Research 3 software applications with balanced scorecard, business Term Paper

Research 3 software applications with balanced scorecard, business intelligence, business analytics and predictive analytics tha - Term Paper Example an effectively reduce a large computation work into a set of sizable computations thereby improving the speed, capability and accuracy of the applications (Winkler, 2011). Analytics applications are often regarded as a sub set of performance management because they are closely related to the analysis of various business processes such as potential risks and account payable analytics and this is critically important during the decision making processes. This paper discuses the three main business analytics applications such as SPSS analytics, SAS analytics application and Oracle analytics software as well ass their potential deployment in cloud computing. IBM’s SPSS predictive software is currently one of the widely used business applications that enable managers to effectively and accurately predict a number of business operations to enable them make smarter decisions, solve their business problems as well as improve outcomes. As predictive analytics software, SPSS provided an integrated approach to predictive analytics through a number of distinct application packages such as data collection, statistics, Modeler and decision management software. Competition in the current business world has been seen at various points and the need to focus so that to remain profitable has encouraged the use of SPSS predictive soft ware and SAS Analytics application software. These softwares have become important tools for analysis of business performance and prediction of the direction an organization takes in terms of strategies and management in order to remain profitable. It has been observed that through usage of such software it has increased the forecast into performance and enabled businesses to make informed decisions. Through such various organizations have gained insights... r of business operations to enable them make smarter decisions, solve their business problems as well as improve outcomes. As predictive analytics software, SPSS provided an integrated approach to predictive analytics through a number of distinct application packages such as data collection, statistics, Modeler and decision management software. It is currently one of the popular business application software used in business development to gather, analyze interpret and make decisions on the viability and future changes in strategy and concepts. This software have been beneficial to many businesses and organizations. Oracle business analytics is another important application with business intelligence, business analytics and predictive analytics which can be effectively deployed via cloud computing. There are a number of organizational implications of deploying business analytics applications via cloud computing. In conclusion, cloud computing is a new technology that has significan tly influenced the use of business intelligence applications.

Meaning of life Essay Example for Free

Meaning of life Essay Philosophy is â€Å"the study of ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life, etc†¦; a particular set of ideas about knowledge, truth, and meaning of life; and a set of ideas about how to do something or how to live† (Philosophy, 2014, para. 1). Philosophy plays a huge role in all of our lives. Studding of philosophy influences our lives in many ways and has many purposes. Philosophy has five major branches metaphysis, epistemology, ethics, aesthetics, and logic. Each of these branches plays a role with culture to develop thoughts in human beings by wondering, a dynamic  process, the truth, and wisdom. â€Å"Philosophy is an attempt to reason clearly and critically about all areas of experience: science, religion, art, politics, and mortality† (What is Philosophy, Para, 1). The purpose of philosophy is to try to understand and evaluate our most basics, beliefs, values, and to integrate them into a coherent view of each of us and the world around us (What is Philosophy, 2014). Studying philosophy is important because it continues to play an important role in shaping the future of all human existence, Philosophy enhances personal growth,  professional opportunities, improves reading skill, critical thinking, communication, and helps in arguments by showing your philosophical knowledge (What is Philosophy, 2014). There are five major basic branches of philosophy. The branches are the metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, aesthetics, and logic. The metaphysics branch is the study of existence. For example, a few questions one might ask them self would be PHILOSOPHY 3 what else is out there, why I am here, and what is my purpose in life (Important of Philosophy, 2014). Epistemology branch is the study of knowledge. Individuals like to know as much as possible to help their selves understand what is going in life and around then. For example, a question one might ask their selves would be how I know about certain things. In philosophy, knowledge is looked at as factual senses, and not just guesses. People that are epistemology rather use statements and questions in factual form, such as, dogs are mammals (Important of Philosophy, 2014). Ethic branch is the study of actions. This is the branch of philosophy that helps the decision making in what is right and what is wrong; beliefs and values. An example of ethics is your conscious. On one side there is the devil telling you to do the wrong thing, and the angel on the other side telling to do the right thing. Many ethical people try to avoid judgment, but have high moral beliefs in specific things. Ethics also plays a role in religion and faith (Important of Philosophy, 2014). The Aesthetics branch (also known as politics) is the study of action. This is the branch that shoes what actions are permissible. An example, would be how politics work in the world. What laws should be made, and how they should come to be. Politics are the ethics that are applied to people based off what they are told to do or believe (Important of Philosophy, 2014). Finally, the last branch of philosophy is logic or esthetics. This is the study of art. The main question is what can life be like? This is the branch that allows mankind to see the world in an abstract way. According to Importance of Philosophy (2014) PHILOSOPHY 4 Esthetics is important because it delves into the reason why art has always existed, the burning need of mankind through the ages to see the world in a different, clear way it  further evaluates art by the standards of human life, and whether it accomplishes the job of satisfying man’s intellectual needs, or whether it tends to hurt or make worse those needs (Para. 3). Esthetics is bringing the emotion and idea together to make a decision (Important of Philosophy, 2014). Within all the branches there are arguments, these arguments helps in philosophy to create creative thinking and growth. We all have questions, and beliefs to the meaning of life, and we will continue to argue trough ethnic, logic, politics, and beliefs. Each of the five basic philosophy groups have to face basic arguments, These  arguments are structure of arguments, evaluating arguments, types of arguments, and informal fallacies (Chaffee, 2013). The structure of arguments includes: reason, reason, and conclusion. Evaluating arguments include truth of reason, validity of structure, and soundness of argument. There are two types of arguments deductive: conclusion follows necessarily from premises (reasons), and inductive: conclusion supported by premises to some degree. Finally, there are informal fallacies, these are unsound arguments that appeal to emotion and prejudice (Chaffee, 2013). Philosophy and culture interact to develop thought because there are so many different beliefs in the word. Philosophy is love and wisdom, while in culture there is so much hate. The more we talk about our beliefs, and talk out the way we each feel it creates creative thinking, and more open minds. For example, scientist see things one PHILOSOPHY 5 way, but when we are more philosophical it shows us that there are more than one answer to each question. Science believes in evolution, religions believe in god, while the rest of us are still trying to find the meaning of life. When it comes to me, I think ethics represents me the most. I believe in right and wrong, and I have faith. I believe that taking actions against wrong in the world is very important. In our culture, there is so much hate, and I am a very big advocate for equality. I fight for equality for all humans, and I also fight for the rights of animals. Philosophy is â€Å"the study of ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature, and meaning of life (Philosophy, 2014, para. 1). There are five major basic groups, and there will always be questions to create creative thinking, and open minds. Philosophy has  been around from the beginning of time, and will be around until the end of time. We will always want to know the meaning of life and why we exist. PHILOSOPHY 6 References: Chaffee, J. (2013). The philosopher’s way: Thinking Critically about Profound Ideas (1st Ed,). Pearson Education, INC. Importance of Philosophy. (2014). Retrieved from http://www. importanceofphilosophy. com/FiveBranchesMain. html Philosophy. (2014). Retrieved from http://www. merriam- webster. com/dictionary/philosophy What is Philosophy? (2014). Retrieved from http://www. etsu. edu/cas/philosophy/whatis. aspx.

Slavery Enterprise and Society Essay -- exploitation, trafficking, soc

A group of kids are taking a trip through time, back in the day of slavery in the 1800’s. A young black man is working out in the field picking cotton and other crops. His master calls him up to the main house and tells him to get on his knees and not say a word. The young black man does as he is told. Then for no apparent reason, the master begins to beat and whip the slave violently while his wife and daughter watch. The master screams and shouts that the young black man is his property and he can do with him what he pleases. As he continues the punishment, blood oozes and flows from the exsanguinated wounds. The slave is then told that he will be sold in two days’ time, separate from his wife and daughter who will be kept for their sexual services. There is fear in the young man’s eyes for he has been forced to watch the rape of his daughter before and fears for her life. He hangs his head and continues to accept his beating. He knows that there is nothing mor e he can do, that he is a slave, and this is how slaves are treated. As the kids fast forward to modern day life, they take a look around. All seems calm and peaceful with no violence or harsh beatings. They see a man and his family, forced to live on the streets because they cannot pay back a loan. They see a woman who is battered and bruised with little clothing; she is the remnants of a sex-trafficking scandal. All of these, all though not as obvious to the common man, are examples of modern day slavery. When most people think of slavery, their thoughts are instantly transferred to a time of black servants and white masters. A time when people were not equal and wars happened every other day. The common man does not believe that slavery still exists or even what slaver... ...keley: University of California Press. Curtis, Michael. (2013). Slavery in the World Today. Retrieved from http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/10/slavery_in_the_world_today.html Einhorn, R. L.(2008). Slavery. Enterprise & Society 9(3), 491-506. Oxford University Press. Retrieved from Project MUSE database. Gordon-Reed, Annette. (2013). Slavery’s Shadow. Retrieved from http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2013/10/12-years-a-slave-and-historians-problems-with-slave-narratives.html Magnier, Mark., Robyn, Dixon. (2013). Modern-day slavery persists over the world. Retrieved from http://articles.latimes.com/2013/oct/17/world/la-fg-global-slavery-20131018 Slavery today. (2003). The Lancet, 361(9375), 2093. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/199103704?accountid=8483 The Caste System. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.ushistory.org/civ/8b.asp

A Story About My Mother

Vu Lan celebration is coming, on websites there are many written works about mother. They are simple but meaningful and reminded me of my mother. Accordingly, I want to share with everyone my story-a long one to tell†¦ When I was a child, I always imagined my mother as a serious and frightening woman. She was constantly forcing me to stay at home whereas my friend can freely go out and enjoy their childhood. That’s not fair!!! There was a question that kept haunting my mind â€Å"Is she exactly my mother? † . I think that I found the answer after that story.One time, being too passionate about games with my friends, I forgot to come back home, making my parents extremely worry and find me everywhere. Finding out me in the yard with my friends, she furiously shouted at me and hit me in front of all my friends including the boy that I liked. It is too ashamed! I did not have dinner and kept myself in my room on that day. During that night, instead of sleeping, I plan ned to revenge my mother in the next days. In the following day,as usual she went to work and left me alone at home .However, this time I decided not to stay alone in that boring house. Fortunately, I came across a tiny hole in the window, which was small enough for my little friends to creep into. Being too happy, we play many games one by one. Suddenly, I had an accident while I was playing skipping with my mother’s scraft, leading to my chin’s blooding. I was very afraid no matter how much my friends encouraged me. I cried so much my friends had to find the help of my neighbor. He immediately informed my mother. â€Å" This time surely my mother will hit me seriously† I thought that.Especially when I heard the sound of her motorbike, my heart beat faster to wait my mother’s punishment. Nevertheless, everything was totally unexpected. Right after the door had been opened, the scene I saw was not her furious eyes but her eyes with continuously dropping t ears. My mother hurriedly ran to me and embraced me tightly. I could not forget those eye. I feel that my mother was also painful like me. That was the moment I realized her invaluable love for me. Until now I learned that mother’s love is not just pampering but the strict as well and that mother is the one love us the most.

