Management Information Systems And Ethics Essay - 5074 Words

Management Information Systems and Ethics TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 3 Ethics 4 Information Systems 6 Importance of Ethics in Business 7 Ethics and Information Systems 9 Ethical Issues in Information Systems 11 Confidentiality 11 Social Responsibility 12 Management Information Systems and Ethics 13 Real business example about how MIS can improve working ethics...14 Ownership 14 Access 15 Privacy 16 Security 16 References 19 Introduction The advent of the internet coupled with increased technological developments have facilitated increased used of information systems by individuals and organizations across populations (Briggs, 2015). Information systems remain instrumental to the society as they promote the sharing of information and conduction of business activities in a manner that encourages efficiency. Increased reliance on the internet has been influenced by the growth of the platform to a critical component of society as it enhances the operational aspects experienced across all sectors of the society including education, communication, manufacturing, transportation and the conduction of business (Jingguo et al., 2015). Information systems involve the provision of information and organizations to the systems, which necessitates the adoption of processes and structures that maintain high levels of privacy. Increased reliance on organizationsShow MoreRelatedRequirement of Certification for Higher Education1115 Words   |  4 PagesQ1) Based on visiting the Project Management Institutes website at HYPERLINK http://www.pmi.org www.pmi.org, explain in your own words the purpose/focus of each of the following certifications (Note to customer: the response to this question is below) PMP, CAPM, PgMP. Which of these certifications is highest in terms of its requirements? Which of these do you think a student could qualify for prior to graduation? Why? The purpose or focus of each of the following certifications is explainedRead MoreInternal and External Factors Affecting Performance Management649 Words   |  3 PagesExternal Factors: The four functions of management across every organization include organizing, planning, controlling, and leading. In order for an organization to be effective and successful in the ever-changing business world, these four functions of management are necessary. However, the performance of these functions in any organization is usually affected by both internal and external factors. While examples of internal factors include diversity, ethics, and innovation, external factors includeRead MoreAmerican Health Information Management Association Essay818 Words   |  4 PagesAmerican Health Information Management Association, (AHIMA) Health Administrative Capstone November 10, 2010 Joining the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) benefits individuals and distinguishes them apart from others. AHIMA labels individual’s as competent, knowledgeable and committed to the association through quality healthcare delivery and quality information. The mission statement or purpose of the American Health Information Management Association, (AHIMA) pertainsRead MoreThe Implementation Of Knowledge Management1400 Words   |  6 PagesComparative review: Knowledge management is one of the key enabling technologies of distributed engineering enterprises. It including a wide range of organisational management and technologically oriented approaches that expand the utilization of an organisations ideational assets. Knowledge management approaches may be split into personalization approaches that confirm communication, human recourse and codification approaches that confirm the gathering and organisation of knowledge. This singularityRead MoreEthics, Compliance Auditing, and Emerging Issues1682 Words   |  7 PagesEthics, Compliance Auditing, and Emerging Issues INTERNAL MEMO TO: John Doe CEO FROM: Glen Leonard RE: Ethics Program / Training /Compliance Auditing ------------------------------------------------- DATE: February 22, 2016 This memo serves as notice that we will soon initiate efforts to develop and implement an ethics program as well as the appropriate training and an effective way to monitor those plans. As you are aware, consumers and partners wantRead MoreInformation Technology Systems Primary Responsibility1198 Words   |  5 PagesThe Information Technology systems primary responsibility is to maintain and sustain the organization network and communications operations. Although, they specialize in a particular field, they combine experiences and resources to support the IT department. The functional areas support the IT department which in turns support the organization’s mission, vision, and goals. Mission: Planning, managing, synchronizing, and directing the Information Technology system communication operations with theRead MoreEssay about Est1 Task 2939 Words   |  4 PagesETHICS PROGRAM A. Code of Ethics 1. Dealings with Government Officials It is policy of the company to comply fully with all state and federal laws and regulations. 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It is also important to have an ethics programRead MoreMgt/330 Week 2 Team Paper External/Internal Factors of Planning1293 Words   |  6 PagesPlanning, organizing, leading, and controlling—the four management functions—are seen in a variety of business environments. Different factors can have an impact on these four management functions. The factors are: globalization; technol ogy; innovation; diversity; and ethics. These factors as they apply to Wal-Mart, one of the leading retail stores in the world, will be examined in this paper. During the past decade, retail markets have undergone many changes in their processes, services, and formatsRead MoreCode of Ethics for Business1508 Words   |  7 PagesCode of Ethics Company A is committed to providing expertise management consulting to nonprofit organizations that serve and meet the needs of citizens and communities. This Code of Ethics sets forth standards of behavior for our employees and managers. It is intended to assist them in fulfilling their duties and public representation of Company A. Employee Standards The success of Company A depends on our clients and their confidence in our services. We need to value that nonprofits are supported

A Network of Alliances case analysis Essay - 676 Words

MGT 362 Mei Fang Sung (0563365) Corning Incorporated: A Network of Alliances case analysis From 1980 to 1988, there are 2000 major alliances happen between U.S. and European. Most of the companies wanted to take advantage on low cost, new technology transmission, and sharing the risk. However, a U.S.-based survey point out that 57% of alliances had not succeeded between 1975 and 1985. There are several reasons, insufficient trust, conflict business goal, and chaos hierarchy organization. Corning is one of the most successful companies to create their alliances network. The reason why they were doing this is because they don’t have enough skill to transfer their innovation to profit. Therefore, they need to make†¦show more content†¦I do believe these two proposal have high opportunity to gain more market. Since 1988, the fiber price fell down 70% and Corning’s profit drop sharply. We know that the long distance optic cables market was mature already. Corning needs to explore newborn local cab le system. Otherwise, Corning would suffer huge loss when their patents expire in 1990s. Also, they can go to Eastern Europe and USSR and look for alliance partner so that they can provide their existed optic cable skill to those Europe companies. In addition, it is the right choice to provide their cable terminal peripherals alliance to IBM. Just like Intel, Corning can expand their market share by cooperate with the company who has the same high quality strategy. The third proposal is about TV glass business. Corning knew that Japanese companies dominated the TV industry in 1980s. The only way to cooperate with Japanese TV companies is through their supplier, either from Korean or Japan. Asahi would be the best candidate because they are the leader of TV glass industry and they are coming from Japan. However, Coring concerned about that if they make alliance with Asahi, they might lose their decision-making power. Therefore, Corning needed to make sure they won’t lose thei r autonomous. They need to make some clear hierarchy organization and ask for what technology Asahi willing to share with me? The whole idea of alliance is to share the technologyShow MoreRelatedLufthansa External Environment Analysis893 Words   |  4 PagesCASE : 4 LUFTHANSA 2003 : ENERGIZING A DECADE OF CHANGE CASE PROFILE PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: The Basic question arises that why Lufthansa has survived, and even prospered, when so many legacy carriers have not, after facing so many crisis. What was the primary means through which CEO, Jurgen Weber, changed the culture of the organization? 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South African Investment free essay sample

In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, Caltex (an affiliate oil refinery of Texaco and SoCal) started their operations in South Africa. In this paper, I will identify and explain the benefits and the negatives as to why Caltex should build there plant in South Africa. I will also discuss how I would vote on three of the resolutions made by the stockholder’s as well as discuss how the managers of Texaco and SoCal should have responded. Finally, I will address the management responsibilities as it relates to this case. Utilitarian benefits of building the Caltex plant in 1977 When Texaco and SoCal decided to build there refinery plant, Caltex, in South Africa in 1977, there was much to consider. First of all, the South Africa was ruled by government upheld apartheid legislation. According to the textbook, Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases, the apartheid system, â€Å"deprived the entire Black population of all political and civil rights: They could not vote, could not hold political office, could not unionize, and had no right to freedom of assembly,† (Velasquez, p. 8). Despite this obstacle, Caltex was built and began operations. Caltex believed that by opening operations in South Africa they could provide the people with some economic opportunities that they could not have if they did not. According to the case study, â€Å"the managements of both Texaco and SoCal argued that Caltex was committed to improving the economic working conditions of its black employees and their continued presence in South Africa did not constitute and ‘endorsement’ of South Africa’s ‘policies’,† (para. 5). By declaring that there presence in South Africa was in no way evident in support with the government policies, Caltex gave the impression of a utilitarianism approach. According to the textbook, utilitarianism is â€Å"a general term for any view that holds that actions and policies should be evaluated on the basis of the benefits and costs they will impose on society,† (Velasquez, p. 61). Caltex upheld the belief that the benefits they provide to its employees outweigh the fact that they are conducting business in an oppressed nation. In my opinion, I think that that the benefits outweighed the negatives. Even though the South African government was morally wrong for oppressing the majority of its citizens, Caltex brought an opportunity to the region that had the promise of not only economic promise for the organization, but also the opportunity to show the people of South Africa what it is like to be equal and not discriminated. Also, there presence no doubt brought on political change and opened the eyes to the other nations of the world as to the oppression present in South Africa. If I were a stockholder in Texaco or Standard Oil Despite of all the benefits and the promises that Caltex could have provided to the people in South Africa, the shareholders still encouraged management to withdraw their operations from South Africa. As a result, the stockholders proposed three resolutions to which they would vote on and decide the future of Caltex’s operations in South Africa. The first resolution (A) was asking Caltex to terminate its operations in South Africa. The second (B) asked Caltex not to sell to the military or police of South Africa. The last resolution (C) asked Caltex to implement the Tutu principles. As a stockholder in this organization (hypothetically speaking), I would vote on these three resolutions as either.. Here is what I would vote on and why. A. NOT IN FAVOR. As I have already described in the previous section, I would not be in favor of Caltex terminating its operations in South Africa. I do think the what the government is doing in regards to how they treat its citizens is morally wrong, I believe that Caltex has the moral responsibility to remain in South Africa and provide its employees the opportunity to have the freedoms that they themselves have established as employers. B. NOT IN FAVOR. According to the case study, asking Caltex to not provide petroleum to the South African military would be considered a serious crime. It states, â€Å"it would be a crime under South Africa’s law were Caltex-South Africa to undertake a commitment to not supply petroleum products for use by the South African military or any other branch of the South African Government,† (para. 21). Voting in favor for committing a crime would be morally irresponsible on my part. I believe that as a shareholder invested in my company, I would want to portray us as a responsible organization that will work with the host country to find a common ground rather than be charged with a serious crime. C. FAVOR. Tutu’s principles are something that I would definitely be in favor for. According to the case study, Bishop Tutu’s principles â€Å"outlined several conditions of the investment which would enable Caltex and other U. S. companies to make such a ‘positive contribution to improving economic and social opportunities’,† (para. 4). These principles would be exactly what I would like my company to portray because they contribute to human rights and equal opportunities to all races. Manager’s responses In regards to the resolutions proposed by the stockholders, I believe the manager’s responses should be as follows: A. The manager’s should have also not been in favor of this resolution. In this case, the manage ment needs to consider that the utilitarian benefits do actually outweigh the negatives and oppression the South African government has over its citizens. B. The manager’s responses to this resolution should be weighed very carefully. Even though they may not agree with the practices of the government and may think they are an aid to unwanted practices, they still need to consider there reputation and the consequences that can result from not being cooperative. In my opinion, the manager’s should have responded by communicating the need to work with the government to their stakeholders as well as find some type of resolution with the government. C. The management should embrace the Tutu principles. If the management is really dedicated to the ideals and principles of their institution then they should know that these principles are about the people and their well-being. They should make any adjustments necessary to make sure the principles are upheld. Management responsibilities (i. e. , duties) In my opinion, I believe the management of a company does have the responsibility beyond ensuring a high return for its stockholders. In this case, the responsibility of the management is to make sure that the principles and business ethics that they have developed as an organization is upheld at all costs. Just because the stockholders wanted to see their company disassociate themselves from a country that they did not see as ideal, it is still imperative that the management stick to there own ideals and principles regardless of where they are. On the other hand, I do not believe that the management of a company should look primarily to the law and to the rate of return on its investment as the ultimate criteria for deciding what investments it should make. Companies should always consider the economical and social circumstances in the region to which they decide to invest their company. Conclusion This paper outlined why I believe the utilitarian benefits outweighed the negative circumstances for the building of Caltex in South Africa. I have also provided my own views as to what I would do if I were a stockholder in the company as well as what the manager’s should have done in response to the resolutions. Finally, I gave my point of view as to what the manager’s responsibilities are when dealing with stockholders and investments. Caltex was in a difficult place as they had to deal with their stockholders and the government of South Africa in order to conduct their business, but the most important thing they had was the opportunity to show the oppressed people of South Africa what it was like to be an equal member of an institution.

