlaxoSmithKline.html http://www.allfreeessays.com/essays/Gsk-Swot-Analysis/114901.html Mullins L.J. (2007), Management and Organisational Behaviour, Eighth Edition, Great Britain, Pearson education limited. http://www.pwc.com/us/en/issues/business-combinations/publications/snapshot-mergers-acquisitions-business-combinations.jhtml http://www.startupbizhub.com/company-mergers-and-acquisitions.htm

Children Tried as Adults Essay -- Juveniles Tried in Adult Criminal Cou

It is unfair for American children to know that though they can be innocent, they are treated as adults when they turn thirteen in some states. Although children have to learn the difference between what is right and wrong in their first years of life, most of them do not have enough experience to show that they are capable of living within society independently. Nonetheless, when they commit a serious crime-accidentally or purposely, the state mandate allows the judicatures to try them as an adult. There is a flaw here because they do not have a set personality, nor they can readily understand how humans abide by the law, nor do they have the cognitive ability to understand how to live in society. This paper will argue that the idea of trying children for their crimes in the United States as an adult is too extreme. In the United States, when one turns eighteen, people consider that the individual is an adult, but there is no written national law, nor a statement in the United Nations covenants that I know of that states that a person is an adult at that age. Age eighteen is accepted as a norm because the Constitution states that under the 26th Amendment, people can vote. Additionally, though it up to the states to decide, eighteen is when people can get a driver’s license and buy cigarettes. Controversially however, there are no state laws or federal laws set to decide at what age a person is eligible to go to an adult court or prison if proven guilty for an unpardonable crime. An example of this is in Alabama, where two males at age fourteen are currently spending life in prison for a murder, but to the non-profit group, the Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama it is cruel and unusual punishment and violates their human right... ...in juvenile cases: Mitigating and extralegal factors matter. Legal & Criminological Psychology, 12(1), 21. Redlich, A. , Quas, J. , & Ghetti, S. (2008). Perceptions of children during a police interrogation: Guilt, confessions, and interview fairness. Psychology, Crime & Law, 14(3), 201. Shook, J. (2005). Contesting childhood in the us justice system: The transfer of juveniles to adult criminal court. Childhood: A Global Journal of Child Research, 12(4), 461-478. Scott, E. , & Steinberg, L. (2008). Adolescent development and the regulation of youth crime. Future of Children, 18(2), 15-33. Semple, J. , & Woody, W. (2011). Juveniles tried as adults: The age of the juvenile matters. Psychological Reports, 109(1), 301-308. Steiner, B. , & Giacomazzi, A. (2007). Juvenile waiver, boot camp, and recidivism in a northwestern state. Prison Journal, 87(2), 227.

Process Centered Organizations Essay

Process Centered Organizations are planned to create maximum value, innovation and development. A Process Centered Organization can sustain its processes at a high level. A process centered organizational design sorts out the best blend of structure and process. By carrying out a process-centered cycle, healthcare organizations can achieve their goals by changing the way workflow is defined and the way the people working in these organizations perceive their roles. In all healthcare organizations, the focal point is the patient. From a patient’s perspective, how much he or she is valued is important. Healthcare organizations around the globe are making efforts to satisfy their customers in the best possible ways. But modern times require these organizations to engage in the use of knowledge, skills, tools, techniques and systems to improve and direct processes towards creating value for the patient. One such example of a healthcare organization is Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC), Bangor, Maine. The organization in fact received the 2008 HIMSS Davies Award. This prestigious award is given to selected hospitals in the United States for effectively using information technology to improve the safety and quality of patient care. EMMC represents an immaculate example of how to apply and make use of electronic health records (EHR) along with other technologies in order to ensure delivery of quality and evidence based healthcare. The EHR system was installed as part of EMMC’s Patient First Initiatives Program. This was an effort to provide high quality patient care by changing care delivery, adopting a patient-focused culture and implementing a technology plan to support the care delivery process. EMMC’s use of data derived from its healthcare IT systems is a shining example of how to drive performance improvement, quality and improve care in response to state and national reporting requirements. †(HIMMS news, 2008) Eric Hartz, MD, EMMC chief medical information officer, says this award is a crowning achievement for EMMC’s employees. He emphasized that in the end, it is the patients of the region who will benefit from EMMC. The organizations staff worked hard for nearly a decade to implement the most advanced computer systems on the market to allow instantaneous sharing of health information among all healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care. â€Å"When the software that was currently available wasn’t doing the job we wanted, we challenged our vendors to work with us to build something better. It has been a tremendous collaboration†, said MR. Hartz. The services offered by these new systems are incredible. For example they improved ratio from electronic to hand written orders from 5:1 to 14:1. It eliminated 160 minutes from order writing to pharmacy receipt of orders, plus the average time for pharmacist review decreased 52 percent, from 50. 8 minutes to 24. 3 minutes. It also decreased overall medication incidents by 27 percent etc. (Cerner, 2008) The new systems in EMMC offer decision-support to help guarantee that patients receive the safest and best care achievable. EMMC’s providers and staff spent numerous hours working on the clinical systems to continuously make them better. They involved themselves and participated with the organizations experts in the information systems department and this allowed them to streamline all their processes and improve employee productivity. After several years of preparation, improvement, and execution, the nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals adopted advancements in information technology. They are now helping to bring the latest advancements and technology in patient care to the people who arrive at the doorstep of their hospital from any side of Maine. In process centering, processes are not newly created by organizations; in fact existing processes are modernized to meet the organization’s goals. What process centering does is to modify the perception and bring the process into focus. And this is exactly what EMMC did in order to provide higher levels of satisfactions to their patients and customers.

Be Careful of the Hidden Clause in Contract

We use contracts to handle a lot of things in our life. Such as, we need contract to rent an apartment, to get a wireless phone service, to install a cable TV, to get a job, to open a bank account etc. However, the contract is not simple and straightforward. There are many hidden dangers that we are not conscious. We must be careful of the hidden clause in contract in order to protect the benefit of us. At the first glance, you may feel eased since there are a lot of tedious clauses in contract to protect you if the service does not get delivered in time with good quality as promised, if another pay does not pay you on time. You may feel that the contracts are wordy and unreadable so you don’t have to study it cautiously. I am even thinking why all the person like to make the contracts so wordy? I open a bank account only. Why give me contract more than 10 pages? I just rent an apartment; does it need a contract like a book? I know that the longer contract can make the rights and the obligations clearer than the short one. But just because it is wordy, I don’t read it all; and because I don’t read it all, I fail to know the most important thing to me in the contract and lost a lot. However, contracts do not always protect you, especially the pre-prints from service providers, if you ready contract carefully with enough patience, you will find a number of areas you can unknowingly find yourself getting into trouble or being taken advantage of. For example, some contract may look like to give you a large rebate, but you will find you are bounded to the server provider for two years just after you signed it, you can get out of it unless you pay a large penalty. In the contract like this, the part of rebate usual is written in the easy-find-way and the part of unconscionability used euphemistic description. So, my mind is full of the benefits I can get and forget what I need pay for that. Whatever, the clause you ignored maybe the very critical. Read the contract carefully and patiently is very important.

Magdalena and Balthasar

In the book, Magdalena and Balthasar, Steven Ozment reveals and interprets letters written by a husband and wife in the late sixteenth century. The letters entailed daily life occurrences between Magdalena and Balthasar through a sixteen year period. They explained the joy, hardships, and intimate love relationship that Magdalena and Balthasar experienced in a portion of their lives. Their close and personal relationship in which they had between one another clearly explained that remaining in good health, being business partners, and having faith in God were priorities that Magdalena and Balthasar had in their lives. Magdalena and Balthasar were always aware of all of the ailments and diseases that they were susceptible to. They were unfortunately witnesses to many casualties of friends and relatives. Due to the lifestyle in which they lived, they were not by each others side all the time and therefore were in constant worry of one another, praying that the other was in good health condition. Magdalena writes to Balthasar on the 7 of July 1584, in Altdorf, saying, I have hoped that Almighty God will grant my heartfelt prayer and restore your health there by Christian means, since it has not been his will to do so here. May God preserve you at all times and bring you safely back to me in joy so that we may again cheer and comfort each other after our long separation. Magdalena has dedicated part of her day for praying for her husband to remain in good health and return home safely. The couple attempted numerous treatments in order to maintain their good health standard. One trea! tment they would do about four times a year was bleeding. Magdalena claimed that letting herself bleed had cured the arthritis in her shoulder. Balthasar believed that one remedy to keep his health was drinking water. In his letter to Magdalena on the 5 of June 1591, in Carlsbad near Schlackenwalde, he says, I bega...