Key Practices of Performance Management Essay

The requirement for effective performance management: The performance management acts as a key measure to ensure that the goals and objectives are being consistently met that too in an effective and efficient manner. The management of performance focuses on the performance of the overall enterprise, all departments, employees and even the products or services. However, it does not just stop here as with performance management companies can align their resources, systems and employees which will help them attain their objectives and priorities. The goals of performance management programs: Only when the employee and the system align with one another can they ensure the delivery of strategic and operational goals. Some skeptics argue that there exists a relation between the use of performance management programs or software with improved organizational results. When considering the public sector, the performance managers changes from negative to positive which suggests that the difference in the characteristics of the system, and the different context that they are implemented play an important role in success or failure of the performance management. Sometimes using an integrated software rather than a spreadsheet based recording system will help in delivering a significant return of investments through the range of direct and indirect sales benefits. Measuring the operational efficiency will help in unlocking the latent potential of the employees that work. The benefits will include everything from the direct financial gain to a motivated workforce to the improved management. For the financial gains, it will grow sales, stop the overrunning of projects, and align the enterprise in direct manner to the CEO’s objectives. For the motivated workforce, it simply means optimization of incentive plans that defines the objective even for the over achievement and not for just the business as usual. Lastly, in the improved management control, the employees become more flexible and open to the management needs. They also display data relationships and helps audit to comply with the legislative requirement. Lastly, the process enables careful documentation and scenario planning. Types of performance management implementation Erica Olsen noted that in many businesses, even the ones with well made plans actually failed to implement appropriate strategy. For most, the issue lay in the ineffective management of the employees even with a business plan in place. Of course, they have conducted the necessary survey and collected the data, and also ensured management retreats to decide their organizational direction, but even with an expensive software in place, their plan can fail. Most of the time, their performance management and appraisals overlap and three types have been so far identified: Long cycle performance management: Usually done on a annual or a biannual or quarterly basis, from implementing this management, this the area that has received the most attention. These techniques predate the use of computers and therefore do not need any expensive software. Short cycle management performance: This overlaps with the principles of the agile software development which is mainly done on a week, monthly or bi-weekly basis. Usually this kind is industry specific. Reference: http://classof1.com/homework-help/human-resource-management-homework-help

Intelligenge Testing & Grouping Essays - Intelligence, Psychometrics

Intelligenge Testing & Grouping Essays - Intelligence, Psychometrics Intelligenge Testing & Grouping Definition: Intelligence Testing In reviewing the text, I found the definition of intelligence testing to be very simple; testing used to measure intelligence. Two definitions found on an Internet site at dictionary.com are: (a) A standardized test used to establish an intelligence level rating by measuring a subject's ability to form concepts, solve problems, acquire information, reason, and perform other intellectual operations. (b) A psychometric test of intelligence; they used to think that intelligence is what an intelligence test tests. In defining intelligence, there has always been the question of whether intelligence is measured as one phenomenon or if it has many variables that are combined. For example, is it how smart a person is? Or is it a mixture of survival, mathematical, social and other abilities. There are many debates regarding weather measuring intelligence is determined from test scores and results or if it is measured by the person ability to process and problem solve. Uses of Intelligence Testing In an educational setting, intelligence and achievement tests are administered routinely to assess individual accomplishment. They are used to improve instruction and curriculum planning. High schools use these test to assist in the students future educational planning. Elementary schools utilize screening and testing procedures to help determine readiness for reading and writing placement. Intelligence can be measured, though imperfectly, by intelligence tests, among them the Standford-Binat Intelligence and the Wechsler scales. These tests are intended to determine an individual's intelligence quotient (IQ). Intelligence tests usually provide an estimate of global cognitive functioning as well as information about functioning within more specific domains. Compared to measures of virtually all other human traits, intelligence test scores are quite stable. However, the degree of stability increases with age such that early childhood and preschool measures of intellectual function are far less predictive of later functioning than assessments taken during middle childhood. Furthermore, despite their relative stability, intelligence test scores may change as a function of important environmental factors. Therefore, intelligence test scores are descriptive of a child's functioning at that point in time. This could change with alterations in the child's psychiatric status, environmental conditions, or educational program. Components of a good intelligence test are (a) Validity; does the test really measure intelligence and not something else? (b) Reliability; does the test produce consistent measurements? (c) Norms; are the participants being fairly compared? Components that make an intelligence test flawed are (a) Poor validity; many intelligence tests are sensitive to social factors in addition to intelligence. (b) Poor norms; being compared to people who are different. (c) Inappropriate application; test measures something that has nothing to do with the participants school or job. Theories of Process Psychometric Model Psychometric approach is defined as psychology that deals with the design, administration, and interpretation of quantitative tests for the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, aptitude, and personality traits. The psychometric model is a theoretical perspective that quantifies individual differences in test scores to establish a rank order of abilities. There are various psychometric approaches to intelligence. The following paragraphs describe three different theorists and their psychometric model. Charles Spearmans believed that intelligence is a combination of two parts. According to his two-factor theory of intelligence, the performance of any intellectual act requires some combination of g, (general intelligence factor) which is available to the same individual to the same degree for all intellectual acts. (Specific factors) or s is specific to that act and varies in strength from one act to another. S is specific knowledge such as verbal reasoning or spatial problem solving. Spearman equated g with mental energy. If one knows how a person performs on one task that is highly saturated with g, one can safely predict a similar level of performance for another highly g saturated task. Prediction of performance on tasks with high s factors is less accurate. Thus, the most important information to have about a person's intellectual ability is an estimate of their g or mental energy (Plucker 1989). Thurstone's theory is based on seven primary mental abilities. In the area of intelligence, his theory maintains that intelligence is made up of several primary mental abilities rather than just the g and s factors. He was among

Open Homosexuality in America

Open Homosexuality in America Free Online Research Papers For my research paper, I intended to find out how the percentage of open homosexuals in society has changed over time in America. I would also like to know whether certain states in America portray drastically different percentages of homosexuals in comparison to one another. In our ever changing, and seemingly ever developing nation, just how open and supportive has American society become in accepting homosexuality? How is this attitude affecting the acceptance of homosexuality in homosexuals themselves, and how does the percentage of open homosexuals compare to that of the past. I would like to research this question because homosexuality has been a constant controversy. I believe that the suppression of homosexuality has been an issue throughout history, and I would like to know if the gradually growing support of homosexuality that is often portrayed in the media is accurately reflecting a change of values in American society. Throughout history, acts of violence and persecution against homosexuals have been consistent issues. I would like to know if, in modern society, these factors continue to overcome homosexuals in their ability to comfortably and outwardly be themselves. When researching this topic, it was particularly important that I find an overall change in perspective in American society regarding homosexuality. Though researching the changing perspective was important in this process, I also strived to find concrete percentages and data that reflected the supposedly evolving perspective. It was difficult to find a recent census taken regarding this information, so as my search progressed, I found that the overall change in perspective became a more significant part of my research. Through academic journals such as the Journal of the History of Sexuality and The Gay and Lesbian Review Worldwide, I was able to gain a great amount of insight into the subject of homosexuality in American society. I found that over time, the perspective of homosexuality has generally reflected the values imposed upon American society through the media (2). Homosexuality was most controversial throughout the late forties and fifties, when society was submerged in the idea of â€Å"The American Dream†. This â€Å"American Dream† painted a very clear picture of what the pursuit of happiness in American society should consist of. It stressed the importance of gender roles and the perfect family; a husband and wife in suburbia with their children and home-cooked dinners every night. The wife was to tend to the home for a living and the husband was to work a nine to five job, (typically in an office of some sort) five days a week. Homosexuality during this time period was rarely heard of and regarded as shameful. In the media, homosexuality was barely acknowledged, but when it was, the idea was very firmly condemned and regarded as dangerous. This portrayal of homosexuality utilized fear as a method of persecution (3). Men, women, and children were told that homosexuals are dangerous and threatening (2). It was not until the sexual revolution during the sixties and seventies that homosexuality was given an identifiable presence in America. Through the works of Alfred Kinsley, the first man to acknowledge and survey homosexuals in society, the perspective of homosexuality began to gradually grow into the relative acceptance that is seen in certain societies in America today. While the perspective of homosexuality in America has changed over time, the question still remains: has the amount of homosexuals in the population changed, and if so, why? It seems as though the amount of homosexuals in society has increased in places where homosexuals feel comfortable and are accepted (1). The difference in homosexual population between Kansas city and San Francisco, for example, is drastic. This then raises the question, are homosexuals more accepted in certain areas because they migrate there and create the comfortable environment themselves, or because the comfortable environment is already there in place. Would homosexuals become more accepted in certain areas overtime if they imposed their identities on certain societies rather than fleeing to ones that are more supportive and accepting. The over all population of homosexuals in American society has consistently reflected the values stressed during specific eras. Although the acceptance of homosexuality in America has increased significantly in certain states, there is a drastic difference between the progresses of those areas and the intolerant stagnancy of others. I believe, after going through the research process, that the amount of homosexuals in our population has never truly changed. Homosexuality has had a consistent presence throughout history despite our changing perspectives. It seems as though the homosexual population has never grown, but reflected the values of each specific time period. Like other minorities, homosexuality has been suppressed, but has never ceased to exist. When researching homosexuality in America, I had a difficult time finding the concrete numbers and percentages of homosexual’s overtime. I found it was difficult to compare what little percentages I did find, and that there were no real informative fluctuations in them. While I struggled with my research, I found that at the heart of my research topic was not precise numbers and figures, but the over all change in perspective of homosexuality in America. I was not surprised by my findings, but they enabled me to further understand precisely what factors in society affect the homosexual population. V. 1. (Gates, Gary J., Ost, Jason (2004). Getting Us Where We Live. Gay and Lesbian Review Worldwide. 19-21) 2. (Bennet, Lisa (2000). Fifty Years of Prejudice in the Media. Gay and Lesbian Review Worldwide. 18-27) 3. (Loftin, Craig M. (2007). Unacceptable Mannerisms, Gender Anxieties, Homosexual Activism, and Swish in the United States 1945-1965. Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies. 578-596) Research Papers on Open Homosexuality in AmericaEffects of Television Violence on Children19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andWhere Wild and West MeetResearch Process Part OneHip-Hop is ArtThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationQuebec and CanadaComparison: Letter from Birmingham and Crito

