Saturday, August 31, 2019
Health Care Communications Methods Essay
You are the communications coordinator for a national drug manufacturer. Recently, there have been reports of significant negative effects caused by one of your medications that are used by a significant population. News reports have alleged that one of the individuals affected is a well-known public figure. You are tasked with addressing the news reports and the general public regarding this situation. As one of the head members of communications at DrugsRus for the past 15 years, it has been shown firsthand the belongings of narcotic medications on our local population. These have been analyzed and investigated on a national level. It is only recently that the overwhelming craving to the drugs has become widespread within our area; spreading like weeds throughout the country. The increase of drug dependent patients and drug related episodes has resulted in a raised amount of attention and concern from the public. Taking all of this into consideration, overdosing occurrences from incompatible interactions with other medications; narcotic, controlled, or non-narcotic properties alike, have resulted in an exceptional need for change within our business concerning patient rules, regulations, guidelines and restrictions. Changes to otherwise generally agree upon medications as well as required authorization approvals upon external medication intake must be reconsidered. Some have been asked by our board members to develop a communication strategy to address these needs as well as the impact HIPPA and other regulations will have on this type of communication. The following will include the communication strategy decided upon to take as well as the encountered use of regulatory systems such as HIPPA, followed by the advantages and disadvantages of using traditional, electronic and social media for our healthcare communication. Furthermore, the reasons of each of the components of the communication strategies chosen. Communication Channels Although telecommunications is moving forward quickly at a distressing rate, historically established methods of communication in healthcare are still very successful. These traditional communication channels include face-to-face discussions, telephone calls, post mail, fax, memorandums, board meetings, and reports to name a few. Technology has raised the use of electronic communication methods which has in turn has paved the way for new kinds of social media communication methods. Electronic channels of communication include emails, text messaging, EMRs, two-way radios, instant messaging, overhead audio announcements and video conferencing among many other portable devices. Social media channels include newspapers, television broadcasting, online networking, advertisements, webcasts, and social media websites. Unlike using postal mail, utilizing social media and electronic forms of communication would allow the user to emit and obtain information simultaneously as well as gain feedback and reply virtually within minutes. There is always a need for previously documented communication, so advantages of traditional channels include the ability to record and obtain the message that was communicated at a later date for conformation and review. However, the disadvantage is that formal means are usually delayed, meaning the message may not be received until a later date depending upon the medium used, such as with postal mail. The advantages of electronic channels are that messages can be communicated online with ease as well as with the ability to save, download and store the information on a storage media for printing and accessing at a later time. This has virtually eliminated the delay of other traditional means by allowing for the same documentation but at an instant; as well as allows multiple, simultaneous access. Disadvantages of the electronic means can include invasion of privacy and possible security breach as well as it may not reach the part of the public unable to afford such devices or internet access. Advantages of using the social media aspect can attract the attention needed to promote a product or service intended or drive traffic to the intended website of services. This type of channel has the ability to bring people together from all over the world as well as allows each person to express their own opinions and ideas, providing well-needed feedback. Disadvantages of this method when not used properly or failed to promote the communication effectively can cause a permanent damage to the companyââ¬â¢s reputation; as this mistake is seen in front of hundreds or thousands of people who also have direct and easy access of spreading their messages online. This way of communicating can also be more time consuming as someone has to be constantly checking in to make comments, answer questions, and reply to feedback. Regulatory Effects While healthcare organizations are responsible to adhere to regulations on a federal level such as with (HHS) Department of Health and Human Services and (HIPPA) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; they are bound by state, local, and some private accrediting organization regulations as well. Any method of communication taken in regards to internal employee and patient awareness as well as external partners, patient families, and the general public must obtain and maintain compliance with regulations set forth by all of the agencies involved. It is important to understand that under the HIPPA privacy law, any identifying information of any patient must have that patientââ¬â¢s written consent before their medical information can be shared. This includes the verbal, written, and electronic use in addition to, appointing a privacy officer responsible for compliance to these standards as well as the ability to identify all ways they intend on communicating the patient information (Osborne, M. Ed. ,OTR/L, 2002). One example, according to the Joint Commission and HIPPA, (SMS) short message service or text messaging is non-secure and noncompliant with safety and privacy regulations and therefore not permitted (Brooks, MD, 2012). In order to use social media channels the information must be DE-identified to maintain compliance with all federal, state and local regulations. Communication Strategy The guidelines, regulations, and restrictions reform will educate employees and target patients, to prohibit the use of adverse medications while receiving treatment at DrugsRus by informing them of the deadly effects and loss of life as a result, using counselors, nurses and physicians through in house meetings, group therapy, one-on-one sessions, automated voicemail messages, flyers, and overhead announcements as well as updated patient rules and regulations pamphlets distributed at the medication window, for the purposes of saving lives and promoting sobriety throughout the recovery process. Rationale for Components Educating our employees will be the first line of defense as our staff can educate the patients as well as enforce the new rules effectively. Counselors can discuss adverse effects of combining medications while in one-on-one sessions with patients. Flyers posted on the walls and offered at the check-in window as well as overhead announcements will catch the attention of patient entering and sitting in the front lobby. Group meetings will be held for patients to discuss changes and express their feelings about the new rules as well as receive feedback as to why these measures have been taken and were needed. Updated pamphlets will be given to each patient as they enter to receive their medication, ensuring every patient is made aware of these official changes. Voicemail messages will follow to ensure the patients at home will be notified of a change and will be opted to prepare for the transition. The object is to reach all of the sixteen hundred patients receiving treatment in enough time to save lives. Each passing day is another chance for an adverse reaction to take another life. In order to implement changes effectively and quickly, all measures of communication must be utilized. Summary In conclusion, as the opiate trend rises among our local and national population, the rise of deaths due to adverse effects of these medications has risen to an all-time high. It is because of the fatalities that a reform of the present patient rules, regulations and guidelines must be implemented and adhered to immediately. As communications officers, we have been asked to develop a strategy to address those needs. We have included some of the present communication methods as well as channels and measures with which to use them effectively. We have included some of the regulations surrounding the legal use of those communication methods. We have given a complete communication strategy which addresses who and what the communication strategy will involve. We have showed how we are going to implement the communication, where and the results of the communication strategy. We have followed up with the reasons this communication effort is so important to our patients and facility as well as vital to our community as a whole.
