Abuse Of Innocent Essays - Animal Welfare, Cruelty To Animals

Abuse Of Innocent Abuse of the Innocent Is it right to force a mouse to live it's live in a laboratory cage to test anti-cancer drug? How would you like to be squeezed in a cage with many other animals, not being able to touch the grass, run around and play, smell the flowers, or go for a walk in the warmth of the sunshine? Animal cruelty is wrong because we are hurting the Innocent. Animals experience and feel pain, fear, anxiety, stress, depression, boredom, joy and happiness. Animals are very intelligent, some ever learn our own language. Most people experience their first bond with an animal. Not only do they bring a companion and a friend into our lives, but also unconditional love and comfort. Pet shops and puppy mills mass produce, kennels are overcrowded and dirty, with very little nutrition. Cats/dogs are held in metal cages and lead miserable lives breeding continuously. Animals suffer and are neglected, some are sold to research laboratories. A large number of animals are raised for slaughter each year. A cow has a natural life span of twenty- five to thirty years, but only survives for an average of five.1 An estimated seventeen million raccoons, beavers, bobcats, lynx, coyotes, muskrats, nutria, and other animals are trapped each year in the United States for fur.2 They suffer from unbearable pain for several hours before their lives are ended by the trapper's club. Is the price of live worth the price of fur? Psalm 104, 27-30. All creatures depend on you to feed them throughout the year: you provide the food they eat, with generous hands you satisfy their hunger. You turn your face away, they suffer. You stop their breath, they die and revert to dust. You give breath, fresh life begins, you keep renewing the world. Disections have been practiced in biology classes for many years. Critics accuse some teachers of killing and argue that disection teaches nothing but cruelty. Nothing is learned by cutting up an animal that cannot be learned from photographs or drawings. Children do not learn about the human body by killing and disecting a person, they learn from diagrams and textbooks. Vivisection means cutting alive. It is a worldwide practice involving millions of animals. Scientists say that vivisections may not necessarily be painful. Every living being with a brain, spinal column, and central nervous system feels pain. Animals were not created for entertainment. What do zoos really teach children? The animals are stolen from their natural habitats and are brutally transferred. They suffer from boredom and have natural needs such as running, climbing, flying, and natural mating. All of the magic and glitter of the circus hides the true animal cruelty. Several animals are confined to small cages, muzzled, and repeatedly whipped in training. They are declawed, have their teeth removed, and drugged to be obedient. Military research on animals include monkeys, baboons, rats, guinea pigs, sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits, and mice. ... when I see my closest relative locked in a restraining box, his head filled with electrodes, and all he has got to reach out to you is with his eyes, then how can we respond to that if we close ours?.3 Weapons are tested on innocent animals, nerve gas, bullets, and bombs are all used. One sad insight is gleaned from this statement, made by a Porton workman who lost his bearings: 'I thought I was ill, I thought I was seeing things. It was a little monkey enclosed In a glass cage. Its eyes seemed to be falling out and it couldn't breathe. It was in dreadful, dreadful distress. I forgot everything and went near it and said something to it, and it buried its head in it's arms and sobbed like a child. I never slept that night, and the next day managed to go back to the same room, but it was nearly finished by then. It had sunk to a little heap at the bottom of the glass cage.'.4 Animal cruelty is wrong, we are hurting the innocent. Cruelty of animals can be stopped, not only do we have to open our eyes, but open our mouths as well. Read a book, write a letter, join a group or start a group, either way, an animal will be grateful for the chance of a happy life. Bibliography . Loraine Kay, Living Without Cruelty, (London: Sidwick & Jackson, 1990), p.15. 2. Laura Fraser, The Animal Rights Handbook, (Los Angeles: Living Planet Press, 1990), p.9. 3. Kay, Living Without Cruelty, p. 121. 4. Kay, Living Without Cruelty, p.119. Bibliography

Introduce, Discuss and Analyze Abortion and the Media essays

Introduce, Discuss and Analyze Abortion and the Media essays The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of abortion and the media. Specifically it will discuss media coverage of abortion issues and the liberal bent of most American media. Abortion is a contentious issue in America today. The American media often adds fuel to this fire by portraying liberal views toward abortion in subtle ways. Much of the American media supports abortion and that feeling comes through in their reporting. Thus, the American media presents bias in reporting abortion issues and makes those who oppose abortion seem somehow wrong or misguided. More and more, there seems to be less journalistic judgment and more bias in American media coverage. The media are becoming "friendlier," and they seem to want to befriend and nurture Americans while reporting the news. They are becoming far less objective in much of their coverage, as well. View the three major television networks and the viewer will see vastly different reporting styles and coverage, and differences in outlook too. Some stations are much more sensationalized than others are, and most seem to take a liberal slant to their stories. This often makes reporting on contentious issues take on the political views of the reporter or station owners, rather than reporting a balanced view on the issues. One of the most contentious issues in America is abortion, and much of the American media is liberally supportive of this practice, and that is quite obvious in their reporting of the issue. The media often covers abortion issues, especially when they are relevant to other news, such as the upcoming national elections. For example, ABC World News recently covered a very contentious abortion bill on the November South Dakota ballot. While it presented the facts, it took a decidedly liberal view of the ballot question, calling it "the most restrictive anti-abortion law in the country" (Reynolds, 2006). The reporter goes on t...

Competition in Smartphone Markets Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Competition in Smartphone Markets - Essay Example For example, Samsung manufactures and sell its products, no other company can make Samsung products. This gives the company a chance to be in the monopolistic competition market. Development of monopolistic competitors in markets is driven by the profits that other firms are making in the market. Firms can make high profits normally called super normal profits based on the brands of their products that make the customers to be loyal to them. The following model shows monopolistic firms making super normal profits (Arnold, 2010). Super normal profits made by monopolistic competitors are indicated by the rectangle PXYZ. The super normal profits arise because the firm is making products of quantity OQ where the profit is at a maximum. This is indicated by the intersection of MC and MR where MR=MC. The price of the products is shown by OP and this is dictated by the demand curve AR. The intersection of MR and MC gives an equilibrium price XQ. The equilibrium price is greater than the ave rage cost indicated by YQ. The supernormal profits are indicated by XY that is the difference between XQ and YQ. To get the total super normal profits, XY is multiplied by PX and the result is the area of the shaded region. Clear analysis of the above graph shows that the price charged (P) is above the average cost (Arnold 2011). The above representation when integrated on one of the smartphones firms will attract other firms to the market. This is because it is free to enter into the market and the firms are motivated by the profits which a firm in the market is making because the graph is sloping downward. The entrance of other firms to the market makes changes in the economic model. In this analysis Apple, the Smartphone maker of the iPhone, is used as a monopolistic competitor in... Super normal profits made by monopolistic competitors are indicated by the rectangle PXYZ. The super normal profits arise because the firm is making products of quantity OQ where the profit is at a maximum. This is indicated by the intersection of MC and MR where MR=MC. The price of the products is shown by OP and this is dictated by the demand curve AR. The intersection of MR and MC gives an equilibrium price XQ. The equilibrium price is greater than the average cost indicated by YQ. The supernormal profits are indicated by XY that is the difference between XQ and YQ. To get the total super normal profits, XY is multiplied by PX and the result is the area of the shaded region. Clear analysis of the above graph shows that the price charged (P) is above the average cost (Arnold 2011). The above representation when integrated on one of the smartphones firms will attract other firms to the market. This is because it is free to enter into the market and the firms are motivated by the profits which a firm in the market is making because the graph is sloping downward. The entrance of other firms to the market makes changes in the economic model. In this analysis Apple, the Smartphone maker of the iPhone, is used as a monopolistic competitor in the market. The profit which is made by the company is shown on the graph. The profit is just for a short-run. In the long-run, other competitors enter the market.

