Insights at IT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Insights at IT - Essay Example Moreover due to lack of interest of customers in the software products owing to their high prices, the software companies have started offering web-based services in which the software programs are not installed on the computer of the customers but services are offered to the customers on web. The customers have started to think that they are not getting the proper business value from the software programs because they think that they are spending more and the return is less. One of the reasons behind this thinking of the customers is the large maintenance costs that they have to pay when the subscription expires. The proof of this lack of interest on part of the customers is the discount offers by various software companies and the increase in the use of web-based software services. The article Six IT Decisions Your IT People Shouldn’t Make, I have observed that the most disastrous practice which is very common in the IT organizations these days is letting IT people prioritiz e the projects according to their business magnitude. No doubt IT people are best at their work and can actually carry out projects successfully but deciding about the projects that which project is the most beneficial for the company is not the job of IT people.

The Working Students of Sti College Essay Example for Free

The Working Students of Sti College Essay The problem has been developed with the query as to how the corresponding workloads and required working hours of working students affect their studies at STI College Munoz. As a backgrounder, the primary objective of the study is for working students to overcome conflict between their corresponding workloads and required working hours as against their studies. In addition, this paper intends to provide encouragement and motivation to all students especially those who are financially distressed to pursue and finish a college degree in order to be competitive in the future and be able to realize their goals and aspirations. It may also provide learning experiences and information to faculty members and school administrators in the development and implementation of curriculum, syllabus, school policies and procedures, and other school activities. In order to accomplish our objectives, we adopted several methodologies in obtaining data and information such as conducting surveys by providing questionnaires to our subjects, obtaining graphs, tabulations and illustrations from libraries and the internet, and conducting interviews personally and directly with our target subjects to get assurance that our data, information and values gathered were correct and accurate. We also adopted the recommendation and referral approach to enhance our networking and be able to interview more samples as possible. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 1. How do the corresponding workloads and required working hours affect the studies of working students from STI College Munoz? 2. How do the working students of STI College Munoz become effective in their studies? 3. How do the students of STI College Munoz benefit from this study? 4. How does the school administration of STI College Munoz benefit from this study? ASSUMPTION 1. It is assumed that the existing workloads and required working hours of working students from STI College Munoz affect their studies accordingly especially on time allotment for studies, time travel from work area to school campus, mandatory requirement by immediate superior on working student to spend extra working hours to meet work deadlines, or unexpected work engagement or tasks with results immediately needed by management. 2. It is assumed that the working students of STI College Munoz become effective in their studies by applying actual work experience towards classroom discussion or other relevant topics, applying emotional maturity acquired from work environment towards study problems or habits, and applying ability to handle financial matters effectively. 3. It is assumed that the study of working students from STI College Munoz as sample data would benefit the students of STI College Munoz since the working students play a major role in linking industry practice with the academe. It is further assumed that study would be able to motivate all students especially the financially distressed to pursue and finish a college degree despite financial problems to become competitive and achieve their goals and aspirations in the future. 4. It is assumed that the study would provide knowledge and information in the preparation, development, and implementation of curriculum, syllabus, school policies and procedures and other school activities. SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY The significance of studying working students from STI College Munoz as sample data will benefit the following: †¢Students of STI College Munoz-Edsa oBy making the full time students of STI College Munoz realize their advantage over the working students in terms of ample time to do review, research and advance reading of their respective subjects and maximize such advantage to achieve educational excellence rather than wasting a lot of time strolling in the malls or other non-educational related activities. By making the working students of STI College Munoz realize their advantage over the full time students in terms of industry experience and working practices and maximizing such advantage to improve their level of maturity and sense of responsibility in terms of balancing workloads and studyloads. oBy making financially distressed students realize that financial problem is not a hindrance in pursuing a college degree and that alternative sources of income are available if the y are willing to work to partially or fully finance their studies. Faculty Members of STI College Munoz-Edsa oBy taking advantage of the actual working experience and industry practice of working students as a tool for classroom discussion and source of information for curriculum development and syllabus preparation. oTo become more selfless and noble in sharing their support and understanding to the needs and problems of students, to be more aware of the students goals, and be ready to assist them in making decisions. The scope of this paper will cover the activities of the working students of STI College Munoz-Edsa. This study was limited to common problems and coping style of working student and their relation to academic requirements. The respondents of the study were the working college students of STI College Munoz-Edsa, aged 17 and above years old from different year level (first year to fourth year) during second semester school year 2009 – 2010. This study will determine the common problems, coping styles and academic performances as well as how the students academic performances significantly relate with the problems and coping style. DEFINITION OF TERMS Academe – The academic world. Academic Performance – refers to the grades of the college student obtained in each subject as expressed in their class cards. It is measured by getting the general weighted average (GWA) of the studies during the final term, second semester school year (2009-2010). This is the result of the grades multiplied and divided by the number of the units in a semester. A copy of these grades showing their equivalent rating appears on the transcript of records available at the school registrar. Educational Attainment – refers to the highest level of schooling a person achieved at a certain time. In this study the educational attainment is the year level the respondent is currently enrolled. Family – refers to basic social institution of society. It is traditionally defined as a social unit of those related through marriage, birth or adoptions who reside together in officially sanctioned relationships and who engaged in economic cooperation, socially approved sexual relations and reproduction and child rearing (Andersen, 2002). In this study, this refers to the direct family of the respondents. This covers the family relationships between parents and children, between father and mother, among siblings, family economic condition and total number of family members. Income – The average family monthly income which includes fixed sources from salaries and wages and other additional sources from business, farming, fishing and others. Problems – Refers to the difficult situations, which the working students in STI- College, Munoz Edsa are facing while portraying their different roles. Socio-Demographic Profile / Profile – refers to the demographic characteristics of the respondents which include their age, gender, socio economic status of the family, college year level, family’s monthly income, and their class schedules. Students – Refers to the respondents of this research coming from STI COLLEGE Munoz – EDSA. They are studying at the same time working for varied reasons. Work – refers to the type of job the respondents are engaged in while studying. In this study it refers to the respondents to their work profile which includes the type of work, where they are working, how many hours are they working and where do they spend their salary. Working Students – are those students who work with pay, those who are self – employed or having their own business while studying after working hours or working in between class hours. CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES This chapter includes a discussion of literature and studies, local and foreign, which were found to have bearings on the present study. Even though there have been only a few related studies, no similar study yet has been conducted wholly and solely on the problem of working college students of STI College Munoz EDSA. It can therefore be safely assumed that this research does not duplicate any study. LITERATURE LOCAL Manuel R. Santos expressed the view that the fate of the domestic helpers in the Philippines is somewhat disturbing. Majority of these young people are treated like animals although he said that not all are treated like animals. He said that not all these young people are badly treated but there are many of them who really received such maltreatment not only in our country but also abroad. Santos stressed the view that there is a need to amend the law about domestic helpers in such a way that they may be given opportunities to go to school and finish at least a college education. The author opinioned that most importantly, a domestic helper should receive a compensation commensurate to their workload with entitlement to a thirteen month pay and other benefits such as Medicare and SSS. The domestic helper should be given time to rest at least one day a week with pay. Clawid, being a working student as well as joining captivating Capiz is one of the hardest parts in the life of a college student. Why? Because aside from studying his lessons, making his homework and assignments, listening to his instructors and professors and finishing his projects, he has to do or finish other assignments or workload which full-time students don’t have. He doesn’t have enough time to go and hang out with his friends because he has assigned duty in the school, and several tasks to be done and the outcome would depend where he would be assigned to have his duty. He has responsibilities and accountabilities to the school where he is working and that is part being a working student, to serve the school and render working hours. Being a working student, the school shoulders the tuition fee and all he has to pay are the miscellaneous fees. That is one of the reasons why some students are applying to become a working student especially when their parents could no longer afford to send them to school. Sometimes he is being told to have committed mistakes but he takes them as encouragement and as a challenge but sometimes it also puts him down, depending on how other students have told him and the manner of delivery for calling his attention for the mistake committed. Some working students are very sensitive when being told that they had committed mistakes and easily feel bad. But what makes him proud is that he decided to become a working student in order to help his parents with their burdens especially in sending him to school. Sometimes he finds some extra jobs like typing just to earn money and be dependent. Some of his fellow working students told him that they would like to quit because it is really hard and they are tired after a long hours they spend in the class. But he told them that it is a part of the life of a college student. They have to manage their time and be patient because it is their investment for their career in the future. He is proud that he is a college working student and advised that we need patience, time management and strong determination to graduate from the course we have chosen and be able to face those circumstances and trials that may come in the life of being a college working student. Veronica Rillorta, after her high school graduation, dreamed of going to college and taking up a course of her interest as the key to finding employment. But as June 2005 drew near, she started to get worried because her parents couldn’t send her to school. Her mother consoled her by saying that it would be her own choice if she wants to work and where to work. At first, Veronica worked as a waitress in a restaurant in their town. The restaurant served so many customers, that they could only eat their lunch at around 3:00 in the afternoon. After working for few weeks, she quit. She relaxed for a few days, but because she didn’t want to be a burden to her parents, she found work as saleslady. Unfortunately, her employer cooked up some gossip about her and told her relatives that she had many boyfriends. She explained to her mother and dissuaded her from confronting her employer. Veronica blamed herself and developed self-pity. She was unhappy and felt life was boring doing nothing but wait for new opportunity to come. One day her friend from high school who has just graduated as a working student, came for a visit together with her employer, Madame Judith. Her friend told her she had recommended her to Madame Judith as her new working student. Veronica’s parents were delighted. Thinking this was the help she had been praying for every night, she went to Solano town in Nueva Viscaya province, one week before the start of classes in June 2007. She was fortunate given the opportunity to study in her employer’s school, while working for her family. She got free tuition and miscellaneous expenses as well as free lodging and food. And her employer gave her a monthly allowance amounting to P800. Balancing her work and her studies was not easy for her at first, but her second parents guided and supported her. They accepted her weaknesses and trusted her. Days became months, and months became years. She encountered some problems along the way, but they hardly mattered, compared to the chance of getting an education and becoming a more responsible and productive citizen. Her goal is to finish her course, but her employer had told her that they have other plans for her after finishing her course. They must be the instruments of God’s love for her. They are modern-day good Samaritans to whom she owed her new life. This early she was already thinking that in order to repay God and her second parents for their kindness, she will sponsor a scholarship program for deserving poor, young people so that they can go to college and have brighter future. She will also try to inculcate in them spiritual values and moral strength. All the things happening in our country certainly affects the youth, but it should not drive us to despair. Instead, let us take it as a challenge for us to make a difference, for the future awaits us. Being a better youth today ensures a brighter future tomorrow. Let us always believe in God, pray without ceasing and stick to the hope that we can achieve our goals through sheer determination. Veronica V. Rillorta, 19, is taking up a computer secretarial course at the Viscaya Institute of Computer Science in Bayom, Nueva Viscaya. Philippine Overseas Employment Authority report by Analiza Buendia mentions that based on statistics from 1983 to 1986, there were 632 complaints from migrant women workers who were domestics helpers that they were maltreated by their employers and 14 causes of rapes. These figures involved only women with legal and proper documents, although there were many of them who did not want to risk of losing their jobs by reporting cases of abuses and maltreated by their employers to the authorities. Then there were also those who did not want to give worries to their families in the Philippines. It was revealed that there was already organized in London an organization like commission of Filipino migrant workers(CFMW) had been helping the Filipino victims of such maltreatment and rapes; another organization was organized called â€Å"Kalayaan† whose member were Filipino domestic migrant workers who have been victims of the above kind of slavery. In this organization, it was shown that the members help each other and give moral support. It was revealed that the CFMW gave legal, financial and spiritual support to Filipinos overseas workers in London. According to Buendia, the Philippine government is not doing anything about what is happening to the Filipino women abroad. In spite of overwhelming proofs of this domestic helpers’ slavery, there has been no determined effort to help the victims. In fact the author pointed out that government officials kept on saying that they are doing everything about the problem, but up to now no law has been passed to protect the safety and interest of Filipino domestic helpers abroad, unless something concrete is done is pointed out by Buendia. The Filipino domestic helpers’ only choice aside from escape is to endure, pray and make sleep as their only escape from drudgery and cruelty as well as abuse Although some of the related literature did not directly show that the domestic Filipina helpers abroad was not studying while they worked as such, yet some of them study in their vacant times especially in the night. This could be due to the fact that these domestic helpers wanted to finish courses with foreign orientation. While the present study is concerned mostly on the problems, profile and motivations of part time working students in STI College Munoz, it has relations with those literature published in the local scene. Based on a study undertaken by the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA) Leonila Anastacio, only 49 percent of overseas workers in 1986 were women. In the first quarter of 1987, POEA data revealed that women migrant workers had outnumbered the men in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. In fact there were 40,000 Filipino now living in Great Britain in 1987 and almost 70 percent of this was women. Most of these women were college graduates and yet many of them were employed as domestic helpers, hotel chambermaid and waitresses. The young ones were still going to school to be able to finish another course which was pure British in orientation. Others landed on such jobs as teaching and nursing. It was noted that according t several job placement agencies in London, Filipinos were the most sought after for domestic work. The agencies attributed this development to the fact that all Filipinos spoke and understand English, hardworking, seldom complain about long hours of hardworking, patient with children, and most of all can easily adopt themselves to any situation. It was reported to the Philippine Overseas. FOREIGN A Working Students Life, a relentless work ethic, an upbeat attitude and a supportive family got her to the equitation finals. But for junior Kristin Mauks, the prize she treasured most was what she learned along the way. Sandra Cooke, Mandy Lorraine, At 10 p. . the night before the 1998 Maclay Finals, Kristin Mauks was staring through trainer Missy Clarks truck windshield at a Manhattan side street teeming with rigs, horses, and people, with Madison Square Garden looming beyond. Shed worked hard toward this chance for six years. For a moment, though, the reality was overwhelming. I was thinking, I have to unload these horses here. I have to take the tack trunks up this five-story-high ra mp.