The 20 Best Video Game Design Schools in the US

The 20 Best Video Game Design Schools in the US SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Are you a gamer who dreams of one day getting paid to create video games? Have you ever played a video game and thought that you could do a better job coming up with the characters, dialogue, or rules? Maybe you should consider studying game design and entering a growing and lucrative field. In this article, I'll explain game design, provide a list of the best video game design schools, and let you know how to use the list to help you find the right college for you. What Is Game Design? Game design is the field of making video games. Game designers help imagine and create the characters, plots, rules, interfaces, and environments for video games.The field of game design combines computer programming, creative writing, and graphic design. Just because you like playing video games doesn’t necessarily mean you’d like designing them. I really enjoy eating, but I don’t like to cook. Game design combines technical and creative skills. You have to be skilled in math, art, and writing to be a competent game designer. The Best Colleges for Video Game Design Game design schools are colleges where you can study game design. At some of these schools, you can get a degree in game design. At others, you can study game design, but you’ll get your degree in a related field like computer science or interactive media. For each school that made the list of the best video game design colleges, I linked to its programs that are most closely related to game design. Some of these programs are majors while others are minors or concentrations in related majors. Click on the link to read about the program, the school’s facilities, the program requirements, and the course offerings for the program. Also, I wrote a few sentences on what makes each program unique. The best programs have extensive facilities dedicated to game design, provide thorough instruction in game design, and have a history of helping undergraduates land a quality job when they complete the program. There are very few rankings of game design programs. The most referenced rankings come from Princeton Review, so my list comes from the Princeton Review rankings. More than 60 data points were weighted to determine the rankings. The criteria to determine the rankings focused on curriculum, facilities, technology, and career services. Results were determined based on survey responses from school administrators on topics such as academic offerings, faculty credentials, graduates’ employment history, and starting salaries. According to the survey, undergrads who study game design earn an average starting salary of $58,000, a 20% increase from last year and 28% more than the average starting salary for all 2014 undergrads. You can check out all of the survey questions here. Below you’ll find the top 20 undergraduate schools to study game design in the United States. The Princeton Review list included international schools like The Art Institute of Vancouver in Canada and Abertay University in Scotland, but I excluded them from this list so that it focuses on the best programs in the US. Game design grads can make good money. (Steven Depolo/Flickr) About the Schools on This List The schools that made the list are from every region of the US and represent diverse types of colleges. There are large public colleges like the University of Utah and Michigan State, smaller public colleges like Shawnee State, tech colleges like Worcester Polytechnic, small private colleges like Hampshire College and Becker College, larger private colleges like the University of Southern California and Drexel, and a small for-profit university, DigiPen Institute of Technology. The 20 Best Game Design Schools in the United States From my research, USC and the University of Utah have the most prestigious programs, but all of these schools have well-regarded game design programs and impressive facilities where you can play and design games. 1. University of Southern California Acceptance Rate: 16% Location: Los Angeles, CA Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,170 Programs: Animation and Digital Arts Interactive Media Computer Science (Games) Game Design About: USC's location in Los Angeles gives it a distinct advantage in helping students gain employment after graduation because many of the top game design jobs are in LA. Students who want to focus on design and production can pursue the Interactive Media and Game Design degrees through the school of Cinematic Arts. Those who are more interested in the technical aspects of designing and developing games can pursue the Computer Science (Games) degree through the Viterbi School of Engineering. The breadth and depth of game design offerings separate USC from other game design schools. The USC marching band. (David Yu/Flickr) 2. New York University Acceptance Rate: 28% Location: New York, NY Undergraduate Enrollment: 26,417 Programs: Game Design About: NYU initiated its game design program in 2015. The program is already well-regarded because NYU offers its students access to advanced technology, it has a reputable computer science department, and the game design program is located in the famous Tisch School of the Arts. Not only does NYU offer a game design major and minor, but there is an entire department dedicated to game design. 3. Becker College Acceptance Rate: 66% Location: Worcester, MA Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,824 Programs: Interactive Media Design About: Becker is home to the Massachusetts Digital Game Institute, which is a think tank related to the video game industry. Massachusetts is also a favorable location for jobs in game design. Students at Becker have access to a high-performance computer lab, a six-camera video motion capture system, and 3D design software. Dom Sagolla/Flickr 4. DigiPen Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate: 57% Location: Redmond, WA Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,067 Programs: Computer Science and Game Design Game Design About: DigiPen is a for-profit school that specializes in preparing students for careers in the video game industry. It began enrolling students in 1994, and it has received substantial support from Nintendo. Class sizes are small with a faculty to student ratio of 1:13. Students from DigiPen have won more awards at the Independent Games Festival than those from any other school. DigiPen's Redmond campus is near more than 96 game development studios. 5. Hampshire College Acceptance Rate: 63% Location: Amherst, MA Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,268 Programs: Game Design and Development About: Students at Hampshire are given a great deal of freedom in designing their own course of study. Many game design and development students create their own games with the help of peers and advisers. Some game design courses you can take at Hampshire include pixel bending and analog game design. One downside is that Hampshire has been going through a lot of financial struggles recently, making its future as an independent institution of higher education uncertain. Keep this in mind if you're particularly interested in the video game design program at Hampshire- you can easily cross-register at (and in the worst-case scenario, can transfer to) Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and UMass Amherst as a Hampshire student, but you won't find the same game design classes at these schools. 6. Drexel University Acceptance Rate: 77% Location: Philadelphia, PA Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,667 Programs: Game Design and Production Interactive Digital Media Computer Science About: At Drexel, the game design program is a collaborative effort between the digital media program and the computer science department. Drexel's game design program offers some impressive resources including an 80-seat 3D theater, a green screen/motion capture studio, and audio recording studios. For the Tetris game he created in 2014, Professor Frank Lee was given a Guinness World Record for the largest architectural video game display. Main Building at Drexel. (Tom Ipri/Flickr) 7. Michigan State University Acceptance Rate: 78% Location: East Lansing, MI Undergraduate Enrollment: 39,423 Programs: Game Design and Development About: Michigan State offers an undergraduate specialization in game design and development. Michigan State is also home to the Games for Entertainment and Learning Lab, an association of game research and design faculty and students at Michigan State whose mission is to "design innovative prototypes, techniques, and complete games for entertainment and learning and to advance state of the art knowledge about social and individual effects of digital games." 8. Rochester Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate: 57% Location: Rochester, NY Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,515 Programs: Game Design and Development New Media Interactive Development 3D Digital Design About: Rochester Institute of Technology incorporates cooperative education into its game design program. Cooperative education is a full-time, paid work experience that provides students with an opportunity to learn on the job in a real-world industry setting. Graduates of RIT's game design and development programs have gone on to work at top gaming companies including Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Vicarious Visions, and Nickelodeon. 9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Acceptance Rate: 42% Location: Worcester, MA Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,688 Programs: Interactive Media and Game Development About: Worcester Polytechnic's Interactive Media and Game Development program focuses on merging art with technology. Like many of the other top programs, WPI encourages a hands-on approach to learning that allows students to create their own games and collaborate with their peers. (Sean/Flickr) 10. University of Utah Acceptance Rate: 67% Location: Salt Lake City, UT Undergraduate Enrollment: 24,743 Programs: Entertainment Arts and Engineering About: For its undergraduate program, the School of Computing and the Department of Film and Media Arts offer interdisciplinary emphases in Entertainment Arts and Engineering. Students with a computer science emphasis focus on the technical aspects of video games. Students with a film and media arts emphasis focus on the tools and techniques required for game design, drawing, and storyboarding. The program culminates with a year-long senior project where students build a video game from the ground up. 11. Miami University Acceptance Rate: 75% Location: Oxford, OH Undergraduate Enrollment: 17,327 Programs: Interactive Media Studies About: Miami University's Interactive Media Studies program is an interdisciplinary major that allows studies to study design, business, and technology. Students can declare a concentration in applied or digital interactive media studies, with the aim of positioning themselves as digital experts in their fields post-graduation. This is a highly competitive program with limited openings for applicants. Miami University is also working to launch a Games and Simulation major, which focuses on all aspects of creating and interpreting games. 12. Bradley University Acceptance Rate: 67% Location: Peoria, IL Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,606 Programs: Game Design About: Bradley University offers a game design major and minor. At Bradley, game design is part of both the Department of Interactive Media and the Department of Computer Science Information Systems. Bradley also offers concentrations in game design, animation, and computer game technology. Bradley University. (Bradley University/Flickr) 13. University of Central Florida Acceptance Rate: 43% Location: Orlando, FL Undergraduate Enrollment: 58,913 Programs: Interactive Entertainment About: Florida Interactive Game Entertainment Academy at UCF offers a video game production concentration. Students have the opportunity to study the main skills all game producers need. You'll learn about design, scripting, and project management. This major is for people looking to explore multiple facets of game production, including management, creative, and technical skills. 14. Cogswell College Acceptance Rate: 39% Location: San Jose, CA Undergraduate Enrollment: 595 Programs: Game Design and Development About: Cogswell College offers a Bachelor of Art in Game Design Art for students looking to focus on the creative elements of game design, and a Bachelor of Science in Game Design Engineering for students who want to focus on the technical elements like development. The program is big on hands-on experience, and encourages all students to work on teams that create and develop their own games. 15. Ferris State University Acceptance Rate: 81% Location: Big Rapids, MI Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,885 Programs: Digital Animation and Game Design About: At Ferris State, all students in the Digital Animation and Game Design program are required to complete an internship to get real-world experience and make connections to help them professionally after they graduate. Ferris State also offer a Peer Mentor Program where sophomore, junior, and senior Digital Animation and Game Design majors serve as role models and help first-years students succeed academically. The Digital Animation and Game Design program is focused on helping students reach their career goals. Students are given instruction on how to prepare a professional portfolio and demo reel and how to find a job in their chosen field. 16. Laguna College of Art and Design Acceptance Rate: 39% Location: Laguna Beach, CA Undergraduate Enrollment: 613 Programs: Game Art About: LCAD's BFA in Game Art focuses on getting students ready for the gaming workforce. Students get hand-on experience working in the programs that they will use throughout their career, and get to work with teams to create games from scratch. LCAD students also benefit from the many industry experts that teach at the college. 17. Champlain College Acceptance Rate: 75% Location: Burlington, VT Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,129 Programs: Game Design Game Art and Animation Game Programming About: Champlain offers a game design major for students. Also, Champlain has a dedicated Game Studio where students can collaborate and build their own video games. Champlain has new multimedia, 3D art, and game production labs. Furthermore, game design students are given the opportunity to study abroad in Montreal, home of the Montreal Game Summit and the Montreal International Game Developers Association. Courses in Montreal are taught by game industry professionals in collaboration with game faculty at the main campus. 18. Shawnee State University Acceptance Rate: 74% Location: Portsmouth, OH Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,114 Programs: Game and Simulation Development Arts Digital Simulation and Gaming Engineering Technology About: Shawnee State offers a bachelor's degree in gaming and simulation, which is a computer science degree. Also, it offers a bachelor's degree in gaming arts, a Bachelor of Fine Arts program with a concentration in 3D modeling and texturing. Furthermore, it offers a minor in game design. The game design program graduated its first class in the spring of 2008. 19. University of Wisconsin: Stout Acceptance Rate: 86% Location: Menomonie, WI Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,116 Programs: Game Design and Development About: The BFA in Game Design and Development offers top-knotch equipment and professional tools as students learn the ins and outs of game design. Students work with computer science students and professors to get the most out of their degree, and to ensure that they have a well-rounded base of knowledge as they go out into the workforce. UW-Stout was the national co-champion at the E3 College Game Competition. 20. North Carolina State University Acceptance Rate: 47% Location: Raleigh, NC Undergraduate Enrollment: 25,199 Programs: Computer Science: Digital Games Initiative About: Under the umbrella of their computer science department, the NC State program works with students to build a strong foundation in computer science, and launch their creativity. Students have a strong focus in graphics, writing, and storytelling, and are required to complete a senior design project in their game design concentration. How Should You Use This List? If you want to go to a top game design school, you should research the schools on this list that interest you to determine if they’re schools you should apply to or attend. Figure out whether you prefer a program that focuses solely on game design or if you want to attend a school that will offer you a broader, more interdisciplinary education. What aspects of game design interest you the most? Which schools offer you opportunities to reach your specific academic and professional goals? Even if you know you want to pursue game design, there are many factors to consider to help determine if a college is a good fit for you including size, location, selectivity, and cost. Look at the school’s website and game design programs and use guidebooks, college finders, and other ranking lists to help you in the college selection process. If possible, consult with teachers, counselors, parents, current students, and alumni. Also, keep in mind that many students change their majors or career goals while they’re in college. Even though you may be determined to pursue game design now, after taking game design classes in college or an inspiring course in another field, you may change your plans. Therefore, you should consider attending a school where you’ll be happy, receive a good education, and be able to pursue your interests even if you eventually decide not to study game design. What's Next? Want to dip your toe into the world of design? Learn about the 7 principles used in design across many different fields (including game design!) here. If you want to go to a school that focuses on art, check out the 10 best art schools in the United States. Also, you may be interested in the 17 best fine arts colleges in the US or our walkthrough of how to draw contour line art. If selectivity is an important factor for you in choosing a college, take a look at the colleges with the lowest acceptance rates. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Business Finance and the Capital Structure Research Paper