Labor Law Campaign Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Labor Law Campaign - Speech or Presentation Example Please understand that I do not have the resources to do this. The economy is in poor shape and our towns are not painting their homes as frequent as they used to. They rather have rusted walls in order to feed their children. I am sorry that some of you have broken down in your vehicles and have had to wait for a tow, hence making you late to your estimate or painting job. Perhaps some of you have broken down in the company vehicle and have been home late for dinner. I am sorry; however we will have to make due with the vehicles we have. We will just have to keep fixing them. None of the vehicles are under the year 2002. We must continue to re paint them and have the mechanical problems fixed instead of purchasing new trucks. You all are more than employees you are my family! This is a family-run business and some of you are fathers and sons and uncles and nephews or next-door neighbors. We must stick together! I am looking for used Tahoes to replace some of our trucks that have the engines blown in them; however I cannot afford new trucks. Also, I apologize if the air conditioner is not working properly during the summer. I had the huge fans running. Some of you complained it was too warm. I apologize, however after the last hurricane a year ago my company flood insurance increased because we are located on the water. I am head to foot as is but I will not lower your wages as you have families to feed. Hence, please work together as team. A little sweat never killed anyone! If your 2 hours late one night coming home to dinner because your company vehicle broke down, just realize that I am trying my best to keep the operations going. I noticed small groups forming and I am aware that pamphlets have been given out to you all by union representatives. I figured out that there is a union organizing drive. You all must realize that union’s promises are empty. They cannot guarantee anything only ask. The union may promise that you will be driving new navigat ors like our competitors but this is not guaranteed. The union local 1199 will tell you that you will now have a new central air conditioning system in the warehouse but this is not a guarantee. You all are friends and have worked together for a long time. Do you realize that joining a union can jeopardize your friendships or kinships? Perhaps a father wants to join and the son does not want to? This can cause an argument. Do not ruin your solid bonds with each other over decisions that will not guarantee anything else than what already is. Do you know that Bonzo’s Painters who is local 1199 has been on 32 strikes but the painters are still driving around in old vehicles because the employer and union could not come to an agreement? If the majority wins to join a union it can have economic consequences on my business which would be out of my control. I came to this prediction last year after the hurricane. My flood insurance has skyrocketed because we are on the water. Since the downfalls of our economy people aren’t having their homes painted as much. People aren’t spending money! They are saving! If your union decides to go on a strike I cannot afford replacements. Hence, without you guys I cannot run my business and thus I will have to close the entire plant. Please realize that Unions are full of broken promises. Just know that if the union goes on strike you all have to strike. So if you think you’re warm now in the warehouse, what if the union decides to strike on a 100

Human Resource Learning and Development(Reflective Learning Critique ) Essay

Human Resource Learning and Development(Reflective Learning Critique ) - Essay Example 217) Socio - Psychology depicts human beings as social animals, seeking and learning from experience, through observation, cognition and reflective processing of mankind. In theory, it enhances the human thinking and inculcates the notion that we; the social animals, adapt to changes in society and learn as the society evolves. The learning experience is one which is a never ending process, one that defines our very existence (Hassan, 2007). According, to the Swiss Biologist, Jean Piaget, when human beings are born, they know nothing; they have no mental or verbal skills. However, with experience they learn and adjust themselves in the very society they live in. According to the literature, one uses each experience either positively or negatively; completely ignoring it would not make it an experience (Jarvis, 2003). A constructivist learning environment is a place where people can draw upon resources to make sense out of things and construct meaningful solutions to problems. It emphasizes the importance of meaningful, authentic activities that help the learner to construct understanding and develop skills relevant to solving problems. The literature and theories that we have analyzed and fathomed have given a more profound understanding to the learning process that one takes for granted but which leaves a strong impact on our persona and psyche. The models we studied provided a valuable insight into analyzing my experience and use it as constructively I can. My experience is one which is holistically simple but taken in a reductionist perspective, one can see how, I have learned from it (Mathis & Jackson, 2004). The transition from a high school, to a university is a crucial experience in a student’s life, I was no exception. In school we are used to being given structured lectures, supervised assignments, or study at the end of the term. In