Free Essays on Directors Fiduciary Duties (Singaporean Companies Act)

) I. Introduction A corporate body can only act by agents, and it is of course the duty of those agents to act to the best of their abilities to promote the interests of the corporation for whom they are working. Such agents have duties to discharge of a fiduciary nature towards their principal. Fiduciary duties arise due to the nature of trust and confidence between the parties. These duties are designed to make sure that directors do not deviate from their task. Whatever the direc-tor ought to be doing, he has to stick loyally to his duty. Whether the application of s. 391 to a director who has been in breach of his fiduciary duties is ex-cluded by definition, depends on how the terms of â€Å"having acted honestly and reasonably† have to be understood in context of the fiduciary duties as well as in context of s .391. II. Fiduciary duties – the general principle 157 (1) implies that â€Å"a director shall at all times act honestly and use reasonable diligence in the dis-charge of the duties of his office†. It is settled law that this duty to act honestly includes the duty to act in the best interest of the company. A director must not place himself in a position where his duty and interest conflict; nor must he use the powers and assets entrusted to him for improper purposes . To be able to examine if the application of s. 391 is excluded concerning a breach of fiduciary duties, the scope of these duties, as well as the interpretation of the terms within the principles, must be laid down. (1) Duty to act in the company’s interests â€Å"To ‘act honestly’ refers to acting bona fide in the interests of the company in the performance of the functions attaching to the office of ... Free Essays on Directors' Fiduciary Duties (Singaporean Companies Act) Free Essays on Directors' Fiduciary Duties (Singaporean Companies Act) Question: "Section 391 of the Companies Act should not be applied to a director who has been in breach of his fiduciary duties because by definition such a director cannot be said to have acted "honestly and reasonably." Discuss. (2000 words) I. Introduction A corporate body can only act by agents, and it is of course the duty of those agents to act to the best of their abilities to promote the interests of the corporation for whom they are working. Such agents have duties to discharge of a fiduciary nature towards their principal. Fiduciary duties arise due to the nature of trust and confidence between the parties. These duties are designed to make sure that directors do not deviate from their task. Whatever the direc-tor ought to be doing, he has to stick loyally to his duty. Whether the application of s. 391 to a director who has been in breach of his fiduciary duties is ex-cluded by definition, depends on how the terms of â€Å"having acted honestly and reasonably† have to be understood in context of the fiduciary duties as well as in context of s .391. II. Fiduciary duties – the general principle 157 (1) implies that â€Å"a director shall at all times act honestly and use reasonable diligence in the dis-charge of the duties of his office†. It is settled law that this duty to act honestly includes the duty to act in the best interest of the company. A director must not place himself in a position where his duty and interest conflict; nor must he use the powers and assets entrusted to him for improper purposes . To be able to examine if the application of s. 391 is excluded concerning a breach of fiduciary duties, the scope of these duties, as well as the interpretation of the terms within the principles, must be laid down. (1) Duty to act in the company’s interests â€Å"To ‘act honestly’ refers to acting bona fide in the interests of the company in the performance of the functions attaching to the office of ...

Spring Break Yall! (How to Break Spring on a Budget)

Spring Break Yall! (How to Break Spring on a Budget) Spring Break Yall! (How to Break Spring on a Budget) WOO! SPRING BREAK! PROOFREADER PARTY! YEAH! SOMETHING ABOUT GOING WILD! OK, we’ll admit it, proofreaders are generally bookish, happier quietly reading a novel than running naked and screaming through the streets of Cancun while being cheered on by our peers. Were not entirely sure whats happening here, but its definitely not proofreading. Nevertheless, we’ve managed to come up with a few handy tips for the cash-strapped among you, as partying hard can be expensive. Pack Everything You Need Sure, it’s in the spirit of freedom and fun to leave the house with nothing but the clothes on your back, a plane ticket, your passport, some shades and a six-pack. However, if you end up paying for a camera, sunblock and everything else you need while away at tourist-resort prices, you might end up wishing you packed a suitcase. All the Fun is in the Journey Driving isn’t as quick as flying, but if you have a car, some friends to chip in for gas and some good music for the stereo it can be a fun (and relatively inexpensive) way to get where you’re going. If you cant even afford gas, a toy car and a map will have to do. Find Somewhere Cheap to Stay When booking somewhere to stay, go directly via the hotel’s website or ring them and book over the phone to cut out the middle-man fee. Booking in advance will also help, as rooms can become expensive if you wait too long. An even cheaper alternative is to holiday by house-sitting for someone. Just try not to break their stuff. Remember Your Student ID You might be leaving college behind for a while, but your student ID can be pretty useful during spring break; lots of companies offer a student discount, so it never hurts to ask. Make Your Own Food Buying a few groceries and making your own meals is always much cheaper than eating out at restaurants or ordering in, especially if you’re splitting the cost with friends. Don’t Go Anywhere If your budget doesn’t extend to travel and accommodation, dont worry; you can still have fun without going anywhere. Spring break is a great time to explore your town, catch up with old friends, throw a party or watch every single episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (actually, you might need more than a week for that last one). Alternatively, you could get a temp job, then spend the money you make on a vacation in the summer!

Chernoble disaster Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chernoble disaster - Research Paper Example The reason for the event is that the coolant pumps which are stopped to test the backup system have caused the core to reach the temperatures which can meltdown the core. In this way the backup generators failed and thus caused the accident. Cooling systems of the plant failed and it became impossible for the workers to stop the reactors or slow it down (Green Facts, 2006). There are many environmental effects that are the results of the incident of the Chernobyl. The radio active ash from the incident place spread widely in the surrounding of the Chernobyl. The ash from the incident place has three types, one is in the form of clouds or very thin ash which has a comparatively less weight and other is a bit thick ash that contains a large amount of radioactive materials. The thin ash is carried by air and can travel a large distance but it has a little impact on humans and environment. The thick ash can remain for many hundred years. The ash can cause cancer and if a person is too mu ch close to the radiation material, the ash can damages his cells, causing a typical type of cancer or a mutation World Nuclear Association. March, 2011). The persons have got cancers that are far from the place. A genetic mutation is fount in the plants and animals of the area and many people are also affected by the radiation. Extraordinary organ growth is now a common day thing in the region.

N Health Care or Oil and Gas that has greater relevance to the Houston Research Paper

N Health Care or Oil and Gas that has greater relevance to the Houston economy - Research Paper Example The Department of Health and Human Services in Houston is charged with the duty of working with health care providers plus the community with the intention of promoting good health and improving health services offered to citizens (Nathan, 2009). There are a number of duties that the health department is charged with. Examples of the roles include implementation of programs intended to reduce the prevalence and effect of varied communicable diseases like Swine flu and HIV, keeping track of the environmental conditions like air quality and overseeing animal control and inspecting food establishments and local restaurants to make sure that no health threats are introduced to the lives of the dinners. To operate a food service establishment, a permit would be required of the food dealers. A permit would be given to a food establishment only after it meets every requirement that has been set by Houston food ordinance. There are educational services offered to help managers or workers create and maintain safer food service operations. The services also help the workers comply with Houston food ordinance-set requirements. Education pertaining to food safety is provided using a number of ways. One way in of carrying out the exercise is the condition requiring that every manager attends classes then passes a written test centered on food safety prior to certification as a food service manager. The remaining section of the paper focuses on a detailed analysis and recommendations of appropriate mitigation techniques applicable on the risks that a project manager overseeing the execution of the E- Learning software project has to contend with Apart from roles like project planning and communication, project managers are also charged with the duty of risk management. Risks management in software projects entails identification, quantification and management of risks (Wysocki, 2013). Every project features some amount of risk. For instance, a project meant

Reponse paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reponse paper - Essay Example She goes and does not locate the cat. She passes by the reception she encounter the padrone who makes her feel small yet of supreme importance. However, something changes since when she goes back to the room, the husband pays attention as the American girl chatters about her boyish appearance and her desire to possess a cat. The husband distasteful orders her to find something to read. This essay is a response addressing the connotation short story â€Å"Cat in The Rain† by Hemingway. ‘Cat in the rain’ is portrayal of women’s status in a male dominated society. The story is pertinent because it displays the women’s desire for freedom do what they want as opposed to what is expected of them by the husband or the society. Gender roles and gender specific expectations and issues have long been developed by patriarchal society to maintain a control over them. Indeed, even the husbands rarely recognized the interests of the women. Hemingway’s story highlights the women’s desire to be free demonstrated by the great desire of the American Wife to free the cat and own it, which depicts their yearning to be free. Cat therefore, symbolizes women’s status that at all times strives to conform to the demands of their husband. ‘It isn’t any fun to be a poor kitty out in the rain’ (Hemingway Web) reflects the nostalgia of the woman to flee from her vigilant and domineering husband. The protagonist in the story is first addressed as ‘American wife’ and then as ‘American girl’ that subtly defines the difference between a married girl and girl who can pursue their happiness as they deem within the broader framework of patriarchal society. This depicts marriage as a form of confinement for women. Indeed, social conditioning significantly affects marital bond and makes women rebel against the restrictions that make

Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 9

Psychology - Essay Example Thailand has remained a model for organic farming. Many Thai companies are boasting of chemical free products today. Thailand’s Buddhist Asok movement helps to build organic farms and is a monk led movement, which has brought a change within the monk living style too. â€Å"Additionally, while several mainstream Thai monks are millionaires, Asok monks are not allowed to own any property and lay members living inside the community make no money. But everyone receives free food, lodging, and medical care, and students receive free education† http://www.newfarm.org/columns/Jason/2003/0303/thai_asok.shtml Thailand is feeding the world with many organic products other than the rice and in recent years this had been its valuable offering towards environment and it still remains the largest rice exporter in the world. Green Net has rendered yeomen service to organic revolution with its organising farm and trading activities. â€Å"Through more than 7-year experiences, Green Net believes that the main challenge for Third World organic movement is how to organise fair trade at national and international level which would truly benefit small-scale organic producers in a sustainable manner,† Alfoldic (2000, p.664). Organic marketing called Lemon Farms are spreading all over Thailand. Initially, it had not been easy to find customers. â€Å"It has proved difficult to get customers to pay more for generic products although there are some signs this is changing. For instance initial efforts to market organic fruits and vegetables in Thailand, ran into stiff marketing resistence† Charter (1999, p.347). â€Å"There are many doors into the organic community. Some folks come in through their alternative lifestyle. Some come desperately seeking ways to save their farms. Some are merely attracted by high organic soybean and dairy prices†. The Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) has been spreading