Business Finance and the Capital Structure - Research Paper Example The most important disadvantage of debt financing is the interest burden and the repayment of loan. If the loan and interest are not repaid on time then banks and financing institutions can seize the assets of the company. The history of bond and stock market shows that risk and returns are indispensably attached to each other. Investors cannot get higher returns if their risk portfolio is low. Lower risk will bring lower returns and in order to get higher returns investors need to take high risk. William Sharpe (1964) and John Lintner (1965) have contributed to the origin of asset pricing theory in the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). The CAPM was built on the model of choice of portfolio developed by Harry Markowitz (1959). According to the model of Markowitz, an investor opts to select a portfolio at time t-1 which would generate a stochastic return at time t. The model assumes that investors are generally risk averse, and at the time of choosing their portfolio they are concerned about only mean and variance of their return at the end of investment period. So investors prefer to choose mean & variance efficient portfolios that would either minimize variance with a certain expected return or would maximize expected return given variance. Thus, CAPM is a theory that defines the relationship between risk and the expected return of a security or a portfolio of securities. The theory is based on the assumption that the security market is generally composed of risk-averse in vestors and the type of investors who prefer and will to take more risk only when they expect to earn a higher return in commensuration with that risk. The return from an asset varies through successive periods and an asset which has a fluctuating return is considered to have greater risk. So, the tendency of investors is to diversify their investment portfolio so that they could minimize the effect of risk volatility, i.e. the unsystematic risk attached

Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 6

Report - Essay Example Recently, Oxfam International is operating its supportive functions approximately in over 90 countries around the world (Oxfam International, 2014). In this report, the objective is to identify the contribution of the Oxfam International in relation to the issues of climate change in the society. At the same time, the report intends to identify the values and interests of Oxfam International. Moreover, the report will also critically analyze the advocacy viewpoint of the Oxfam International in relation to various scenarios. Finally, the report will also highlight a supportive view regarding the contribution of the organization. According to the viewpoint Pettengell (2010), during the early 21st century, the issue regarding climate change had become one of the most critical aspects, which has influenced several difficulties and challenges in the society such as poverty and health care related issues (Pettengell, 2010). In this regard, rationally it can be asserted that climate change has initiated larger threats across the entire world. Moreover, it has affected the capacity and response of the poor in the society, which has influenced the poor citizens in an adverse manner. In this context, it can be claimed that climate change has affected the subsistence of crops due to vulnerable outer temperature ranges around the world. At the same time, erratic rainfall has also changed the seasonal pattern and monsoon of the entire globe, which has negatively affected the agricultural cycles all around the world. As an effect, farmers are struggling to produce expected amount of crop. On the other hand, due to frequ ent climate changes the level of sea water is rising around the world, which is also indirectly affecting the productivity of crops, due to presence of high proportion salt in the water (Pettengell, 2010). These are the identified adverse effects that climate changes have on the environment and the society at large. According to the report published

Critique qualitative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Critique qualitative - Essay Example Unhealthy diets are the consumption of foods containing low levels of nutrients. In the article, the researchers conducted a qualitative study. In the study, they used interviews, which is one of the methods of data collection in a qualitative study. The data was recorded in form of audios. The research demanded induction form of analyzing the data because the research was supposed to give the exact situations as they were. Therefore, the researchers decided to use a critical incident technique as a method of doing data analysis. However, the researchers failed because they did not use the observation methods of data collection. The research was supposed to get exact data from the participants and not conclude I from another perspective or generalization of the data collected. Before conducting the research, the researchers seek consent from their institution. However, the research does not fully indicate on the procedures followed during the study. They did not indicate how they seek consent to conduct the study from the participants. There must have been ethical issues apart from the schedule of data collection. Using the CIT method, the situations mentioned by the participants made up the results. Therefore, there was very little to be analyzed because the analysis was not complex. In fact, the researchers used all the data collected and came up with the final analysis. Therefore, the researchers came up with categorization technique to analyze the data. That was the most important subjectivity of the research done. Research question for the study was how night shift working amongst community nurses influenced their eating and exercising habits both positively and negatively. In addition, the question addressed all the situations that affected and influenced healthy diet and exercising habits of the nurses in question. The question aimed at finding out how the nurses’ lifestyle influences their

International Expansion Of Hudsons Bay Case Study

International Expansion Of Hudsons Bay - Case Study Example Appreciating and respecting these differences in the markets can take a company a long way in its bid to take advantage of new business opportunities as well as the general expansion. For instance, a product design that comes forth as appealing to customers in the U.S. may not necessary charm customers in Africa owing to the differences in culture between the two markets. Failure to assess and understand the differences between markers can be disastrous. This was the case for Wal-Mart after it had to close down over 100 stores in Germany following grand losses brought about by the failure to understand the difference between the shopping habits in Germany and the U.S., its location. It is against this backdrop that it emerges as a matter of indispensability to analyze the decision of Hudsons Bay, based in Toronto, Canada, to acquire Galeria Kaufhof, based in Cologne, Germany, as a move to penetrate the Germany and Belgium market (Mahadevan, 2015). In this discussion, the factors that Bay ought to take into consideration in developing a future strategy for the newly acquired division will be delineated as well as a discourse of whether expanding to the Canadian and the U.S. markets is heady and the differences between the Canadian, German, and the Belgian markets. Hudson’s Bay needs to consider a set of factors in developing future strategies for the novel division Kaufhof. To begin with, the cultural differences between Canada and Germany and Belgium are very critical. Bay relished a degree of success back home in Canada as well as the U.S. owing to the fact that these two nations share quite a great deal in terms of culture. However, the culture of Germany and Belgium varies widely with that of Canada and the U.S. Culture influences the buying behaviors of consumers and, therefore, Bay ought to respect the local culture of Germany and Belgium.