Separation of Church and State Essay examples -- essays research paper

Probably one of the most heated and controversial political battles raging today would have to be the argument of Separation of Church and State. This debate bridges boundaries of political and social status and reaches deep within, to a time honored believe, Religion. With greater movements toward civil liberties and individual rights, more people have picked up there political swords and readied themselves for battle. So far there has been many casualties on both sides but yet no victor. The whole argument has been raging for some time but never has it been as heated as it has in the last several years. In 1951 minority religions felted that they no longer should be persecuted and have to listen to others religions in public places and following in the foot steps of the civil rights movement they decided to act. Although no real changes came about till 1962 in the case of Engel vs Vitale. This was a deciding case that proved that religion is indeed, not allowed in the schools or other governmental institutions. Many other religious movements have followed since that case. When the movement for Separation of Church and State began, it was usually minority religions vs. Majority religions in certain areas. Everyone was for prayer in schools, but they all wanted a different prayer to be said. Ultimately they turned to the courts to decide but as they proceeded through the trials they realized, â€Å"Do we really want the government to decide what prayer to say in school? A... Separation of Church and State Essay examples -- essays research paper Probably one of the most heated and controversial political battles raging today would have to be the argument of Separation of Church and State. This debate bridges boundaries of political and social status and reaches deep within, to a time honored believe, Religion. With greater movements toward civil liberties and individual rights, more people have picked up there political swords and readied themselves for battle. So far there has been many casualties on both sides but yet no victor. The whole argument has been raging for some time but never has it been as heated as it has in the last several years. In 1951 minority religions felted that they no longer should be persecuted and have to listen to others religions in public places and following in the foot steps of the civil rights movement they decided to act. Although no real changes came about till 1962 in the case of Engel vs Vitale. This was a deciding case that proved that religion is indeed, not allowed in the schools or other governmental institutions. Many other religious movements have followed since that case. When the movement for Separation of Church and State began, it was usually minority religions vs. Majority religions in certain areas. Everyone was for prayer in schools, but they all wanted a different prayer to be said. Ultimately they turned to the courts to decide but as they proceeded through the trials they realized, â€Å"Do we really want the government to decide what prayer to say in school? A...

Malcolm X Essay

Comparing the vocabularies of â€Å"Idiot Nation† and â€Å"Learning to Read†, I came out with the result that, Moores had used relatively critical words and vigorous words to write the passage. The way he narrated was rather extreme, he used words such as †idiots† and â€Å"stupidity† to insult the educational system in U. S. A. His tone was rather extreme and furious. He had even bolded some of the words in order to exaggerate his tone. In the other hand, Malcolm had used his own experience as the root of writing. The passage is to me more persuasive, since he had his own perspective and angles. Although the way Moores wrote could create a more remarkable impression, â€Å"Learning to Read† is more appealing to me since it doesn’t seem to strong and extreme. CORE QUESTIONS 4. Malcolm’s self-education in the prison assisted his later achievement on the society such as became a disciple of Elijah Muhammad and finding the Nation of Islam. The knowledge he had gained urged him to fight for right of the black. 5. B Bimbi was an inmate of Malcolm in the prison. He was always able to take over conversation. Malcolm was always envy of Bimbi’s stock of knowledge. Bimbi inspired Malcolm to read a lot of books in the prison in order to gain more knowledge. He said Malcolm should take advantage of the library in the prison and the time in the prison. At that point, Malcolm found out that he should improve his English by reading more books, so he started copying the dictionary. Bimbi had broadened the horizon of Malcolm’s. With his encouragement, Malcolm started to educate himself. Bimbi was a person whom Malcolm showed a lot of respect. Malcolm showed his debut credit to Elijah Muhmmad, the leader of Nation of Oslam Malcolm (NOI) was a devoted disciple of Elijah Muhmmad. He assigned Malcolm as a minister and national spokesman for the NOI. He taught Malcolm a lot of political techniques and provided him a lot of chances to increase his authority. Without Elijah’s elevation, Malcolm could not be able to have such a big achievement on fighting for the rights of Africans. Although the relationship between them later broke down, Elijah still had a great influence on Malcolm, and was respected by Malcolm. 6. After doing handful researches on Fanny Kemble, Nat Turner, John Brown, Mahatma Gandhi and Frederick Olmsted, I have found a common fact of them. They are all fighting for rights. For Fanny Kemble, Nat Turner, John Brown and Mahatma Gandhi, the ultimate aim of them is most likely the same with Malcolm’s, which was slave revolt, they are all fighting for the rights of slaves. They insisted that, black race should have to same right as the white race. The white race should not have dominated the history. Fanny Kemble, John Brown and Frederick Olmsted were from the white races, which could even be more controversial, since even the white people started to oppose the unfair treatments the slaves received. These people’s actions had influenced Malcolm. 7. One of the assumptions Malcolm had made was that, before the Negroes wanted to gain civil rights from the United Nation, they would have to first gain their basic human rights. (mentioned on P. 218). To certain extent, I agree with his assumption. According to some research I have found from the official website of United Nations[1](please refer to the reference on page 4), the United Nations was established in 1947. Since then, they have been discussing problems regarding human rights. From an article I have read, it had mentioned about â€Å"all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world†. This was the ultimate aim of the organization. So the establishment of United Nation was a leap of gaining human rights for the Africans. However, African American was a missing element. However, the establishment of United Nation did not support a permanent right for the African. Regarding a news[2](refer to the reference on page 4) in 2010, the equality of Africans was still a controversial problem, and had not been tackled. So what I could say is that, I am not sure whether the assumption Malcolm had made was right or not. 8. After reading the passage of Malcolm, I think he has discontent feelings towards the white men. Although his passage was titles â€Å"learning to read†, he had only spent a few paragraphs describing the progress of his learning, nevertheless almost half of the passage using historical examples to criticize the white men of using their power brainwashing the people. He thought the white men had taken away the human right of the black men. However, I think it was understandable for him to have these kinds of thoughts, since he had received a several unfair treatments from the white people when he was younger, so the white people gave him a bad impression initially. As he represented the NOI (Nation of Islam), he had to criticize the white people, in order to persuade and gain supports from the black races who were under a very bad condition. 9. I think in certain extent it’s possible to empower the students in the way Malcolm X’s self-education. Firstly, the situation of Malcolm is a very rare case. He was in prison for 7 years. That is probably the reason he can self- educate. He had so much time in the prison, no temptation and without connecting the world. He had much time copying words from the dictionary, while the students in the modern world had to face different kind of problems in daily life, they would not have time copying the dictionary every day. However, I think the students could use part of Malcolm’s method to educate themselves by squeezing out a little time and memorizing some of the vocabularies every day, but not using the method as extreme as Malcolm’s. 10. I think the overall message of the passage was not solely bringing out the effectiveness of reading books; instead Malcolm wanted also to bring out the problem of black races being suppressed by the white men. In the passage, Malcolm had pointed out the history was being â€Å"whitening†, which means the history was written by the white men. The examples he had raised up were all against the white races. That was the point I realized his passage was not purely like the topic â€Å"Learning to read†. CLOSING QUESTION 11. The book â€Å"Happiness† has inspired me the most. This book taught me the right attitude I should have towards life. It gave me so much positive energy. People used to be so happy and care-free when we were younger, however, when people were growing up, they started to have many unnecessary worries. This book urged me to reflect myself, and give me more motivation and wisdom to treat daily life problems. â€Å"Learning to read† gave me a brand new perspective. I am not person with critical thinking. When I was younger, I have studied the history of Europe, and I used to believe most of them. This passage reminded me that the history were all written by the white races, which means they could actually â€Å"create† history in the way which benefited them. I used to think history are what people in the past have written and could not be doubt, since no one could go back to the past and prove what had really happened. Nevertheless, now I think history could have a possibility of fakeness, and could not be completely believed. 12. Malcolm X to me was a very tough and smart person. I admired his attitude in the prison. Most of the people would have blamed themselves of getting in the jail and might have given their hopes after they went to the jail, however, Malcolm educated himself in the jail, even harder than the normal people. This kind of faith and spirit is very meritorious. He later even made great achievement on fighting for the right of the black race. However, when reading his passage, I could not completely agree his perspective, there might be biases. Since he himself is from the black race, and was the leader of the Nation of Islam, his words could be bias to the black race. He kept on criticizing the white men, which he had a quite extreme point of view, it was probably because some unfair treatments he had received in the past. So when reading his passage, I have to neglect how meritorious the author was, and analysis carefully the information I received. Reference for Question 7 [1]United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) http://www. blackpast. org/? q=united-nations-universal-declaration-human-rights-1948 The United Nations, http://www. un. org/en/documents/udhr/ [2]An article regarding concern on Civil rights of African http://www. aclu. org/human-rights/un-report-highlights-need-us-civil-and-human-rights-commission

