Wednesday, October 30, 2019

9Live strategic analysis - general environment Essay

9Live strategic analysis - general environment - Essay Example Being one of the leading innovators in the realm of interactive T.V, 9Live seems to targeting every person. Since it is primarily a quiz TV channel and can be accessed through internet therefore its demographic study includes most of those viewers who are either fond of using technology or having some tendencies to gamble. Besides, the concept was of an interactive T.V. running without advertisement revenues therefore there was an strong tendency that channel must lure people from all walks of life to constantly call in during all time of the day so that a constant flow of revenue is insured. Since It was largely believed that solving crossword puzzles, or answering quiz shows was the job of those who probably are of old age or unemployed therefore demographical factors present a different challenge to 9Live. Germany is by far the largest economy in Europe. 9Live emerged on the scene when German market was not developed for the concept of interactive T.V. however emergence of shopping channel like of H.O.T. was suggesting a change in the industry dynamics. Germany is one of the most critical and important members of the European Union as for as the economy is considered. Government deficits in budgets were virtually not existening however Germany was marred by low GDP growth i.e. 0.7% in 2001 when the channel was launched whereas unemployment level was at 9.5% suggesting strong downturns in the economy. (Ewing). Clearly, the downward turn in the business cycle is hitting Germany hard. But this is more than just a cyclical bout of bad news. It was largely believed that the economic efforts at that time were stalled as Germanys 3.9 million unemployed was heading no way. Apart from that the period of 9Live launch was marred mainly by recession in the economy of Germany and due to widening u nemployment gaps, the probability of attracting the paid callers seems to be low no matter how cheap it can be. Though German media

Monday, October 28, 2019

Elaboration Theory in Learning Psychology Essay Example for Free

Elaboration Theory in Learning Psychology Essay The concept of elaboration theory centers greatly on progressive learning. That is, the steps in learning are built upon each other in a series of increasingly complex steps. In other words, rather than plateau the learning progress, it increases in complexity as time goes on. However, what was learned in the earlier portion of the progression is not discarded. So, the concept of elaboration can be visualized as an upside down pyramid. It starts at a small point and expands. However, the progression is always connected to its origination point. An example of this is as follows: a student is taught basic sentence structure. Then, the basics of sentence structure are expanded into the proper way to devise a paragraph. This later extends further as the students is taught to the create a series of paragraphs that form a coherent essay. An essay can later be expanded into a lengthy research paper. Really, there is no limit to the progression as long as it never deviates from the origination point of proper grammar and structure. Why theorists recommend that learners elaborate as much as possible. Many theorists believe that the elaboration theory provide a cohesive approach to learning. This provides for an increase in retention and overall improvements in learning. How schemas and scripts are often involved in elaboration. The way schemas and scripts work in the realm of elaboration is that they involve the individual’s prior accumulation of knowledge. This can be a help or a hindrance depending upon whether the prior knowledge improves or impedes the facilitation of new knowledge. Why different people may elaborate differently on the same information. Different people may have different strengths and weaknesses. They also may have different goals for learning the material. Since elaboration is a process and not a product, it is understandable that different approaches to present the same material are needed. Why elaboration sometimes leads to the storage of inaccurate information. No system of learning is perfect and elaboration theory is not free of such problems. One possible reason that elaboration theory can lead to inaccurate information is because the progression of learning goes off on tangents. If this occurs, then it may prove difficult to develop a coherent learning paradigm.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Expanding Feminist Activism Essay -- Feminism Essays

Expanding Feminist Activism I chose this topic mainly because of interest. When thinking about the idea of feminism aside from all stereotypes one would think the struggle for women's rights. The idea sounds unified in saying and one would assume most women were involved. For a long time the women's movement applied to just white upper class females. I found a source on extremist women, which focused on the powerful ideas of white supremacy. This article was geared toward white women, and the goal trying to be achieved was equal status as men in the work place, and no rights for minorities. Not surprisingly many of these participants were in the Ku Klux Klan. What is funny to me is that while these women are making this "powerful" stand for women and humanity they are also contradicting themselves as well. How can u have a fight for justice and equality, when not everyone is allowed to participate? I found another source which was called Feminism is For Everybody written by bell Hooks. Its focus was on her opin ion of the feminist movement and how she felt it too was focused on the white middle class. When the movement opened up and extended themselves to other groups there was still a large problem. Many of them assumed that every other group was fighting for the same thing, and if they weren't well they should change views because there way was the "right" way. What's important with this situation is not every group suffers the same, there are similarities but the end goal can sometimes be different. The first sight was one was called, Expanding the boundaries of the Women's movement: Black feminism and the struggle for welfare rights. This article is critical; it paints a picture of the needs and wants of feminist from Afric... ...This is both helpful and interesting because we are once again to see different culture address different issues. Their focuses are on making a stronger bond and unify the women. Russo, Ann. White Women, Antiracism, and feminism. Indiana, 1991. This book was one which we read in class that discusses the ideas and points of views on Russo and the ideas of white supremacy. This was actually very helpful because it brought back past and possible future ideas of white supremacy and racism. Voices from the Gaps. Bell Hooks. (Feb. 1998) . Online Voices from the Gap. Internet. February 12, 1998. Available: http://www.voices.ccla.umn.edu/authors/bellhooks.html This website mainly focuses on more background information of feminism and her views. It also provides different websites that one could search for further information. This is both insightful and helpful.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Education and Classroom

Running head: STUDENT DIVERSITY 1 Student Diversity and Classroom Management Kelly Shipley Grand Canyon University EDU 450 March 17, 2013 STUDENT DIVERSTY AND CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT2 Student Diversity and Classroom Management When teaching middle school age student’s classroom management is an important aspect in the educational process, there are so many changes going on within the middle school student classroom, management is important to have control and success in the classroom. There are a multitude of strategies to help manage the middle school classroom.In this paper I will list five different strategies of classroom management. There are many challenges within the middle school classroom and knowing what strategies to use to keep control and management can be difficult at times. With the diversity of children in the classroom changes may need to be made. Some strategies may not work in one classroom but work well in another. â€Å"Classroom management refers to those a ctivities of classroom teachers that create a positive classroom climate within which effective teaching and learning can occur (Martin & Sugarman, p. 1993)†. The first strategy is keeping the lesson moving. Don’t just lecture for the whole class period. Find engaging ways to keep the students motivated. If you have a classroom of seventh grade English students, lecturing the entire class period would not benefit nor would it keep the attention of the students. Instead engaging the students with hands on activities would keep the learning process going and would alleviate some disruption in the classroom. Keeping consistency in the classroom is another great strategy to implement in the middle school classroom.Middle school students need consistency to keep control of them. Developing and maintaining a set of classroom rules will keep disruptive students at bay. Middle STUDENT DIVERSTY AND CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT2 School classrooms need to be structured and rules need to b e set and followed on an everyday basis. By keeping up with the classroom rules and never slacking will help students become responsible in their own self-discipline. When there is disruption in the classroom knowing what to do immediately will help detour any other disruptions that may occur.For instance if you have a middle school student that consistently talks during class time and is disruptive to other students, knowing what to do immediately will keep the class moving successfully. Kellie Hayden author of Top Five Classroom Management Strategies states â€Å"when students are being disruptive by talking, poking, pulling or crumpling up paper, go stand by them, this sends a direct message to stop what they are doing. Most of the time they stop and go back to work (Hayden, 2010)†.Getting to know your students is a helpful way in managing your classroom. Knowing who your students are will help you as a teacher know what is going on with your students. For example; you hav e a seventh grade student whose parent is terminally ill with cancer. For the past few weeks you have seen a change in attitude, and class performance in this student. The student seems withdrawn and has not turned in the past few assignments. Knowing the students family situation is helpful in knowing how to handle this situation.By knowing the students background will help in knowing if you the problem you see can be handled in the classroom by you the teacher or if you should seek outside help for your student. The last classroom strategy is probably the most important after the events that have happened this year. I think that classroom safety is very important in the learning process. If a student doesn’t feel safe in the classroom the learning process ceases. As a teacher it is important STUDENT DIVERSTY AND CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT4 hat students in your classroom feel safe and know that your classroom is secure for them to learn. With all the school shootings that have hap pened this past year, students all around the county have the need for safety in their home schools. As a teacher it is your responsibility to maintain a safe learning environment for your students. Keeping classroom doors locked is one way to maintain classroom safety. Not allowing objects that can be used as weapons in the classroom is another way to maintain safety.Making sure that your students know the rules of safety not only in the classroom but in the school as well will maintain the learning process and make sure that students can successfully learn. As I stated earlier there are so many strategies for classroom management and not all strategies may work in your classroom, but knowing which strategies do work and making sure that you keep a routine and consistency in the classroom will provide a successful learning environment for the students that are in your classroom and control among the students as well.STUDENT DIVERSTY AND CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT5 Resources Hayden, K. (2 010). Top Five Classroom Management Strategies-They Really Work. Retrieved on March 15, 2013 http://www. brighthubeducation. com Martin, J. & Sugarman, J. (1993). Models of Classroom Management, Second Edition. Bellingham, Washington: Temeron Books Inc.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

John Marshall Essay

â€Å"Its is emphatically, the province and duty of the judicial department, to say what the law is.† (Ducat, Craig Constitutional Interpretation p. 10) These seventeen words written two hundred years ago made the highest court in the United States supreme, and making it so, Chief Justice John Marshall’s words in that sentence continue to make an impact on every Supreme Court case thereafter. Justice Marshall laid the basic foundations to protect the Federal system that was established by the Constitution. In Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, and Gibbons v. Ogden the Supreme Court maintained the United States as a federal state. Marbury v Madison was the influential case that the Supreme Court cites as a precedent when employing judicial review. It left the power to be rested on the judicial branch when determining to uphold either the law or the Constitution. By establishing the right to judicial review, Marshall, with the support of the legislative and executive branches, made all cases before the courts subservient to the U.S. Constitution. Cases that have been heard after Marbury v. Madison, that come into question, must be interpreted through the Constitution. Uniformity of all states of the Union were established when Marshall and the Supreme Court ruled in McCulloch v. Maryland. Although the Constitution gave powers to the states under the Tenth Amendment, Marshall implemented the powers of the Federal government by exercising Article 1 Section 8 Clause 18 (necessary and proper clause) and Article 6 Section 2 (supremacy clause). Marshall explained that the Constitution gave the federal government the power to incorporate a bank if it deemed it necessary and proper not for the powers of Congress, but necessary and proper for the powers granted to Congress by the Constitution. Marshall also outlined the rights of the states by enacting Article 6 in his decision. He stated that the supremacy clause prohibited the states from having the power to tax, which would then involve the states power to destroy the powers of the Constitution to create. Gibbons v. Ogden expanded the powers of the Federal government aforementioned in the previous two influential cases. This case defined the Commerce Clause found in Article 1 Section 8 Clause 3. In his genius, Marshall defined commerce not only as an exchange of commodities, but also the means by which interstate and foreign intercourse those commodities travel. By giving the Federal government control over commerce through interpretation of the Constitution, Marshall preserved the prosperity of the country as an economic Union conducting business under national, not state, control. Chief Justice John Marshall’s decisions in all three of the cases explained previously depict the evolution of the Supreme Court. Marbury v. Madison separated the powers of the three branches of governments, McCulloch v. Maryland separated and defined the powers of the Federal and state governments, and Gibbons V. Ogden separated the commerce powers of the Federal and state governments. Marshall decided each case based on the foundations established by the U.S. Constitution, and in each of his decisions, he preserved the integrity of the Framers intentions of the United States as a Federal state.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

