10 Fascinating Facts About Aphids

10 Fascinating Facts About Aphids As the joke goes, aphids suck. And while this is both literally and figuratively true, in some respects, any entomologist will tell you that aphids are interesting and sophisticated insects. Aphids Poop Sugar Aphids feed by piercing the phloem tissue of the host plant and sucking up the sap. Unfortunately, sap is mostly sugar, so an aphid must consume a lot of sap to meet its nutritional requirement for protein.  Much of what the aphid consumes goes to waste. The excess sugar is eliminated in the form of a sugary droplet called honeydew. An aphid-infested plant quickly becomes coated in the sticky excretions. Sugar-Loving Ants Tend to Some Aphids Anyone who has battled sugar ants in their kitchen can tell you that ants have a sweet tooth. Ants are therefore very fond of bugs that can poop large quantities of sugar. Aphid-herding ants will care for their adopted aphids, carrying them from plant to plant and milking them for honeydew. In exchange for the sweet treats they get from the aphids in their care, they provide the aphids with protection from predators and parasites. Some ants even take the aphids home to their nest during the winter months, keeping them safe until spring. Aphids Have a Lot of Enemies Im not just talking about gardeners, either. Aphids are slow, theyre plump, and theyre sweet to eat (presumably). A single plant can host hundreds or even thousands of aphids, offering predators a real smorgasbord of snacks. Aphid eaters include lady beetles, lacewings, minute pirate bugs, hoverfly larvae, big-eyed bugs, damsel bugs, and certain stinging wasps, among others. Entomologists even have a term for the many insects that feed on aphids – aphidophagous. Aphids Have Tailpipes Most aphids have a pair of tubular structures on their hind ends, which entomologists describe as looking like tiny tailpipes. These structures, called cornicles or sometimes siphunculi, seem to serve a defensive purpose. When threatened, an aphid releases a waxy fluid from the cornicles. The sticky substance gums up the mouth of the predator in pursuit and is thought to trap parasitoids before they can infect the aphid. Aphids Sound an Alarm When Theyre in Trouble Like many insects, some aphids use alarm pheromones to broadcast a threat to other aphids in the area. The aphid under attack releases these chemical signals from its cornicles, sending nearby aphids running for cover. Unfortunately for the aphids, some lady beetles have learned the aphid language, too. The lady beetles follow the alarm pheromones to locate an easy meal. Aphids Fight Back Aphids may look defenseless, but they dont go down without a fight. Aphids are expert kickboxers and will pummel their pursuers with their hind feet. Some aphids bear spines that make them challenging to chew on, and others are merely thick-skinned. Aphids are also known to go on the offensive, stabbing the eggs of predatory insects to kill their enemies in vitro. If all else fails, aphids stop, drop, and roll off their host plant to escape predation. Some Aphids Employ Soldiers for Protection Although not common, certain gall-making aphids produce special soldier nymphs to protect the group. These female guards never molt into adulthood, and their sole purpose is to protect and serve. Aphid soldiers are fiercely committed to their job and will sacrifice themselves if needed. Soldier aphids often have burly legs with which they can detain or squeeze intruders. Aphids Lack Wings (Until They Need Them) Aphids are generally apterous (wingless), and unable to fly. As you might imagine, this can put them at a considerable disadvantage if environmental conditions deteriorate, since they arent very mobile. When the host plant becomes a little too crowded with hungry aphids, or if its sucked dry and theres a lack of sap, the aphids may need to disperse and find new host plants. Thats when wings come in handy. Aphids will periodically produce a generation of alates – winged adults capable of flight. Flying aphids dont set any aviation records, but they can ride a wind gust with some skill to relocate. Female Aphids Can Reproduce Without Mating Because aphids have so many predators, their survival depends on their numbers. A quick and easy way to boost the population is to dispense with the nonsense of mating. Female aphids are parthenogenetic, or capable of virgin births, no males required. Like Russian nesting dolls, a female aphid may carry developing young, which are themselves already carrying developing young. This significantly shortens the development cycle and increases population numbers rapidly. Aphids Give Birth to Live Young You might expect a bug that seems so primitive to lay eggs like more other insects do, but aphids are pretty sophisticated when it comes to reproduction. There isnt time to wait for eggs to develop and hatch. So aphids practice viviparity, giving birth to live young. The aphids eggs begin to develop as soon as ovulation occurs, without any fertilization. Sources: Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity, by Stephen A. MarshallEncyclopedia of Entomology, 2nd edition, edited by John L. CapineraAphid Ecology: An Optimization Approach, by Anthony Frederick George Dixon