Ashok Rajguru Essay

From the first session based on the case â€Å"Ashok RaJguru†, I learned that to help a person, it is better to guide him to find a solution to his problems by himself. On the other hand, Ashok helped me in analysing my life by better understanding the mix of value of studies as well as personal relationships in life. Here I learnt that it is important to understand the value of your dreams at each stage and to keep evaluating it after some time, so that you don’t have to regret later. For the second case, I could not relate to a lot of things from my past experiences, but I got to know the kind of problems faced by employees in organisations. Here I learned from the experiences of my colleagues, who had faced similar situations at their workplace. I also learned that it is important o let misunderstandings not get created and if they do, then we should sort them out at the earliest. In the third and the fourth session, we analysed our personalities by filling in a questionnaire. With this instrument, I was able to understand the ego states that I follow. It has helped me in understanding various transactions that have taken place afterwards and I have been able to relate to them. From the reading I learned Managerial styles which will help me I my future

Symbolism in Houses, Nature, and Culture essays

Symbolism in Houses, Nature, and Culture essays The setting and descriptions of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange that Emily Bronte uses throughout her novel, Wuthering Heights, helps set the mood for describing Heathcliff and Cathy. The cold, muddy, and infertile moors separate the two households. Each house stands alone, in the midst of the dreary land, but the atmospheres of the two estates are quite different. This difference helps explain the personalities and bond of Cathy and Heathcliff. The Conflict between Nature and Culture are constantly playing against each other. Nature is represented by the Earnshaw family, and by Catherine and Heathcliff in particular. These characters are governed by their passions, and "wildness." Wuthering Heights comes to symbolize a similar wildness. On the other hand, Thrushcross Grange and the Linton family represent culture, refinement, gathering, and cultivation. Emily Bronte's fine usage of symbolism help one to understand the differences in nature, culture, and personality shown by comparing the Heights and the Grange, kept together by the moors. Wuthering Heights, which represents basically Hell, is always in a state of storminess. The Heights and its surroundings portray the coldness, darkness, and evil associated with Hell. This parallels Heathcliff. He symbolizes the cold, dark, and dismal house. The author also uses parallel personifications to depict specific parts of the house as analogues to Heathcliffs face and body. "He is a dark-skinned gypsy in aspect... He has an erect and handsome figure, and rather morose." (Bronte 3). Emily frequently made references to the dark windows such as the darkness of Heathcliff. Although he is hansom and study such as the house, he is also depressing and gloomy. The very definition of wuthering is to dry up, shrivel, or wilt as from decay The inhabitants, especially Heathcliff and Cathy, cause the decay and bring storminess to the house. Hea ...

Free Essays on Most Dangerous Game

A person is unable to empathize with another unless he has shared a similar experience. Often one will come to realize the feeling of another. In, â€Å"The Most Dangerous Game† by Richard Connel, the characters are both skilled hunters who find themselves pitted against each other in the ultimate game of cat and mouse. When Sanger Rainsford meets the formidable General Zaroff, he learns what true fear is and discovers the resources needed to overcome his foe. General Zaroff is a cruel and heartless hunter. He tells Rainsford that he must hunt an animal that can reason and that humans are the only thing that can, so he hunts them. Zaroff must be mentally ill to hunt humans. He must feel a sense of superiority when he makes a kill. In addition Zaroff placed lights in the ocean to indicate a false channel full of jagged rocks which will tear metal like its paper. Zaroff must have a strong need to keep his human â€Å"stock† in high numbers. To destroy ships and have survivors swim to his island is the only way he can keep hunting humans. Furthermore, Zaroff keeps the men he will hunt in a training camp in his basement. Because the sailors are not used to being on land Zaroff must put them in training camp to let them get used to the land so he can hunt them in a dangerous game. General Zaroff likes his opponents to be physically fit. General Zaroff’s hobby of hunting humans is sick and ruthless. Sanger Rainsford is a cunning and resourceful opponent. For example, while playing the game with General Zaroff, Rainsford digs a deep hole and puts large, sharp sticks in the bottom and covers the hole with brush. Rainsford is good at making good use of what he has. Rainsford doesn’t give up when he might be considered the underdog. In addition, Rainsford ties a knife to a vine and makes a booby trap for Zaroff, which misses Zaroff and hits his assistant Ivan. Although Rainsford misses his opponen... Free Essays on Most Dangerous Game Free Essays on Most Dangerous Game A person is unable to empathize with another unless he has shared a similar experience. Often one will come to realize the feeling of another. In, â€Å"The Most Dangerous Game† by Richard Connel, the characters are both skilled hunters who find themselves pitted against each other in the ultimate game of cat and mouse. When Sanger Rainsford meets the formidable General Zaroff, he learns what true fear is and discovers the resources needed to overcome his foe. General Zaroff is a cruel and heartless hunter. He tells Rainsford that he must hunt an animal that can reason and that humans are the only thing that can, so he hunts them. Zaroff must be mentally ill to hunt humans. He must feel a sense of superiority when he makes a kill. In addition Zaroff placed lights in the ocean to indicate a false channel full of jagged rocks which will tear metal like its paper. Zaroff must have a strong need to keep his human â€Å"stock† in high numbers. To destroy ships and have survivors swim to his island is the only way he can keep hunting humans. Furthermore, Zaroff keeps the men he will hunt in a training camp in his basement. Because the sailors are not used to being on land Zaroff must put them in training camp to let them get used to the land so he can hunt them in a dangerous game. General Zaroff likes his opponents to be physically fit. General Zaroff’s hobby of hunting humans is sick and ruthless. Sanger Rainsford is a cunning and resourceful opponent. For example, while playing the game with General Zaroff, Rainsford digs a deep hole and puts large, sharp sticks in the bottom and covers the hole with brush. Rainsford is good at making good use of what he has. Rainsford doesn’t give up when he might be considered the underdog. In addition, Rainsford ties a knife to a vine and makes a booby trap for Zaroff, which misses Zaroff and hits his assistant Ivan. Although Rainsford misses his opponen...