Critical Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Critical Review - Essay Example The main aim of this research is to investigate hCGÃŽ ² triggered signaling pathways and the linkage between hCGÃŽ ² expression and cell motility in the cancerous cells. The study aims to understand more on hCGÃŽ ². This aids the formulation of a study that may help in understanding molecular therapy in treating prostate cancer. Various methods are used in the treatment of cancer patients although they have not been successful in reducing the level of mortality rate among cancer patients (Chiu et al., 2012). Molecular therapy is a new method that takes a different approach to treat cancer since the carcinoma regenerates and as a result attacking the tumors is therefore only for the short-term making it impossible to stop the problem (Armstrong and George, 2008). The human chorionic gonadotropin ÃŽ ² (hCGÃŽ ²) induced migration and invasion in human prostate cancer cells is one of the methods although the molecular mechanisms are unclear. hCGÃŽ ² is therefore studied as the main trigger and its effects to the ERK 1/2 and MMPs studied to understand its effect on these regulators in order to come up with a conclusive argument as to whether the molecular therapy method is feasible in treating prostate cancer. The transfection method that involved establishing a stable cell line overexpressing hCGÃŽ ² in DU145 cells revealed that; the cells without integration were of hCGÃŽ ². The genes were dead and floating in the medium and the single colonies which stably express hCGÃŽ ² were collected (Babykutty et al., 2012). The method was used in dividing the cells and collecting cultured cells that could be used in other procedures as the process took place for two weeks. Typically, the dead cells from the experiment were not found (Leahy et al., 2012). The real time PCR separating the total RNA ensured that the culture cells remaining in the experiment

International Expansion Of Hudsons Bay Case Study

International Expansion Of Hudsons Bay - Case Study Example Appreciating and respecting these differences in the markets can take a company a long way in its bid to take advantage of new business opportunities as well as the general expansion. For instance, a product design that comes forth as appealing to customers in the U.S. may not necessary charm customers in Africa owing to the differences in culture between the two markets. Failure to assess and understand the differences between markers can be disastrous. This was the case for Wal-Mart after it had to close down over 100 stores in Germany following grand losses brought about by the failure to understand the difference between the shopping habits in Germany and the U.S., its location. It is against this backdrop that it emerges as a matter of indispensability to analyze the decision of Hudsons Bay, based in Toronto, Canada, to acquire Galeria Kaufhof, based in Cologne, Germany, as a move to penetrate the Germany and Belgium market (Mahadevan, 2015). In this discussion, the factors that Bay ought to take into consideration in developing a future strategy for the newly acquired division will be delineated as well as a discourse of whether expanding to the Canadian and the U.S. markets is heady and the differences between the Canadian, German, and the Belgian markets. Hudson’s Bay needs to consider a set of factors in developing future strategies for the novel division Kaufhof. To begin with, the cultural differences between Canada and Germany and Belgium are very critical. Bay relished a degree of success back home in Canada as well as the U.S. owing to the fact that these two nations share quite a great deal in terms of culture. However, the culture of Germany and Belgium varies widely with that of Canada and the U.S. Culture influences the buying behaviors of consumers and, therefore, Bay ought to respect the local culture of Germany and Belgium.

Analysis of US to cut 'lost pleasure' analysis from public health Essay

Analysis of US to cut 'lost pleasure' analysis from public health approach - Essay Example In particular, the article seeks to weigh the effects of the proposed regulations on tobacco and the lives of the consumers. The article makes various remarks on the benefits associated with the government’s intentions on tobacco consumption. The regulations will have indirect health benefits in terms of dollars. For example, reduced tobacco consumption will bring down the chronic illnesses associated with smoking. The United States’ government incurs billions of dollars in treating cancer-related diseases associated with smoking. It therefore, shows that the government’s move that will bring a â€Å"lost consumer surplus† is vital to the public. Government officials claim that the economy can grow bigger even without the revenues from tobacco trade. They claim that smoking brings an expenditure burden of curing the smoking-related illnesses. Doing away with the expenditures is far more important that earning the revenues from tobacco trade. Health care economists argue that the government seeks to benefit from its move as well as secure the public from harm (Begley & Toni, 201 5). The article points out that economic growth can only be realized by a healthy and stable public. Cracking down on tobacco consumption goes far in building a stable nation focused on economic growth. The Congress mentions that tobacco-related issues cost the government more that the revenues earned from the tobacco business. Health related issues have been a major issue that affects the government’s pace of economic growth (Zeller, 2009). The overall demand will face a downward trend once the government’s regulations are put in place. The authorities claim that shifting the consumers’ utility towards a healthier diet is beneficial to the nation. The government will face fewer challenges in the health sector. Consumer pleasure also faces uncertain future with the proposed regulations on tobacco consumption. Additionally, the

Korean-Americans Essay Example for Free

Korean-Americans Essay Korean-Americans are increasingly rising in number and have established their own communities in the different parts of the country (Lee, p. 21). They usually settle in the country as entrepreneurs and prosper in this endeavor. The highest concentration of Korean-Americans can be found in California, in the 1990’s census the Korean population in the state was 32. 5% (Min Pyong, p. 33). The increase in number of Korean-Americans in California can be attributed to the fact that it is geographically closer to their homeland and it has a mild climate, moreover, new immigrants may want to live in areas where there is already and existing Korean community. Koreans migrate to the U. S. hoping that they can provide better futures for their children, to enable them to have a better chance at going to college and better employment opportunities for them. Most of those who come to America are from the upper-middle class in Korea and are well-educated. Initially, Koreans live in apartments where the neighborhood is predominantly Korean, then after a few years, they move out to the suburbs to have their own homes. Owning a home is often equated with the first sign of realizing their American dream. In this connection, the Korean-American group did not differ in their perceptions of home ownership with the Northern California informants of Towsend’s which reported that home ownership symbolizes success and social standing (1999, p. 1). The similarity of their views may be due to the fact that most Korean Americans are generally well-educated and have higher social standing in their own country where they are accustomed to having their own homes. The groups are also similar in their choice of residence, which is in the suburbs. The suburbs according to Towsend have become a physical and moral separation from the city which is considered to be unsafe and full of violence (1999, p. 2), it can be said that the Korean Americans choose to have their homes in the suburbs because it signifies that they are becoming assimilated into the American Housing the good life Page #2 community, where they want their children to have the same opportunities as American children have. Towsend’s informants also revealed that although a home represents independence and self-sufficiency, most of them are in debt and are tied to their jobs in order to pay off their debts (1999, p. 3). However, for the Korean-Americans I interviewed, they emphasized that one must strive first to raise the amount needed to buy a house rather than to incur debts. The two groups may have differed in this respect because the Korean Americans in this particular group are entrepreneurs and they are more financially-wise than their American counterparts. To illustrate, most Korean-Americans run their own stores and family members help in the running of the store without being paid in order to keep labor costs at a minimum. The family is highly valued by Korean Americans and parents desire to send their children to the best schools thus they usually prefer suburbs that are closer to the schools or universities they send their children to, whereas the Towsend group use their time commuting from work to their homes and fail to â€Å"be there† for their children (1999, p. 4). The difference in the groups responses indicate the difference in the values that the group espouse, to the Korean American, education is seen as the best way to be successful while to the American informants, owning a home in a specific neighborhood spells success wherein the good provider outweighs being a more involved father. As Towsend (1999, p. 4) found, home ownership has become an integral part of family life. Having a home is equated to being a good family man, a good provider and hence a good father. But as shown by my interview, there are cultural underpinnings in the perceptions of home ownership and that it warrants further research. Although the group I interviewed is small in number, the ideas they have shared nonetheless offer a new way of thinking about the sociological impact of owning a home. Bibliography Lee, Lauren. Korean Americans. Marshall Cavendish Corporation, New York,. p. 21;1995 Min, Pyong Gap. Caught in the Middle: Korean Communities in New York and Los Angeles. University of California Press, Los Angeles, Table 2, p. 33;1996 Towsend, N. Housing the good life. Anthropology Newsletter, 40, 1 pp1-4; 1999 Yu, Eui-Young. Korean Community Profile: Life and Consumer Patterns. Korea Times, Los Angeles, p. 28; 1990.