Us - Mexico Essays - Presidency Of James K. Polk,

Us - Mexico History Spanish settlement of the west International borders have always been centers of conflict, and the U.S.-Mexican border is no exception. With the European colonizing the New World, it was a matter of time before the powers collided. The Spanish settled what is today Mexico, while the English settled what is to day the United States. When the two colonial powers did meet what is today the United States Southwest, it was not England and Spain Rather the two powers were the United States and Mexico. Both Counties had broken off from their mother countries. The conflict that erupted between the two countries where a direct result of different nation policies. The United States had a policy of westward expansion, while Mexico had a policy of self protection. The Americans never had a written policy of expansion What they had was the idea of Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States had the right to expand westward to the Pacific ocean. On the other hand, Mexico was a new country wanting to protect itself from outside powers. Evidence of U.S. expansion is seen with the independence of Texas from Mexico. The strongest evidence of U.S. expansion goals is with the Mexican-American War. From the beginning, the war was conceived as an opportunity for land expansion. Mexico feared the United States expansion goals. During the 16th century, the Spanish began to settle the region. The Spanish had all ready conquered and settled Central Mexico. Now they wanted to expand their land holdings north. The first expedition into the region, that is today the United States Southwest, was with Corando. Corando reported a region rich in resources, soon after people started to settle the region. The driving force behind the settlement was silver in the region. The Spanish settled the region through three major corridors; central, western and eastern. The first settlements were mainly through the central corridor. The Spanish went thorough what is now the modern Mexican state of Chihuahua into the U.S. state of New Mexico. Eventually the Spanish established the city of Santa Fe in 1689. The eastern corridor was through modern day Texas and led to the establishment of San Antonio. The eastern expansion was caused by the French expansion into modern day Louisiana. The Spanish crown wanted a buffer between the French in Louisiana and central Mexico. The last corridor of expansion was in the west, through the sea, which led to the establishment of San Diego in 1769 and Los Angles in 1781. The Spanish were not the only European power to colonize the new world; French, English and the Dutch also settled North and South America. The Spanish and the French settled what is present day U.S-Mexico border region. The French settled modern day U.S. midwest, while the Spanish settled present day Mexico and U.S. southwest. As time went on, European influence in the region diminished.. The French sold there claims to the United States, in 1803 with the Louisiana Purchase. Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. Once the United States bought the Louisiana Purchase, western expansion began. This set the stage for major conflict in the region. The United States gained independence from England in 1775. After 1775, the Americans started to expand west. By the time Mexico gained independence, the United States had reached the Mexican frontier. Mexico needed to protect its northern borders. To protect the border region, Mexico needed to populate the area. Mexico continued the policy started by Spain of allowing Americans to settle Texas. The Americans had to follow Mexican law, religion and customs. The settlement of Texas played into the United States expansion plans. Eventually Mexico City closed Texas from more Americans from entering. This angered the Americans wanting to enter and Americans already living in Texas. Texas revolted from Mexico in 1833. Mexicans did live in Texas, and fought for the independence of Texas. The majority of Texans were Americans and fought for their independence. After the war the Americans intentionally or non-intentionally forced most Mexicans out of Texas. The ones that stayed faced racial tensions that continue to today. After gaining independence from Mexico, Texas wanted to join the United States immediately. The U.S. Congress voted against Texas from joining the Union. Congress was worried that annexation of Texas would anger Mexico. Mexico had never officially recognized Texas as independent. Congress was concerned that annexation would start a war with Mexico. Mexicos repose to American annexation was not the only factor in deciding against annexation. If Texas was to become a state, it would

Autism Essays (2130 words) - Autism, Psychiatric Diagnosis

Autism Autism Throughout the years the diagnosis of autism has changed dramatically. Once, it was mistakenly diagnosed as childhood schizophrenia. Now that much more extensive research has been done, researchers have found distinct characteristics that are typical of autistic individuals. It is most often characterized by difficulty in the child's ability to respond to people, events, and objects. Responses to sensations of light, sound, and feeling may be exaggerated. Delayed speech and language may be associated. Other characteristics include: impairment in ability to make peer friendships, absence of imaginative activity, stereotyped body movements, persistent preoccupation with parts of objects, marked distress over changes in trivial aspects of the environment, unreasonable insistence on following routines in precise detail, a restricted range of interests and a preoccupation with one narrow interest, along with many others. Although certain characteristics are typical of autistic children, the diagnosis is a multidisciplinary effort. The diagnosis requires a team of professionals because of the many unique characteristics and behaviors of the autistic child Each professional is assigned a different behavior to monitor. However, the psychiatrist and the psychologist are mainly responsible for the diagnosis and the psychological evaluations involved. The onset of this condition is usually observed within the first two and a half years. In 1968, the APA referred to autism as a single disorder, and now it is known to be a syndrome of behavioral and medical effects. Along with autism, several related disorders are grouped under Pervasive Developmental Disorders, PDD, a general category which is characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development. The standard reference is known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, DSM, which is now in its fourth edition. The DSM classifies the different types of PDD which are often mistaken as autism. The other PDD are Asperger's Disorder, Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, PDD-NOS, which is commonly referred to as atypical autism. The term autistic spectrum disorder is frequently used to acknowledge the diversity and severity of autism . The characteristics and symptoms of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations. There is no standard type and no suc h thing as a typical person with autism. The most commonly used terms to describe people with autism are: autistic-like, autistic tendencies, autistic spectrum, high functioning, or low functioning, and more-abled or less-abled. Autistic disorder is also know as Infantile Autism or Kanner's Syndrome. Most children with this condition exhibit poor social skills, and impaired cognitive functioning and language. What is it that causes this national crisis, affecting over 400,000 families, and costing the nation over 13 billion dollars. Autism is the third most common developmental disorder, more common than Down Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or cystic fibrosis, and autism research still receives less than 5% of the funding of the other diseases. With the lack of funding, researchers from all over the world are spending a considerable amount of time and energy trying to find answers. A single specific cause of autism is still not known. The most current research links autism to neurological or biological differences in the brain, and in many families a pattern of autism or autism related disabilities appears. This could suggest that autism has a genetic basis, although no specific gene has been directly linked t o autism. Researchers believe that a genetic basis would be highly complex, involving a combination of several genes. Direct causes have not been discovered, but several theories has been proven false. Autism is not a mental disorder, children with autism are not unruly kids who choose not to behave. Autism is not caused by bad parenting, and no known psychological factors in child development have been proven to cause autism. Children with autism begin to show signs of this disease at around the age of two. This is when parents may notice delays in language, play, or social interaction. One of the many problems autistic children have is with social detachment and unresponsiveness. Autistic babies do not smile at there parents or reach out to be cuddled or picked up. They often do not play with other children, appearing to be in there their own world, unaware of people or events around them. Many children

Teachers are underpaid essays

Teachers are underpaid essays Numerous studies have previously raised concerns regarding the deteriorating quality of education in the United States. American students lag behind their counterparts in other developed countries in key subjects like reading, math, history and science. Furthermore, a comparison of present and past scores in standardized examinations shows that students today are posting lower scores compared to the previous generation. To address this problem, government education administrators have instituted reforms that put the onus of improvement on the educators themselves. The "No Child Left Behind" policy has increased the demands on teachers, in terms of their work and responsibilities. Teachers are also required to undergo more tests and evaluations, and to take expensive courses to earn their certification (Reising). Many analysts view this as a positive development, since educators are seen as public servants who perform a vital social duty. This view of education as a calling and a duty has led to criticism of teachers who go on strikes to agitate for higher salaries. This paper argues, however, that adequate compensation for teachers is an intrinsic part to improving the quality of education in the United States. The first part of this paper discusses teacher salaries, highlighting the discrepancies between the starting salaries of teachers and other professions. It also discusses the changing nature of the teaching profession, and the difficulty of retaining qualified teachers in education. The second part then looks at the link between proper or adequate compensation and the quality of education a student receives. In the conclusion, the paper looks at how some educators have used to address compensation, including unionization and performance pay. In a survey of teacher salaries across the nation conducted in 2002, the American Federa...

