Market analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Market analysis - Essay Example In general, soft drinks manufacturers have adapted to the new ways of living by responding to the demand for healthier products. This has helped add value to their products and generate growth. In 2004, total consumption of fruit/ vegetable juice increased by 7% and by 2009, the overall market conditions are projected to remain highly favourable for the fruit/ vegetable juice sector. 100% juice is expected reach volume growth of 43% and volume sales of 221 million litres or 384 million euros by 2009. (Euromonitor 2005) This supports the entry of Fruitness into the growing juice sector. Major players in the industry such as Coca-Cola, Spadel, Sunco (bottler and distributor of PepsiCo), Danone, Unilever, Nestle, Materne-Confilux, Wesergold, Melitta (Granini) and Looza (Tropicana) have manufacturing plants and distribution networks all over UK. As Fruitness will target companies in London only, our manufacturing facility will be located in or in close proximity to London. While the sector shows positive growth for the next three years, juice and nectar producers are already looking for new ways of keeping sales growing. As such, product innovation as well as packaging and pack sizes are very important in the juice/ vegetable juice industry. Orange is the most popular flavour with 17% share of the sector volume sales, grapefruit is second with 11% and tomato is third with 9%. As orange is still the leader, Fruitness is focusing on pure orange and orange based juices. Once established, Fruitness will invest in additional equipment in order to expand its existing product range and cater for customer's growing interest in other flavours. 100% juices dominate fruit/ vegetable juice products and the leading performance among the fruit/ vegetable juice sector is taken by 100% juice. The popularity of this subsector is due to the increasingly active and sporty British consumer lifestyle and interest in healthier diet. Nectars and juice drinks are less popular among the British consumers. Promotional activities and the presentation of a variety of fresh 100% juices by companies such as Looza and Melitta, have created a significant consumer awareness of the health benefits of these products and as a result, there have subsequently been consumer shifts towards these. In addition, there has been a slight shift from long-life products to chilled/ short-life products in 2003 and 2004. Industry sources also expect stronger forecast period growth for chilled/ short-life products due to the fact that the majority of British consumers are against concentrates and prefer more natural, fresh products. To summarize, the main trends in the juice industry are differentiation including the incorporation of new flavours, new packaging formats and more targeted marketing as well as the reduction in calories and sugar and inclusion of vitamins C, E, minerals, selenium and phytosterols. In addition carbonated beverage manufacturers have already started to develop healthier products, such as juice with calcium, especially for women, and

The Iliad or the Poem of Force Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Iliad or the Poem of Force - Essay Example It is not a story of people but how force is being used to subjugate other people and cow them. Many people were mistaken on this aspect of the story and therefore failed to focus on a real moral lesson which is how force is the big determinant among people's relationships. It has a power to influence people and shape the course of events in history as well. Her insights into Iliad had forced people to think again of the real story in terms of a force that de-humanizes people, both of the protagonists in any conflict. The psychological and the emotional effects of the use of force scars the people who use force to intimidate the other people as well as the recipients or victims of the force being applied. It can intoxicate or numb the people who have the power to use force because it blinds them to its ill effects. War can never be justified, even those so-called pre-emptive wars designed to prevent further wars by striking at the enemy first and therefore spare the populace of a wid er conflagration. It can be seen in the after-effects of so many wars in which soldiers return home like zombies. They stop caring and thinking; soon, they engage in self-hatred (Bell, 1998, p. 186). From her point of view, there are no winners in a war no matter how this is justified. She had expressed this perspective in her numerous writings stating the futility and brutality of wars (Bell, 1993, p. 149).

Live Motion Capture

Live Motion Capture The method that records a live motion event, which then is being translated into usable mathematical conditions by tracking a number of key points that are being combined in space over time to get a single three-dimensional representation performance is called Motion Capture. To simplify the meaning of this technology, it enables the use of real performance to a digital one. Everything that exist in our world and has actual motion could be then captured; each moving part of that subject has its key points that provide the motion. When that technology is being used on a human as an instance, key points are the actual joints and they work as pivot points and connections for the bones. Usually when that is being done, all of the sensors, potentiometers or markers identify the points and that transmits the data to the main device. The performance that is being used to get a character to life is called performance animation, and motion capture is related to the actual technology that coll ects the motion. To conduct that, motion capture needs to be done and then that is being transmitted to the 3D character. That being said, mocap obtains all of the information that represents motion, while the performance animation on the other hand, is the final deliverable of a character created by the performer. Menache, A. (2011). Understanding motion capture for computer animation. Burlington, MA, Morgan Kaufmann. Motion Capture is known as Motion tracking and in most cases as `Mocap`, in any case it is actually 3D Animation. The process in which recordings of human movement are translated into digital form by recording every pivot point on the actor/actresses body. After this footage is filmed it is then translated onto a 3D model. Since the 1970`s that technology has improved drastically and Performance Capture is a term referred to when Motion Capture animates small human features such as fingers, expressions and facial features. That process is actually very time consuming. For instance, the performance capture in 2009 20th Century Fox award winning film â€Å"Avatar†, took over 15 years to create and the reason for that is that the amount of sensors that were used to portray these expressions was immense. The concept of animation dates back to more than a thousand years ago when Chinese zoetrope-type device was built to produce the illusion of motion from a burst succession of stat ic images. To present, everyone is familiarized with the different types of animation, from traditional hand-drawn image frames, to the Claymation or technology of Stop Motion. Until the arrival of the Computer Graphics that has not shifted for all that time. The most known categories of character animation to date are three. The first category consists of algorithmic and model-driven approaches. An example is the dynamic physics-based model, like reverse pendulum. The second category is the digital key-framing and hand driven, a workflow alike the original animation creation but with the assist of 3D creation tools. Motion Capture is the last category, it was first developed in the late 1970`s but it hasn`t been recognized as a revolutionary animation technique until the mid 1980`s when it was used for entertainment purposes. Inspired by â€Å"Rotoscoping†, an old time consuming animation technique that was being used in the early 1900`s, in which the animation would track m ovement frame to frame. In the field of entertainment Motion Capture is considered as the descendant of that same technique, which is still being used by some traditional animation studios to duplicate realistic motion from movie footage over to a cartoon characters. For centuries some of the motion capture technologies have been used in different ways, most known for its medical and military purposes. Originally it was examined by the Military to track head rotations of pilots by electromagnetic motion capture. Capturing motion could be done in few different ways. A lot of them use camera systems that produce digitized views of the performance, which afterwards is used to combine the location of the key points represented by one or more markers. Other way of capturing motion is being made by using electromagnetic fields or ultrasound to track a group of sensors. Also available is the mechanical system, which is based on the linked structures or the armatures that use potentiometers to identify the rotation of every link. Menache, A. (2011). Understanding motion capture for computer animation. Burlington, MA, Morgan Kaufmann Motion Capture input systems Prosthetic That is probably one of the first methods that have been used for capturing motion from various parts of the human anatomy. These methods include simple switching type of motion detection systems as well as complex tracking systems. If it wasn`t for the complex mechanical needs and the performance inhibiting qualities which are generally associated with such designs the latter type of prosthetic motion capture could be an ideal approach. Nonetheless, this method uses armatures which have to be attached all over the performers body. Afterwards they are being connected to each other by using a series of rotational and linear encoders. Once that process is complete all the encoders are connected to an interface that simultaneously reads all the encoders and prevents data loss. In the end through a set o f trigonometry functions the actual performer`s motion is being analyzed. (http://www.siggraph.org/education/materials/HyperGraph/animation/character_animation/motion_capture/motion_optical.htm) Acoustic This is a complex method that involves the use of audio receivers. Large amount of audio transmitters are strapped to performers body. Each receiver calculates the time that it takes for the sound to travel from each transmitter. In the 3D space the distance of the receivers is being measured to provide a point in the dimension. Normally the optical systems are occupied by occlusion problems which in that case is none existent and is considered as and advantage. (http://www.siggraph.org/education/materials/HyperGraph/animation/character_animation/motion_capture/motion_optical.htm) Magnetic This is one of the most used methods for performance capture. In that case it is used a centrally located transmitter, as well as large amount of receiver that are strapped on to various parts of the performers body. Once that is complete the receivers measure their spatial relationship to the transmitter. Every receiver is linked to an interface that can sync to prevent data skew. Each receiver then obtains the data stream which consists of 3D positions and orientations for each other. That data is usually applied to an inverse kinematics systems to an animated skeleton. The magnetic method shares the same advantage as the audio method, it lacks occlusion problems. (http://www.siggraph.org/education/materials/HyperGraph/animation/character_animation/motion_capture/motion_optical.htm) Electromagnetic Motion Capture is one of the more technical type of Motion Capture relying on transmitters and receivers to track movement. Optical Optical Motion Capture is another type of motion capture, it requires the actor or actresses to wear reflective sensors over a tight â€Å"Mocap Suit†. They would then proceed with their act an at that time several cameras will be tracking th e reflective pads. Recently, that type of motion capture has become quite popular. The advantage of that method is that it doesn`t require any sort of cables and the actor can perform freely. That system requires over three cameras, each of which is equipped with its own light so that it can illuminate the field of view for the specific camera. A frame buffer is being used that is connected and synchronized with each camera. The computer receives view from each camera in order to measure a 3D position of each marker. (http://www.siggraph.org/education/materials/HyperGraph/animation/character_animation/motion_capture/motion_optical.htm)

Prufrock and Modernist notion of trivial things completeing themselves :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Modern humankind is caught up in a series of trivial pursuits that seem to make their lives shallower. Eliot uses â€Å"Prufrock† to show that the only cause for doing the trivial actions is to avoid the bigger issue. Which could be as simple as asking a woman out, or a complicated as facing death. Either way, J. Alfred Prufrock was avoiding everything challenging in his life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It was his goal to avoid death, because he didn’t know how to deal with it. He avoided asking a woman out, because he was afraid of what she might say. So he found other ways to continue his life, but it lead it to become useless. He slept with many women, but none of them seemed to please him. It was as though he was incapable of being pleasured, and therefore just filled his day with random women to sleep with because it was the only thing to keep him going. Prufrock already knew that he was condemned to hell; maybe he was already living in it. Nevertheless, he didn’t stop sleeping with all these women, he continued as if it was his â€Å"guilty pleasure.† It couldn’t possibly be though because it wasn’t at all pleasurable for him, just a repetitive act that he did. Prufrock was a lonely man, with no hope of having his name carried on. He hadn’t done anything worthwhile, or that some would remember him by, there was noth ing remarkable about him. Prufrock longed to be more than just a workingman, somewhat like Michelangelo. Accomplish something wonderful to be remembered by, and not just known as a sex addict.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Prufrock, however, could never achieve something great. He was too afraid; it held him back and forced him to subject himself to only the most trivial things in life. ,It was these trivial things that Eliot wanted to show. The modernist society had forced many others into a life just like Prufrock lead.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Unable to find true joy in any activity, everyone is subjected to trivial pursuits, shallow goals, and no pleasurable experiences. It was created by the notion that the things that you can’t explain or want to know should just be avoided. If one person couldn’t figure them out, then it was impossible for all. And therefore, society should just give up and come to the realization that the time of great thinking has passed, and nothing new can be discovered.