Examining How Police Respond To Rape Allegations Criminology Essay

Examining How Police Respond To Rape Allegations Criminology Essay This briefing paper contains detailed information relating to police response to rape, it assesses whether things have improved in order to prevent rape or to help rape victims. Rape victims have different beliefs about the police response to rape cases based on what they believe to be discrimination. The main reason behind concealing rape incidents and not reporting to police service is the uncontrollable distrust of police as believed by the people based on the consumption that police officers are not able to provide support and protection. Another vital reason is the unsympathetic and harsh investigations which are currently carried out by police officers, which carry out a heavy trauma to rape victims, as they get questioned in a way that gives them the feeling of being the rapist not the victim. However these are not the only reasons why rape victims tend to conceal rape incidents to police. What is rape Rape in English law, was defined as; a penis entering a vagina, an anus or a mouth. Derived from Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c.42, S1) (see appendix5). Rape includes various types, under different circumstances such as; Date rape, Marital rape, Gang rape, Acquaintance rape, Spousal rape, Ancestral rape, Statutory rape, Institution rape, Communal rape, Male rape, Stranger rape and Revenge rape. Background There are numerous beliefs and wrong attitudes related to rape, which have been accompanied with us for centuries. By looking at myths, such as women ask for it, is an example from a past perception which had various negative effects on the victims. Present myths and attitudes developed from the English Common Law system which had its roots from the Bible. In early recorded history, rape was a way which a wife could be obtained. Bride Capture, as it was termed, occurred when a man raped a woman and then was able to take her to be his wife. Rape was always defined in relation to marriage, and marriage was considered as an exchange of property, however, this is not the case nowadays, where a wife is not considered to be an object to obtain anymore. In 1975, Susan Brownmillers Against Our Will, illustrated extensive awareness to the matter of rape by examining the historical and cultural perspective in which women rape existed. The ten years following publication of this book witnessed large increases in public awareness of sexual violence as well as in the parliament, as new laws were introduced in order to prevent rapes, and the introduction of the marital rape. In 1980 the child sexual abuse was recognised, therefore, improvements to police response was vital, in order to prevent child sexual abuse, using the medias help in creating awareness. Analysis (both positive and negative aspects) There are various approaches to methods used by police in reaction and response to rape. Negative approach to rape is very common within the contemporary society, as media plays an extremely vital role in order to convey up the idea of negative aspects on the Police Service. A negative police response can compound the trauma suffered by a rape victim, making it less likely that she will decide to proceed with legal action and a strong possibility that her experience will deter others from even making the initial police contact in similar circumstances. If for no other reason, it is in the overall interests of law enforcement for the police to act in ways that are consistent with promoting the victims emotional well-being. (Jordan, 2001b, p75). According to Home Office 2008-2009 (see the graph in Appendix1) only 25% of recorded crimes of sexual violence have been brought to Justice, this illustrates that 75% of recorded rape cases are disregarded by Police Service, which confirms the negative aspects illustrated by the media. However in 2007-2008 only 22% of recorded crimes of sexual violence have been brought to justice, this exemplifies that there has been some improvements (3% Change) in the service within a year. Attrition; is the development process by which rape cases are withdrawn from legal process, therefore, they do not result in a criminal conviction. Some would argue that the first point of attrition is the failure to report the crime to the police service; this can be due to the lack of trust in the police service or fear of the offender. The graph (see Appendix2) revealed by BBC in 2010, based on Sterns review on rape convictions and attritions shows that 74% of the suspects were not brought to justice because of different reasons, such as not enough evidence, no further action is required, withdraw of victim complaint due to fear of the offender, lack of trust in the service or cultural backgrounds. Judges had also criticized police response in the rape case of a teenager who had been kidnapped, raped and forced to practice prostitution, as they had failed to provide assistance to the teenager when required, due to the lack of efficiency of the police when related to rape crime. (McCormack, H., 2005.). John Worboys case is another case where police was criticized by both members of the public and the media for unenthusiastic response to rape which had many impacts on the victim. In 2009, John Worboys was sentenced to go to prison for an indefinite period, for raping and attacking females in his black cab. In IPPC Report 2008 commissioners stated that lives were ruined in view of the fact that police officers failed to take the incident seriously and grimly, however all the police officers who were involved with this case were disciplined. Therefore to some extent, improvements were made in the form of disciplinary actions, to officers who dont take similar incidents if happened in the future seriously. (BBC., Casciani, D., 2010) In 1980s one in every three complaints of rape ended in a conviction. Today, it is one in twenty this illustrates that instead of improving the response to rape through convicting rapists, rapists are getting away with the offence they have committed (BBC., Geoghegan, T.,2007). Therefore the victims of rape are requesting protection and justice for the trauma they suffered. In result to these negative aspects of the police response to rape, parliament introduced Sexual Offences Investigation Trained Officers (SOIT, also known as Specially Trained Officers) who are fully trained and qualified officers who interview the rape victims in order to reduce the trauma and stress as well as collecting the required evidence without creating big impacts on the victims, as these officers have been trained in psychological effects of the crime. (McVeigh, K., 2010.) However the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) should expand a code of conduct for SOIT officers as there is no current code of conduct to control the actions of the SOITs. The police officers are trying to meet the requirements of male rape victims, however, by not having a database of the SOIT; officers reduce the effectiveness of response to the victims. In the case of a male rape victim, it may require the assistance of a male SOIT, to get the facts of the victim. Currently, it is very difficult to acc ess this data, to be able to request a specific officer in order to provide assistance, which is leading to miscommunication issues. Another development which has occurred in the MPS, is that Sexual Offence Examiners (SOE) were introduced in order to improve the quality of service provided and progress the response to victims of rape, as SOEs are exclusively educated in sexual offence examination. However there is no database of SOE relating to their availability, ethnicity, gender and level of skill which can also cause miscommunication with the victims, by dealing with them without consideration of certain requirements. Thus even though improvements are taken place within the service they are not fully developed to provide good response to the victims of rape. (Metropolitan Police Authority, 2002) Another positive step is made by the Association of Chief Police Officer (ACPO) as it provides guidance for the first response officers on the procedure followed when dealing with a rape report case; which contains clear and beneficial information to the first response officer on the actions to be taken following an initial deployment and scene attendance. Furthermore, in 2009 National Police Improvement Agency, provided briefing notes for the first responder to a rape case, however on the other hand, first response officers are unaware of how to approach victims and take an initial account from them, so this is considered to be a constraining effect. (NPIA., 2009) The interview of the rape victims is key to the investigation in order to provide efficient response to rape victims. A successful investigation is required by police officer and failure to deal with evidential weaknesses can only serve to challenge the victims account and thereby decrease the probability of successful prosecution. The rape reports should be investigated by chief officers in order to obtain reasonable evidence as chief officers are experienced in dealing and responding to any sort of crime including rape. Additionally Police officers are not victim trained in other words officers are unaware of how to response to all types of crimes which causes by response to any sort of crime reporters (victims). However MPS is bringing up measures to tackle rape to take place for instance introducing campaigns such as Police Rape Awareness Campaign which states that drinking is not illegal however rape is illegal (see Appendix4) therefore this is a vital improvement which is curre ntly taking place. Gang rape is a rising problem in United Kingdom, trepidation of the gangs ground the victims to not to conceal rape incidents to the Police service thus this illustrates that Police service is unable to provide protection and justice to rape victims as gang is an criminal thus this shows that Police service do not have good reputation for protection and justice as the issue of gangs are still not solved however minor information was considered by the MPS relating to this problem and to some extend measures are taken place to tackle this crime to provide better response to gang rape victims. (Longstaff, L., 2009) Within the contemporary society police officers are particularly at risk of being misinformed by stereotypes thus this makes them to be suspicious about any complaints they receive from the rape victims especially on victims who are unemotional or look calm. Thus the suspicion reduces the quality of the response provided to the rape victims as the investigation will be conducted in a way to test the explanation of the victim in an insensible and abusive way however this has extremely bad impact as it obstructs the best evidence to be taken from the victim for successful prosecution. The police officers also have the judgement and discretion to record primary information report under the category they think suitable. (Davies, M., 1997, p190-200) In United Kingdom police officers receive very little amount of training in law and practice to do with rape or sexual abuse. For instance Special Constables (voluntary police officers) get basic training of 18 days which doesnt include any knowledge or information relating to sexual offences even though they have the same power as a regular police officer, so this shows that if a special constable needs to deal with an sexual offence they do not have any knowledge of how to respond to rape however within the police service beginner police officers have someone experienced to assist them throughout their probation period for two years therefore police can always request assistance to respond efficiently to rape cases. Â   Conclusions The response of police to rape incidents are improving however these improvement are not at high-quality level to assist rape victims to overcome the trauma and stress the have suffered thus more development and improvements are required to create better environment for all members of the public and especially for rape victims thus the police service must improve their reputation to gain trust of the members of the public by providing better response to all sort of crime and offer protection. Another positive enhancement which can have constructive impact on the rape victims is through introducing a data base program to police officers with the details of SOIT officers and SOEs to supply the needs of these victims. The MPS already have briefing notes and guidance of how to take action while investigating rape incidents on the other hand it is not detailed sufficiently to support officers while dealing with rape incidents effectively therefore improvement on these guidance and briefin g notes will increase the quality of the response by police officers. Nowadays Police officers get basic training on rape response however this basic training does not include victim training which means police officers do not know how to treat or response to rape victims but if this training is added into the basic training then it will be easier on the police officers and the rape victims will receive effective response. Finally the most significant improvement which can occur within the Police Service to tackle unenthusiastic response to rape victims will be through taking the rape cases more seriously and prevent suspicious and unsympathetic investigations by the police officers.