Friday, August 30, 2019
Unit 4 Business P7
P7: Outline electronic and non-electronic methods for communicating business information, using examples for different types of audience. The first type of information that I am focusing on is written information that is on screen, the form of the communication is a PowerPoint presentation which is used electronically to present information to members of staff. In Sainsburyââ¬â¢s they hold meetings regularly and my example of a time is when they had a new product that was coming into their store, the presentation explained the product and how they can promote it.This information is internal as it is in the business its self explained to its target audience who are the employees. The non-electronic method that Sainsburyââ¬â¢s have explained this new product is through posters, they are put onto the notice board for their target audience that is the customers. The purpose of the electronic and non-electronic methods of this information is to keep customers updated but also the me mbers of staff, the audiences are satisfied for the way that the information is presented to them.The second type of information that I am going to explain is verbal, the form of communication that is used is face-to-face and DVDââ¬â¢s. The target audience for the face-to-face information is the customers, an example of a non-electronic method is in Apple store there is a member of staff who would stand and present themselves to members of the public. Their aim is to sell the product and explain as much information as they possibly can, the benefit of this is that customers can ask questions and they can be answered directly then and there.The electronic method is the DVDââ¬â¢s that are handed out to the target audience the employees to watch about the new product that the company has brought out. This sort of communication is suitable for the employees as they can watch the video of the new product as many times as they need to learn more about it. The third type of communica tion is multimedia, this is an electronic form and the target audience is members of the public. I am going to focus on the company Costa that created an advert for their target audience, business men and women.Costa sells various hot and cold drinks to either sit in or take away, the advert is directed to business men and women as in the advert they state, ââ¬Å"For the hard workers on the go, sit in for a drink or take away back to the officeâ⬠. The disadvantage that Costa has with their advert is that it costs allot of money, it has a time limit of how much information they can show and the target audience would have to be watching the TV at the time.The non-electronic method is billboards that are shown to the general public, the target audience is then for everyone who is able to buy their drinks, the billboard shows their coffee being delicious and puts across a short message to make people buy it. This is a useful way of communication as it attracts all types of people and not just aimed at one sort of person, this would build up the amount of potential customers.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Buddhism In Countries
Buddhism is one of the most followed religions in the world. It ushered in Northeastern India in the late 500 B. C. as a monastic movement against the orthodox caste oriented Indian society. The world wide range of followers alters from 150 to 350 millions. Siddhartha Gautama founded this religion. Being a prince he lead a life of ample luxury and comfort. But no sooner did he realize the emptiness of his life; he renounced his pompous and pampered lifestyle and opted to embark on a journey to the ultimate destination to seek truth, enlightenment, and cycle of rebirths.Glenn Wallis cites a light philosophical insight on the teachings and idioms of Buddhism. A selected assimilation of 16 essential discourses extracted from more than 5000 Pali suttas of Buddhism. Wallis provides an illuminating insight analyzing in details the text containing Mahasattipatthana Sutta, Anapanasati Sutta, Sakunagghi Sutta, Culamalukya Sutta, Tevijja Sutta, Sabba Sutta, Kesamutti Sutta, Phenapindupama Sutt a, Anattalakkhana Sutta, Bhara Sutta, Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, Gotama Sutta, Parayana Sutta, Nibbuta Sutta, Sankhatalakkhana Sutta, and Asankhatalakkhana Sutta.This compilation is a useful text and a valuable source book citing the selected fundamental suttas elaborately versed with an eloquent introduction and fairly understandable notes. Glennââ¬â¢s accessible translation of the Buddhaââ¬â¢s doctrines to his followers had given an opportunity to the twenty-first century readers in the modern west to take lessons of life from the great teacher. The enlightened Buddha is a figure vastly acclaimed throughout Asia since millenniums for his great wisdom that enlightened mass illuminating the path to a meaningful life of satisfaction.Today, in the west his teachings are intensely adapted by adherents, psychologists, philosophers and physicists who find his doctrines on human situation lucidly descriptive and his recommended practice of meditation to be implemented in awakening to a situation with transparency and calm temperament. Buddha, the mythical figure is not an answer to a suffering seeker of relief; the optimum answer lays in the preached teachings of Siddhartha Gautama- an ordinary person who rose to be a great spiritual teacher. Buddhism emerged in crisis.Siddhartha Gautama, the royal youth one day started finding the worldly pleasures useless and threatening. His life started walking towards a destination to find a significant answer to the perturbed life of human race. On his path towards enlightenment he claims to have discovered a noticeable aspect which was capable of dealing with Lifeââ¬â¢s problems. The Pali cannon contain two classical sutras which supports this discovery. The sutras are ââ¬â ââ¬Å"Quenchedâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Destinationâ⬠. Glenn summarized sixteen suttas from the five thousand Pali dialects.The two most popular discourses of Pali Cannon from the Theravada Buddhism are the Satipatthana Sutta and the Mahasatt ipatthana sutta. This sutta is accepted and provides a potential practice to ââ¬Å"mindfulnessâ⬠. Buddha defines this Sutta in four parts for establishing mindfulness (Sattipatthana): body, sensations (or feelings), mind (or consciousness) and mental contents: Kaya (body): ? Breathing ? Postures (Walking, Standing, Sitting, Lying Down) ? Clarity of understanding ? Thoughtful approach towards repulsiveness of the Body ? Thoughtfulness over Material Elements ? Cemetery meditationsFeelings (sensations): â⬠¢ Satisfactory or unsatisfactory or feelings of neutrality. â⬠¢ Materialistic or spiritual feelings Chitta (Mind/Consciousness) ? Passionate desire(saragam) or non passionate (vitaragam) ? Hatred or aversion(sadosam) or without hatred (vitadosam) ? False self belief (samoham) or not delusive (vitamoham) ? Contracted (sankhittam) or dispersed (vikkhittam) ? Nobility (mahaggatam) or without nobility (amahaggatam) ? Outstanding (sa-uttaram) or unsurpassed (anuttaram) ? disc reet (samahitam) or indiscreet (asamahitam) ? released (vimuttam) or unreleased (avimuttam)(Dhamma) Mental Contents ? The five obstructions ? The Aggregates (skandha) of clinging (upadana). ? The Sense-Bases (Atayana) and their Fetters. ? The seven factors of Enlightenment. ? The four noble Truths. The Anapanasati Sutta (Breath ââ¬â mindfulness) illustrates the detailed instructions of the Buddha on the practice of using breadth (anapana) as a focus of mindfulness (sati) meditation. The discourse leads to a sixteen step procedure to develop mental concentration. The destination is to forge to be insightful and understandable regarding the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipahana), the Seven Factors of Awakening (Bojjhangas), and finally Nibbana. The Anapanasati Sutta is an acclaimed text in Theravada Buddhism. Theravada Pali Cannon represents this as the 118th discourse in the Majjhima Nikaya. Buddha defines mindfulness of the breath to be developed and repeatedly practiced t o receive fruitful benefits in life leading to clarity of vision and deliverance. The path to be traced to reach this destination follows: â⬠¢ Excelling in Breath mindfulness (Pali: anapanasati) aids to the perfection of the four Foundations of Mindfulness (satipatthana).â⬠¢ The perfection of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Bojjhanga) is the result of developing The Four Foundations of Mindfulness. â⬠¢ Development in The Seven Foundations of Enlightenment aids to clarity vision and deliverance. According to Jataka, the Sakunagghi sutta relates a story which goes on like this: The Bodhisattva once reincarnated as a quail and was snatched one day by a falcon. Its then that the quail lamented on not being in the feeding ground of his own people, he felt his suffering was due to his diversion from his fellow beings.The proud falcon let the Quail go saying that he is capable of seizing him from any situation or place. The quail grabbed the opportunity and fled back and pe rched on an immense lump of earth and challenged the Falcon. The falcon took an attempt to swoop down to get hold of the quail, but dashed to pieces against the clod as the Quail efficiently took a sharp turn over. Sakunagghi Sutta is the name given in the Uddana of the Samayutta. It is the introductory Jataka of the Sutta. A monk must be attached spiritually to his own pasture ground, his own possession, his native beat (pettikavisaya) ââ¬â e.g. the four Satipattanas. Lust is the result of getting incited through passion fraught of objects, sounds etc. Jataka was related through the preaching of the Sakunovada Sutta. Culamalukya Sutta was delivered at Savatthi to the Bhikkhu Malukya. One afternoon the vulnerable Bhikkhu Malukya interrupted Buddhaââ¬â¢s meditation to clarify his queries regarding the popular classical questions: How eternal is the universe, how similar is the soul and the body, is soul and body are different from one another, whether life ends after death or it still exists and so on.The blessed one, Buddha patiently replied and explained that these views do not regulate the practice of holy life. No matter what notion one creates its evident that there will be birth, ageing, decay, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief and distress. Buddha made it clear that he teaches only about Dukkha- its cause, cessation and the way leading to its cessation. He assured Malukya to show the path of ultimate realization of truth. Tevijja Sutta is compiled as the thirteenth Sutta of the Digha Nikaya. This doctrine was preached to Vasettha and Bharadvaja when they visited the blessed one at Manasakata.The Buddha through detailed conversation educates them about the futility of the long procured notion that merely attaining knowledge of the three Vedas can be a leading channel to reunite with Brahma. Such union can be attained only by practicing the four Brahma-Viharas. When Buddha was on a tour through the kingdom of Kosala, two Brahmin youths had the privilege to meet him. They requested Buddha to settle their dispute as to how they could attain the path leading to companionship with the eternal Brahma. Each of them cultivated their own notion to be true, as shown by their own master.Buddha explained that none of their masters had happened to see Brahma, so they are blindfolded to precede the ever traced path of the unknown. He further helped them derive the true path that actually led to the Brahma realm, i. e. the path that kindled morality and concentration, and development of loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity for all sentient beings. According to the