English Writing Assignment †Anonymous Quote

English Writing Assignment – Anonymous Quote Free Online Research Papers English Writing Assignment Anonymous Quote â€Å"Everyone has peak performance potential- you just need to know where they are coming from and meet them there.† -Anonymous Quote Driving a standard car has been one of Michelle’s passions for many years, but due to fear and hesitation this passion of hers hasn’t materialized into reality. In this paper I will examine the process of working towards achieving the rehabilitation goal, from the initial planning and setting of the goal to the practicum, whereby Michelle is able to practice towards the achievement of the set goal, which is to learn to drive a standard car. After much discussion with Michelle and working towards developing readiness, Michelle was ready to make her Overall Rehabilitation goal statement which is, â€Å"I will learn how to drive a standard car by March 31, 2003.† This statement made by Michelle is the building block for achieving the goal. It provides Michelle with needed structure and focus. Once the rehabilitation statement has been set, Michelle and I examined the various behaviours required in order for Michelle to successfully master her standard car driving skills. The required behaviors are divided into three categories, the implicit behaviors, explicit behaviors, and personally important behaviors. The implicit behaviors include upstanding driving laws and regulations, not stalling the car, and remaining immobile on hills. The explicit behaviors include developing personal techniques of driving and controlling the car, listening to the mechanical sounds of the car, steering with one hand, and investing time in understanding the individual car. The personally important behavior for Michelle includes the ability to successfully master the finesse of driving a standard car. While all the behaviors listed above are needed in order for Michelle to successfully drive the standard car, there are four specific behaviors that are critical for Michelle’s success, and they include, developing hand/eye co-ordination, listening to the mechanical sounds of the car, maneuvering in all conditions, and understanding the driving laws and regulations for driving a standard car. The reason why such behaviors are critical is that without the ability to master these behaviors the car cannot be driven successfully, and there may be legal implications involved. Once Michelle and I listed the critical behaviors, we looked at strengths and deficits in these behaviors. Michelle was able to identify which ones she was having difficulty with and needed to work on, and which ones was she comfortable in doing. The first behavior which is hand/eye co-ordination was stated as a deficit (-), the second behavior which is listening to the car’s mechanical sound was also stated as a deficit (-), the third behavior which is maneuvering in all conditions was stated by Michelle as a strength (+), and the fourth behavior which is understanding the driving laws and regulations for driving a standard car was also stated as a deficit (-). The initial stage in the process of setting and working towards achieving the rehabilitation goal are comprised of exploring the various environmental requirements and looking at the critical skills, which Michelle needs in order to achieve her goal. The second stage in the process includes the functional assessment, which focuses on the development and evaluation of the critical skills. For Michelle the chosen critical skill which she would like to work on is the being able to listen to the car’s mechanical sounds and know when the gears need to be shifted. The skill use description for Michelle is, the percentage of times per week where she does not stall on the road, and this is what we will be measuring. In order for us to measure this skill, an evaluation method was needed. There are two methods which I applied in order to measure Michelle’s skill building effort. The first is driving lessons, which are done on the prompted use level, which means that Michelle can only practice her driving under the supervision and directions of the instructor in driving school registered car. During the driving lessons Michelle will be taken by the driving instructor to practice her driving. The reason why we have to evaluate Michelle’s driving at the prompted level and not at the spontaneous use level is because spontaneous use cannot be tested until the prompted use level has been mastered due to legal implications and the safety of the driver. The second method is a driving log that Michelle will keep with her in order to document her driving lessons. In the log Michelle will put in the date of the driving lesson and she will also document the number of times the car did not stall because the gears and the clutch were shifted properly. This evaluation procedure will provide information on Michelle’s present ability to be attentive to the car’s mechanical sounds and how much practice is needed in order for Michelle to master this skill. Michelle’s skill use goal is that, she successfully shifts the car gears 95% of the time and the car does not stall. Michelle’s skill use goal or the needed level can be evaluated using a driving log, whereby she documents her driving and her ability to shift the gears successfully. Michelle has shown quite the determination and interest in successfully mastering her Overall Rehabilitation Goal. Working together towards the goal has enabled Michelle and I to break down the process into smaller components and to really focus on the methods and examine carefully the strengths, deficits, the needed skills, the required behaviors and ways of evaluating Michelle’s success. The process provides Michelle with structure, guidance and focus. She is able to examine why achieving this particular goal is so important to her and what is required of her into order to be successful in achieving the goal. Research Papers on English Writing Assignment - Anonymous QuoteThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseTwilight of the UAWMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalPETSTEL analysis of IndiaStandardized TestingResearch Process Part OneUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into Asia

Monday, October 21, 2019

the fear of food Essay

the fear of food Essay the fear of food Essay Dear governor, As a concerned citizen of your town, it has come to my attention that the Governor of NJ wants to impose calorie intake restrictions on fast food restaurants and that this will result in many popular items being removed from the menu. I completely agree with this idea for the following reasons: Junk food is a major cause of childhood obesity, eating junk food as a primary method of nourishment will lead to diseases and illness, and Junk food is a major cause of childhood obesity. 32% of youth are overweight and nearly 70% are unfit. The fast food offered contributes to this problem. A single can of soda has as much as 13 teaspoons of sugar in the form of high- fructose corn syrup. Many of these sodas are available at fast food restaurants at low prices as well as many other completely unhealthy foods like chips. Lunches have a very high fat content and fast food restaurants supplies residents with the same commodity foods as prisons. Due to the lack of fresh and flavorful food, many people will choose to buy cheap junk food offered instead. If we could cut down on these junk foods, then we may be able to solve this problem. Secondly, eating junk food as a primary method of nourishment will lead to diseases and illness because your body is being deprived from its needed nutrias. Obesity, diabetic, Hypertension, cancer and other chronic diseases are highly related to fast food. It has more calories on average mea l than healthy food do, leading to greater

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Get a Pro Subscription Today with 50% Discount!

Get a Pro Subscription Today with 50% Discount! Get a Pro Subscription Today with 50% Discount! Get a Pro Subscription Today with 50% Discount! By Daniel Scocco We didnt want to compete for attention with Walmart and company, so instead of running a Black Friday promotion we decided to run a Black February one! During the month of February well be offering the Pro subscription with huge discounts. Check it out: Monthly plan: $4.99 per month (50% discount over regular price) Yearly plan: $49 per year (40% discount over regular price) As a Pro subscriber youll get a writing tip and a grammar exercise delivered to your email inbox every day. You also get access to the members area, where youll find over 700 interactive exercises, our Freelance Writing Course and a section with writing jobs. On top of that youll receive three eBooks as a bonus for signing up. This includes our acclaimed 100 Writing Mistakes to Avoid (the eBook alone sells for $9.90). Here are three testimonials from our subscribers: I have no trouble waking up early in the morning now, knowing my writing tip will be there. Im buying a subscription for my mother (a retired school teacher) and my daughter, who is applying for graduate school. It will be such an enjoyable way for her to learn. Thank you so much for the new and improved Daily Writing Tips Pro. It is even better than the original, and so much worth the money spent. Please let me express my heartfelt thanks for the hard work you do, putting these articles and exercises together. They are extremely helpful. Dont miss out! Click here to get all the details and subscribe. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the General category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:"Based in" and "based out of"Try to vs. Try and10 Functions of the Comma

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Poor listening Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Poor listening - Essay Example are not able to patiently be attentive to what is being said especially in modern times when there are a lot of things that could attract people’s attention. This is what I personally observed from most people these days. Several times, I witnessed friends, family and co-workers who talk with each other while they are busy on their phones or are concentrating on other things. Their attention is often divided that there is already a difficulty in truly understanding each other and communicating well. Consequently, such events often result not only to misunderstanding but also for communications to stop. For instance, I once saw a friend seemingly disregard what his friend was saying by simply saying â€Å"yes† that the other person was obviously hurt. Although my friend was busy and was quite absorbed with her phone, her companion did not try to understand this because he felt he had the right to my friend’s full attention. As a result, the two did not speak with each other for a few days. This is the problem with poor listening skills. Hearing things is not enough but understanding and internalizing what is being said should be taken into consideration as

SuperJam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SuperJam - Assignment Example A dashingly young entrepreneur, Fraser Doherty, not even in his 20s, concocted fruit jams with absolutely no sugar and preservatives, using grape fruit instead, to sweeten them. There are varieties of flavors to choose from: blueberry and blackcurrant, rhubarb and ginger fruit, orange and passion fruit, and cranberry and raspberry. What makes SuperJam unique and distinct from other fruit jams is that its ingredients are all sourced from the freshest fruit farms in Scotland and the innovative blend which created new and excitingly healthy flavors. Rhubarb, for instance, was reported to be an antioxidant with loads of Vitamins A and C. Likewise, it is a natural laxative which helps improve cleansing and detoxification of the body’s waste products. When combined with ginger, a tuber which gives a warming and calming effect, the fruit jam concocted is best applied in pies, oatcakes, and porridge. In the video entitled Tricky Business, John Boyle, a multi millionaire and UK’s most successful entrepreneur mentored Fraser Doherty when he reflected on expanding his homemade fruit jam business and planned to market it in supermarkets. Doherty started working on using his grandmother’s jam recipe when he was 14 years old and weathered all sorts of challenges and trials of entrepreneurship. Boyle, during their first encounter, advised Fraser to expand slowly by moving the production to a small factor from his kitchen, to get some investment, and to supply his jam to delis and small shops.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Reading response of the reading Living in a Globalizing World Essay

Reading response of the reading Living in a Globalizing World - Essay Example The people living in United States, gets affected by the affect of globalization on the economy. The positive aspect of the US economy is to generate profit through expansion of industrialization but the adverse aspect is that it leads to the increase in the number of the outsourcing by declining the number local jobs (Crawford and Fogart 1-137). The inequality in sexism, racial prejudice is creating a big chaos in the society and also affecting globalization. With the advent of globalization, few negative aspects such as number of sex trafficking and discrimination of the people on the basis of the race has increased worldwide. s. The institutional racism also gets influenced through globalization due to the integration of the diverse culture. Conversely, many people have adopted orphan children, who belong to different racism for providing them better life (Crawford and Fogart 1-137). The term wealth means the property of an individual, which is earned by the person throughout the life. However, wealth not only provides materialistic happiness but also non-materialistic aspect. Wealth is also the satisfaction, which comes out from the mental peace and happiness. In present scenario, people feel that the people who spend time with their family are happier than any other financially rich person (Crawford and Fogart 1-137). To be an ethical consumer the person needs to adopt the fair trade, which is paid to the worker as workable wages. The role of ethical consumer is to provide support to poor farmer by purchasing food products from them. The customers need to be aware about the money and investment procedures (Crawford and Fogart 1-137). There are some countries are still lacking in its economic nature. The main reason behind this poor situation is inequality in the British colonials. The people who belong to elite class lead different life from that of the poor people. These may lead to