Facts Regarding The Moon And The Illusion Psychology Essay

Facts Regarding The Moon And The Illusion Psychology Essay 1. Introduction The moon rises in the east and settles in the west, following a trajectory route very similar to that of figure 2a. However, during this trajectory the appearance of the moon observed larger on the horizon compared to when it is in its elevated position in the sky is known as the moon illusion for e.g. ( Kaufman et al 1962, 2000, 2006 Reed Kuprinski 2009, Coren Aks 1990, Weizman Cohen 2003, Toskovich 2009, Nanavati 2009), see figure 1ab. This illusion is not only denoted to the moon, it can also be observed by other celestial constellations such as the sun and the stars (Ross and Plug, pg 1-2 2002) (Wade pg 377 2000). It has been found in some cases that the size of the horizon moon appeared almost 1-2 times the diameter of the elevated moon Kaufman and Rock (1962) Ross and Plug (1994). This experience persists even when one is familiar it is an illusion Weizman and Cohen (2003) and has been observed for many centuries, with Aristotle (384-322BC) making the first clear scientific account Ross and Plug, pg 1-2 (2002) Wade pg 377 (2000). However there have been many suggested theories from physics to physiology and now finally psychology as to why this illusion is experienced Wade pg377 (2000), but none has been accepted as the correct answer. The main conflicting issues involve contradictions as to whether it is a linear or angular illusion, thus a model which accounts for both linear and angular illusions providing a common unified explanation is required. Elevated Moon/ Zenith moon Horizon Moon 1a 1b Figure 1a http://facstaff.uww.edu/mccreadd/ and 1b http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimanek/3d/loony.htm (Ken Amis) what the actual illusion looks like in its two comparative positions and an illustration of what the names horizon and elevated moons infer to within this text. 2. Facts regarding the moon and the illusion This is regarded as an illusion because the increase in perception of size occurs even though the visual angle (V) subtended on the eye remains the same regardless of the trajectory position of the moon, i.e. whether the moon is on the horizon or in its elevated position-see figure 2 (For e.g. C.Reed and E. Kuprinski 2009, Kaufman et al 2000). Physically if the angular size changes then a subsequent change of the retinal image size would occur, but it remains constant and hence is regarded as a perceptual phenomenon. The value of this angle has long been accepted as a fairly constant value of 0.52 degrees regardless of elevation For e.g. (Bears, Conners and Paradiso, pg 288,3rd edition, 2006, R Casati, 2003, Ross and Plug, pg 11-14, 2002, Mccready section 1 website). Furthermore evidence can be found in photographs, where many photographers have experienced the illusion, however after photographs become developed the moon image appears small Nanavati (2009). For e.g. Ross and Plug pg 60 (2002) took multiple photos of the sun during different periods of the day and found the size of the sun to be exactly the same during each interval at the different trajectories, similar to figure 2b. Since the camera can only illustrate the linear dimensions of an object this would further enforce the suggestion the illusion is in fact a perceptual phenomenon. Another demonstration involves a simple test called Herings manoeuvre, whereby a subject holds a coin close to their eye at arms length and observes the trajectory of the moon. The result of this will always be that the moon and the coin are the same size no matter what position of trajectory of the moon The Moon Illusion, a literature thesis by Bart Borghuis, (1999), Gregory (2007). Figure 2a http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap020130.html Credit and copyright to Shay Stephens. He picture shows the moonrise trajectory over Seattle, USA, with a snapshot taken every 2.5mins. 2a 2b Figure 2 Taken from Mccready section 1 illustrating the size of the moon does not change with the trajectory and nor does the visual angle subtended. The illusion maybe experienced in different areas of the world and the facts about the orbit of the moon around the earth can be used to explain as to why any variances in the earth-moon distance cannot play a role in the illusion. The moon travels in an orbit around the earth completing one full cycle every ~29days (1 month). The mean Earth-Moon distance is fairly constant throughout this period, however there is a degree of variance in the Earth-Moon distance caused by the elliptical shape of the orbit of travel (Nasa website). This variance causes the size of the visual angle of the horizon moon to become 2% smaller than the elevated moon and may only affect only short time viewing i.e. vieiwning the moon during separate hours in the same day Nanavati )2009), but not significant enough to cause the illusion (Mccready section 1). The distance of travel of the orbit has been monitored by NASA since the initial experimentation was carried out using retro-reflector beams/laser used in the Apollo 11 mission to the moon Faller et al (1969, 1970). The moon travels in an orbit of fairly constant mean distance of 384,000km (NASA website) from the earth and hence discounting the physical distance factor creating the illusion. The size (S) is It has been well established the physical size, distance and visual angle do not change (or not by a significant factor), however Aristotle suggested there was a physical cause that created a real magnification on the image size Nanavati (2009). It was thought this was caused by the atmospheric refraction, which had its effects greatest on the light rays on the horizon causing an increase in the moon size The Moon Illusion, a literature thesis by Bart Borghuis (1999), Ross and Plug pg57 (2002) i.e. like a stone under water where it appears to enlarge in size. However this theory was later disregarded as there was no means of measuring the actual horizon enlargement and if any it was deemed neglible, however many writers and investigators supported the idea that it could possibly play some form of secondary role Ross and Plug pg57 (2002), Gregory (2007). 3. Linear distance illusions 3.1 Size distance invariance hypothesis and Emmerts law The SDIH theory proposes the cause of the horizon moon appearing bigger is due to the extended terrain viewed in between the observer and the horizon moon, thus placing it at a perceptually further distance, for e.g. Kaufman (2000, 2006, 2007), Suzuki (2007), Gregory (2007). The SDIH assumes perceived angle (V) like the objective angle (V) is unchanged Reed and Kuprinski (2009) and implies distance is computed primarily by the visual system, while size is later inferred from this. Due to these conditions where perceived angle (V) is kept constant, only perceived distance (D) and size (S) can only change, thus suggesting a linear distance/size illusion and not an angular illusion Higashiyama (2004) Lou (2007). The SDIH can be illustrated by the formula S/D=tan V (apparent size S, apparent distance D and the physical visual angle V) Higashiyama (2006) Kaufman (2006), see figure 3. The SDIH implies the perceived size (S) is directly proportional to perceived distance (D) and this relati onship can be explained using Emmerts law. The conditions of Emmerts law are the perceived size of an object subtending a constant visual angle is directly proportional to its apparent distance Gregory (2007) Philip Servos (2006). Emmerts law in effect is the description of the size distance invariance hypothesis (SDIH) Jones et al (2009) and is one of the more researched theories within this topic. Afterimages are often used as a means to display Emmerts law since they have a constant visual angle always subtended at any distance and therefore a fixed retinal image size at all times disregarding any changes in angular size Lou (2007). Due to this retinal image size being a constant size, means any increase in the afterimage size cannot be due to any angular illusions. Since Emmerts law states size is proportional to apparent distance, then afterimages can be classed as one means of evidence for the SDIH. Figure 3 SDIH diagram taken from section 2 of http://facstaff.uww.edu/mccreadd/sectionII.html Most investigations usually conform to similar methodologies involving a form of magnitude estimation i.e. size or distance, using a reference moon to a variable moon, for e.g. (Holway and Boring 1941, Kaufman 2000, Gordon M Redding 2002, Jones Wilson 2009, Liang Lou 2007 etc). Kaufman (2000) used artificial moons to display the SDIH as a description of the moon illusion. Subjects viewed these artificial moons of constant angular size against a natural sky in horizon and zenith positions. They compared the size and distance of a reference moon to a variable moon. And altered the size of the variable moon using a keypad to achieve a match, see figure 5. In the results the horizon moon was perceived 3.2 times bigger and 4.2 times further away than the zenith. They found as they increased the distance between the reference and variable moon, the moon perceived size increased. Conversely when the distance was reduced the perceived size decreased therefore implying distance determines perceived size. Due to the availability of visual cues, the horizon moon is perceived at a distance D further than that of the zenith, causing a subsequent increase in size S Higashiyama (2006), (2007). Figure 4 illustrates the principles behind the SDIH and apparent distance theor y, where by the black circles in the inner band exemplify the moon straight above the observers head perceived as closer and hence smaller. The horizon moon in this model is perceived further away and hence bigger. Condition 2-Inside band (black circles) showing proposed SDIH condition Condition 1-Outside band (white circles) showing normal condition Horizon moon Observer Elevated moon Figure 4 (Annotated Figure 1 from Kaufman 2000) demonstrating the two conditions. Condition 1 the outer band of circles demonstrate how the moon should be perceived right from the horizon to its elevated state with no illusion. However condition 2 using this model of the illusion is represented in the second inner band of circles, suggesting the moon straight above the observers head is perceived as closer hence smaller and horizon bigger and further. Figure 5 demonstrates the apparatus used in Kaufman 2000s experiment. An IBM Think-Pad flat panel display specifically designed for this experiment was