Home work assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Home work assignment - Essay Example The authors establish why the alibi in Bancroft’s favour could well be the basis to suspect him. The truth, especially with regard to history, is bound to be vague, because even the best historical detection has more to do with probabilities than with certainties. 1 I am convinced that Sack’s method of investigation works better with Susan Hamelin / Hamilton than the one used by the two journalists who interviewed her. This is because Sack’s method is primarily based on building rapport at first with the person with whom he wishes to interact. This, to a great extent, prevents the possibility of the person being interviewed hiding or distorting facts. 2 Even as a group, Sack’s personalistic method is to be preferred to the historians’ method, because the latter, with their impersonal attitude, tend to regard the person being interviewed as an object of study whereas in Sack’s method, the person being interviewed will be touched by the apparent genuineness of the interviewer’s concern. This creates the platform for an honest exchange of ideas and information. If Sack’s method yields good results with people who are challenged, it is quite reasonable to believe that the method will work much better with people who are sane and fit. 3 If I were to pick a patient from ‘An Anthropologist on Mars’, I would choose Temple Grandin. When I try to know more about her, I would make an effort to gain an understanding of her self and identity. In this scientific investigation must go hand in hand with an emotional concern. The purpose of this understanding is to be able to suggest ways to them how the quality of life can be improved within the limitations and to explore what adaptations are possible in this direction. The devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the use of nuclear bombs continues to be acknowledged in history as the most destructive man-made tragedy in the human history and must also continue to haunt the

Sickness and healing - An Anthropological Perspective Essay

Sickness and healing - An Anthropological Perspective - Essay Example Disease accounts; whereby the biomedicine’s recognizes the body as the cause and remedy of sickness and lastly, disorder accounts; whereby the imbalances are the main source of illness and means to cure. He refuses the concept of culture-bound syndrome because he believes that it is based on anthropological and psychiatric notions and; therefore, it is culturally biased. The cultural difference in health and illness presents and makes people understand the symptoms of the disease. He goes ahead to explain that the individual and social experiences of illness are termed as a complex process, and; hence, the physiological expression of these diseases are becoming the main concern among medical anthropologists and something needs to be done. Hahn also gives an example of sociocultural influences on low-birth-weight between black and white infants. He says anthropology and epidemiology are can make a conclusion on this social-medical problem. This evidence can illustrate how the t wo disciplines can make individuals understand the complexity of a disturbing problem. It serves as a powerful means that shows individuals the benefits of looking at sickness and heals from both sociocultural and biomedical perspectives3. There are different ways in which individuals respond to sickness from one society to another. Hahn concludes that anthropology is exclusively found on investigations of subjective States and expresses that sociocultural phenomena should be included in the medical epistemology and should be practiced4.

Home work assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Home work assignment - Essay Example The authors establish why the alibi in Bancroft’s favour could well be the basis to suspect him. The truth, especially with regard to history, is bound to be vague, because even the best historical detection has more to do with probabilities than with certainties. 1 I am convinced that Sack’s method of investigation works better with Susan Hamelin / Hamilton than the one used by the two journalists who interviewed her. This is because Sack’s method is primarily based on building rapport at first with the person with whom he wishes to interact. This, to a great extent, prevents the possibility of the person being interviewed hiding or distorting facts. 2 Even as a group, Sack’s personalistic method is to be preferred to the historians’ method, because the latter, with their impersonal attitude, tend to regard the person being interviewed as an object of study whereas in Sack’s method, the person being interviewed will be touched by the apparent genuineness of the interviewer’s concern. This creates the platform for an honest exchange of ideas and information. If Sack’s method yields good results with people who are challenged, it is quite reasonable to believe that the method will work much better with people who are sane and fit. 3 If I were to pick a patient from ‘An Anthropologist on Mars’, I would choose Temple Grandin. When I try to know more about her, I would make an effort to gain an understanding of her self and identity. In this scientific investigation must go hand in hand with an emotional concern. The purpose of this understanding is to be able to suggest ways to them how the quality of life can be improved within the limitations and to explore what adaptations are possible in this direction. The devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the use of nuclear bombs continues to be acknowledged in history as the most destructive man-made tragedy in the human history and must also continue to haunt the

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 12

Report - Essay Example Notably, this case represented a miscarriage of justice. The evidence presented by Krex’s attorney pointed to his innocence. This evidence engrossed two trial expert witnesses who had alluded to Mr. Klex’s innocence and a justification professional witness, a world renowned handwriting expert, who noted that Mr. Klex was innocent (McLaughlin 1). Courts should take measures to maintain both the veracity of convictions and the moral force of their burden of proof. In Mr. Klex’s case, the judge denied a caregiver from speaking on behalf of Mr. Klex’s satisfactory character and his attribute as a loving and a caring husband (McLaughlin 1). This court failed on its part of burden of proof. This is among the many reasons for wrongful convictions for deeds people did not do. Over the past three years, more than eleven convicts have been exonerated on account of actual innocence based on evidence. In order to establish the innocence of an accused, the courts require assistance from an expert in fields such as science. In the case of Mr. Klex, the judge refused to hear out a renowned forensic handwriting expert who acknowledged that Mr. Klex was innocent (McLaughlin 1). If many of the cases in Pennsylvania were to be reviewed, there would be some cases where those convicted are innocent in the sense that they did not partake in the crime. In order to guarantee that such instances do not recur, it is essential for the Pennsylvanian criminal justice system to consider all the recommendations contained in the report of the advisory committee on wrongful convictions. Who would object to efforts of eliminating wrongful convictions? What would be eviler than taking guiltless citizens, tarnishing their lives and punishing them for offenses they did not commit? After having studied why innocent men and women were wrongfully convicted and doomed, the advisory committee established that some of the basis of wrongful convictions

Health Hand Hygiene

Health Hand Hygiene The compliance of health care workers (HCWs) with hand hygiene and disinfection quality practices is considered one of HHUMC principle objectives because of its direct impact on healthcare provision . Hand washing is the single most effective measure of preventing healthcare associated infections. The Infection Control committee runs an ongoing hand hygiene campaign to raise compliance rates. The main elements of which are: Promotion of alcohol hand disinfectants which have been shown to significantly improve compliance.: Alcohol-based hand disinfection dispensers were installed in all hospital departments Staff training : the infection control committee conducts routine and scheduled training on hand hygiene and the importance of alcohol disinfectant use for all hospital staff Hand washing Message: the infection control team encouraged the placement of hand hygiene posters in all hospital hallways and departments.The graphic reminders are an effective measure in reaching a large number of the hospital population which includes staff and hospital visitors and promoting the messag about the importance of good hand hygiene practices and techniques. Observational Audit: The Infection Control team carried an observational audit of targeted staff that have direct patient contact in all hospital departments during the period January 2007 to November 2007. The IC/OHS committee provided an annual schedule for the departments to be visited and audited. The audit entails monitoring the practice of all Health-care workers (HCWs) against the requirement that hands must be decontaminated before and after every contact with patients or invasive devices, prior to any aseptic procedure and after handling body fluids or contaminated materials. These contacts are described as hand hygiene opportunities. Compliance can be defined as either washing hands with liquid soap and water or rubbing with an alcohol disinfectant, in accordance with a hand hygiene opportunity. Compliance = Hand hygiene carried out x 100 Opportunity for hand hygiene (O) In quarter I of 2007 the compliance rate was 73%. During the quarter II, compliance decreased to 71% and in the quarter III and IV the compliance rate were 72.2 % 70 % respectively. The hospital-wide annual compliance average rate was 71.5 % which is an improvement from the 69% compliance rate of 2006 and a continued improment since compliance was measured in 2005. It is also above the hospital goal for the first time. The annual score for each department is shown in the figure below. The HHUMC Infection Control Department set a QI score of 70% or more to be achieved in 2007 in order to continuously improve compliance. The pie chart below represents the hospital department scores divided into the percentage of hospital departments that have achieved the score. The departments that received the lowest scores are the departments that will be closely monitored and already received extra attention in order to improve their compliance with the hand washing policy. Most of the hospital departments reached their goal. Interventions such as staff training, promotion of alcohol hand disinfectants, putting posters and monitoring staff performance played a significant step in improving hand washing compliance in the hospital. During the observations, barriers to hand hygiene were identified, e.g. no paper towels, alcohol disinfectants in dispensers. Some of the observations also gave concern about staff not decontaminating their hands following removal of gloves. Findings were identified and transmitted to the nursing director, department managers, and staff on duty after the audits. Future plans for hand hygiene campaign The infection control department plans to continue its activities to further promote and train the the hospital staff in the use of alcohol hand disinfectants. The observational audits will be repeated at least twice each year. Additional engagement with the nursing departments that have scored the lowest in the recent audit has already begun and the root causes for the lack of compliance with the hand hygiene recommendations will be analysed. The causes that are associated with lower compliance are related to the infrastructure and ease of available sites for hand disinfection as well as the promotion of the â€Å"hand hygiene culture†.