Please write a short report on the strategy and organization of Assignment

Please write a short report on the strategy and organization of Hutchison Whampoa Ltd - Assignment Example The Company, Hutchison Whampoa Limited, was founded in the year 1861 in Hong Kong; in the year 1880, the then John Hutchison developed Hutchison International with the soul purpose of importing wholesale products basically for consumption. Later, in the year 1960’s the Company gained a great interest in the A.S Watson which was a major dealer in operating drug stores as well as supermarkets (Leung 2002). Additionally, in the late 1977’s, the Company acquired some of the remaining stokes that were left in Whampoa Dock and incorporated into Hutchison to develop the Current Hutchison Whampoa Limited Company. In the year, 1978, the Company made its operations public and listed its shares in the Hong Kong business stock exchange (Leung 2002). Hutchison Whampoa Limited is an extensive conglomerate located in the City of Hong Kong; it majorly deals with provision of real estate, infrastructure service provision, manufacturing of various consumer products, retail services as well as energy service provision and telecommunication services (Leung 2002). Currently, it offers various services in fifty four countries with its main head offices located in Hong Kong. It major are goals are inclusive of; the provision of advanced technologies to the society through enhanced opportunities in research and innovation and the promotion of accountability, quality and responsibility in service provision. The modus operandi of the Hutchison Whampoa Limited basically relies on its strength from diverse modes of service provision together with the fact that, it offers services that covers an extensive geographical location. To begin with, its major strategic facet of operation emerges from the fact that it is a conglomerate. In 1977, it merged with the then Whampoa Dock Company, a scenario that led to the increase of its market share (expanded it operation). This has led to the increase of its competitive advantage owing to the fact that it offers a wide

Fashion and Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Fashion and Art - Essay Example The essay "Fashion and Art" discusses the connection between art and fashion. Due to the pressure that Paris faced during this time, it lost its position as the world’s top fashion hub. In the meantime the United States shifted its reliance on France for clothing and fashion designs and developed its own industry using homegrown cotton. As a result of these efforts, the United Sates managed to become the top nation in fashion, a position it maintained until sometime after the Second World War. This changed in the 1940s when Paris began to recover its position as the world’s acclaimed fashion hub. By the 1950s Paris had almost regained back its position and by the 1970s, the nation had fully regained its international fashion acclamation. Today, both the United Sates and Paris continue to compete in the world’s fashion although Paris continues to outdo the United States. The connection between art and fashion gained exceptional closeness in the 1920s. In order to gain ideas and encouragement, designers hooked up with artists. As a result of new developments in art such as Art Deco, Futurism, and Surrealism, art and clothing were blended into fashion. Original artistic designs were brought to clothing, mainly due to the influence of Futurism and Surrealism, and cooperation with innovative artists. Suoh points out that â€Å"the decorative accessories and textiles of Art Deco emerged from this rich collaboration, which included the adaptation of a number of artistic techniques such as Oriental lacquering†.... Wealthy customers of haute couture fashion suddenly lost their wealth, as homeless people crowded the streets. Some people in the middle class society managed to survive the Great Depression, but they preferred to do their sewing from home. As a result of the economic hardship, more natural forms of clothing and fashion replaced the ideal and strong silhouette that was popular in the 1920s (Suoh, 2002). For evening wear, the culture of long dresses was revived, while hair regained a soft curl and a more conventional feminine length. â€Å"The slim line of clothing remained, but the bosom was reasserted and the waistline was once again nipped into a standard position† (Suoh, 2002, p. 335). However, fashion for casual activities gradually gained importance, as people wore favored sports items and clothing and regular dresses with short skirts. Female and male designers acclaimed in the 1920s began to experiment and exploit new materials, while new designers expanded their clothi ng lines to include outfits for different occasions. These styles remained dominant until the beginning of the Second World War. Fashion and Art and the Second World War The Second World War which broke out in 1939 brought serious damage to art and fashion (Suoh, 2002). Many couture houses and salons in Paris closed, while the few that remained suffered from the departure of clients and scarcity of materials. The Germans intended to move the whole fashion industry from Paris to Vienna or Berlin. In Paris, the fashion industry suffered a lot of pressure, â€Å"and Lucien Lelong, the President of the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, went to great pains to try to maintain the status quo of Parisian

Compare Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and The Metamorphosis by Essay

Compare Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and The Metamorphosis by Frank Kafka - Essay Example This occurs as they both spend their lives dedicated to their work and then come to understand their isolation. However, while Gregor’s family manages to find a means of surviving without him, Willy’s family seems headed for disaster by the end of the play. In both stories, the main character remains disconnected with his loved ones because he must work and travel to support them. Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman spends his life traveling from town to town selling and ranking his importance in life to the number of people he knows. However, this gives him little satisfaction and no sense of connection to his family. â€Å"Work a lifetime to pay off a house. You finally own it, and there’s nobody to live in it† (Miller, 1949). This statement reveals the emptiness Willy has found in his effort to provide his family with a home of their own as his sons prepare to leave again. As Linda tries to soothe him, he reminds her â€Å"some people accomplish something† (Miller, 1949). In the same way, it can be argued that Gregor’s transformation in Metamorphosis is a literal indication of his feelings of separation from humanity, including from the members of his own family. Even in his own home, he has taken up the h abit of locking his bedroom doors â€Å"as if in a hotel† (16) and he continues to follow the rules and regulations set forth by his father even though he is the sole breadwinner of the family. In both stories, the main character’s isolation is brought forward as a result of this occupational need. As Willy travels through his territory, he evidently makes numerous friends, as he boasts to his boys in the play’s many flashbacks. However, at the present time in the play, none of these friends seem available and even his family has retreated from him to the point that his wife must remind their son, â€Å"He’s the dearest man in the world to me, and I won’t have anyone making