Sabbasava Sutta the blessed one put forward his message for the monks saying, fermentation ends when one knows and sees, but it is not relevant to one who does not know and does not see.This knowledge and sight is related to appropriate attention and inappropriate attention. A monkââ¬â¢s inappropriate attention arise unaccomplished fermentation, and arisen fermentation increases. But appropriate attention doesnââ¬â¢t leave space for unaccomplished fermentation to arise and abandon the arisen fermentation. This sutta proposes a process of eradication of few taints: strong desire tamed for acquiring sensual pleasure, desire for being and ignorance. These taints are eventually nurtured along with incorrect attentiveness causing defilements.Such defilement can be regulated through the seven method path of optimistic attribute: Observing or Seeing, Restraining, Using, Enduring, Avoiding, Removing and Developing. So says the Blessed one, ââ¬Å"When you know for yourselves, ââ¬ËThese things are wholesome; these things are blameless; these things are praised by the wise; these things, if undertaken and practiced, lead to welfare and happiness,ââ¬â¢ then you should engage in themâ⬠. ââ¬â Buddha Kesamutti Sutta is a well known discourse to the Kalamas is often related as the Buddhaââ¬â¢s charter for Freedom of enqu iry.It can be found in the Book of threes in the gradual Sayings. Kesamutta was a business town of the Kalamas. This being an important part of the entire discourse, begins with Kalamas desirous to clarify how relevant are the doctrines that they have been hearing from various teachers. They wanted to know the truth as every teacher appreciates their own opinions and disparages the view point of others. Buddha clears their views by asking them to experiment every teaching and then imply them in their own life.But that doesnââ¬â¢t mean one should defy all teachings and prove to be a cynical materialist. This attitude would rather soar up unnecessary self esteem and reverse their urge to investigate any further. To conclude it states how an admirable disciple abides to defy covetousness, ill-will, and confusion, with an expanded morality nurturing love, kindness, compassion, sympathy, joy, and equanimity. This enriches his bliss and gears his happiness till eternity. To sum up, he is self assured and content.The Phenapindupama Sutta speaks about Rupa which is frothy in nature due to its instability, impermanency, and constantly rising and diminishing attribute. Hence it is not self, rather unrealistic. Vedana is truly comparable to an air bubble which is always unsustainable. Our life values various sensations similar to bubbles, vanishing in no time, impermanent, untrustworthy, the nature of Anicca, dukhha and anatta. Perception of sense apprehends whatever it visualizes, hears, smells, tastes, touches or knows are nothing but a mirage.Consideration of samana as a being, the gender difference is but a mere illusion like a mirage. Practically it is merely a phenomenon of incessant emerging and diminishing. Sankara, volitional activities, are similar to plantain trunks. Layers of fibrous materials constitute to form the plantain trunk without any substantial, solid inner core. Shankara is just like the plantain trunk without any inner substance. Consciousness has similarity with conjurorââ¬â¢s trick. It emerges and vanishes within no time. Consciousness arises devoid of ones desire, but as per condition of its own cause and circumstances.The Anattalakkhana Sutta (Pali, ââ¬Å"not- self Characteristic Discourseâ⬠), also popular as the Pancavaggiya Sutta (Pali, ââ¬Å"Group of Five Asceticsâ⬠), is considered to be the second discourse delivered by the Blessed Buddha. In this discourse Buddha dealt with the physical and mental human constituents and surfaces that they both are impermanent. (anicca), subject to suffering ( dukkha) and thus unfit for identification with the ââ¬Ëselfââ¬â¢ the soul (atta). The pali canon contains Anattalakkhana Sutta in the Samuyatta Nikaya (ââ¬Å"Connected Collectionâ⬠).This discourse happens to be a part of the Buddhist monastic code (Vinaya). The Bhara sutta can be illustrated as; human body being one of the Khandhas bears a heavy burden. Desire to serve it persists on carrying the h eavy burden. We are carrying the burden even when we feed or clothe ourselves. We are just mere servants to the wholesome matter (rupakkhandha). Along with the food and clothing we are responsible of maintaining the physical and psychological stability and scatter happiness. This service is towards the aggregate of feelings and sentiments ( vedanakkhandha).We are also liable to cater to the bodies hearing and visual needs and the wellness. Consciousness deals these concerns. Hence we are ultimately a servant to the aggregate of consciousness (vinnanakkhandha). The violation of activities (sankharakkhandha) and our temperament to do the unlawful to satisfy our desires also constitute to our burden. We also tend to bear the burden of aggregate perception (sannakkhandha) as this sense of human beings which train their faculties of mind and brain to retain knowledge and make it capable of realizing what is good and what is evil.Our desires on being good if satisfied finds tempted toward s evil and after committing a mistake we repent and unknowingly the burden adds on. Hence, Buddha declared the five aggregates of clinging (Upadanakkhandha) as a heavy burden. Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta is the first discourse that he delivered soon after attaining Enlightenment. He illustrated this Sutta to the group of five monks who accompanied him while practicing austerities in the forest for long years. This discourse contains significant teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.Hearing to this discourse, his disciple monk Kondanna attained the first stage of Enlightenment, hence giving rise to Ariya Sangha (Noble Sangha). This discourse is better known as the Dhammachakka Sutta or the Wheel of Dhamma discourse. The Gotama Sutta is an elaborate description that Buddha delivers to his disciples, reveals the path he traversed to attain the ultimate Enlightenment. He had some thoughts disturbing him throughout and he wanted an apparent release from death de cay and suffering that human race had been tolerating since long.Through Paryana Sutta Buddha teaches Goal, the ultimate destination and the path to be followed to attain it. It was so called because it leads to Nibbana (Nibbanasankhatam Param Ayanto Parayana Ti Laddhavoharam Dhammam). Nibbuta Sutta derives from human character of leading life noticeably beyond limit and quenching the desires he had nurtured whole life. It is the extraction of all the sacrifices a person does to achieve the ultimate goal. Nibbuta is the coolness which is derived by quenching of defilement, either by himself or by someone else.As this thirst is quenched only coolness persists. Sankhatalakkhana Sutta demonstrates how a person fabricates his wishes in life on not having achieved naturally. How he makes amends to illuminate his life and forget the failures. Where as Asankhatalakkana sutta displays a satisfactory life contended with whatever is provided naturally and does not keep his soul in disguise bu t demonstrate the true atma. Buddhism, a philosophical religion encompasses a variety of traditions beliefs and practices mainly based on the doctrines and preaching of Lord Buddha (the awakened one).The Blessed one resided in North eastern Indian subcontinent between the 6th and the 4th century B. C. he is considered to be an awakened teacher who shared his insight with his disciples to aid sentient beings end suffering (Dukkha) and achieve Nirvana. The religion is divided into two branches, The Theravada and The Mahayana. Both branches are found throughout the world. It is considered to be the worldââ¬â¢s fourth largest religion with near about 500 million followers. In spite of being a royal character Siddhartha Gautama left behind the worldly pleasures to find a path that leads to an end to human sufferings.He attained his Enlightenment demolishing the fetters of his mind, under a Boddhi tree in Boddh Gaya, India. Through his doctrines (popularly known as Suttas) preached the reality of life through his Eight fold Paths and The Four Noble Paths. Buddha was an epitome of spirituality. Glenn Wallis had highlighted a descriptive insight of the sixteen Suttas which are always relevant to aid human life and inspire them to strive to end suffering. Glennââ¬â¢s keen eye for the details is highly appreciable both for the resource and quality it resembles.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Exponential technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Exponential technology - Essay Example Medical technology has changed the view of common people. With the use of medical technology, it is easy to cure complex diseases. For example, the contaract surgery used to take three to five days but now due to technology, it can easily be cured in day care hospitals. Use of medicines has made it possible to fight with dangerous diseases like kidney failure, heart attack, cancer, hepatitis, etc. The cancer can be cured with medicines if detected in early stages. The only destination of cancer patient was death before this medical technology. Genetic changes are now also possible by the use of modern medical technology. The gene mutation can cause all the genome of a person. With the use of cloning, animals and plants of desired characters are produced now a dayââ¬â¢s who are more productive and beneficial for mankind. It is the medical technology by the use of which, eye sight problem can be permanently cured by the use of laser technology. Due to medical advancement, a greator number of patients are cured in less time. The number of patientââ¬â¢s shifts has increased, so more people can get health in less time. These methods are easy, fast and accurate (Eucomed). Use of medical technology in the field of health has brought many benefits but there are also certain harms that are coming along with advantagesââ¬â¢. There are instruments like ventilators, dialysis units and infusion pumps that sound in case of emergency. That alarm is now widely used that the hospital staff can ignore it due to its more use. As after a certain limit, we can forget the actual meaning of an alarm because we become used of it. Another main disadvantage of medical technology is the use of radiations for taking tests or to cure diseases. The use of radiations that limited dose can cause gene mutation of cancer. They can also damage healthy tissue while destroying cancerous cells. Although the instruments in hospitals are so much advance but there is
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Buissness speech interviewing speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Buissness speech interviewing speech - Essay Example My management background would me make fit to this job since I am trained to oversee all aspects of operations . A business is a system where everything is related , therefore my post graduate degree in Management has equipped with me with the needed skills, knowledge and attitude for this job. There was a time when the materials we needed would be delayed that it would cost so much for us and the companies we deal with. I had to find ways and means to transport our orders the soonest time possible but that meant extra 10% cost to be charged to the company. decided to take the risk of outsourcing the delivery from another trader who can deliver on time. I believe that was a great risk but it was very effective since the customer was happy and satisfied with our service. The effect is that the client remained loyal to the company. The upper management lauded me for the effort since the cost was nothing compared to the customer satisfaction . As a manager, w e are continually faced with problem situations and it is important that we have the maturity to make sound decisions at the right time. I am a married man with three children and I need to support my family through a good career. Also, I value integrity, hard work and commitment as a person. When I promise that I can deliver the results, I make sure that I perform well. Even to my family, I keep my promise on my personal commitments. If work gets in the way of fulfilling such promise, then I reschedule a time for them which fulfills the obligation. In business, I have the same attitude. There are many competitors out there willing to make everything possible for a new client. However, very few would be consistent with the promise that they made. The most important thing in this life is relationships. I work for family yet I do not want my relationship with them affected by my problems. I try to be a