Do the paper as requirementthis is a groupwork with 3 people Essay

Do the paper as requirementthis is a groupwork with 3 people - Essay Example The financial ratio analysis also highlights the working capital condition of the company, whether the company is overtrading or not and how much finance would be required by the company in order to finance its working capital. Ratio analysis is considered to be a very accurate and reliable tool when it comes to analyzing and interpret the financial outlook and performance of an entity. The main reason for performing a ratio analysis is to quantify the results of the financial operations of an entity and analyze them in the light of financial performance of the prior year(s) in order to assess different aspects of the financial feasibility. [Peavler, R. (2001)] The financial ratios are usually divided into various sub categories such as profitability, gearing and liquidity, each put emphasis on a different area of the financial outlook of the organization. ... usually conducted between companies portraying same business and financial risks, between industries and between different time periods of the same company. [Investopedia.com (2012] The financial ratio performance of TR Limited has been evaluated for the last two years in order to draw attention to various financial trends and significant changes over the period. The analysis is divided into three main categorize namely Profitability, Liquidity and Gearing. Profitability ratios identify how efficiently and effectively a company is utilizing its resources and how successful it has been in generating a desired rate of return for its shareholders and investors. Liquidity ratios measure the ability of the company to quickly convert its asset into liquid cash to settle its short term liabilities. Whereas, the Gearing ratios identifies the extent to which the company is financed through debt and to what degree the operations are being conducted from the finance raised through raising equit y capital or otherwise. For the purpose of financial ratio analysis, the financial year from 2011-2012 have been evaluated in order to analyze the financial outlook of TR Limited. The information has been extracted from the annual report of the company. Profitability Ratios    2012 2011    Profitability Ratios Gross profit margin 73.19% 80.65% Net profit margin 21.38% 25.97% ROI 8.88% 23.67% ROCE 18.23% 33.75% Gross profit margin is an analyzing tool which assists in identifying how effectively and efficiently the company is utilizing its raw materials [1], variable cost related to labor and fixed costs such as rent and depreciation of property plant and equipment. The ratio is calculated by dividing the sales revenue by the gross profit. If we analyze the gross profit margin trend of TR

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Final Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Final Paper - Essay Example Those who wanted to purchase homes in black neighborhoods were not covered in their mortgage even if they were financially well-off. As a result, black families and communities became trapped in these poor communities and their plight was not improved at all when other white communities were flourishing. Part of the development process in the cities also included the building of freeways cutting through many black communities and areas, prompting these people to move and settle in the suburbs or in other more convenient areas. The devastating part about the building of the freeway system is that it only cut through the black and poorer communities, but hardly through rich and white neighborhoods. This practice successfully separated black and white communities, or poor and rich communities – it successfully displaced the already disadvantaged black communities into poorer and even more dangerous neighborhoods. The government also provided much motivation for the middle class whites to leave the cities and flee to the suburbs. Motivation came in the form of mortgage and tax exemptions offered to veterans. Consequently, these individuals took advantage of these benefits and further increased the gap between the rich and the poor and increasing the concentration of poverty in some areas. These suburban communities featured successful individuals – most of them were white. In fact, the first black family to settle in such an urban community was bullied and eventually driven out of the community. In effect, the rich and the white status of said communities were maintained and the black and poor image of the urban poor was also maintained. Moreover, zoning policies further restricted the access of the poorer people to the more affluent and more progressive urban communities. New housing policies which were set forth in the aftermath of the

Radio sounds Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Radio sounds - Research Paper Example ENSO is a periodic climate pattern that occurs across the Pacific Ocean, primarily on the tropical band. The southern oscillation refers to the differences on the tropical part of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The cooling down of the southern oscillation (or oceanic phase) is termed La Nià ±a and the warming up is called El Nià ±o. Southern Oscillation also refers to air surface pressure on the tropical part of the Western Pacific Ocean. These two variations occur by pairs: El Nià ±o, or the warm oceanic phase, is accompanied by high air surface pressure in the Western Pacific and the La Nià ±a, or the cold oceanic phase, is accompanied by low air surface pressure, also in the Western Pacific. These differences and oscillations can cause extreme weather conditions such as floods and droughts. This occurs in different parts of the world. The countries that are mostly agricultural, like most Third World countries along the Pacific Ocean that depend of crops for food and fishing, are the ones that are mostly affected. However, the popular term of ENSO is just El Nià ±o, or Little Boy in Spanish. This is because the people in South America observed that the phenomenon occurs around Christmas, and the Little Boy refers to Jesus Christ. La Nià ±a is called so because it is opposite the meaning of El Nià ±o. La Nià ±a means Little Girl in Spanish. Sometimes, it is called the â€Å"anti-El Nià ±o.† The La Nià ±a phenomenon is usually preceded by El Nià ±o. During La Nià ±a, the sea surface temperature in the tropical part of the Eastern Pacific Ocean would be lower than the normal value by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius (as opposed to El Nià ±o having high surface temperatures, in which the temperature of the waters increases by 0.5 degrees Celsius). If the temperature drop occurs for five months straight, that can be called La Nià ±a. The El Nià ±o phenomenon occurs longer from nine months to two years! La Nià ±a is not as famous

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Final Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Final Paper - Essay Example Those who wanted to purchase homes in black neighborhoods were not covered in their mortgage even if they were financially well-off. As a result, black families and communities became trapped in these poor communities and their plight was not improved at all when other white communities were flourishing. Part of the development process in the cities also included the building of freeways cutting through many black communities and areas, prompting these people to move and settle in the suburbs or in other more convenient areas. The devastating part about the building of the freeway system is that it only cut through the black and poorer communities, but hardly through rich and white neighborhoods. This practice successfully separated black and white communities, or poor and rich communities – it successfully displaced the already disadvantaged black communities into poorer and even more dangerous neighborhoods. The government also provided much motivation for the middle class whites to leave the cities and flee to the suburbs. Motivation came in the form of mortgage and tax exemptions offered to veterans. Consequently, these individuals took advantage of these benefits and further increased the gap between the rich and the poor and increasing the concentration of poverty in some areas. These suburban communities featured successful individuals – most of them were white. In fact, the first black family to settle in such an urban community was bullied and eventually driven out of the community. In effect, the rich and the white status of said communities were maintained and the black and poor image of the urban poor was also maintained. Moreover, zoning policies further restricted the access of the poorer people to the more affluent and more progressive urban communities. New housing policies which were set forth in the aftermath of the

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Static equilibrium and the requirements of this principle Lab Report

Static equilibrium and the requirements of this principle - Lab Report Example This research will begin with the statement that the principle of moments states that when a force (F) is applied to an object that can turn around a pivot when acted on by forces, the turning effect of the body is equivalent to the moment (M) of the force. The moment equals the force multiplied by the perpendicular distance (d) from the pivot. This means that the distance increases as the force decrease. The principle of moments has various practical uses in real life situations such as using a hammer to unscrew a nail, balancing objects around their pivots and among others. In regard to the principle of moments, â€Å"the sum of the clockwise moments about any point must be equal the sum of the anticlockwise moments about that point† for a body to be in equilibrium. This illustrates that the body will attain static equilibrium, as long as the product of the force and the perpendicular distance on either side of the pivot is the same. The illustration below strives to justify the concept of the principle of the moment: M = F Ãâ€" d †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.equation 1  Ã‚  Ã‚   Where F is the force of the load and is measured in Newton (N), d is the distance from the pivot and is measured in meter (m), and M is the moment given by the product of force and distance. It is measured in Nm. The system balances because its clockwise moment and anticlockwise moment are equal. A body is said to be in static equilibrium when it is in a state of rest, that is, no motion.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Essay and Art Essay Example for Free

Essay and Art Essay In the essay Pablo Picasso: Living in His Own Shadow, author Ellen Goodman uses fact, emotion and personal experience to illustrate the cycles of creating and aging, living in the limelight and passing on the torch. Goodman captures the sadness and the beauty of being replaced or falling out of fame while using Picasso and his works as an example of how even the most talented of persons must succumb to limitation. Goodman makes a point that some artists graciously recognize when it is time to cease their works but others persist despite the fact that their prime has passed. According to Goodman, Pablo Picasso represents the limitations in which we all must recognize but also the beauty in rebellion and persistence. Goodman juxtaposes Picasso against many famous people who like Picasso grew old and eventually had to admit that they could no longer perform at peak performance. â€Å"It is said that when Picasso was a teenager, his artist-father gave the boy his own palette, brushers and colors, and never painted again, (LoRocco Coughlin, 1995, p. 198).† This actually seems to be factual. When Picasso was 13-years-old his father gave up painting admitting that his son had surpassed him in skill, (Pablo Picasso, n.d.). It is interesting that Goodman introduced the essay using this example considering the entire essay is about artists and well known figures who did not step out of the spotlight when their time was due.   Ã¢â‚¬Å"We feel sad that Joe DiMaggio sells coffee makers and uncomfortable that Willie Mays ‘stayed too long.’ Few of us know how to deal with the man or woman who ‘used to be’ somebody, (LoRocco Coughlin, p. 199).† Goodman describes her personal feelings when reviewing Picasso’s work at an art exhibit. She states that although Picasso was an exceptional artist at every age his later work is lacking in many ways. Goodman uses her observations to express sympathy toward Picasso as opposed to disdain for his later works. â€Å"Yet as we wandered through the last thirty years of his life, you could see it all slip. The exhibit kindly excludes the commercial peace doves and greeting card poster art of the last few years. But still, it is easy to see the versatility turning frenetic – the search turning downhill. There is even a sense that perhaps he began to imitate himself – not just create but to create ‘Picasso,’ (LoRocco Coughlin, p. 198).† In essence Goodman shows contempt for Joe DiMaggio and Willie Mays yet for Picasso Goodman expresses a sense of being perplexed and full of wonder, similar to her response to other artists including Frank Sinatra and Tennessee Williams. â€Å"It is something I have thought before. I’ve though of it whenever Tennessee Williams turns up in the news, alive but rarely well, writing poorly in comparison to his own brilliant retrospectives. I’ve thought of it when Frank Sinatra goes on stage, all blue eyes and strained vocal cords. They are pale versions of themselves, (LoRocco Coughlin, p. 198).† But was Picasso a â€Å"pale version† of himself? According to Goodman there was a sense of grace and rebellion in the fact that Picasso worked until his death. â€Å"There is something, not sad but remarkable, in this refusal to ‘act his age,’ or retire gracefully. Surrounded by his own collection of his favorite cubist work, he must have known his limits. But out of compulsion or conviction he kept working.† It is true that Picasso worked rigorously until his death. â€Å"Death holds no fear for me,’ Picasso recently told a friend. ‘It holds a kind of beauty. What I am afraid of is falling ill and not being able to work. That’s lost time, (Time, 1973,  ¶ 1).† Picasso, as opposed to Mays and DiMaggio, did not work to make extra funds doing something which reminds us of their failing talents, like sell coffeemakers, Picasso worked to work. He created for the enjoyment of creating. His final work may have been pale in comparison to the masterpieces of his youth but as Goodman points out everything in life pales in comparison with youth. â€Å"Living in your own shadow is a problem of aging athletes and beautiful women and artists and actors and, to an extent, all of us, (LoRocco Coughlin, 1995, p. 198).† Goodman’s experience at the exhibit for Picasso’s art left her contemplating what it would be like to find oneself living in a world where the past constantly haunts the present. She expresses the sadness of this by using examples of other artists and athletes who have made history and then faced limitations. But living with ones past is part of life and the limitations associated with aging do not have to be stifling. â€Å"Creation,’ Picasso said. ‘Is the only thing that interests me, (LoRocco Coughlin, 1995, p. 199).† This statement must have been true for Picasso, who spent his entire life creating despite the fact that his later years are not defined as his most influencial in terms of artistic expression. References LoRocco, C., Coughlin, J. (1995). The Art of Work: An Anthology of Workplace Literature (1st Edition ed.). : Glencoe/McGraw Hill. Pablo Picasso. (n.d.). Retrieved Jan. 4, 2009, from Wikipedia: www.wikipedia.com Time, H. (1973, April 23, 1973). Pablo Picasso’s Last Days and Final Journey. Time Magazine, .

