Why Veins Look Blue Even Though Blood Is Red

Your blood is always red, even when it is deoxygenated, so why do your veins look blue? They arent actually blue, but there are reasons why veins look that way: Skin absorbs blue light:  Subcutaneous fat only allows blue light to penetrate skin all the way to veins, so this is the color that is reflected back. Less energetic, warmer colors are absorbed by skin before they can travel that far. Blood also absorbs light, so blood vessels appear dark. Arteries have muscular walls, rather than thin walls like veins, but they likely would appear the same color if they were visible through the skin.Deoxygenated blood is dark red:  Most veins carry deoxygenated blood, which is a darker color than oxygenated blood. The deep color of blood makes veins appear dark, too.Different sizes of vessels appear different colors:  If you look closely at your veins, for example, along with the inside of your wrist, youll see your veins are not all the same color. The diameter and thickness of the walls of the veins play a part in the way light is absorbed and how much blood is seen through the vessel.Vein color depends on your perception:  In part, you se e veins as more blue than they really are because your brain compares the color of the blood vessel against the brighter and warmer tone of your skin. What Color Are Veins? So, if veins arent blue, you may be wondering about their true color. If you have ever eaten meat, you already know the answer to this question! Blood vessels appear reddish-brown in color. There isnt much difference in color between arteries and veins. They do present different cross-sections. Arteries are thick-walled and muscular. Veins have thin walls. Learn More Color science is a complex topic: Why Blood Isnt Blue: Some people believe deoxygenated blood is blue.Why Babies Have Blue Eyes: Eye color changes over time.Why the Sea Is Blue: Is water blue or is it a matter of reflected light from the sky?Chemical Composition of Human Blood: Just what is blood, anyway? Source Kienle, A., Lilge, L., Vitkin, I.A., Patterson, M.S., Wilson, B.C., Hibst, R., Steiner, R. (1996).  Why do veins appear blue? A new look at an old question.  Applied Optics. 35(7), 1151-1160.

The Science Fiction Genre And Genre Essay - 1781 Words

The science fiction film genre has been around almost as long as movies have, but like the cinema it is still a fairly young art form. This genre came into existence shortly after the invention of the movie camera in 1888 and has endured for over one-hundred years. Science fiction is adaptive; it changes with the times and this trend can be seen in its incorporation of other genres, cultural history and technology. This essay will attempt to define the genre, chronicle the history and evolution, and explore its relation to technology. This is in general and in the cinema. When discussing the science fiction film genre a problem occurs. The distinction between science fiction and other genres is not always clear cut. Many movies span between the science fiction genre and other genres. Movies such as The Ring (2002) or the Alien series (1979, 1986, 1992, 1997) illustrate how the distinction between science fiction and horror films can be obscure. (Telotte 46) Some comedies, such as Mars Attacks (1996) and Back to the Future (1985), are very much science fiction. (Mitchell 133) In fact there is an example of a science fiction film fitting into almost any genre. Starship Troopers (1997) parallels a war film and Outland (1981) resembles a western in many respects. (Telotte 45) The characteristics that define the science fiction genre can be difficult to pin down. A genre such as the western has easily identifiable characteristics such as cowboys, guns, the wild west, and badShow MoreRelatedThe Science Fiction Film Genre Essay1683 Words   |  7 PagesScience Fiction Films The science fiction film genre has been around almost as long as movies have, but like the cinema it is still a fairly young art form. This genre came into existence shortly after the invention of the movie camera in 1888 and has endured for over one-hundred years. Science fiction is adaptive; it changes with the times and this trend can be seen in its incorporation of other genres, cultural history and technology. This essay will attempt to define the genre, chronicle the historyRead MoreThe Science Fiction Film Genre Essay1691 Words   |  7 PagesThe science-fiction film genre serves as an excellent medium for examining shifting power structures, social paranoia and Cold War politics during the 1950s. A number of films released during this period, including: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), Them (1954) and Attack of the 50ft Woman (1958), are particularly symptomatic of the social and political atmosphere of the time. 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Genres are used to identify types of films, and outside of science fiction this is a fairly simple process. A Western is set in the west and has cowboys and Indians. A gangster film has a plot revolving around the mafia. A horror film is centrally purposed to scare the viewer. Science fiction, on the other hand, is notRead MoreA Compare and Contrast of Horror and Science Fiction/Fantasy Genres1777 Words   |  7 Pagesof different genres, but also compare them and understand their purpose in the world. The Horror genre has used the basic principles throughout time, and as a result, films of this type have not proven to be as timeless as another genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy. At first, these two genres might at times seem similar as they have at several occasions been blended together, but their basic, common theme serves diff erent meanings about humans. I shall compare and contrast these two genres and focus onRead MoreStar Wars : A Science Fiction Genre Trilogy2692 Words   |  11 PagesResearch Savon Benally Star Wars Star Wars is a Science Fiction genre trilogy. The stories and ideas of the trilogy were all written by George Lucas. Star Wars was originally a three movie saga. A New Hope was the first movie of the Star Wars trilogy released in 1977. Then a second movie was made sequencing A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back (1980). Three years later a third movie was made, The Return of The Jedi (1983). With Star Wars originally being a 3 movie saga; a prequel was made with havingRead MoreEssay on How Terminator Two Satisfies the Science Fiction Genre1157 Words   |  5 PagesHow Terminator Two Satisfies the Science Fiction Genre The film, ‘TerminatorÂ’ is part of a trilogy; Terminator 2 is the sequel to the first terminator film- Terminator 1. The auteur, James Cameron, produced the first terminator movie in 1984; and because the film was a big success with a range of viewers- the majority of different genre lovers- , James Cameron had decided to create a sequel, which was producedRead MoreExploring the Film Genres of Horror, Science Fiction, and Action Movies817 Words   |  4 Pagesmovies are, in there own way, great. Practically the excitement of horror movies, and science and technology of science fiction movies, and action and enthusiasm in the action movies are some credits that makes people’s engrossment. Even so could all movies create an entertainment and make people experience their thoughts of imaginations in the real world. What are the most interesting things about these film genres, which could establish a fantasy world for their fans to escape to their imaginationsRead MoreThe Utopia And Science Fiction Genres Of Books, Movies, And Even Video Games1199 Words   |  5 PagesThis idea is often explored in the utopia and science fiction genres of books, movies, and even video games. In 1984, a book by George Orwell, citizens of Airstrip One, which was previously England, are under constant surveillance from th eir government and leader, Big Brother. Nothing in their country is private, even their thoughts are monitored and regulated by their government. Minority Report, directed by Steven Spielberg, depicts a science fiction future where citizens are under constant surveillanceRead MoreOppressive and Repressive Social Institutions, Value Systems and Codes of Behaviour Are Central to the Horror, Science-Fiction and Fantasy Genres. Focusing on 1-2 Examples of Your Choice, Consider How These Genres2841 Words   |  12 PagesOppressive and repressive social institutions, value systems and codes of behaviour are central to the horror, science-fiction and fantasy genres.  Focusing on 1-2 examples of your choice, consider how these genres mediate the ‘problem’ of the social.  How significant is ideology, as well as genre theory, to your case-study? This essay will explore the ways in which the horror genre perpetuates repressive and oppressive social institutions, value systems and codes of behaviour surrounding the homosexual