Monday, August 26, 2019
The Purposes of Budgeting System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
The Purposes of Budgeting System - Essay Example nagement accountants of an organization use these statements along with the financial statements like cash flow, fund flow statements and prepare budget for the next financial period. This paper is an attempt to identify the purposes of budgeting system and the value of it. The purpose of budgeting system is to plan properly about how the operations of the organization will go on, plan properly about the borrowings, resources allocation and savings of the company (Khan and Jain, 2007, p.8.2). By doing a proper allocation the management accountants can make it sure that the resources are utilized efficiently. By analyzing the financial statements prepared by the financial accountants the management accountants of an organization make a proper plan for better performance in the next financial period. For ensuring a better performance by the organization in the next financial period the management accountants make a suitable plan so that the resources are engaged in the proper area of the organization. Proper use of the resources in proper area assures best performance of those resources which in turn would help the organization to perform better. While analyzing the cost sheet, the management may found that there are many idle resources in the manufacturing activity. May be there is some time gap between the two activities during the operation. The management has to take steps so that there would be no idle time in the operation in the next financial period. This would assure operating efficiency and the operating cost would be down and the resources would be used optimally. As a result the net profit of the company will increase. By analyzing the cost sheet the management would come to know about the performance of the cost centres. The cost centre means where the cost is splitting and the measure is done centre wise. Though it is a tough job to make the division of cost allocation, but for managing the cost it is apportioned over the centres (Lucey and Lucey,
Comparative Analysis of Altarpieces Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Comparative Analysis of Altarpieces - Essay Example The San Marco Altarpiece (Madonna and Saints) This piece is the work of early Italian renaissance artist, Fra Angelico. It is currently in Florence, France at the San Marco Museum. Its estimated time of creation is around 1438 to 1443. It is tempera on wood and is a panel artwork, with a main panel accompanied by nine other predella panels although only the main panel remains today. The main panel has an illustration of the enthroned virgin and child with saints and angels surrounding them. There is a curtained panel standing on two pillars overlapping a landscape with trees forming the background (Woods 204). The Merode Altarpiece (The Annunciation) Renaissance artist Robert Campin did this piece in the period 1427 to 1432 and it is currently in the Metropolitan Museum, USA. It oil on oak with three panels. It has a main (center) panel in between two smaller panels. The main panel shows the moment just before the annunciation of Mary. She is sitting on the floor reading a bible and is looking down. To her left is an angel she is not aware of, with an oval table separating them. A small figure of Jesus is flying towards Mary holding a crucifix. The right panel has Saint Joseph in a carpentry workshop where he is making mousetraps with a townscape appearing behind him in an open window. The right panel has two figures called the donors waiting to go inside an open door (Metropolitan Museum of Art). Similarities The scenarios appearing in both paintings depict religious themes. In The San Marco Altarpiece, there is Virgin Mary who is holding baby Jesus around saints and angels, which is a scenario in Christian beliefs. The same case applies in The Merode Altarpiece where the same Virgin Mary is in the same room with an angel and a perception of Jesus flying in. much of the iconography is therefore religious. On another note, both paintings are renaissance panel altarpieces that Italians made in the 1300ââ¬â¢s to 1400ââ¬â¢s. Altarpieces consist of wooden pan els covered with cloth that is plastered with gesso paste to create a smooth painting surface (D'Elia 19). Both have several panels that make up a complete work under the same theme. Another similarity between the two is the exclusion of the crucifix with Christ on it from the main idea of the picture. According to Casa Santa Pia, the Dominican order of those days only allowed painted or sculpted crucifixes on altarpieces. In The San Marco Altarpiece, Angelico uses a special optical illusion to include the crucifix in the main picture but still it appears as a unique piece on top of the bigger painting. In The Merode Altarpiece, Campin uses an almost similar tactic. The crucifix is not easy to spot but it is in a miniature size above the angelââ¬â¢s head and appears as a small figure (representing Jesus) flying down towards Mary clutching onto a crucifix. There is also a similarity in the use of a single color to highlight subjects in both paintings. In The Merode Altarpiece, the highlight color is red. In the left panel, the color red attracts the eyes to reveal a tiny figure in the extreme background. In the main panel where the most red is, the eye concentrates on
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 11
Report - Essay Example wending duck is a side channel of the river Wensum in the United Kingdom, and the water comes from Chalk rocks. there is also east Dereham treatment works next to it. East Dereham treatment works releases water straight into wending duck (see figure 1).(booklet). 2-Biological sampling: by measuring the macroinvertebrate animal community over a period of time, and with this method water quality is assessed by two measurements: 1) Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP); this method measure the biological quality of the river using a different type of macroinvertebrates as indicators. (booklet). The principle of this method is different macroinvertebrate have different potential of pollution. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_monitoring_working_party. Tertiary treatment: this is the final step, ultra violet and a thin membrane are used to remove bacteria and virus from the treatment process, and this water made for another purpose than drinking such as washing clothes,irrigation and toilets.(https://learn.uea.ac.uk/bbcswebdav/pid-1226628-dt-content-rid-1544301_1/courses/INTO-PSE-JUN14_E/wastewater-web--2-.pdf). By using a measurement tape across the River to find out the width of the river that has been divided into four sections. After dividing the river, a meter stick was used to find out the depth of the river in each section. All of the results were recorded in the results section. Dissolved oxygen and temperature were measured by oxygen meter "Do2 meter." A rope of 5 meters was placed on the surface of the river to calculate the velocity of the stream. A stick was thrown into the river from the beginning of the 5 meters rope while the stopwatch was turned on to calculate the time when the stick was traveling next to the rope till the end of the 5 meters rope. This method have been done twice We used benthic kick sample to measure
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Investment decision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words
Investment decision - Essay Example Due to high dependency on equity in the capital structure, total cost of capital went quite high (19.63 percent). The required return on asset is 18 percent which is less then cost of capital, so the companyââ¬â¢s new project does not seems profitable until and unless the prevailing capital structure is modified. As per the market scenario in Kuwait, deferent debt instruments where determined to find out which one will be more suitable for the company. It is recommended that company should introduce more debt to reduce the cost of capital. As the market conditions are improving, the operating risk will go down and by enhancing financial leverage management will be able to boost profitability of the company. The company, Kuwait Cement was established in the year 1968 by Amiri Decree. In 1978 the first phase of cement plant was inaugurated by Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah which had the production capacity of 1,350,000 tons per annum. The company started production of white cement in the year 1979 and the capacity was to produce 75,000 tons of white cement per year. With passage of time the companyââ¬â¢s capacity to produce cement went on increasing and it reached 2,070,000 tons per annum by end 1984. Kuwait cement entered in contract with M/s. PEG ââ¬â Switzerland for providing consulting services to the project of clinker kiln whose production capacity was 1.8 million. The other services which the company was to provide were management of equipment at Shuaiba port, storage of fuel and conveyor belt management. At different point of time the company formed contracts with many international firms to enhancing the production capacity and to introducing better and advanced technolog y. With the growing demand of white cement in the market, Kuwait Cement went on increasing the white cement production and by the year 1999 the production capacity reached to 170,000 tons as compared to 75,000 tons
Friday, August 23, 2019
MARKETS AND THE ECONOMY Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