7 Steps to a Successful MIT Application

7 Steps to a Successful MIT Application SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips In 2018, MIT admitted only 6.7% of students who applied to the school. With such a low admissions rate, it may seem like getting accepted is close to impossible, but we’re here to help! In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to complete the MIT application, including when every important MIT application deadline is, what exactly you need to submit with your application, what admissions officers are really looking for when they review your application, and how you can make each part of your MIT application stand out from the pack. Key Info for the MIT Application You should know all the important information about the MIT application well before you plan on applying to make sure you gather all your materials and meet all the deadlines. Where to find the MIT application: You can find the MIT application here. The application opens in August of each year. How to submit the MIT application: When you’ve completed the MIT application, you can submit it by hitting the â€Å"Submit† button at the end of the application. SAT and/or ACT scores, as well as your official transcript, must be sent directly to MIT. When to submit the MIT application:It's very important to know the MIT application deadline. MIT offers both early action and regular action application submissions. Below is a chart of the key deadlines for each option. It’s important to know every deadline since missing just one could mean your application won’t be looked at. Early Action Deadline What's Due November 1 Application parts 1 and 2Two letters of recommendation Secondary school report November testing date Standardized Test Scores February 15 February Updates Notes Form February 15 Financial Aid Materials (optional) Regular Action Deadline What's Due January 1 Application parts 1 and 2Two letters of recommendationSecondary school report December testing date Standardized Test Scores February 15 February Updates Notes Form February 15 Financial Aid Materials (optional) If you’re applying early action, you’ll need to have both parts of the application completed, and your transcript and letters of recommendation sent, by November 1st. You can still take the SAT, ACT, and/or SAT Subject tests in November, however. You’ll receive your admission decision in mid-December. For students applying regular action, you’ll need to have all parts of the application completed/sent by January 1st, and you can take your standardized tests no later than December. You’ll receive your admission decision in mid-March. Should You Apply Early Action or Regular Action? There are two options for applying to MIT, early action and regular action. Is one better than the other?If you apply early action, you do have a slightly better chance of getting accepted. According to MIT’s admission statistics, if you apply early action, you do have a slightly better chance of getting accepted than if you apply regular action. However, MIT specifically states this about its early action cycle: "There is no positive or negative prejudice associated with or conferred by applying during either cycle. We do not have a preference, and there is no strategic benefit to be had. We have two cycles for two reasons: 1) it helps us spread our work out over a longer period, devoting more time to each application and 2) it provides applicants with more options so they can choose which works best for them." Additionally, the majority (about 66%) of students who apply early action end up getting deferred and considered in the regular action applicant pool. So an early decision is by no means guaranteed if you apply early action. Bottom line? Apply early action if you can get all the materials in before the deadline, but don’t stress too much about it if you can’t since it likely won’t impact your chance of getting admitted. How to Apply to MIT There are six main steps you need to follow to submit your MIT application. Below are the steps, numbered in the rough order you should complete them in. Step 1: Create a MyMIT Account and Start Your Application The first step to applying to MIT is simple; you just need to create a MyMIT account.Creating an account only takes a few minutes, and once you do this you’ll be able to complete an application, track the pieces of the application you’ve submitted, join the MIT mailing list, and get your interviewer’s name and contact information. To create an account you’ll have to fill out some basic demographic information such as your birthdate, high school name, and home address. Step 2: Complete Parts 1 and 2 of the Application This is the bulk of the MIT application. Part 1 focuses on biographical information, and Part 2 focuses on your essays, activities, and test scores.Part 1 is the shorter section and should only take you about 30 minutes to complete. You’ll fill out information about whether you're applying early action or regular action, what your parents’ jobs and highest level of education are, if you have siblings and where they attend college (if applicable), and all the high schools you attended, among other information.After you submit Part 1, you’ll pay the $75 MIT application fee. Part 2 is more in depth. You’ll enter information about all the extracurriculars and jobs you’ve participated in, advanced classes you’ve taken, awards you’ve won, and your exam scores (although you’ll still have to send official copies of these scores). You’ll also self-report all the classes you’ve taken and the grades you got in them although, again, you’ll still need to submit your official transcript.This is also the section where you enter the information about the two teachers who are writing evaluations for you (see Step 5 for more info) and submit any supplemental materials (see Step 6 for more info). Finally, you’ll complete the MIT’s personal statements. Unlike many other schools, MIT doesn’t require one long essay; instead, you’ll answer five short prompts. Here are the essay prompts, along with the word count requirement: We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do for the pleasure of it. (100 words or fewer) Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (100 words or fewer) At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world's biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. (200-250 words) Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? (200-250 words) Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation? (200-250 words) After you’ve finished each of these sections and reviewed them, you can submit them. Part 1 must be submitted before Part 2. Step 3: Submit Your Secondary School Report and Standardized Test Scores You’ll need to send your official high school transcript to MIT.MIT also requires three test scores. You must take either the SAT or ACT (the writing section/essay isn’t required for either exam) as well as two SAT Subject Tests. One subject test must be a math test (either Math Level 1 or Math Level 2), and the second subject test must be a science test (either Biology, Chemistry, or Physics). Step 4: Ask Two Teachers to Fill Out Your Evaluations You’ll need two letters of recommendation for MIT, one from a math/science teacher and one from a humanities/language teacher.On your MyMIT Dashboard, you’ll fill out each of your recommender’s names and email addresses so the form can be sent to them.Your recommendations are due the same day as the rest of your application. Step 5: Set Up and Complete an Interview Interviews are not technically required, but MIT highly recommends them and admits very few applicants who didn’t interview, so you’ll want to do one if it’s at all possible.Once you complete Parts 1 and 2 of the application, you’ll be contacted by an Educational Counselor (EC), who will be the person doing your interview. The EC is an alum of MIT who conducts interviews, and there are over 5,000 of them around the world. You and your EC will set up an interview at a place near you. Most early action interviews take place in November, and most regular action interviews take place in January. The interview typically lasts an hour and often take place in a location such as a coffee shop, restaurant, or library. Some may also take place over Skype. MIT recommends thinking about questions you might be asked before the interview, and here are 14 of the most common college interview questions. Step 6: (Optional) Submit Supplementary Materials You also have the option to submit supplementary materials, this is a completely optional step and is typically done by students with a fine arts portfolio, those with research experience, and/or those who hope to play a varsity sport for MIT. There are six different supplemental materials you can send, and most (all except the varsity sports interest form) come with an additional fee of $5-$10. You can find more information about each of these options on your MyMIT Dashboard. If you choose to complete any of these materials, you’ll submit them separate from the rest of your application. Here are the options for supplementary materials: Maker Portfolio Music Theater Arts Portfolio Research Portfolio Supplemental Recommendations Varsity Sports Interest Varsity Sports Interest Step 7: Submit Your February Updates and Notes Form If you applied Early Action and were accepted or applied Regular Action (you won’t have your admission decision yet), you’ll also need to submit your February Updates and Notes form by February 15th. You’ll be emailed information about this form which will mostly consist of letting MIT know what your fall semester grades were and what classes you’re taking for your spring semester. MIT Application Checklist Below is everything you need to submit with your MIT application. You can use this application checklist to stay organized and make sure you've submitted all the required materials. Parts 1 and 2 of the MIT Application Evaluation A: Letter of recommendation from a math or science teacher Evaluation B: Letter of recommendation from a humanities, social science, or language teacher Scheduled Interview SAT or ACT scores Two SAT Subject Test scores (one from each of MIT’s two categories) February Updates Notes Form (due in February) $75 MIT application fee How to Do Well on Key Sections of the MIT Application How can you have a stellar MIT application? Because MIT is so competitive, your application will need to be strong in all the key areas MIT evaluates. MIT is looking primarily for academic excellence, leadership experience, passion for learning and your future major, and sociability. There are numerous ways you can show you have these qualities on your MIT application. In this section we go over the five most essential parts of your application and explain exactly what you need in order to stand out and show MIT you have what it takes to succeed there. #1: High School Transcript Your high school transcript is often the single most important piece of your application, so you want it to shine. Your goal here is to show admissions officers that you took difficult classes and got top grades in them, particularly the math and science classes. MIT has rigorous classes, and they’re looking for applicants who have already challenged themselves by taking advanced classes in high school. If your school offers honors, AP, and/or IB classes, you should aim to take at least some of these advanced classes, especially those in the field you plan to major in. If your school doesn’t offer these classes MIT also has suggestions for alternative ways to challenge yourself. MIThas no requirements for classes you had to have taken in high school but it recommends the following: One year of physics One year of chemistry One year of biology Math, through calculus Two years of a foreign language Four years of English Two years of history and/or social sciences Remember, this is the minimum MIT recommends; you’ll likely have to go above and beyond in some areas to be a competitive applicant. Most applicants will have taken at least four years each of math and science, including multiple advanced classes. Your GPA is also a crucial part of your MIT application since taking difficult classes but doing poorly in them doesn’t show that you’re prepared for the rigor of MIT. The average weighted GPA of MIT admitted students is about 4.13, which means you should aim to get as many A’s as possible in your classes. #2: Standardized Test Scores MIT doesn’t have a minimum score requirement for the SAT/ACT, but because admission is so competitive, you should aim for a high standardized test score.Your goal should be to reach the 75th percentile score for admitted MIT students. Meeting this score for either the SAT or ACT means you will have scored higher than 75% of other admitted students, which puts you in a strong position during the admissions process. For the SAT, a 75th percentile score is an 800 in Math and a 770 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. For the ACT, it’s a composite score of 35.You can get scores lower than this and still get accepted to MIT, but these are solid goal scores to try to aim for. For your two SAT Subject Tests, you should aim for at least a 750 in both exams. It doesn’t matter which science subject test you take (although if there’s one that’s close to your intended major, try to take that one), but you should try to take Math Level 2 for the math requirement if at all possible since a high score on this exam is more impressive than a high score on Math Level 1. #3: Letters of Recommendation You’ll need two letters of recommendation for MIT, and they should both come from teachers who know you well and can write convincingly about your strengths. A strong letter of rec will include specific examples of your academic abilities and personal skills; it will also explain why you’re an excellent applicant for MIT. Speak to the people you’d like to write your letters fairly early, ideally at the end of your junior year or beginning of your senior year.Check out our guide on letters of recfor more information on who to ask to write your letter of recommendation and a step-by-step guide on how to ask. #4: MIT Essays For MIT, you’ll need to write five short essays, each less than 250 words. MIT requires multiple short essays to get a more complete view of who you are, so make sure you show your personality and what you care about. There are three main goals for your MIT essays: Show who you are Show what’s important to you Show why MIT is the best school for you For tips and strategies on how to answer every one of the MIT essay prompts, check out our in-depth guide to answering the MIT essays. #5: Extracurriculars Your extracurriculars are also a key part of your MIT application. The best way to stand out with your extracurriculars is to emphasize your passion and leadership skills. You can do this by pursuing extracurriculars in a field related to your future major, sticking with them, and achieving leadership roles in them.Learn more about the types of extracurriculars you'll need to get into top-tier schools. It’s also important to note that you should choose your extracurriculars based on what you’re interested in and passionate about, not what you think will impress MIT. On their website, MIT specifically counsels against this, as they’d rather have students doing what they love than those spending their time on things they don’t care about just to try and look impressive. Recap: MIT Application Because MIT only accepts less than 7% of applicants, your application needs to stand out if you want a chance of getting in.Before you do anything else, make sure you know that MIT application deadlines. They differ depending on whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Action. Give yourself enough time to complete all parts of the application, which will include entering in all your grades and classes, completing five MIT essay prompts, and entering in your test scores.Don’t forget to send in additional materials such as your transcript, official test scores, and letters of recommendation. MIT also highly recommends doing an interview. To give yourself the best chance of getting admitted, you want your MIT application to b strong across the board. The five most important parts of your application are your: transcript, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and extracurriculars. What's Next? Want to see what an MIT acceptance letter look like? Take a look at an actual MIT acceptance letter and learn tips for getting in. Essays are an important part of the MIT application.Learn how to write stellar MIT essays by checking out our guide to the four tips you need to know when writing MIT essays. Want to know how to make your extracurriculars stand out even more? Check out this guide to four amazing extracurricular activities and learn why they're so impressive to colleges. Want to get into MIT or your personal top choice college? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Operetion management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Operetion management - Assignment Example This is especially true in the case highly fashion conscious and seasonal business of selling fashion wear merchandise. In this context the 'Quick Response' supply chain project of Jossey Menswear - a fashion retailer with more than 200 retail outlets is analysed to evaluate and critically comment on the scope of success of their project I improving the supply chain management. "More than ever before speed has become a source of competitive advantage. Competing on speed requires an organization characterized by fast moves, fast adaptations and tight linkages. .. Forming alliances is one of the most effective avenues for competing speed. The best example is the textile industry's quick response initiative, designed to improve the flow of information, standardize recording systems, and reduce turnaround time along the entire supply chain from fiber to textiles to apparel to retailing." - Roberta S. Russell, Bernard W. Taylor Operation Management: Edition IV (2003). pp 37. Seasonality - This is the main factor which necessitates the speed in the supply chain. Basically the fashion industry works on two seasons, Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter, where supply decisions are conceived at least 18 months prior to the time the merchandise is supposed to be on the racks of the retail outlet. The various processes starting from the selection of design, selection of color trends and fabric trends for the next season are time consuming and in order that the garments reach the stores before the end of the season, there should exist an effective supply chain. Products are made according to a predetermined standard sizes and there is no time to revise the outfits once manufactured. This critical aspect in the supply chain movement sometimes delays the whole process of manufacturing resulting in the rejection of some garment lots being out of size specifications. Here again a team effort working in conformity to evolved standards will make the things move faster. Pricing-the determinant factor on the success or otherwise of a business venture is at the centre of all managerial decisions. This is particularly true in the case of the fashion retail business as any garments not reaching within the saleable window will naturally have to be sold at the end of the season at heavily discounted prices. Full price sales can be effected only when the merchandise reaches the stores and is available to the customer when they visit the store only once or twice in a year, which is a peculiarity attached to the fashion retail industry. The sale at full price is also determined by various other factors. 'Designers' collection' forms the foundation for the full price sales. Since designers work at a considerably advanced period before the actual sales takes place, they have to make intelligent guess work about the customer preferences in terms of deign, color and fabric which may sell well in a season. If the decisions on the collection designs are made right then the entire season may witness good full price sales. Getting the styles into the right retail