Compose a Narrative Essay or Personal Statement

Compose a Narrative Essay or Personal Statement This assignment will give you practice in composing a narrative essay based on personal experience. Narrative essays are among the most common types of writing assignmentsand not only in freshman composition courses. Many employers, as well as graduate and professional schools, will ask you to submit a personal essay (sometimes called a personal statement) before even considering you for an interview. Being able to compose a coherent version of yourself in words is clearly a valuable skill. Instructions Write an account of a particular incident or encounter in your life that in one way or another illustrates a stage of growing up (at any age) or of personal development. You may focus on one specific experience or on a sequence of specific experiences. The purpose of this essay is to shape and interpret a particular incident or encounter so that readers may recognize some connection between your experiences and their own. Your approach may be either humorous or seriousor somewhere in between. Consider the guidelines and suggestions that follow. Suggested Readings In each of the following essays, the author recounts and attempts to interpret a personal experience. Read these essays for ideas on how you might develop and organize the details of your own experience. Ritual in Maya Angelous Caged BirdQuality, by John GalsworthyA Hanging, by George OrwellTwo Ways of Seeing a River, by Mark Twain Composing Strategies Getting Started. Once you have settled on a topic for your paper (see the topic suggestions below), scribble anything and everything you can think of concerning the subject. Make lists, freewrite, brainstorm. In other words, generate lots of material to begin with. Later you can cut, shape, revise, and edit. Drafting. Keep in mind your purpose for writing: the ideas and impressions that you want to convey, the particular traits you want to emphasize. Provide specific details that serve to satisfy your purpose. Organizing.  Most of your essay will probably be organized chronologicallythat is, details will be reported moment by moment according to the order in which they occurred. In addition, make sure that you complement this narrative (at the beginning, at the end, and/or along the way) with interpretive commentaryyour explanations of the meaning of the experience. Revising. Keep your readers in mind. This is a personal essay in the sense that the information it contains is drawn from your own experience or at least filtered through your own observations. However, its not a private essayone written only for yourself or for close acquaintances. Youre writing for a general audience of intelligent adultsusually your peers in a composition class. The challenge is to write an essay that is not only interesting (vivid, precise, well-constructed) but also intellectually and emotionally inviting. Put simply, you want your readers to identify in some fashion with the people, places, and incidents that you describe. Editing. Except when youre deliberately mimicking nonstandard speech in quoted dialogue (and even then, dont overdo it), you should write your essay in correct standard English. You may write to inform, move, or entertain your readersbut dont try to impress them. Cut out any needlessly wordy expressions. Dont spend a lot of time telling how you feel or how you felt; instead, show. That is, provide the sort of specific details that will invite your readers to respond directly to your experience. Finally, save enough time to proofread carefully. Dont let surface errors distract the reader and undermine your hard work. Self-Evaluation Following your essay, provide a brief self-evaluation by responding as specifically as you can to these four questions: What part of writing this essay took the most time?What is the most significant difference between your first draft and this final version?What do you think is the best part of your paper, and why?What part of this paper could still be improved? Topic Suggestions We have all had experiences that have changed the directions of our lives. Such experiences may be momentous, such as moving from one part of the country to another or losing a family member or close friend. On the other hand, they may be experiences that did not appear particularly significant at the time but have since proved to be important. Recall such a turning point in your life, and present it so as to give the reader a sense of what your life was like before the event and how it changed afterward.Without getting too sentimental or cute, recreate your childhood perspective of a particular family or community ritual. Your purpose might be to highlight the division between the childs perspective and the adults, or it might be to illustrate the childs movement toward an adult perspective.Sometimes a significant relationship with someone can help us to mature, easily or painfully. Recount the story of such a relationship in your own life or in the life of someone you know well. If this relationship marked a turning point in your life or if it provided you with an important change of self-image, present enough information so that readers can understand the causes and effects of the change and can recognize the before-and-after portraits. Write a reminiscence of a place that has had considerable significance for you (either during your childhood or more recently)positive, negative, or both. For readers who are unfamiliar with the place, demonstrate its meaning through description, a series of vignettes, and/or an account of one or two key people or events you associate with that place.In the spirit of the familiar saying, Its the going, not the getting there, that matters, write an account of a memorable journey, important either because of the physical, emotional, or psychological experience of travel; or because of the phenomenon of leaving somewhere for an unknown experience.Additional Topic Suggestions: Narration

Is Globalization Americanization Part 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Is Globalization Americanization Part 2 - Essay Example Of course, like in every race, there is always one winner. Until recently, the globalization winner was the United States of America. The undefeated champion of globalization, it is now facing the dire threat of being dethroned from its much-earned pedestal by China; a country trying desperately to maintain, if not reduce, its shocking level of economic prosperity. However, it has as yet not managed to push over the American Economy’s influence completely as more than 90% of the world’s population is more than remotely familiar with American products. (Mendis, 2007) From McDonald’s to Nike, the American market has taken over the hearts and minds of consumers worldwide. There is not a child or adult out there who is unaware of the powerful tug American brand names have on the world’s populace; they may not have roads in Sarajevo, but the people of Bosnia have at least one McDonald’s outlet to enjoy to their hearts’ content. According to the toughest of critics, globalization is simply another form of Americanization; whereby the global culture is overtaken by that of the American nation. The truth of these words can be seen in the surroundings of many a consumer. The Pakistani Northern Areas may be suffused with a hair-raising war, but the country in itself cannot imagine living without McDonald’s at least once a week; or being deprived of the privilege of watching How I Met Your Mother almost every other day. This rapid pace of globalization has also been termed by many an acclaimed critic as ‘glocalization’; a hybrid of globalization and localization. A common phenomenon found in most countries, glocalization has many national governments at a loss. The American culture has spread far and wide; through the advent of globalization, it is now a part of other cultures, as ingrained in society as the