used. Virtual moons were produced as luminous disks against the natural sky. It was conducted on a hilltop on the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University in Brookville, NY. A total of four moons can be seen: one reference and one variable for both the horizon and elevated moon and subjects adjusted the variable moon using the computer accordingly. Kaufman (2006) further investigated using noise signal detection and two alternative forced choices. Luminous discs of constant visual angles were used however viewed across a virtual terrain in this case containing distance cues. Two separate experiments were conducted on size and distance, which suggested a directly proportional relationship between the two as predicted by the SDIH. Figure 6 compares the log size (y axis) versus the log depth (x axis), inferred as distance and found the slope demonstrates a linear slope of ~1. Thus these results suggest as size increases so does distance, once again supporting the SDIH. The fact the perceived size increases as a directly proportional factor to the distance perceived, indicates that the moon illusion cannot be referred to as an angular account. Figure 6 Kaufman 2006 shows the log perceived depth otherwise regarded as distance (x-axis) and log size (y-axis). A straight line is formed with a gradient of approximately 1, therefore suggesting size is proportional to distance as distance is to size. Tozawa (2006) investigated the roles of motion parallax and perspective cues on size and distance perception and the results yielded were similar and supported the SDIH. Weizman and Cohen (2003) also investigated the SDIH via a matching task using 4 different groups of subjects varying in age. Results indicated 41-88% viewed the horizon moon to be of a greater size and as a consequence supporting the SDIH. 3.2 The paradox The issue with the SDIH is it induces a paradox since many people do not experience the conditions it sets ;( the horizon moon appears both larger and further away) for e.g. (Higayshima 2006, Kaufman 2007, Kotaro Suzuki 2007, Kaufman 2006, Gregory 2007, Jones et al 2009). Instead (Mccready section 3) found up to 90% and Kaufman (2000) 9/10, view the larger horizon moon to be perceived as closer. Size constancy is the visual systems ability to maintain the accurate perception of real size of an object regardless of the change in retinal images size Combe Wexler (2009) Gregory (2007) i.e. when a person is walking away their physical dimensions do not appear to shrink, this relationship is maintained by size constancy regardless of the change in distance, which should create a smaller image size on the retina. One idea proposed as an answer is observers use the perceived distance to scale perceived size, as in SDIH. When enquired about distance, this scaled size and previous experience of sizes of objects from size constancy are used to determine distance. Hence due to this experience the observer makes a logical choice, thus in effect proposing there is a bias towards experiencing bigger objects to appear closer Kaufman (2000) (2007). However what is suggested in effect is there are two different routes taken to decipher size from distance and distance from size and without a ny direct evidence these ideas cannot be accepted as yet. 3.3 The apparent distance theory The apparent distance theory states the perceived distance is not only determined by the retinal image size, but factors such as visual cues within the surrounding terrain play a controlling role in judgment, for e.g. (Gregory 2008), Suzuki (2007), Kaufman (2000). There are many different types of visual cues from which the visual system can infer distance from and the amount of effect each cue has also varies. The terrain in one direction and its absence in the other play a vital role in the illusion Kaufman and Rock (1962). The role of cues plays an integral part in the SDIH, since the perceived distance determines the judged size and in effect can be described as SDIH since the findings directly support it. Pictorial representations of the illusion have been used as a methodology for investigation of depth cues, for e.g. (Coren and Aks 1990, Redding 2002, Jones et al 2009).The benefit of this being that any structural factors such as accommodation that may contribute towards the processing of size and distance are eliminated as cues and only visual cues i.e. terrain are left to investigate Redding (2002) Coren Aks (1990). The apparent distance theory would predict the horizon moon appears bigger due to distance cues placing it at a further distance and the zenith moon as closer, hence smaller, just as in SDIH. Jones and Wilson (2009) findings supported the apparent distance theory and demonstrate the level of effect of cues on the perceived distance. They used pictorial representations of of different salience as cues to depth, figure 7 displays the pictures used in increasing salience of each picture from A-D. Subjects viewed a reference moon placed on the horizon and zenith on the different scenes (figure 7 A-D) and compared this to a set of variable moon sizes on a computer, judging the match in size. A positive score (above 0) in the results from figure 8 indicated a perceived increase in size. Results show as the salience increases so does the perception of size for both moon trajectories, therefore these findings emphasize regardless of salience of cues, the mere presence of some form of cues effectively increase perceived size. However in all scenes the horizon moon is perceived bigger and significantly more so in the two scenes of high salience (figure 7 C and D). This infers proxi mity is a key factor and thus illustrates why the horizon moon is judged bigger, since it is in closer proximity to the terrain and the greater salience exaggerates this effect. Figure 7 taken from Stephanie 2009 figure 1 illustrating the different pictorial representations used as devices for the different depths of cues. A) Drawing of lowest depth cue salience B) Drawing of intermediate depth cue salience C)Drawing of high depth cue salience- Town scene D) Drawing of high depth cue salience- City scene. Figure 8 From Stephanie et al 2009 experiment number 1. The results were based on the size of error scores between the subjective responses of perceived size of the variable moon compared to the control moon size. Significant differences in size between the horizon moon and elevated moon indicated the degree of strength each cue played on that particular moon. The positive error score indicated an increase in perceived size and negative score a decrease. Redding (2002) also supported that cues in the terrain are essential for size scaling to create the impression of a bigger horizon moon, as well as the proximity to the terrain. A pictorial representation of an upright and inverted gradient, with two moons positioned like figure. The upright gradient produces fine details very close together giving the impression of a receding distance like in the horizon. However the upright gradient was more spaced out mimicking the large expanses of space surrounding the zenith moon. The apparent distance theory would predict a reverse in the illusion if the visual scene was inverted i.e. the horizon moon would now look smaller than the zenith. The results show the mean illusion, where a positive score indicates the normal moon illusion occurred and negative the reverse. These results demonstrate the prediction was correct since the horizon moon size increased in the upright direction and reversed in the inverted. Within virtual environments it has been found the size constancy mechanism is very strong when the object being viewed is surrounded by an environment, where comparisons can be made to decipher distance from, for e.g. (Kenyon et al 2007, Tanaka Fujita 2007, murgia and sharkey 2009). It has been suggested the elevated moon is perceived smaller due to the lack of surrounding visual cues for e.g. (Higashiyama 2006, Kaufman 2000, Jones et al2009). The proposed idea is the zenith moon due to no visual cues is placed at default distance related to the resting focus of approximately 1-2m regarded as empty space myopia, thus leading to its small perceived size (Da Silva 1989, Gogel Mertz, 1989, Redding 2002, Gregory 2007, Suzuki 2007). 3.4 Sky dome illusions The apparent shape of the sky was previously replicated in a drawing by King and Gruber (1962), where they made subjects project afterimages onto the sky in different directions (horizon 45. Zenith). Results had shown 81% of subjects viewed the moon bigger in the horizon sky than at 45. and 87% viewed horizon bigger than the zenith. Weizman and Cohen (2003) found the sky is perceived as an oblate profile i.e. like an inverted bowl with a flat top (see figure) and cues within this frame are used to judge the distance. It has been proposed this flattened dome top causes the zenith moon to appear closer and thus smaller. This theory implies a mental map of the shape of the sky as an oblate- bowl shape, with the flat portion directly above the observers head. This flatter area causes the perception of a shorter distance to the sky just above the observers head and thus causes the zenith moon to be perceived as smaller. This is very similar to the SDIH approach which states the same fundamental reasons, but the SDIH suggests its the absence of visual cues that place the zenith moon at a closer distance and hence smaller, not a mental map model of the sky. However Toskovich (2009) examined to test if the flattened sky caused the moon size to reduce and suggested otherwise. Subjects viewed the moon in the horizon, 45Â ° and zenith positions using head movements and were positioned at 1m, 3m and 5m from the moon. They were instructed to determine distance and size estimates from these positions. Results had shown from 1m subjects perceived distance is the same in all directions thus indicating at close distances the visual system is able to interpret very accurately. However from 3m and 5m found the distances perceived to the zenith as larger than towards the horizon and no differences in size estimations at any direction. This is opposite to the flattened sky dome approach and proposes the sky is rather perceived as elongated towards the zenith and not flat. These findings suggest the illusion is affected by head position and location. 