History of Anabolic Steroids Misuse and Drug Testing

History of Anabolic Steroids Misuse and Drug Testing Introduction: History of drug abuse Drug abuse in sport is not a recent issue. In Ancient Greece, the Olympic athletes used special diets (herbs,mushrooms and sesame seeds) to improve their physical performance. The gladiators in the Roman times, consumed stimulants to reduce fatigue.(1,2) South American Indians used coca leaves to enhance stamina.(2) During the nineteenth century, drug abuse became a great problem. Caffeine, strychnine, alcohol, cocaine, opium, and oxygen were used by swimmers, runners and cyclists to increase performance.(1,2) In 1896, the cyclist Arthur Linton was the first reported fatality case in sport from strychnine intake which was administered by his coach.(1) Later on, in 1904, the runner Thomas Hicks, was near to death in Olympic Marathon in St Louis USA, from use of strychnine and brandy.(1) During the Second World War, amphetamine consumption started by the troops to reduce their fatigue. In 1940s and 1950s, amphetamines substitute other drugs in its use in sport.( became the choice over other drugs). (1) Reported deaths from amphetamine abuse was in 1964, the Danish cyclist knut Jensen at Rome Olympics died on the opening day of the games. In 1967, the British cyclist Tommy Simpson, at Tour de France, died from amphetamine abuse. After Simpson’s death, the International Olympic Committee took an action and the first list of banned substances was published in 1968.(1,3) In 1950s, a new class was misused by athletes and weightlifters to increase muscle size and strength and this class named anabolic steroids;(1) in 1964, there was suspect for use of anabolic steroid in Summer Olympics in Tokyo due to the increase in muscle mass of the athletes.(3) Top scandals in drug abuse 1. East German athletes(4,5,6) From 1972 to 1988, the East German which was a country of 17 million populations, won 20 to 40 gold medals in 4 years and became a country competing the United States and Soviet Union. Manfred Ewald who was the head of Olympic sport committee in East Germany, and Dr. Manfred Hoeppner who was the sports doctor at that time, were responsible about giving the athletes banned substances intentionally without their knowledge. This results in severe complications in the athlete’s health such as liver dysfunction, cancer, hormonal changes and infertility. From 1966 and on, many doctors and coaches in East German follow a plan which was sponsored by the government known as â€Å"systematic and overall doping in competitive sports†. After the collapse of East German and Berlin Wall fall in 1989, many athletes confessed about the pills and injections that were given to them. Kornelia Ender, Barbara Krause and Carola Nitschke were three of the thousands of East German athletes who had provided with steroids. Heidi Kreiger was also one of the athletes that was provided with steroids heavily and this was the main reason that force her to make sex-alteration operation. 2. Pan American Games in 1983 IOC included testosterone in the banned list in 1983 and it was the first endogenous substance to be tested at that time. The test was based on measuring the testosterone to epitestosterone (T/E) ratio. (1) The first drug testing for steroids was at the Pan America Games in Caracas and Venezuela in 1983. Around 15 athletes were caught at these games. Jeff Michaels, the American weightlifter, and Guy Greavette, the Canadian weightlifter, were tested positive for steroids. They returned their medals and being suspended for 2 years. (5,7) Many athletes of the U.S track-and-field team withdrew from the game rather than being captured. (7) 3. Ben Johnson’s scandal In 1988, the Canadian Ben Johnson was stripped of his gold medal at 100 meters after he has been tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol at Seoul Olympics. Johnson has been banned from competition for 2 years.(7) 4. Michelle Smith: the Irish swimmer(5,7) In 1998, the Olympic champion swimmer Michelle Smith was tested positive for banned substance at her home through out-of-competition testing. The test was positive for alcohol in an amount that would be fatal if taken by an athlete. So FINA, the international governing body for swimming, concluded that the urine sample was treated with alcohol as a masking agent and Smith has been suspended for four years. 5. Chinese swim team(5,7) The Chinese national swim team has been used anabolic steroids, erythropoietin and human growth hormone in the last 15 years. In 1992 Barcelona Olympics and 1994 world championships, china won a high number of gold medals. In world swimming championships, a world records was set by women swimmers, and this causes suspect that they were using drugs. In 1994 at Asian Games, eleven athletes were caught as drug abusers for dihydrotestosterone. Since 1990,over 40 Chinese swimmers were tested positive for abused drugs and at that time china reached the peak for drug abuse over the swimming countries. 6. Tour de France(5) Doping by cyclists arises since 1967 after Simpson death at Tour de France due to amphetamine misuse. Drug abuse by cyclists continues and in summer 1998, the Festina cycling team was pushed out from the competition at Tour de France after the French Officials found EPO in their masseur’s car. After investigations, six of Festina’s nine riders confessed that they had taken abused drugs. Later on, the leader also has failed drug tests for anabolic steroids. Also in 2002, Stefano Garzelli, the leader of the Vini Caldirola team, has failed drug test for probenecid, a diuretic which is used as a masking agent. Also in the same year at Tour de France, the Spanish cyclist Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano, was tested positive for anti-asthmatic drug. In January 2004, two cyclists in the Cofidis team, which is one of the top teams in france, were caught as drug abusers for EPO and amphetamines. 7. Steroids in baseball (5) In 2002, a report was published by the Sports Illustrated and the National League MVP Ken Caminiti stated that â€Å"at least half the guys are using steroids.† In 2003, the Major League Baseball revealed that around 7% of 1438 tests on all players were positive for steroids. 8. Doping in skiing(5) Drug abuse in cross-country skiing has been spread for years especially with EPO. In 2001 world championships in Finland, six finish skiers have failed drug test for HES which is a plasma volume expander. Three skiers at the Salt Lake Games were tested positive for the drug Darbepoetin which is a synthetic compound of the natural hormone EPO. Two of these athletes Olga Danilova and Larissa Lazutina were Russian medalists but later on, they were stripped of their medals and the gold medal was awarded to the Canadian Beckie Scott who ended third. 9. BALCO scandal BALCO is Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative which is a company that provides nutritional supplements. Victor Conte built BALCO in 1984 and he followed a system for analyzing urine and blood in order to prescribe supplements that replace vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Tetrahydrogestrinone is one of banned substances that was used by BALCO and was undetected by drug testing. THG or â€Å"The Clear† is an anabolic steroid that can reduce fatigue during training and can increase the muscle mass. In 2003, the USADA, United States Anti-Doping Agency, developed a test for THG after receiving a syringe from anonymous (US track coach Trever Graham) containing THG and claiming that most athletes are using this drug. Don Catlin, succeeded in developing the test and he tested the urine samples that were taken from athletes at the US championships and numerous tests came back positive for THG(8,9). Athletes that were involved in BALCO scandal were Kelli White, Marion Jones, C.J.Hunter, Tim Montgomery, baseball star Barry bonds, and NFL’s Bill Romanowski, and Dwain Chambers. In 2004, Dwain Chambers who was the European 100m championship at that time was banned from competition for 2 years. 100m and 200m Champion kelli white was banned for 2 years as well. USADA convicted BALCO, for the distribution of THG. In 2005, Victor Conte was jailed for four months. Greg Anderson (Barry Bond’s trainer) was jailed for three months.(9,10,11,12) 10. Ma’s runners Ma Junren was the coach for the world female championships runners(13). In 1993, Ma’s Chinese female runners won three gold medals at the World Track and Field championships in Stuttgart and also in 1997 they set world records. From that time there was suspicion that the runners were using banned substances(13,15). A doping scandal for Ma’s runners arose before the 2000 summer Sydney Olympic(14,15). Top runners like Liquing Song and Lili Yin had failed drug test for testosterone during an out-of competition testing in 2000 and the Ma’s Chinese runners were evicted from the Olympic team(13,15). History of drug testing: Doping was also done for race horses not and only for humans. The first drug test was done for alkaloids on the saliva of horses in 1910 by a Russian Chemist in Vienna.(1,2) Drug testing on human urine started in 1950s after the wide spread abuse of amphetamines. (7) After British Tommy Simpson death from amphetamine abuse at Tour de France in 1967, IOC established the Medical Commission and a list of banned substances was established by the IOC. Professor Beckett was a member in the Medical Commission at that time and he developed methods for detection of stimulants ,i.e. drugs that were used† in competition†. (3,7) Methods of Beckett for drug testing were first used in 1968 at Mexico City Olympic competition and these tests were for non-steroidal drugs (narcotic analgesics and stimulants) and there was no tests for anabolic steroids.(7)(3). The first formal drug testing programmes for narcotics and stimulants was in 1972 at Munich Olympics. These tests were done at the competition periods. The abuse of Anabolic steroids became prevalent in 1970s and its use was banned in 1974 by the IOC and added to the list in 1975(1) p313. The first formal steroid testing program occurred in 1976 at Montreal Olympics using radioimmunoassay screening for detection its presence and GCMS for confirmation. (7,19) In and out of competition testing: At first testing programmes were based on tests during the competition periods. But later on it was recognized that these tests were of limited value to catch up the cheats. Athletes learn how to defeat the testing programmes by calculating the clearance time of the drug in the body so they could avoid its use before the competition periods. Form here came the â€Å"out -of -competition† testing programmes to catch the cheats for drug abuse. â€Å"Out of competition testing† started in late 1970s. The first out of competition testing was conducted in 1977 by Norway and in UK, it started in early 1980s. However, the â€Å"out- of -competition† testing did not expand globally until the establishment of WADA in 2000. WADA established out-of-competition testing programmes and it was followed globally from that time.(1) p314-315 Classification of Abused Drugs Doping classes and methods examples Anabolic steroids Testosterone, nandrolone (discussed later Blood Doping blood transfusion(discussed later) Stimulants Amphetamine, ephedrine, cocaine, caffeine Narcotics Morphine, Methadone, Codeine Peptide and glycoprotein hormones Human growth hormone, corticotrophin, human chorionic gonadotrophin, erythro poietin Diuretics and masking agents Acetazolamide, Furesamide, Probencid Beta- blockers Atenolol, Propanolol, Metoprolol Atenolol, Propanolol, Metoprolol Anabolic steroids (discussed later) Blood Dopping (Blood Transfusions) ( discussed later) Central Nervous System Stimulants Athletes often use stimulants to enhance alertness and reduce fatigue i.e. increase physical and mental performance.1p41. These are more used on the day of competition to reduce the sensitivity to pain of athletes if they got injured; however, nowadays they are used during training to increase training time. Amphetamines Amphetamine is a synthetic compound (1920), it was developed as an appetite suppressant and for treatment of narcolepsy, to fight fatigue and to enhance alertness, but later it was withdrawn from clinical use due to the development of tolerance. P42 Methamphetamine is very addictive stimulant, related to amphetamine with more longer lasting and toxic effects on the CNS. Mechanism of action: These are indirectly acting sympathomimetic amine. They enter neurons and act presynaptically to release stores of noradrenaline, and dopamine from nerve endings; they also block noradrenaline and dopamine transporter reuptake and inhibit MAO. They include Dexamphetamine, Methamphetamine, Phenmetrazine, and methylphenidate. Routes of administration: Amphetamine can be administered orally, nasally, and intravenously. Amphetamine itself is not very effective if smoked. Methamphetamine is smokable form and it is becoming increasingly popular as a drug of abuse. Effects of Amphetamines in Sport: Athletes often use amphetamine to reduce fatigue, increase alertness and concentration, increase euphoria and to tolerate painful injuries.p42. p72 Side Effects: The most important side effect is heart stroke.p72. Amphetamines cause peripheral vasoconstriction and thus increase blood pressure. The body overheats and cannot regain its temperature resulting in dehydration.1.p42 The second side effect is that the euphoric action may affect the awareness of athletes and thus they fall in misjudgements. Cases of amphetamine abuse: Amphetamine use was spread around the time of the Second World War, to decrease fatigue of the troops. Later, its use was spread among athletes in 1940s and 1950s. 1.p30. its use atarted to be controlled under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. In 1960, the cyclist, Knud Jenson, died due to amphetamine abuse in the intense summer heat of Rome Olympics.1p72-30 In 1967 Tour de France, the British cyclist, Tommy Simpson, died as a result of amphetamine abuse while climbing the infamous Mont Ventoux. His death was due to cardiac arrest.1p72 In 1997,American Footballers, (Clarkson and Thompson), withdrew from play due to amphetamine abuse which was taken to tolerate injuries.1p72 Effect on behaviour Mandell (1979), Golding(1981) In 2002, the British skier Alain Baxter, had lost his Olympic bronze medal and he was banned from skiing from March until June, due to positive test of Methamphetamine( l-form which is found in OTC vicks inhaler. IOC test do not distinguish between l- and d- form. D-form is used as performance –enhancing drug. Later on, Baxter’s name was cleared as being a drug cheater and it was approved that the drug was l- form.(16,17,18) Ecstasy It is a synthetic amphetamine derivative. It was synthesized in 1914 as an appetite suppressant. It has stimulant amphetamine like properties, now commonly used in dance clubs but it may be misused by athletes. In UK, it was classified as an illegal substance since 1977, and in USA its use was under control since 1985. Since 1990, there were no reports for ecstasy misuse by athletes.p73 Ephedrine and related compounds Ephedrine is a natural product occurring in the plant genus Ephedra. Phyenylpropanolamine and pseudoephedrine are synthetics. These are used to treat cold symptoms as bronchodilators.1.p73.p42. Mechanism of action It has sympathomimetic action. These deplete noradrenalin from neuronal storage sites resulting in indirect effect on sympathetic neurons and CNS.1.p73 Routes of administration Ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are found in cold medications (in UK and USA) which are taken orally. Phenylpropanolamine is now prohibited by US authorities. 1.p74 Effect of Ephedrine in Sport Ephedrine is misused by athletes for its euphoric action.1p42. Athletes try to misuse ephedrine because its use could be negotiated due to its presence in the over-the-counter medication.1p42 Side effects The main side effect is the cardiac arrthythmias. Cases of Ephedrine abuse Pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and phenylephrine were removed from WADA list for banned substances in 2004, but they are still controlled by WADA for athlete’s misuse. Ephedrine is still on the banned list.1p76 In 1972 Olympics, the US swimmer, De Mont, was banned due to urinary ephedrine positive test in which he declared that its presence due to a medicine.1p76 In 1988, Linford Christie, at Seoul, was tested positive for cold cure substance, and he was nearly to lose his silver medal. Cocaine Cocaine was a component of Coca-Cola until it was classified as an illegal drug and it was removed in 1903.(1)The main therapeutic effect is its use as a local anaesthetic. Mechanism of action Cocaine exerts its sympathomimetic central effects by inhibiting the reuptake of noradrenaline, dopamine, and 5-HT into presynaptic terminals of the mesolimbic reward/pleasure pathway. Routes of administration â€Å"Snorting† is the most common route of administration of cocaine. The powder is drawn up to the noise, and is absorbed through the nasal epithelium into the blood. It reaches the brain within about three minutes. It can also administered by intravenous injection, reaching the brain in 15 seconds and the effects last for 15 minutes. Crack cocaine is smoked in a pipe, absorbed rapidly in the lungs and reaching the brain in about 5 seconds. Effects of cocaine is sport It was misused in sport due to its euphoric effect and due to reduction of fatigue. Side effects Its side effects are: tachycardia, hypertension and at high dosage, tremors and seizures may occur. Cardiotoxic metabolite may result due to concomitant use of cocaine with alcohol and anabolic steroids. Reported cases of cocaine misuse Len Bias, the US basketball player, and Don Rogers, the American footballer died from cocaine abuse.(1) Caffeine Caffeine is the most popular used drug which is found in many beverages like coffee, tea and soft drinks. Caffeine was banned by IOC but then it was withdrawn from the list by WADA in January 2004. However, its use is still monitored by WADA. Quantitative measurement for caffeine in the urine was established in 1984 at the Olympic Games in Sarajevo and Los Angeles. IOC set the level in the urine at 15 micrograms per millilitre and then in 1988, it was decreased to 12micrograms per millilitre. Studies showed that 1000mg doses of caffeine are required to excrete caffeine in the urine at levels more than 12 micrograms per millilitre. Routes of administration It is taken as tablets or injections(1) Effects of caffeine in sport High doses are required in sport to decrease fatigue and increase concentration.(1) Side effects tremors Narcotic analgesics These are called opiates. Raw opium contains morphine and codeine which have strong analgesic properties. Drugs that are usually misused are: Morphine, heroin, and methadone. All opiates were banned by IOC except dextromethorphan, pholcodeine, and diphenoxylate. Codeine was first banned but because many sports federation had refused that so it was then removed from the list due to its presence in many over-the-counter medications. Mechanism of action: Opiates bind to specific opiate receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and also interact with endogenous opiate peptides, enkephalins and endorphins, in mediating emotional highs and in the process of addiction.p(1)-23 Routes of administration Opiates are taken orally, by injection or by inhalation. Effects of narcotic analgesics in sport These are used for their euphoric and analgesic actions. They are used to mimic the injury during training or competition. Side effects These include vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, skin itching, loss of concentration, drowsiness, comas, and addiction. At high doses it may cause respiratory depression.(1) p24,,BBC Diuretics and other masking agents Diuretics are drugs that are used by people to remove fluid in order to decrease blood pressure. Examples are: furesamide, acetazolamide and chlorthalidone. Effects of diuretics in sport Diuretics are misused in sport to overcome the side effect fluid retention that is cause by athletes misusing anabolic steroids. They are also used to lower the athlete’s weight in sports that competition occurs in weight groups. P46red and BBC. Also diuretics are used to increase the flow of urine and hence increase the rate of excretion of abused drug or its metabolite in the urine so the abused drug could not be detected. Side effects These include: muscle cramps, dehydration, headache, nausea and kidney damage. Probenecid is used as making agent to disguise the presence of banned drugs and their metabolites by inhibiting the excretion of these through the kidney.p47 red. Probenecid is no more used because the use of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry can detect its presence and catch up the cheats. Beta blockers These were added to the list of doping classes in 1985. But because of its therapeutic use, the IOC in 1993 added them in the â€Å"classes of drugs subject to certain restrictions â€Å"part . They were used by athletes to increase their performance by increasing the cardiac output increasing blood flow to muscles.p-48-49 red Peptide and glycoprotein hormones These are natural substance that are produced by the body.BBC –doping I sport Effects in sport Corticotrophin: it induces the release of the adrenal corticosteroids thus mimic the pain after injury. (1)p47 Human Growth hormone(HGH) and chorionic gonadotrophin( HCG) : it has anabolic effect, so it increases size and strength of muscles. BBc Erythropoietin: it is a peptide hormonep48(1). It increases red blood cell production thus increasing the oxygen transfer by blood ,ie. Increase in the performance .BBC. Side effects HGH has main side effect that is, it may cause acromegaly.BBC EPO has main side effect that is, it may thicken the blood, resulting in heart attacks.BBC Chemical and physical manipulation It is the changing of urine sample by using substances or procedures in order to conceal the detection of a banned substance. Examples of manipulation are: the use of other’s urine, use of vinegar to affect the urine, epitestosterone to alter the ratio. BBC news,doping Anabolic Steroids What are Anabolic steroids? Testosterone was isolated in 1935.(2)p52. It is an endogenous steroidal hormone male hormone produced by testes in men. steroid 7. It is synthesized from cholesterol like all other steroidal hormones. Steroid 7. Epitestosterone is a testosterone isomer and found in a small ratio with respect to testosterone. Steroid7. Testosterone is responsible for the androgenic and anabolic effects.steroid7. The androgenic functions of testosterone are responsible for the modifications in the primary sexual male features. Steroid7. , while the anabolic effects are responsible for enhancing muscle growth, protein synthesis and erythrocytes. steroid 7. Anabolic steroids are group of synthetic modified derivatives of testosterone. steoid 10. When administered, they bind to the androgen receptors which are found in the prostate, skeletal muscle and central nervous system to give their mechanism of action. Their structure is developed and modified to improve the anabolic effects with decreased androgenic effects. steroid 10 Routes of administration Anabolic steroids are administered orally or intramuscularly. Nowadays, athletes are using transdermal patches, sublingual tablets, nasal sprays, and dermatological gels of testosterone to escape positive tests(2). P 3 Why do athletes misuse anabolic steroids Athletes use anabolic steroids due to their anabolic effects, so they are used due to its positive effect on the skeletal muscle tissues. They are used to increase strength and muscle size. They are also used to increase body weight, protein metabolism and collagen synthesis. Steoird 6 and 35 . Some athletes use anabolic steroids because they â€Å"want to be big†. steroid 7. Side effects Cardiovascular effects: Anabolic steroids ingestion results in severe coronary heart disease. They reduce high density lipoprotein (HDL) and increase low density lipoprotein (LDL). Steroid 25- steroid 7. resulting in atherosclerosis. Increase heart stroke Anabolic steroids increase blood clotting and thus favouring thrombosis resulting in heart attacks. steroid 26 Liver problems Oral anabolic steroids results in cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice. steorid 7,26 Also increase in the liver enzymes( aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and lactate dehydrogenase) is encountered with the use of steroids. steroid 37 Sexual side effects High doses of anabolics in a study by Holma, shows that the sperm counts decreased by 73% and azoospermia occurred for 3 individuals i.e affecting fertility. Steroid 7 They affect secretion of the reproductive hormones like testosterone and thus reducing libido due to decrease level of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone(FSH).sterodi 37. Anabolic steroids abuse may result in prostate cancer. Steroid 37 Gynaecomastia It is the enlargement of the mammary tissues in men due to transfer of androgens to estradiol and estrone. steroid 7,37 Psychological effects A study in USA showed that anabolic steroids revealed changes in mood such as mania and depression. steorid7 Other side effects include: hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, tendon damage, steroid 26. edema, muscle spasm, acne hirsutism, and deepening of voice. Steroid 35 History of anabolic steroids misuse and drug testing The use of banned substances such as caffeine, cocaine and strychnine started during the 19th century in most of the sport events like cycling, swimming, and distance running. steroid 26. The abuse of steroids in sport started in 1950s by the soviet weightlifting teams.p54 green,steroid26. In 1960 Olympic Games, anabolic steroids use was restricted to Soviet weightlifting, but by 1964, their use is increased in all strength sports. p45 green. 7. Anabolics use became more common in most sports in 1972 Olympic Games. Steroid 26 Anabolic steroids use has been banned by medical commission of IOC in 1974 and has been added to the list of banned substances of IOC in 1975.steroid 10, 7 Although the first formal testing was introduced in 1972 Munich Olympics, there was no testing for anabolic steroids (7). P4. The first formal test for anabolic steroid was in 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics(7). First positive tests for steroids were in 1976 Montreal Olympics, in which 8 athletes, seven weightlifters and one female athlete in a field event were caught for steroid abuse(7).p75., while no positive tests were reported in 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. Anabolic androgenic steroids are one of the most widely used drugs by athletes to enhance their performance and physical appearance. Steroid 6. Their use extends to be not among professional athletes but also among high school male and female students. Steroid 26 WADA accredited laboratories published statistics form 1993 till 2003 and this showed that anabolic steroids are the most widely used banned substances.p32.red. 1993 1994 2001 2002 2003 stimulants 22.8% 24% 15.4% 14.9% 19% Anabolic steroids 59.9% 50.5% 40.1% 36.8% 32.1% Unlike amphetamines and other stimulants which were taken on the day of competition ( which causes sudden death due to cardiac arrest), anabolic steroids are administered during the training exercise and not before the competition periods. P31 red. they are taken in cycles with duration of six- twelve weeks, and usually 2-3 cycles are taken in a year. Steroid7. The introduction of the â€Å"out of competition† testing programmes limited the use of the anabolic steroids. P46 red Systematic doping: biggest scandal One of the biggest scandals for steroid abuse was in the German Democratic Republic, they were used from 1965 to 1989 and this allows the East German to win many medals. Coaches and doctors in East Germany follow a programme for systematic doping with steroids. In 1965, a pharmaceutical company had developed chlor-substituted derivative of methandrostenolone (Oral-Turbinabol R), and from 1968 GRD started to introduce it to female athletes in the Olympic Games. Steroid 40 Detection of anabolic steroids: Detection of urinary anabolic steroid by radioimmunoassay Drug testing was based on radioimmunoassay screening of urine samples from athletes for detection of banned substances and then gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for confirmation the positive tests (7). Testing at that time was insensitive and not selective due to the fact that testing was done during competition periods and anabolic steroids were usually taken for long periods, so athletes used to quit these drugs at competition periods so their level will decrease in the urine and could not be detected and the tests would give false negative (19). Detection of urinary anabolic steroids by GC/MS, measuring testosterone to epitestosterone (T/E ratio) Drug testing at that time could not differentiate between endogenous testosterone and synthetic anabolics.steroid7. Testosterone was introduced in the banned list of IOC in 1983, it was the first endogenous substance to be banned, after the discovery of the detection method in 1982. p35red. In 1984 Olympic Games, all urine samples from athletes were screened by GC/MS for detection and identification. The T/E ra