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Racism In Contemporary Britain

Racism In Contemporary Britain The existence of races in a given society presupposes the presence of racism, for without racism, physical characteristics are devoid of social significance (Van den Berghe, 1978, p.11). This represents a tension, explored within this essay, between the inability to categorise human beings into separate races on the basis of physical difference (Peoples and Bailey, 2011) and the fact that such categorisation occurs, based on the misconception that socially constructed concepts of racial difference are an objective reality (Barak et al., 2010). As the existence of race relies fundamentally upon its construction within society (Marger, 2011), it appears, within this essay, as race. In examining the existence of racism in contemporary Britain, a number of definitions will be explored, however, a commonality among them is their dependence on the definition of race, demonstrating, I would argue, the equally, socially, constructed, nature of racism (Capdevila and Callaghan, 2007). By examining Immigration and Asylum policy, this essay will analyse how differing definitions of racism, explain its continued existence, within a seemingly tolerant society (Wemyss, 2009). It also considers how immigrants and asylum seekers are perceived and treated within society, because in addition to occurring at policy level, racism is a lived experience (Lentin, 2011). I do not consider the definitions examined, namely biological, new, institutional and cultural racism, to be an exhaustive list and recognise that considering its existence from other constructs, may give a different picture of contemporary Britain, further demonstrating the need for a critical approach to concepts of racism and its existence within society (Zamudio et al., 2011). I will conclude by exploring whether accurately defining racism, impacts its prevalence, or whether pursuing the eradication of negative life chances, for minority ethnic groups, is not more beneficial than the categorisation of discri mination. Although it is now commonly recognised that there are no biological differences, by which races can be categorised (Nanda and Warms, 2010), this concept continues to create the foundation for biological racism and associates such difference with a behavioural hierarchy in terms of morals and intellect (Smedley and Smedley, 2005). This concept of hierarchy, I would argue, is integral to racism, in that the self is constructed as superior and the other as inferior (Rivers, 2008). Having proven the non-existence of race, this form of racism could be considered outdated and irrelevant, however, I would argue that its prevalence is still apparent within scientific discourse and public opinion (Lentin, 2011). In recent political debate, for example, around reducing the spread of HIV within the UK, by providing free treatment to foreign nationals (HAUK Select Committee, 2011), objectors have argued that this will increase immigration, out of a desire for free medical treatment (Department o f Health, 2005). Whilst I would not deny the greater prevalence of HIV in some parts of the world, and therefore some ethnic groups, associating this with the motivation for immigration, within such ethnic groups, being to take advantage of free resources, I would argue, has biologically racist undertones. In addition, there is no evidence that the provision of free HIV treatment would create such health tourism (NAT., 2008). With racism being legislated against (Race Relations Act, 1976), racist undertones are now more common than overt racism, when taking a biologically racist perspective (Jiwani and Richardson, 2011) and the denial of racism within Immigration and Asylum policy, arguing that its not racist to impose limits on immigration (Conservative Party, 2005), is unsurprising. Whilst immigration rules, by their nature, discriminate between those who have, and do not have, the right to remain in the UK, I would argue that this discrimination is only biologically racist, if decisions are made on the basis of physical difference. As such, it could be argued that the Conservative discourse is justified, in that some criterion are required for immigration control, but that such rules do not refer to particular racial groups having characteristics determining their suitability for immigration (Sriskandarajah, 2006). Whilst this argument does not necessarily prove the lack of racism within Immigration Po licy, it demonstrates how one definition of racism, in this case biological, can be used to deny its existence, whereas, as this essay will demonstrate, constructing alternative definitions highlights greater prevalence of racism within Immigration and Asylum policy. A combination of factors, including legislation, scientific rationale behind the non-existence of race and eugenics movements, have resulted in traditional forms of racism being constructed as socially unacceptable, causing a reduction, although not eradication, in overt, racist behaviour and a denial of racist intent (Romm, 2010). If my understanding of racism, therefore, were restricted to a biological definition, I might argue that its existence within contemporary Britain has reduced. By redefining racism, however, in the light of its social unacceptability, to subtler, indirect forms, the existence of racism, I would argue, in both Immigration and Asylum policy and wider British society, can still be seen. This subtler definition, known as New Racism (Collins and Solomos, 2010), argues that the same belief in racial superiority underpins many current discourses, but that new language is used to represent these traditional beliefs, for example, substituting race with immigrant or asylum seeker (Kimber, 2010). Returning to the Conservative Manifesto (2005), if no inference of racism exists within policy proposals, then why is there a need for rhetoric which defends a non-racist position? The powerful use of language is evident in this kind of discourse, because in addition to denying racist intent, arguments are constructed, such that, accusations of racism are deemed irrational, making any covert or indirect forms of racism difficult to challenge (Goodman and Burke, 2011). In Conservative leader, Michael Howards election campaign (2005), for example, the need for stricter immigration control is argued to be based on common sense, rather than racist principles. Mr. Howard categorises immigrants as good and bad, with those being different and not encompassing British values, deemed bad (Btihaj, 2006). Being a child of immigrants, he classifies himself a good immigrant, for whom racism is unacceptable because he is one of them, however, Michael is white, and therefore does not look different and his immigrant Father is Romanian, a Christian, European country whose values and cultures are more in line with Britishness than perhaps, non-white, non-Christian countries, making conforming to the image of good immigrant, much easier for him (Capdevila and Callaghan, 2007). In this way, I would argue that, although new language is used, racist beliefs underpin this discourse, in describing acceptable immigrants as white, with similar culture and values, and conversely less acceptable immigrants, as non-white individuals, refusing to conform to our culture and values. A biological definition would deny racism within this speech, whereas, a new racism definition highlights underlying racist discourse, which may result in the implementation of racist immigration policies. I would argue that this further demonstrates the contested and constructed nature of racism, which can be made to exist, or not, on the basis of its definition. This coded use of language can also be seen in wider public attitudes, within the UK. Where terms like lazy, stupid and unprincipled were historically used to describe racial groups, they are now connected with immigrants and asylum seekers (Craig, 2007). Similarly, Finney and Peach (2006) found that although discriminatory views have shifted from race to immigrants and asylum seekers, similar language, and reasons for feelings of animosity, are used in describing both groups. A biologically racist perspective, could argue that attitudes toward ethnic minorities have improved within the UK, but I would argue that, considering a new racism definition, although language and focus have changed, racist attitudes still prevail within contemporary British society. Another perspective in understanding racism, is to consider how policies, decision making and institutional practices create and define racism, rather than individual belief systems. This institutional definition of racism, argues that, policies are constructed to both subordinate, and maintain control over, particular racial groups (Carmichael and Hamilton, 1969). In this way, racism is the creation of inferiority through the implementation of organisational policies and procedures (Better, 2008) and is rooted in the processes of established and respected forces within society, which I would argue makes them less likely to be challenged than individual acts of racism (Carmichael and Hamilton, 1969). Institutional racism can occur unintentionally, by unwitting prejudice and racial stereotyping creating policies and cultural practices which disadvantage ethnic minorities (Macpherson, 1999). The complexity of institutional racism is that, organisations cannot make decisions or policies , without the presence of individuals and therefore questions whether an institution can be racist, or whether racism results from the influence of individuals within that institution (Roush, 2008). The UK Border Agency, in working predominantly with immigrants and asylum seekers, in my view, holds significant potential for institutional racism. Whether such racism is intentional is contested, but irrespectively, I would argue that, some immigration policies disproportionately disadvantage certain ethnic minorities. Recent changes to work permit policies, for example, mean that restaurants employing chefs from outside the EU, must find applicants with at least 5 years experience and graduate-level qualifications, paying them at least  £28,260 a year (Home Office, 2011). Although this policy is applied to all restaurants and its implementation aims to prioritise jobs for British citizens, I would argue that restaurants providing cuisine originating outside Europe, are likely to be disproportionately impacted by this policy and that such businesses are likely to be owned by, and employing individuals of, ethnic minorities (Khaleeli, 2012). In this way, whether intentionally or n ot, I would argue that these immigration changes are institutionally racist, in that their negative impact, upon ethnic minorities, is unjustifiably disproportionate. This again demonstrates, I would argue, how the definition of racism taken, can significantly impact its perceived existence within contemporary British society. A biological definition, for example, would argue that decisions are not being made on the basis of physical difference, as all individuals are receiving the same treatment, and therefore the policy is not racist. Similarly, new racism, by examining the language used, could still conclude that the intention of this policy, is not to favour any particular racial group. The difference, I would argue, with institutional racism, is that intent is less important than impact and therefore, racism can be deemed to exist if the outcomes for ethnic minorities are disproportionately worse than the general population, which in regard to this policy, I would argue, could be the case. The final perspective being explored, cultural racism, is argued by some to simply be an extension of new racism (Jacobson, 2008). Within immigration and asylum discourse, however, I would argue, the language of culture so frequently replaces that of race, as to make a distinct exploration of cultural racism beneficial (Diller, 2010). Cultural racism relates to the belief that less dominant cultures are dysfunctional, maladaptive or even deviant, emphasising individual failings, rather than a societal failure to accommodate difference (Williams, 2007). Although it could be argued that this moves too far from a valid definition of racism, this depends upon how race is defined and if there are no biological differences by which races can be categorised, then the socially constructed differences which create racism, may also be cultural differences (Pon, 2009). In this way cultural racism is both the negatively, differential treatment on the basis of cultural difference (Hill, 2008) and the denial of opportunity to express ones culture (Ford, 2005). Muslims are frequently constructed, for example, as a homogenous group, when in reality the diversity of individuals classifying themselves as Muslim, is too vast to validate a single identity (Al-Azmeh, 2007). Despite this, the term Muslim has become a way of describing ethnicity, both in politics and public opinion (Wilson, 2007). This process of homogenisation, I would argue, has caused ideas of fundamentalism, and terrorist intent, to be attributed to the Muslim identity, constructing them, in some respects, as an enemy of British society (Todorov and Brown, 2010). This is not only a discriminatory and inaccurate portrayal of a diverse group, but also culturally racist in the way such beliefs are played out in the implementation of policy and treatment of Muslims within British society (Qasmiyeh, 2010). This can be seen in proposed legislative changes, following the terrorist attacks of September 2001, where Prime Minister, Tony Blair, argued a need for increased ability to exclu de and remove those suspected of terrorism and those seeking to abuse the asylum system (Hansard, 2001). In addition, in describing the attacks, Mr. Blair highlighted the terrorists motivation as a religious obligation set out in the Islamic Holy text, the Koran (ibid). This demonstrates, I would argue, an underlying discourse associating both Muslims and asylum seekers with terrorism (Huysmans and Alessandra, 2008). Further political statements in the subsequent decade, I would argue, cemented this construction of Muslims as the enemy (Pantazis and Pemberton, 2009). In 2006, for example, a report on countering terrorism (Cabinet Office, 2006) concluded that the most prominent threat came from Islamist extremists. Furthermore John Denham, as Home Office minister, suggested that behind a minority group of terrorists, sat a wider Islamic community, who considered terrorism to be a legitimate response to current concerns (Denham, 2007). A consequence of this negative construction of Muslims, I would argue, is the discriminatory treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers who identify as Muslim (Pantazis and Pemberton, 2009). Risk-profiling computers, for example, determining on entry to the UK who should be scanned, searched and questioned, have been found to focus upon Muslim-specific behaviours, categorising practising Muslims as high risk (Webber, 2012). This is a clear demonstration, I would argue, of cultural racism, in determining negatively, differential treatment on the basis of cultural identity, further highlighting how the existence of racism, is very much dependent upon the way in which it is defined. Biological racism, for example, would argue that the range of ethnic diversity within Islam, indicates that any discriminatory treatment toward Muslims, cannot be racist, as underlying, discriminatory, motivations are not based upon biological difference. Similarly, although much of the discrimination explor ed, occurs at an institutional level, Institutional Racism is based on the impact of policies and practices upon racial, not cultural or religious, groups and so would not consider the matters explored to prove the existence of racism, within contemporary British society. Having considered varying definitions of racism, I would conclude that its existence, within contemporary British society, is complex and can be argued to be both prevalent and a thing of the past (Rattansi, 2007). By taking a biological perspective, this essay has considered that, although racist undertones may exist in some immigration and asylum discourse, its prevalence within British society is decreasing (Day, 2011). Alternatively, by taking an institutional view, where it is not intent but impact which is measured, the existence of racism has been highlighted, through some UK policies and institutions disproportionately, disadvantaging ethnic minorities. Similarly, by considering racism from the perspective of new language being used in place of traditionally racist terms, the prevalence of racism increases significantly, specifically, as this essay had demonstrated, within Immigration and Asylum policy. Finally, by extending this new racism definition to the replacement of ra cialised language, with that of culture, this essay has demonstrated how specific groups continue to experience significant levels of racism within British society, both in terms of policy construction and public attitude (Allen, 2010). Reflecting upon these various constructions of racism, I would argue that its perceived existence is highly dependent upon the definition used. Whilst this analysis has examined the existence of racism, it could be said that it does not explain its existence. Why is it that some groups consider it appropriate to negatively treat others, on the basis of their race? I would argue that the answer to this, is power. With biological racism, it is seen in the superiority and inferiority of racial groups, on the premise that biological difference creates a natural hierarchy. With new racism, it is seen in powerful discourses which paint racist ideologies as rational and in the best interests of Britain, whilst in reality maintaining the authoritative position of the powerful (Capedevila and Callaghan, 2007). With institutional racism, it is seen in those with the power to create policy and organisational procedures, constructing these to maximise the benefits for themselves and maintain their position of authority. Finally, with cultural racism, it is seen in the view that inferior and less developed cultures should be discarded an d individuals from such cultural groups assimilated into the dominant culture, accepting the superiority of these cultural norms. In light of this, I would argue, that if the existence of racism is determined by its definition and the purpose of racism is to maintain power, then a critical understanding of the constructed nature of racism, is paramount in assessing the discourses and policy proposals of those with such power. This reflection has also caused me to question the extent to which an academic pursuit of categorising behaviours, policies and ideologies as racist, is beneficial and if instead, it is deflecting the focus from challenging negative discrimination, faced by certain groups, irrespective of their experience fitting our socially constructed definition of racism. In conclusion, however, I would argue that, as racism is now considered both legally and morally wrong, if it can be accurately defined and its existence proved and highlighted, then work can be achieved towards its eradication (Cole, 2009).