4. Visual angle illusions To begin with Descartes, 1664 Wade 2000 pg (354-355) suggested associations with familiar objects, accommodation and convergence are all cues to distance. The apparent-distance theory is built upon the assumption the actual perceived visual angle is interpreted as the same as the physical linear visual angle Reed and Kuprinski (2009). However, alternative theories suggest the perceived visual angle may be affected by oculomotor processes unconsciously Mccready (2006) Keef and Kuprinski (2009) and size/distance then subsequently inferred from this. 4.1 The retinal representation of the moon illusion If the illusion causes the perceived visual angle to change by becoming enlarged, then subsequently the perceived retinal image size should also increase. Murray et al (2006) found illusions such as the moon illusion affect retinal representation of the image size in the primary visual cortex (V1). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a 3d scene of a hallway with walls, an image had been produced containing information to apparent depth, see figure 9a for an illustration. Two 6.5 degree sized spheres were arranged like in figure 9a and the results showed the back sphere appeared to be 17% larger in angular size than the front sphere (even when of the same physical angular size). The results in figure 9a also illustrate the peak MRI signal responses were found higher at higher eccentricities for the perceptually larger back sphere than the front and the back sphere occupied a larger area in the V1 cortex. Thus implying the perceived bigger size of the back sphere cre ated a bigger images size on the retina. Furthermore these results were compared to the responses generated by two physically different sized spheres without any illusion (6.5Â ° versus 8.125Â ° and 4.875Â ° versus 6.875Â ° sized spheres, as shown in figure 9bc). The findings demonstrate the responses generated from two physically different sized spheres yielded a response very similar to 9a. Therefore indicating the illusion created an actual change in the retinal image size and a greater eccentricity was occupied by the back sphere as a result. Thus the depth illusion causes a change in the perceived angular size on the retina and hence providing evidence towards scaling processes affecting the representation on the retina (Murray et al 2006). Since only a change in the physical visual angle or perceived visual angle may cause this change in retinal image size. Figure 9 taken from Murray et al 2006 displaying the hallway and the walls creating the illusion. the trial response graph shows the perceptual difference in angular size between the two objects. The top graph illustrates the fMRI activity for the perceived larger back object extending in eccentricity beyond that of the perceived smaller front object. The bottom row shows a similar response is triggered when two objects of physically different angular sizes are shown (with no hallway illusion placed). Therefore indicating the cause in the back object to be perceived more distant is due to an increase in angular size. 4.2 Accommodative micropsia The visual terrain contribution to the moon illusion may be mediated by the state of the oculomotor system and not via the size-distance invariance mechanism, or size constancy scaling Suzuki (2007). The perceived distance may affect the accommodation response or the converse of this may also be true i.e. the level of accommodation may affect the perceived distance of a stimulus (Edgar 2007, Suzuki 2007, Lou 2007). The micropsia phenomenon causes objects to appear smaller than usual and macropsia bigger, whereby they can be induced by changes in accommodation/ Vergence leading to underestimation/ overestimation of its apparent size Howard Rogers (2002). When viewing the zenith moon there is no depth cues and the moon is isolated in an empty space. This causes the eyes to converge onto the single object of the zenith moon, thus increasing in convergence as it does. This increase in convergence induces increase in accommodation causing the decrease in angular size and is known as micropsia, for e.g. Howard Rogers (2002) Mccready (2004) section 4, Lou (2007), Suzuki (2007). However when viewing the horizon moon in its natural settings, objects acting as depth cues in the terrain may cause the AC/V system to adjust from near to far distance thus increased divergence invoking an increase in angular size known as macropsia (Lou 2007, Mccready 2004 section 4, Tanaka Fujita 2007, Suzuki 2007). Lou (2007) used afterimages of dark circles viewed against a mobile white background on which this reference circle was projected on, see figure 10. These afterimages were projected from the various distances and subjects adjusted the variable stimulus on a computer screen when perceived a match with the reference. Results indicated subjects perceived afterimages to decrease in size at focal distances less than 1m i.e. distances at a closer range. Figure 11 displays the 30cm, 90cm and 200cm distances from where the afterimage was projected and regardless of these distances the same response of decrease in matched size. The focal distances affected the matched size and not the distance the afterimages were projected from, Lou (2007) suggested these findings are representation of accommodation micropsia. Although oculomotor cues are used as cues to distance just as visual pictorial cues are used also, they are less effective up to distances >2m Kaufman (2000). Oculomotor cues and pictorial cues play a role in judging distance, however at longer distances pictorial cues play a greater role as determinants of distance Kaufman (2000), Coren and Aks (1990). become slightly near-sighted in relative darkness (night myopia) proof is just to show accomodtaion/convergence effort changes when viewing horizon and elevated moons Figure 10 Figure 11 taken from figure 2b (Lou 2007). This figure demonstrates the 30cm, 90cm and 200cm distances from which the afterimages were viewed from and the perceived angular match to the control afterimage of size 4.25degrees. The straight angular line indicates the actual size of the afterimage (4.25 degrees). The perceived match of the angular size (y-axis) versus calculated focal distance (x-axis). All about enright and roscoedifferent eye adjustement for horizon/zenith moon measured In conclusion against oculomotor micropsia/macropsia, oculomotor cues are less effective in regards to objects being viewed at longer distances. Here the visual/ perceptual system becomes more dependent on other cues such as pictorial factors Arditi (1986) from Kaufman (2000). Kaufman et als claim is that because the moon is far away, pictorial cues dominate oculomotor cues for distance perception. Kaufman (2006) in the end argues that distance is interpreted first and then angular size. Arguing against the micropsia theory. Also , absence of these surrounding environments the size constancy changes to visual angle performance Kenyon (2007) As you look up to the sky convergence increases therefore increased accommodation occurs causing perception of closer moon distance, therefore according to SDIH a smaller perceived size. REFER TO KAUFMAN 2000 But, these micropsia and macropsia illusions cause angular size differences of less than 10%, nowhere near large enough to account for the moon illusion seen by most persons. Also, if accommodation were involved in the moon illusion, youd think that elderly people who have lost nearly all accommodation should not perceive the illusion. Yet they do. Persons with eye lens implants have no accommodation, and they do perceive the moon illusion. Covering one eye removes convergence from consideration, but that doesnt make the moon illusion go away. Pinhole astronomy 4.3 Angle of regard When looking at the horizon moon the head is positioned at eye level, where as when viewing the elevated moon the head position is further elevated by almost 45degs. It has been suggested the tilt or elevation of the head or eyes may affect the judgment of distance and thus implying the moon illusion as anisotropy (directionally dependent) for e.g. Holway and Boring (1940), Higashiyama Adachi (2006), Suzuki (2007), Toskovich (2009). Suzuki (2007) investigated the ratio of size of afterimages projected onto the horizon and zenith sky. Subjects were instructed to project the afterimages onto the horizon sky at eyelevel and then project the image again however after elevating the eye position by 60 degrees (using neck movements) onto the same area of the sky. This was also repeated for the zenith sky and the results yielded indicate the illusion is 1.09 times greater when the eyes are in an elevated position compared to eye level. These findings indicate the level of elevation of the eyes has an effect on the illusion magnitude and is consistent with previous findings. Proprioceptve descriptions suggest non visual components may contribute to judging distance using head direction, body posture, vestibular and kinetic information Toskovich (2009). Furthermore Toskovich suggested head tilt upwards could cause the perceived space to elongate. Figure 11 taken from (Roscoe and Acosta 2008)~figure 4. The number 0 would indicate a perfect size match and a positive value indicates an increase in size and negative vice versa. The x-axis displays the accommodative effort exerted by the visual system and the y-axis the interpretation of the moon size. Anisotropy End with (Perceived size and perceived distance of targets viewed from between the legs: Evidence for proprioceptive theory 2006) and how this supports direct perception model rather than the apparent distance model. (Therefore supports everything except this model) In another experiment 2 Toskovich (2009) measured size at the 3 distances and found size did not change in the three viewing directions and thus suggested the moon illusion may not be caused by a linear account, instead a more contributed input of vestibular information. (Higashiyama Adachi 2006) supported this theory and found the illusion disappeared when viewing through the legs. Thus suggesting the moon illusion is caused by the elevation of head tilt. An astronaut who views the moon above the horizon from low-earth orbit lacks terrain cues to distance. We now know that in this situation the illusion vanishes (Lu et al., 2006) from (Kayfman et al 2007). The terrestrial passage theory offers an alternative idea regarding the visual angle theories mentioned. It states the subjects learn to form an expected change in visual angle when viewing objects at different projections from past familiar experiences (Reed and Kuprinski, 2009). In a sample of 48 subjects this hypothesis was tested and the c