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

Coursework 1 - Essay Example Benchmarking in the Egyptian hotel sector involved administering questionnaires to staff members of hotels who acted as respondents. 128 managers from selected star hotels located in Cairo, Alexandrian, Aswan and sharmel- sheik cities took part as respondents (Nassar 2012). The questionnaires contained three sections that sought information on respondents and their hotels, their attitude towards benchmarking and their perceptions drawn from their understanding of advantages and barriers of benchmarking. The methodology used in Taiwan was conduction of a case study. Relevant statistical data and information was obtained from reports on international tourists’ hotels operation. This data was provided by the Tourism Bureau, an entity in the Ministry of Transport and Communication (Wei-Wen, Lan & Yu-Ting 2013). A number of 80 hotels were used for the case study. There was an application of DEA (data envelopment analysis) approach purposed to identify the periods that sustained hig h performance by the hotel industry. The benchmarking process carried out in Egypt was an empirical case. Questionnaires developed obtained feedback from a given number of respondents that provided information used to draw conclusions about the hotels in the country. The process utilized an average number of 128 managers in 5 star hotels in Egypt (Nassar 2012). The type of benchmarking applied in Taiwan was performance benchmarking. The activity was empirical as well involving use of statistical data. The data was obtained from 80 international tourists hotels in the country. It was further used to draw out conclusions on performance of the mentioned hotels. Findings and conclusions were made after successful benchmarking. In Egypt, participants in the benchmarking displayed positive attitude towards the process. They clearly understood that the initiative served the purpose enhancing quality and providing a platform for connecting different or

Promotional Plan of TelePacific Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Promotional Plan of TelePacific - Essay Example The organization needs to have an effective promotional plan in place to increase its profitability, growth and sustainability in the future. Promotion is the only way to communicate the message of the marketer to its target customers. There are various media vehicles to do so, but it is important for the TelePacific Communications to analyze the most effective media vehicle of the state or country in which it is launching or expanding its business. A promotional message, advertisements and a one year media plan of TelePacific Communications has been has been discussed in this study. Message The overall marketing message for the promotional plant of TelePacific would be that the services offered by the company provides fast internet access to its customers along with other additional unique features included in it and TelePacific is committed towards offering high quality customized services for its clients according to their specific needs and requirements. Advertisements Advertisin g industry is considered to be the most exciting, creative, challenging and rewarding industry. It is unique in nature because everything is open to the world and people can see it and respond accordingly (Duncan, 2005, p. 1). Advertisements are primarily meant to have an influence in the behaviors and attitudes of people that would result in favoring the organization and its products (Janoschka, 2004, p. 12). It is necessary for a company like TelePacific that its approach towards promotion and advertising should be designed in such a way that it helps in building strong customer relationships, and creating brand awareness amongst people through integrated marketing communication (IMC). TelePacific needs to design and plan for its promotional activities in such a way which would help the organization not only to expand its customer base but also to retain its valuable existing customers. It should be able to communicate to its customers the differentiating factors incorporated in i ts products and services which are unavailable in the products and services offered by any other companies in the market. In a nutshell it needs to strengthen its competitive advantage in the market through all its promotional efforts using various means of advertising through different media. The company has to advertise its website using those advertising media through proper blend of traditional and digital options. The top two products or services that have been identified for TelePacific include its voice services and data networking services. The company has a competitive advantage over its competitors on these two services offered by them. Hence, the promotional activities and the corresponding advertisements need to be focused on these two services. Various media can be utilized by the company to advertise its services. The company needs to promote its website to create awareness amongst people about its different types of services and products with its primary focus on the two services as mentioned before. The advertisements will be as such that it would help to promote its services through cross-selling between digital and traditional options. Two such advertising options for the company which would help to advertise its website includes an advertisement in a magazine (Figure - 1), and advertising in the form of a banner (Figure - 2). Apart from Nevada and California, TelePacific is planning to expand its business at Texas as well. Hence, its promotional activities will be primarily focused on its target customers based on Texas. It would also help to retain its existing customers at Nevada and Califo