MARKETS AND THE ECONOMY - Assignment Example The factors explaining the increase in budget deficit stabilizers are outlined below: 1) As the economy goes into recession, corporate profits decrease leading to lower corporate tax revenues for the government. Due to lower demand in the economy, companies sell less and have higher cost pressures leading to lower profitability. 2) As corporate profit decrease, companies start firing employees leading to an increase in unemployment in the economy. This further leads to lower income tax revenues for the government. 3) As unemployment increases, the government has to make more payments for unemployment benefits and other welfare programs (transfer payments). These three factors automatically increase the government deficit during recession due to lower revenues and higher spending built into the system. 4) In order to spur demand in the economy, government can spend higher than usual. This spending could be through lowering taxes and/or increasing spending on new/existing projects. All the four factors combined mean that some of the effect of recession on households and companies is mitigated by government spending. Unemployed workers get state benefits and companies get opportunities to invest in new projects. The combined effect is that companies are encouraged to hire more workers to work on those projects thus reducing unemployment and people have more disposable income due to reduced taxes thus increasing consumption. Therefore, the increase in budget deficit during a recession helps stabilize the economy by bringing it back to the equilibrium operating level. Adjustments in wages and prices take the economy from the short-run equilibrium to the long-run equilibrium The price system and wages in the economy do not always change instantaneously. Changes in macro-economic factors like output, demand, supply, interest rates etc do not immediately bring about a change in price levels and wages. Thus, when one or more of the other macro-economic variables changes in the economy, prices and wages are slow to react to this change, therefore the economy comes to operate in a short-run equilibrium where prices and wages are yet to adjust to the other macroeconomic changes. Some of the reasons for this stickiness of prices and wages include contracts for fixed duration like labor union contract for wages fixed for a year, or even market competition prohibiting firms from increasing prices suddenly. However, as time goes (in the long-run), wages contracts get re-negotiated depending on earlier changes in demand and supply, inflation, and other factors. This change in wages leads to change in cost structure of firms and price changes then become necessary. For example, if the labor union re-negotiates to higher wages, the firm must increase its prices in order cover the increased cost of labor. As these adjustments in wages and prices take place, the movements of wages and prices determines the output of the economy. For example, if the firms find it less profitable to produce more, the will reduce their output and the GDP will contract and vice versa. Thus, adjustments in wages and prices take the economy from short-run equilibrium to long-run equilibrium. This is to say that if the prices and wages had changed immediately following a change in the other macroeconomic factors, the long-run equilibrium output would have been seen in the short-run. However, as prices and wages are sticky and adjust to the changes slowly, the economy first settles on a short-run equilibrium where other factors have changed but prices and wages have not and eventually the adjustments in price and wages takes the economy from t
Thursday, August 22, 2019
In the book aptly titled Hannibal Essay Example for Free
In the book aptly titled Hannibal Essay In the book aptly titled Hannibal, Serge Lancel provided a nitty-gritty exposition of Romeââ¬â¢s Great Commander life history. Through this book, Lancel aims to provide a concise account of Hannibalââ¬â¢s greatness to enlighten some misconceptions about the hero, and to outline how Hannibal reached the summit of success, in terms of war. The book explicates Hannibalââ¬â¢s historical biography from childhood up to the moment of his downfall, to give the reader a clear picture of Hannibalââ¬â¢s attributes, strengths, weaknesses, and most especially his essential characteristics that made him a true hero. Lancel does not only establish Hannibalââ¬â¢s internal complexities but he also provided a precise status quo of the Carthaginian world throughout the progression of the Great Commanderââ¬â¢s life history. With this, Lancel successfully sketched the annihilation of Hellenistic world and the ascension of Rome. Hannibal was brought in to world in 247 BCE at Carthage, which was experiencing a tremendous loss from Rome during the First Punic War (264-241). The domination of Rome during this period has a great influence to young Hannibalââ¬â¢s life because he was the eldest son of a Carthaginian general named Hamilcar Barca. At the age of ten, Hannibal witnessed the step by step triumph of his father through the latterââ¬â¢s accomplishment of other territories for the expansion Carthage empire. Many believed that Hamilcar compelled Hannibal to make a promise that the latter will have a perpetual abhorrence to the Roman Empire. Lancel posited that these could be hearsay only but this event could be true since Carthaginians have all the reasons to detest the Romans. When Hamilcar died in 229 BCE, Hasdrubal the Fair (Hamilcarââ¬â¢s son in-law) assumed the position, and during his reign he changed the landscape warfare by promoting diplomatic means. Eight years after, Hasdrubal was assassinated, which paved way for Hannibalââ¬â¢s commandership over the Carthaginian militia in Iberia. From diplomatic practice, Hannibal went back to his father approach of battle, which is aggressive in nature. His first attack was towards the natives of Salamanca in 220 BCE, followed the seizure Santagnum, which led to a conflict with the Romans because during Hasdrubal supremacy, Carthage and Rome made a treaty to prevent any disagreement between the two empires. Carthage and Rome underwent a negotiation, and while it is going Hannibal continued his goal of extending his territory. When he completely invaded the Iberian Peninsula the Carthage-Rome relationship worsened and catapulted the Second Punic War. Rome sent out reinforcement in Sicily, while Hannibal made a bold move in beleaguering Italy before the former can prepared themselves in the waging war. The existing war gave Hannibal an opportunity to get the support Gaul militia, which in the end made his army more powerful, and resulted, to his second triumph at Trebia River. In March 217 BCE, the Great Commander winning streak perpetuated though in an unfortunate event he lost one of his eyes (some historians posited that this due to opthamalia) during the war. Roman militiaââ¬â¢s power diminished as the war went on, in an unexpected happenstance their consul Flaminius was ambushed near the Trasimene Lake. Because of this, Hannibal exterminated two Roman legions, but it did not stop Rome and its allies from engaging and continuing the war. Instead, they aggravated the conflict when Quintus Fabius Maximus was chosen to be Romeââ¬â¢s dictator. The Roman council suggested an end-all be-all war, in which they were successful at its first battle at Cannae but they were eventually defeated when Carthaginian army overwhelmed them in a circular formation. Several of Roman allies was so disappointed with result of the Second Punic War, they decided to turn their back with Rome and decided to join the Carthage Empire. Then at age of thirty, Capua was established as Hannibalââ¬â¢s capital in Italy. He commanded his brother Mago Barca to relate the good news in Carthage and in doing so; Mago decanted hundreds of golden rings taken from the decimated cadavers of Roman army, while he was entering the entrance hall of the Carthaginian senate. Nevertheless, Roman council, along with their remaining allies, still resisted any agreement with Hannibal. Then the Great Commander decided to make an alliance with the Macedonian empire, which he acquired through the approval of King Philip V of Macedonia. With this approval, the Carthaginian forces were joined by Syracuse forces in 214 BCE. Rome did not falter; instead, they started an alliance with the Aetolia since this Greek town has a dispute with Macedonia. In the undying desire of Hannibal to expand his territory, he pursued Cumae and Puteoli ports, in order for him to strengthen his militia, but due to this, Rome found an opportunity to regain its nationââ¬â¢s confidence and to start anew because Hannibal neglected his offensives in Central Italy. In 212 BCE, Hannibal tasted his first failure.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Rama in Ramayana Essay Example for Free
Rama in Ramayana Essay In the epic story of Ramayana, one of the cornerstones of the story is the part where Rama attempts to rescue Sita. In the story, Rama is considered the most heroic among all the characters precisely because of his devotion to the rules of dharma. Even during the times when still he was small, Rama was considered to be the perfect son, up to the point when he married Sita thereby considering him further as the perfect husband. More importantly, Rama gladly and willingly accepted the order of his father, king Dasharatha, to abandon the kingdom and be banished, hence removing him from the position as heir to the throne. à à à à à à à à à à à The poignant part of the story where Ramaââ¬â¢s knowledge and perception are further enriched is the part where he encountered Ravana who followed him in the forest. Ravana is the younger brother of Rama who was enthroned as the king of Ayodhya after Rama was banished from the kingdom. The encounter highlighted the capacity of Rama to understand the human situation that swirled around him and his family by understanding the sentiment of Ravana. Ravana very well understood that Rama is the rightful ruler as king of Ayodhya, and after following Rama to the forest, Ravana told Rama that until the day Rama returns, Ravana will instead place the sandals of Rama on the throne as a sign of respect and as a sign that Rama is the actual ruler of the kingdom. That was one way for Ravana to signify that he is simply the ââ¬Ëcaretakerââ¬â¢ of the throne while Rama, the rightful ruler, is away. à à à à à à à à à à à Ramaââ¬â¢s encounter with Ravana in the forest signifies that even though he willingly accepted the banishment that was imposed upon him by his father, he was still willing to face the larger responsibility of serving his people as their king. That goes to show that Rama was willing to face both ends of the situation, or that he was willing to face any situation that he is confronted with. That is so because, having lived with the rules of dharma, Rama very well knows the consequences that awaited his every decision. This time around, his decision to return as the king of Ayodhya can be said as part of his responsibility as the eldest son of the king, hence the rightful ruler, and part of his realization that the kindness of Ravana begets his kindness to accept not only the fact that he is the rightful king but also the willingness of Ravana to bequeath Rama his rightful position in the kingdom. à à à à à à à à à à à Eventually, Rama willingly accepted the offer of Ravana which is not only a sign of respect to an offer which is rightfully his but is also a sign of accepting the propensity of having to rule an entire kingdom under his watch. Quite apart from the fact that accepting such a huge responsibility requires determination and the capacity to lead, it also requires the ability to follow. That ability to follow has been undoubtedly manifested by Rama not only during the time when he accepted his fate to be banished but also during the time when Ravana met with him. That occasion is the time when Ravana made Rama the offer which he followed with all his heart. Ramaââ¬â¢s decision best exemplified his capacity to follow without hesitation and confusion on his part precisely because of the wisdom that he possesses due to his strict adherence to the rules of dharma. à à à à à à à à à à à In essence, the encounter of Rama with Ravana in the forest is one of the many scenes in the story which shows the enrichment of the knowledge of Rama as well as the formation of his character throughout the story. It brings into mind his capacity to lead by example and to follow the things which he indeed should rightfully follow. It drives home the point that Rama is all the more worthy of being adored by his people because of the virtues which he possesses and of being exalted as a ruler who very well understands the rules and teachings of the dharma. Reference Pollock, S. (1993). Ramayana and Political Imagination in India. The Journal of Asian Studies, 52(2), 262.