What Seem to Be the Most Important Thing Lead to Success of Apple

What seem to be the most important things leading to the success of this company? Apple did not come by its present success easily. Before the ipad, iphone and ipod became profitable icons of high-tech fashion, Steve Jobs do suffered a long series of failures. For many years, there were serious doubts if Apple could survive the battles it was losing to competitors like Microsoft. In contrast, Apple is now expected to sell 30million ipads in 2011, two-thirds of all tablet computers sold globally. Question is, how did a struggling company become so successful?What seem to be the most important things that lead to the success of this company? If you take a look at the Apple’s strategies, it’s actually pretty simple and straight forward. First of all, Apple lets the others fail first, so that it can learn from the mistake. Although to be the first mover is great, but it can after be an impairment. It’s sort of like buying a new model of car the first year it’s available but you will probably have to deal with the unforeseen problems although you might think that it will be nicer if you can have it first.Apple using this strategy to learn an experience from the failure while not wasting any times and money. Second, Steve Jobs also recognize his own team for the successful of the product. You may take a look at any major product announcement. At the end of the announcement, Steve Jobs always thanks the team leader and usually asked those who worked on the product to stand up. This may increase the employee’s loyalty to the company, and make them proud of themselves and they will be mre hardworking in helping their company to become success.Third, Apple company focus on the few to sell to many which means that instead of trying to satisfy every fringe taste or market niche, Apple decided to focuses on just a few products in each category. With time and money, Apple strives to make each item in its relatively small stable as perfect a s possible. In which help to differentiate the products and build the customer loyalty, and also help Apple to develop a better products compare to other products that trying to satisfy every fringe taste. In contrast, Apple’s success is driven less by the company’s products and more by the company’s marketing and business strategies.