Macbeth Article Critique Essay

Overall darkness is at fault for the tragedy of Macbeth. Most scenes in story were dark and held an evil atmosphere. A.C. Bradley stated that with so much darkness surrounding the hero, (Macbeth), he was bound to be corrupted by it. The witch’s prophecy, Lady Macbeth, and the constant spilling of blood both innocent and guilty. This darkness that corrupted him led Macbeth to madness as well as his wife. He and Lady Macbeth feared the night when sleep would succumb them and their guilty conscious plagued their dreams. All their evil deeds were brought to the for-front of their minds when they were asleep and this recurring nightmare drove Lady Macbeth to take her own life. When surrounded by darkness one will eventually succumb to its overwhelming power. A.C. Bradley’s argument about the atmosphere of Macbeth was fairly logical. Except for paragraph three where his words caused confusion. Bradley states that momentary flashes of light are shown at random parts of the play. Then he proceeds onto listing those moments. However, this confuses one’ because he doesn’t state what he believes is the reason for these flashes. This paragraph makes one question whether these flashes are good or bad? Are they a sign of Macbeth turning a new leave? All these questions are a burden to the readers. Another confusing matter that comes into play after reading the article is its clarity. The article is partially written in an advanced jargon. This jargon trips up the readers and forces them to re-read the article, divide it into sections, then analyze and translate the meaning of his words. At first it is difficult to interpret the meaning of his words but once understood one would think â€Å"OH, How come I didn’t get it the first time I read it or was it always this clear†? The analyzing of Bradley’s words take up too much time and he should have written them in simpler terms. This article may have its confusing parts but it is well constructed and states the writers’ opinion clearly and methodically. The reactions it evoked from one’ were confusion, stress, and amazement. A.C. Bradley can truly write an amazing paper that makes the readers think deeply without restraint. This article made one think of questions such as â€Å" Did Shakespeare really use light as a fore-warning of an evil deed instead of a good deed?† or â€Å"Does living in a negative environment warp a person’s personality and make them evil and deadly?† the article is great and should be read and critiqued by others. The atmosphere of Macbeth was indeed dark and did weigh on the characters souls, but it is not what caused the tragic events in Macbeth. What caused the tragedy was pure human greed and lust for power. In the beginning of the play when the witches for-told Macbeth of his destiny to become king he began to think of all the ways he could hasten his crowning. However, he feared his treasonous thoughts but his wife didn’t. Ensnared in her lust for power, riches, and fame Macbeth acted on those treasonous thought and killed his king. The man he swore ever-lasting allegiance to. All this just to satisfy his and his Lady’s’ greed for the power King Duncan held. However, his crowning only led to paranoia and un-satisfaction. This is because a senseless act done out of greed can never satisfy or settle ones heart and conscious. Like Erich Fromm stated â€Å"Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever ending satisfaction.† The hole that could never be filled in Macbeth drove him to madness and in the end led to his and many others’ demise. Greed, lust, and power all added together never result in a happy ending. It only leads to tragedy. The tragedy that was the atmosphere of Macbeth.

The Nativist’s Response to Immigration

Immigrants have been seeking salvation or just new opportunities in America for hundreds of years. Even Americans originally started off as immigrants. They came to settle in this New World to seek opportunities. These types of immigrants were white, strong, leaders and felt they were superior. In the mid nineteenth century, the â€Å"new† immigrants were also welcomed. According to President Grant, these â€Å"new† immigrants were the weak, broken, and crippled people who had nowhere else to go. Grant thought these â€Å"new† immigrants would ruin the tone of the American life into a more vulgarized tone now that these immigrants are filling up the jails and asylums (Document 4). They mostly came from Southern and Eastern parts of Europe and were poor, ignorant, and illiterate. They were needed for working power and employers liked to use them because they were able to give them cheaper wages. Soon there was an economic boom when machines came to replace the workers. Resentment soon arose since job offers were scarce and immigrants received the jobs over the Americans. Certain groups of Americans opposed open immigration. Many of these people did not want new arrived immigrants to have the right to vote until they have lived in the United States for 21 years. These were often referred to as the Nativist groups. These Nativists were the old type of American immigrants who looked down on these new immigrants and wanted to shield America from them. Nativism did speak out against the Chinese immigration on the West Coast. Nativist arguments say that Chinese immigration would create race antagonism throughout the entire public. This means there will be hostility among the races so there would be separation among the country. In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act suspended Chinese immigration for ten years and prohibited the naturalization of the Chinese. The Chinese were once a great asset to America. They came over from China and helped build the railroads. After the railroads were finished, the Chinese were supposed to leave. Instead, they stayed in America for good. The Chinese immigrants now wished to assimilate their own culture and ideas with the American ideas. Americans, mostly Nativists, were extremely bothered by this because the Americans did not want the Chinese to bring their alien culture to America (Document 1). Other groups, who resented other races from assimilating, organized classes so the immigrants can learn the American language and way. They said immigrants should become citizens by learning the â€Å"American language. † They thought if the people that come to America and don’t learn the way of the Americans, then this country will soon be just like the old country, the country which they have already left (Document 3). Resentment over immigration still arose within the United States. Many writers began to blame immigrants for problems regularly occurring throughout time. E. A. Ross wrote that immigrants had a strong influence on American politics and government. He said that the simple minded foreigner is the tap-root to the main issue. The tap-root is the source of the problem. Ross said that once that simple minded foreigner unleashes his ideas, the foreigners get a stronger grip on the situation. They soon broaden and entrench their power by intimidation at the polls; they have ballot frauds, saloon influence, and much more. This will all start from one foreigner and will soon increase till the foreigners have a larger vote (Document 7). Other writers like Rev. Josiah Strong blamed certain â€Å"diseases† on immigrants. These were not actual diseases but more like problems in the country. He blamed immigrants on the lack of holiness in the Sabbath and how it is now a holiday. He also blames the liquor traffic on the immigrants too (Document 2). Whether the immigrants came to America or not, these problems would still be here. It’s human instinct to attack a different race or religion when a problem comes about. That is exactly what the Americans were doing to the immigrants. There was always a large amount of immigrants arriving into the United States. The greatest danger of unrestricted immigration is that the immigrants can overrun the master race and they can have more control then the Americans (Document 5). When a lower race mixes with a higher race in sufficient numbers, history proves that the lower race will prevail. If the Americans continue to let unrestricted amounts of immigrants enter the United States, their thoughts and believes would soon alienate the Americans and the Americans would soon become the strangers in their own country (Document 6). Once Americans began accepting that there is no way to completely stop the flow of immigrants into America, they began to find ways to limit the amount arriving. In 1921 the National Origins Act was put into effect. It looked at the immigration record to find a base year. They looked at the year that the fewest immigrants arrived and called that the base year. They used the base year as the quota for immigrant arrival. Illegal immigration continued and the immigration and Naturalization office spent a good deal of time tracking down and deporting illegal immigrants. Finally the immigration Act of 1985 was passed which said that an illegal immigrant who has been in America for at least five years, and who can prove it, can apply for citizenship and become an American citizen. As long as the flow of immigrants is carefully regulated then immigration should be no problem, maybe even beneficiary.

The Sinking of the Lusitania and Americas Entry into World War I

The Sinking of the Lusitania and America's Entry into World War I On May 7, 1915, the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania was in route from New York City to Liverpool, England when it was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat. Over 1100 civilians died as a result of this attack, including more than 120 American citizens. This defining moment would later prove to be the impetus which eventually convinced United States public opinion to change from its’ earlier position of neutrality with respect to being a participant in World War I.  On April 6, 1917,  President Woodrow Wilson appeared before the U.S. Congress calling for a declaration of war against Germany.   American Neutrality at the Start of World War I World War I had officially started on August 1, 1914 when Germany declared war against Russia.   Then on August 3rd and 4th, 1914, Germany declared war against France and Belgium respectively, which resulted in Great Britain declaring war against Germany. Austria-Hungary declared war against Russia on August 6th following Germany’s lead.  Following this domino effect that started World War I, President  Woodrow Wilson  announced that the United States would remain neutral. This was consistent with the public opinion of the majority of the American people.    At onset of the war, Britain and United States were very close trading partners so it was not unexpected that tensions would arise between the United States and Germany once the Germans started to conduct a blockade of the British Isles. In addition, a number of American ships that were bound for Great Britain had been either damaged or sunk by German mines. Then in February 1915, Germany broadcast that they would be conducting unrestricted submarine patrols and combat in the waters which surround Britain. Unrestricted Submarine Warfare and the Lusitania The Lusitania had been built to be the world’s fastest ocean liner and shortly after her maiden voyage in September 1907, the Lusitania made the fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean at that time earning her the nickname â€Å"Greyhound of the Sea†. She was able to cruise at an average speed of 25 knots or approximately 29 mph, which is about the same speed as modern cruise ships. The Lusitania’s construction had been secretly financed by the British Admiralty, and she was built to their specifications. In exchange for the government subsidy, it was understood that if England went to war then the Lusitania would be committed to serving the Admiralty. In 1913, war was looming on the horizon and the Lusitania was put in dry dock in order to be properly fitted for military service. This included installing gun mounts on her decks – which were hidden under the teak deck so that guns could easily be added when needed. At the end of April 1915, on the same page were two announcements in New York newspapers. First, there was an advertisement of the impending voyage of the Lusitania scheduled to depart from New York City on May 1st for its’ trip back across the Atlantic to Liverpool. In addition, there were warnings that had been issued by the German Embassy in Washington, D.C. that civilians who traveled in war zones on any British or Allied ship was done at their own risk. The German warnings of submarine attacks did have a negative impact on the passenger list of the Lusitania as when the ship set sail on May 1, 1915 as it was far below its’ capacity of a combined 3,000 passengers and crew on board. The British Admiralty had warned the Lusitania to either avoid the Irish coast or take some very simple evasive actions, such as zigzagging to make it more difficult for German U-boats to determine the ship’s course of travel.  Unfortunately the Lusitania’s Captain, William Thomas Turner, failed to give proper deference to the Admiralty’s warning. On May 7, the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania was en route from New York City to Liverpool, England when it was torpedoed on its starboard side and sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland. It only took about 20 minutes for the ship to sink. The Lusitania was carrying approximately 1,960 passengers and crew, of which there were 1,198 casualties. In addition, this passenger list included 159 U.S. citizens and there were 124 Americans included in the death toll.   After the Allies and the United States complained, Germany argued that the attack was justified because the Lusitania’s manifest listed various items of munitions that were bound for the British military. The British claimed that none of the munitions on board were â€Å"live†, so therefore the attack on the ship was not legitimate under the rules of war at that time. Germany argued otherwise. In 2008, a dive team explored the wreck of the Lusitania in 300 feet of water and found approximately four million rounds of Remington .303 bullets that had been made in the United States in the ship’s hold. Although Germany eventually gave in to protests made by the United States government regarding the submarine attack on the Lusitania and promised to end this type of warfare, six months later another ocean liner was sunk. In November 2015, a U-boat sunk an Italian liner without any warning whatsoever.   More than 270 people perished in this attack, including more than 25 Americans causing public opinion to begin to turn in favor of joining the war against Germany. Americas Entry into World War I On January 31, 1917, Germany declared that it was placing an end to its’ self-imposed moratorium on unrestricted warfare in waters that were within the war-zone. The United States government broke diplomatic relations with Germany three days later and almost immediately a German U-boat sunk the Housatonic which was an American cargo ship. On February 22, 1917, Congress enacted an arms appropriations bill that was designed to prepare the United States for war against Germany. Then, in March, four more U.S. merchant ships were sunk by Germany which prompted President Wilson to appear before Congress on April 2nd requesting a declaration of war against Germany. The Senate voted to declare war against Germany on April 4th and on April 6, 1917 the House of Representatives endorsed the Senate’s declaration causing the United States to enter World War I.