Native American Religion Essay -- Native American Culture

When Europeans first set foot upon the shores of what is now the United States they brought with them a social structure which was fundamentally based around their concept and understanding of Western European Christianity. That the indigenous peoples might already have a thriving civilization, including religious beliefs and practices, that closely paralleled the beliefs and practices of European civilization, was a concept not considered by these early explorers and settlers. This European lack of cultural understanding created tensions, between Native Americans and Europeans, and later between Native Americans and Euro-Americans, that eventually erupted into open warfare and resulted in great bloodshed between cultures. For the Lakota peoples of North America, cultural misunderstanding culminated with Euro-American misinterpretation of the purpose of the Native American Ghost Dance with its related religious beliefs and the massacre of peaceful Native American Lakota people as th ey were attempting to flee to the safety of the Agency at Pine Ridge Reservation near Wounded Knee Creek in what is now the state of South Dakota. When contact was made with indigenous peoples, Europeans discovered that the languages of the indigenous peoples did not include words for religion or for God as Europeans understood these concepts. These Europeans considered themselves a civilized and pious people who lived according to the ways and teachings of the Christian Bible and believed that this was the only proper and correct code of conduct. Believing that the lack of Native American words to identify and describe God and religion meant that these concepts did not exist within the culture and society of the indigenous peoples, the European... ...itor footnote number 8, Joseph Epes Brown, The Sacred Pipe Black Elk’s Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux, (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1989), 6. Editor footnote number 9, Joseph Epes Brown, The Sacred Pipe Black Elk’s Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux, (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1989), 6. Editor footnote number 9, Joseph Epes Brown, The Sacred Pipe Black Elk’s Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux, (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1989), 6. Colin G. Calloway, First Peoples, (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008), 306. Ibid., 310. Ibid., 313. Ibid., 340. Colin G. Calloway, First Peoples, (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008), 312. Gregory E. Smoak, ghost dances and identity, (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2008), 154. Ibid., 114. Ibid., 120. Ibid., 114.

Persuasive speech outline Essay

Believe it or not, according to choices.com, about 3,000,000 teens drop out of high school each year. That’s approximately 7,000 a day. This is not only hurting their success and the amount of money they can earn, but also the economy of the entire United States. Although some people might think every teen should be able to make the decision to drop out or stay in high school themselves, but teens need to realize the consequences that come with dropping out. When you’re is a young teen you may not be thinking about how your decisions can affect your future, without a high school education you cannot attend college, this will make it harder for you to find a high paying job, let alone a job at all. II. Need Step A. When a person is a young adolescent, they’re thinking about now, not the future, and they may regret the decision to drop out later. ââ€" Most of the teenagers that end up dropping out of high school are thinking about how much they don’t want to be at school or how they cannot handle the workload. ââ€" Sometimes teens have actual trouble in school and going to regular high school isn’t the best option, but they still need to get an education somehow, even if its online classes. In other cases, teens just don’t want to go to high school, and that’s their reasoning for dropping out. They aren’t thinking about their future. ââ€" According to State Representative Martha Waltz of Boston, few, if any, 16 year olds have the wisdom and knowledge to understand the lifelong consequences of ending their high school education at 16