The Truth About Physics And Religion :: essays research papers

The Truth About Physics and Religion Many people believe that physics and religion are separate entities. They claim that physics deals only with the objective, material world, while religion deals only with the world of values. It is obvious, from these, and from many other comparisons, that conflicts have arisen between physics and religion. Many are convinced that the two fields completely oppose each other, and are not related in any ways. Many people, who follow a particular religion, feel offended by the claims that physicists have made, while physicists believe that religion has no basis in reality. I will show, however, that these conflicts are founded on a misunderstanding, and that there is no division between physics and religion. I will also prove that the misunderstanding lies in the parables of religion and in the statements made by physicists. Furthermore, I will show that only physicists can really know the truth of physics, and only religious followers can know the truth of that religion; everyone else has to take it on faith.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many people believe that physics and religion are entirely separate. They claim that physics is only concerned with discovering what is true or false, while religion is concerned with what is good or evil. Scientists appear to agree that â€Å"physics is the manner in which we argue about the objective side of reality.† Religious followers, on the other hand, agree that â€Å"religion is the way we express the subjective decisions that help us choose the standards by which we live.† Although these definitions seem to be contrasting, an important element remains absent, an element that must first be considered before religion and physics can be compared.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Those who think that religion has no basis in reality also believe that there is an â€Å"obvious† separation between the two fields. They think that religion is a jumble of false assertions, with no basis in reality. Paul Dirac, a physicist, once said: The very idea of God is a product of the human imagination. It is quite understandable why primitive people, who were so much more exposed to the overpowering forces of nature than we are today, should have personified these forces in fear and trembling. But nowadays, when we understand so many natural processes, we have no need for such solutions. Dirac, and those who think the same way, however, fails to consider the essential element that has caused many to misunderstand the relationship between physics and religion. What they fail to realize is that religion uses language in quite a different way from science. The language of religion is more closely related to the language of poetry than to the language of science.

Technology in A Brave New World Essay -- Brave New World

Technology in A Brave New World Technology is defined as using the entire body of science, methods, and materials to achieve an end. Technology, or techne, is so preoccupied with weather it can, it never considers if it should. In "Of Techne and Episteme," a article on technology and humanities, the author Eddy warns us that a society without epistemological thinking would lead to a society of "skilled barbarians." This is the topic of the novel Brave New World in which Aldous Huxley portrays a future world where babies are manufactured on an assembly line and put into a social class while they are still embryos in a test tube. As children they are engineered to be content with their rank in this world where love, viviparous reproduction, and knowledge of anything beyond your job serves no purpose. A look at Brave New World supports Eddy's beliefs on the importance of humanities in society because of unethical genetic experimentation and the character's lack of individuality.  ...

California Culture Essay

California culture has changed a lot over the years. There are new trends coming out all the time. Whether they succeed or not they’re always changing. Fashion is a big deal in California, it’s the way you express yourself. Fashion trends that have been around for a while are jeans, V-neck shirts, and tennis shoes. New trends are TOMS which are shoes that are extremely comfortable, highlighter colors, and body piercings. Highlighter colors are used for clothes, jewelry, nail polishes, hair, shoes, and even make up. Piercings used to be just for your ears and nose but now they’re used for practically any body part like your belly button or back dimples. There are also trends in food restaurants. McDonalds had always been a favorite no matter how unhealthy it is. Some more fast food restaurants are In-N-Out, Chipotle, and Wingstop. A new slang word almost everyone uses is â€Å"YOLO† which means You Only Live Once. There is also a sign for representing the west side where you make a W with your fingers. Some really important problems are unemployment, debt, drugs, gangs, and obesity. There are so many people with big families but don’t have jobs because there aren’t enough being offered. Reasons why people are unemployed are because corporations aren’t using their profit to hire additional workers and state and local governments are continuing to reduce their workforce. A solution to help unemployment rates would be to eliminate unemployment insurance unless it is really needed. This insurance makes people lazy, they stop trying to look for jobs. We are in debt for a lot of reasons but I want to focus on one reason that many people might not think too much about, welfare. Welfare costs a lot for us especially if it’s being wasted on someone who doesn’t really need or deserve it. There are many people who use welfare for drugs and just sit around their house on a couch doing nothing. They learn to live off welfare and then don’t try to even look for jobs. Many people with children still do this as well. A solution to this would be several drug tests at random times and people should have to keep some type of proof to show that they have been looking for jobs and submit them every 2-3 weeks. Drugs, smoking, and drinking is becoming a lifestyle for teenagers. This is a big problem that needs to stop ASAP. It’s dangerous and reckless not only for the teens using but for innocent people around them. Solutions for this would be random searches for drugs in school. Being in gangs is also something popular among teens. Representing or â€Å"repping† colors and hats are cool to teens. Gangs are way too dangerous and frightening and the only solution I can think of is more security and better protection. The last problem is the obvious one, obesity. Obesity is taking over! It’s a huge health problem. 2/3 of US adults are overweight or obese. About a quarter of 2-5 year olds and 1/3 of school-age children are obese. A solution to this would be to have less fast food restaurants and kids should be educated and encouraged to make healthier choices at a young age so it becomes a part of their lifestyle. My prediction for society in 5 years will be that both obesity and debt will get worse. This can harm me because obesity can lead to death and debt can make be broke and homeless if I’m not careful. I also think computer technology will advance rapidly. No one will carry around textbooks at all and we might not even go to class we can all sit at home yet be in a computerized classroom together. That might not happen in 5 years but I do believe it’ll happen soon. This will benefit me because it saves gas, time, and money for fees on books.

Asessment

I will continue to use this priority direction as the example in this assessment 1 guide. Your assignment task is to: 1 . Select one priority direction from the list. For example: One of the six priority directions of the Nest action agenda is ‘Improving the social and emotional wellbeing of young Australians' (pig 14). 2. Introduce the priority direction highlighting the significance for Australian children and youth You could: Discuss what Is social and emotional wellbeing and what are the benefits or outcomes of emotional and social wellbeing for children and youth.For example the early year's research provides evidence that Infant bonding and positive early life social experiences can strengthen healthy brain development providing the potential for greater educational achievement and the capacity to form successful relationships (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child 2004, Children's Emotional Development Is Built into the Architecture of Their Brains: Working Paper No. 2. Http://www. Developmentally. Net). 3.Identify the current status of child and youth health and wellbeing in Australia (birth to 24 years) in your selected priority direction and present the problem currently faced in Australia. Identify Australian statistics from various resources that indicate the outcomes related social and emotional wellbeing for Australian children. You may use RACY evidence such as Report Card: The wellbeing of young Australians along with other Australian sources e. G. AYAH to support your discussion.The RACY Report Card uses the average of all ‘Loved and Safe' measures to provide a global indicator of social and emotional wellbeing. You can refer to this. You could also provide statistics related to various determinants and related outcomes for this priority area and issues how the factor is relevant e. G. Bullying and the impact on youth mental health. 4. Discuss what determinants of health and wellbeing are contributing to these outcomes . Identify determinants from across various contexts influencing child and youth outcome I. E. Processes in the micro, mess, ex. Or macro systems.In this section you can discuss the factors that influence the statistics and health outcomes you have raised in your essay. For example identify various determinants of social and emotional wellbeing including both protective and risk factors. Discuss owe unemployment (ex.) might affect family functioning (micro) such as positive communication. 5. Propose strategies supported by research and the literature that will help achieve one or more aspects of the Nest action agenda vision for Australia's children and in any context influencing child and youth outcomes I. . Processes in the micro, mess, ex. Or macro systems. Intimidates is a school health promotion program that helps schools support young people to achieve their goals, build relationships and cope with challenges (http:// wry. Intimidates. Due. AU/about-Intimidates/what-is-Intimid ates). How can implementation be encouraged in your local school? Tips on the structure of your essay You have some freedom in this assessment task to select broad or focused issues impacting on child and youth health.This will impact on how to present your work. Plan your presentation carefully. Your presentation can follow the order of assignment tasks listed in the unit outline or you may reorder the information to improve the logical flow of your ideas and the essay. You can present your work as an essay however, you may use headings to respond to the various tasks. A good resource on effective writing and how to write an essay is: http://unlearning. IOW. Due. AU/main. HTML.See also a comparison between essay and a report style http://unlearning. IOW. Due. AU/report/l b. HTML Correct referencing following the Harvard style is required See the marking criteria in the unit outline for the areas your work will be assessed against. Each lecturer will arrange a webbing session for yo ur group where you can ask question about the first assessment. These sessions will be recorded so that if you can't attend the set time you can listen to the questions and answers at a later time.