OZonE layer essays

OZonE layer essays Society has been widely addressed with the many problems that we are having in our environment today. A major problem is that of CFCs. CFC stands for Chlorofluorocarbons which are found in many of the aerosol spray cans. In December of 1973, Rowland and Molina discovered that CFCs can destroy the ozone in the stratosphere. In June 1975, the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) sued the Consumers Product Safety Commission for a band of CFCs used in aerosol spray cans. United States's fifth largest manufacturers of aerosol sprays announced that they will reduce the amount of CFCs used in there products. But as things started to get better, The Consumer Product Safety Commission rejected NRDC's law suit in July stating that there was insufficient evidence towards the amount of harm the CFCs were doing to the ozone layer. On September 1976, a report was released which re-enforced Rowland and Molina's hypothesis, but also stated that the govern- ment action on CFC regulations should be postponed. This report also stated that the CFCs can initiate climatic changes and contribute to the warming of the earth's atmosphere, i.e., the greenhouse effect. May 1977, several government agencies announced joint plans to limit, but not eliminate uses of CFCs in aerosol spray cans. But on February of the following year, the government decided to postpone the regulations on CFCs used in refrigeration, air conditioning, solvents, and other industrial processes. With all the new regulations taking affect and being postponed, nothing was getting accomplished, but finally, on October 1978, aerosols where banned in the United States. August of 1981, satellite pictures showed that over one percent of the ozone was lost due to CFCs. Then, in October of 1984, research groups found a forty percent loss of ozone over Antarctica. In August of 1985, satellite photos confirmed the e...

Boyles Law Definition in Chemistry

Boyle's Law Definition in Chemistry Boyles law states that the pressure of an ideal gas increases as its container volume decreases. Chemist and physicist Robert Boyle published the law in 1662. The gas law is sometimes called Mariottes law or the Boyle-Mariotte law because French physicist Edme Mariotte independently discovered the same law in 1679. Boyles Law Equation Boyles law is an ideal gas law where at a constant temperature, the volume of an ideal gas is inversely proportional to its absolute pressure. There are a couple of ways of expressing the law as an equation. The most basic one states: PV k where P is pressure, V is volume, and k is a constant. The law may also be used to find the pressure or volume of a system when the temperature is held constant: PiVi PfVf where: Pi initial pressureVi initial volumePf final pressureVf final volume Boyles Law and Human Breathing Boyles law may be applied to explain how people breathe and exhale air. When the diaphragm expands and contracts, lung volume increases and decreases, changing the air pressure inside of them. The pressure difference between the interior of the lungs and the external air produces either inhalation or exhalation. Sources Levine, Ira. N (1978). Physical Chemistry. University of Brooklyn: McGraw-Hill.Tortora, Gerald J. and Dickinson, Bryan. Pulmonary Ventilation in  Principles of Anatomy and Physiology  11th edition. Hoboken: John Wiley Sons, Inc., 2006, pp. 863-867.

Gender Relations in Corporate China and Islamic State Essay

Gender Relations in Corporate China and Islamic State - Essay Example Hence, women are convinced to abandon their children, families, and friends for the course of the IS. The Islamic State attracts women into its ranks by claiming that it has opened up democratic space and created a nationalistic and ethnically and racially diverse and orderly society at peace with itself. Through these campaigns and the lure of a society built on Islamic norms, the Islamic State has attracted women and elevated their perceived roles (Hammer, 130). These appeals have made the IS women feel that their historical disempowerment problems will be solved by the Islamic State. What is not apparent as at now is whether all these promises by the Islamic State are just utopia to allure women into its ranks. Gender Relations in Corporate China Since historical times, men have always been the head of the family and by extension, society in China. For instance, every family lineage in China would be linked only through male figures. Ironically, in the old days, Chinese women were only kept in records whenever they made some trouble. Confucianism teachings also greatly affected the role of Chinese women. Luckily, the role and relations with women have slightly changed in the current corporate China. Incorporate China, women continue to encounter changes and are increasingly climbing the social, political, and professional ladders to heights never seen in the traditional setting (Hu, 131). However, women are still not equally represented at the top of Chinese corporate world as Chinese men.

Whether Qumran was a Male Only Celibate Community or Not Research Paper

Whether Qumran was a Male Only Celibate Community or Not - Research Paper Example However, Qumran was not a male dominated society according to my intuition and analysis of some documented evidence regarding this community and in reading the arguments of other scholars. Research that has been done on the scrolls indicated the there is a linkage between the site and building complex, found immediately below the cliffs, and the caves, including the scrolls found inside them. The evidence gathered also does establish the way of life for this community. Qumran has been depicted as an aristocratic society as is opposed to the sectarian center. The available data shows that the inhabitants of this area took part in some communal activities and certain rites of religion. We need to establish the way this site could have influenced the lives of the community of Qumran as seen in some sectarian scrolls (Magness 8-56). Qumran and the issue of celibacy based on scrolls Qumran was initially established due to the need for a fortress for Hasmonaean, according to some scholars. It was then given to the Essenes following the taking over of power by Herod and immediately rituals of sacrifices came to rise up to until the period when the Essenes did leave the sacrifice rituals. This led to the use of the site by the Essenes as a cult center and was fully occupied with temple affairs and sacrifices. The coming of Judea’s destruction by romans led to the Essenes abandoning the sacrifices. Central to the purposes of this study are the cemeteries. This is because they have been singled out as being pivotal to verifying that indeed the sect occupying this site was celibate. In the main cemetery, there are 1100 graves that have been discovered marked with piles of stones and are neatly arranged. Twenty-six graves were excavated at the time of Jordanian occupation and found to have only males. However, female and children’s graves were identified outside the main cemetery. Other graves from secondary cemetery on the north side of Khirbet Qumran were e xcavated and out of the two that were opened, there was one male and one female. Another cemetery was located on the south of Wadi Qumran and noted to have thirty graves. One of these graves was found to have remains of a woman and three were for children. One question though still remains as to how this community would not have practiced celibacy when there is evidence of misappropriate male numbers. It is possible that Qumran did serve as the center for studies for the sectarians and thus the men did leave their families away to go for studies at Qumran. To that extend, we could argue that there was only a limited number of people who decided to fully live there and run family life hence the small number of women and children discovered (Charlesworth 213–33). It is true that we cannot dismiss the eventual emergence of the Essenes in the Qumran community. The only fact is that scholars who try to push for a celibacy thought as far as this community is concerned seem to have some inherent interest that could be alien to the practice of the mainstream Judaism. Even if we do tie the community to the existence of Essenes, we still reach a point where there is no congruency in our argument based on the two when it comes to the topic of marriage and celibacy. From the studies I have done on papers presented on the same issue, I find that the depiction of this community as one that had a total rejection of marriage is not founded on strong grounds since there have been records of those Essenes who were not ready nor willing to abandon marriage for the

The Logical Problem of Language Acquisition Essay

The Logical Problem of Language Acquisition - Essay Example (Cook, 1988) Language acquisition begins very early in the human lifespan, and begins, logically enough, with the acquisition of a language's sound patterns. The main linguistic accomplishments during the first year of life are control of the muscles that produce speech and sensitivity and the acquisition of native phonetic distinctions used in the parents' language. Interestingly, babies achieve these feats before they produce or understand words, so their learning cannot depend on correlating sound with meaning. They must be sorting the sounds directly, somehow tuning their speech analysis module to deliver the phonemes used in their language (Kuhl, et al., 1992). Shortly before their first birthday, babies begin to understand words, and around that birthday, they start to produce them (see Clark, 1993; Ingram, 1989). Despite the vast differences in language, children's first words are similar all over the planet. About half the words are for objects: food, household items, and people. There are words for actions, motions, and routines. Finally, there are routines used in social interaction, like yes, no, want, hi. Around 18 months, language changes in two ways. ... Once more, children's two-word combinations are highly similar across cultures. These sequences already reflect the language being acquired: in 95% of them, the words are properly ordered according to his/her particular grammatical rules. (Pinker, 1984; Ingram, 1989). Between the late two's and mid-three's, children's language blossoms so rapidly that it overwhelms the researchers who study it, and no one has worked out the exact sequence. Sentence length increases steadily, and because grammar is a combinatorial system, the number of syntactic types increases exponentially, doubling every month, reaching the thousands before the third birthday (Ingram, 1989, p. 235; Pinker, 1984). Though many of the young 3-year-old's sentences are ungrammatical for one reason or another, it is because there are many things that can go wrong in any single sentence. When researchers focus on a single grammatical rule and count how often a child obeys it and how often he or she ignores it, the results are very impressive: for just about every rule that has been looked at, three-year olds obey it a majority of the time (Pinker, 1984, 1989; Crain, 1992). Though our ears perk up when we hear errors, more than 90% of the time, the child is on target. Children do not seem to favor any particular kind of language (indeed, it would be puzzling how any kind of language could survive if children did not easily learn it!). They swiftly acquire free word order, SOV and VSO orders, systems of case and agreement, and whatever else their language throws at them. Even grammatical gender, which many adults learning a second language find challenging, presents no problem: children acquiring language like French, German, and Hebrew acquire

The importance of addressing corrections to a group of students Essay

The importance of addressing corrections to a group of students quickly and in a matter-of-fact fashion - Essay Example One of the main features of the good pedagogical procedures is giving feedback to the students. The teacher has to create an environment conducive to offering feedback. The class should be interactive and the teacher should encourage questioning from students. Good pedagogical measures deals in correcting the faults of the students. When faced with a big class the teacher can employ different tactics to deal in correctional methods. One of the most effective ways is to do daily reviews. This requires solving problems by recollecting the teachings of the previous class. The problems, if any, regarding the previous lessons are solved. Another effective way is providing homework lessons. Through the homework lessons, the problems regarding understanding can be solved. Class participation from the students can solve the problems regarding the lessons. The main motive for feedback strategies is to make the students understand the lesson and correct the deficiencies if any. (Teaching functions, n.d. pp 3-4) Reteaching: Reteaching is the process of teaching the lesson repetatively. The process is applied when the students do not get the essence of the lesson and there is room for improvement. With the help of the process the teachers can assure that, the student understands the lesson well. Improvement of instruction: Students may not be comfortable with the mode of instruction and this could hamper the understanding. Therefore, it is the duty of the teachers to understand the problem and employ techniques to improve the mode of instruction. Co-operative learning: Co-operation among the class is very important for the correctional measures of the students. The students should be divided in groups and activities relating to the lesson should be encouraged. Working in groups can help the students to overcome deficiencies in a particular area. (Miller, 11th February, 2009) Whole class