Tylenol Ethical Behavior 1982 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Tylenol Ethical Behavior 1982 - Essay Example Tylenol had been the most profitable medicine for Johnson & Johnson and its contamination represented a big threat to the company and its goodwill in the market. The company’s market share fell drastically from 35% to a mere 8%. Thus, the company’s aim was to react in a way that does not damage its reputation. Following the announcement to stop consumption of the product was the announcement that the company had recalled its product completely from the market which resulted in an immediate loss of $100 million (Suder, 2006). The important point to note here is that, although the company wasn’t responsible for the alteration in the product, it assumed the ethical responsibility at the cost of its profits. By demonstrating that the company genuinely cared for the soceity’s safety, Tylenol got sympathy vote from customers who started realizing the fact that Tylenol had been a victim of a criminal act ( done by somebody else) and that the company was innocent (Suder, 2006). Additionally, the company established repute and strong links with the FBI, Police and the administration of the Food and Drug department (Kaplan, 1994). Through this the company hoped to gain the confidence of these groups along with searching for the individuals behind the contamination. Furthermore, it devoted heavy sums of money to the media and advertising agencies in order to inform the public about stopping the use of Tylenol and spreading this awareness amongst the masses (Kaplan, 1994). They went to the extent of using â€Å"1-800† hotline to deliver the message across the country and also used pre-recorded messages to inform news agencies about the latest developments with respect to the crisis (Cutlip, Center, & Broom, 1999). The company also ensured that all its press conferences were aired on national television (Kaplan, 1994). This was, however, a short term

Global Business Plan, Hallmark Greeting Cards in Spain Assignment

Global Business Plan, Hallmark Greeting Cards in Spain - Assignment Example Spain’s two main cities, Madrid and Barcelona have a good number of shopping malls in the towns and their outskirts. These shopping malls are popular among the majority of tourists visiting Spain. This potential new market presents Hallmark with risks like currency fluctuations, infrastructure, and another market risk. The company has analyzed Spain’s political-legal environment and come up with a global company structure to accommodate it. An international promotion strategy can give the company advantage over its potential competitors (Grover, 2007). The competition mainly consists of two companies, Stockwell Greetings, and International Greetings. Hallmark looks to utilize its brand’s strong presence in other European countries and its experience in global markets to have an advantage over the competitors. Industrial technology and chemical products are Spain’s top exports (Quora.com, 2014). The company has assessed the economic environment and forecasted the potential start-up costs involved. Start-up costs include takeovers and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Financing is to be done internally through grants (Quora.com, 2014). The market size for greeting cards in Spain is relatively large. It is that over 7 billion greeting cards are purchased every year. Total revenue generated from greeting card sales are said to be over 7.5 billion. 90% of Spanish households buy greeting cards every year. An average household purchases 30 greeting cards annually. Women account for a significant percentage of greeting card purchases. Women purchase over 80% percent of the total sales while Spanish men only buy greeting cards on special events (Grover, 2007). Greeting cards appeal mainly depends on a proper understanding of the customers’ culture. Translation errors brought up by direct translation have a significant

Urban Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Urban Design - Essay Example These places also include bikeways, plazas, waterfronts, view corridors, transportation hubs, and natural features, building interfaces, landmarks, squares, nodes, pedestrian ways and bridges. To maintain high quality public realm, arc must be the overall driving force. In some cities, the public realm is not an original person’s idea; some ideas are gotten from cities that the public realm has worked. Public realm has four categories: public spaces, streetscapes, parks and coastal areas. Coastal areas – these areas include all areas of land that are along or adjacent to large water bodies. Parks – these are open spaces to the community that are used as recreational facilities; parks include wadi systems, mountain ridges comprised of natural areas. Public places – include open areas that surround the community that is used for public assembly or gathering and is visible to the entire public. Streetscapes – these are elements of the streets which comprise visual objects, and they include trees, roads, sidewalks, open spaces, street furniture, benches and trees – all these combined to form the street’s character. Reasons why urban designers should pay attention to the public realm are to satisfy their clients’ needs, who include the entire public. ... Caring for the public and paying attention to the public realm example in the open squares and park is important because this is a convergence place for the interaction of the public. The ways in which the public has access to the towns or areas of interest is dictated by the mode in which the â€Å"public realm† was set. Buildings and all that encompasses the public realm should be designed in a way that maximum safety is offered and the public is at its optimum security while accessing such public places. If these places are safe, then running of business will be smooth, and everything will be flowing according to what they are planning in the short and in the long run. Attention should also be given to the ways in which the roads are designed, i.e. there should be pedestrian crosses in the roads where there is much public usage. There should be road signs along the highways, and the roads should be properly calibrated if it is a two way road. Strategies and techniques used by designers to enhance the public realm are to ensure places retain their uniqueness by not changing the place’s physicality, making sure that development does not greatly interfere with the way the layout of the street is. Designers enhance this by holding open forums with the public where they discuss emerging issues in their cities, towns, villages or places of their dwellings. In their discussions, they come up with ways to solve the emerging issues or find solutions to their problems. Other strategies that designers use are acquiring ideas from places with well descent established public realm and incorporating the ideas into places where it has not been tried. Though this

American Music History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

American Music History - Essay Example The drummer and the male dancer compete against each other by increasing the tempo and making the rhythm more intricate, progressively. Rumba is not really the name of a single dance, rather a genre of dances originating in Cuba. The two to four beat rhythm, which is common to all Cuban dances, is called the Clave rhythm, as it is played by two sticks called claves. The tempo changes but never gets too fast as the couple sway from side to side suggestively, holding each other at approximately arm’s length. Initially danced to African music, the songs for the Rumba gradually converted into Spanish. The Rumba has strayed into contemporary Flamenco, Blues and even Rock music and is continually evolving thanks to newer, experimental artists. Popularized in the USA by the sensational Carmen Miranda, the Samba has its origins in Brazil and Africa. Bossa Nova emerged in protest to the commercialization of Samba in the 1960s. It is called jazz samba as it blends jazz music with the upbeat rhythms of the samba seamlessly. It was more intimate and lacked the flamboyance of Samba. The song ‘Desafinado’ introduced the term Bossa Nova. Musicians like Miles Davis and Pat Metheny draw great inspiration from the Bossa Nova tradition. Salsa, literally meaning sauce, originated in Cuba, and by the end of the 1970s became a major component of   almost all vernacular fields. It is quintessentially Cuban music, long held a substyle, and although it originally was defined by upbeat, spirited Cuban music, it slowly developed a Latin tinge to it, although retaining that Cuban flavour as well. Today, we define salsa generally as Latin-African music, and what was once dance band music, albeit music incorporating varied rhythms, complex instrumentations and sounds, usage of flutes and violins, under various Puerto Rican and South American influences, and with the inclusion of jazz, has now grown to be a highly sophisticated style of music capable of being molded into

Urban Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Urban Design - Essay Example These places also include bikeways, plazas, waterfronts, view corridors, transportation hubs, and natural features, building interfaces, landmarks, squares, nodes, pedestrian ways and bridges. To maintain high quality public realm, arc must be the overall driving force. In some cities, the public realm is not an original person’s idea; some ideas are gotten from cities that the public realm has worked. Public realm has four categories: public spaces, streetscapes, parks and coastal areas. Coastal areas – these areas include all areas of land that are along or adjacent to large water bodies. Parks – these are open spaces to the community that are used as recreational facilities; parks include wadi systems, mountain ridges comprised of natural areas. Public places – include open areas that surround the community that is used for public assembly or gathering and is visible to the entire public. Streetscapes – these are elements of the streets which comprise visual objects, and they include trees, roads, sidewalks, open spaces, street furniture, benches and trees – all these combined to form the street’s character. Reasons why urban designers should pay attention to the public realm are to satisfy their clients’ needs, who include the entire public. ... Caring for the public and paying attention to the public realm example in the open squares and park is important because this is a convergence place for the interaction of the public. The ways in which the public has access to the towns or areas of interest is dictated by the mode in which the â€Å"public realm† was set. Buildings and all that encompasses the public realm should be designed in a way that maximum safety is offered and the public is at its optimum security while accessing such public places. If these places are safe, then running of business will be smooth, and everything will be flowing according to what they are planning in the short and in the long run. Attention should also be given to the ways in which the roads are designed, i.e. there should be pedestrian crosses in the roads where there is much public usage. There should be road signs along the highways, and the roads should be properly calibrated if it is a two way road. Strategies and techniques used by designers to enhance the public realm are to ensure places retain their uniqueness by not changing the place’s physicality, making sure that development does not greatly interfere with the way the layout of the street is. Designers enhance this by holding open forums with the public where they discuss emerging issues in their cities, towns, villages or places of their dwellings. In their discussions, they come up with ways to solve the emerging issues or find solutions to their problems. Other strategies that designers use are acquiring ideas from places with well descent established public realm and incorporating the ideas into places where it has not been tried. Though this

Ethics and governance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Ethics and governance - Essay Example This left Texas City quite vulnerable to a catastrophe. The decision by the key actors in this BP’s case was founded on the need to ensure that the issue of non-compliance to public safety and health issues by oil companies was addressed. According to Campbell and Tom (2005, p. 551); Davies (2006, p. 106-120) corporations which do not subscribe to the appropriate business ethics do so because they have egoistic inclinations. It is imperative to note that failure to uphold ethics also amounts to lack of effective governance within the affected corporations. Ethics and governance issues in corporations lay the foundation upon which virtues within firms are laid. The action by the Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) to investigate BP was to audit its safety standards. Hence, this decision was based on the oil fire incident at BP which killed fifteen of its workers and injured a hundred and seventy others. However, the company had ignored this issue for a long time. The report notes that this company was plagued by years of cost cutting which in turn increased its vulnerability to this catastrophe in its refinery in Texas. According to Mortishead, (2005, p. 8); Davies (2006, pp 106-120) the decisions of BP through its management and workers of the company were based on the need to improve its image in the oil industry. From the BP’s case, there are a range of possible consequences based on the report findings. These consequences were changes triggered by the findings in the report. One such consequence is the improvement in the compliance to safety standards by BP and other companies as well. According to Stocker (2005, p. 453-66), in so doing, these oil firms would have to embrace the canons of ethics and governance. In this regard, they shall have to implement fundamental organisational changes to ensure they are virtuous. The other actual consequence is the loss of market leadership position by BP to