Science and Technology Business Models: Nanotechnology

Science and Technology Business Models: Nanotechnology Reviewing the business model of nanophase, we can explain that, nanophase business model always uses circuitous merchandise to the customers, for most of its interest .to solve problems the companys make use of the owners knowledge and also thing or substance which is produced .To discover dissatisfying wants set of people work together, cooperate with an imminent customers .Which meet the needs of the favored markets ,internationally and few domestic sales were made through discerning practiced person acting for another in business and an agent who supplies goods .To enhance the size of their interest nanophase also got occupied in systematic investigation of material,machinery,grant license and promoting strategy of formal union or association .Staff members manufactured only those materials in the market which had high equipment and which economically gave tough competition. Nanocrystalline materials also assured to add the most value of giving moral benefit to play proper role to their performance. To the customers request nanocryatalline materials were established by the person who is skilled in the field of engineering. So that they get maximum profit most of the times in most of the cases .The key elements of this model are What is nanotechnology? Nanotechnology is the branch of knowledge involving systematic observation of their knowledge which is combining form of one thousand millionth instrument that measures or records -the world smallest particle of chemical element that can take part in chemical reaction and group of atoms forming smallest fundamental unit of chemical compound. This equipment always assures to change the way of living, the way of striving against disease, the way of producing and the way of traveling through universe. History of nanophase technologies and corporation. In the mid of 1980 they founded the signs of nanophase technology by investigation. RICHARD SIEGEL an international scientists who did the systematic investigation of materials and who elaborated the physical vapor synthesis By making use of (pvs) process ,the task of nanophase was to manufacture the combining form of one thousand millionth structured materials. -Protecting the intellectual property. Nanophase was also booming in protecting its equipment, tools and processes with official document. -Reducing manufacturing costs. To reduce manufacturing cost, Nanophase placed an important research on its machinery for its development on systematic investigation of materials. They were also provided with money by the company to improve making of articles for their financial profit of its production. -Financing operations. Nanophase has financed say about $19,558,069 which private company offered for equity securities. In 1997 public offered 4,000,000 common shares at $8.00 a share to increase $28,837,936 for the development of the company. -Transition and changes in management. In elaborating high technology their executives tried to speed their condition to raise the financial profit. Developing so many projects nanophase had to undergo and did not have enough products and customers also brought into existence a dependable interest stream. -The science of nanotechnology at nanophase. Using metallic cerium, copper, iron etc. nanotechnology is used to manufacture nanocrystalline particles. Marketing strategy used by nanophase is to develop their business with their team work which they used on nanotechnology with new applications to tie up with new customers. This stage of growth in business included different activities such as estimating and accomplishing capable market opportunities. Growth of this long term plan which recognized the lead customers in each market and which successfully made their way into the market .nanophase also formed a technical team by appointing a proper engineer so that they can come out with proper solution. one-third of the staff were expertise in various fields such as material related, including science of elements and their combination, ceramic products, science of properties and interaction of matter and energy, applications of science to design and uses of various machines and building. To find out precisely what kinds of functions are needed to the customers nanophase had applied nanoparticles skill and appointed the best expertise t o understand the needs of the customers and also their problems. The team also formed partnership deed so that they can give proper services to the customers. Once they done with proper services, staff and team members moved to sales department. By selling the products they had also set a target in minds of the customers. To make their business success they tried to make the maximum profit. The companys main motive was firstly to fit its primary business strategy and then to make maximum significant customers .The role of collaborative relationship of marketing strategy with the customers started developing when the staff members started fulfilling all the needs of the customers .Maintaining relationship with the customers helped them in arranging systematic chemistry which helped the people to do things they cant have done in any other way .To cooperate and manage with the customers was too expensive and was also time consuming .Then to some staff members and management of the comp any expected that the expenses would decrease when there is production development of the company. For introducing nanoparticles to the prospective customers, agents started bringing their years of industrial experience and contacts. The experience of the sales agent which were selected by the company were very fast and they also had cost efficient way to increase the sales long term plan of the nanophase. The company always tries to form close relationship with selected agents so that that can speed with their production horizontally and can be applied on certain things. The problems faced while forming this strategy was majorly seen in the year 2001.This year prove very difficult for nanophase .The profit of the company temporarily declined in economic activities. The company also declined in manufacturing sector which resulted badly in companies primary customer base .Because of the capability of nanotechnology revenue continued to remain strong so that it was still very difficul t to animate the revenue of future expected customers who were also going through different profitable challenges and also degenerating their business activity .these were the problems in this strategy. There are many competitors to compete against nanophase. The technology of nanophase is not properly defined and it is also new, so there are many new competitors who can start their business .The competitors who plan their long-term policy in chemical companies and also from the other participants who form their own industry, nanophase can face competition from these competitors. There are five types of industry who can give competition to nanophase. First, there are many chemical companies which are situated in United States, Europe and Asia. This states form their company and they have started manufacturing silica, carbon black and iron oxide nanocrystalline on a very large scale so that they can sell this to maximum customers. They started their manufacturing worldwide so that they can become famous and tie-up their companies name with Bayer AG, Cabot Corporation etc.They also have an ample amount of financial, technical wealth, big investigation, more increasing staffs and huge advertising and mechanized capability. Secondly, there are OEMS who have started making nanocrystalline resources which are manufactured only by their owners and were used only for their products. They are trying to follow with view of overtaking some application that includes biotechnology, petroleum, computing and microelectronics etc. These companies are capable enough to sell nanocrystalline resources which are not useful in their own operations but which are needed for outside customers. Thirdly, these start-up companies are the most important companies which will compete the strategy of nanophase. The companies are Light-year technologies INC, Argonide Corporation, Tal materials INC, Nanomat, Oxonica ltd, Nanopowders industries, Nanopowder enterprises, Nano source technologies these all are private ltd company. They are trying to develop employees in research organization to develop nanotechnology because they were trying to trying to make them official because they were investigated by some scientists and engineers. Fourthly, they have the ability to manufacture nanocrystalline materials in small quantities using one out of two manufacturing process. Finally, Altair nanotechnologies are still upcoming competitor who are planning strategy to compete nanophase. Yes, there is management strength in this company. Nanophase has managed all ups and downs of the company. Nanophase has reviewed the business model. It has very well managed the marketing strategy of the company. This company has also faced the upcoming problems. Company had faced some major problem in 2001.but it was solved till the year 2002-2003.company has also fulfilled all the needs of customers. Many new technologies have also invented by the company .They also processed PVS. Due to which nanoparticles were produced. Due to nanotechnology there is certain development in product markets etc. It has also looked after health and personal products .It has managed in all fields. In technical, sale or manufacturing department. This shows management of nanophase, became strength of this company. REFRENCE/BIBLOGRAPHY- Nanophase case study 6-19, module handbookPG-49, 44, 45, 50,51,52,53. Nanophase Technologies Corporation, 2001 annual report. Nanophase technologies corporation, 2000 annual report; sec from 10-q, May 15, 2002 www.nanophase.com : Nanophase 2001 Annual Report: Sec from 10-k 405, 1997.