Hanson was hailed as an example of how the effective use of management Essay - 1

Hanson was hailed as an example of how the effective use of management resources can lead to success. Explain the growth of Hanson highlighting both internal an - Essay Example and as a result gain above average earnings and returns, this strategy states that the firm has to first identify the potential resources that will lead to growth, the next step is to evaluate these resources on whether they are valuable, rare, the ability to control these resources and whether the resources can gain value in the future. According to this strategy the firm will select an attractive industry to invest where the firm will have the opportunity to fully exploit its resources. The firm will also have to be capable of integrating their resource to perform tasks which will help the firm gain competitive advantage over its rivals. Chandler (1960) introduced the strategy and structure theory which stated that organisations were the agents of the industry, for this reason therefore the organisations determined industrial transformation, according to this theory the market mechanism is replaced by the enterprises which allocate resources and coordinate activities, in his view the invisible hand in the market is replaced by the visible hand of management. This strategy also states that the organisation moves from an unmanaged form of organisation to a managed form of organisation and for this reason management becomes a source of power to the organisation because management ensures continuous growth. Hanson stated that his management skills could be applied to any industry in the economy, his growth strategy was based on a number of objectives and strategy which can be referred to as conglomerate strategy, he chose companies were located in the US or in the UK. After acquiring these companies Hanson would reorganise the company to achieve high levels of earnings and the company would gain value, after the organisation gained value he would sell the company at a higher price than he acquired it. When the company was acquired he would undertake strategies that would oversee the growth of the organisation, the growth of the organisation was made possible by

The Role of Marriage in Persuasion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Role of Marriage in Persuasion - Essay Example Austen was reared during the Victorian era and the role and status of women were extremely limited and stagnant. For example, women could not vote, they typically received an inferior education to their male counterparts and were limited to domestic occupations (Williams, 5). This is the context in which Persuasion was developed highlighting the prominent position that women have only two good choices in society - to get married or become a governess (Parkinson, 24). Though Austen acknowledges that marriage helps prevent loneliness and isolation, she also examines the failures of society’s perceptions of marriage which may create an intellectual isolation for women. This isolation that she recognizes, as Samuel Burchell tells us, is that â€Å"Jane Austen’s characters start in the primary condition of loneliness, pass through the difficulties of establishing the proper communication with others, and reach fulfillment in the symbolic union of marriage† (Burchell 1 49). Marriage is about many things in the Victorian society but it is rarely about love. For example, Anne's countenance is recognized by Captain Benwick in chapter 11 of Persuasion as it is he who found her "engaging mildness of her countenance, and gentleness of her manner" (Austen, 95) enough to instantly feel at ease; her brother-in-laws family, the Musgrove's, who claimed "We do wish that Charles had married Anne instead." (Austen, 84); and even the unacquainted cousin Mr. Elliot too had an instant attraction to Anne as he passed her during their stay in Lyme. Austen portrays Anne as essentially the epitome of goodness and kindness, but who isn't a very resistant person. She would more often than not succumb to the desires and needs to those around her in order to aid another or to keep the peace, as shown in chapter 4 when she allows Sir Walter and Lady Russell to dispel any notions of marriage to Captain Wentworth. It is this nature that is a desirable characteristic of a wom an and a wife. Wentworth's entire character is full of conservative resistance. The main resistance Wentworth tries to overcome is his desire for Anne and the entire story is based on his resistance to requesting her hand in marriage again. Early in the story, there is the sense of monotony about the standard way of life as Austen uses repetition in here writing to persuade the reader of that sense of boredom. For thirteen years had she been doing the honors, and laying down the domestic law at home, and leading the way to the chaise and four, and walking immediately after Lady Russell out of all the drawing-rooms and dining rooms in the country. (Austen, 6-7) As the passage continues, there is a sense then of the repetition as we see the same thing happening for a span of over 13 years. What Austen wants the reader to see is how things will never change unless something drastic happens. As long as they follow the same routine, they can fake being happy. Thirteen winters' revolving frosts had seen her opening every ball of credit which a scanty neighborhood afforded; and thirteen springs have shewn their blossoms, as she traveled up to London with her father, for a few weeks annual enjoyment of the great world. (Austen, 6-7) What is interesting about this passage is that Austen tends to avoid discussing the central character at the start of the novel and in this case, is the early pages center on the vanity of her father as well as his contempt for those beneath him.  Ã‚  

Hanson was hailed as an example of how the effective use of management Essay - 1

Hanson was hailed as an example of how the effective use of management resources can lead to success. Explain the growth of Hanson highlighting both internal an - Essay Example and as a result gain above average earnings and returns, this strategy states that the firm has to first identify the potential resources that will lead to growth, the next step is to evaluate these resources on whether they are valuable, rare, the ability to control these resources and whether the resources can gain value in the future. According to this strategy the firm will select an attractive industry to invest where the firm will have the opportunity to fully exploit its resources. The firm will also have to be capable of integrating their resource to perform tasks which will help the firm gain competitive advantage over its rivals. Chandler (1960) introduced the strategy and structure theory which stated that organisations were the agents of the industry, for this reason therefore the organisations determined industrial transformation, according to this theory the market mechanism is replaced by the enterprises which allocate resources and coordinate activities, in his view the invisible hand in the market is replaced by the visible hand of management. This strategy also states that the organisation moves from an unmanaged form of organisation to a managed form of organisation and for this reason management becomes a source of power to the organisation because management ensures continuous growth. Hanson stated that his management skills could be applied to any industry in the economy, his growth strategy was based on a number of objectives and strategy which can be referred to as conglomerate strategy, he chose companies were located in the US or in the UK. After acquiring these companies Hanson would reorganise the company to achieve high levels of earnings and the company would gain value, after the organisation gained value he would sell the company at a higher price than he acquired it. When the company was acquired he would undertake strategies that would oversee the growth of the organisation, the growth of the organisation was made possible by

Investment and Selling Price Essay Example for Free

Investment and Selling Price Essay Turnhilm, Inc. is considering adding a small electric mower to its product line. Management believes that in order to be competitive, the mower cannot be priced above $139. The company requires a minimum return of 25% on its investments. Launching the new product would require an investment of $8,000,000. Sales are expected to be 40,000 units of the mower per year. Required: Compute the target cost of a mower. 57. The management of Hettler Corporation would like to set the selling price on a new product using the absorption costing approach to cost-plus pricing. The companys accounting department has supplied the following estimates for the new product: Management plans to produce and sell 4,000 units of the new product annually. The new product would require an investment of $643,000 and has a required return on investment of 20%. Required: a. Determine the unit product cost for the new product. b. Determine the markup percentage on absorption cost for the new product. c. Determine the target selling price for the new product using the absorption costing approach. 58. Bourret Corporation is introducing a new product whose direct materials cost is $42 per unit, direct labor cost is $16 per unit, variable manufacturing overhead is $9 per unit, and variable selling and administrative expense is $3 per unit. The annual fixed manufacturing overhead associated with the product is $84,000 and its annual fixed selling and administrative expense is $16,000. Management plans to produce and sell 4,000 units of the new product annually. The new product would require an investment of $1,022,400 and has a required return on investment of 10%. Management would like to set the selling price on a new product using the absorption costing approach to cost-plus pricing. Required: a. Determine the unit product cost for the new product. b. Determine the markup percentage on absorption cost for the new product. c. Determine the target selling price for the new product using the absorption costing approach.

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Environmental Sciences Essay