Product Review for Nike Fuel Band Essay Example for Free

Product Review for Nike Fuel Band Essay Im a number junkie, I love knowing exactly how many calories Im taking in, my macronutrient ratios and Id always wanted to know how many calories I burn on a daily basis. To feed my number addiction I typically weigh my food and prepare an entire days food in one sitting. With that said, being able to track my energy expenditure was very appealing to me. I came across an energy tracking product called Nike Fuel Band. Being able to get a rough idea of how many calories I burn throughout the day was exactly what a fitness nerd like me wanted to know. After using this product for three weeks, I am blown away by the total package of services this product offers. The Nike Fuel band is a wrist band that looks similar to a Live Strong bracelet that keeps track of all your daily activity. It has a built in screen that is comprised of a number of LEDs that can tell you how much Nike Fuel youve earned, how many calories youve burned, how many steps youve taken and the current time. The device also syncs with your phone, computer and Nike Plus account to keep track of your day to day activity. The packaging was very appealing; everything was nicely arranged so things didnt get deshuffled during shipping. I had almost no problems getting my Fuel band synced up to my computer or my iPhone. My band fit perfectly without having to add the supplied extra link and was able to start burning fuel right away. Once I got it going there is a single button on the device that if clicked will scroll through four different options; fuel, calories, steps and time. The time is also really convenient if you would rather where the band than a watch. The product itself is slightly larger than your standard silicone wrist band that people still seem to be wearing. Nike fuel is Nikes proprietary measurement of energy expenditure which is supposed to be a universal measurement. For me personally Ive noticed that three Nike Fuel points equates to about one calorie. After using my Nike Fuel Band for about three weeks I found I pay attention to both the fuel as well as the calories. It is definitely useful for comparing activity with friends, as if you have different height and weight your caloric expenditure will be way off. There are two things about the Fuel Band that I wish were a little different. While the device is able to be worn in the shower, it is not recommended to take the product swimming. I go swimming a lot so it was a bit of an inconvenience for me not to have this on to rate my performance. I would have also liked to see the Fuel Band have the ability to monitor heart rate. The Band fits very snug to my wrist, so I would think that tracking my pulse wouldnt have added too many extra dollars in electronics. By tracking heart rate Nike would have had another variable to more accurately track activity levels. This would have improved their ability to measure fuel in activities that are more static like Yoga or Weight Lifting. After using my Nike Fuel band for three weeks, I absolutely love it. While it may not be flawless in terms of calculating caloric expenditure, it does a better job than anything else out there when you compare the convenience factor of having a small bracelet attached to your wrist. This product has definitely changed my life, if Im a few hundred fuel points away from my daily goals, I go walk around the block to make sure I hit the goals Ive set forth for myself. In contrast, if Ive had a busy day and burned enough fuel through chores, I dont have to waste my time going to the gym. The Fuelband takes the guessing game out of the equation and I love it.

The complex matrilineal social structure of spotted hyenas

The complex matrilineal social structure of spotted hyenas Amazons of the animal world: the complex matrilineal social structure of spotted hyenas. The spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta ¸ has evolved a matrilineal society in which the females are more dominant and aggressive than males within the clans. Female and male behaviors come together to form a complex societal structure that promotes variability and reproductive success. This species is an exceptional example of matrilineal hierarchy and social organization as opposed to the regular male-dominant societal structure present in the case of most mammals. Scientists continue to study the spotted hyena for its remarkably sophisticated social behavior, which may be comparable to that of some primates and possibly even human beings (Jenks et al., 1995; Drea et al., 2002; Engh et al., 2002; East et al., 2003). The spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta, is a very intelligent animal that organizes itself into large clans of 50-80 members (Engh et al., 2002). While most mammals exhibit a male-dominant society where males fight for rank and the right to reproduce, the spotted hyena has developed a matrilineal society (Jenks et al., 1995). Females are more dominant and aggressive than males and pass on their rank to their offspring (Jenks et al., 1995; Engh et al., 2002). They are responsible for reproductive choice due to their dominant status (East et al., 2003). Males regularly travel to clans outside their natal society, despite the cost of access to food, for the chance of higher reproductive success (Engh et al., 2002). They also engage in specific favorable behaviors to entice females to choose to mate with them (East et al., 2003). All of these sophisticated behaviors have evolved to promote variability and overall success for the spotted hyena. Even more amazingly, the same social structure a nd behaviors of dominant-submissive interactions emerged within an isolated group of spotted hyenas raised in captivity (Jenks et al., 1995). The spotted hyena is definitely a very unique case of societal arrangement (Engh et al., 2002). With further study, the evolution of this remarkable case of sex-role reversal and complex hierarchy may soon be fully understood. It may provide further insight into similar social arrangements seen with other animals such as primates (Jenks et al., 1995). The study of spotted hyenas may even provide insight into more primitive stages of human societal structure, especially where there are matrilineal cultures. Females are without question the more dominant gender within spotted hyena clans and they exercise this dominance when it comes to reproduction (Engh et al., 2002; East et al., 2003). They are on average larger, more aggressive, and more violent than males within the clan (Engh et al., 2002). Their special anatomy an enlarged clitoris through which copulation occurs gives them full control over sexual activities and partners (East et al., 2003). There is no chance for forced copulation simply because the male hyena needs the females full cooperation for proper coitus to occur (East et al., 2003). Theories for the evolution of this physical characteristic include (a) counter-evolution in the presence of high rates of forced copulation and (b) selection for overall more dominant and aggressive individuals resulting in masculinization (Drea et al., 2002). Since more dominant and aggressive females also attain a higher rank within the clan, they tend to be more successful in raising a larger number of young. A higher rank correlates to greater access to food and thus higher chances of survival for both mother and offspring (Engh et al., 2002). Female spotted hyenas have multiple criteria for choosing mates. They prefer immigrant males to natal males, those born within the community a possible measure for prevention of inbreeding (Engh et al., 2002). Even more amazingly, females generally prefer males of similar age, preventing sexual interactions with fathers or sons (East et al., 20023). Females also show preference for more submissive, less aggressive males (East et al., 2003). This selection for less aggressive males further emphasizes the sexual dimorphism, both in behavior and physical characteristics, present in this species. Females copulate with several males when in heat, possibly to dissuade males from infanticide (East et al., 2003). This behavior further increases variability it is quite common to see single litters whose cubs can be traced to different fathers (Engh et al., 2002). It serves to confuse males and dissuade them from killing cubs that may or may not be their own a complex behavior that shows fo resight and intelligent thought (East et al., 2003). Female choice for less aggressive males and behavior to prevent infanticide may have evolved to counter the extremely high-risk pregnancies these animals go through due to their anatomy (Drea et al., 2002). In a study conducted by Engh and colleagues (2002), the reproductive skew among male hyenas was investigated. One of the major discoveries was that immigrant males had an immense advantage over natal males. Over the 10-year period that one clan of hyenas was observed, it was found that immigrant males sired 97% of the cubs, while natal males only sired 3% (Engh et al., 2002). This explains the males behavior of leaving natal clans and immigrating elsewhere: the cost of rank and access to food are highly outweighed by the reproductive benefits in a non-natal clan (Engh et al., 2002). Within the group of immigrant males, it was found that rank did not have a statistically significant effect on a males reproductive success. In fact, males a few ranks below the highest ranking immigrant had the most success in terms of cubs sired (Engh et al., 2002). In general, tenure the measure of how long an immigrant male had been in the clan was found to be a better indicator of reproductive succ ess. The immigrant males rates of producing cubs increased significantly the longer they remained in the clan, showing a strong correlation between tenure and reproductive success (Engh et al., 2002). Male spotted hyenas are also observed to exhibit behaviors to make themselves more attractive to females. As found in a recent study by East and colleagues (2003), there was no reproductive advantage to harassing, shadowing, or defending females from other competition. In fact, males exhibiting these behaviors were often attacked or chased away by females and other clan members. Instead, males found significantly more reproductive success by fostering relationships with females over longer periods of time a surprisingly complex behavior very close to that of humans (East et al., 2003). Having these friendly relationships also were seen to solidify the males places within the clan hierarchy once again, a very complex sociological behavior, especially when seen outside the order of primates (East et al., 2003). The sophisticated system of hierarchy was even recreated in captivity by a group of previously unranked hyenas collected at infancy (Jenks et al., 1995). Amazingly, these young hyenas grouped themselves in a matrilineal hierarchy, as observed over the course of two generations (Jenks et al., 1995). This structuring occurred despite the lack of maternal input for the first generation, showing that social organization is programmed into the spotted hyenas behavioral patterns (Jenks et al., 1995). While the first generation had little to no maternal interaction to help rank them within the clan, they went on to influence their own offsprings place in the clan hierarchy, just as observed in wild clans (Jenks et al., 1995). The only significant difference between the experimental clan and wild clans was the speed at which the cubs ranks stabilized within the community. Experimental group cubs solidified their place much faster than those in the wild, possibly due to smaller numbers and le ss movement within the clan (Jenks et al., 1995). The spotted hyena is a remarkable animal. It shows extremely complex behavior that leads to sophisticated social structure something that is rarely seen in mammals outside of primates (Jenks et al., 1995). In fact, the matrilineal group structure of hyena clans is very similar to that of Old World primates (Jenks et al., 1995). The sense of organization in this manner is so strong within the hyenas evolved behavioral patterns that matrilineal structure is even seen to spontaneously emerge in isolated hyenas raised in captivity (Jenks et al., 1995). Complex sexual behaviors, such as the females choice of partner based on immigrant status, tenure, and age, seem to promote the creation of this social structure (Engh et al., 2002; East et al., 2003). Carefully nurtured relationships between same- and opposite-sex individuals show the multifaceted interactions between clan members that also contribute to the development of matrilineal organization (East et al., 2003). Female dominance is even supported by biological mechanisms and the altered anatomy of this species (Drea et al., 2002). With further study, the circumstances that led to the evolution of this unique system may soon be uncovered. This will provide insight not only into the spotted hyenas sociological history, but also into that of Old World primates and possibly even that of human beings. It is an exciting prospect that will hopefully emerge within the years to come.

The Foundations of Whiteheads Philosophy of Education :: Science Learning Papers

The Foundations of Whitehead's Philosophy of Education The inspiration for this paper comes from the Fiftieth Anniversary of the death of Alfred North Whitehead and the theme of this Congress. In Aims of Education, Whitehead describes the role of freedom and limitation in the educational process. The foundations of these concepts, and important clues to their application, can be found in his general metaphysical framework outlined in Process and Reality. Positive and negative prehensions seem to be the model for freedom and limitation; hence, the latter concept implies the discipline of subjective aim. This analysis supports an interpretation of the mutual complementarity of freedom and discipline, with obvious applications to the educational process. Published initially in 1929, Alfred North Whitehead's The Aims of Education is certainly not a new book. However, since last year marked the 50th anniversary of Whitehead's death as well as my preparations for this World Congress, the general theme of which is "paidaia," it seemed the fitting moment to reread this classic and reflect once more upon its inspiring insights and timeless wisdom. The Aims of Education is really a set of essays first composed as lectures. Whitehead delivered these lectures at Cambridge, England, and at Harvard University between the years 1912 and 1928. His stated purpose was to "protest against dead knowledge." (AE, v) Perhaps these protests ought to continue into our own generation, but I hesitate. I am afraid that one of the casualties of any success in such protests might well be Whitehead himself, for the abstract, general nature of his thought has always been a challenge to professional philosophers and nearly incomprehensible to young philosophy stu dents. Nevertheless, pondering Whitehead's thought has always been, in my opinion, well worth the effort for those who persevere. The third chapter of The Aims of Education, entitled "The Rhythmic Claims of Freedom and Discipline," is where I find the essence of Whitehead's educational philosophy. This philosophy, I shall argue, is simply a reiteration in educational language of the core principles of his general philosophy as stated in Process and Reality and in Science and the Modern World. Let us begin with the term "value." Science and the Modern World provides us with an earlier interpretation of this notion. Here Whitehead explains that "'Value' is the word I use for the intrinsic reality of an event." (SMW, 93) Now an "event" for Whitehead constitutes a fundamental datum of reality.