The Law of Intention

The law of intention, following the cases of Woollin [1999] 1 AC 82 and Matthews [2003] 3 Cr App R 30, is now satisfactorily defined in the criminal law. Intention, normally means desire to aim at something. However, in criminal law, mens rea known as ‘guilty mine’, it requires two distinguishable intentions which are direct intention as well as oblique intention, and apart from, also recklessness. Direct intention means the consequences of the action is desired specifically, just like murder. Defendant is purposed to achieve the death or the grievous bodily harm (GBH) of the victim R v Mohan [1975].Oblique intention also known as foresight intent, means the consequence which the defendant is not desired, however, it is going to happen when he goes ahead with his acts (Law teacher, 2012). An unsurprising side-effect would result when defendant is achieving some other consequences R V Nedrick [1986]. Under these situations, the court will remind the jury to consider how p robable the consequence was foreseen by the defendant. Generally, recklessness means to take an unjustified risk. It covers the case of harm such as manslaughter or criminal damage.Objective and subjective test will be applied respectively in different cases. In other words, intention could be the worst culpability in mens rea. Follow up would be the recklessness. In the case of R v Woollin [1999], the defendant loose temper with his three-month-old son, and picked the baby up and thrown him to a hard surface. The baby’s skull was fractured and dead afterwards. The defendant was convicted for murder, however, the court quashed and convicted of manslaughter substituted. In this case, the court of appeal upheld that there was a substantial risk, which the child could suffer from serious bodily harm.Substantial risk means the act of the defendant made a strong and significant cause to the death of the victim. The judge directed the jury that the consequence of the act is foresee able by throwing the child to a hard surface. However, the defendant appealed that ‘the court of appeal had widen the definition of murder and should have referred to virtual certainty instead of the jury must find the intention’ (e-lawresources, n. d. ). The appeal was rejected. Virtual certainty is defined as ‘the result will occur unless something completely unexpected occurs’ (Herring, 2012 p. 41). The House of Lord held that the jury is not entitled to infer the intention but only if the defendant realized and the death or the grievous bodily harm was a virtually certain result. Therefore, the appeal allowed in House of Lord and the conviction of manslaughter substituted. Parliament stated clearly that when defendant could foresee the death would be the result of the act did not represent that the defendant intended for murder R v Moloney [1985]. By following this case, the oblique intention can be said to being satisfactorily defined in the criminal l aw.In the case of R v Matthews and Alleyne [2003], the victim was thrown to the river after robbing by the defendants. Before being thrown into the river, the victim had stated that he was not able to swim as he lost his glasses in the attack. However, the defendants ignored what the victim’s said and thrown him to river and watching him drown. Two of them are convicted of murder. As similar as the Woollin case, the judge had directed the jury that to consider whether the consequence of act was foreseeable in order to find out the intention to kill.The court upheld that finding of intent would be ‘irresistible’ (Herring, 2012 p. 141). Defendants appealed against their conviction. However, the Court of Appeal affirmed the conviction. In English law, there is no strict definition on intention is, also there is no direct link between the foresight of consequence and intention. Foresight of consequence must not be an intention. It is clear that jury was not entitled to infer intention unless the death or the serious bodily harm was a virtual certainty.Obviously, in the above case, the result which may not be the defendants’ aim at, that is the death of the victim, may not be the defendants’ final willingness. The result may not be the virtually certain result of their actions. Moreover, the defendants even did not realize that the result was not a virtually certain result of their actions, and therefore, they did not intent the result. That is, this case would be another example to explain oblique intention can be said to being satisfactorily defined in the criminal law.Apart from those examples of oblique intention, the law of intention has also satisfactorily defined in the case of DPP v Smith [1960]. The defendant was asked to drop off from the car after stolen goods. However, he refused to do it and the police jumped onto the bonnet of the car. Defendant drove with high speed in order to get the police off. He swerving from si de to side and until the police was thrown and killed. Defendant was convicted of murder (e-lawresources, n. d. ). The court held it was clear that he had intent to cause serious bodily harm or even intent to kill.The judge directed the jury that if they are satisfied that GBH or the death of the victim would be the result in the consequence of his act. Therefore, the jury convicted him of murder. The defendant appealed against the conviction with the reason that ‘subjective test’ should apply. However, the House of Lord affirmed the conviction and held that the objective test was applicable. Generally, if the result of defendant’s act is virtually certain which can cause grievous bodily harm or death, the jury is entitle to find that he intended the result.The verdict would be guilty of murder or manslaughter, depends on different circumstances. In English Law, there is no strict definition in explaining what intention is. Intention can be distinguish in two asp ects, which are direct intention and oblique intention. As mentioned before, both intentions are desire to aim at something. The main difference between them could be unsurprising side-effect would result in the oblique intention. Depends on different circumstance, the judge would convict different level of penalty.In general cases, the jury are not entitled to infer the intention of the defendants, however, apart from two situations, firstly, the result was a virtually certain result of the defendant’s acts, secondly, the defendant must realize that the result was a virtually certain result of the his act. Otherwise, the jury is not entitled to infer the intention of the defendant. Therefore, the case of R v Woollin and R v Matthews and Alleyne [2003] had clearly explained the law of intention in the criminal law. Table of casesDPP v Smith [1960] R v Matthews and Alleyne [2003] R v Mohan [1975] R v Moloney R V Nedrick [1986]. R v Woollin [1999] Reference Law teacher. (2012). Men's Rea Lecture-Intention. Retrieved 4 Nov, 2012, from: http://www. lawteacher. net/criminal-law/lecture-notes/mens-rea-lecture. php E Lawresources. (n. d. ). R v Woollin. Retrieved 4 Nov, 2012, from: http://e-lawresources. co. uk/R-v-Woollin. php E Lawresources. (n. d. ). R v Matthews and Alleyne. Retrieved 4 Nov, 2012, from: http://www. e-lawresources. co. uk/DPP-v-Smith. php

Case write up Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Case write up - Essay Example Key forces that affected FreshDirect are low entrant threat, powerful ability of buyers to force prices down, low bargaining power of suppliers, limited threat of substitute products and low intense rivalry. In addition, it has been affected by internet and other digital technology. The company use JIT production strategy to reduce in-process inventory and other costs, good supply chain management which provides direct link with producers, and total quality management system that scans quality. In addition, it has an appealing website that attracts more customers by providing complete information. It has a rating system that depicts the quality of each item. All of these ensure that the company offers low prices, has brand loyalty, profiles their customers, and has a fully organized system and steady expansion strategy thereby having a competitive advantage over their rivals. FreshDirect competed by making more order varieties that attract new customers and makes the loyal. They are highly innovative and are ahead of their competitors. They eliminated middlemen thus easily accessing suppliers and this has reduces overhead and personnel costs. Finally, they stock the right amount of products and have forced the prices to be low. FreshDirect may use strategies such as joint ventures, franchising and differentiation to craft a competitive advantage. It will be able to increase its values and market shares by making unique products. It can use innovation and corporate entrepreneurship to implement such

Non-Invasive Ventilation in Severe Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) Literature review

Non-Invasive Ventilation in Severe Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) secondary to an Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pul - Literature review Example Figure 3: Kaplan-Meier plot showing cumulative survival following the initiation of NIV (Chung et al., 2010) 18 Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is among the leading global causes of chronic morbidity and mortality, being listed as fourth leading cause of death worldwide (British Lung Foundation, 2007). It accounts for approximately 30,000 deaths each year in the United Kingdom (UK) , with more than 90% of these occurring in the over 65 age group "in 2004" (Healthcare Commission, 2006). The prevalence of the disease is expected to rise in coming decades and it is projected to be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020 (Murray and Lopez 1997). A disorder with chronic airflow limitation, the definition of COPD now gaining acceptance defines COPD as â€Å"a disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually both progressive and associated with an abnormal; inflammatory response of the lun gs to noxious particles or gases† (GOLD, 2010). Three general types of lesions are associated with COPD: emphysema, small airways inflammation and fibrosis, and mucus gland hyperplasia (Senior & Anthonisen, 1998). Excessive decline of lung function in patients with COPD leading to hospitalisation and death due to COPD is associated with presence of chronic mucus hypersecretion (Vestbo & Lang, 1996). Tobacco use is definitely the major risk factor for COPD defined by pack-year or cumulative dose, besides other risk factors such as age (Blanchette et al., 2011), familial tendencies, childhood respiratory diseases, (Senior & Anthonisen, 1998) and occupational exposure (Tomas, 2011; Blanc et al., 2009) Up to 20% of COPD patients admitted to hospital present with respiratory acidosis (Plant, 2000), characterised by deterioration in gas exchange, along with tachypnoea, dyspnoea, and crepitation (Brochard, 2000); as was observed in the case studied by the author. Studies have recomme nded the use of Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in such cases of exacerbations of COPD (Dikensoy et al., 2002). However, there are controversies to selection of patients who may be considered eligible and may actually benefit from NIV due to methodological factors. Patients with exacerbations of COPD who are not likely to respond to conventional support therapy and those in which NIV can be used for averting the needs of invasive mechanical ventilation can be selected for administration of NIV (Garpestad et al., 2007). Besides severity of exacerbations and respiratory acidosis, several other factors such as individual characteristics, timing of intervention, skill of operating

Why All New Buildings Should Be Eco-Friendly Essay

Why All New Buildings Should Be Eco-Friendly - Essay Example Besides, there is a general perception that developing eco-friendly building means disregard for aesthetic values. As a result, eco-friendly buildings are still not so widespread. The costs of developing an eco-friendly building vary from building to building; most of them are more costly than conventional buildings. For instance, in order to minimise the effects on environment, the risk mitigation fee of eco-friendly buildings is near three times higher than it is of conventional ones, as well as the overheads during construction are up to four times more (Newell 2008). Beside these costly inputs, the chief obstacle which causes investors are costly home and commercial property integration of energy efficient technologies which do not offer returns to the investors. Obviously, the owners will save their energy fee from these technologies but the builders can only balance these inputs by selling in higher prices which may cause losing the potential customers consequently. Another problem related to cost efficiency is that the market perceives the cost of capital and construction of eco-friendly building increase significantly as standards are established. Bef ore a new eco-friendly building could be put on the market, it has to be scrutinized by rigid criterion to be qualified as eco-friendly; this entails more money spending on building maintenance. For example, in Australia, it takes more than one year to be certified as â€Å"Green Star† which is a standard launched by Green Building Council Australia (GBCA), and about 8 percent of total financial investment have to be paid for advertising, management and equipments maintaining during this period (Newell 2008). However, in the long run, the return of eco-friendly buildings will out performs the cost invested (Kozlowski 2003 in Miller and Buys 2008).