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Environmental Sciences Essay Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a method that combines the features of gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify different substances within a test sample. [6] Gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) make an effective combination for chemical analysis. [5, 10] The use of a mass spectrometer as the detector in gas chromatography was developed during the 1950s by Roland Gohlke and Fred McLafferty. These sensitive devices were bulky, fragile, and originally limited to laboratory settings. The development of affordable and miniaturized computers has helped in the simplification of the use of this instrument, as well as allowed great improvements in the amount of time it takes to analyze a sample. In 1996 the top-of-the-line high-speed GC-MS units completed analysis of fire accelerants in less than 90 seconds, whereas first-generation GC/MS would have required at least 16 minutes. This has led to their widespread adoption in a number of fields. [6] GC-MS theory and principle The Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) instrument separates chemical mixtures (the GC component) and identifies the components at a molecular level (the MS component). It is one of the most accurate tools for analyzing environmental samples. The GC works on the principle that a mixture will separate into individual substances when heated. The heated gases are carried through a column with an inert gas (such as helium). As the separated substances emerge from the column opening, they flow into the MS. [3] The GC separates the constituents of a sample as previously described, but as the gaseous sample exits the column and enters the Mass Spectrometer, it is bombarded with electrons that cause the molecules to become unstable and break down into charged fragments. The positive ions are collected and separated on the basis of their mass / charge ratio.   Various analyser types are available depending on what is being studied.   We have both a quadrupole type MS and an ion trap type MS available. The resulting mass spectra permit the identification of the analytes.   A typical detection limit would be 10 picograms which make it much more sensitive than the flame ionising detector on a GC. [2] To effectively use GC/MS evidence one must understand the process.   First, the GC process will be considered, and then the MS instrument will be presented.  [5] Gas chromatography In general, chromatography is used to separate mixtures of chemicals into individual components. Once isolated, the components can be evaluated individually. In gas chromatography (GC), the mobile phase is an inert gas such as helium. The mobile phase carries the sample mixture through what is referred to as a stationary phase. The stationary phase is a usually chemical that can selectively attract components in a sample mixture. The stationary phase is usually contained in a tube of some sort. This tube is referred to as a column. Columns can be glass or stainless steel of various dimensions. The mixture of compounds in the mobile phase interacts with the stationary phase. Each compound in the mixture interacts at a different rate. Those that interact the fastest will exit (elute from) the column first. Those that interact slowest will exit the column last. By changing characteristics of the mobile phase and the stationary phase, different mixtures of chemicals can be separated. Further refinements to this separation process can be made by changing the temperature of the stationary phase or the pressure of the mobile phase. The capillary column is held in an oven that can be programmed to increase the temperature gradually (or in GC terms, ramped). This helps our separation. As the compounds are separated, they elute from the column and enter a detector. The detector is capable of creating an electronic signal whenever the presence of a compound is detected. The greater the concentration in the sample, the bigger the signal. The signal is then processed by a computer. The time from when the injection is made (time zero) to when elution occurs is referred to as the retention time (RT). While the instrument runs, the computer generates a graph from the signal. This graph is called a chromatogram. Each of the peaks in the chromatogram represents the signal created when a compound elutes from the GC column into the detector. The x-axis shows the RT, and the y-axis shows the intensity (abundance) of the signal. [1] Figure: schematic diagram of gas chromatography 3.1 Mass spectrometry Mass spectrometry (MS) is a technique used for characterizing molecules according to the manner in which they fragment when bombarded with high-energy electrons, and for elemental analysis at trace levels. Therefore, it is used as a means of structural identification and analysis. Its widest application by far, is for the structural elucidation of organic compound. MS involves the ionization (conversion of molecules into positively charged ions) and fragmentation of molecules. Various methods are available to effect such a process: e.g. (i) Electron impact ionization, by far the most common mode used, (ii) Chemical ionization, (iii) Field ionization or (iv) Fast atom bombardment. In the more commonly used electron impact (EI) mode, the sample molecules are bombarded in the vapour phase with a high-energy electron beam in the instrument known as a mass spectrometer. This process generates a series of positive ions having both mass and charge, which are subsequently separated by deflection in a variable magnetic field according to their mass to charge (m/z) ratio. This results in the generation of a current (ion current) at the detector in proportion to their relative abundance. The resulting mass spectrum is recorded as a series of lines or peaks of relative abundance (vertical peak intensity) versus m/z ratio. The sample is introduced into the inlet system, where it is heated and vaporized under vacuum, and then bled into the ionization chamber (ion source) through a small orifice. Sample sizes for liquids and solids range from milligrams to less than a nanogram, depending on the detection limits of the instrument. Once the gas stream from the inlet system en ters the ionization chamber, it is bombarded at right angles by an electron beam (70 eV) emitted from a hot filament. Only Ëœ20eV is needed to remove one electron from the molecule, to create M+, the remainder is used to fragment the molecular ion into a mixture of radical cations, cations and free radicals. The positively charged ion fragments are then forced through a series of negatively charged accelerating slits towards the mass analyser, where separation of these ion fragments takes place. This analyser tube is an evacuated curved metal tube through which the ion beam passes from the ion source to the ion collector. In early instruments, the fragment ions were deflected in a curved path by a magnetic field only. Mass separation depended on the magnetic field strength, the radius of curvature of the magnetic field and the magnitude of the acceleration voltage. The introduction of an electrostatic field after the magnetic field in later instruments permitted higher resolution so that the mass readings could be obtained to four decimal places. In present day instruments, this double focusing system has been further modified to optimize resolution and most instruments now use a quadrupole mass analyser to effect separation of the ion fragments. The ions are collected one set at a time, with the aid of collimating slits, in the ion collector, where they are also detected and amplified by an electron multiplier. Mass spectral data is recorded on computer. Most mass spectrometers are computer controlled nowadays, and scans from mass ranges 12 to > 700 amu, Can be performed in seconds. [4] Figure: schematic diagram of mass spectrometry 4. Instrumentation of GC-MS The insides of the GC-MS, with the column of the gas chromatograph in the oven on the right. The GC-MS is composed of two major building blocks: the gas chromatograph and the mass spectrometer. The gas chromatograph utilizes a capillary column which depends on the columns dimensions (length, diameter, film thickness) as well as the phase properties (e.g. 5% phenyl polysiloxane). The difference in the chemical properties between different molecules in a mixture will separate the molecules as the sample travels the length of the column. The molecules take different amounts of time (called the retention time) to come out of (elute from) the gas chromatograph, and this allows the mass spectrometer downstream to capture, ionize, accelerate, deflect, and detect the ionized molecules separately. The mass spectrometer does this by breaking each molecule into ionized fragments and detecting these fragments using their mass to charge ratio. Figure: GC-MS schematic These two components, used together, allow a much finer degree of substance identification than either unit used separately. It is not possible to make an accurate identification of a particular molecule by gas chromatography or mass spectrometry alone. The mass spectrometry process normally requires a very pure sample while gas chromatography using a traditional detector (e.g. Flame Ionization Detector) detects multiple molecules that happen to take the same amount of time to travel through the column (i.e. have the same retention time) which results in two or more molecules to co-elute. Sometimes two different molecules can also have a similar pattern of ionized fragments in a mass spectrometer (mass spectrum). Combining the two processes makes it extremely unlikely that two different molecules will behave in the same way in both a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer. Therefore when an identifying mass spectrum appears at a characteristic retention time in a GC-MS analysis, i t typically lends to increased certainty that the analyte of interest is in the sample. [6] Figure: schematic of GC/MS 4.1 Inlet system Samples are introduced to the column via an inlet. This inlet is typically injection through a septum. Once in the inlet, the heated chamber acts to volatilize the sample. [6] 4.1.1 GC-MS interface In this GC-MS system, the link between the two instruments is called an interface; it is like a jet separator, whose purpose is to (1) enrich the sample and (2) adjust the vacuum to the high vacuum conditions needed for MS analysis of the column eluent. [11, 9] After separation of our components by the GC, we need away to introduce this sample into MS- interface. An ideal interface should be Qualitatively transfer all analyte Reduce pressure flow/from chromatograph to level MS can handle Not cost an arm (or a leg) No interface meets all requirements The major goal of the interface is to remove all of the carrier gas from- the majority of the effluents. Interface should cover Molecular separator Permeation separator Open split Capillary direct [7] 4.1.2 Molecular separator It is the most popular approach when packed columns are used and based on the relative rate of diffusion. In this the smaller molecules will diffuse more rapidly and most will miss the MS entry jet. The larger molecules will diffuse more slowly will tend to lead the MS entry jet. [7, 11] Figure: molecular separator Advantages of molecular separator It is relatively simple and inexpensive approaches Disadvantages Rate of diffusion is molecular weight dependent If jet becomes partially plugged, you can end up with an excellent carrier gas detector [7] 4.1.3 Permeation interface A semi permeation membrane is placed between the GC effluents and the MS The major problem with this approach is Membrane selectively based on polarity and the molecular weight slow to respond. Only a small fraction analyte actually permeates through the membrane. [7] Figure: permeation membrane 4.1.4 Open or split interface In a split system, a constant flow of carrier gas moves through the inlet. A portion of the carrier gas flow acts to transport the sample into the column. [6] The chromatographic column leads to a T-shaped that contains a smaller diameter tube. A platinum or deactivated fused silica capillary also leads to this tube and goes into the mass spectrometer source. The capillary is kept into the vacuum sealed device and is heated to avoid condensation. The T-shaped tube is closed at both ends but is not sealed, so that pressure remained equal to the atmospheric pressure. A helium gas is continuously passed to avoid any reaction of the gas. [9] The MS pulls the analyte in about 1mL/min through a flow restrictor. If flow is above that the excess is vented. If it is below the He from the external source is pulled in. it is the best source for that have flows close to1mL/min like capillary columns.[7] Figure: open or split interface Advantages Any gas producing source will be used. Relatively low cost and easy to use. Disadvantages Sample leaves columns in split. Split changes as flow change. Split system is preferred when the detector is sensitive to trace amounts of analyte and there is concern about overloading the column [7] 4.1.5 Capillary direct interface This coupling consists of having the capillary column directly entering the spectrometer source by a set of vacuum- sealed joints. Here the pumping is not the problem because the capillary is very long. A length of at least 1.5m is necessary for the column with inside diameter of 0.25mm. [9] If we limit the GC to the capillary column only, the MS can actually use all column effluents. [7] The carrier gas flow gets directed to purge the inlet of any sample following injection (septum purge). Yet another portion of the flow is directed through the split vent in a set ratio known as the split ratio. [6] Figure: capillary direct interface Advantages Low cost simple device No dead volume No selectivity Disadvantages Limits flow range that column can be used Limits the column ID that can use Part of column lost which serve as a flow restrictor[7] 4.2. Vacuum system In order to the MS process to work, it must be conducted under vacuum condition. The major reason for this is to increase the mean free path. The average distance that ions or molecules will travel before colliding with another ion or molecule. A high mean free path is to ensure predictable and reproducible high sensitivity and reliable mass analysis. [7] Since a vacuum is required to work a detector; Detectors are design to use the vacuum as an insulator Large voltage are used in the MS Operation of the detector in the absence of the vacuum that can cause severe damage Most instrument prevent operation if the vacuum is not high enough A vacuum is produced by using a combination of the two pumps- two stage vacuum pumps. The rotary pumps produced vacuum 102-104torr. These are the turbomolecular or diffusion pumps work in the range of 105torr. These are actually like the compressor. 4.2.1 Turbomolecular pump It relies on the series of blades or the air foils that tend to deflect the gas. It able to produce the clean vacuum in few hours and reliable Disadvantage It is expensive, short life time, can become noisy Figure: turbomolecular pump 4.2.2 Oil diffusion pumps It is another important type of the pump that produce high vacuum. These are reliable, maintenance free and quite but take much time and due to poor design oil enters into the vacuum. [7] Figure: oil diffusion pumps 4.3. Ionization A number of ionization techniques available Figure: types of ionization 4.3.1 Types of ionization After the molecules travel the length of the column, pass through the transfer line and enter into the mass spectrometer they are ionized by various methods with typically only one method being used at any given time. Once the sample is fragmented it will then be detected, usually by an electron multiplier diode, which essentially turns the ionized mass fragment into an electrical signal that is then detected. The ionization technique chosen is independent of using Full Scan or SIM. [6] 4.3.1.1 Electron Ionization By far the most common and perhaps standard form of ionization is electron ionization (EI). The molecules enter into the MS (the source is a quadrupole or the ion trap itself in an ion trap MS) where they are bombarded with free electrons emitted from a filament, not much unlike the filament one would find in a standard light bulb. The electrons bombard the molecules, causing the molecule to fragment in a characteristic and reproducible way. This hard ionization technique results in the creation of more fragments of low mass to charge ratio (m/z) and few, if any, molecules approaching the molecular mass unit. Hard ionization is considered by mass spectroscopists as the employ of molecular electron bombardment, whereas soft ionization is charge by molecular collision with an introduced gas. The molecular fragmentation pattern is dependant upon the electron energy applied to the system, typically 70eV (electron Volts). The use of 70eV facilitates comparison of generated spectra with Na tional Institute of Standard (NIST-USA) library of spectra applying algorithmic matching programs and the use of methods of analysis written by much method standardization Chemical Ionization. [6, 10] Figure: EI graph Figure: EI source 4.3.1.2 Chemical Ionization In chemical ionization a reagent gas, typically methane or ammonia is introduced into the mass spectrometer. Depending on the technique (positive CI or negative CI) chosen, this reagent gas will interact with the electrons and analyte and cause a soft ionization of the molecule of interest. A softer ionization fragments the molecule to a lower degree than the hard ionization of EI. One of the main benefits of using chemical ionization is that a mass fragment closely corresponding to the molecular weight of the analyte of interest is produced. Figure: CI source Positive chemical Ionization In Positive Chemical Ionization (PCI) the reagent gas interacts with the target molecule, most often with a proton exchange. This produces the species in relatively high amounts. Negative Chemical Ionization In Negative Chemical Ionization (NCI) the reagent gas decreases the impact of the free electrons on the target analyte. This decreased energy typically leaves the fragment in great supply. [6, 7] Figure: comparison of graph obtain from EI and CI 4.4 Mass analyzer A mass analyzer or filter is the portion of the mass spectrometer that is responsible for resolving different mass fragments. Typically all ions will move with same kinetic energy (1/2mv2). Some aspects of these accelerated ions are exploited as the basis for resolving them. 4.4.1 Types of mass analyzers There are following types of mass analyzers Magnetic Electrostatic Time of flight Quadrupole mass filter Quadrupole ion storage(ion trap) The last two types are most commonly used in GC/MS systems although time of flight making a come back [7, 6, 10] 4.4.1.1 Quadrupole mass filter It consists of four rods. Figure: rods of quadrupole Rods operate in pairs (x or y) and each carries a voltage. Only ions of proper m/z value can successfully traverses the entire filter (z axis). The high pass rods filter out ions with too low of an m/z. the low pass filter outs the ions with too high of an m/z value. [7] Figure: schematic of quadrupole 4.5 Detector Ion detection Once the ions are separated, we need a way to convert them to a response that can be used. An electron multiplier is the most common type of detector used. It is a continuous dynode type of detector. The inner surface of the detector is electroemassive material. When struck by ion electrons are ejected. Due to increasing potential, the electrons are accelerated and when they strike another surface, even more electrons are ejected. This significantly amplifies our signals. [7] Figure: detector 4.6 Data system Data system is the heart of our GC/MS system. Without it we would have no way to deal with the vast amount of information that even a single GC/MS analysis produce. Inexpensive fast desktop are the single most important advance in GC/MS. [7] Figure: data system 4.7 Method of analysis The primary goal of instrument analysis is to quantify an amount of substance. This is done by comparing the relative concentrations among the atomic masses in the generated spectrum. Two kinds of analysis are possible, comparative and original. Comparative analysis essentially compares the given spectrum to a spectrum library to see if its characteristics are present for some sample in the library. This is best performed by a computer because there are a myriad of visual distortions that can take place due to variations in scale. Computers can also simultaneously correlate more data (such as the retention times identified by GC), to more accurately relate certain data. Another method of analysis measures the peaks in relation to one another. In this method, the tallest peak is assigned 100% of the value, and the other peaks being assigned proportionate values. All values above 3% are assigned. The total mass of the unknown compound is normally indicated by the parent peak. The value of this parent peak can be used to fit with a chemical formula containing the various elements which are believed to be in the compound. The isotope pattern in the spectrum, which is unique for elements that have many isotopes, can also be used to identify the various elements present. Once a chemical formula has been matched to the spectrum, the molecular structure and bonding can be identified, and must be consistent with the characteristics recorded by GC/MS. Typically, this identification done automatically by programs which come with the instrument, given a list of the elements which could be present in the sample. A full spectrum analysis considers all the peaks within a spectrum. Conversely, selective ion monitoring (SIM) only monitors selected peaks associated with a specific substance. This is done on the assumption that at a given retention time, a set of ions is characteristic of a certain compound. This is a fast and efficient analysis, especially if the analyst has previous information about a sample or is only looking for a few specific substances. When the amount of information collected about the ions in a given gas chromatographic peak decreases, the sensitivity of the analysis increases. So, SIM analysis allows for a smaller quantity of a compound to be detected and measured, but the degree of certainty about the identity of that compound is reduced. [6] 5. Applications 5.1. Environmental Monitoring and Cleanup GC-MS is becoming the tool of choice for tracking organic pollutants in the environment. The cost of GC-MS equipment has decreased significantly, and the reliability has increased at the same time, which has contributed to its increased adoption in environmental studies. There are some compounds for which GC-MS is not sufficiently sensitive, including certain pesticides and herbicides, but for most organic analysis of environmental samples, including many major classes of pesticides, it is very sensitive and effective. 5.2. Criminal Forensics GC-MS can analyze the particles from a human body in order to help link a criminal to a crime. The analysis of fire debris using GC-MS is well established, and there is even an established American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standard for fire debris analysis. GCMS/MS is especially useful here as samples often contain very complex matrices and results, used in court, need to be highly accurate. 5.3. Law Enforcement GC-MS is increasingly used for detection of illegal narcotics, and may eventually supplant drug-sniffing dogs. It is also commonly used in forensic toxicology to find drugs and/or poisons in biological specimens of suspects, victims, or the deceased. 5.4. Security A post-September 11 development, explosive detection systems have become a part of all US airports. These systems run on a host of technologies, many of them based on GC-MS. There are only three manufacturers certified by the FAA to provide these systems, one of which is Thermo Detection (formerly Thermedics), which produces the EGIS, a GC-MS-based line of explosives detectors. The other two manufacturers are Barringer Technologies, now owned by Smiths Detection Systems and Ion Track Instruments, part of General Electric Infrastructure Security Systems. 5.5. Food, Beverage and Perfume Analysis Foods and beverages contain numerous aromatic compounds, some naturally present in the raw materials and some forming during processing. GC-MS is extensively used for the analysis of these compounds which include esters, fatty acids, alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes etc. It is also used to detect and measure contaminant from spoilage or adulteration which may be harmful and which is often controlled by governmental agencies, for example pesticides. 5.6. Astrochemistry Several GC-MS have left earth. Two were brought to Mars by the Viking program. Venera 11 and 12 and Pioneer Venus analysed the atmosphere of Venus with GC-MS. The Huygens probe of the Cassini-Huygens mission landed one GC-MS on SaturnHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SaturnsHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnss largest moon, Titan. The material in the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko will be analysed by the Rosetta mission with a chiral GC-MS in 2014. 5.7. Medicine In combination with isotopic labeling of metabolic compounds, the GC-MS is used for determining metabolic activity. Most applications are based on the use of 13C as the labeling and the measurement of 13C/12C ratios with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS); an MS with a detector designed to measure a few select ions and return values as ratios. [6]