Earworm :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Earworm: The Song That Won't Leave Your Head I woke up and I was mortified. It was the first thing in my mind when I opened my eyes and I just could not believe this silly little thing had become as involuntary as breathing. I tried another song, but it would come back without me realizing it. I walked to work and it came with me, I sat in class and it spoke louder that my professor's voice, I even took a nap and it kept me awake. I had a stupid song stuck in my head and it wouldn't go away. What is it that happens in the brain that causes this annoyance to go on for days? And why does it remain in the head even when it's driving us so crazy that we want to scream in pain? According to research done by Professor James Kellaris at the University of Cincinnati, (1) getting songs stuck in our heads happens to most if not all of us. His theory shows that certain songs create a sort of "cognitive itch" - the mental equivalent of an itchy back. So, the only way to 'scratch' a cognitive itch is to rehearse the responsible tune mentally. The process may start involuntarily, as the brain detects an incongruity or something "exceptional" in the musical stimulus. The ensuing mental repetition may exacerbate the "itch," such that the mental rehearsal becomes largely involuntary, and the individual feels trapped in a cycle from which they seem unable to escape. But why does this happen? Apparently, repetition, musical simplicity and incongruity are partly responsible for the annoyance. (2) A repeated phrase, motif or sequence might be suggestive of the very act of repetition itself, such that the brain echoes the pattern automatically as the musical information is processed. Still, simpler songs appear more likely to make your brain itch, - like Barnny's "I love you, you love me" tune - but at the same time a song that does something unexpected can cause the brain to latch on because of whatever unconscious cognitive incident occurred at that very moment. These traits of simplicity, repetition and circular composition1 are potent because we don't remember songs as one complete image, like a picture, but as temporal sequences that unfold in our brains. (3) In other words, we don't "see" an entire song in our head; instead, one image (or line in a song) triggers the subsequent one.