Hopelessness and Poverty in This Nation Essay

Opportunities in America, especially for those who have minimum wages and big families to support, are very limited. Jonathan Kozol presented a speech about poverty in America. In this, he talked about his experiences staying in a homeless center in New York, one of the wealthiest places in the nation, and how he â€Å"never found his way back home. † The people are easily unseen and greatly forgotten. Because of this, families in poverty do not get the same possibilities as wealthier people do. Opportunities in America should be equal for all people and to do this, actions need to be taken. The kinds of measures that need to be taken have to do with shelters, nourishment, and impartiality. Kozol was inspired to visit the homeless because of an article written the night before Christmas 1985, which told about a boy who died because he was premature. This resulted because the mother did not have the proper nourishment and care. The baby was already living on the streets before he was even a year old. This is a revolting fact to realize that baby’s are being born on the filthy city streets and are not being provided with the proper care. Kozol decided to visit the mother of the baby in a homeless shelter. He celebrated the holidays with families in the shelter where the food was cooked off of hotplates, because there were no ovens. He also said that the average child was only six years old. The living conditions in a homeless shelter are very unsanitary and when you are a child your immune system is not that strong and it is very unhealthy. Kozol explained how one day he was in Las Angeles when he spotted a family living on the streets. The mother came to Las Angeles to look for good rent but couldn’t find anything suitable enough. The husband was working in a sweatshop making only five hundred dollars a month, which is minimum wage. This was certainly not enough to pay for rent and support a family at the same time. Because of this, they were forced to live on the streets. Kozol was right, compassion is un-weighted and if you are born poor in a rich nation it is a major disadvantage. To make the opportunities in America more equal, there are many things that the government and more fortunate people could do. Since there were almost two thousand people in the shelter, I think that the cities should make more places for the homeless to come, have decent living conditions, and a source of food. There should be certain doctors for patients in need who do not have the money to pay for appointments. So that people who make minimum wage and are suffering get a fair chance, there should be people who can help find jobs for them, and help them get a chance with going to college. Everyone should have fair opportunities and have equality. People should start bending low and start helping those who are too frail to stand up. Everyone should have a shelter, nourishment, and equality. To do this people need to take a stand and start doing something about it. All people have the same rights; why not give all people the same likelihood of having the same experience of those who are more fortunate than others.

The Group of Seven essays

The Group of Seven essays The group of seven achieved international acclaim, won their fight against the Canadian Academy, and found their way into the hearts of Canadians. The group of seven became ever more aware of the role they played towards art in Canada. They were like missionaries trying to convince the Canadian public of the need for national art. The group of seven fought hard to create a Canadian art tradition and established an environment of tolerance to new ideas. The group of seven, by popularizing the concept of an art founded on the Canadian landscape, gave Canadians a sense of national identity, and allowed Canadians to discover the beauty of their own country. For this particular reason the members of the Group (of Seven) became the only important Canadian artists... Skilled in the Impressionistic practices of painting outdoors directly from the natural world, the members of the Group of Seven set out from the disciplined, gentle landscapes of Impressionism to capture the glory and diversity of Canada. They wanted to establish an art that celebrated the land and defined a national character. The Group of Seven succeeded by focusing on the Canadian wilderness as symbolic of a New World wholesomeness and unlimited potential. Even Canadians sometimes find it hard to understand the geographic scope of their country. Second in size only to Russia, Canada covers 9,976,140 square kilometres. From east to west it stretches 3,426 miles, crossing one-quarter of the worlds time zones. Yet it is sparsely populated, with eighty percent of Canadians living within 160 miles of the southern border of the United States. Although the Canadian Pacific Railway had laid tracks across the country in the 1880s, at the turn of the century much of Canada remained untamed landscape. The Group of Seven explored and documented the wilds in a way that made the unpopulated landscape a part of every Canadians heritag ...

Strategic Issues in Human Resource Management Essays

Strategic Issues in Human Resource Management Essays Strategic Issues in Human Resource Management Essay Strategic Issues in Human Resource Management Essay Summary It was made clear in the abstract of the study that this study investigates Strategic Human Resources Management (SHRUB). SHRUB is vital in this day and age, especially in the decision making realm. Recently, a large number of Macs have emerged in Asia with a high concentration coming from China and India. This article explores the extent of integrated SHRUB of non-western, a third world and an emerging country India. Compare with China, Indian Macs are more private-owned and focus on energy-related industries such as information technology (IT). In the introduction, Moan states plainly that competitive advantages in the India IT industry are developed in a unique way. They focus on skills, technology, management knowledge and quality and scale of production (Piranha 2005; Thee and Disgusts 2011), especially from service instead of technology revolutions and manufacturing. It is in a range with low cost and average technology quality. With a strong and integrated IT development in India, Moan has chosen a top global multinational enterprise Alpha Computers as a case study in this article. It mentioned the key elements in terms of SHRUB philosophy, most common immunization tool metrics, standardized policies and practices to enhance its competitive advantage and keep its intellectual capital. For instance a remuneration and reward system with fixed and performance pay, all staffs (including low level staffs) have to be inducted into HER roles and responsibilities and in leadership development, managers concern what employees think and as they assessed on associate delight index. On the other hand, a common challenge: a well balance of control and coordination between the headquarters and subsidiaries. It suggests hat a polytechnic approach with best practices in a global multinational firm. Critical Commentary The purpose of this study was meaningful and interesting in that discovering the best human resources management strategies within the top Indian IT multinational Tell Alpha. As most AT teen Test unman resources management literatures are based in western countries. This study helps readers know more about how one of the developing countries India to stand at 38% in FED stock (Piranha 2005; Thee and Disgusts 2011). The secret of Alphas strategies lies upon its philosophy, policies ND practices to become a top global IT firm. Introduction The purpose of the study was made clear in the introduction, people who reads the article would understand the overall purpose and the method of the study. At the end of the introduction, it went through the flow of article. Therefore, readers have clear mind steps about the study. The method in the study Moan used an appropriate method and study design to find answers for the problems of the study. Data was collected using fifteen in-depth interviews with business and HER leaders of the organization in one developed country the USA and another developing country China. However, while Alpha has its operation in over 44 countries and around 45,000 employees; therefore, it is not objective enough as the in-depth interviews have involved two countries with eight business and seven HER leaders only. It did not use different ways for collecting date to get more valid and accurate data for the study, it may reduce the true results and increase the interference of chance. Global HER policies and practices This study did not have any references to support its point upon global HER policies ND practices a key challenge for Ones remuneration and reward system. Moreover, the sample used in this part only one challenge and only one HER policy under remuneration and reward management is an extremely small sample size and leads to question the true accuracy of the result of the study. Moan mentioned that Alpha tries to keep a solid and consistent organizational structure through its global network, however some oversea managers think the controlling power in India is more centric than global. The study did not explain what made the managers think in this way. Discussion The study has highlighted the critical elements of organizational capabilities in Alpha with suggesting what approach a global firm in advanced countries should use. Moreover, teen advantages Ana Lastingness AT Manila multinational Tells nave shown as well. This is something which increases the clearance of the study. It also points out the limitation of this study lack of data collected by low level employee but senior leader only which affect the reliability. Implications for HER manager High performance high involvement work practice HER practices directly influences competitive advantages and organizational reference. Organizations have to adjust and customize the HER practices to provide fast and efficient service. Let the employees feel the firm is committed to them by such as continuous training and chances to get involved with challenging work (Thee 2004). Think like COOS The study pointed out that Alpha try their best to make every employee to act like and to achieve to be the CEO of their work, it can keep people and achieve their full potential. They will be expected to run their business, make a person to reach the maximum motivation its always about a sense of achievement or intrinsic motivators such as if they find their enjoyable and interesting. They will naturally want to get involved in it. In contrast, extrinsic factors such as material rewards and monetary rewards would be less interesting and motivating than intrinsic factors to employees. To be think like Coos, Alpha use the most common communication tool Metrics with five outcome measures and six built measures which take consideration of both hard and soft sides of the Job. At Alpha, everyone wants to get a better Job as their reward. That meaner to take more responsible, to get more involved in their Job. This can push ND empower employees who are capable doing surprising things to provide their talent completely. Global HER policies and practices Multinational enterprises are facing a lot of challenges, one of the key challenges is to keep a well degree and level of control and coordination between the headquarters and subsidiaries. To achieve an integrated and balanced relationship, it requires standardization of skills and knowledge, standardization of work processes and standardization of HER policies and practices (as explained as below). A standardized of HER policies and practices is always needed to a NC.