riane eisler :: essays research papers

Riane Eisler Riane Eisler lives a lifestyle based on eco-feminism. She believes that we all live in a sexual and social equality and harmony in nature. In her book The Chalice and the Blade, she states ‘that for a millennia...prehistoric societies worshipped the goddess of nature and spirituality, our Great Mother, the giver of life and creator of all.' The societies that believed in this one creator were structured and peaceful, much like the societies we are trying to create in today's world. The ancient cultures did not treat earth as an object for ‘exploitation and domination' and believed in gender equality and respected women for their feminie values and life-giving gifts. Approximately 3,500 years ago, there were many different groups of civilization around the world. Within these different groups women held important positions such as priestesses and craftspeople. They were not male dominant and tended to be quite peaceful. Eisler mentions the Gaia hypothesis in her article stating that ‘in essence it is a scientific update of the belief system of Goddess-worshipping prehistoric societies'. Gaia is the Greek name for Earth and this hypothesis belief is that the Great Mother gives us all life and life's necessities. When Archaeology was just beginning scholars found evidence of societies where men were not superior to women, therefor they assumed that men had been inferior to the woman. This opinion was not based on evidence, but what Eisler called ‘the dominator society world view'. These Goddess worshipping societies believed that spirituality and nature were one. In Minoan, Egyptian, Sumerian and various other ancient cultures, women became priestesses and served the Goddess. These cultures all gave their Goddesses

Who Do We Think We Are? :: essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1 Who Do We Think We Are?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Capital Punishment is the penalty of death for a crime. The most common criminals who are executed are convicted murderers. What message is that sending? The use of capital punishment sends the message that murder is okay, as long as it is applied to the right person. The application of capital punishment in our society is hypocritical. It has no place in the judicial system.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The way we handle the punishment of capital crimes is pathetic! There are other ways to punish criminals outside of taking their lives, but we, for some reason, feel the need to play the exterminator. The people who commit capital crimes are not animals to be exterminated. They are human. They deserve the same breath that everyone else takes. If a person commits a heinous crime then that person is obviously not normal. That person is obviously in need of mental help and, we should help these criminals instead of hurting them (religioustolerance.org).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Criminals have families and friends who care about them. Why should the innocent bystanders be punished because of another's actions? Killing anyone, for any reason, only brings on more pain and suffering than is necessary. We should recognize the problems in   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2 our society and heal those problems instead of placing a temporary fix on a permanent problem.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Capital punishment is excessive and unnecessary. Killing a criminal only solves one problem and causes many more. The one problem it solves is the criminal is no longer walking the streets. Encarceration would serve the same purpose. If the criminal is encarcerated then he/she no longer poses a direct threat to society, so killing him/her would be overkill (pardon the pun). It causes other problems because the criminal was executed merely out of retribution. Sort of an eye for an eye. Actions like this only keep hatred and condemnation flowing in society (progress.org).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A punishment can only be called a deterrent if it is performed consistantly and promptly. There are three reasons why capital punishment cannot be performed with any consistancy or promptness. 1) The number of convicted murderers sentenced to death are small, and of that number, an even smaller number are actually executed 2)Manditory death sentences are unconstitutional (Woodson v. North Carolina, 1976). 3)A considerable time between the imposition of the death sentence and the actual execution is unavoidable.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If a person is going to premeditate a capital crime, he/she is not going to be

Quality Assessment Essay

â€Å"Assessment practises have a powerful impact on learning and teaching† (Curriculum Council of Western Australia, 2004, p. 37). For teachers the focus is on the use of assessment results; how they use those results to inform instructional decision making and whether they provide results that verify students have indeed met the learning targets originally set. Thus, judgements are made about the quality of assessments after the students’ performance. ‘High-quality’ assessments encompass a number of criteria’s and involve a great deal more than simply measuring knowledge (McMillan, 2011) and are outlined below in seven key areas. 1. Clear Purpose – The first decision is clarify the purpose for the assessment. Why is the assessment taking place? What is to be gained from it? Will the teacher be using formative techniques to monitor student progress or will the teacher use summative techniques to establish grades (Chappuis, Chappuis, & Stiggins, 2009)? â€Å"Knowing the reason for the assessment is crucial because this will determine what the assessment should look like, how it is administered and scored, and how the results will be used (McMillan, 2011, p.10)†. 2. Defined Learning Targets –Are they reasonable and do they ‘align’ with the state standards, student characteristics and overall goals (McMillan, 2011)? Learning targets need to be clear and understandable to everyone (Chappuis, Chappuis, & Stiggins, 2009). Learning targets are important as they define expectations. 3. Assessment Methods – The assessment methods, using either selected or constructed responses, need to align with the chosen learning targets (McMillan, 2011). â€Å"Selecting an assessment method that is incapable of reflecting the intended learning will compromise the accuracy of the results† (Chappuis, Chappuis, & Stiggins, 2009). These also need to practical and efficient so as not to be too time consuming on lessons. 4. Fairness – Fair assessments are unbiased without the influence of discrimination or subjective factors (McMillan, 2011). â€Å"All students should have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their achievement† (Curriculum Council of Western Australia, 2004, p. 38). 5.Validity & Reliability – Judgements should be based on all information and multiple measures that authenticate the conclusion (Curriculum Council of Western Australia, 2004). The assessment is useless unless the inference is appropriate, useful, reasonable and consistent (McMillan, 2011). 6. Criteria – Outlining criteria contributes to students’ learning by making clear the outcomes or goals they are striving for (Curriculum Council of Western Australia, 2004). â€Å"The issue of how student responses will be evaluated lies at the heart of any type of assessment† (McMillan, 2011, p.35). 7. Feedback – Feedback should be clear and constructive. Feedback by both by the teacher and self-assessment allows students to take responsibility for their learning and helps students â€Å"identify how they can improve their learning† (Killen, 2005, p. 98) and ensure motivation is high through positive consequences. By ensuring the lessons have a clear purpose, are well planned and allow all students’ to demonstrate their achievements through a fair, valid and reliable process, learning and teaching is improved and achievement is enhanced. â€Å"High quality assessments have consequences that will be positive for both students and yourself† (McMillan, 2011, p. 86). References Chappuis, S. , Chappuis, J. , & Stiggins, R. (2009). The Quest for Quality. Multiple Measures , 67 (3), 14-19. Curriculum Council of Western Australia. (2004). Curriculum Framework. Osborne Park: W. A. Killen, R. (2005). Programming and assessment for quality teaching and learning. South Thompson: Cengage. McMillan, J. H. (2011). Classroom Assessment: Principles and Practice for Effective Standards – Based Instruction (Fifth ed. ). Boston: Pearson.