Concrete Free Essays

The crack widths predicted by the different codes have been calculated for a range of varying parameters: Varying tension reinforcement stress (Figure 9) Varying cover (Figure 10) Varying bar spacing with constant reinforcement area and stress. (Figure 1 1) Varying bar spacing with constant reinforcement area and maximum stress to AS 3600. Figure 12) BBS 5400 results have been plotted using a Ms / MGM ratio of 0. We will write a custom essay sample on Concrete or any similar topic only for you Order Now 1 and 1. All results have used long term values where available. Larger versions of these graphs may be found on the Powering presentation associated with this paper. The following observations can be made from the graph results: The BBS 5400 results using the two different load ratios gave substantially different results, with the higher ratio giving increased crack widths. The BBS 8110 results were either approximately centrally placed between the two BBS 5400 results, or close to the lower values. The Recoded 2 results were usually reasonably close to the mean of the other results. The CUBE-Flip-1990 results were consistently the lowest for high steel stresses and high concrete cover values. Results with varying spacing were close to Recoded 2 results. The IAC 318 results were consistently the highest, being close to and slightly higher than the upper bound BBS 5400 values. All crack widths increased approximately linearly with increasing steel stress Crack widths increased with increasing cover, with Recoded 2 reaching a constant value at 70 mm cover, and the CUBE-PIP code at 35 mm cover. The other codes continued to increase more than linearly up to 100 mm cover. All codes predicted increasing crack width with increasing bar spacing and constant reinforcement area steel stress. Figure 9: Varying tension reinforcement stress Figure 10: Varying cover Figure 11: Varying bar spacing with constant reinforcement area and stress Figure 12: Varying bar spacing with constant reinforcement area and maximum stress to AS 3600. When the steel stress was adjusted to the maximum allowable under AS 3600 (I. E. Reduced for increasing bar spacing and increasing bar diameter) the predicted crack widths were reasonably uniform in the spacing range 50 to 200 mm, then tended to reduce with greater spacing. DEFLECTION The main differences in approach to the calculation of deflections are summarized low: Australian and American codes are based on the Brannon equation, using a uniform average effective stiffness value. Australian codes allow for loss of tension stiffening through a reduction of the cracking moment related to the free concrete shrinkage. Allowance for shrinkage curvature in the Australian codes is simplified and will underestimate curvature in symmetrically reinforced sections. British codes allow only a low tension value for cracked sections, which is further reduced for long term deflections European codes adopt an intermediate approach for cracked sections, tit an allowance for loss of tension stiffening. British and European code provisions for shrinkage curvature are essentially the same Effective stiffness, calculated according to AS 3600, Recoded 2, BBS 5400, and BBS 8110, and with no tension stiffening, is plotted against bending moment for the same concrete section used in the crack width analysis. Figure 13 shows results with no shrinkage, and Figure 14 with a shrinkage of 300 Microscopic. RESEARCH ABOUT THE METHODS USED IN DIFFERENCE CONCRETE STANDARDS AS 3600 limits the maximum reinforcement stress under serviceability loads to a axiom value dependent on either the bar diameter or the bar spacing, whichever gives the greater stress. AS 5100 has the same limits, with an additional requirement to check for lower limits under permanent loads for elements in exposure classifications 82, C or U. Recoded 2 limits stresses in essentially the same way, except that the limits are presented as maximum bar spacing or diameter for a specified stress, rather than vice versa. The Recoded 2 limits are related to 3 different values of nominal crack width, 0. 2 mm, 0. 3 mm or 0. 4 mm, under pseudo-static loading. The applicable crack Edith depends on the exposure classification and type of member. Code Provisions for Crack Width Limits As well as stress limits, Recoded 2 has detailed provisions for the calculation of design crack widths, which are summarized below: The basic formula for crack width: crack spacing x (mean steel strain – mean concrete strain) makes no allowance for variation in crack width between the level of the reinforcement and the surface of the concrete, however the crack spacing is mainly related to the cover depth, and the crack width is directly proportional to crack spacing, so the depth of cover has a significant effect on crack widths. The expression for Seems – ECMA limits the effect of tension stiffening to 40% of the steel strain. For long term effects the tension stiffening coefficient is reduced by 1/3, from 0. 6 to 0. 4. The British concrete design codes specify a design crack width at the surface of the concrete as follows: The basic approach is similar to Recoded 2, except that the crack width is projected from the reinforcement level to the concrete surface. The main differences between BBS 5400 and BBS 8110 are: BBS 5400 includes a factor to reduce the effect of tension stiffening, depending on the ratio of live load moment to dead load moment (Ms / MGM). The effect of this is to reduce tension stiffening effects to zero for a load ratio of 1 or greater. The tension stiffening coefficients are differently formulated. The IAC requirements are based on stress limits derived from the Surgery-Lutz equation: The IAC 318 equation makes no allowance for tension stiffening, and predicts crack width at the upper bound of those studied in this paper. Results are usually similar to those from the BBS 5400 equation using a Ms / MGM ratio of 1 . AS 3600, AS 5100, and IAC 318 AS 3600 and AS 5100 provisions for â€Å"simplified† calculation of deflections are identical other than a typographical error in AS 5100), and are both based on the â€Å"Brannon† equation, which is also used in IAC 318. The equation in IAC 318 is differently formulated, but will give identical results for the same cracking moment and section stiffness values. The AS 3600 version of the equation is shown below: left is calculated for the maximum moment section, and applied along the full length of the member being analyses. The calculation of the cracking moment in the Australian codes (but not IAC 318) includes an allowance for the shrinkage induced tensile stress in the unchecked section, which contributes to loss of tension stiffening: AS 3600 and AS 5100 provide a factor KC , applied to the calculated deflection, to account for the additional deflection due creep and shrinkage: KC = [2- 1. 2(ASS / East)] Note that for a symmetrically reinforced section KC reduces to the minimum value of 0. , being the effect of creep deflection alone. 6. 4. 2 OBSESS,BBS 8110 Deflections in BBS 5400 and BBS 8110 are calculated from integration of section curvatures. The cracking moment and curvature of cracked sections allows for a short term concrete tensile stress of 1 Amp, reducing to 0. 5 Amp in the long term. Shrinkage curvatures in BBS 8110 are determined from the free shrinkage strain, and the first moment of area of the reinforcement about the cracked or unchecked section, as appropriate. BBS 5400 uses a similar approach, but tabulates factors based on the compression and tension reinforcement ratios. 6. 4. 3 Recoded 2 and CUBE-PIP 1990 (MAC 90) The European codes also provide for calculation of deflections by integration of section curvatures, but provide a different expression for the stiffness of cracked sections: Shrinkage curvatures are assessed using a similar method to that given in BBS 8110: How to cite Concrete, Papers