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Goal Of Becoming A Developed Country Education Essay
Goal Of Becoming A Developed Country Education Essay Malaysia is on the verge of reaching its goal of becoming a developed country by the year 2020 where the people may enjoy high living standards and more competitive in the era of globalization. Developing the potential of individuals which stand on the global platform is the main concern of the country in producing skillful citizens that would become the basis in the transformation of country towards high income economy. The 21st century implies the changes on the demand of skills in order to succeed in job realm as well as in daily life. Individuals need to master the blending of content knowledge, specific skills, expertise and literacy (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2007) in their daily life rather than mastering them in isolation. The application of skills is one crucial step for a student to obtain a job in the industrial domain (Pandian, 2005; Wagner, 2008). The 21st Century Skills is a recent skill analogous to soft skills apart from it being more global. In Malaysia, more attention is put on soft skills compared to 21st Century Skills. Soft Skills is a skill which is emphasized in graduates of the present. Realizing the globalization of development in global technology, the education in Malaysia has changed the approach of teaching and learning to ensure effective productivity of individual potential that are knowledgeable and competitive globally. Revolution of technology in the digital era of the 21st century has brought changes in replacing soft skills with the production of individuals whom are equipped with the 21st Century Skills (KPM, 2010). The 21st Century Skills and Soft Skills have similar significance where both could contribute to the success of graduates in the industrial domain. In addition, the 21st Century Skills benefit students knowledge as well apart from its contribution in the industrial domain. The 21st Century S kills is a set of skills which is essential for students in order to succeed in their study, career and life in this century which is full of challenges (Trilling Fadel, 2012). In a technology based learning environment, the 21st Century Skills is an important skill which needs to be there. There are varieties of challenges for 21st century learning in education. Having students to acquire knowledge outside the classroom is essential in the 21st century. The 21st Century Skills is a skill which is far beyond technology skill; it completes students with real life learning skill which would help them to succeed in their profession or career (Krulock Hofreuter-Landini, 2011). Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is an environment which requires the adaptation of 21st Century Skills. Malaysia wishes to release VLE in every school under the Malaysia Ministry of Education (MOE) through 1BestariNet Project by using internet among the school communities. Through this project, it can be affirmed that integration of the 21st Century Skills is a need in realizing a technology based environment due to the important interaction of technology and 21st Century Skills blend ing in the educational world at this point. This is in line with Smart School Strategic Plan, 2011-2015 which in fact is practicing the technological approach in education to produce potential of individuals and capacity development which are skillful and professional in the integration of ICT in management and teaching and learning as well as the 21st Century Skills (MOE, 2011). In order to be outstanding on the universal platform, students of the cyber generation need to be knowledge literate and master the 21st Century Skills (Utusan Malaysia, 2011a). However, research on the integration of the 21st Century Skills in technology based learning environment has not been carried out as this is a new skill which need to be explored and learnt by Malaysian students of this century. According to Pandian (2005), it is important for follow-up research to be carried out in identifying the 21st Century Skills which are needed by the industrial domain in fulfilling the demand of the workforce since skill is an important criterion in obtaining a job. Despite that, there is no research related to the 21st Century Skills been performed yet. This phenomenon causes uncertainties from various parties and issue regarding the assurance for the convention of technology based environment could produce students 21st Century Skills in ensuring their employability after graduation begins to rise. Educators are responsible in playing the role of promoting knowledge and providing practice in order to polish students talent and skills so as to fulfill the demand of the industrial domain and the 21st century. In regard to the issue that arises, the initiative has been taken to help students in mastering the 21st Century Skills in teaching and learning in Malaysia. Integration of the 21st Century Skills in the educational curriculum is a way to ensure students being exposed and able to master the skill (Wagner, 2008). In identifying the learning skill which is needed by students in developing the 21st Century Skills, recommendation for follow-up research need to be carried out (Pandian, 2005). For that reason, the selection of technol ogy as a medium of integration of the 21st Century Skills among the students will be carried out through this research. In the 21st century which is quite similar to the digital era of ICT, skill in using the latest technology has been made an important aspect. ICT is one of the 21st Century Skills that are needed in producing potential of individuals of a global standard in line with the industrial demand apart from its major contribution in the economic sector. In relation to that, it is necessary for the integration of the 21st Century Skills to progress along with the current development of ICT. Both are significant in producing quality future graduates. The effectiveness of integration between technology and 21st Century Skills need to be further observed. The usage of Web 2.0 technologies is not something new for every student. However, the integration of Web 2.0 technologies is a new phenomenon in the learning environment of the educational field. This learning environment gives students the privilege to be in charge of their own learning more proactive in developing knowledge and acquiring skills (Haihong, 2007). Web 2.0 is a term which is newly created. It comprises a collection of web based tools which provides an individual with free social networking services such as blogs, wikis, pictures and videos sharing and others. Web 2.0 technologies encourage users to collaborate with each other and it also gives them the opportunity to amend, summarize and contribute to the production of a document of the content. Web 2.0 technologies are not only used in our daily life, but it is also essential in the industrial domain (Salomon Schrum, 2007). Web 2.0 is a strategic means of sharing information. Everyone could have access to this great technology which is indeed necessary in almost every task. Revolution of Web 2.0 usage in the learning process is a new revolution in improving students information searching. One could learn and understand techniques or new knowledge technology in the process of learning through the application of Web 2.0 (Wactlar, 2000). Incorporation of Web 2.0 technologies in the integration process of 21st Century Skills knowledge among students is due to the effectiveness of the technology as one of the teaching medium itself (Zhang, 2003; Salomon Schrum, 2007; Berk, 2009). Web 2.0 technologies such as multimedia technology has a dramatic effect on both learning process and product as this learning environment involves a variety of senses which could help in maximizing students potential in retaining the information acquired (Syed, 2001). The research found out that using multimedia could improve ones problem solving skill as full attention is paid to the task given through active, interesting and clear presentation of task using multimedia (Weston B aker, 2001). In spite of that, technology alone is still unable to create a meaningful experience for ones learning. It needs to go together with learning strategies. A student needs to make sure that the learning strategy which is used along with teaching and learning through technology is the main focus (Levine, 2005). This is because different media create different impact. The effectiveness of a technology based learning environment can be measured by looking at how the technology is used, users role, and the learning process itself. A good learning process depends on the knowledge on the principles of practice which are self, students, content and methods (Galbraith, 2004). Integration of Web 2.0 technologies in incorporating 21st Century Skills among students will not be a success without appropriate learning strategies. Self-regulation is important when learning process involves internet based environment (Shen, Lee, Tsai, 2007). Preparation of a technology based environment among students in incorporating the 21st Century Skills has a high probability to be ineffective if students themselves do not have the skills to be responsible for their own learning, learning strategies need to be integrated and practiced in preparing students towards achievement in their studies (Chang, 2005). Zimmerman Schunk (1989) defines Self-directed Learning as a systematic orientation of feeling and action to help students in achieving their aims. On the other hand, Driscoll (2000) claims that self-directive are a skill where students need to decide their aims and manage their own learning as well as their achievement. Students who are equipped with self-directed skill would usually achieve better achievement than those who do not (Zimmerman Martinez-Pons, 1986). This shows that Self-directed Learning strategy plays an important role in students achievement (Zimmerman, 1990). On top of that, concern over the improvement of students also gives a positive impact on students motivation. This is suitable with the Web 2.0 technology based learning which is motivating. Learning which practices Self-directed Learning strategy through Web 2.0 technologies is suitable with the context of technology based environment as students have more control over time and task that is given to them and they have to decide on their own learning strategies (Pintrich, 1995). In contrast, traditional way of learning rarely encourages the development of self-directed learning among students (Orange, 1999). Hence, this research will be focusing on the effort to identify the integration of 21st Century Skills among students using Web 2.0 technologies. This effort is an initiative in developing the usage of technology mechanism concerned such as Web 2.0 technologies in developing the integration of 21st Century Skills among students in line with the demand of industrial domains. This initiative is taken as the phenomenon of the 