Art Critique

Patricia Gelin I. DoctoleroMarch 6, 2013 E-1R Mater Dolorosa By Simon Dela Rosa Flores (Critique Paper) The artwork entitled Mater Dolorosa that is painted using oil by Simon Dela Rosa Flores on a canvas (104 x 73. 5 cm). Simon Flores is known for his religious paintings that were commissioned by wealthy families and parish churches. The date of the painting when it was created was not known. I. INTERPRETATION When I first saw the painting, I thought of a mother thinking about her son/daughter.The children behind the mother and staring at her were her guardian angels that help, comfort and guide her to pray for her son/daughter. I think that the son/daughter has been a problem to his/her mother and has been gone for a long time. As a result, she has been waiting for him/her to come back to her care and she has been grieving, longing for them to be with her. The guardian angels are staying by the side of mother to be calm and tell her trust God to do the rest for her. The painting giv es a feeling to me that are serene and sad, but full of hope and trust in God that He will help her to bring back her child. Also read this  Critique of Stuff Is Not SalvationIn a way, I can also remember my own mother in the painting that always takes care of me and is always worried whenever I am not by her side. I chose this artwork because of all, I value most my family and God. This painting gives it all to me and reflects true emotions that a mother must feel whenever she is sad, longing for her child to come back to her. Many stories can be associated with this painting. Another story that I can also relate to the painting is the mother’s child has been dead and still the mother cannot accept the fact that her child was already gone.II. RESEARCH PART (Artwork Interpretation by Artist) The interpretation of Simon Dela Rosa Flores of his artwork entitled Mater Dolorosa was really what the painting wants to tell the viewers. He said that it was his own version of grieving mother with long wavy hair against a dark blue and white tunic that symbolizes the emotions that the mother feels like sad and anxious. The hands of the mother were clasped close to her heart to reflect grief. Her facial expressions were very passive and troubled.The children that are behind the mother were cherubs that are guiding the mother in times of he sorrow. III. ELEMENTS OF ART USED The elements of art that were used by Simon dela Rosa Flores were color and value. The colors that were used, symbolized the emotions and feelings that was felt by the mother in the painting like the dark blue for sorrow and the white tunic for hope and also for faith in God. The cherub’s color depicts guidance and also light from them. Value is also used in a way that the painting has its cultural value especially for Filipinos.It is also because of the deep meaning behind the painting of the grieving mother. IV. SOCIO-HISTORICAL CONTEXT ON ART AND SOCIETY Simon dela Rosa Flores is known in his time in devoting his art to religious views, wealthy and famous people. He likes making portraits of people and most of his paintings includes use of oil in a canvas. One of his religious paintings is the Mater Dolorosa which is close to his mother and child and San Roque but instead of the child there where cherubs. Mater Dolorosa means grieving mother in Spanish.Many versions of this painting were done specially on the Spanish times. Hs painting started in the 19th century where the illustrados saw the rise of art of painting. The illustrados contracted painters to make portrait of themselves to document and for others to see their new found wealth and social status. One of the painters who are appointed is no other than Simon Flores. He painted jewelry, fashion accessories, minuet details of embroidered clothes and religious patrons. From there, he started painting religious figures and even rich families became his focus. Art Critique Patricia Gelin I. DoctoleroMarch 6, 2013 E-1R Mater Dolorosa By Simon Dela Rosa Flores (Critique Paper) The artwork entitled Mater Dolorosa that is painted using oil by Simon Dela Rosa Flores on a canvas (104 x 73. 5 cm). Simon Flores is known for his religious paintings that were commissioned by wealthy families and parish churches. The date of the painting when it was created was not known. I. INTERPRETATION When I first saw the painting, I thought of a mother thinking about her son/daughter.The children behind the mother and staring at her were her guardian angels that help, comfort and guide her to pray for her son/daughter. I think that the son/daughter has been a problem to his/her mother and has been gone for a long time. As a result, she has been waiting for him/her to come back to her care and she has been grieving, longing for them to be with her. The guardian angels are staying by the side of mother to be calm and tell her trust God to do the rest for her. The painting giv es a feeling to me that are serene and sad, but full of hope and trust in God that He will help her to bring back her child. Also read this  Critique of Stuff Is Not SalvationIn a way, I can also remember my own mother in the painting that always takes care of me and is always worried whenever I am not by her side. I chose this artwork because of all, I value most my family and God. This painting gives it all to me and reflects true emotions that a mother must feel whenever she is sad, longing for her child to come back to her. Many stories can be associated with this painting. Another story that I can also relate to the painting is the mother’s child has been dead and still the mother cannot accept the fact that her child was already gone.II. RESEARCH PART (Artwork Interpretation by Artist) The interpretation of Simon Dela Rosa Flores of his artwork entitled Mater Dolorosa was really what the painting wants to tell the viewers. He said that it was his own version of grieving mother with long wavy hair against a dark blue and white tunic that symbolizes the emotions that the mother feels like sad and anxious. The hands of the mother were clasped close to her heart to reflect grief. Her facial expressions were very passive and troubled.The children that are behind the mother were cherubs that are guiding the mother in times of he sorrow. III. ELEMENTS OF ART USED The elements of art that were used by Simon dela Rosa Flores were color and value. The colors that were used, symbolized the emotions and feelings that was felt by the mother in the painting like the dark blue for sorrow and the white tunic for hope and also for faith in God. The cherub’s color depicts guidance and also light from them. Value is also used in a way that the painting has its cultural value especially for Filipinos.It is also because of the deep meaning behind the painting of the grieving mother. IV. SOCIO-HISTORICAL CONTEXT ON ART AND SOCIETY Simon dela Rosa Flores is known in his time in devoting his art to religious views, wealthy and famous people. He likes making portraits of people and most of his paintings includes use of oil in a canvas. One of his religious paintings is the Mater Dolorosa which is close to his mother and child and San Roque but instead of the child there where cherubs. Mater Dolorosa means grieving mother in Spanish.Many versions of this painting were done specially on the Spanish times. Hs painting started in the 19th century where the illustrados saw the rise of art of painting. The illustrados contracted painters to make portrait of themselves to document and for others to see their new found wealth and social status. One of the painters who are appointed is no other than Simon Flores. He painted jewelry, fashion accessories, minuet details of embroidered clothes and religious patrons. From there, he started painting religious figures and even rich families became his focus.

The History of Deodorants and Antiperspirants

The History of Deodorants and Antiperspirants Mum deodorant is generally recognized as being the first-ever commercial deodorant... but we dont actually know who invented it.    Mum Deodorant Before the advent of deodorant, people generally battled their offensive smells by masking them with perfumes (a practice dating to the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks).  That changed when Mum deodorant came onto the scene in 1888. Unfortunately, we dont actually know whom to thank for saving us all from our stink, as the inventors name has been lost. All we know is that this Philadelphia-based inventor trademarked his invention and distributed it through his nurse under the name of Mum.   Mum also had very little in common with the deodorants found in drugstores today. Unlike todays roll-on, stick or aerosol deodorants, the zinc-based Mum deodorant was originally sold as a cream applied to the underarms by the fingers.    In the late 1940s, Helen Barnett Diserens joined the Mum production team. A suggestion by a colleague inspired Helen to develop an underarm deodorant based on the same principle as a newfangled invention called the  ballpoint pen. This new type of deodorant applicator was tested in the USA in 1952, and marketed under the name of Ban Roll-On. The First Antiperspirant Deodorants can take care of smells, but theyre not as effective at taking care of excessive sweating. Fortunately, the first antiperspirant came onto the scene just 15 years: Everdry, which launched in 1903, used aluminum salts to block pores and inhibit sweating. These early antiperspirants caused skin irritation, however, and in 1941 Jules Montenier patented a more modern formulation of antiperspirant that reduced irritation, and which hit the market as Stopette. The first antiperspirant aerosol deodorant was launched in 1965. However, antiperspirant sprays lost popularity due to health and environmental concerns, and today stick deodorants and antiperspirants are most popular.