An investigation into why e-businesses fail Essay

An investigation into why e-businesses fail - Essay Example This dissertÐ °tion used multi-cÐ °se studies Ð °s there were numerous exÐ °mples of fÐ °iled online businesses Ð °s well Ð °s successful ones. The results of the cÐ °se studies hÐ °ve shown thÐ °t stÐ °ff with experience in mÐ °rketing is vitÐ °l to the success of the online business, Ð °s mÐ °rketing in online business encompÐ °sses most Ð °spects of the business, Ð °nd is not just confined to Ð °ttrÐ °cting Ð °nd retÐ °ining customers. MÐ °rketing Ð °n online business Ð °lso involves mÐ °nÐ °ging the website itself Ð °nd ensuring thÐ °t the technicÐ °l Ð °spects Ð °re contributing to the customer experience. In the cÐ °se studies, it wÐ °s cleÐ °r thÐ °t experience wÐ °s the key to success in online businesses, Ð °s experience would influence other fÐ °ctors such Ð °s mÐ °rketing Ð °nd business plÐ °ns. Some online businesses mÐ °y need professionÐ °l help in mÐ °rketing, but only if they hÐ °ve not expertise within the teÐ °m. There fore it wÐ °s more importÐ °nt to recognise Ð °nd identify the shortcomings of the online business model before setting up the online business. This seemed to be Ð ° greÐ °ter determinÐ °nt of success, Ð °s Ð ° well-thought out business Ð °nd mÐ °rketing plÐ °n would Ð °nd should include experienced Ð °nd quÐ °lified personnel. The dissertÐ °tion Ð °lso highlighted the importÐ °nce of business pÐ °rtnerships especiÐ °lly where the online business wÐ °s not Ð ° mÐ °nufÐ °cturer. Since the dÐ °wn of the internet, Ð ° lot of businesses Ð °nd individuÐ °ls set Ð °bout estÐ °blishing online businesses in Ð ° bid to Ð °mÐ °ss mÐ °ssive profits. However, Ð °ccording to CrÐ °ine (2001) since the yeÐ °r 2000 Ð °pproximÐ °tely 200 online businesses went out of the business Ð °ccounting for more thÐ °n 50% of business closures. This high fÐ °ilure rÐ °te is of concern to the business Ð °nd finÐ °nciÐ °l community; Ð °s such closures will Ð °lso Ð °ffect stock mÐ °rkets Ð °nd shÐ °res. Some of the online

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT - Research Paper Example 102). Such information is usually to be found in several locations and on dissimilar systems. This makes it imperative to have in place a mechanism that facilitates the retrieval of data from multiple applications; otherwise, complete compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act cannot be realized (Stephens, 2005, p. 102). There is considerable difficulty and intricacy involved in complying with the Sarbanes – Oxley Act. Data has to be shown to be authentic, and this obliges auditors and company executives to confirm the integrity of the financial data of their enterprise that influences the financial position of their company (Stephens, 2005, p. 102). Complying with the provisions of Sarbanes – Oxley Act proved to be much more burdensome for companies. This includes among other things, the capacity to validate the processing and transmission of data at all times, regardless of the specific phase of the life cycle that the data may be subjected to auditing or investigation. A major consequence of these requirements is that the Information Technology division of a company has to ensure that authentication capacities are inherent in the storage repositories and software applications (Stephens, 2005, p. 102). Furthermore, a major issue related to compliance with the Sarbanes – Oxley Act is that related to the amount of time involved in accessing data. For instance, there has to a rapid disclosure with regard to a business event that has substantial influence on the revenues of the company (Stephens, 2005, p. 102). Thus, compliance with this act necessitates the capacity to authenticate, search and access the relevant records and data in near real time. The Sarbanes – Oxley Act 2002 was enacted by Congress with the express intention of enhancing the reliability and accuracy of corporate disclosures. This initiative was

Management accounting and decision making Essay Example for Free

Management accounting and decision making Essay According to Burger (2008) â€Å"Accounting is the language of business. A lot of people think its just numbers, but its really a lot more than that. There are a lot of areas outside of numbers that need to be looked at, processes and procedures, what the tone of the company is. Accounting will take you in just about any direction in a company. ~ Wade Becker, CPA, Beard, Miller Co. The job description of many professions is changing nowadays. The skills to perform a certain job require more skills to perform a particular job. If an example of Information Technology is to be taken then it is realized that once they were left to do IT related jobs or make computers work however, in today’s world IT professionals are now moving into higher level management positions which require them to perform many other tasks which may not be directly related to the their profession. Therefore, a stereotypical role of an accountant was once considered a â€Å"number person† but today’s era demands accounting professional to own and use interactive and communication skills to help with the decision making process across all areas of a business. In a managerial accounting world all professionals must communicate their ideas to other companies using ways which are tactful and effective. Siegel (2000) states that â€Å"Management accountants should be great communicators.† Durry C (1992) believes that management accounting is â€Å"concerned with providing information to managers –that is people inside an organization who direct and control the operations.† In the 19th Century financial accounting was considered to be the need of a society which later evolved to Management accounting. Management accounting became a prerequisite for more detailed information for stock control, product costing and decisions affecting the future. Accou nting is facing numerous challenges, as Elkington (1998) states â€Å"business people must increasingly recognise that the challenge now is to help to deliver simultaneously economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity.† All this is making business managers to re-examine the practices that are currently led. Cokins G and Hicks D believe that Managerial accounting is part of an organisations management information system. To follow any business or an organisation aim managers engage in activities which involve an effective cost model as it can be a great asset to an organisation. A business or projects to be a success or failure three things need to be considered, for  example, cost, schedule and performance. A project should be continued within the means provided otherwise stakeholders struggle to finance the project and its abandoned. A success of a manager is when appropriate tools are employed and sound safe decisions are made and follow on with applying substantial level of expertise to have effective cost management. The world today is surrounded by increasingly advanced technology such as computer assisted manufacturing and flexible manufacturing systems. According to Cokins and Hicks organizations to compete effectively need to understand the cost of each product or element of their value chain from product design and purchase of material therefore internal cost is very important as mentioned in Cokins and Hicks article because it becomes critical for competitive action and increasing shareholders wealth in the current globally competitive economy. Management accounting systems are the benefactors of the precarious internal cost information. There has been few criticisms leading to the literature of Management accounting system and it has been labeled outdated and there has been criticisms linked to its consistency as it has been thought that it does not provide consistent information with the current strategic management paradigm. Cokins and Hicks believe that systems designs elements should capture the fundamental technology, promote a business based on effective cost model, quality and lead time. Precise and appropriate cost information is critical to management’s decision making procedures (Cokins and Hicks) and the literature being studied reveals Management accounting system reflects the organizational complications of the current world however traditional Management accounting systems do not replicate current organizational era as all costing procedures were designed around late nineteenth century. In traditional era product line diversity was not very common and cost of materials and direct labour were the main components of production cost but the environment today is surrounded around advanced technology and automation and that has led the prime cost to be the overhead component. The overhead costs are altering product cost because of the old management accounting system techniques. Management accounting needs a unique set of skills and behaviour. According to Cokins and Hicks Accounting Management framework gives business a planned approach to address all factors that will manage accounts interface and todays reality. Cooper and Kaplan believe there are six critical factors which play a crucial role  in Accounting Management framework which also backs Cokins and Hicks journal being studied for this assignment. The first one is organizational structure. It includes factors such as whom and how you manage accounts, why and how you organize around them. The second account management success factor is people as they need the appropriate skills, knowledge and skills to experience and perform the role. The third factor is tools and technology as it must support the account management processes and must balance â€Å"help† as â€Å"control.† The fourth one is compensations structures as they can inhibit change or accelerate adoption. The fifth account management success factors are processes and methodologies as they should align with the customer, drive growth and opportunity plan and the last factor channels and alliances must be managed effectively through the account manager interface.it is up to an organization to structure their useful employees around their key customers and that can create a deep impact on their performance. First few deliberate decisions need to be taken in terms of placement of accounts management resources such as market and territory. Cokins and Hicks believe management team need to plan using methodology a number of factors to create a ranking based on the business goal for the affiliation and ability to deliver. Once these methodologies are selected they can play a vital role in team structure and it will help to deal with issues such as ownership or shareholders Cokins and Hicks discuss the difference between cost accounting and managerial accounting and the strength of their article is that managerial accounting is tied with GAAP whereas cost accounting is used within a business to manage that particular business. Accounting standards of a country provide guidelines to an accountant so they can be used while reporting economic transactions of a business. United Kingdom accounting has improved a lot as mentioned in the journal being studied for this particular assignment. Managers have immense pressure to improve financial management practices to improve service to the community and it is not only done on national level. Managerial accountants have to keep accountant standards fair globally and that is mainly done through Accounting Standards Committee. â€Å"What gets measured gets managed, What needs managed gets measured† (Peter Drucker) famous quotes has cause many criticisms but if the practices and development mentioned in Cokins and Hicks journal are to be analyzed, one can conclude this quote has some truth. Managers of a business  often use this quote indicates that active management of businesses should be given importance instead of accountability to gain desired goals. It w ill lead to survive in today’s world of information age competition therefore businesses should ensure they are using management systems resulting from their strengths. Any business main task is to develop an active measurement system as it is main part of the management process. Good management practices lead to using certain measures to plan, implement and improve certain aspects of an organization. According to Kaplan, (1994) measurement is a difficult task because it is not related to science so there are no facts and does not have rules between variables. Furthermore, systems which are used by management accountants will make sure that actions are taken according to the strategies and objectives developed. There has been an immense amount of research on management accountants and the research evidence has proved that businesses which are using a developed measurement system are developing and gaining profits therefore, Gates (1991) states â€Å"an organizations objectives and severity of measures, varies, depending on people, culture and past experiences of the organization.† The management accountant was developed after 1980s and it was seen a golden era in management accounting research as it saw new techniques and practices beneficial to the management accounting. One of the techniques developed in 80s was strategic management accounting and some of the processes which fall under the category of strategic management accounting are activity based costing and balance scorecard. The balance scorecard emerged after it was realized that there is a need of an integrated system which can be used to measure both financial and non-financial performances. It helps companies to view their performances on a regular basis and it gave a clear view of what should be measured in order to balance a particular business financial perspectives. The balance score card consists of four functions known as learning and growth perspective. It means how to achieve a certain organizations goals and how will a business will sustain its ability to change and improve. the second perspective is financial and its aim is to succeed financially and is mainly concerned with making a good impression to shareholders. Another perspective is based on customers as they can determine sales and to achieve business goals a good impression is to be made upon customers. The last perspective is known as internal business  processes. It mainly deals with how to satisfy customers and shareholders and what business processes must a certain business excel as. (Kaplan and Norton:1996) Balance scorecard is one of the necessities for any organization and it is used by the management to accomplish vision and strategies of an organization and it has few other benefits too such as, making sure managers are managing every single variable within an organization and are not working upon favoritism. If more developments are to be discussed and strength of Cokins and Hicks journal than one must not forget one of the major development in an accounting field known as Activity-based costing. Kaplan and Cooper gave this idea a new beginning as it was not very well known in previous years. According to Kaplan (1996) manufacturing costs are determined by amount of â€Å"activities† and the key to effective cost control is maintaining the effectiveness of the act ivities ABC recognizes better cost pools for indirect costs and then implies cost drivers to relate the expenses in the cost pools to activities of an organization. ABC has become more popular in recent years but faces a lot of criticisms too due to the fact that sometimes businesses face difficulties in implementing this technique. ABC is enhanced further by Activity-based management as they believe in planning and measurement and class them as key factors in a competitive business environment. To conclude, If an organization has accounts managers or not a success can only be achieved if a successful profile is valued. It can be done through an industry as it will help determine to what extent an account manager is an industry expert and the second is through customers as it is vital for an accountant to understand the businesses being worked upon. The profession Accountancy has seen many developments and criticisms however, since 1980s there has been many changes in management accountancy. The new changes are focusing on measurement tools within a business to manage its aims and objectives. Management techniques are discussed briefly in this essay and they emphasize on Cokins and Hicks journal that management decisions can be made better by using effective management measurement tools and it leads to improving the management of an organization. There can be problem with new measurement techniques as nothing in life comes with a guarantee however, new ideas can be used on the basis of guess work and the new contributions could be a way forward.