Practice reflection essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Practice reflection - Essay Example He is waiting for his endoscopy test. His laboratory test on his clozapine evaluates an alarming low level of concentrations indicative to noncompliance of medication instructions. The patient’s illness and behavior display. David suffers from schizophrenia with chronic positive symptoms and secondary depressive illness to uncontrolled psychotic state that needs high level care and treatment. It was recorded that he had a number of hospital admissions in a period of 20 years. He also attempted suicide in 1980’s. Few years ago he managed to be an outpatient directly under his mother’s care. His new medication, clozapine, was able to sustain him then. Lately, David believes someone is waiting to murder him due to tax he thinks he owes so he leaves his house only to collect medication and benefits scheduled twice a week. He is very sensitive to strong smells and fragrances such as aftershave, alcohol, and soap powder. He eats maximum of twice a day only because he believes someone is trying to poison his food that leads him to settle lesser food intake for mobility’s sake which resulted to detrimental weight loss. Sometimes he throws h is food away of same reason. His mother observes his deteriorating mental and physical health for the past three months and requested minimal viewing of television as this contributes negative effects on him. He is getting disturbed by messages and scenes on television. Aggravated by the absence of social life or zero communications with neighbors and friends, his paranoia continues to lead him to believe death will get him any moment and complains of persistent abdominal pains and nausea which the doctor is currently trying to perform diagnosis. It maybe related to his mood. However there is no presence of illegal substance or alcohol misuse. Healthcare. David has access to services of a Consultant Psychiatrist arranged by his psychiatric Social

Short Answers Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Short Answers - Assignment Example Between kazuo’s camera andKurosawa’s intuitive directions, there is hardly any words needed to be used. The inconsistency is evident from this point where the camera accounts for the gesture, passes a forest’s breeze rush. The truth showed twenty four frames for each second, a bit different every time. Outstanding in the stellar cast is Toshiro’s bug-bitten outlaw, his antics surprise and even confuse into depths. Inconsistency is a cyclic technique employed in films to inspire the audience and make it interesting. A film may have a flow but at some point it makes a new turn and then it takes the pattern. The pattern is crucial in movies for capturing the audience and breaking boredom. Inconsistency captures senses of the audience as they are left with a range of conclusion on how the film is flowing and its conclusion. It is also vital in capture of emotions of the audience in different ways. Lastly, inconsistency is meant to disapprove the expectation of the audience there by making them attentive. Question two From time immemorial, film buffs, film critics and filmmakers will refer to a film period by the name the French new wave. To other people the term is to be thrown out to sound impressive. For some other people it carries significance and inspiration that represents a defining moment in cinematic innovation and individuality. It is very vital to note that while cahiers critics talked about their views, there was variation and diversity within the groups. This ranged from cinematic aesthetic to age. It was by diversifying their thoughts that they were able to challenge their views and engage in debates. The French new wave from their debates and diversification made films that shared variety aspects of filming in Europe making it unique. The French new wave created films in various genres deviating from the usual narrative conventions. The use of held cameras, natural lighting, real locations and improvised scripts formulated a feeling of realism. These techniques were different from the ones other movements employed. One of the directors’ aims was to have the audience know that they are watching a film. This was done through the medium employed. The directors had a character talk to the audience face to face hence having a break on the fourth wall. At that time it was a unique, surprising and new technique which today is employed in present cinemas. This movement also employed a film that maximized memory as a subject, showing a changing mentality that is modern in the history of film making. The technique the movement used was unusual as it influence other movements as they adopted it. Question three Third Cinema is known to be credited to two filmmakers, Octavio Getino and Fernando Solanas. Following a film completion in 1968, the two drafted a manifesto. The manifesto had a laid down structure on the classification of cinemas: the first cinema, second cinema and the third cinema. First cinema is a Hollywood production model. It also applies to other cinema production of in other countries that is done in large scale like Bollywood. A very vital factor for the two, the production mode represents an ideology that there exists a specific relationship between the spectator and film where cinema is taken as a spectacle (Chanan, pp.375). The cinema relays the messages of an overwhelming ideology through its content, its production

Human resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Human resource Management - Essay Example However, this paper has selected â€Å"work groups and teams† issue as the topic for discussion. Despite the fact that not much research has happened on groups and teams in organizations as challenge and issue for Human Resource Managers but it definitely is one of the challenges and issues. Human resource manager in most of the cases assume the responsibility of all the human resource of the organization. However, interestingly, they do not deal with each employee individually rather they also make their policies and strategies considering the work groups and teams (Mathis & Jackson, pp. 23-27). Therefore, it becomes extremely important for them to understand groups and work teams, behaviors of individuals in groups and other myths and variables associated with groups and teams. Often managers fail to understand that dealing with groups is an entirely different dimension and requires special attention and homework from the managers. This paper would now discuss all the important elements, variables, concepts and issues related to groups and individual behavior in groups, follo wed by providing with solutions and tips and tricks for managers to deal with problems and issues presented earlier. One of the biggest issues that the HR managers encounter with groups is of their productivity and activity levels. Groups that are temporary in nature always come into existence for achieving some goals or objectives. However, they HR managers while performance appraisals find out and complain about their inefficiency and tendency to avoid work. They always seem to be complaining that groups do not seem to be achieving their targets within the deadlines. This creates an environment of rift and tension and obviously leads to situations that are even more problematic and complex to handle. Important here to understand that research