21st Century Skills which becomes important in the educational field in Malaysia has now been taken into consideration in assisting the implementation of the Smart School Strategic Plan, 2011-2015 in Malaysia. Background of the Study Technology based learning is gaining attention in recent times. This is due to the nature of the technology in todays economy. High demand on k-worker who has the expertise and skills to handle technology in the industry brings about the awareness on the importance of technology. Employees should be given training and education on the use of technology as technology is able to develop employees who work smarter in producing high-quality product and services especially for clients. Information and communication technology skills (ICT) is one of the 21stCentury Skills that is needed in producing a world-class individual in line with the demand of industry and it also offers significant contributions in the economic sector. The ICT industry in Malaysia is expected to generate U.S. $14.1 billion (RM43.71 billion) in 2012 (Utusan Malaysia, 2011b). This is an era of globalization which based on knowledge and k-economy. Therefore, adaptation of the fundamental principles of education needs to be implemented in order to cope with the current situation. The information technology which is growing so rapidly made it necessary for the Malaysian education to introduce and use computers. Education in this era of information is more concerned with the practice of ICT in teaching and learning process (Glancy Isenberg, 2011; Gill Dalgarno, 2008). Thus, in order to meet the challenges in this digital era, Malaysia has embarked on a paradigm shift in line with the development of ICT. The aim of Malaysia towards developing economy through ICT has enhanced the empowerment of the use of ICT in various sectors such as commerce, industry, education, health, and in all aspects of life. The implementation of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), which has seven applications of ICT-related activities in various sectors as major projects in Malaysia provides a platform and environment that can encourage and enhance the use of ICT can encourage change to promote this country towards a digital era which is global in the 21st century. Education is seen as an important sector in introducing the use of ICT. Integration of ICT has become important in the educational field particularly. Based on The Development of Education report by MOE in year 2004, MOE hopes that ICT could improve teaching and learning by promoting activities such as video conferencing and the Internet as a common practice in the Malaysian schools. It is expected that in 10 years time, the development of ICT infrastructure will be intensified by expanding access and equity for ICT facilities; develop ICT-based curriculum; and improve evaluation as well as the evaluation system using ICT. Thus, Computer Literacy, Smart Schools, and Computers in Education, which has become one of the agenda in promoting ICT in schools, are implemented. Smart School is a school which emphasizes the application of ICT as pedagogy and in the school management. Use of ICT in school management as well as teaching and learning process is a noble effort of the Ministry of E ducation Malaysia (MOE) in promoting integration and its optimal use among the school community. Malaysias effort in the integration of ICT is developing with the implementation of the 1BestariNet Project in January 2012 by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) for schools with the aim to reform and improve the SchoolNet project. 1BestariNet is an End to End (E2E) computer networking for the purpose of teaching and learning and management and administration of 10, 000 schools for the period of 15 years (1BestariNet, 2012). This project emphasizes on the major component of teaching and learning through internet access and services Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for the school. This shows that Malaysia is moving towards providing a learning environment with the concept of e-learning in schools. Teachers and students need to develop ICT skills together in order to achieve the aspiration of government in improving ICT through education and mastering the 21st century skill in order to comply with the demand of the current industrial domain. Teachers and students need to be exposed to the skill of using digital media in order to equip themselves in overcoming challenges in the future (Pandian, 2005; Dakich, 2005). Teachers are the main input of students exposure to the skill. A study done by MSC Malaysia suggests that Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) needs to plan for on-going professional development of teachers by providing and enhancing their knowledge and skills which can build their confidence in using the ICT. ICT skills are essential in order to meet the expectations of the country in producing creative and innovative nations with the use of ICT as the catalyst to the development of the countrys economy in achieving the status of developing country by the year 2020 (Ngah Masood, 2006; Park, Roman, Lee, Chung, 2009). In the context of vocational education, ICT is seen as having a great potential in providing students a broader acquisition of knowledge where students can learn something insightful and meaningf ul in line with the demands of the industry and the main aim of the Smart School Strategic Plan, 2010-2015 (KPM, 2010). Use of the Internet such Web 2.0 technology which provides services such as Facebook, Twitter, wikis, Blogs, YouTube and others has great potential to be used in the classroom and its benefit students learning in the process of teaching and learning (Harris Rea, 2009). Teaching and learning process needs to progress along with the rapid development of information and communication technology. Tradition way of teaching and learning process has now been regarded as irrelevant to the current practice (Marold, Larsen, Moreno, 2000). Current teaching methods need to be more flexible (Zhang, 2003). Traditional way of learning has now been adapted with technology based learning such as the use of video and text in lesson that simulates students participation in the real world (Beard, Wilson, McCarter, 2007). Web 2.0 provides a new alternative in shifting the traditional teaching and learning environment towards technology based education though E-learning environment which focuses on lifelong learning and on-demand learning (Zhang, Zhao, Nunamaker, 2004). E-learning has now become one of the evolutions in the educational field where information could be shared instantly and it becomes a medium of integration of learning materials which is effective, ef ficient, immediate and more economical (Ong, Lai, Wang, 2004). In the context of education, research on the use and impact of e-learning shows positive improvement (Akaslan Law, 2010). ICT in vocational education is an idea that is still new in Malaysia and it is not impossible to be implemented with the effort of the Ministry of Education Malaysia in providing a technology-based learning environment which involves the Technical and Vocational Education Division in the development of individuals. Lambert Cuper (2008) stated that students are exposed to the latest technology such as internet, computers, mobile phones, social networks and others since their early age. Therefore, it is not surprising that students will be able to understand the learning content delivered through simulations, video and audio as technology helps them to learn effectively (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory [NCREL] Metiri Group, 2003). Each student has different ways and the ability to acquire knowledge in the learning process. Thus, it is unfair if we a ssume that all students will be able to acquire knowledge at the same time, in the same manner and with the same method used in the past and provides the same effect in the world of learning today (Berk, 2009).The use of technologies such as visual, audio, graphics and simulation have significant effects on the students. As a result, students need an interactive teaching and learning process in helping them develop the knowledge. Educators need to have an effort in learning to use new technology in order to meet the demand of students in the 21st century. Through the use of Web 2.0 technologies, it brings benefits in the aspect of time and learning location, students motivation, facilitate basic skills acquisition among students and it could improve teacher trainees skills in a way which is effective and economical (Haddad Jurich, 2002; Brecht Ogibly, 2008). Integration of Web 2.0 technologies in teaching and learning process is one of the alternatives for the use of e-learning in education. Web 2.0 technologies provide various advantages for the students (Zhang, Zhou, Briggs, Nunamaker, 2006; Schmerbeck, 2000; Salomon, Perkins, Globerson, 1991). In the context of this research, Web 2.0 technologies are used in the teaching and learning process in order to inculcate 21st Century Skills among students. This approach is taken due to rapid advancement of ICT today and the changes of the 21st century students themselves. Todays younger generation, especially students are getting more occupied by the current world development of technology. Prensky (2001a) stated that students nowadays are the digital natives where they are born, grow and communicate using digital technology throughout their lives. It seems that technology and students cannot be separated because they grew up in an environment which is well equipped with the use of computer s, video games, digital music, mobile phones, e-mail, internet and others. Students of this era show significant differences due to the rapid development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that is happening throughout the world. Students of this generation have undergone a radical transformation. They could no longer receive teaching and learning activities which are traditionally proposed by the earlier education system. Transformation in the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the teaching and learning process is seen as an important aspect of the education today. Students understand the learning content delivered via simulations, video and audio better for the use of this technology can help them more effectively (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory [NCREL] Metiri Group, 2003). The concept of Web 2.0 technologies is not something new, but it is taking a new form of approach to be used in the teaching and learning process. The use of Web 2.0 technologies such as interactive video has been widely used in institutions of higher learning which is more on adult learning (Glancy Isenberg, 2011). Adaptation of Web 2.0 technology approach in learning environment for students in Malaysian schools will be conducted. Web 2.0 technology-based learning is still believed to have a profound impact on education despite the fact that this approach has limitations in terms of