Kahirapan

Smoke From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For other uses, see Smoke (disambiguation). Smoke from a bee smoker, used inbeekeeping the smoke of burning tungsten in alightbulb Smoke is a collection of airborne solid and liquid particulates and gases[l] emitted when a material undergoes combustion or pyrolysis, together with the quantity of air that is entrained or otherwise mixed into the mass.It is commonly an unwanted by- product of fires (including stoves, candles, oil lamps, and fireplaces), but may also be used for pest control (fumigation), communication (smoke signals), defensive and ffensive capabilities in the military (smoke-screen), cooking (smoked salmon), or smoking (tobacco, cannabis, etc. ). Smoke is used in rituals, when incense, sage, or resin is burned to produce a smell for spiritual purposes. Smoke is sometimes used as a flavoring agent, and preservative for various foodstuffs.Smoke is also a component of internal combustion engine exhaust gas, particularly diesel exhaust. Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death in victims of indoor fires. The smoke kills by a combination of thermal damage, poisoning andpulmonary irritation caused y carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and other combustion products. Smoke particles are an aerosol (or mist) of solid particles and liquid droplets that are close to the ideal range of sizes for Mie scattering of visible light.This effect has been likened to three-dimensional textured privacy glass[citation needed] † a smoke cloud does not obstruct an image, but thoroughly scrambles it. Contents [hide] 1 Chemical composition 1. 1 Visible and invisible particles of combustion 2 Dangers of smoke 2. 1 Smoke corrosion 3 Secondhand smoke inhalation 4 Measurement of smoke 5 Medicinal smoke 6 See also 7 References External links Chemical composition[edit] This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. April 2011) The composition of smoke depends on the nature of the burn at a high temperature and with small amount of smoke produced; the particles are mostly composed of ash, or with large temperature differences, of condensed aerosol of water. High temperature also leads to production of nitrogen oxides. Sulfur content yields sulfur dioxide, or in case of incomplete combustion, hydrogen sulfide. Carbon and hydrogen are almost completely oxidized to carbon dioxide and water. Fires burning with lack of oxygen produce a significantly wider palette of compounds, many of them toxic.Partial oxidation of carbon produces carbon monoxide, nitrogen- containing materials can yield hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and nitrogen oxides. Hydrogen gas can be produced instead of water. Content of halogens such as chlorine (e. g. in polyvinyl chloride or brominated flame retardants) may lead to production of e. g. hydrogen chloride, phosgene,dioxin, and chloromethane, bromomethane and other halocarbons. Hydrogen fluoride can e formed from fluorocarbons, whether fluoropolymers subjected to fire or halocarbon fire suppression agents. 2] Phosphorus and antimony oxides and their reaction products can be formed from some fire retardant additives, increasing smoke toxicity and corrosivity. Pyrolysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), e. g. from burning older transformer oil, and to lower degree also of other chlorine-containing materials, can produce a potent carcinogen, and other polychlorinated dibenzodioxins. Pyrolysis of fluoropolymers, e. g. teflon, in presence of oxygen yields carbonyl fluoride (which hydrolyzes readily to HF and C02); ther compounds may be formed as well, e. g. arbon tetrafluoride, hexafluoropropylene, and highly toxic perfluoroisobutene Emission of soot from a large dieseltruck, without particle filters. Pyrolysis of burning material, especially incomplete combustion or smoldering without adequate oxygen supply, also results in production of a large amount of hydrocarbons, both aliphatic (methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene) and aromatic (benzene and its derivates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; e. g. benzo[a]pyrene, studied as a carcinogen, or retene), terpenes. Heterocyclic compounds may be also present.Heavier hydrocarbons may condense as tar; smoke with significant tar content is yellow to brown. Presence of such smoke, soot, and/or brown oily deposits during a fire indicates a possible hazardous situation, as the atmosphere may be saturated with combustible pyrolysis products with concentration above the upper flammability limit, and sudden inrush of air can cause flashover or backdraft. Presence of sulfur can lead to formation of e. g. hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, sulfur dioxide, carbon disulfide, and thiols; especially thiols tend to get adsorbed on surfaces and produce a ingering odor even long after the fire.Partial oxidation of the released hydrocarbons yields in a wide palette of other compound s: aldehydes (e. g. formaldehyde, acrolein, and furfural), ketones, alcohols (often aromatic, e. g. phenol, guaiacol, syringol, catechol, and cresols), carboxylic acids (formic acid, acetic acid, etc. ). The visible particulate matter in such smokes is most commonly composed of carbon (soot). Other particulates may be composed of drops of condensed tar, or solid particles of ash. The presence of metals in the fuel yields e. g. ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, or sodium chloride.Inorganic salts present on the surface of the soot particles may make themhydrophilic. Many organic compounds, typically the aromatic hydrocarbons, may be also adsorbed on the surface of the solid particles. Metal oxides can be present when metal-containing fuels are burned, e. g. solid rocket fuels containing aluminium. Depleted uranium projectiles after impacting the target ignite, producing particles of uranium oxides. Magnetic particles, spherules of magnetite-like ferrous ferric oxide, are present in coal smoke; their increase in deposits after 1860 marks the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. ] (Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can be also produced in the smoke from meteorites burning in the atmosphere. ) [5] Magnetic remanence, recorded in the iron oxide particles, indicates the strength of Earth's magnetic field when they were cooled beyond their Curie temperature; this can be used to distinguish magnetic particles of terrestrial and meteoric origin. [6] Fly ash is composed mainly of silicaand calcium oxide. Cenospheres are present in smoke from liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Minute metal particles produced by abrasion can be present in engine smokes.Amorphous silica particles are present n smokes from burning silicones; small proportion of silicon nitride particles can be formed in fires with insufficient oxygen. The silica particles have about 10 nm size, clumped to 70-100 nm aggregates and further agglomerated to chains. [3] Radioactive particles may be present due to tra ces of uranium, thorium, or other radionuclides in the fuel; hot particles can be present in case of fires during nuclear accidents (e. g. Chernobyl disaster) or nuclear war. Smoke particulates have three modes of particle size distribution: nuclei mode, with geometric mean radius between 2. 20 nm, likely forming by condensation of carbon moieties. accumulation mode, ranging between 75-250 nm and formed by coagulation of nuclei mode particles coarse mode, with particles in micrometer range Most of the smoke material is primarily in coarse particles. Those undergo rapid dry precipitation, and the smoke damage in more distant areas outside of the room where the fire occurs is therefore primarily mediated by the smaller particles. [7] Aerosol of particles beyond visible size is an early indicator of materials in a preignition stage of a fire. 3] Burning of hydrogen-rich fuel produces water; this esults in smoke containing droplets of water vapor. In absence of other color sources (nitr ogen oxides, particulates†¦ ), such smoke is white and cloud-like. Smoke emissions may contain characteristic trace elements. Vanadium is present in emissions from oil fired power plants and refineries; oil plants also emit some nickel. Coal combustionproduces emissions containing aluminium, arsenic, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, mercury, sel enium, and uranium. Traces of vanadium in high-temperature combustion products form droplets of molten vanadates.These attack the passivation layers on metals and ause high temperature corrosion, which is a concern especially for internal combustion engines. Molten sulfate and lead particulates also have such effect. Some components of smoke are characteristic of the combustion source. Guaiacol and its derivatives are products of pyrolysis of lignin and are characteristic of wood smoke; other markers aresyringol and derivates, and of forest fires. Levoglucosan is a pyrolysis product of cellulose. Hardwood vssoftwood smokes differ in the ratio of guaiacols/syringols.Markers for vehicle exhaust include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, hopanes, steranes, and specific nitroarenes (e. . I-nitropyrene). The ratio of hopanes and steranes to elemental carbon can be used to distinguish between emissions of gasoline and diesel engines. [8] Many compounds can be associated with particulates; whether by being adsorbed on their surfaces, or by being dissolved in liquid droplets. Hydrogen chloride is well absorbed in the soot particles. [7] Inert particulate matter can be disturbed and entrained into the smoke. Of particular concern are particles of asbestos.Deposited hot particles of radioactive fallout and bioaccumulated radioisotopes can be reintroduced into the atmosphere y wildfires and forest fires; this is a concern in e. g. the Zone of alienationcontaining contaminants from the Chernobyl disaster. Polymers are a significant source of smoke. Aromatic side groups, e. g. in polystyrene, enhance generation of smoke. Aromati c groups integrated in the polymer backbone produce less smoke, likely due to significant charring. Aliphatic polymers tend to generate the least smoke, and are non-self-extinguishing.However presence of additives can significantly increase smoke formation. phosphorus-based and halogen-based flame retardants decrease production of smoke. Higher degree of cross-linking between the polymer chains has such effect too. [9] Visible and invisible particles of combustion[edit] Smoke from a wildfire Depending on particle size, smoke can be visible or invisible to the naked eye. This is best illustrated when toasting bread in a toaster. As the bread heats up, the products of combustion increase in size. The particles produced initially are invisible but become visible if the toast is burned or cooled rapidly.Smoke from a typical house fire contains hundreds of different chemicals and fumes. As a result, the damage aused by the smoke can often exceed that caused by the actual heat of the fire . In addition to the physical damage caused by the smoke of a fire – which manifests itself in the form of stains – is the often even harder to eliminate problem of a smoky odor. Just as there are contractors that specialize in rebuilding/repairing homes that have been damaged by fire and smoke, fabric restoration companies specialize in restoring fabrics that have been damaged in a fire.Dangers of smoke[edit] Smoke from oxygen-deprived fires contains a significant concentration of compounds that are flammable. A cloud of smoke, in contact with atmospheric oxygen, therefore has the potential of being ignited – either by another open flame in the area, or by its own temperature. This leads to effects like backdraft and flashover. Smoke inhalation is also a danger of smoke that can cause serious injury and death. Many compounds of smoke from fires are highly toxic and/or irritating. The most dangerous is carbon monoxide leading to carbon monoxide poisoning, someti mes with the additive effects ofhydrogen cyanide and phosgene.Smoke inhalation can therefore quickly lead to incapacitation and loss of consciousness. Sulfur oxides, hydrogen chloride nd hydrogen fluoride in contact with moisture and materials. When asleep the nose does not sense smoke nor does the brain, but the body will wake up if the lungs become enveloped in smoke and the brain will be stimulated and the person will be awoken. This does not work if the person is incapacitated or under the influence of Drugs and/or alcohol Cigarette smoke is a major modifiable risk factor for lung disease, heart disease, and many cancers.Reduced visibility due to wildfire smoke in Sheremetyevo airport (Moscow, Russia) 7 August 2010. Smoke can obscure visibility, impeding occupant exiting from fire areas. In fact, the poor visibility due to the smoke that was in the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse fire in Worcester, Massachusetts was the exact reason why the trapped rescue firefighters couldn't evacuate the building in time. Because of the striking similarity that each floor shared, the dense smoke caused the firefighters to become disoriented. 10] Smoke corrosion[edit] Smoke contains a wide variety of chemicals, many of them aggressive in nature. Examples are hydrochloric acid and hydrobromic acid, produced fromhalogen- containing plastics and fire retardants, hydrofluoric acid released y pyrolysis of fluorocarbon fire suppression agents, sulfuric acid from burning of sulfur-containing materials, nitric acid from high-temperature fires where nitrous oxide gets formed, phosphoric acid and antimonycompounds from P and Sb based fire retardants, and many others.Such corrosion is not significant for structural materials, but delicate structures, especially microelectronics, are strongly affected. Corrosion of circuit board traces, penetration of aggressive chemicals through the casings of parts, and other effects can cause an immediate or gradual deterioration f parameters or even premature (and often delayed, as the corrosion can progress over long time) failure of equipment subjected to smoke.Many smoke components are also electrically conductive; deposition of a conductive layer on the circuits can cause crosstalks and other deteriorations of the operating parameters or even cause short circuits and total failures. Electrical contacts can be affected by corrosion of surfaces, and by deposition of soot and other conductive particles or nonconductive layers on or across the contacts. Deposited particles may adversely affect the erformance of optoelectronics by absorbing or scattering the light beams.Corrosivity of smoke produced by materials is characterized by the corrosion index (C'), defined as material loss rate (angstrom/minute) per amount of material gasified products (grams) per volume of air (m3). It is measured by exposing strips of metal to flow of combustion products in a test tunnel. Polymers containing halogen and hydrogen (polyvinyl chlori de, polyolefins with halogenated additives, etc. ) have the highest Cl as the corrosive acids are formed directly with water produced by the combustion, polymers containing halogen only (e. polytetrafluoroethylene) have lower Cl as the formation of acid is limited to reactions with airborne humidity, and halogen-free materials (polyolefins, wood) have the lowest Cl. [7] However, some halogen-free materials can also release significant amount of corrosive products. [11] Smoke damage to electronic equipment can be significantly more extensive than the fire itself. Cable fires are of special concern; low smoke zero halogen materials are any substance or structure, the chemicals contained in it are transferred to it.The corrosive properties of the chemicals cause the substance or structure to decompose t a rapid rate. In some instances the chemicals are absorbed into the substance or structure that it comes into contact with, i. e. clothing, unsealed surfaces, potable water piping, wood , etc. , which is why in most cases dealing with a structure fire they are replaced. Secondhand smoke inhalation[edit] Secondhand smoke is the combination of both sidestream and mainstream smoke emissions. These emissions contain more than 50 carcinogenic chemicals.According to the Surgeon General's latest report on the subject, â€Å"Short exposures to secondhand smoke can cause blood platelets to become stickier, damage the lining f blood vessels, decrease coronary flow velocity reserves, and reduce heart variability, potentially increasing the risk of a heart attack† [12] The American Cancer Society lists â€Å"heart disease, lung infections, increased asthma attacks, middle ear infections, and low birth weight† as ramifications of smoker's emission [13] Measurement of smoke[edit] As early as the 1 5th Century Leonardo da Vinci commented at length on the difficulty of assessing smoke, and distinguished between black smoke (carbonized particles) and white ‘smok e' which is not a smoke at all but merely a suspension of harmless ater droplets. Smoke from heating appliances is commonly measured in one of the following ways: In-line capture. A smoke sample is simply sucked through a filter which is weighed before and after the test and the mass of smoke found. This is the simplest and probably the most accurate method, but can only be used where the smoke concentration is slight, as the filter can quickly become blocked. Filter/dilution tunnel.A smoke sample is drawn through a tube where it is diluted with air, the resulting smoke/air mixture is then pulled through a filter and weighed. This is the nternationally recognized method of measuring smoke from combustion. Electrostatic precipitation. The smoke is passed through an array of metal tubes which contain suspended wires. A (huge) electrical potential is applied across the tubes and wires so that the smoke particles become charged and are attracted to the sides of the tubes. This method ca n over-read by capturing harmless condensates, or under-read due to the insulating effect of the smoke. However, it is the necessary method for assessing volumes of smoke too great to be forced through a filter, i. . , from bituminous coal. [14] Ringelmann scale. A measure of smoke color. Invented by Professor Maximilian Ringelmann in Paris in 1888, it is essentially a card with squares of black, white and shades of gray which is held up and the comparative grayness of the smoke Judged. Highly dependent on light conditions and the skill of the observer it allocates a grayness number from O (white) to 5 (black) which has only a passing relationship to the actual quantity of smoke. Nonetheless, the simplicity of the Ringelmann scale means that it has been adopted as a standard in many countries. Optical scattering. A light beam is passed through the smoke.A light detector is situated at an angle to the light source, typically at 900, so that it receives only light reflected from passi ng particles. A measurement is made of the light received which will be lower as the concentration of smoke particles becomes higher. Optical obscuration. A light beam is passed through the smoke and a detector opposite light will be measured. Combined optical methods. There are various proprietary optical smoke measurement devices such as the ‘nephelometer' or the ‘aethalometer' which use several different optical methods, including more than one wavelength of ight, inside a single instrument and apply an algorithm to give a good estimate of smoke. Inference from carbon monoxide.Smoke is incompletely burned fuel, carbon monoxide is incompletely burned carbon, therefore it has long been assumed that measurement of CO in flue gas (a cheap, simple and very accurate procedure) will provide a good indication of the levels of smoke. Indeed, several Jurisdictions use CO measurement as the basis of smoke control. However it is far from clear how accurate the correspondence is. Medicinal smoke[edit] Throughout recorded history, humans have used the smoke of medicinal plants to cure illness. A sculpture from Persepolis shows Darius the Great (522-486 SC), the king of Persia, with twocensers in front of him for burning Peganum harmala and/ or sandalwood Santalum album, which was believed to protect the king from evil and disease. More than 300 plant species in 5 continents are used in smoke form for different diseases.As a method of drug administration, smoking is important as it is a simple, inexpensive, but very effective method of extracting particles containing active agents. More importantly, generating smoke reduces the particle size to a microscopic scale thereby increasing the absorption of its active chemical principles. 1 5] see alsocedit] Wikimedia Commons has media related to Smoke.