Control in Crewss Body and Cheevers Five-Forty-Eight Essay -- Crews

Control in Crews's Body and Cheever's Five-Forty-Eight Harry Crews's Body and John Cheever's "Five-Forty-Eight" offer characters whose lives lack control. Although Crews's Bateman is a perfecting, attractive, and popular body builder, his life does not satisfy him. However, from the outside Bateman appears happy and content. On the other hand, Cheever's Ms. Dent is skinny, shy, emotional, and disheveld. Her description reflects the unsteadiness and the insecurity in her life. Although Bateman's personality contrast with Ms. Dent's, they have a similar need for control. Bateman and Ms. Dent search for control in the form of love objects. Bateman finds Earline Turnipseed an obese, virginal, simple and complacent "redneck." Ms. Dent finds Blake an unpopular, self-centered, abusive, and chauvinistic womanizer. Both character finds control; however, only Bateman does so through his love object. Bill Bateman and Ms. Dent feel a lack of control and completion evident in their illnesses. Bateman suffers form bulimia: "[he] could not hold to the rigid diet of a champion, never had been able to, but he was a secret and accomplished puker"(105). His rigid diet does not contribute to his bulimia; rather, his intense obsession with control leads to his sickness. Displaying his own neurosis, Bateman uncontrollably fears failure. By punishing his body through weight lifting, bingeing, and purging he artificially feels successful and in control. Although Ms. Dent does not directly define his illness, she too suffers from a neurosis, plus clinical depression. Struggling with her illness, Ms. Dent "had been in the hospital for eight months"(81). While her obsession with Blake, her paranoia, her stalking, her uncontrollable emot... ...on in Earline's far from perfect body. Perhaps now that his life satisfies, he will not feel so out of control, thus eliminating his need to binge and purge. Blake does in fact help Ms. Dent take control of her life, just not as she intended. Instead of gaining control through his life, she achieves control by tearing his life down. Ms. Dent tells Blake, "Oh, I'm better than you, I'm better than you, and I shouldn't waste my time or spoil my life like this. Put your face in the dirt"(89)! She finally realizes her own self-worth, and by literally lowering Blake beneath her in the dirt she cures herself. She realizes she may not have friends, family, love, and money, but she has dreams ;therefore, a reason to live. Through their love objects, whether a correct match or not, Bateman and Ms. Dent overcome the obstacles that are impeding their happiness.

Popular Culture and Gender Equality

Popular culture continually mutates and occurs uniquely in place and time. It represents a complex of equally interdependent points of view and values that influence society and its organizations. It also influences people in various ways: this is important because it creates balance between certain societies in our everyday lives, but can also have a negative impact as it creates inequality which may lead to conflict. A good example of this is gender inequality in decision-making at all levels. Despite the widespread movement towards democratization in most countries, women are largely underrepresented at most levels of government. They have made little advancement in reaching political power over the years or in achieving the target certified by the Economic and Social Council of having 30 percent women in positions at decision-making levels by 1995 (image 1). Inequality in the public can often begin within the family when power relations between men and women are unbalanced with unfair attitudes and activities (image 2). The unequal division of labour and responsibilities within households based on unequal power relations also limits women's potential to find the time and develop the skills required for participation in decision-making in wider public environments. Power and knowledge is not the same thing, however they are both very dependent on one another. Therefore without knowledge, power cannot be initiated. Feminists theorize that it is man that holds the key to knowledge in society today; therefore, power naturally follows. As for the entertainment world, the opinions of screenwriters and producers become implanted into our culture and present a base for gender roles. Traditional female roles are still being presented in the mass media, and as feminism takes the spotlight, more viewers are taking notice and little films are presenting equality. A good example of this is Sandra Bullock in the movie called Miss Congeniality (image 3). As a woman with many masculine qualities, (image 4) Gracie somehow becomes the last resort for a F. B. I. assignment as undercover Miss New Jersey in the Miss United States Pageant. Gracie follows the path to a cuter, mannered woman, but still keeps many characteristics of her masculine personalities by the end of the film. Another common area of popular culture where gender inequality takes place is the PC gaming world. The awful sexist plot of Starcraft 2 is not at all a secret: it is widely mocked and insulted (image 5). The single-player campaign storyline for one of 2010?s best-selling PC games stands between bad writing and extreme social politics as it comes across to be very offensive. Not many people like it, although in the testosterone-filled world of hardcore PC gaming, most people haven’t taken too seriously just how sexist it is. In everyday life, people are forced to deal with gender equality in their workplaces (image 6). Some believe that gender inequality persists in the modern world because men and women are different in behavior and preferences in so many ways. Social institutions know that, and some try to work around it in ways that don’t disadvantage women unreasonably. That is why most employers don’t pay women less than men for the same occupations, but acknowledges that women choose different occupations than men, usually occupations paying less (image 7). One of my favourite examples of promoting change in society is the song called Cant Hold Us Down by pop artist Christina Aguilera in which she creates a female empowerment anthem, expressing her disgust with the double standards of society (image 8 and 9). She feels that male stars are respected and worshipped for bragging about their wild sex lives, but when women like Aguilera try to express their sexuality, they get labeled as whores. Although it may sometimes be challenging to live in a world filled with inequality, it is important we realize that nothing in life is easy and woman all need to stand together in order to change the society in positive ways that promotes complete equality.