E-Commerce and Marketing Strategies

As the Magic Kids USA tagline says, â€Å"Stop paying too much on Kids wear,† the online store aims to attract its consumers by the moderately priced products that they offer that starts at the lowest price of $2.65. Apart from the clothes that Magic Kids USA offers, they also offer shoes and footwear for children. They also have branded products, mostly from popular cartoon television shows and comics characters. The aesthetic value of the website resembles the typical online business store. Upon opening the website, you would know you are visiting an online shop and the only thing that you are going to do is browse through their products and decide whether to purchase their products or not. As most online stores offer, Magic Kids USA designed their website so clients may easily navigate through the web pages and browse through their selections of clothing and footwear. Magic Kids USA aims to target all classes of society as their client base, this is because they offer the lowest up to the highest prices, and also provide branded merchandise and popular character based products. Their branded products also range from the popular and expensive ones to the moderately priced branded products. Moreover, they have gift certificates to earn discount rates for consumers to spend less, thus, causing them to continue spending more. Anna Bean Children’s Clothing ::  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.annabean.com/ The Anna Bean Children’s Clothing online store offers an extensive selection of children’s clothes for boys and girls, diaper bags, gift collections and ideas, room decorations, and so much more. As far as uniqueness is concerned, the products that Anna Bean offers are the same selections in other online stores for children such as Web Clothes and Bunny Creek. The service that only Anna Bean offers among the three online stores is the Gift Services and Gift Registry. These services offer an option for gift wrapping with additional payment and an opportunity for people to sign up for an Anna Bean account and sell unwanted and duplicated gifts online for other online clients to purchase. They also have a corporate account wherein people can call and consult them for gift selections and alternatives. The Gift Services, Gift Registry, and corporate accounts services of Anna Bean expands their client base because of the added and relevant service that they provide. The aesthetic value of the website was intended to present a young and artistic feel that suits the personality of children. The color for the background was attractive and the logo and other icons were attractive shapes and colors for children. Navigating through the website was easy because their items were categorized and labeled accordingly, therefore, it was easy to browse through their products and select items to be purchased. Anna Bean utilizes a creative way of marketing their products. They have put together the magazine covers on which they had the opportunity to advertise their products. The magazines were popular for expectant moms, parents, working mothers, and fashion magazines for children. They also offer overnight shipping, which is a good strategy, especially to attract clients who do not want to wait. Bunny Creek ::  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.bunnycreek.com/ The outline of Bunny Creek’s website is similar to that of Anna Beans’. They have the same selection of clothing, however the categories were more specific, such as selections by brands, size, season, new arrivals, etc. This means that they have a larger selection of products to offer online. They also cater to the lower class client base because they have â€Å"The $2, $5, $10 Sale.† They also have electronic discount coupons and gift certificates for those who want to cut costs of the products that they are going to purchase. Their products range from the most to the least expensive, allowing them to earn a larger client base that caters to the upper, middle, and lower classes of society. For some of the gift items that they provide, they offer personalization of the products, however, taking more time than the usual duration of delivery. Moreover, Bunny Creek offers substantial information on how to purchase and pay for an order, a list of shipping fees, handling rates and conditions, the delivery time, etc. The online store was more informative and revealed important details for the clients. The physical make-up of Bunny Creek is not as attractive as Anna Bean, for example. The colors were boring, thus, failing to attract online clients who happen to browse through the website. Web sites should offer interactive and creative websites in order to attract consumers to navigate through the web pages and gain potential purchasers. Navigating through the website was easy because their products were neatly categorized and it was easy to select products because numerous products were displayed at once. Advertising and marketing for Bunny Creek is not effective because of its failure to give off a child-friendly or child-oriented image, just by looking at the design of the web page. Clients usually go for online stores, which exert effort in beautifying their web page and offering many services for their clients.