Drawbacks of the Common Law System free essay sample

Explain the drawbacks of the common law system in England and Wales. ‘Common law’ originated in England in the 11th century. Today in the United States of America, some common law principles from the original English Law are being applied. Alongside it is the branching body of Common Law which is in the process of being set as a part of stare decisis which itself is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase ‘stare decisis et non quieta movere’ which translates as ‘to stand by decisions and not to disturb settled matters’, whereby the judicial systems decisions and interpretation of statutory law provisions by judges, are becoming a part of the common law. Judges too do look to these decisions as a guideline, reference or as a necessary precedent to follow, whilst making their own decisions. Although advantages of the system have been significant in England and Wales, drawbacks of the system gradually came on par. We will write a custom essay sample on Drawbacks of the Common Law System or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page As these decisions are based on past cases, predictability of the outcome increased and people are more exposed to what should be expected, however so, with the element of predictability, absurdity on deciding cases may occur. In referring to a decided case, if there appears to be no change and the decision is followed again by a judge, a bad decision will eventually be perpetuated. And considering common law systems have been following precedents as a base, changes takes a long time to happen. In the meantime, a bad decision from a past case continues to be upheld. It became a major criticism of common law systems that it can be hard to locate the relevant principles due to the available volume of material. Common law which was based on the principle of binding precedent meant that judges must follow precedent even if they disagree with it. Judges too were not able to distinguish essentially similar cases although they were on grounds decision made would be inappropriate. Lord Denning too criticised the doctrine to stand by what has been decided by saying, â€Å"if lawyers hold to their precedents too closely, forgetful of the fundamental principles of truth and justice which they should serve, they may find the whole edifice comes tumbling down about them. Just as the scientist seeks for truth, so the lawyer should seek for justice. Just as the scientist takes his instances and from them builds up his general propositions, so the lawyer should take his precedents and from them build up his general principles. Just as the propositions of the scientist fail to be modified when shown not to fit all instances, or even discarded when shown in error, so the principles of the lawyer should be modified when found to be unsuited to the times or discarded when found to work injustice. , which in other words meant accepting the decisions of old law leads to unfairness and injustice. Furthermore, when precedent appears absent the common law legal system will be bound to face difficulties in making judgements. Difficulties will arise and flood various parties which include judges and those with intention to claim justice will be at lost with the unavailability of a decided precedent to refer to. This has been said on certain occasion to lead to a high degree of unpredictability based on illogical distinctions.