Trench Warfare Essays - Trench Warfare, Military Science

Trench Warfare Essays - Trench Warfare, Military Science Trench Warfare World War I was a military conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. It was a modern war with airplanes, machine guns, and tanks. However, the commanders often fought World War I as if it were a 19th Century war. They would march their troops across open land into the face of machine guns and often slaughter. As a result of this action, a tactic known as trench warfare was implemented. The most recent use of use of trench warfare, before World War I, took place during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). This war attracted worldwide attention among military authorities that were interested in studying the latest technology used in war. Many viewed trench warfare to be an effective tactic against enemy advancement. Because of this view, trench warfare proved to be, in World War I, an ineffective and traumatizing experience for all. In September 1914, the German commander, General Erich von Falkenhayn ordered his troops to dig trenched that would provide protection from the allied troops. When the allies reached the trench, they soon realized that they could not break through the line that the trench provided. They also realized that the trench provided the Germans with shelter from their fire. Soon after, the allies began to dig their own trenches and, therefore, trench warfare began. Not very long, after the first trenches of the war were dug, a network of trenches arose. This network spread across France and Belgium for many miles. Within the network, there were three different types of trenches: front line trenches, support trenches, and reserve trenches. The first line of trenches was called front line trenches. These were usually two meters deep and had a zigzag pattern to prevent enemy fire from sweeping the entire length of the trench. In order to prevent the trench form caving in, sandbags were stacked against the trench walls. Between the trenches of opposing forces laid no man's land. This area between the opposing front line trenches was filled with barbwire and mines to prevent enemy crossing. If a soldier was ever injured in no man's land, he usually was killed because of his vulnerability to enemy fire. The second and third types of trenches were the support and reserve trenches, respectively. These trenches were constructed to easily move supplies and troops to the front trenches. All of the trenches were linked to each other by other trenches, underground tunnels, or telephone communications networks. Barbwire was also stretched across the line to protect from enemy attack. While the design of the trenches and the network of trenches seemed like a great tactic, the reality of the life in the trenches was a different story. Life in the trenches took its toll on the soldiers involved in the war. The soldiers in the front line trenches often stayed there for at least 10 days at a time, usually with very little sleep. Katczinsky is right when he says it would not be such a bad war if only one could get more sleep. In the line we have next to none, and fourteen days is a long time at one stretch(p.2). The main reason that soldiers on the front line could not sleep was to be on guard against enemy sneak attacks. Another reason that the soldiers were very tired is that night was used as a time for preparation and maintenance of the trenches. The trenches were constantly being destroyed, either by enemy shellfire, or water damage. Many times, soldiers would be buried alive by the collapsing trench walls. Paul, in All Quiet on the Western Front, states Our trench is almost gone. At many places, it is only eighteen inches high, it is broken by holes, and craters, and mountains of earth.(p.107). Along with very little sleep and the destruction of trenches, soldiers also had to worry about contracting trench foot. Trench foot is an infection of the feet caused by wet and insanitary conditions. Soldiers stood for hours on end in waterlogged trenches without being able to remove wet socks or boots. This caused their feet to gradually go numb and their skin to turn red or blue. If these conditions went untreated, they would turn gangrenous and result in amputation. Another major concern for

Alpha Plantations and Major Crisis in 1999 Term Paper - 1

Alpha Plantations and Major Crisis in 1999 - Term Paper Example The oil palm company Alpha Plantations Sdn Bhd in Malaysia has two major divisions namely Oil Palm Estate and Palm Oil Mills. This company is owned by a British Company and aims to supply oil to the parent company’s detergent manufacturing business. The company employs local workers to meet the workforce needs. The mill carries out its operations in a shift based environment with three shifts employing 25 works per shift. Supervisors are appointed to watch over the work of each shift. Among the most senior members of the company is Mr. Ang. He is working in the company since 1965 and has achieved the designation of the senior production supervisor through constant efforts and struggles. Mr. Ang is supposedly experienced in dealing with almost every situation surrounded by the company’s premises. He deals with the workers, solves their normal issues, is responsible for the undisrupted operations of the business, involved in the coordination of shift planning, responsible for the preparation of daily production reports, sets short-term performance targets for the shifts and also helps in Human Resource Planning issues. He also acts as a ‘Gatekeeper’ which directs towards his important role as an assistant to the mill manager and every issue comes into his supervision before it reaches the mill manager. Owing to the multitasking and untiring efforts of Mr. Ang, the mill manager is quite satisfied and contented with the firm, methodical and almost militarily efficient way of running the business. The year 1999 acted as a devastating experience for Alpha mills. The basic reason behind the deteriorated financial performance was the cut off in the oil prices. The mill manager, Captain Chubb, could not find a better way to overcome the situation and restrain the regular losses. Captain Chubb was replaced by Mr. Ian Davison who was appointed as a new mill manager to Alpha mills.

Entrepreneurship vs. Small Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Entrepreneurship vs. Small Business - Essay Example Researchers, Hofer and Bygrave (2003-4, Pg 6-7) suggests that entrepreneurs are the gap-fillers who given the supply and demand nature of market forces through their skills, perceive and take steps to correct market deficiencies. To encourage entrepreneurs to transform the market, they not only provide new goods and services, they also create more and newer jobs. The jobs increased not only in number but also in diversity - supermarkets have created the job of trolley collector; technology support desks are a by-product of computer technology; medical innovations have resulted in increased layers of new job classifications and descriptions. One hundred years ago, there was no perceived need for these services, nor was there any basis for exploring such a need. Kirby (2003, Pg 786) investigated in his book that by the beginning of 1980s, entrepreneurship was at finest, a likely hopeful ground of academic inquisition. Though, by the finale of that decade, owing chiefly to remarkable progress in its corpse of experimental information, entrepreneurship might assert to be a rightful ground of educational inquisition in every compliment apart from one: it requires a considerable hypothetical basis. A main confront in front of entrepreneurship examiners in the 1990s is to build up theories and models build on firm basics from the social sciences (Welsch, 2003, Pg 4-5). Wickham (2004) observe that subsequent to all, models and theories expect the result of operations. And it is not possible to operationalize an idea that cannot be defined, as an Entrepreneur a person who perceives a chance and makes an association to pursue it. Entrepreneurship vs. Small Business A lot of people make use of the terms "entrepreneur" and "small business possessor" simultaneously. At the same time as they might have a great deal in general, there are noteworthy dissimilarities between the entrepreneurial project and the small business. Jones-Evans Dylan and Carter Sara (2000, Pg 374-375) recommend that Entrepreneurial ventures vary from small businesses in following ways: 1. Quantity of wealth creation - rather than simply generating an income stream that replaces traditional employment, a successful entrepreneurial venture creates substantial wealth, characteristically in surplus of quite a few million dollars of turnover. 2. Pace of wealth construction - while a flourishing small business can produce numerous million dollars of revenue over a life span, entrepreneurial prosperity formation repeatedly is quick; for instance, within 5 years. 3. Risk - the danger of an entrepreneurial venture must be elevated; or else, with the inducement of certain profits several entrepreneurs would be following the thought and the opening no longer would survive. 4. Innovation - entrepreneurship repeatedly occupies considerable innovation further than what a small business may display. This innovation offers the venture the spirited benefit that fallout in capital creation. The innovation might be in the creation or service itself, or in the business procedures used to convey it. The Entrepreneurial Process Allow us start with the entrepreneurial procedure because this is at the core of the topic. Some of the vital characteristics of the entrepreneurial procedure are as follows Commenced by an act of human will. Takes place at the