Introduction to Data Management and File Structures Essays

Introduction to Data Management and File Structures Essays Introduction to Data Management and File Structures Essay Introduction to Data Management and File Structures Essay Introduction to Data Management and File management Most computers are used for data processing, as a big growth area in the information age Data processing from a computer science perspective: Storage of data Organization of data Access to data Processing of data Data Structures vs File Structures Both involve: Representation of Data Operations for accessing data Difference: Data structures: deal with data in the main memory File structures: deal with the data in the secondary storage Main Memory-MM ast small volatile, i. e. ata is lost during power failures. Secondary Storage-SS big (because it is cheap) stable (non-volatile) i. e. data is not lost during power failures slow (10,000 times slower than MM) How fast is the main memory? Typical time for getting info from: Main memory: †10 nanosec = 10 x 10-9 sec Hard disks: †10 milisec = 10 x 10-3 sec An analogy keeping same time proportion as above: seconds versus weeks Goal of the file structures What is performance Time Minimize the number of trips to the SS in order to get desired information Group the SS. Memory Balance the memory size and the time How to improve performance Use the right file structure Understand the advantages disadvantages of alternative methods Metrics used to measure efficiency and effectiveness of a File structure-I simplicity, reliability, time complexities, space complexities, scalability, programmability, and maintainability. *Note that the domains of the efficiency and effectiveness concerns rely on time and pace complexity more than any other factor. Metrics used to measure efficiency and effectiveness of a File structure-2 The file structures involve two domains: hardware and software. Hardware primarily involves the physical characteristics of the storage medium. Software involves the data structures used to manipulate the files and methods or algorithms to deal with these structures. The physical characteristics of the hardware together with data structures and the algorithms are used to predict the efficiency of file operations.