Working Condition Problems in Amazon Company

Introduction Even as companies strive to change the working conditions of their employees to enhance innovation and improve individual performance in the workplaces, the problems of poor working conditions are still on prevalence (Littler, 2013).Advertising We will write a custom article sample on Working Condition Problems in Amazon Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The recruitment processes, the empowerment plans, the promotion strategies, and other employee retention practices of some American companies have faced discrimination allegations. Surprisingly, the majority of these companies are mega industries that appear in the Fortune 500 and other big publications due to their enhanced corporate performances (Abel, 2013). Cases of poor working conditions in some mega transnational companies continue to attract legal, economic, social, and international discourses, which are disheartening the employees and employers (Higgi ns, 2014). With such allegations are in a steady increase, even as the performance of these companies enhances. Fundamentally, this essay uses the case of Amazon Company to focus on analyzing the working condition problems highlighted in some online publications, and uses the SWOT analysis to discuss the problems. Overview of the Articles Several online articles and newspapers have focused on the employment issues that workers experience at Amazon. This analysis involves five recent articles that have dominated the websites and exposed the public discontentment about the Amazon Company. The first article came from the Seattle Times Newspaper of America, and it exposed the forced labor practices of the Amazon Company, contrary to its labor policies.Advertising Looking for article on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The second article was the Consumer Affairs Magazine that explored the revelations of the Brit ish Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) concerning the dilapidated physical working conditions at Amazon. The third article was a write-up from the AlterNet Newspaper, which exposed the mandatory security checkpoints and the underpayments imposed on the Amazon workers. The fourth article was a BBC publication that expressed concerns about the likelihood of the Amazon workers to face mental health problems. The last article is a publication of the Westlaw Journal that described a variety of workplace problems at Amazon. The Identified Working Condition Problems Forced Labor Practices in the Amazon Company– The recent employment wrangles in the Amazon Company associate with the illegal issues of forced labor practices in the company (Bernton, 2014). Reports indicate that the Amazon Company has recently resorted to forced labor in its outlets that operate in the Latin America regions. Notwithstanding its efforts in establishing an Amazon code of standards, that encompasses regulation s against forced labor and child labor, the practice of forced labor has been pervasive in the operations of the Amazon Company (Bernton, 2014). In the regions of Latin America, India, Asia, and most parts of the United States, the Amazon Company has been practicing indirect forced labor practices against its workers. Menial workers who operate in the Amazon warehouses have complained against the poor working conditions that include excess overtime, forced overtime, strenuous jobs, and forced labor during the off-duty days (Bernton, 2014). These menial workers complain about workplace harassment, coercion, intimidation, and strenuous assignments.Advertising We will write a custom article sample on Working Condition Problems in Amazon Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Underpayment in the Amazon Company- Aside from the forced labor and poor working conditions practiced by the management of the Amazon Company in its different outlets, employees complain about low compensations and wages. According to Hsieh (2013), the company management considers the menial workers to be illiterate individuals who do not have rights to access better working conditions. Last year, the company faced an excruciating challenge concerning the deplorable compensations offered to its workers in Germany. Over 100,000 warehouse workers from Germany and America have complained about forced individual productivity, even as the company keeps its workers waiting for clearance at the security checkpoints without paying their daily wages (Hsieh, 2013). In the regions of Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe, the company paid its workers meager salaries and wages, and retained the hourly wages to cater for any allegations of damages reported at the warehouses (Hsieh, 2013). Pay cuts and demotions to reduce the wage bill are common practices that Amazon dishonestly practices. Deplorable Workplace Conditions- Amazon has recently faced allegations concerning its behavior of exposing workers to terrible working conditions within the warehouse. The company has left its workers to struggle within the warehouses that have poor working conditions, pitiable carton arrangements, and extreme summer temperatures (Abel, 2013). In a recent 2013 case, investigative reports at Pennsylvania concerning the working conditions at the Amazon warehouses revealed that the company often exposes its workforce to extreme workplace problems that include exposure to extreme temperatures (Abel, 2013).Advertising Looking for article on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the case of Pennsylvania, the company arranged a number of paramedics and ambulances outside its warehouses and stores in preparation for any case of a dehydrated or an injured worker. The International Labor Organization and independent analysts in China confirmed these allegations through an assessment of China during the summer. In China, Abel reveals that the Amazon Retail Online Company exposed the Chinese warehouse workers to extreme warehouse temperatures that consequently led to health complications and deaths to some workers (2013). Workplace Racial Discrimination- One of the most upsetting human resource practices of the Amazon Company is its illegitimate behavior of practicing racial prejudice against the immigrant workers. According to Higgins (2014), foreign expatriates and menial laborers of the Amazon Company have reported workplace problems concerning racial discrimination that is eminent in most of its regional and global outlets. In the year 2012, some outlets o f the Amazon Company at Swansea and Wales violated the workplace regulations of the local employment tribunals that are against racial discrimination (Higgins, 2014). In certain cases in America, foreign workers and other employees from the minority ethnicities complained about the persistent discriminations at the Amazon warehouses and offices. Concerning the waiting hours spent during the mandatory security checks imposed on the menial warehouse workers, most of them are the racial minorities who live in America (Higgins, 2014). In France, China, Latin America, and Spain, the Amazon workers maintained that rank promotions, compensations, empowerment, motivation, and recognition often favor the native whites. Gender and Disability Bias- Gender and disability bias are among the major concerns related to the working condition problems at Amazon (Higgins, 2014). Significant evidence from the workers has proven the presence of workplace gender discrimination at Amazon. In the year 2013 , several former employees claimed that the Amazon Company exposed the female workers to discriminatory practices (Littler, 2013). In the same year, some former workers of the Amazon Company attested that the company never recognized employees with disability despite the fact that some disabilities were due to the awful working conditions at the warehouses and stores. Reports have revealed that the company unfairly dismisses the female employees because of their family related issues (Littler, 2013). Female employees who seek maternity leaves remain unfairly dismissed and on wrong allegations. According to Higgins (2014), the disabled workers and those with minor physical health problems fail to secure job positions at the company or remain dismissed from the company on wrong allegations. SWOT Analysis of the Employment Problems Strengths- the strength of Amazon concerning the present allegations about the deplorable working conditions is its market dominance in the online retail st ores. Amazon has a swift shipment process, a well-maintained rapport with consumers, and a reliable shipping process that makes it marketable regardless of the working condition problems. Weaknesses– the weakness of Amazon concerning the discussed issues is that the company has lost several class lawsuits, racial lawsuits, human rights lawsuits, and employment lawsuits from its former and current workers. Opportunities– Amazon has several opportunities to counter the current employment concerns. To its advantage, the Amazon Company still enjoys a remarkable online retail experience with its business partners, which makes it possible for the company to form some firm joint ventures to stabilize its foundation. Threats– The most disturbing concern about the allegations is that the Amazon Company is currently facing a tough regional and overseas market competition from the companies that offer attractive online purchasing services. Conclusion Although the global le gislations concerning the promotion of fair workplace treatment among workers are against discrimination, poor payments, poor physical working conditions, and forced labor, some companies are still against these laws. Amazon is one of the American transnational companies that have promoted the unequal treatment of workers and excessive mistreatment of workers. International newspapers and magazines have placed the company in the public limelight concerning its insensitive employment practices against its workers. The company has been practicing a series of malpractices against its workers. Amazon has imposed unfair promotion practices, exposed workers to deplorable physical working conditions, has compensated workers unfairly, and has practiced racial prejudice. Using a SWOT analysis to assess the repercussions of these allegations that have gone public through the newspapers, the company may remain dominant due to its swift and reliable shipment processes, but may lose its reputati on. Its experienced workforce may not help to counter the imminent competition. References Abel, J. (2013). BBC Reports Poor Working Conditions in Amazon Warehouses. Web. Bernton, H. (2014). Amazon’s Overseas Labor Policy: Trust us. Web. Higgins, D. (2014). Employment: Litigation News and Analysis. Westlaw Journal, 28(17), 1-22. Hsieh, S. (2013). Amazon Warehouse Workers Forced to Wait at Security Checkpoints Without Getting Paid.  Web. Littler, A. (2013). Amazon Workers Face ‘Increased Risk of Mental Illness. Web. This article on Working Condition Problems in Amazon Company was written and submitted by user Kevin Randall to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Authenticity in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath Essays