Shang Dynasty Essay Example for Free

Shang Dynasty Essay The Shang Dynasty ruled a region of China in the Yellow River valley, an area of land that is now commonly referred to as the cradle of Chinese civilization?. The Shang Dynasty ruled their empire from around 1500-1050 B. C. E. and existed during the time of China’s Bronze Age. The Shang is the first Chinese Dynasty to leave behind sufficient evidence of its culture. This evidence has come in the form of written documents, several bronze works, and the Shang oracle bones. As a result of discovering these ancient artifacts and translating them, much is known of the Shang Dynasty and how it was run. Government was ran in the style of a monarchy and there was a class system in place as well. Over the course of the nearly 600 years that the dynasty ruled, there were about 30 kings in total that were served by officials who often held specialized positions of authority?. The Shang created a social pyramid not much unlike many other ancient cultures â€Å"with the king at the top, followed by the military nobility, priests, merchants, and farmers†?. The most distinguishable aspect of the culture between the upper classes and lower classes recognizable today is the burial process. It was not uncommon for the upper class to be buried in extremely extravagant tombs that often contained sacrifices and other gifts. It was also not common for the lesser class to be simply buried in pits that varied in size, while the lowest classes of people were occasionally thrown down wells when dead4. This organized government and society was one of the Shang dynasty’s many contributions to Chinese civilization. The Shang also made a few additional historical contributions to Chinese civilization that include the invention of writing in China, advances in bronze technology, and the use of the chariot and bronze weaponry in war. Most of the writings found from the Shang dynasty today are found in the form of the Shang oracle bones. This is most likely due to the fact that other forms of writing during the time was done on bamboo and silk, which have since decomposed, or on bronze where the writing was usually short5. Bronze in the Shang dynasty was used in very specific ways. This is known because â€Å"it is clear that only those with any degree of power in the kingdom had access to using bronze objects†6. These bronze objects ranged from food and wine vessels to military weapons, such as spears and bows. The Shang mastered the art of molding these bronze objects and weapons that helped them to be very religious and, even more importantly, extremely effective in maintaining its military supremecy7. This military supremacy along with the invention of writing and an organized government allowed the Shang dynasty to rule for many centuries and also make it one of the most historically significant times in Chinese history. A. Legalism Legalism is a philosophy in which power is concentrated with the ruler, there are strict laws, and severe repercussions for breaking the laws. Legalism was created by putting together ideas from Confucianism, Daoism, and Han Fei himself. Consequently, the largest advocate of this philosophy was Han Fei himself. He lived from around 280-233 B. C. E. and is said to have studied under a Confucian master named Xunzi. He also served as a minister during the Qin Dynasty which tried to put legalism in place. The whole idea behind legalism is that humans are born evil and selfish in nature and will only act in their own self-interest. For this reason, legalism demands a very strict agenda. Once set in place, â€Å"law must be enforced without any favoritism or exceptions, there must be no consideration of extenuating circumstances, and the law takes on a life of its own and its integrity takes precedence over any individual (except the ruler†¦)†8. Everyone in the society was required to do exactly as the law says and no less. Han Fei also believed that for such a law to be uniformly effective it had inflexible so that everyone could understand it. To this end, he also believed that that best rewards were the ones that were predictable. Legalism and Han Fei also called for severe and inescapable punishments for minor offenses in the hopes that fear would drive anyone away from committing major offenses that would call for unimaginable consequences9. This idea is extremely contradictory to Confucianism ideals, where rulers and their people should rely on morality. Han Fei didn’t believe people could ever change from their selfish state and for this reason didn’t believe Confucianism could be effective. Legalism may conceivably work, but it is not possible to create a set of laws that cover all possibilities and it holds flaws that over time tend to create separation in society that is detrimental to the state10. A. Indus Valley Civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization, more commonly known today as the Harappan Civilization, was the earliest society is South Asia that began at around 3000 B. C. E. and lasted until 2000 B. C. E.. The Harappan Civilization was based in the Indus River Valley where its two largest cities were located. Nevertheless, by about 2500 B. C. E. a uniform culture had â€Å"spread across nearly 500,000 square miles, including parts of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Baluchistan, Sind and the Makran coast†11. During the time this civilization was in existence it was extremely stable. The cities were well engineered and contained well designed infrastructures that were host to strong building built from brick and streets that were laid at the correct angles and lined with elaborate systems of covered drains12. The civilization had also grown to domesticate animals such as camels, goats, and water buffalo and cultivate crops such as wheat barley and peas13. In addition to domestication and cultivation, the Harappan people were also avid traders. This is known by the many seals discovered. There have been so many uncovered that it suggests each merchant or mercantile family had its own seal14. The civilization was extremely successful for an extended period of time, but at around 1700 B. C. E. it began to decline. By 1500 B. C. E. the Harappan people and their civilization seemed to disappear. There are many questions as to why this happened and also many theories. Some include ecological changes that forced them to move out of the region. An example could have been flooding along the Indus River. Another theory involves other groups of people, that could involve the Aryans or other barbaric tribes of the region, forcing the Harappan people out. A. Hellenism After Alexander died in 323 B. C. E. his generals divided the land amongst themselves and by around 275 B. C. E it was divided into three powerful Hellenistic monarchies. Hellenistic is defined as relating to Greek culture, language and history. These three monarchies were defined as such because although they lied separately from the former Greek empire, they all still embraced the Greek language and culture while sharing no political uniformity at all. The Hellenism allowed people from any monarchy to travel, speak the native language, and relate to the citizens, creating some uniformity between the three regions. These new states were ruled absolutely by kings, compared to classic Greek states where the people ruled. These kings were extremely interested in amassing large sums of riches and purchased items from all around the world ranging from India, Syria, Spain, and Cornwall15. Once these riches were obtained they were put on display for all to see. The kings made huge donations to zoo and libraries16. An example is the Library of Alexandria. The people of these states were not as satisfied. Not long ago they were involved in the workings of a democratic state and now they were a part of an impersonal empire that sought only wealth17. Many philosophers criticized this saying that money is not what brings happiness. The Hellenistic age did not last long and ended in 36 B. C. E. when the last of the Hellenistic people fell to the Romans. B. 1. The Origin of Death The story of the origin of death created by the Kono people of West Africa tells a story of an old man and a god. The last lines in the story read: In keeping with his promise, Alatangana had no choice but to let his children go and answer Sa, whenever he called. Thus even today, Alatangana’s children still answer to the call of Sa. All because Alatangana didn’t pay a dowry when he marries Sa’s daughter. The story arrives at this point only after a series of events play out between the old man, Sa, and the god, Alatangana. The first event is Alatangana creating a more habitable world for Sa, his wife and his daughter. Alatangana then begins to fall in love with Sa’s daughter and asks Sa for his permission to marry her. Despite being told no by Sa, Alatangana does so anyway. Alatangana and the daughter have fourteen children together, seven of which are male and seven which are female. Every one of them is a different race and every one of them speaks a different language. This is Sa’s doing and he also sends Alatangana’s children to every corner of the world. When his children ask to be taken of out the darkness Alatangana asks Sa for help. He sends birds back to Sa that will sing and bring forth the light of day. However, in return for this gift Sa tells Alatangana that he may now take a child of his whenever he so pleases. Alatangana must agree to this and the deal is done. In this story death is portrayed by Sa, who many now take any of god’s children whenever he sees fit. The last lines of the story demonstrate how the Kono relate such an ancient tale to today by stating that â€Å"†¦Alatangana’s children still answer to the call of Sa†. In addition, the fact that the dowry is once again highly stressed in the final line show the importance of that aspect in their culture at the time. This interpretation of how life and death came to be are historically relevant because it illustrates how earlier civilizations made sense of the world they found themselves in. It also shows us that the Kono believed that death was an equally, if not more significant, part of life compared to gods and other aspects. The story also shows that the Kono believed everyone was a child of god and that death did not choose a certain class to focus death upon, or deny a class death because of something such a wealth or power. The story suggests equality between all people with regards to god and death. B. 3. Purusha The myth of Purusha is one on how the world is created and is from the Rigveda. The Rigveda is the oldest Aryan scripture, being transmitted orally from around 1500-1000 B. C. E. before being written down in Sanskrit at around 800-500 B. C. E. The story of Purusha tell how that world is created but in a very symbolic way. Each part of Purusha’s body is used to make what becomes each of the social classes and gods of old. According to the myth â€Å"The Brahmin was his mouth, of both his arms was the Rajanya made. His thighs became the Vaisya, from his feet the Sudra was produced†. Each body part became a specific class for a specific reason. The Brahmin came from the mouth because they devoted their lives to memorizing all the Veda’s. They were the only ones who knew the Veda’s and therefore were called upon to recite a Veda when someone needed guidance. The Rajanya, or warrior class, was made from the arms because fighting required heavily upon your arms and strength. The Vaisya, or merchant and artisan class, were made from the thighs because they represented hard work and were the pillars on which the civilization ran. The Sudra, or laborer class, was made from the feet because they were the lowest of all the people created and could metaphorically be stepped on by higher classes. In the myth the two higher classes are also described together in the first sentence together, emphasizing the line between the two upper classes and the two lower ones. Along these lines, this myth is to show were these classes lie in society and give the people in the classes a reason to why they are there. This way, the people in power now have a reason to stay in power and give the people in lower classes a reason to stay there. Therefore, the story is used as a validation for the caste system of the time as a whole. It suggests that any other form of social structure would be wrong because it would not be divine. This small exert from the myth of Purusha on how humans were made played an important role on how the caste system was working at the time and gave people a reason not to question it. 3. 6. Analects The Analects is a text that contains hundreds of sayings of Confucius written down by his students after his death and completely out of context. Confucianism was based on the idea that all people had the ability to become good and that society should be run on morality. This is in contrast with other ideals such as Legalism which was based on the idea that everyone was born evil and selfish, could never change, and required to be severely punished for minor offenses. Confucius did not believe that this was an effective way to rule people and his reasoning is shown in the Analects. It is written in Book II, III. 1. â€Å"The master said, ‘If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame’†. By stating this Confucius believes that if a ruler is trying to obtain uniformity to obey a law by punishment people will simply try and avoid the punishment without conforming and will have learned nothing. In the second part of the passage he states â€Å"If they be led by virtue, and uniformity sought to be given them by the rules propriety, they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . With this he simply states that upon learning a moral philosophy that people will uniformly want to become good. With this in mind, Confucius also believed that the government should play a small role in the lives of the people and always hold the people in its best interest. The following saying recorded in the Analects go on to state how people should be treated when alive, while being buried, and how they should be sacrificed. All of these things should be dependent on how well you conformed to the acceptable standards of morality that should be set in place. These passages all sum up some of the main points of Confucianism such that morality should play a key role in how one’s life is lived and how ruling should take place. B. 7. The Apology In The Apology written by Plato, Socrates is being put on trial by the city of Athens and is giving his defense. He is on trial for corrupting the youth and being impious, although it is certain he has done neither of these formally accused things. During Socrates defense he states that Athens and other cities need people like him. Someone who would go around and ask questions in order to make people think. Socrates believed that people didn’t truly think about what they were doing and to do so needed to ask more questions. Socrates also believed he was wiser than any other man in that he knew that knew nothing. In fact, his defense against the charge of being impious was that he firmly believed he was carrying out the will of Apollo and was told by the oracle of the god that he was the wisest man. If he believed such things then there is no way he could possibly not be pious. With this that charge was somewhat thrown away. He tried to explain that he was only trying to promote productive thought throughout the city and its people. He felt that he was necessary for the city to be attached to just as a gadfly to a horse. Just as the city was unwilling to think without a being questioned, the horse was too lazy to move without a sting. He ended his defense by stating that instead of killing him they should reward him. With his argument that they needed him more than they knew it and somewhat sarcastic punishment suggestion, he was sentenced to death. This is only an interpretation by Pluto and states that it is beneficial for someone to be asking questions and trying to enlighten others. It also represents the philosophical style which Plato learned from Socrates and advocated during his lifetimes as well. A style that effected Athenian life by making the city more conscious and aware of the actions it partook on a day to day basis when put into practice. C. 1. Paleolithic to Neolithic The Neolithic Revolution marked the beginning of the Stone Age and set up a new form of lifestyle for early humans. The Neolithic Revolution was proceeded by the Paleolithic era. The people that were alive at this time are the oldest know people in existence. These people were hunters and gatherers, relying on the food they could find in the forest or the animals they could kill to eat. They were also nomadic people, never staying in one concrete place but rather moving to wherever the climate and was suitable for their style of life. When the Neolithic Revolution took place people began to work more on their stone working abilities. Thus, the Neolithic revolution coincides with the beginning of the Stone Age. The Neolithic revolution also marked several other large changes in the way people live. People began to farm and produce their own food along with domesticate animals. It is now known that the Neolithic people planted and grew primitive forms of wheat and barley. This crop could have been very useful because it could be stored and used at a later date18. For example, during a drought or dry season one could use their stored crop to help feed their animals. In this way agriculture grew alongside the domestication of animals. This time called for planning that involved picking the most productive grain to plant the next growing season and which of your most powerful animals you should have mate19. This newfound knowledge and ability to stay in one place allowed the human population to grow in concentrated areas. This was a very change from Paleolithic times where groups typically ranged from 20-30 people. During the Neolithic age it was not uncommon for there to be large farming towns and cities with thousands of residents. Almost every of life was changed during the Neolithic revolution and the way of life it brought was effective. Until recently, in the past couple centuries, Neolithic culture had survived in many parts of the world. C. 4. Polis The term polis in Greek means city-state, and its existence during the Archaic age and at the time of Alexander the Great had a large effect on Greek culture. The Archaic age burst from the dark ages in Greece and lasted from around 800-500 B. C. E. and with it brought a revitalized trade, agricultural and urbanization elements. At the height of the Greek colonization there were about 1,500 city-states that occupied a very large Greek speaking cultural zone. These city-states were often run in one of three way that included a democracy, and oligarchy, or a tyranny. The democracy is the one which the power is held in the people’s hands. In this system everyone may have equal power with accordance to the law but it was often recognized that the wealthy still retained more power. The system where the few wealthy and powerful did run the government was called and oligarchy. One in which only one person rules is a tyranny. The city-states at the time had no standing armies, were religiously centered, and also focused on the arts. By the time the Classical age came to be along with the great ruler Alexander the Great Greece was very powerful and rich with culture. This was due impart to the city-states that allowed the Greek culture to spread to all corners of the empire while retaining a stable social and political structure within themselves and therefore the entire empire. Notes 1. Selena Lai and Waka Takahashi Brown, â€Å"The Shang Dynasty, 1600 to 1050 BCE. † FSI Stanford Spice Digests, (2006): Accessed September 29, 2013, http://iis-db. stanford. edu/docs/117/ShangDynasty. pdf. 2. Ibid. , 1. 3. ushistory, 9b. Shang Dynasty — Chinas First Recorded History. Accessed September 29, 2013. http://www. ushistory. org/civ/9b. asp. 4. Ibid. , 1. 5. Lai and Brown, â€Å"The Shang Dynasty, 1600 to 1050 BCE,† 1. 6. Ibid. , 1. 7. Ibid. , 1. 8. Gregory Smits. â€Å"Legalism,† in the web-based book Topics in Premodern Chinese History. (accessed September 29, 2013). http://www. personal. psu. edu/faculty/g/j/gjs4/textbooks/PM-China/ch5. htm. 9. Ibid. , 1. 10. Ibid. , 1. 11. Tripod, The Indus Valley Civilisation. Accessed September 29, 2013. http://sympweb. tripod. com/IndusValleyhistory. htm. 12. Ibid. , 1. 13. Ibid. , 1. 14. Ibid. , 1. 15. The History Channel, Hellenistic Greece. Accessed September 29, 2013. http://www. history. com/topics/hellenistic-greece. 16. Ibid. , 1. 17. Ibid. , 1. 18. Edrene S. McKay, â€Å"Paleolithic Neolithic Societies,† in World Civilizations from Prehistory to 1500. Accessed September 30, 2013. www. Online-History. org. 2 19. Ibid. , 2. Bibliography McKay, Edrene S. , â€Å"Paleolithic Neolithic Societies,† in World Civilizations from Prehistory to 1500. 1. Accessed September 30, 2013. www. Online-History. org. 2 Lai, Selea and Waka Takahashi Brown, â€Å"The Shang Dynasty, 1600 to 1050 BCE. † FSI Stanford Spice Digests, (2006): 1. Accessed September 29, 2013. http://iis-db. stanford. edu/docs/117/ShangDynasty. pdf Smits, Gregory. â€Å"Legalism,† in the web-based book Topics in Premodern Chinese History. 1. Accessed September 29, 2013. http://www. personal. psu. edu/faculty/g/j/gjs4/textbooks/PM-China/ch5. htm). The History Channel, Hellenistic Greece. Accessed September 29, 2013. http://www. history. com/topics/hellenistic-greece Tripod, The Indus Valley Civilisation. Accessed September 29, 2013. http://sympweb. tripod. com/IndusValleyhistory. htm. ushistory, 9b. Shang Dynasty — Chinas First Recorded History. Accessed September 29, 2013. http://www. ushistory. org/civ/9b. asp.