Analysis of Japanese Horror Genre Essays

Analysis of Japanese Horror Genre Essays Analysis of Japanese Horror Genre Essay Analysis of Japanese Horror Genre Essay Conventions and Achievements of the Japanese Horror Genre Analysis Japanese society is rarely valued as a compassionate society, willing to alleviate suffering of others as oppose to other societies and cultures. The high suicide rate in this country justifies this. The lack of empathy can be portrayed in the media in the form of movies. Japanese horror has become increasingly popular throughout the years and has gained many loyal fans. Many people prefer Japanese horror to Hollywood horror as Japanese horror tends to have a tenser atmosphere. They are different to the typical horror movie and have an edge to them. This is not necessarily because there is more blood or gore; purely because they have a realistic value as well as the chill factor. People often watch horror movies because they are in need of a good thrill; its a safe, entertaining way to get the blood pumping. Over the last centaury horror movies have progressed rapidly. In the 1930s, Frankenstein became notably popular. Its distinct storyline had movie fans captivated in the latest movie phenomenon. Frankenstein is about the consequence of man playing God with nature. Its born of the scientific discoveries of the time such as electricity. Many people felt they were blasphemies and would lead to abominations like Frankensteins monster; people were powerfully influenced by movies. Decades passed and it seemed as though inhuman creatures such as Frankensteins monster and Dracula were not enough to captivate audiences for much longer. Nor were the aliens and creatures from unknown planets which were undoubtedly popular in the 1950s. Even the tender, prime youths trapped in Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer were becoming more and more predictable and prosaic. A new breed of horror movies soon became sought after; Japanese horror. Japanese horror catered the needs of movie addicts with a whole new dimension of bloodcurdling, eerie, and spine-chilling happenings. Their storylines unique, as oppose to the typical American horror movie. With authentic characters and chilling spirits the Japanese directors achieved something American movie makers couldnt achieve; a heartfelt, sincere display, whilst sustaining the terror and tension. In a world which is indeed our world, the one we know, a world without devils, sylphides, or vampires, there occurs an event, which cannot be explained by the laws of this same, familiar world. These are the words of Tzvetan Todorov. He said that in our minds we believe that there is no such thing as supernatural beings such as vampires and sylphides but there is always a chance that they may be present, always that small chance that they might in fact be existant. Todorov is asserting that we do question our intuition and sometimes we do let our imaginations run loose. Reputable examples of the Japanese horror: Ju-On and Dark Water In Ju-On a curse is present as conscious if immaterial being. The curse conceived of a grudge, is brought to life by a man who brutally murders his wife in her attic. Consequently, the house remains occupied with a phantasm, Kayako, which will not tolerate anyone entering the house. She seeks her vengeance by eradicating anyone entering the house in the same way her husband did to her; dragging them into her attic and murdering them. Kayakos son, Toshio, whose death was elusive, appears as a motif. He is the most obtrusive hint that danger is close by. He appears on his own which symbolises family breakdown and reveals a sense of discomfort and concern. Dark Water Movie Overview In Dark Water a mother, Yoshimi, is under a great deal of stress; she is fighting to keep custody of her daughter, Ikuko, battling a divorce case and is trying to get her life back on track by getting a new job and moving into a new apartment. After moving into the new apartment, subtle hints reveal that in fact the place is homing something supernatural. The movies share similar conventions. In Dark Water and Ju-On the faces of the supernatural beings are hidden. By doing this, the audience do not connect with the character and the character is portrayed as mysterious and dark. The audience are less likely to feel empathy towards something they cannot see. It makes the audience feel that the character has something to hide, that in fact they are pure evil. Additionally, the usage of light is eminently effective in both of the movies. Ju-On Movie Overview In Ju-On the lighting is divine in the sense that it entrances the audience into believing the whole home is infected with a ghostly spirit. This is achieved by the dark spells and filtered blue lights. It makes it the perfect setting for a supernatural being to be lurking around. In Dark Water the lighting also worked equally as well. The dark, shadowy scenes always alerted the audience to be aware. The use of primary colours worked well too, the yellow coat and the recurring red bag. Primary colours work well because they are dominant and important; these signs were dominant and important. Both of the movies start with an establishing shot focusing on home. There is a sense of irony here as home is supposed to be somewhere people feel safe and secure but not in these movies. The home seems to create more problems. Dark Water starts with a mother and daughter rushing off home trying escape the pouring rain falling down on them. As they reach their apartment the rain seems to have followed them inside, water is leaking and they seem incapable of escaping from the water. The establishing shot is of a mother and daughter looking up to a building. The building is presented as a tall, towering construction leaning over the helpless victims entering it. Immediately, the building has an unpleasant stigma attached to it. This building is revealed to be a future home. The building seems to dismiss the true values of a home; its not a warm, inviting dwelling but a dark, eerie place. This scene is accompanied by non-harmonious, discordant and non-diagetic music. The murmur of deep sounds builds up tension in the atmosphere. The sound is unsettling and unnatural; it is subliminally pushing the connotation of supernaturalism. This effect was created to build up suspense and make the audience feel as though they know something out of the ordinary is going to happen. Mitsukos presence is displayed in many forms by the movie maker Hideo Nakata throughout the movie before her appearance. The signifiers of Mitsuko are effective because the audience are left in suspense waiting for the mystery to unravel and are constantly captivated by the reoccurring motifs. One of the most lucid motifs of Mitsukos existence is the yellow coat. Amongst the dark, eerie atmosphere this bright coat portrays change and importance. Also, the reoccurring red bag that keeps appearing every time Yoshimi tried to get rid of it shows that Mitsuko is persistent; she wont give up. Other signifiers which arent as apparent include footsteps, shadows and posters. The prime motif was the presence of water. Whenever the water is present the music accompanying the scene is discordant and non-diagetic implying that evil is present or close by. These sounds add to the tension creating an unearthly feel. M R James wrote, Two ingredients most valuable in the concocting of a ghost story are, to me, the atmosphere and the nicely managed crescendo. He believed that building up to the climax slowly and effectively then revealing the mystery is a very important quality in a horror movie. Dark Water follows this model as the build up is slow and unobtrusive at first with the motifs and when we do reach a climax it is apparent as the music changes and the whole atmosphere becomes tenser. The build up is most successful in Dark Water in the bathroom scene. Ikuko moves towards the sink and turns the tap. She sees hair in the sink. The reaction shot captures her reaction as she drops the glass and moves back quickly. The tap continues to run. Elsewhere, Yoshimi is near the water tank. It is indented, the result of which seems incapable of creation by any mere human. A high angle shot of Yoshimi shows she is being watched. Meanwhile, back in the bathroom Ikuko is watching the bath fill with dirty water, she tries to turn the tap but it seems to be stuck. The bath overflows with dirty water and bubbles appear. A high angle shot is in place when Ikuko is grabbed by the head and forcefully pushed under water. This shows that something was watching her. A low angle shot captures her struggling. Throughout this scene the music plays an effective role; as the build up to the crescendo occurs the music gets louder and faster showing that something extreme was taking place, placing great emphasis on the importance of this scene. Using the reaction shot the audience managed to sense Ikukos fear. By using the high angle shot the audience were aware of the eerie presence which loomed through the scenes. The audiences response to this would be that they would feel tension as the build up reached the crescendo and they would feel sorry for Ikuko witnessing such a situation. Also, they will feel shocked as they probably didnt think that Ikuko would get pulled into the water. Hideo Nakata placed great emphasis on the tension in this movie as he probably had the same beliefs as M. R James, that building up the tension then revealing the threat was an effective way to keep the audience drawn to the movie. Both Ju-On and Dark water end with the death of the central characters, this is not what audiences would usually expect. This is because in most movies its always the good character that defeats the bad character. Yoshimi dies in Dark Water because she realises she would have to sacrifice her own life in aid of Ikuko having a chance of survival; she knew Mitsuko would not give in. Throughout the movie it seems as though bad luck seems to follow Yoshimi; first her divorce, then her custody battle and settling into a strange apartment. Throughout the movie it seems as though she is being followed by an undying spirit, the high angle camera shots represent this. Yoshimis death is consistent with the language of the movie. One of the most heartfelt scenes was the final scene in which Ikuko desperately wanted her mother but her mother, Yoshimi, was with Mitsuko. The imagery of water surrounding Ikuko displayed one of the movies main motifs, badness being present. In this case was the fact that Ikukos mother was hugging this freak of a girl rather then her own daughter. Although the reasonings behind this were sincere, the audience felt a great deal of sympathy towards the little girl. Dark Water is showing the bad side of Japan which is often sheltered. It indicates the common problems which are often hidden. They are often hidden because Japanese society is strict and orderly. It is now becoming very modern and urban, a paradox as there are many old suspicious beliefs in place, although, Japan it self is quite modern, there is a clash. Honour and respect are key points in Japanese society. There is a worry that younger generations will dismiss these values and the older generations will look down upon this. Dark Water presents to us that although Japan seems to come across as an almost perfect society it experiences problems like any other society such as child abuse, neglection, divorce and adultery. In conclusion, I found this movie successful in sustaining the mystery and the build up was good too. This movie was a change to the typical movie in which the evil character is defeated and the good character lives on as a hero. This excited the viewer as they did not know what was coming next. Also, the lack of clarity is effective. Going back to the words of Tzvetan Todorov, there is an uncertainty and the audience do think twice on the happenings of this movie. Hideo Nakata achieved portraying the breakdown of Japanese culture effectivly in the form of child neglection and divorce. This would schock conventional veiwers. All in all, the movie captivates veiwers, keeps them glued to their seats and gives them a whole new insight on Japanese society with a unique twist.