Authenticity in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath Essays Authenticity in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath Paper Authenticity in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath Paper Essay Topic: The Grapes Of Wrath The Grapes of Wrath is a novel written by John Steinbeck. In the bulk of modern literature, it is consider a masterful epic unmatched in the realm of the written word. The novel centers around a family of workers who are immigrants The Joads. When the novel takes place they are in California attempting to survive the scarce conditions of the depression. Steinbeck monitors and recounts the ups and downs of the family and their experiences in United States. Much of the plot is Steinbecks commentary on the rampant capitalism which literary sucked the land and the people dry during the 1930s. The story is based on real life excerpts of John Steinbecks field research. The real life conflict was created by greedy business men, and lending institutions which bought up land and employed workers to farm. The majority of these workers were lower class immigrant families that were paid so little that their struggles have often been paralleled to that of slavery which plagued the United States in the 16th and 17th centuries. The old adage was particularly relevant when examining this novel, as the rich get richer, the poor end up dead worked to death. Steinbeck is not casual in his assault of capitalism and it not fearful to express his disgust for the supposed American dream. He has a clear political viewpoint and asserts: the great fact: when property accumulates in too few hands it is taken away. And that companion fact: when a majority of the people are hungry and cold they will take by force what they need. And the little screaming fact that sounds throughout all history: repression works only to strengthen and knit the repressed. (333). A major theme developed by Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath is his believe that the survive of the lower class is based on their dedication to family. His approach is a delicate mixture of Marxism and Socialism, both of which promote cooperative living. In the context of the time, Steinbecks beliefs were not just controversial but also dangerous. The United States went through a two periods in which the government hunted after individuals they considered unamerican, the 1920s and the 1950s. This novel was written in the the 1930s. However, Steinbeck intricately weaves a tale of family strife, struggle, and survival, in The Grapes of Wrath, which has become a beloved and honored classic since its publication. Steinbecks depiction of the devastating conditions during the 1930s is historically accurate. In particular, Steinbeck articulately describes what a Dust Bowl actually is and how it was created. He explains that the great plains experienced the greatest droughts ever during the great depression. The Dust Bowl was created due to lack of rain and also the over use of the land. Once pieces of land are over farmed they lose their nutrients and crops will not grow. These areas, once plush with grass and trees became â€Å"virtual deserts. † It was this drought which forced families, hungry and tired, to see out new hope in the west. The west promised folks clean and cheap living, and with access to regular work. Steinbeck describes the Dust Bowl in the following way, â€Å"The wind increased, steady, unbroken gusts. The dusts from the roads fluffed up and spread out and fell on the weeds besides the fields . . . the sky was darkened by the mixing dust, and the wind felt over the earth, loosened the dust, and carried it away. † For the people living in these devastated lands, this was a very accurate account as to what the â€Å"weather† was like for weeks and months.

Commet To Peer Response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Commet To Peer Response - Essay Example You also mention that problems with a master brand can spill over into the other house brands. Lenovo has to ensure that to maintain an excellent reputation with customers. This can be achieved by providing superb customer service, quality, reliability, and value. The company’s strategy of being one of the most innovative companies in the industry will help the firm achieve high customer retention. Customer retention is important due to the 80/20 rule. Pareto’s 80/20 rule states that 80% of a company’s sales come from 20% of its customers (Reh, 2012). In the computer industry innovation and efficiency are two critical success factors. The deal Lenovo made with IBM was a great strategy move that will bring synergies to the company. The ability to advertise the laptops using the IBM logo will drive the sales of the company upwards. The company has to have a long term plan in place because the marketing deal with IBM only lasts five