Zara: It for Fast Fashion

Zara: IT for Fast Fashion Identification of issues: The case study, Zara: IT for Fast Fashion, focuses on the retail giant, Inditex, and how its largest retail chain, Zara, has been so successful with their business model of high fashion, product variation, low cost, speed, and flexibility. Several issues are identified in this case study. One glaring issue that is apparent relates to the fact that a long term Information Technology (IT) strategy does not exist. There is no formal system in place to plan and predict for their future needs, including operational and capital expenses.Another issue consists of the retailer not having a centralized distribution system in place, their stores do not share inventory counts, and the managers do not have a system in place to look up their inventory balances in their stores or other stores, (they accomplish this by canvassing the stores). Another significant current issue relates to the fact that their current IT system is unsustainable, as th e equipment is obsolete and unsupported by Microsoft. Their IT system is not wireless, their screens are small, they are using styluses, which can be cumbersome, and older technology such as floppy disks and modems.The last issue involves a lack of shared knowledge of the current system in place; one person is relied upon and depended for knowledge of the systems functionality. Being so dependant upon one person places the whole system at risk. Importance of the key issue: The key issue in this case study involves whether or not Inditex should upgrade the retailer’s information technology infrastructure and capabilities or whether they should continue using their current system. The problem that Zara faces now is that their current system, P-O-S (Point of Sales terminals), runs on DOS, which Microsoft does not support any longer.Any hardware change in the POS terminal would not be compatible with their current POS software. Without an upgrade, they risk that their current sup plier could no longer support them. Investing in IT infrastructure is inevitable as Microsoft DOS is obsolete technology and there is no guarantee that their POS vendor will continue supplying the same terminal without changes to their hardware. Personal Digital Assistants (PDA’s) are currently used in all Zara stores, POS terminals are not connected with Zara’s headquarters or with other stores. here is no system in place to link employees’ daily sales, causing employees to copy this information onto a floppy disk. Zara’s success and main business strategy is dependent upon their ability to respond very quickly to the demands of their customers. By upgrading their current system, they could add functionality and capabilities that could resolve other issues they face, such as sharing inventory, and being proficient at matching supply and demand. They can comfortably meet their mission by keeping current with fashion.Without the infrastructure to support i t, it would be impossible to accomplish, as they would not have the security controls, and back up systems in place. This issue is more important than any other issue to resolve, as Zara’s mission, success and future depends on technology reliability and accuracy. If this issue is not resolved, it is impossible to address all of the other issues identified above. Key Stakeholders: There are numerous stakeholders who are affected by the key issue of whether or not they should upgrade their IT Zara’s customers system want the latest fashions in stock, in their size and color, in a timey fashion.By having an upgraded, efficient IT system, Zara’s customers could experience better inventory controls to meet their needs. This in turn develops customer loyalty which equates to a higher volume of sales. Another key stakeholder is Zara’s employees. Employees want job security. A well defined, upgraded, efficient IT system can assist in sales volume, which turns in to profit for the company. Employees also want to reduce their workload and redundancy. Their current system does not take advantage of functional automation and communication, which can increase their work load.Another stakeholder, Zara’s IT vendor, certainly wants to maintain their business relationship with them, but may find it difficult to continue conducting business with a company who uses such an obsolete, unsupported, vulnerable system. Zara’s managers are also important stakeholders in the decision to upgrade. Their managers want the current POS system to do more, such as look up inventory balances in stores. This basic functionality is lacking. They want to be in a position to negotiate pricing and keep up with their competitors.Zara’s shareholders are interested in maintaining the financial success that Zara has experienced. They want a system in place to assure that their current fashion demands are met, that a system is in place to account for and share merchandise. They want to be able to invest wisely and innovate themselves to stay fresh in the apparel industry. Another stakeholder, Zara’s suppliers wants a functional IT system to provide better lead time for orders and materials, and to be able to communicate in a timely, seamless manner. Causes of the issue:There are many causes that contribute to the situation that Zara faces at the moment. Having a mission and vision without having a strategic plan to get there is a contributing factor. Having a decentralized decision making system in place can also be a root cause. Having equipment that is obsolescence is a result of the above factors. Not having staff and systems in place to effectively plan for the future, leads to antiquated equipment and manual, cumbersome, inaccurate, processes. Other factors responsible for the lack of strategic IT planning at Zara include their current business model and leadership complacency.Alternative solutions: There are three alter native solutions. The first would be to purchase the current POS terminals from their vendors so they can support their needs in case the vendor changes their machine to new technology, and continue functioning the way they have been. The second solution involves hire a consulting firm to review their situation and conduct a strategic financial analysis of their options. The third solution to the key issue identified is to proceed in upgrading their current IT system and add functional capabilities to meet the needs of their organization.Recommendations: I recommend the third solution, that Zara purchase and implementing a new POS networking system. This recommendation would create a robust system that is more responsive to Inditex’s supply chain network. It also removes the risk of the system becoming obsolete and non- compatible with the vendor’s machine upgrade. It decreases their exposure for system failures, helps to maintain and improve efficiency of decentraliza tion because information flow can be improved between stores, distribution chains and vendors.The most important aspect of Zara’s approach to information technology includes the ability to meet the needs of their customers, whether that involves accuracy, timeliness, marketing, demand, or communication. Their original business model involved linking demand to manufacturing, and linking manufacturing to distribution, this involves a reliable, compatible IT system. Upgrading the POS applications to include additional functionality, such as networking capability, and the ability to share inventory with other stores, only makes their corporation more productive and efficient.The use of larger screens, and keyboards, vs. smaller screens and styluses would also be beneficial to the employees and customers. There are however pitfalls to this recommendation. Above and beyond the obvious capital expense of the equipment and software, implementing the recommended solution in the short term may require restructuring the IT department to include a Chief Information Officer (CIO). The CIO would also be responsible to conduct a comprehensive review of current industry technologies and determine which IT capabilities and functionalities will best support the company’s strategic mission.This person would also be responsible to initiate a formal IT budgeting process that is part of the broader capital budget, and create a formal process for selecting and prioritizing IT projects that includes both financial and non-financial metrics (Porter, M, 2001). In the medium term, Zara may consider an outside team to initiate this IT change. It is questionable if Zara currently has the time and internal talent to effect the change. An outsourced professional team may accomplish this task, while allowing personnel to focus on their day to day operations.Zara can cross train a few IT personnel to work closely with the implementation team, to assure a seamless transition. A à ¢â‚¬Å"train the trainer† may be beneficial. This may mean that they may have to hire replacement personnel on a temporary basis. In the long term Zara should develop a â€Å"long-term IT renewal plan† as recommended by Feld and Stoddard, 2004, to develop a plan to maintain and sustain their new system; this requires time, money and talent. Incorporating the three principles in executing IT effectively: A long termIT renewal plan linked to corporate strategy, a simplified unifying corporate technology platform and a highly functional, performance-oriented IT organization would benefit Zara (Feld and Stoddard, 2004). Keeping up with technology allows Zara to focus on future fashion trends, with effective IT they will be able to stay ahead of the curve and keep their leadership. They will sustain their business model based on short deadlines, decrease quantities, and updated styles and fashion.If Zara anticipates opening up new stores in the future, they would need to upgr ade their system anyway. If they opened up new stores with new technology, their current technology would not be compatible and the stores could not communicate effectively with one another and share information. The second solution mentioned above, which involves hiring a consulting firm to review their situation and conduct a strategic financial analysis of their options is not in the best interest of the corporation.Hiring consultants takes time and energy and are expensive. They are not familiar with the organizations structure, strengths, weaknesses or capabilities. Financial resources would be better spent on the purchase of new upgraded equipment vs. putting off the inevitable. The first solution described above, purchasing the current POS terminals from their vendors so they can support their needs in case the vendor changes their machine to new technology and continuing to function they way they have been is not an option, if they want to remain viable.Change is unavoidable , as this profitable, highly reputable company cannot continue to function with obsolete equipment. Obsolete equipment sets them up for failure in the event the equipment fails or needs repair. It does not allow them to implement a systematic plan to move the organization forward, instead it stagnates their capabilities. The likely outcomes of my recommendation would be an efficient, accurate, timely IT infrastructure that communicates well with all stores, accurately accounts for all inventory, allowing manual processes to dissolve.This creates greater efficiencies on the part of the staff. Changing and upgrading their IT system would compensate for their internal communication weaknesses. Upgrading the POS terminals to modern inventory management software, would allow orders to be made on a daily basis instead of twice a week. This would allow the demand and supply to be matched more accurately, making the production process leaner. Inventory management software would lso allow de signers to follow the sales of garments more closely, instead of relying on manual orders from store managers. Store managers could send new fashion or fabric ideas over the internet to headquarters. This constant monitoring and updating can give designers an advantage over the competition in developing new styles and keeping up with the latest fashions. Updating their communication and IT system sooner, rather than later would overall sustain viability of the corporation and enhance their business success. Zara: It for Fast Fashion Zara: IT for Fast Fashion Identification of issues: The case study, Zara: IT for Fast Fashion, focuses on the retail giant, Inditex, and how its largest retail chain, Zara, has been so successful with their business model of high fashion, product variation, low cost, speed, and flexibility. Several issues are identified in this case study. One glaring issue that is apparent relates to the fact that a long term Information Technology (IT) strategy does not exist. There is no formal system in place to plan and predict for their future needs, including operational and capital expenses.Another issue consists of the retailer not having a centralized distribution system in place, their stores do not share inventory counts, and the managers do not have a system in place to look up their inventory balances in their stores or other stores, (they accomplish this by canvassing the stores). Another significant current issue relates to the fact that their current IT system is unsustainable, as th e equipment is obsolete and unsupported by Microsoft. Their IT system is not wireless, their screens are small, they are using styluses, which can be cumbersome, and older technology such as floppy disks and modems.The last issue involves a lack of shared knowledge of the current system in place; one person is relied upon and depended for knowledge of the systems functionality. Being so dependant upon one person places the whole system at risk. Importance of the key issue: The key issue in this case study involves whether or not Inditex should upgrade the retailer’s information technology infrastructure and capabilities or whether they should continue using their current system. The problem that Zara faces now is that their current system, P-O-S (Point of Sales terminals), runs on DOS, which Microsoft does not support any longer.Any hardware change in the POS terminal would not be compatible with their current POS software. Without an upgrade, they risk that their current sup plier could no longer support them. Investing in IT infrastructure is inevitable as Microsoft DOS is obsolete technology and there is no guarantee that their POS vendor will continue supplying the same terminal without changes to their hardware. Personal Digital Assistants (PDA’s) are currently used in all Zara stores, POS terminals are not connected with Zara’s headquarters or with other stores. here is no system in place to link employees’ daily sales, causing employees to copy this information onto a floppy disk. Zara’s success and main business strategy is dependent upon their ability to respond very quickly to the demands of their customers. By upgrading their current system, they could add functionality and capabilities that could resolve other issues they face, such as sharing inventory, and being proficient at matching supply and demand. They can comfortably meet their mission by keeping current with fashion.Without the infrastructure to support i t, it would be impossible to accomplish, as they would not have the security controls, and back up systems in place. This issue is more important than any other issue to resolve, as Zara’s mission, success and future depends on technology reliability and accuracy. If this issue is not resolved, it is impossible to address all of the other issues identified above. Key Stakeholders: There are numerous stakeholders who are affected by the key issue of whether or not they should upgrade their IT Zara’s customers system want the latest fashions in stock, in their size and color, in a timey fashion.By having an upgraded, efficient IT system, Zara’s customers could experience better inventory controls to meet their needs. This in turn develops customer loyalty which equates to a higher volume of sales. Another key stakeholder is Zara’s employees. Employees want job security. A well defined, upgraded, efficient IT system can assist in sales volume, which turns in to profit for the company. Employees also want to reduce their workload and redundancy. Their current system does not take advantage of functional automation and communication, which can increase their work load.Another stakeholder, Zara’s IT vendor, certainly wants to maintain their business relationship with them, but may find it difficult to continue conducting business with a company who uses such an obsolete, unsupported, vulnerable system. Zara’s managers are also important stakeholders in the decision to upgrade. Their managers want the current POS system to do more, such as look up inventory balances in stores. This basic functionality is lacking. They want to be in a position to negotiate pricing and keep up with their competitors.Zara’s shareholders are interested in maintaining the financial success that Zara has experienced. They want a system in place to assure that their current fashion demands are met, that a system is in place to account for and share merchandise. They want to be able to invest wisely and innovate themselves to stay fresh in the apparel industry. Another stakeholder, Zara’s suppliers wants a functional IT system to provide better lead time for orders and materials, and to be able to communicate in a timely, seamless manner. Causes of the issue:There are many causes that contribute to the situation that Zara faces at the moment. Having a mission and vision without having a strategic plan to get there is a contributing factor. Having a decentralized decision making system in place can also be a root cause. Having equipment that is obsolescence is a result of the above factors. Not having staff and systems in place to effectively plan for the future, leads to antiquated equipment and manual, cumbersome, inaccurate, processes. Other factors responsible for the lack of strategic IT planning at Zara include their current business model and leadership complacency.Alternative solutions: There are three alter native solutions. The first would be to purchase the current POS terminals from their vendors so they can support their needs in case the vendor changes their machine to new technology, and continue functioning the way they have been. The second solution involves hire a consulting firm to review their situation and conduct a strategic financial analysis of their options. The third solution to the key issue identified is to proceed in upgrading their current IT system and add functional capabilities to meet the needs of their organization.Recommendations: I recommend the third solution, that Zara purchase and implementing a new POS networking system. This recommendation would create a robust system that is more responsive to Inditex’s supply chain network. It also removes the risk of the system becoming obsolete and non- compatible with the vendor’s machine upgrade. It decreases their exposure for system failures, helps to maintain and improve efficiency of decentraliza tion because information flow can be improved between stores, distribution chains and vendors.The most important aspect of Zara’s approach to information technology includes the ability to meet the needs of their customers, whether that involves accuracy, timeliness, marketing, demand, or communication. Their original business model involved linking demand to manufacturing, and linking manufacturing to distribution, this involves a reliable, compatible IT system. Upgrading the POS applications to include additional functionality, such as networking capability, and the ability to share inventory with other stores, only makes their corporation more productive and efficient.The use of larger screens, and keyboards, vs. smaller screens and styluses would also be beneficial to the employees and customers. There are however pitfalls to this recommendation. Above and beyond the obvious capital expense of the equipment and software, implementing the recommended solution in the short term may require restructuring the IT department to include a Chief Information Officer (CIO). The CIO would also be responsible to conduct a comprehensive review of current industry technologies and determine which IT capabilities and functionalities will best support the company’s strategic mission.This person would also be responsible to initiate a formal IT budgeting process that is part of the broader capital budget, and create a formal process for selecting and prioritizing IT projects that includes both financial and non-financial metrics (Porter, M, 2001). In the medium term, Zara may consider an outside team to initiate this IT change. It is questionable if Zara currently has the time and internal talent to effect the change. An outsourced professional team may accomplish this task, while allowing personnel to focus on their day to day operations.Zara can cross train a few IT personnel to work closely with the implementation team, to assure a seamless transition. A à ¢â‚¬Å"train the trainer† may be beneficial. This may mean that they may have to hire replacement personnel on a temporary basis. In the long term Zara should develop a â€Å"long-term IT renewal plan† as recommended by Feld and Stoddard, 2004, to develop a plan to maintain and sustain their new system; this requires time, money and talent. Incorporating the three principles in executing IT effectively: A long termIT renewal plan linked to corporate strategy, a simplified unifying corporate technology platform and a highly functional, performance-oriented IT organization would benefit Zara (Feld and Stoddard, 2004). Keeping up with technology allows Zara to focus on future fashion trends, with effective IT they will be able to stay ahead of the curve and keep their leadership. They will sustain their business model based on short deadlines, decrease quantities, and updated styles and fashion.If Zara anticipates opening up new stores in the future, they would need to upgr ade their system anyway. If they opened up new stores with new technology, their current technology would not be compatible and the stores could not communicate effectively with one another and share information. The second solution mentioned above, which involves hiring a consulting firm to review their situation and conduct a strategic financial analysis of their options is not in the best interest of the corporation.Hiring consultants takes time and energy and are expensive. They are not familiar with the organizations structure, strengths, weaknesses or capabilities. Financial resources would be better spent on the purchase of new upgraded equipment vs. putting off the inevitable. The first solution described above, purchasing the current POS terminals from their vendors so they can support their needs in case the vendor changes their machine to new technology and continuing to function they way they have been is not an option, if they want to remain viable.Change is unavoidable , as this profitable, highly reputable company cannot continue to function with obsolete equipment. Obsolete equipment sets them up for failure in the event the equipment fails or needs repair. It does not allow them to implement a systematic plan to move the organization forward, instead it stagnates their capabilities. The likely outcomes of my recommendation would be an efficient, accurate, timely IT infrastructure that communicates well with all stores, accurately accounts for all inventory, allowing manual processes to dissolve.This creates greater efficiencies on the part of the staff. Changing and upgrading their IT system would compensate for their internal communication weaknesses. Upgrading the POS terminals to modern inventory management software, would allow orders to be made on a daily basis instead of twice a week. This would allow the demand and supply to be matched more accurately, making the production process leaner. Inventory management software would lso allow de signers to follow the sales of garments more closely, instead of relying on manual orders from store managers. Store managers could send new fashion or fabric ideas over the internet to headquarters. This constant monitoring and updating can give designers an advantage over the competition in developing new styles and keeping up with the latest fashions. Updating their communication and IT system sooner, rather than later would overall sustain viability of the corporation and enhance their business success.