Bipedal Hominid and Quadrupedal Apes: Muscle and Skeletons

Bipedal Hominid and Quadrupedal Apes: Muscle and Skeletons Differences between the hip skeleton and musculature of bipedal hominid and quadrupedal apes. Ilium Humans: Reduced height, relative wideness (it is important in bipedal posture, because the weight of the body does not concentrate onto the spinal cord only). Orientation of blade (the curvature and the mediolateral orientation of the iliac blades help the Glutei medius and minimi to act as abductors and they can also assist in support of the trunk. This curved shape also helps in balancing the upper body during locomotion, because the external and internal oblique muscles attach to the iliac crest). Acetabular margin and the well-developed anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) reflects the bipedal locomotion. Rectus femoris takes its origin here, that extends the leg at the knee. Rectus femoris is very important in some of the leaping and clinging prosimians, as the galagos and lemurs, because Rectus femoris is a leaping muscle in them. Nevertheless, in apes, there is no large AIIS. AIIS is also a place for the iliofemoral ligament in humans that prevents the hip joint from overextending. Apes: There is no S-shaped curve visible at the iliac crest and the crest projects laterally. Therefore, the iliac fossa orients anteriorly and the gluteal surface projects posteriorly. This orientation keeps the trunk in an upright position during sitting or squatting. In case if they want to walk bipedally, the Glutei medius and minumi muscles medially rotate the flexed thigh at the hip while in humans they abduct the extended thigh. The long iliac crest is an adaptation to climbing. Latissimus dorsi origins from here and inserts into the humerus. Because this is one of the most important climbing-muscles, the longer the iliac crest is, the better aid is in climbing. The auricular surface and the iliac tuberosity are smaller in apes. It is mainly because of the fact that their weight does not focus on their pelvic region and lower limbs (hind limbs). Ischium Humans: Ischial tuberosity is an attachment for the hamstring muscles (Biceps femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus and Adductor magnus hamstring part). At a superior pressure during the bipedal posture, the posterior part of the sacrum elevates, and pulls upwards the ischial tuberosity. The ischial tuberosity which is located just below the great sciatic notch reflects the bipedalism. Apes: Long ischium. The ischial tuberosity is wider in apes than it is in humans and it does not look so pulled-up in apes. The ischial tuberosity lacks the facets for the hamstring and adductor muscles. Pubis Humans: Pubic crest and pubic tubercle are important in bipedal locomotion as well, because the pubic crest serves as an attachment for Rectus abdominis that supports the guts and pubic tubercle is associated with the inguinal ligament, which helps in supporting the trunk. The iliopubic eminence is the divider of the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) and the AIIS. Here takes place the iliopsoas muscle that helps in flexing the hip and supporting the upper body on the hip joint. Apes: Apes lack all these human characteristics at the pubis: they do not have a pubic crest nor tubercle, and because their pelvis orient differently, their ilipsoas groove and iliopubic eminence are missing. The pubic symphysis in apes are usually fuses together, while it only rarely happens in humans. Acetabulum Humans: The orientation of the acetabulum is inferior-lateral-anterior. The superior margin of acetabulum must cope with the biggest weight/pressure, it developed a very thick cartilage, so did the head of the femur. This is called laubrum. Very strong, Z-shaped, ligaments are present here. The depth of the acetabulum can tell us a lot about the mobility of the hip joint. If the acetabulum is shallow, it reflects more flexibility. The acetabulum in humans is shallow compared to many of the African apes (but chimpanzees), but it is deep compared to the orang-utans. Apes: The ligaments are weaker than in humans. Sacrum, coccyx Humans: The human sacrum contains five fused vertebrae averagely. However, it can be varied between four and six. The coccyx stands from four fused vertebrae, usually. The sacrum in humans is wider than in apes and it is not so long as an ape sacrum. This unique shape is very distinctive regarding to bipedalism. The wider sacrum means more distance between the sacroiliac joint, which helps in transferring the weight and the pressure from pubic symphysis. A wider distance at this joint also means a larger birth-canal. Apes: In apes and monkeys the number of the fused vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx may vary from species to species. The shape of the sacrum is not so wide and more elongated. It reveals that they do not support so huge weight on their pelvic region as do the humans. Femur Humans: The human femur is longer than that of an ape. The lateral condyle in humans is more prominent. The bicondylar surface is larger in humans than in apes. It is because of the centre of gravity of the body. Apes: Medial condyle is larger in apes. More flexibility at the hip joint. B, Actions of muscles at the knee and ankle joints during bipedal locomotion. Observed features in ancestral hominid fossils. Extensors of the leg at the knee joint: Tensor fasciae latae Quadriceps femoris muscles (Rectus femoris, Vasti lateralis, medialis, intermedius) Flexors of the leg at the knee joint: Sartorius Gracilis (also can assist in medial rotation) Hamstring muscles (Biceps femoris {it is also the lateral rotator of the knee joint}, Semimembranosus, Semitendenosus {they also medially rotate the knee joint when the leg is flexed} Gastrocnemius Popliteus (weak flexor, but it is a medial rotator of the leg) Plantaris Muscles that act at the ankle (talotibial) joint: Tibialis anterior (dorsiflexion) Extensor hallucis longus (dorsiflexion) Extensor digitorum longus (dorsiflexion) Peroneus tertius (dorsiflexion) Peroneus longus and brevis (plantar flexion) Gastrocnemius (plantar flexion) Soleus (plantar flexion) Plantaris (plantar flexion) Flexor digitorum longus (plantar flexor) Tibialis posterior (plantar flexor) Fossil records: Australopithecus afarensis: The tibia and the fibula are quite interesting. We can observe adaptations to both arboreal and bipedal signs. This is called mosaic morphology. The examined specimens: AL 129-1b, AL 288-1aq and AL 333x-26). Ape-like elements: short border to the lateral condyle, in the first two specimens, there are features that general in the apes (under the epicedial there was the hollowed-out appearance) which means that the Tibialis posterior attached to the lateral side of the tibia instead of the posterior side. Other attachments such as semimembranosus and gracilis are also rather ape-like. Nevertheless, other A. afarensis specimens show bipedal characteristics: Distal articulation surface of the tibia (the angle of the ankle joint and the tibia and fibula). But, yet again, there are ape-like features also on the distal part of fibula: the direction of the articular facet, (orients distally rather than medially as in the modern humans), they have an anteriorly oriented peroneal groove on their fibulae while it faces laterally in modern humans. The A. afarensis Lucy (AL 288-1) also owns these mosaic morphological features: the posteriorly oriented distal tibial angle shows similarities with the apes, while in other afarensis specimens the angle is lateral, which is a human feature. The carrying angle at the knee joint also shows more similarities to the modern human specimens. This can reveal an individual arboreal habit of Lucy, and a more developed bipedalism in the other specimens. Homo habilis: The H. habilis specimens do not cause so many arguments than the australopithecines. They have more human like features in their lower legs and less ape-like features. Although, they do not lack these features (rounded anterior border of the tibia, in humans the insertion area of the Flexor digitorum longus is bigger than that of the tibialis posterior it is quite the opposite in the habilis. The attachments of other muscles soleus, popliteus show sort of a transition between apes and humans, etc.). The Neanderthals: The fibula and the tibia are very robust, but bear the human characteristics. Q2, Evolution of the early hominid foot The main characteristics of the human foot include the presence of the arches, the calcaneocuboid joint, the proportions of the major parts of the foot, the shape of the