Article review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Article review - Essay Example Possible outcomes of the trend Stevens, Kitterlin and Tanner (14) found out that students in hospitality prefer learning by doing. As such, academic institutions offering hospitality programs would use such findings to align their curricula in line with the preferred mode of learning among the students so as to remain competitive and relevant in the market. They could provide equipment and teaching aids that propagate practical learning. Theoretical component of learning could be minimized and practical learning be incorporated more including practical internships. Students could seek to enroll in institutions geared towards practical teaching with the aim of excelling academically. Similarly, relevant authorities could seek to streamline the education system with regard to hospitality and formulate rules and regulations promoting practical skills more. Effect of the trend on the industry Aligning the teaching mode to the kinesthetic learning style of the students in hospitality woul d ensure that institutions offering hospitality programs produce practically equipped students ready for the market. These students would have gained much knowledge while learning because the mode of delivery would have been aligned with their understanding environment. More so, this adaptation would see more students enroll for hospitality programs and increase the number of successful completion of the courses being offered. The increase in supply of students could see the cost of hospitality courses decrease. This could trickle down to provide abundant supply of human resource in hospitality. On the other hand, there could be an increase in institutions offering hospitality courses to take advantage of the increased demand due to an increase in interest among prospective students. This could cause rogue institutions coming up which could eventually result in poorly equipped students. Furthermore, the influx in hospitality labor could eventually cause lack of interest in the cours e as with high supply of labor, the lower the compensation package the market would be willing to offer. Stevens, Kitterlin and Tanner (14) also note that kinesthetic learners tend to rush and pay less attention to detail. Therefore, in as much as institutions would adopt mechanisms to propagate practical learning, measures should be put in place to ensure that the quality of education does not get compromised. My position I agree with the findings of this research study. As a student, I have a preferred way of learning which if provided, then, learning becomes interesting and understanding increases. Instructors who provide such an environment have gained acceptance among their students which eventually causes improved academic performance. Practical approach, particularly in hospitality programs provides an opportunity to interact with real-life practice and therefore enhance learning. A lot of theoretical studies make little sense to students without practical application. Even w ith this knowledge, gender sensitive studies should be conducted in other institutions to solidify the findings of this study. Learning experience With the vision of furthering my studies in hospitality, I would consider institutions that offer adequate practical activities in its hospitality programs if I am to excel academically. Stevens, Kitterl

Transurban Group Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Transurban Group - Essay Example The name of the company is Transurban Group and its ASX code is TCL.The main office is located at 505 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.The reporting period of the company starts from 1st July and ends on 30th June of subsequent year The article â€Å"Transurban rejects Canadian takeover bids† appeared on May 12, 2010 and outlines the refusal of the group to accept two takeover bids on different grounds. (The Sunday Morning Herlad, 2010). The new article discusses about the two new takeover bids by the two pension funds from Canada and one from Australia and why Transurban Group has actually refused to accept the bids based on the value offered owing to its past performance and future prospects. Article however, mentions that the firm is willing to work with these firms in terms of due diligence and may also consider the options if the right price is offered. The article has also mentions the capital raising efforts of the firm to expand the business and ho w same may have an impact on the overall price offered by the acquiring firms. This article is interesting in the sense that it provides a concise picture of the details about the potential deals in which Transurban Group may be involved in near future. 4) The stock price on 5th April 2011 was $5.340 per share whereas the price on 8th April 2011 was $5.350 per share. The net change in the share price was $0.10 per share during the period. 5) The net profit as on 30th June 2010 was $59.605 M whereas the same was ($16.134m) during 2009. (Transurban, 2010, 51). Considering the above figures, it is evident that the firm was incurring losses during 2009 and it recorded an overall net profit of more than $59M during 2010. Net profit margin in 2010 therefore is 7.93% showing impressive performance considering the fact that the firm has incurred losses during 2009. It is also important to understand that the improvement in the profitability of the firm has become possible owing to the cost control. Firm has been able to reduce its key costs such as business development costs and corporate costs in order to improve the profitability of the firm. It could therefore be concluded that the firm has been able to achieve increase in profitability with better management of its costs and expenses. 6) The largest liability of the firm is borrowings which is to tune of $4.005 B and it is non-current liability. Note 16 of the notes to accounts indicates that these liabilities include infrastructure facilities, term loans, capital markets debt, US Private placement as well as the syndicated facilities. The infrastructure loans have been taken for the purpose of building and expanding the existing infrastructure base whereas other facilities have been taken for various purposes over the period of time. Borrowings also included working capital facilities having expiry of more than one year therefore they are reported in the non-current liabilities.(Transurban, 2010, 52) 7) There are four different streams of revenue reported in the annual accounts of the firm and each stream of revenue is recognized in the books based on different criteria. The revenue generated from the toll and fee is recognized when the actual charge is made by the user whereas other road revenues include advertising, rental and other associated revenue which is recognized as per the normal criteria. Construction revenue is recorded by the firm when the intangible asset is its construction phase whereas the development assets are recognized in sales when they are sold to third parties. Business development revenue is based on the provision of business support services and revenue is recognized accordingly. (Transurban, 2010, 74) 8) PriceWaterhouseCoopers is the auditor of the firm and based on the Independence of External Auditors Policy of the firm, the external auditors are not involved in any other activity on behalf of the firm. During the year, auditors have been paid to the