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Clowns and Cubicles Essay -- essays research papers

Clowns and Cubicles (A look at workplace stereotypes through their appearance in comic strips) Stereotypes can be found in just about every aspect of society. A person engaging in any type of social interaction is either consciously or unconsciously engaging or affected by the many ways we stereotype people. Stereotypes while usually given a negative connotation seem to be an inherent part of human nature. By grouping individuals into categories a person can feel more in control of their surrounding and of their own self as a unique individual. Every person has either participated in stereotyping or has been a target of a particular stereotype. Stereotyping can either be subtle or obvious. The world of a high school student is filled with stereotypes; the jock, the prep, the loner, the stoner, these particular stereotypes are not pulled out of thin air, but rather they are a collection of attributes that a individual presents to the world. Some of these attributes include the cloths one wears, how one carries oneself, but language (which will be the topic most discussed i n this paper) is probably the most instrumental in the formation of stereotypes. Some stereotypes are so old and so widely used that they are accepted as the norm. This can be seen with a large degree of consistency in the office world. An office space is like a play where everyone who works in it is assigned a role. In the world of employer-employee relationships language contributes heavily to the development of stereotypes. Anyone who has worked in an office environment has been witness to the variety 2 of stereotypes presented there. For instance there is the middle aged but still spunky women with all the Troll Dolls and cut out comic strips lining her cubicle. The irony in this stereotype is that the comics this woman has plastered to every open space in her office are full of office stereotypes just like her. In fact, cartoon strips are a... ...statements such as this, business double-speak of the nineties has centered on terms such as "downsizing" and "re-engineering". By putting a different spin on the timeless tradition of firing and re-organization, today's companies act more like politicians than producers. Language determines the social atmosphere of an office. Language defines the roles of both management and employees. Stereotypes are produced as a result of the language and style associated with the different roles of the office. Having given a run down of the types of stereotypes found in the office place and how language has contributed to these stereotypes it is clear that the office is a self contained social hierarchy. At the end of the workday every member of the office leaves their role behind and takes on other roles; a father, a mother, fiancà ©e, son, sister. These roles are also founded on the types of language used by the particular people who play them. Language allows people to play the parts of several different characters. Media like comic strips allow use to observe the roles we play from a safe distance where are egos will not be hurt, but amused.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Point of sale system Essay