Stem Cell research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Stem Cell - Research Paper Example After facts are viewed, an honest opinion can be formed. Viewing facts can involve going over pros and cons regarding stem cell research. What exactly are stem cells? Stem cells are known as â€Å"mother cells†, these mother cells can be classified into two different groups. The groups are separated into adult and fetal cells. The main factor that separates stem cells from other cells is their ability to rejuvenate and renew. (Arce, S., Mosqueda, M., Gaona, H., Mas, M., Cortes, M., & Rios, M. 2007) Since the cells are able to renew, it is obvious as to why these cells are of much importance and highly researched. Cells that are able to rejuvenate are said to be able to help cure many cancers, diseases and deformities. The use of stem cells can result in breakthrough medicines that scientist have been longing for. Stem cell research is very extensive and costly. The research is costly in ways other than funding. There are several different laws, religious, and bio ethical views that allow for stem cell research to be so controversial. When it comes to stem cell research, there are many ethical costs associated with stem cell research. The ethics associated with stem cell research allow for the research to be one of the most controversial types of research out there. This is especially so when dealing with embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells can be found in many different areas. The embryonic cells are found in the umbilical cord, placenta, and embryo. In order to obtain these embryonic stem cells, the donor is required to give full consent and must agree to give up the cells for research. This sounds so simple but this is one of the main factors that raise controversy. It is a fact that in order to obtain embryonic cells, there is no way to obtain the cells without destroying the embryo. (Kollmann 2010) Destroying the embryo, results in death to the unborn fetus. The destruction of the human embryo for research means that the research of the embryo nic cells is conducted at the cost of a destroyed embryo. There are laws in place against this and many religious views strongly oppose this. Many places do not allow research of embryonic cells, since the cells are obtained through abortion. Only areas that are pro abortion allow embryonic stem cells for research. Benefits to the research must outweigh the risks. Many argue that the research and use of the stem cells does not outweigh the risks. The popularity of embryonic cells is favored over adult cells. This is so since the embryonic cells are able to virtually be reproduced into any cell of the body. (Johnson, Williams 2008) Since the cells are able to reproduce they can eliminate certain diseases and cancers by allowing the body to grow new cells and eliminate the bad cells. This is why many are in such favor of stem cell research. Those in power also take a stand in either favor of stem cell research. President Bush made an announcement during his American presidency that st ated, â€Å"funding would be granted to further explore embryonic stem cell research’. (Johnson, Williams 2008) Many opposed this but the funding opened up many doors that allowed the stem cells to be used in new ways. Besides destroying human embryo to study stem cells, there are other cons that run against bio ethics and religious morals. When many think of stem cell research they think of cloning. Cloning is the ability to reproduce a copy of

Pret Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Pret - Essay Example Currently, there lies the presence of 295 shops of the company in the world and the majority of them are located in the United Kingdom. The annual turnover of the company is approximately 380 million Pounds (Pret A Manger, 2012). The company formed 22 new stores or shops in the year 2011 and is likely to open more 20 to 30 stores in the year 2012. It does not possess any franchisee while performing its business operations. Moreover, the company bears a strong custom in order to develop its working personnel. In this context, it desires to invest profoundly towards the advancement of its employees by a considerable level (Pret A Manger, 2012). In the paper, a complete analysis about the various major difficulties faced by Pret A Manger that include particularly the supply as well as the demand issues will be taken into concern. Furthermore, few business strategies have been provided in order to assist the company to overcome the major problems related to supply and demand issues while performing its business operations. Impact of Demand and Supply Factor in Business Organisations The factors of supply along with demand are observed to be one of the most influential factors, which affect the business working as well as performance of any organisation. The aspect of demand is described as the willpower and the capability of the customers to buy a specific product and the notion of supply is defined as the capability of the business to deliver the various products to the customers according to their demand. In relation to the restaurant industry, the commencement of Great Recession imposed a severe as well as a sudden impact upon the business performances along with sales of the restaurants. In this regard, it has been observed that before the start of the Great Recession, the major factors that include easy financing and presence of market participants ultimately fuelled towards raising the number of new restaurants, which resulted in maximum supply which exceeded the demand (Petev & et. al., 2011). Problems for Pret A Manger One of the major problems, which had been faced by Pret A Manger in recent times, is about the investigation made over its frozen chicken, which the company used in its food labelling. It has been observed that the frozen chicken which was utilised by the company was actually shipped from Brazil. However, this aspect was not properly communicated through the labelling of the product. In response, the co-founder of the company, Pret A Manger named Julian Metcalfe stated that the sandwiches of his company are made with fresh products and the company always concentrates upon making the products with preservative free ingredients. He also added that unlike his business market competitors, his company makes sandwiches daily and they are never kept overnight. Thus, it can be stated that the company faced a major problem in relation to sustainability issue that has been recognised in its frozen chicken labelled fresh products (Telegraph Media Group Limited, 2012). The other significant issue that had been faced by Pret A Manager is about the complaint against one of its products i.e. tomato soup which contained huge quantity of salt that might lead towards the diseases of high blood pressure and hypertension. This particular issue has ultimately affected the commitment that has been made by the company in order to deliver fresh as well as natural food to its valued customers (Mail Online, 2012). Furthermore, the company might face