Future of Professional Nursing Development: Impact of the Institute of Medicine Report Essay

Future of Professional Nursing Development: Impact of the Institute of Medicine Report Future of nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health (2010) is a report issued by the Instituted of Medicine, which â€Å"calls on nurses to take a greater role in America’s increasingly complex health care system† (American Nurses Association [ANA], n.d., para. 1). It gives an in-depth look into the future of the profession, while addressing four key messages, the first three of which are directly related to the nursing practice, education, and leadership. According to the report, â€Å"Many members of the profession lack the education and preparation necessary to adapt to new roles quickly in response to rapidly changing health care settings and an evolving health care system† (IOM, 2011, p. 25). This is alarming because nurses comprise a large portion of the system and are often those who provide most of the direct patient care. Education is addressed in one of the report’s key messages, which calls for increasing the number of baccalaureate level nurses to 80% by the year 2020 and doubling the number of doctorate degrees (Rosenberg & Pfeifer, 2012, p. 18). New York State (NYS) nursing leaders are lobbying for a bill that can lead this trend, requiring all nurses to receive a bachelor’s degree within ten years of licensure, which, according to Barbara Zittel, former executive secretary of the NYS BON, can ultimately have a cascade effect on other states (Crowley, 2011). As the health care system changes, nurses are providing care outside of the traditional environment and must be able to assume responsibility in a variety of settings. In anticipation of this even greater responsibility, the IOM recognizes the need for improved nursing education, which, with its multiple points of entry, has been a topic of debate for years. As stated by the IOM, ADN programs continue to be the most common start (IOM, 2011). For example, out of every 8,000 new RNs licensed each year in NYS, 5,000 are prepared at the ADN level (Crowley,  2011). This may be due to the shorter length of education, as well as its lower cost. In fact, cost may be a big factor for some nurses deciding to continue to achieve a BSN. However, new graduates do not have much choice but to find a way to fund their education further as having a BSN for entry into practice is becoming a requirement in many places. Being aware of this issue, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has been asked to investigate it further, although, â€Å"In the end, the committee decided not to include detailed discussion of the costs of nursing education in this report† (IOM, 2011, p. 168). Nonetheless, some recommendations are made; one example is that health care organizations offer tuition reimbursement and stipends as an incentive (IOM, 2011). The need for financial assistance is recognized as one of the features needed â€Å"to expand baccalaureate and higher education programs† (IOM, 2011, p. 176). In light of this, the report ascertains the need to reform and improve education, including the belief that â€Å"diploma programs should be phased out over the next 10 years† (IOM, 2011, p. 175). It is becoming undeniable that reaching at least a baccalaureate level is necessary, especially as more research studies highlight the link between higher education and better patient outcomes. Another key message addressed states, â€Å"Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education† (IOM, 2011, p. 85). The suggestion is to â€Å"lift the constraints of outdated policies, including those related to scope of practice† (IOM, 2011, p.85). The IOM advocates for a national standardization of practice that will enable advanced practice nurses (ADRN) to implement care they were trained and educated to provide, regardless of the location. As a result, APRNs will have the same responsibilities across state lines, which will facilitate their ability to meet the nation’s changing health care needs. Many more people have become insured because of the Affordable Care Act. However, reimbursement issues are limiting the progress of APRNs to practice fully of their educational background, thus limiting â€Å"American public access to the care they want,† which is â€Å"to receive care quickly from a competent person† (Hill, 2012, p. 5). Such barriers not only limit the public’s access to care but also fragment the health care system further. This necessitates a creation of environment with a single goal in mind: patient-centered care, which can be achieved by optimizing APRNs’ role in primary care since â€Å"there are simply not enough physicians to care for an  aging population† (IOM, 2011, p.112). By expanding practice, APRNs can spend more time doing what they have been for years: patient education and coordination of care, thereby leading the system towards a collaborative approach advocated by the IOM. The above recommendations are associated with another key message: full partnership of nurses with other health professionals (IOM, 2011). According to the IOM, better patient outcomes can be achieved by working together â€Å"in a context of mutual respect and collaboration† (IOM, 2011, p. 223). To contribute to this outcome, nurses need to acquire strong leadership skills through higher education and become more involved in issues such as those concerning health policy, thereby transforming to â€Å"thoughtful strategists† (IOM, 2011, p. 223). The report strives to empower nurses to lead â€Å"at every level and across all settings† (p. 225). When looking at the future of nursing based on IOM’s recommendations, it is optimistic but it is also â€Å"entirely dependent on the willingness of the profession to develop the role capacities and leadership essential to make a difference† (Porter-O’Grady, 2011, p. 34). Meeting the goals remains in the hands of the profession to play its full role by advocating and participating in the necessary changes that will ultimately create and more skilled and educated workforce. References

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle of Bits, Pilani-Dubai Campus for the International Aerial Robotics Competition 2011