Ethnographic Study of the Informal Sector

Ethnographic Study of the Informal Sector INTRODUCTION The informal sector will be understood through an exercise of selling of paper clips as street vendors for a period of seven days. Paper clips are a stationery item used for binding papers together and are used by students, offices, lawyers, and government officials amongst others. However today, the availability of substitutes like staplers (a creation of technology) has challenged the utility of the commodity. The informal sector is that part of the economy which is not taxed, monitored by any form of government or included in any gross national product (GNP), unlike the formal economy. In 1997-98, the informal economy generated nearly 76% of employment and nearly 46% of the income in Mumbai. Despite their physical existence and the millions involved in it, for sheer survival, their ‘official’ ‘invisibility’ makes them ineligible for most statutorily ordained benefits and allowances. PREPARATORY STAGE A pre-sales activity was conducted to understand the potential target group. The interactions revealed that most consumers don’t have a requirement for this product, as staplers are a more reliable paper binding solution. The pre-sales research revealed that paper clips are sold in quantities of 100 clips a box. Based on the findings, a sales model was developed wherein the bulk of 100 clips would be resold 10-12 clips in plastic pouches. This would allow people to purchase small quantities and also convenient selling. The model adopted is similar to wholesaler-retailer supply chain model wherein the retailer makes bulk purchases from a wholesaler and sells smaller quantities to the customer. A similar model is used by street vendors who buy in bulk and retail smaller quantities. A cost-plus pricing strategy was adopted and a profit margin of 200-300% was agreed upon, which would be reduced through the course of the exercise until enough capital was accumulated. In addition to repacking, a packaging strategy was adopted. Zip lock plastics would be used to package the paper clips, thereby adding value to the commodity. Purchases of both the paper and the packaging material were made from the wholesale market in Abdul Rahman Street, Crawford Market where stationery is dealt with in wholesale quantities. Due to capital constraints, stock could not be purchased in bulk, limiting our bargaining power. It was decided that any profits incurred on the first day, would be ploughed-back to maintain a better inventory status. Locations selected for selling activity consisted of areas frequented by office goers, students and children. The objective set for the selling exercise was to cover costs and make profits by adopting a sales maximization approach through the use of strategies like customization, price discrimination, bundling, advertising, and market segmentation. EXECUTION STAGE Due to dearth of capital on the first day of our study, a sufficient stock of paper clips was purchased but did not allow for purchase of packaging materials. Waste packaging materials from the streets of Crawford Market was used as a substitute for the ‘zip lock pouches’. A huge profit margin was targeted on the first day that would generate capital to fund better quality packaging for the remaining days. The entire experience over the 7-day period is illustrated in the table below (refer Appendix I). Day Location Rationale for Location Experience Day 1 Fort, Outside Bombay High Court Potential Buyers: lawyers and office goers.  ·Problem arose because people returning home from work and lunch did not stop to indulge  ·Prices were very high so sales were slow.  ·Selling on the wrong side of the road and changed position to target people going towards the station. Day 2 HR, Jai Hind and KC College. Potential Buyers: Students, who have utility for stationery, especially females using customization and improved packaging material.  ·Customization and product bundling proved to be very effective. -The colored and fancy paper clips were sold out, despite higher price Zip locks used resulted in quick sales  ·Right time for sales (1pm onwards) when most students were done with their lectures. Day 3 Street Vendor Fair, Outside St. Michael’s Church, Mahim To study the variation in the sales of the commodity on a normal day in comparison to ‘special occasions’  ·Relatively easier to sell during a ‘fair’ or during special occasions  ·People are more willing to buy when exposed to multiple commodities within a given space. Day 4 Marine Drive To understand variation sales in a tourist and recreational spot  ·The price was lowered as a larger stock was procured due to profits from the previous day  ·Concentrated on sales promotion strategies by giving off free units to girls who purchased packets  ·Strategy was successful (word-of-mouth marketing played a significant role) Day 5 Trains, Central Line – CST to Dadar (Return) To understand the variation sales in a mode of transport  ·The female partner made large sales in the ladies compartment of the while the other partner was unsuccessful in the general.  ·Women are more approachable on trains which can be attributed to the large number of sellers in the women’s compartments on trains  ·Buying behavior exhibited by women is primarily an outcome of ‘novelty value’ of the products being sold Day 6 Marine Lines Station To sell amongst other street vendors and understand the dynamics of street vending.  ·Holding up a banner to ‘advertise’ the product did not work in the informal sector  ·Other experienced vendors came and interacted with us, passed comments and also ridiculed us. They moved away after they didn’t see a threat to their business  ·Interaction with vendors: On asking about the ‘hafta’ to be paid, they refused to speak to and turned away An unsuccessful sale as it was a Saturday.  ·Interaction with authorities: A BMC truck came to evict the vendors, confiscating their supplies, politely asked us to move Day 7 Republic Day Parade, Marine Drive To understand how national holidays have an impact on sales in the informal sector  ·Stood beside a flag vendor considering people might need clips to put on the flags.  ·No sales took place as people were engaged in watching the Parade EVALUATION STAGE Theory versus reality On engaging with the market on a first hand basis, we came across the following economic concepts while studying various sales strategies to maximize our sales in order to keep earning a profit. :- Monopoly firm: Since we were the only sellers of this product on the streets, we had the liberty to use price discrimination along with product differentiation. We gauged our targets and according to their outlooks and then decided the price to charge them. Price discrimination:-the same products were sold at different prices in different spaces to different consumers. First degree and third degree price discrimination was adopted. Under this the firm charged different prices to different set of consumers. For example while selling in the High Court premises; we sold the small quantity at Rs. 20 a packet to lawyers while we sold the packet to women in trains at Rs.5. In the former case, the entire consumer surplus was converted into the firm’s revenue and profits. The concept of third degree price discrimination was used here where groups having inelastic demand (lawyers/office goers) were charged a higher price compared to the women in trains who had elastic demand for whom the price was comparatively lower. The theory of price discrimination did not work for us as instead of playing with consumer surplus to make profits, we ended up just covering costs per day, neither did it minimize our costs nor did it increase output. Moreo ver the experiment of just 7 days was too short to judge this concept. However, the law of demand was justified wherein there is more demand when there is reduction in price. The elasticity was 1.0195 which is relatively elastic. However, from the interaction in the market we found out that it is inconsequential and hence, nullified. (Refer Appendix II) Product Bundling: The firm offered several products for sale as one combined product. It is a common feature in many imperfectly competitive product markets. The firm used the technique of bundling to create more demand and capture the market. For example- instead of selling big metallic binders, metal U- clips, colored U-clips and fancy clips separately we bundled them together and sold them as a packaged deal at Rs. 20 targeting the college students. This concept worked for us. Sales maximization: was set as possible goal which occurs when the firm sells as much as possible without making a loss. We implied this strategy wherein we after a point where we had covered all our costs, we concentrated on selling as much as we can even if it is at a low profit margin as long as there was no loss. This helped us in earning our revenue and capital for next days. Thus, the application of this theory was successful. We also came to the conclusion that paper clips as such are not a commodity that a street vendor would sell. It is more likely to be found in stationery shops as they serve a market which requires all these goods. Lessons Learnt: Operating in the informal economy showed us that there existsno perfect knowledgewith respect to commodities being sold (in terms of availability and price).Venturing further into the streets of Crawford Market revealed that the commodity sold is much cheaper when compared to the peripheral shops. The procurement exercise highlighted the prevalence ofinformation asymmetry. The presence of street vendors is a menace for commuters but a boon for the working poor by providing goods (sometimes necessities) at a substantially cheaper price. The survey revealed that most street vendors require credit in order to start an enterprise but were often denied access due to lack of collateral but they haven’t applied for any loans due to a variety of reasons. They are not well aware of the government policies and are subjected to constant evictions by the municipal corporations as we observed when the street vendors were made to flee the scene when the BMC truck arrived at Marine Lines station during the course of our study. An important aspect is the self-employment, which is an important component of the informal sector that allows this section of the urban poor to earn income but is also classified into different types of employment like employees, middlemen, and unpaid family members or self-employed. Thus, the informal sector acts a livelihood-sustainin g platform. Interactions with street vendors, it was found out that they suffer from problems like hypertension, hyperacidity migraine attacks and severe backaches. Another aspect revealed was the participation of women. Women form a significant proportion of the informal labor force. (Refer Appendix III for Survey Questionnaire and Appendix IV for results/findings). Policies in place: The National Policy for Urban Street Vendors, 2004 was the first policy that called hawkers as â€Å"vendors† in designated areas called hawker zones and non-hawker zones and to ensure absence of congestion and maintain hygiene in public spaces and streets. Policy of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, 2009: By the National Commission on enterprises in the unorganized sector, this bill has not been introduced so far. It does not focus on natural markets like railway stations, depots, taxi stands, etc. Heavy fines are levied on unregistered sellers and their goods are confiscated. Non perishables are left off with heavy fines; however, fruit and vegetable vendors lose everything. The â€Å"Panchnama† of confiscated goods is not issues by policemen and records are not maintained. National Policy on Urban Street Vendors, 2009: It reports the conditions of work and promotion of livelihoods in the unorganized sector. It provides a constitutional angle to practice any occupation. For example: Right to adequate means of livelihood, Article 14, 19 (1) (g), 38(2), 39(a) and 41. Suggestions:- Registration must be made compulsory for street vendors by issuing licenses to prevent illegal rent seeking activities in the form of â€Å"haftas† from officials and thus, providing them with recognition. Incentive to register can be provided to street vendors by providing subsidized healthcare to registered vendors. Cheap housing and accommodation or slum rehabilitation can be provided to register street vendors as most of them are migrants from all over the country. A mechanism to file a PIL must be established for the street vendors to seek redressal for confiscated goods. Alternate spaces should be allotted for their activities if the area has to be cleared of such activities. For example, the shift of Agra Market during the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Stricter laws and there enforcement is necessary so that illegal hawking is avoided and they do not seem a nuisance to the commuters. In this way, both parts of the society can live in harmony.