Introduction Most of this day the business organizations are using latest technology to ease their transaction and to improve their business process to another level. They are now applying computerized systems to their transactions according to their needs. Point of sale system is one of the most systems that are used of many businesses. It helps to improve the process and to fasten the transaction with the customers. Point of sale system is commonly used in fast food chain, pharmacy store, grocery store and some of the business that needs to monitor their transactions, sales and financial status. Creating a point of sale system of a facial care center can also improve their business transaction with their customers and can also help them to improve their business process. As the proponents see within the transaction of the Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center, they are using simple application but the feature of that application was very limited and prone for human errors that can cause of business conflict. The Proponents propose the Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center Point of Sale System to help the facial care center in terms of security, reliability and accuracy of every transaction. From manual process, this system transforms the transaction into a modern way that will benefit a lot especially the cashier, employees, customers and the owner. Background of the study Most this days, many companies and businesses want to enhance and have a great technology to improve and make the jobs easily. A new generation comes, the point of sale system invented. Truly, it is so very helpful in companies and businesses locally and internationally. The Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center Point of Sale System was created for the development of transaction for this facial care center. It will be used to help the business for a better and easy transaction. Also it has lot of features that surely help the business. Before, beau’ secret skin  essences facial care center doesn’t have a system. They using a manual computation, auditing, checking, sorting, finding and many more that was so embarrassing even they have hundreds of products. In addition, this proposed system will surely help the business to change from manual to automatic and over whelming transaction. Statement of the problem General Problem: The foregoing study aims to develop Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center Point of Sale System that will serve as a tool of beau’ secret skin essences facial care center to enhance and to have a better transaction performance. Specific Problems: 1. Is Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center Point of Sale System fulfilling the needs of the cashier and manager? 2. How Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center Point of Sale System lessens the days of accounting, adjustments, and inventory and would help the business grow? 3. How Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center Point of Sale System secure cash receipts, audit inventory away from the theft that wants to gather some data from the business? General Objective: To find useful tools that will help to make a complete and accurate point of sale system. Specific Objective: 1. It fulfills the needs of the user specifically the manager and cashier because it accommodates the common problems when it comes to transactions, business process and lessens the common human errors. 2. Point of sale would make audit easier. Less errors with a systemized way of reducing the days of audit into hours with just one click away. Adjustment would not require that much more anymore since everything is already arranged in the system ready for review. Gain in profit would be most likely. Since the system is already doing the compilation of all incoming and outgoing transactions with the supply of products, earned money and money lost in the process. This will definitely be beneficial for the growth of Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center. 3. In retail, it’s important to keep tight control over cash receipts to prevent theft. The Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center Point of Sale System will provide log-in and password program. This is the best way to secure all audited files of the business that only the manager and administrator can open, check for status, add inventory, edit the audited files and print the files. Significance of the study The following persons are the beneficiaries of Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center Point of Sale System. Manager – He / She will know the reliable result of total net, payouts and expenses of the business. Cashier – Less effort on calculating transaction. Proponents – The proposed study will be their guide and will help them to improve their skills and hard work. INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT Conceptual Framework Figure 1.1 Scope and limitations of the study Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center Point of Sale System has its  own capacity and scope of operation as well as its own limitation and incapable to do. Scope The study can do easy and faster transaction, do printing like receipt using this system, saving list of the data and manage the sales of the facial care center. It can accept barcode reading and count the number of each product in inventory list and it has a meter percentage and message alert so that the user can check and be warned for their inventory list. It recognizes the availability of the stocks and inventory in the store. It will be friendly user and easy to understand the whole features inside of it. It is composed of textboxes, checkboxes and buttons, each of products will be arranged by group, it will be properly labeled accordingly. In addition, the system has a tool form where the register log-in account and settings of the system can be seen. It will work compatibly with the use of windows Microsoft from server 2008 up to windows 7. Limitations Only the administrator can operate the tools form of the system. The foregoing study does not require an internet connection. The barcode system can be performed by typing the item number. The foregoing study will only run with the use of Microsoft windows operating system and will be limited to other operating systems. Definition of terms The operational and technical terms that used for Beau’ Secret Skin Essences Facial Care Center Point of Sale System. Operational Terms Log – In – For Security of the system. User requires entering two important data, username and password. Inputs – Information fed into a data processing system or computer. Process – A series of actions or operations conducing to an end. Outputs – The information produced by the system. POS – The place where sales are made. On a micro level, retailers consider a point of sale to be the area surrounding the counter where customers pay. Technical Terms Visual Basic – The third generation event – driven. Programming – Programming language and integrated development environment from Microsoft for its COM programming model. IPO (Input Process Output) – one of the most fundamental designs patterns and makes perfect sense. HIPO (Hierarchical Input Process Output) – Technique which a tool for planning and/or documenting a computer program. It consist of hierarchy chart and IPO charts. CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES Local Literature EasyPos (DPos) Source: http://easypos.com.ph/ Findings: In this system, it has a barcode reader, monitors the log in and log out of the staff in time, monitors the inventory, can print receipt, computes the salary of each staff, automatically creates database for each customer and have the ability to handle specials and coupons. DPos is a Windows ® based point of sale system custom built for the retail industry, with a strong focus on the bar, restaurant, resort and hotel business models. Various login profiles allow for certain levels of access to utilities, maintenance and reports. Serving staff can be restricted to only placing orders, cashiers access to cash register, managers to reports and an administrator complete access to amend, add and delete items. SUPRA RETAIL PLUS v2013 Source: http://www.posworldphilippines.com/possoftwares.html Findings: This system has a report generator that helps the user to produce any kind of reports that is needed by the user. Supra Plus has been specifically developed the ultimate architecture of Windows-based Point of Sale (POS) system to satisfy various retail  requirements. Provide systems for Fast foods, Bars and Restaurants. SUPRA PLUS is an operating precision-engineered DELPHI Language programs designed exclusively to perform cash register operations on a computer. This compact and brilliantly constructed software product performs virtually every cashier operation known to Human with lightning speed and impeccable performance. SUPRA PLUS offers an exhaustive set of cash register features combined with the universal hardware connectivity, software accessibility, and computational speed that only DELPHI Language programming can deliver. Foreign Literature PosGuys Source: http://pos-systems-review.toptenreviews.com/pos-guys-review.html Findings: This point-of-sale company offers a large selection of POS hardware, software and supplies. It is also provides software for printing barcodes and managing inventory. According to Pamela S. Stevens, POS Guys offers both choice and flexibility. POS Guys provides everything for point-of-sale systems, from scales and kitchen monitors to age verifiers. POS Guys is one of the best full-service point-of-sale hardware and software providers online that offers a choice of components. The company offers numerous all-in-one systems, a wide range of hardware, a choice of popular POS software and three hardware support plans. In addition, you are not required to enter a payment processing agreement to obtain an affordable POS solution, so you have the freedom to shop around for the best rates. POS Guys is perfect for business owners who have a bit of startup capital and want the freedom to shop around for the best payment processor. Accupos Source: http://pos-systems-review.toptenreviews.com/accupos-review.html Findings: The system provides propriety software solutions for retail stores, grocers, restaurants, quick-service restaurants and bars. They also provide mobile POS software for Android devices and line-item accounting software integration. AccuPOS does not skimp on hardware. All full systems arrive with a touch screen PC, cash drawer, card reader and receipt printer. Retail POS bundles include barcode scanners. The retail entry-level version includes a single-line barcode scanner, while the deluxe version has an omnidirectional scanner and the grocery package includes an in-counter 52-line omnidirectional scanner. All but the entry-level system also include customer displays. This POS service’s accounting integration product, called AccuLink, is a unique tool. Most POS software can export CSV files and reports and accept CSV files of inventory or customer lists. Synthesis of Related Literature and Studies Much of the literature agrees that point of sale system is helpful, makes business transaction faster and easy and monitors everything in the business. According to EasyPos (Dpos) the point of sale system has various login profiles allow for certain levels of access to utilities, maintenance and reports. Serving staff is only allowed in order placing, managers to reports and administrator to maintenance. According to Supra Plus the point of sale system can generate any kind of reports that is needed by the user. PosGuy mentioned the point of sale system can print and read barcode. Accupos mentioned that the database of the point of sale can be backup and restored. CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY Method to be use in developing the system In this concept it focuses on the components and elements of a structure or a system and unifies them into a coherent and functional whole, according to a particular approach in achieving the objectives under the given constraints or limitations. The proponent’s software development may be used to refer to the activity of computer programming, which is the process of writing and maintaining the source code, but in a broader sense of the term it includes all that is involved between the conceptions of the desired software through to the final manifestation of the software, ideally in a planned and structured process. Cash Purchase Customer Data Cash Flow Reports Stock Storage Input Data Figure 3.0 Context Flow Diagram Figure 3.1 Entity Relationship Diagram Entity Relationship Diagram The entity relationship diagram is a data modeling technique that graphically illustrates an information system’s entities and the relationships between those entities. In this diagram it shows the customers pay their bill while listing correspondent detail for the cashier that would input in the system then inform the owner whether the input is correct then the owner can update the data. Software Prototyping Model Prototyping Model is a systems development method (SDM) in which a prototype is built, tested and then reworked as necessary until an acceptable prototype is finally achieved. Prototyping is an attractive idea for complicated and large systems for which there is no manual process or existing system to help determining the requirements. In such situations letting the client â€Å"plan† with the prototype provides invaluable and intangible inputs which helps determining the requirements for the system. It is also an effective method to demonstrate the feasibility of a certain approach. This might needed for novel systems where is not clear those constraints can be met or that algorithms can be developed to implement the requirements. The process model of the prototyping approach is shown in the figure. Figure 3.2 Prototyping Model of Software Development System Analysis The phase where all possible system requirement to be developed are identified. System requirement are those set of functional and non-functional that the end-user expects from the system. There are tools in gathering the requirements, consultations, interviews, research, etc. The goal of this phase is to determine how this requirement will be accommodated in the system. There should be broad communication between the customer and the developer. Finally, a requirement specification document is created to serves the purpose of guideline for the next phase of the model. System Design Once all the requirements have been collected and analyzed, this time is to identify the system will be constructed to carry out their task. The system has to be properly designed before any implementation is started. This phase is focused on the data requirements, software construction and the system interfacing. This phase is also will define the hardware and software needed. The aim of this phase is to generate a system architecture document that serves as an input for the software design phase of the development, but also as an input for hardware design or selection activities. Respondents of the study The respondents of the study include the employees wherein the proponents prepare a set of carefully prepared and logically ordered questions. This respondent focuses on the company’s employees for a very important in a sense that this study is all about them. Primary User The primary user of the proponents is the cashier of facial care center that is responsible of selling and the one who are knowledgeable enough to answer  the problem. Secondary User The secondary user of the proponents is the owner of the facial care center that are more knowledgeable that can answer more detailed to the questions ask by the customers. The owner helps the employee to clarify and distinguish the gather data in the system. System Flow Chart Diagram Bibliography The Importance of Technology http://voices.yahoo.com/advantages-technology-education-12209998.html http://www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/rms/faculty/wrodgers/technology%20int/students.html EasyPos (DPos) Point of sale system http://easypos.com.ph/ SUPRA RETAIL PLUS v2013 Point of sale system http://www.posworldphilippines.com/possoftwares.html POSGuys Point of sale system http://pos-systems-review.toptenreviews.com/pos-guys-review.html AccuPOS Point of sale system http://pos-systems-review.toptenreviews.com/accupos-review.html The Entity Relationship Diagram http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entity%E2%80%93relationship_model The Prototyping Model http://www.google.com/search?=q=prototyping+model http://www.thecorner.org%252Fcengin%52Fpromodel

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Community Work Service for Adult Offenders

The focus is on Community work service as an alternative sentencing. Community work service allows the offender to contribute to the community. This type of work can be considered a win-win situation, because the offenders provide the service and the community benefits from their work. There are all kinds of work activities for offenders. The points that are going to be addressed are: community work service, probation officers, taxpayers, overcrowding and the benefits each party gains. It can be concluded that community work service is here to stay. Hence, it can be seen as a second chance to repair the damage done by making right out of wrong. Community service is when someone performs an action which benefits his or her community. However, community work service can be a form of alternative sentencing. The offender is ordered by a court or probation officer to perform community work service as part of a sanction. Through community service, offenders are offered the chance to â€Å"give back† to the community by providing a service that enriches the lives of others. The offenders are placed into unpaid community service positions with non-profit or tax supported community agencies† (Cook county, 2006). The probation officer carefully monitors the offender’s progress by checking with the agency, ensuring that the offenders is regularly reporting to complete the hours, as well as monitoring the offenders' attitude and quality of work. The probation officer is also responsible for reporting any negative incidents to the court in an effort the hold the offender accountable. Community service is a form of restorative justice, which involves victim, offender, and community. Criminal justice is asset of institutions and procedures for determining which people deserve to be sanctioned because of their wrongdoing and what kind of sanctions they deserve to receive† (Clear, 2003). Community work service allows sentences to more closely fit the circumstances of certain offences, and ensures that adult offenders are held accountable to the community for their actions. Hence, alternative sentencing is, applied to offenders whose absence of prior criminal history or general characteristics indicates that they can be trusted not to abuse their greater freedom. Community work service is punishment that takes away an offenders time and energy† (Schmalleger, 2009). Restorative justice is the concept that any crime, regardless of size or severity, hurts the community. Instead of merely paying a fine or spending time in jail, the offender is able to repair some of the damage done by participating in community service. â€Å"There is a need to understand who or what is being restored, including the core values of healing, moral learning, community participation, community caring, respectful dialogue, forgiveness, responsibility, apology, and making amends† (Sieh, 2006). The work assignment gives both the community and workers a chance to benefit from the experience. All offenders participating in the program are supervised by personnel at the sponsoring agency and by probation officers. â€Å"within the community justice frame work, the need to establish enduring partnerships with citizenry, other agencies, and local interest groups is critical to the success of probation† (Sieh, 2006). There are all kinds of work activities for offenders. Examples of work placements include: * Agencies offering services to senior citizens or the handicapped * Hospitals * Highway cleanup Parks maintenance * Skilled labor (carpentry) * Landscaping * Painting During probation, offenders must stay out of trouble and meet various other requirements. Probation officers, who are called community supervision officers in some States, supervise people who have been placed on probation. â€Å"Probation officers supervise offenders on probation or parole through personal contact with the offenders and their families† (Schmalleger, 2009). Instead of requiring offenders to meet officers in their offices, many officers meet offenders in their homes and at their places of employment or therapy. Some offenders are required to wear an electronic device so that probation officers can monitor their location and movements. â€Å"Probation supervision has three main elements: resource mediation, surveillance, and enforcement† (Schmalleger, 2009). Probation officers may arrange for offenders to get substance abuse rehabilitation or job training. Probation officers usually work with either adults or juveniles exclusively. Only in small, usually rural, jurisdictions do probation officers counsel both adults and juveniles. Probation officers must be ware that they will not always be effective in helping probationers, making it necessary to find outside resources for the probationer to succeed† (Sieh, 2006). Probation officers also spend much of their time working for the courts. They investigate the backgrounds of the accused, write presentence reports, and recommend sentences. They review sentencing recommendations with offenders and their families before submitting them to the court. Probation officers may be required to testify in court as to their findings and recommendations. They also attend hearings to update the court on offenders’ efforts at rehabilitation and compliance with the terms of their sentences. The number of cases a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist handles at one time depends on the needs of offenders and the risks they pose. Higher risk offenders and those who need more counseling usually command more of the officer’s time and resources. Caseload size also varies by agency jurisdiction. Consequently, â€Å"officers may handle from 20 to more than 100 active cases at a time† (Sieh, 2006). Probationers perceive probation officers as agents who will assist them, while, judges are viewed as agents whose main purpose is to punish offenders for wrongdoing† (Sieh, 2006). When an offender is placed on community supervision by the court, he/she signs a â€Å"contract† whereby he/she agrees to abide by certain conditions. These conditions usually include: * Report to the probation officer * Do not commit any new crime * Do not use alcohol and / or drugs or enter bars * Do not leave the County or State * Perform community work service Pay restitution, fine, court fees and probation fees if ordered * Permit the supervisor to visit him/her at the home or elsewhere By having the offender do community work service the offender will realize that not only do most crimes have a direct victim, but, the community is a victim as well. Having an offender provide services to the community rather than going to jail is beneficial to the tax payers. The tax payers don’t have to worry about another person going to prison where it might be overcrowded. Because overcrowded prisons have been a major problem in our society. In 2006, 8 of the nation’s 25 largest jails were operating at over 100 percent of their rated capacity† (Schmalleger, 2009). Having community work service as an alternative helps ease things down between the taxpayers and the justice system when it comes to the question, who has to pay to keep the offender in prison. Overcrowding puts prisoners at significant risk. People living in crowded conditions are more likely to get sick, stay sick, and pass diseases on to others. They are more likely to experience mental health problems, particularly stress-related mental illnesses. They are more likely to develop aggression and frustration. (Schmalleger, 2009). Being forced into crowded conditions with other prisoners results in riots, abuse, and assault. The prison system struggles to keep up with disciplinary problems when it has minimal staff and outdated facilities. This often results in brutal abuse at the hands of guards and other prison personnel. Overcrowding also limits access to resources. This includes health care for prisoners. Prisoners have died due to lack of health access because a nurse or doctor is not available and it’s considered ‘unsafe’ to transfer a prisoner for medical care. Considering that rates of hepatitis, HIV, and numerous other chronic conditions are high in prisons, lack of access to routine health care is a serious issue† Schmalleger, 2009). Lack of access to medications or irregular access to medications puts prisoners with chronic illnesses at extreme risk. â€Å" If extreme enough, overcrowding can lead to a court order that necessitates early release of certain prisoners in order to bring jails into compliance with the Constitution† (Schmalleger, 2009).