ankle-joint and the fact that the hallux cannot be opposed. The arches in foot are quite unique, the apes do not have arches (they have only one arch, the transverse arch). In humans, apart from the plantar aponeurosis, there are other ligaments that aid in having these arches: the spring ligament, the short plantar ligament and the long plantar ligament. The length of the distal digits of the toes are much shorter in humans than in apes, however, the size of the big toe is about the same. The foot of Australopithecus afarensis, such as in the leg, shows mosaic morphology. It means that certain features are similar to the modern humans, while others share similarities with the apes. The human-like morphology: the talus which also has both human and ape characteristics together with the tibia and fibula, shows a more human like joint at the talotibia. Although, the shape of the talus is rather ape-like. Other signs that reveal a more human appearance in the afarensis foot are the talar trochlear shape, the direction of the ankle joints axis and of the Flexor hallucis longuss groove which suggest that the movements of the afarensis were very similar to those of the modern humans. The shape of the fifth metatarsals reveal a very similar ability of dorsiflexion as it is present in modern humans. Their navicular bones in appearance are more ape-like, but the presence of the groove of the spring ligament proves that they might have similar arches than the modern humans have. The possibility of the bipedal locomotion can be traced down also by the human-like lateral cuneiform, although, its hook makes it look more ape like. Nevertheless, the ape-like curves of the phalanges suggest that they might be arboreal. The calcareous also have both human and ape like features, the medial cuneiform is rather ape like, so is the first metatarsals rounded head. The foot of Paranthropus robostus has several human-like characteristics. These features are the following: the hallux probably was adducted unlike in the apes where the big toe is rather abducted, the plantar ligaments suggest similarities to the human foot, the first metatarsal suggests that it bore more weight than the apes because of its robust appearance, but other features on the first metatarsal bone reveal ape-like features, too. According to the article of Susman and Brain (1988, mentioned in Aiello and Dean), it is very likely that the Paranthropus robostus was bipedal but in a different way than the modern humans. The foot of the Homo habilis: The biggest argument is caused by the tarsal bones of a young Homo habilis (OH 8 from Olduvai Gorge), because some researchers do not think that the human characteristics of this specimens foot bones are good enough to be classified as humans. The elements of the foot show the signs of the bipedalism even those agree with this who do not think that this specimen deserves to be included into the Homo genus but, perhaps, in a completely different way as it is seen in the modern humans. Another talus bone, the KNM-ER 813 from Koobi Fora, has less problems with its classifications, as it shows more similarities to the talus of the modern humans. The first metatarsal is the most robust, and the fifth metatarsal bone of the OH 8 is the second, while in apes the fifth metatarsal bone is the weakest. The size of the foot length of the OH 8 is also more similar to the structure of the human foot. The fossil record suggests that the opposability of the big toe of OH 8 is not present, but the adduction of it can be observed. The ability of grasping is also very likely, though. The foot of the Neanderthals: Interestingly, the evidences reveal that the opposability of the big toe might be somewhere between the modern humans and the living apes. Others deny it, because of the more human characteristics in the tarsometatarsal joint, which can be varied on a great scale even in modern humans. Typical Neanderthal features are the short proximal phalanx of the big toe and the short neck of the talus. The possible signs of the bipedalism in the fossil evidences: Apart from the bones of the foot other skeletal remains can reveal the erected body posture and the possible bipedal walking habits. A relative longer arm may be a sign of the arboreal life-style, or partly arboreal living circumstances. Nevertheless, Lucy has relatively short fingers, not ape-like, long ones (JOHANSON-EDEY 1990) The shape of scapula and the orientation of the glenoid fossa also can help to answer this question. A small fragment of an Australopithecus afarensis scapula suggests that its owner had a more ape-like in this question, than human like. In apes the glenoid fossa faces towards the cranium and this feature can be observed also in case of this fragment. A more complete scapula which derives from an A. africanus (Sts 7) can tell us more details about the possible functions of the pectoral girdle. This scapula looks very similar to the scapula fragment of the afarensis specimen (AL 288-1l), and they both bear more similarities to the pectoral girdle of the ape s, especially to the orang-utans. The ribcage has more ape-like characteristics in its appearance. The shape of the vertebral column, however, widens distally (the lumbar vertebrae are the widest) as it appears in humans, which is another possible sign of the bipedal locomotion. The pelvic girdle shows more evidences for the mosaic morphology yet again. The iliac crest is rather human-like, although it is more elongated laterally and the acetabulum orients more anteriorly. Perhaps this is the reason why A. afarensis has a relatively very long femoral neck. The iliac blades direct interiorly, as well. The shape of the sacrum is very wide another human-like sign, however its posterior segment is not as curved anteriorly as it is in the modern humans. According to Johanson (JOHANSON-EDEY 1990), Lucys pelvis is adapted to the bipedal locomotion as well as to the possibility to give life to large-headed babies, as her pelvis is so wide. All these features make likely that the A. afarensis could walk bipedally, but in a more complicated way. The anteriorly faced acetabulum could result a very heavy bipedalism. On the femoral head, we can observe a stronger fovea than it is on the femoral head of the modern human. In quadrupeds the tibial tuberosity is more rounded and less sharp. The sharpness of the tibial tuberosity is a more human (or bipedal) characteristic. This sharpness can be observed in Lucy, although her tibia looks more robust compared to the very tall juvenile, the Turkana boy (H. erectus). In proximal femur of the Australopithecines, there are about the same number of similarities to humans (the varied presence of the intertrochanteric line and the Obturator externus groove) than to chimpanzees (the small femoral head and the non-flaring greater trochanter) and the unique features (long femoral neck, compressed femoral neck-cross section), the more similarities to humans in the question of the distal femur (the high/very high bicondylar angle, the elliptical shaped lateral epicedial profile), and its own unique phenomena in the epiphysis shape and symmetry, but the femoral shafts more similarity to the chimpanzees gives us a very eclectic impression about the possible locomotion of the Australopithecines. As I wrote in the 1B question, the foot of the Australopithecines show very varied picture as well. It reveals both human and ape like features such as almost everything else in the Australopithecus skeleton. The more human like elements of the foot include the human-like ankle joint, the ability of a better dorsiflexion, the expanded base of the fifth metatarsal, the wide calcaneus and the presence of the longitudinal arch. On the other hand, there are several ape-like characteristics, like the shape of the phalanges, the tuberosity of the calcaneous has an oval orientation, also has a huge peroneal tubercle, the already mentioned ape-like shape of the hook of the lateral cuneiform bone, and the rounded head of the first metatarsal. Summarising, the mosaic morphology in the Australopithecines are very strongly present, they share similarities to the humans, as well as to the apes, but they also developed own features. It is very likely that they were adapted to the bipedal locomotion, but not in a modern human way. The essay has been written by using the following books as a guide-line: Aiello and Dean, 2006: An Introduction To Human Evolutionary Anatomy, reprinted in 2006, Elsevier Academic Press, London The materials during the Demo-sessions And JOHANSON-EDEY, 1990: Lucy The Beginnings of Humankind, Penguin Books, London, 1990.