Samsung Electronics Case Write-Up Essays -- Business Analysis SWOT

Samsung Electronics Case Write-Up 1. The Memory Industry (5 points). Conduct a five-forces analysis of the memory industry. You will need to rate each of the five forces in this industry as high, medium or low and then explain briefly why you selected this rating. A) Threat of New Entrants(Barriers to entry) (MEDIUM) Samsung, being a global company with net revenues of over $30 billion, had established an integrated supply chain with economies of scale and scope. New entrants were required to come in on a very large scale for effectively minimizing costs, which the Chinese companies succeeded in doing. Samsung had scale of economies in research and chip fabrication and was world leading memory producer for all types of PC’s, digital cameras and other electronic products. Samsung had demand side benefits of scale as it demanded superiority in product quality and efficiency and it was a well established and trusted brand name ($5.2 billion in 2004). High switching costs were associated with the industry as due to established production lines and multibillion dollar commitments, it would be extremely costly and time consuming for a company to divest into different technologies and design commitments. When IBM, Toshiba and NEC discovered problems with their â€Å"trenching† method of incorporating cells into tiny chips, they lost years of development time trying to switch to the â€Å"stacking† method. The cost of production facilities rose to $3 billion and hence created a higher barrier of entry for smaller level competitors. As most of the capital required in the semiconductor industry is used in Research and development, it is unrecoverable and enhances the eff... ...me the administrative barrier and enjoy the same benefits as a regular Chinese firm. They will also receive easier access to finance, tax incentives and other essential resources to help them reduce the Chinese competitive advantage. In doing so they must take precautions to ensure that their technology and intellectual property is not replicated as there are several flaws in the Chinese administrative system. They could also buyout an established local Chinese semiconductor firm that has some brand recognition in the market which could give them a local presence. Lastly, they could cede the lower end of the market to the Chinese firms and invest in higher value, cutting edge memory products that would be hard to replicate. All three options would be viable in different ways and could help Samsung overcome their primary threats.