Synthesis of Salicylic Acid and Potentiometric Determination of Its Purity and Dissociation Constant

Synthesis of Salicylic Acid and Potentiometric Determination of its Purity and Dissociation Constant ————————————————- Abstract The purpose of the study is to synthesize salicylic acid from the ester, methyl salicylate, and determine the acid’s dissociation constant and purity. The ester was converted to salicylic acid by base hydrolysis. The products were refluxed and recrystallized, to ensure maximum purity, and filtered, dried, and weighed. The melting point of the product was determined using a Fischer-Johns melting point apparatus. The acid then dissolved in separate beakers with 95% ethanol and water and titrated with 0. 050 M NaOH, previously standardized with potassium hydrogen phthalate, through potentiometric titration. The pH after addition of base was measured and plotted against the volume of titrant added using three different plots. Results show a 61. 0% yield and the melting point differed from the theoretical by a range of 3. 11-6. 83%. The pKa calculated was 2. 865, differing from the literature value of 2. 98, by 3. 86%. The theoretical purity of the sample was 100. 0%, which differed with the experimental one by 1. %; the experimental purity is 101. 7%. Potentiometric titration proves to be adequate in the determination of the acid dissociation constant and purity of a sample. Aside from that, the synthesis proved adequate given the high purity of the product. ————————————————- Keywords : acid dissociation constant purity melting point ester INTRODUCTION Potentiometric methods of analysis are based on measuring the potential of electrochemical cells without drawing much, appreciable current. For centuries, potentiometry has been used to locate the endpoint in most titration set-ups. Skoog, et al. , 2004). Potentiometric methods offer a myriad of advantages, its main advantage being its low operational costs. Voltmeters and electrodes are, generally, far cheaper than most modern scientific instruments. Models suitable for direct potentiometry in field work, away from the laboratory, are inexpensive, compact, and easy to use. Essentially nondestructive of the sample, i. e. , insertion of the electrode does not drastically change the composition of the test solution (except for the slight leakage of electrolytes from the reference electrode), electrodes are relatively free from interferences. Stable potential readings are attained fairly rapidly and voltages are easily recorded as functions of time. Finally, the wide range of analyte activities, over which some of the available indicator electrodes exhibit stable, nearly Nernstian responses, represents an important advantage (Day and Underwood, 1991). Potentiometric titrations involve measurement of the potential of a suitable indicator electrode as a function of titrant volume. This indicator electrode is speecific to the hydronium ion, H3O+. It offers adavantages over direct potentiometry in that it is not dependent on measuring absolute values of Ecell. This is due to having the measurement based on the titrant volume that causes a rapid change in potential near the equivalence point. This makes the process relatively free from the juction potential uncertainties as this potential remains approximately constant during the titration process. Instead, the titration results depend heavily on having a titrant with accurately known concentration. The instrument merely signals the endpoint and behaves like a regular chemical indicator. Aside from that, the reference electrode potential need not be known. Most importantly, ionic strength effects are not important in the titration procedure because the result is analyte concentration, even if the electrode responds to activities. The dissociation of a weak monoprotic acid is given by the equation HA – H+ + A– (1) [H+][A–] [HA] where HA is the monoprotic acid, and A– is its conjugate base. The corresponding equilibrium constant for this acid dissociation is defined as Ka = (2) Ka[HA] [A–] which, when seeking to find [H+], rearranges to [H+] = (3) Prior to the equivalence point, before any titrant was added and the analyte is the only species present in solution, the pH of the system is calculated from the concentration of that analyte and its dissociation constant. In the case where a weak monoprotic acid is being titrated with a strong base, subsequent addition of the titrant will cause a reaction to occur between the acid and the base. HA + OH– > H2O + A– (4) The presence of the acid and its conjugate base in solution will cause the formation of a buffer solution, which are solutions that resist a drastic change in pH, should a strong acid or base be added to the system. At these points, the slope of a constructed titration curve is at its minimum. This is the pre-equivalence point. There is a point during the pre-equivalence point region wherein both the acid and its conjugate base are present in equal amounts. This occurs when half of the acid has been neutralized, or when the titration is at the half-equivalence point. At this point, the buffering capacity of the system is at its maximum. Aside from that, simplifying Eq. 3 at this point by inspection, the [H+] is equal to that of the Ka. Taking the negative of the logarithm of both sides, one will be able to get the relation pH = pKa (Skoog, et al. , 2004). Thus, the dissociation constant may be computed through determining the pH at half-equivalence point. This experiment will use salicylic acid as the analyte. Salicylic acid, Fig. 1. Salicylic acid is a weak monoprotic acid, capable of releasing the acidic hydrogen connected to the –COOH group. The hydrogen of the phenol group is hard to release because the oxygen is stabilized by resonance. Salicylic acid is a naturally occuring substance, usually produced by plants. It is found mainly in the willow's leaves and bark. The pure acid possesses several useful medicinal properties. It is an antipyretic (fever reducer), analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-inflammatory (swelling reducer). However, pure salicylic acid makes for an extremely unpleasant medicine. Salicylic acid contains two acidic functional groups, the phenolic (C6H5OH) and the carboxylic acid (RCOOH) groups. These groups cause the acid to be an irritating substance that burns the delicate lining of the mouth, throat, and stomach, hence its esterification to acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin, before ingestion as analgesic (Reed College, 2009). Esterificaton is the process by which a carboxylic acid is transformed to an ester. Esters are organic compounds that are derived usually by reacting a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. The general formula for esters is with the RC=O group derived from the parent carboxylic acid, and the –OR’ group from the parent alcohol. The mechanism for the reaction of the alcohol and carboxylic acid to form the ester is as follows: Fig. 2. Mechanism of Esterification from a Carboxylic acid RCOOH and alcohol R’OH Esters may also be synthesized by reacting the carboxylic acid with other reagents such as SOCl2 to form the acyl chloride, which will then be treated with an alcohol in pyridine, to esterify it. Esters are among the most widespread of all naturally occuring compounds. Many esters are pleasant-smelling liquids that are responsible for the fragrant odor of fruits and flowers. For example, methyl butanoate is found n pineapple oil and isopentyl acetate is a constituent of banana oil. The ester linkage is also present in animal fats and other biologically important molecules. The chemical industry also uses esters for a variety of purposes. Ethyl acetate, for example, is commonly used as a solvent while many dialkyl phthalates are used as plasticizers to keep polymers from being brittle (McMurry, 2004) . Methyl salicylate is produced by many plants. It was first isolated from wintergreen leaves, Gaulthea procumbens, and is commonly known as oil of wintergreen. Fig. 3. Methyl salicylate An ester of salicylic acid and methanol, it masks one of the acidic hydrogens in salicylic acid by replacing it with a methyl (CH3–) group. Hence, it is a relatively unreactive compound that does not release salicylic acid efficiently into the body. It is, therefore, not an effective analgesic, or pain-killer. However, it is added to many products, notably for its fragrance, especially root beer and liniments. In order for it to be activated, methyl salicylate must be converted to salicylic acid by organic synthesis, specifically through saponification, a process not unlike that undergone by animal fats to become soaps (McMurry, 2004). In this experiment, salicylic acid will be synthesized from methyl salicylate by base hydrolysis. Its dissociation constant will also be measured through potentiometric titration. Likewise, the percentage of purity the salicylic acid used in the reaction will be likewise determined. METHODOLOGY In synthesizing salicylic acid, 1. 2 g of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were dissolved in 7 mL water in a round bottom flask.. Half of a milliliter (0. 5 mL) of methyl salicylate was added to this mixture. The mixture was then efluxed for 15 minutes and cooled to room temperature. One-milliliter increments of 3 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4) were added until the formation of a white precipitate, salicylic acid. Half of a milliliter (0. 5 mL) of the acid was added to ensure complete precipitation of the product. The mixture was then cooled in an ice water bath with a temperature of at most 5 °C for the reaction to subside. The product was then filtered and rinsed with cold water, and recrystallized in wat er. The solids were then filtered on a pre-weighed filter paper and air-dried in the locker. When dried, the solids, along with the filter paper, were weighed and the melting point determined. Two hundred and fifty milliliters (250 mL) of 0. 50 M stock sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution was then prepared. From this solution, 250 mL of 0. 050 M standard solution was prepared for the titration. This solution was then standardized with 0. 2000 g 99. 95% potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) and phenolphthalein as indicator to the pale pink endpoint. Two more trials were done. Three samples of pure salicylic acid were weighed at approximately 0. 000 g and placed in three separate 250-mL beakers. A minimum amount of 95% ethanol was then added to dissolve the acid, and was diluted with 50. 00 mL distilled water. The electrode was first calibrated such that it would relate the developed potential to the pH. At this point, the potential would be measured as pH when increments of the titrant are successively added. The base burette, pH meter, and magnetic stirrer were set up according to Fig. 6. Fig. 6. Potentiometric titration set-up A spin bar was place inside the beaker with the sample solution. The electrode was also positioned such that it would not get hit with the spin bar. The pH of the set-up was first measured prior to addition of base. For the first trial, 1. 00 mL of the titrant was added to the analyte and the pH recorded. This was done until the pH was 11. 50. From there, the equivalence point was approximated based on the volume of the titrant that caused a large change in pH. For the two succeeding trials, 1. 00 mL of the titrant was added to the analyte. At  ±5. 00 mL of the equivalence point, the volume of titrant added was reduced to 0. 0 mL increments. At  ±3. 00 mL and  ±2. 00 mL of the equivalence point, it was further reduced to 0. 20 mL and 0. 10 mL, respectively. The titration contnued beyond 5. 00 mL of the equivalence point using 0. 50 mL of titrant until the pH registered was 11. 00. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Methyl salicylate reacts with a strong base in the following manner: Fig. 4. Base hydrolysis of methyl salicylate The methoxy group of the e ster is substituted by the hydroxide ion through nucleophilic acyl substitution. The hydroxide attaches itself to the carboxylic carbon. A fast proton transfer from the hydroxide to the methoxy group occurs such that the methoxy gets protonated and leaves the substrate. The sodium ions stabilize the negative charge of the salicylate ion predominantly found near the two oxygens of the ion. The solution was then refluxed to prevent loss of material and to prevent the inclusion of impurities in the product. After cooling to room temperature, 1. 00 mL of 3M sulfuric acid (H2SO4) until salicylic acid starts precipitating as a white solid. To complete the precipitation, 0. 