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle of BITS, Pilani-Dubai Campus for the International Aerial Robotics Competition 2011 Saurabh Ladha, Deepan Kishore Kumar, Robin Singh ,Pavitra Bhalla, Anant Mittal, Aditya Jain, Anshul Upreti, Prof. Dr. R. K. Mittal, Dr Anand Kumar Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani-Dubai Campus, Dubai, UAE ABSTRACT The Intelligent Flying Object for Reconnaissance (IFOR) is an autonomous aerial vehicle that has been developed by BITS Pilani Dubai Campus students.The vehicle is capable of localizing itself using the SLAM algorithm, stabilize its attitude (pitch, roll and yaw) and altitude using PID controllers, plan paths around obstacles and navigate an unknown indoor environment with wall following guidance. In addition, it has been designed to be capable of pattern recognition which would enable it to recognize images and signs. These features enable the IFOR to execute the 6th mission of the International Aerial Robotics Competition, which involves scanning an unknown indoor arena protected by laser barriers and cameras, bestrewn with obstacles, in the search for a flash drive. 1.INTRODUCTION The field of robotics is witnessing a paradigm shift in the operation and use of robots. With robots becoming autonomous and intelligent day by day, their application and use has increased tremendously. Aerial robots specifically have an edge over other autonomous vehicles due to its higher degrees of freedom in motion and agile maneuverability. To tap these features and advance the applications and versatility of the quadrotor is the aim of the team. 1. 1 Problem Statement The 6th mission of the IARC requires teams to infiltrate a military facility from which a flash drive has to be retrieved and replaced by a decoy.This flash drive is placed in the ‘Office of the Chief of Security’, identifiable by a unique Arabic pattern. To reach this room, a vehicle must explore a ‘maze’ of rooms avoiding randomly placed obstacles alon g its path. In addition it must also avoid detection by a camera and laser barriers placed within the arena. Once the target pen drive is found it must retrieve the object after dropping a decoy in its place, the entire mission must be performed in under 10 minutes. 1. 2 Conceptual Solution Team IFOR will be using a quadrotor as its aerial vehicle to execute the 6th mission.The vehicle will use wall following guidance to explore the maze, whilst a path planning system shall continuosly scan the environment to plan optimum paths around obstacles. Localization in a global frame can be accomplished using the SLAM algorithm, the output of which can be used by a Drift Control system to Page 1 of 10 correct unintentional drift. The Image processing routine runs in parallel to find recognizable patterns in its surrounding. Ground Station Wi- ­? Fi 2. 4 GHz Hokuyo scanning laser range finder Camera Guidance, Navigation, Control - ­? Mission planner - ­? Wall following guidance - ­? Path planning  ­? Target retrieval - ­? Pattern matching CoreExpress breakout board Intel Atom Z530 Image recognition Analog 72 MHz Safety Pilot Inertial Measurement Unit - ­? MEMS gyro sensors - ­? 3D magnetic compass - ­? 3 axis accelerometer ARM7 Microprocessor Stability Augmentation System - ­? Altitude hold - ­? Attitude hold Motors Sonar Altimeter Figure of Overall system architecture 1. 3 Yearly Milestones In the second year of the 6th Mission, Team IFOR intends to fly autonomously, navigate through the arena, and implement drift control, path planning and image processing(limited to recognition of the pen drive and signboards).SLAM will serve as a base system for the IFOR to successfully run all other systems that are directly dependent on the localized coordinates. Flash drive retrieval mechanism will be developed in the following year. Page 2 of 10 2. Air vehicle The team is using an off the shelf quadrotor from Ascending Technologies, the Asctec Pelican Quad rotor. The Pelican weighs about 980 g and has a payload capacity of 500 g, ideally suited for covert missions. The Asctec Pelican quadrotor and the propeller action. 2. 1 Propulsion and lift system The quadrotor is a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) rotorcraft which is propelled by four rotors.By appropriately changing the rotor speeds the quadrotor can pitch, roll or yaw. Each of the four propellers produces a downward thrust about the centre of the blades and a torque about the arm of the quadrotor. The quadrotor can be flown either in diamond configuration where the pitch axis is the diagonal of the quadrotor or in square configuration where the axis of the pitch is parallel to two adjacent propellers. If all the four propellers spun in identical directions and speeds, the quadrotor would yaw about its centre of mass.To stabilize this yaw, the two sets of propellers spin in opposite directions and balance the angular momentum generated by the other two propellers. Pitch, in a square configuration, is achieved by reducing the speeds of two propellers (A and B) and increasing the speeds of the two propellers (C and D), this pitches the quadrotor in the direction of A and B. Roll is achieved in a similar way, by increasing speeds of propellers A and D and reducing the speeds of B and D, this rolls the quadrotor in the direction of B and D. 2. 2 Guidance Navigation and Control Control The quadrotor, by nature, is an aerodynamically unstable system.It hence demands to be one that is mechatronic in nature with its dynamics being controlled by PID generated control signals. This automatically calls for the Page 3 of 10 implementation of a feedback system to monitor the quads’ deviations from the desired response. The Asctec Pelican already has a PID controller implemented to control the attitude (pitch,roll and yaw). The Inertial Measurement Unit(IMU) readings are used as inputs for these loops, in addition, yaw control also uses the inputs generated by the magentometer. 2. Stability Augmentation systems The instability of the quadrotor arises from the fact that the aerial vehicles dynamics are electronically varied, which leads to a delay for the mechanical system to respond due to inertial reasons. The commanded attitude is delivered by use of the PID loops already described. In addition we have also implemented an altitude PID controller which can be described as below: Altitude Output = Kc         ? #               +                  1&'      ? #      ()   +*(()   ? +) ?- is the difference between the desired altitude and actual altitude . The MaxSonar LV sonar altimeter is used to for readings on the altitude.A drift control mechanism is also required since milligram imbalances in weight apart from other factors cause a quadrotor to drift unintentionally, the drift control is accomplished via a separate set of loops which can be described as follows: Pitch Output Roll Output = Kc         ? +               +                  1;'      ? +      ()   +*(()   ? +                      = Kc         ?. +                  1&'      ?. ()   +*(()   ?. ) ?/ is the difference between desired pitch and actual pitch ? 0 is the difference between desired roll and actual roll Kc is the controller parameter, from which Kp (Kc * 1), Ki (Kc / Ti) and Kd (Kc ** ) values are obtained.The require the Zeigler Nicholls Tuning method was used to generate optimum values for Kp Ki and Kd. R(s) + – Controller Gc(s) Measured Output System Input Process Gp (s) Control Output Sensor H (s) s: transfer function parameter Figure of control system architecture Page 4 of 10 The three loops described in this section are implemented on the Intel Atom board which is on board the vehicle. 2. 4 Navigation The quadrotor begins ascending and finds the window opening using feature detection. Once the window has been detecte d, the arena is infiltrated after checking whether the camera is on or off.Once inside the arena, the quadrotor moves close to the right wall and performs right wall following algorithm to explore the indoor arena. SLAM forms the base upon which the quadrotor extracts its local coordinates for adjusting drift of movement and also aligns itself with the wall to continue its navigation. The mission planner sets the direction in which the vehicle must move. 2. 5 SLAM The term SLAM is an acronym for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping. SLAM is concerned with the problem of building a map of an unknown environment by a mobile robot while at the same time navigating the environment using the map.SLAM consists of multiple parts; Landmark extraction, data association, state estimation, state update and landmark update. The team has developed a program that extracts data directly from the laser sensor and implements SLAM real-time using CoreSLAM libraries. CoreSLAM is a fully developed sim ple and efficient algorithm, which can perform SLAM using data just from a laser sensor. Due to its computational simplicity, it can easily be used on-board the vehicle. It integrates laser information in its localization subsystem based on particle filter, using two main functions: †¢ †¢ The scan o map distance function, which acts as the likelihood function used to test each state position hypothesis (particle) in the filter. The map update function, used to build the map as the robot is going forward. It uses a very simple Monte-Carlo algorithm to match the current scan with the map to get the updated (x,y) coordinates of the robot position estimate at all times during the mission. This localization is then provided to other higher-level modules such as drift control, path planning and mission planning. Page 5 of 10 2. Flight Termination System The quadrotor though autonomous in its flight can also be manually commanded to abort the flight.A safety kill switch mechanism has been developed in order to attain this safety feature. The kill switch will override all other running programs in the quadrotor and gradually reduce the throttle to zero so that the quadrotor can land safely. The Pelican has a built in termination system in which, the vehicle lands the moment the transmitter falls out of range. This feature is used for Flight termination via a kill switch which shuts the transmitter off and hence causes the vehicle to land. . Payload 3. 1 Sensor suite 3. 1. 1 GNC Sensor Asctec 3D MAG is a triple axis magnetometer that determines the vehicles heading by measuring the earth’s magnetic field. A Hokuyo-Light Detection and Ranging Device is used to scan the environment for SLAM, navigation and obstacle avoidance. A SONAR altimeter is used to measure the altitude of the quadrotor. The quadrotor’s sensory system includes an Inertial Measurement Unit comprising of a Triple axis accelerometer and a MEMS gyrometers. Each of these electroni c components perform crucial role in the flight stability, control and navigation. . 2 Mission sensor 3. 2. 1Target identification The image processing module of the quadrotor is capable of detecting the blue LED which indicates whether the camera is on or off, this is accomplished via blob detection. In addition, it is also capable of detecting signboards using Optical Character Recognition. 3. 2. 2 Obstacle detection and Avoidance The threat avoidance system of the quadrotor is directly a subroutine of the Path planning module. This sub routine identifies obstacles, classifies them as threat if they are in the intended path of travel.On finding an obstacle in the scan, the algorithm proceeds to suitably finding a path that would avoid the obstacle with the minimum possible deviation from the original path. We define a safe distance(the safe distance is contingent on the aerial vehicle’s kinematics) from an obstacle and a minimum clearance width, a scanning range of ? degree s in front of the quadrotor is calculated to be sufficient to identify the existence of an obstacle. If in this scanning angle range, a point is found to be too close to the quadrotor it is declared as an Page 6 of 0 obstacle. This is the point at which the â€Å"growth algorithm† takes over the navigation of the quadrotor. The growth algorithm and path planning are represented as follows: Reduce each scan by ? , thereby ‘growing ‘every obstacle If adajecent points lie too close then reduce by secondary factor ? Considering the quadrotor to be a point calculate the longest free path Assign imporatnce factor to di? erent clear paths based on of deviaRon from original path and total length Yaw towards the set path and pitch forward Repeat unRl no obstacles are found 3. Communications The vehicle communicates with a base computer via an Xbee module over the Zigbee protocol in order to deliver telemetry data. The other communication links include a WiFi link to delive r real time video to the base station. Both of these links operate at 2. 4 Ghz. Finally, a safety pilot can take control over the vehicle at any time using a Futaba radio controller operating at 72 Mhz. 3. 4 Power system The quadrotor is powered by an 11. 1V Lithium Polymer Battery. A power board is used to distribute power and communication lines to all motor controllers and other systems on board.This power board comprises of a switching power regulator to generate a stable Page 7 of 10 6V supply for the Auto Pilot board and a high power MosFET to switch current ON and OFF. 4. Operation 4. 1 Flight preparation Each flight test is performed with utmost precaution following the mentioned safety procedure which ensures a safe and smooth flight of the quadrotor. 4. 2 Checklist 1. Double Check LiPo battery voltage using voltmeter. 2. Examine the propellers, safety mounts, nuts and screws for any damage. 3. Test communication link between the quadrotor and the Ground station 4.Enable sa fety pilot and check kill switch action before flight. 5. Check status LED’s 4. 3 Man/Machine interface The Intel atom board which is on board the vehicle can be accessed via an LVDS display, this also allows other HMI devices like a mouse/keyboard to be connected. 5. Risk reduction 5. 1 Vehicle status Two status LEDs allow for a check on certain critical vehicle states. The Red LED blinking indicates that the sensors are being initialized and calibrated. Once the sensors are calibrated a green LED blinks rapidly indicating the flight control software is running. In case the battery voltage drops below under 9. volts a loud tone is emitted, with the beeping becoming faster as the voltage drops. 5. 2 Shock / Vibration isolation The Asctec Pelican is built on a carbon fiber frame which has a large value of Ultimate Tensile Strength; that is it can withstand a large amount of impact without necking. The quadrotor is also fitted with soft cushioning pads below the arms to ensure that any impact is cushioned. EMI/RFI Solutions Page 8 of 10 The quadrotor’s vital components that do not communicate wirelessly are wrapped with aluminum foil paper, which does not allow for Electromagnetic interference from the wireless devices.This simple solution is based on the principle of a Faraday’s cage. Sensitive components like these are also placed above all other devices. RFI is less in the vehicle as all the computation happens on board. Safety The IFOR is equipped with landing gear designed in a manner to deflect shock from the electronic system. The propellers are also covered, which ensures safety to both bystanders and the vehicle in case of a mishap. The ON/OFF switch on board is designed active low, so if for some reason the mechanical switch breaks or looses connection the vehicle will remain ON.However this mechanism is overridden by the safety kill switch. Modeling and Simulation The intelligence of the quadrotor was extensively tested for robust ness before and after burning the codes onto the on board processor. Image processing was developed from scratch to meet the requirements of the competition. The PID controllers were tested on Lab View. Testing Device / Routine HOKUYO LIDAR SLAM Cameras Drift Control Conclusion BITS Pilani Dubai Campus had developed IFOR to become a fully autonomous quadrotor that will be able to successfully accomplish the tasks of the IARC.The IFOR’s intelligence system comprises of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping algorithm for the bot to get localize itself in its environment, achieve drift control using a simple PID controller on each of the pitch, roll and altitude controls, this ensures that the flight operation to be steady without considerable oscillating variations. The navigation of the quadrotor is dependent on the wall following algorithm along with the mission planner. Obstacle avoidance ensures that indoor environments can be explored regardless of the Page 9 of 10 Testing Tested while running the intelligence software.Real time execution and experimentally determined accuracy of localization. Pre flight and On Flight testing for image processing Onboard as well off board testing for suitability to tuning presence of obstacles. Finally, image processing enables the quadrotor to scan for patterns, edges and symbols and make corresponding control outputs to maneuver the quadrotor to reach its target room with the flash drive. References 1) Johnson, E. N. and Schrage, D. P. , â€Å"System Integration and Operation of a Research Unmanned Aerial Vehicle,† AIAA Journal of Aerospace Computing, Information and Communication, Vol. 1, No. 1, Jan 2004, pp. –18. Durrant-Whyte, H. ; Bailey, T. (2006). â€Å"Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM): Part I The Essential Algorithms†. Robotics and Automation Magazine 13 (2): 99–110. Andrew J. Davison. Real-time simultaneous localization and mapping with International Conference on Com puter V i s i o n ( I C C V ’ 0 3 ) – V o l u m e 2 , 2003. a single camera. Ninth IEEE 2) 3) 4) Chowdhary, G. V. and Johnson, E. N. , â€Å"Theory and Flight Test Validation of Long Term Learning A d a p t i v e F l i g h t Controller,† Proceedings of the AIAA Guidance Navigation and Control Conference, Honolulu, HI, 2008. 5) 6) Michelson, R. Rules for the International Aerial Robotics Competition 6th Mission, http://iarc. angelstrike. com/IARC_6th_Mission_Rules. pdf Hoffmann,    G. M. , Huang, H. , Waslander, S. L. , ; Tomlin, C. J. (2007). Quadrotor Helicopter Flight Dynamics and Control Theory and Experiment. AIAA Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference and Exhibit, 20(23), 1- ­? 20. Point Grey - ­? Imaging - ­? Firefly MV CMOS USB 2. 0 / FireWire Camera. (n. d. ). Point Grey CCD and CMOS Digital Cameras for Industrial, Machine, and Computer Vision. Retrieved June 1, 2010, from http://www. ptgrey. com/products/fireflymv/index. asp 7) Page 10 of 1 0