50 mL of the strong acid was added to the mixture. At this point, the salicylate ion is protonated and the final product, salicylic acid, forms through the reaction: Fig. 5. Protonation of the phenolate and carboxylate groups of the salicylate ion The flask containing the precipitate was then doused in cold water to stop the reaction. Cold water was used in rinsing the solid after filtration to wash out impurities that were insoluble in the solvent. The solid was recrystallized in hot water. Dissolving the solids in hot water generally increases the solubility of the substances, hence the solids dissolve along with the soluble impurities. The mixture was then allowed to cool slowly. As the solution cools, the solubility of the compound (and of the soluble impurities) decreases, the solution becomes saturated with the desired compound, and the compound begins to crystallize. Because formation of crystals is a highly selective process that usually excludes foreign molecules, only crystals of the desired compound form. Because the soluble impurities are present in smaller amounts, the solution never becomes saturated with the impurities, so the impurities remain in solution even after the solution has cooled. Removing the solution from the crystals thus removes the solvent and the soluble impurities from the desired crystals. A final rinse of minimum ice water ensures the displacement of the impurities still clinging on the surface of the product (â€Å"Recrystallization,† accessed 6 Sept 2010). After it was recystallized, the solid was filtered again in a pre-weighed filter paper. The filter paper used in filtering the solid weighed 1. 0349  ± 0. 0002 g. The mass of the dried product and the filter paper was 1. 3610  ± 0. 0002 g; this means that 0. 3261  ± 0. 0003 g was synthesized. Theoretically, with methyl salicylate as the limiting reagent, the mass of salicylic acid should be 0. 5400 g. Computing for the %yield, would give 61. 0%. In the determination of the melting point, the observed range of the melting point was 150-156 °C. Comparing with the theoretical value, 161 °C, the relative error lies within the range 3. 11-6. 83%. Therefore, the synthesized salicylic acid has a high purity as exhibited by the magnitude of the relative error. This could justify the %yield given that recrystallization might have caused a loss of material due to the increase of the number of steps involved. It should be noted that in organic synthesis, steps leading to the target molecule do not give 100% yield, hence, increasing the number of steps would decrease the %yield. Aside from that, the low yield could be attributed to the accidental rapid cooling that occurred during the recrystallization process. In a titration curve, there are three important regions: pre-equivalence point, equivalence point, and post-equivalence point. For the titration of salicylic acid with NaOH, the pre-equivalence point is characterized by the dependence of pH on the concentration of salicylic acid. Let salicylic acid be HA; prior to addition of the base, the pH can be calculated by the concentration of HA and its acid dissociation constant, Ka. When the base is added, HA reacts with the hydroxide ion (OH– ) according to the Eq. 4 stated above. Therefore, one has a buffer solution comprised of salicylic acid and salicylate. At equivalence point, all of the acid has been converted into its conjugate base. This base will hydrolyze with water through the reaction A– + H2O > HA + OH– (6) reforming a small portion of the acid. At the equivalence point, the slope of the titration curve is at its steepest. The pH at this point is dependent upon the conjugate base formed and its base dissociation constant, Kb. Beyond the equivalence point, the post-equivalence point, the pH is dependent on the concentration of the excess titrant added. This is because the contribution of the conjugate base is very small and, therefore, negligible compared to that of sodium hydroxide. However, salicylate is still the dominant species of salicylic acid present in solution. A distinction between equivalence point and endpoint should be established when titrating. Skoog, (2004), states that the equivalence point is the point in titration where the amount of titrant added is chemically equivalent to that of the analyte in solution. The endpoint is a point during titration wherein an observable change signals that the amount of titrant added is chemically equivalent with that of the analyte. The endpoint may not necessarily coincide with the equivalence point, especially in neutralization titrations. It may come earlier or later than the equivalence point, depending on the indicator used. This difference pf volume at equivalent and endpoint is known as titration error. In potentiometric titration, no chemical indicator is required. Instead, the endpoint is characterized by the drastic change in pX, measured by the electrode. X may be H3O+, OH–, a cation or anion, or any substance participating in the titrimetric reaction (Day and Underwood, 1991). In this case, the volume of titrant that contributes to the greatest change in pH is the volume required to completely titrate the salicylic acid in solution. Thus, the increments of addition of titrant are narrowed down as the equivalence point is reached because that way, the equivalence point will not be missed. Aside from that, the exact volume of titrant required for complete reaction of the analyte would be detected. Prior to titration and dilution with water, the salicylic acid was dissolved with a minimal amount of 95% ethanol. Salicylic acid is sparingly soluble in water, a polar solvent that can hydrogen-bond with solutes that can hydrogen-bond with its molecules. This is due to the acid having more than 6 carbons increasing its non-polarity, although it has oxygen that can form hydrogen bonds with water (McMurry, 2004). Adding ethanol reduces the polarity of the solvent, facilitating dissolution of the acid. It was noted that some of the acid reprecipitated upon addition of water. Thus, a minimum amount of 95% ethanol was again added to dissolve the acid. In the experiment, the electrode was also not lowered while the bar was spinning as air bubbles would adhere on its surface causing an error in the measurement of pH. Constant stirring is important in potentiometric titrations, as in other types of titrimetric analyses. Stirring is done because it will cause the titrant to react not just with the surface of the analyte where it dropped but with the entirety of the analyte solution. This way, the reaction will go to completion and minimal error will be observed. The volumes used for standardization of NaOH with KHP as primary standard are tabulated in Table 2 in the Appendix. Standardization of sodium hydroxide gave 0. 04633 M NaOH. This value was used in the determination of the percentage of purity (%purity) of the salicylic acid sample. For the determination of the equivalence point volume, three plots were done for each trial. The first plot is the graph between pH vs. volume of titrant. The second is the first derivative plot with which ? pH/? V was plotted against V’, where ? pH and ? V are the change in pH and the volume added between two consecutive readings, respectively, and V’ is the average volume between two consecutive readings. The third plot is the second derivative plot between ? 2pH/? V2 and V†. The ordinate of the graph, ? 2pH/? V2, was obtained by taking the quotient of the difference between two consecutive readings of ? pH/? V, and ? V, whereas V† is the average of the two consecutive readings of V’. Only two trials were done because of the inadequacy of the time. The graphs for the first trial are: a) (b) (c) Fig. 7. Titration Curves for the First Trial. (a) pH vs Vtitrant; (b) ? pH/? V vs V’; (c) ? 2pH/? V2 vs V† MNaOHVNaOH at eq ptFWsalicylic acid Gsample The graph for the second trial may be found at the Appendix. Either of the three graphs of Figs. 7 and 8 may be used in the determination of %purity for each trial. The equation used for determining the %pu rity, specifically for this experiment is %purity = x 100 (7) Thus, the volume of titrant used at equivalence point is required for the calculation. The interpolated values of the volume at equivalence point are tabulated in Table 3 in the Appendix. Calculation of the mean %purity is 101. 7%, having an error of 1. 7%, as the theoretical value is 100. 0%. The pKa is based on the pH at half-equivalence point by virtue of the derivation of Eq. 3. Onle Figs. 7a and 8a may be used for the determination of pKa as the other four do not directly give the pH at each point. The interpolated values for the pH at half-equivalence point is tabulated at Table 3 in the Appendix. The experimental pKa is 2. 865. Therefore, the Ka of the acid, given Ka = –log[Ka] (7) or Ka = 10–pKa (8) is 1. 3646 x 10–3. The theoretical pKa is equal to 2. 98. Thus, the pKa value gave rise to a 3. 86% error. Statistical analysis of the results shows the following results: Table 1. Statistical Analysis of the Results | Range| Standard Deviation| %purity| 15. 7%| 11. 1%| pKa| 0. 21| 0. 148| | Relative Standard Deviation (RSD), ppt| Confidence Int ervals (95% confidence)| %purity| 109. 1| 101. 7  ± 99. 7 %| pKa| 51. 8| 2. 865  ± 1. 334| The RSD of %purity is relatively large such that the values have low precision. Aside from that, the confidence intervals for the mean is also large such that it almost has the same order of magnitude as that of the mean. This means that the mean exhibits very low accuracy. With regards to the pKa, the RSD showed a low value, only 51. 8 ppt, implying high precision amongst the values. On the other hand, the mean value shows low accuracy because of the magnitude of the confidence intervals. These errors could be attributed to the number of trials. Due to inadequate time, the group was only able to do 2 trials, one less than the prescribed number of trials. CONCLUSIONS The experiment aimed at synthesizing salicylic acid from methyl salicylate and determining the acid dissociation constant Ka of the acid along with its purity. Organic synthesis provided a 61% yield of the acid, a relatively low yield. However, the purity of the acid can be classified as high due to the observed melting point range’s precision with the theoretical one; the %differenceis only 3. 11-6. 38%. The results of the potentiometric titration show that the salicylic acid used was 101. 7% pure, a value greater than the purity, which is 100%. The Ka, expressed as pKa, obtained was 2. 865, 0. 035 units less than the theoretical value, which is 2. 98. Though the %differences are low, the accuracy of the computed values is questionable given that the confidence intervals for the %purity and pKa are  ± 99. 7 and  ± 1. 334, respectively. These errors can be attributed to the number of trials done, which is two, due to the slow stabilization of the pH meter readings that resulted in a long period of titration. Thus, it can be concluded that potentiometric titration is an effective way of determining the acid dissociation constant of a sample. It is recommended that a better pH meter be used in the measurement of the pH and that solutions used be titrated immediately. REFERENCES [1] Day, R. A. and A. L. Underwood. (1991). Quantitative Analysis. Sixth Edition. Prentice Hall, Inc. , USA. [2] â€Å"Experiment 3: Synthesis of Salicylic Acid from Oil of Wintergreen (Methyl Salicylate). † Laboratory Reference Manual Chemistry 201/202. Reed College. Accessed 6 September 2010 ;http://academic. reed. edu/chemistry/alan/ 201_202/lab_manual/Expt_salicylic_acid/background. html; [3] McMurry, J. (2004). Organic Chemistry. Sixth Edition. Brooks/Cole – Thomson Learning, CA, USA. [4] †Recrystallization. † University of Massachussetts. Accessed 6 September 2010 ;http:// www. chem. umass. edu/~samal/269/ cryst1. pdf; [5] Skoog, D. A. , D. M. West, F. J. Holler, S. R. Crouch. (2004). Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry. Eighth Edition. Brooks/Cole – Thomson Learning, CA, USA. APPENDIX Gfilter paper = 1. 0349  ± 0. 0002 g Gfilter paper and dried product = 1. 3610  ± 0. 0002 g Gdried product = 0. 3261  ± 0. 0003 g %yield = 61. 0% Observed melting point range: 150-156 °C %difference = 3. 11-6. 83% 1 ° standard used;: potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) purity = 99. 95% Table 2. Standardization of NaOH Trial| Mass of KHP, g| Vtitrant, mL| Molarity, M| 1| 0. 2030| 21. 30| 0. 04664| 2| 0. 2175| 23. 00| 0. 04628| 3| 0. 2043| 21. 70| 0. 04608| Average Molarity, M| 0. 04633| Table 3. Sample Analysis Trial| Gsalicylic acid, g| Vtitrant at eq. pt. , mL| % purity| pH at half-eq. pt. (pKa)| 1| 0. 11 25| 16. 50| 93. 86| 2. 76| 2| 0. 1031| 17. 65| 109. 6| 2. 97| 3| -| -| -| -| Average pKa = 2. 865 Average %purity = 101. 7% Plot of the Second Trial: (a) (b) (c) Fig. 8. Titration Curves for the Second Trial. (a) pH vs Vtitrant; (b) ? pH/? V vs V’; (c) ? 2pH/? V2 vs V†