teaching and learning delay among students (Song Hill, 2007). This is due to the online learning environment itself which allows students to have full control over their own learning compared to the traditional learning (Elvers, Polzella, Graetz, 2003). Besides, the usage of Web 2.0 technologies is actually fostering self-directed learning among students (Song Hill, 2007). Self-directed learning allows a student to have the initiative and high self-motivation in the success of their learning. Self-directed learning is capable of nurturing individual skills among students. It also provides students room in planning, monitoring and evaluating their own learning. The success of online learning depends on the learning strategies used (Hill, 2002) as well as the students high level of motivation (Shapley, 2000). Therefore, the integration of Web 2.0 technologies with the emerging of self-directed learning in developing 21st Century Skills among students is in line with the demand of the industry domain of the 21st century is an alternative to ensure the effective use of technology in teaching and learning process can be achieved. However, the doubt on the effectiveness of Web 2.0 technologies in developing the 21st Century Skills is still unanswered. Development of information and communication technology has brought changes in Malaysia in various sectors, particularly in improving the education and economy sector (Salman Hasim, 2011). Various efforts have been made by the education sector in producing a workforce which could contribute in the Malaysian industrial sector, in line with the rapid development of current technology. Achievement in producing a variety of technological facilities in the education sector has begun to develop rapidly. However, will this technology help in improving students skills in line with the demands of the industry is still uncertain. The 21st Century Skills need to progress along with the current technology. This is because both elements are important aspects of todays digital era. However, todays graduates are facing problem in the lack of knowledge in information technology field (The Star, 2004). Knowledge of information technology is important in the 21st century. Students are not able to get jobs because they fail to exhibit their skills (Quek, 2005; Hussin, Zakaria, Salleh, 2008). Presenting a skill will not be successful if the person does not have the knowledge of the skill. Through this research, the production of 21st Century Skills which is becoming more important will be adapted and improved through the use of Web 2.0 technologies in ensuring that students who use this technology would indirectly be practicing the 21st Century Skills. Through the use of technology, students gain knowledge in skills such as solving complex tasks and make quick decisions (Prensky, 2006). This is due to the use of technology such as video games, music and others which require them to think and move fast. Students abilities will not bring significant benefits if it is not imparted in classroom teaching (Berk, 2009). Therefore, the use of Web 2.0 technologies in teaching and learning process is a recommended alternative in bringing benefits for teachers and students (Berk, 2009). Web 2.0 technologies are an innovation in e-learning. This innovation should be practiced by teac hers and students in teaching and learning activities. However, the use and acceptance of Web 2.0 technology among teachers and students is still unknown. An innovation of technology will not bring much knowledge to the consumer if the factor of acceptance is not identified (Glancy Isenberg, 2011; Rogers, 2003). This 21st Century Skills can actually be improved from time to time. Sanders Morrison-Shetlar (2000) stated that the integration of ICT in teaching and learning process not only enhances students achievement, but it also improves their skills such as critical thinking skills and problem solving skills which are skills needed in the 21st century. ICT has great potential in producing students equipped with the 21st Century Skills. Students of the 21st century need skills such as: 1) study skill and innovation (including the skills of creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as communication and collaboration skills , 2) information and communication technology (ICT) skills (includes information literacy, media literacy, as well as information, communication and technology literacy skills), 4) life and career skills (including flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-directed, social and cross-cultural, productivity and accountability skills as well as leadership and responsibility skills) (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2007). This is in line with Malaysias vision of producing potential of individuals who are equipped with the 21st Century Skills which is global in preparing students for the future. Employers in Malaysia need graduates, who are equipped with skills such as communication skills, problem solving skills, computer literacy, teamwork and management skills.The demand of employers in Malaysia towards the desired quality of graduates is still an issue today. Educational institutions have been given the responsibility to produce graduates who have 21st Century Skills as well apart from technical skills with the aim to produce outstanding individuals. However, educational institutions are still having problems in realizing the demand (Suratman Mohd Rosli, 2010). As mentioned, the problems encountered in information and communication technology are strongly related with the development of 21st Century Skills among students. E-learning which is already being practiced in institutions of higher education actually has a great potential in developing students 21st Century Skills (Jones Fitzgibbon, 2006). In spite of that, the method and approach in integrating e-learning wit h the development of 21st Century Skills need to have proper planning. The elimination of e-learning from students skills development agenda is a big mistake made now (Jones Fitzgibbon, 2006). Teachers need to play a role in the integration of 21st Century Skills through the use of Web 2.0 technologies. Teachers need to adopt ICT technology and apart from that, adaptation and innovation need to be done as well. This is a challenge taken in producing skilled manpower in the economy in realizing Vision 2020 and to create a learning environment that is compliant with the 21stcentury. With the current development of technology, Malaysia has moved towards producing k-worker which emphasizes the skills and expertise to handle technology in the industry. Economic revolution has brought demand on a new and different set of skills such as innovation, communication, interaction, and so forth. The current education system needs to take a paradigm shift in producing students who are in line with the 21st century and not simply producing workforce but not in accord with the current demand of industry. However, there is still not much research is related to this issue among students either within or outside the country. Therefore, a study should be conducted to survey the implementation of that strategy. This is an effort to help the education sector in producing skillful students in line with the demand of industry to fulfill the need for workforce who are successful in their studies apart from their achievement in their careers. The aim of this research is to identify to what extend the use of Web 2.0 technologies-based Virtual Learning Environment (WVLE) in teaching and learning process and could 21st Century Skills be instilled among students through WVLE. Limitations of this study are as listed below: Time constraint The duration of time given to finish this research is 6 months; this limits the collections of the data because of problems likely to arise during collecting the data. Because of the constraint, the data cannot be accurately evaluated. Cost constraint The researcher will have financial constraint if all of the schools in Malaysia were included in this study. This is because researcher needs to choose a random location to carry out observation on respondents. Therefore, only selected schools will involve in this study depend on the location of the schools. Probity constraint In the quantitative phase of study there is a potential risk of a non-response error i.e. problems caused by differences between those who respond and those who do not in the event of a low response rate (Dillman, 2000). Besides, the researcher also has the risk in trusting the data collected from the respondent because of the sincerity factor. Distance constraint The distance between researcher and respondents is one of the limitations in this study. The researcher can only select nearest schools as the study location in order to collect data directly from the respondents. Population constraint Because of the convenience sampling will be used in the quantitative phase of the study, the researcher cannot state with confidence that the sample will be representative of the population (Creswell, 2002). While in the qualitative phase of the study, researcher only can select a few students from nearest schools to be the respondents. This is because researcher needs to collect data directly from the respondents. This study would be significant in a number of ways. The significance of this study is closely related to the benefits or contribution obtained through the study. The contributions of the study are as listed below: Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Introduces and defines the concept of VLE, discussing how a VLE differs from the traditional classroom and differentiating it from related, but narrower.Students need a transformation in their studies, from traditional to online learning in obtaining a more effective learning experience (Mezirow, 1990). This research can help in identifying whether a VLE can be created more effectively with the integ
Eleanor of Aquitaine Essay example -- History Historical Rulers Queen
Eleanor of Aquitaine When viewing the Middle Ages, it is often assumed that women had little if no political power. However, there are certain women that still stand out in the minds of historians, regardless of whether they are queens or commoners. These women ruled vast domains either directly or indirectly, and have influenced many other women to do the same. One such figure was Eleanor of Aquitaine. Although her name is rarely mentioned in history books, her lineage can be found in almost every noble house in Europe. She not only embodied the virtues of a noble woman, but she was also a charismatic strong leader. Her opinion was often heeded in matters of state as well as personal struggles. Truly a remarkable woman, she has shown what being a cunning and graceful queen can do for a country. Eleanor was born in 1122, to William X and Anor of Aquitaine. Eleanoràs father, the Duke of Aquitaine, ruled a large plush kingdom that was rich in wine and rolling verdant hills (Dahmus 179). The young Eleanor grew up in a court of Troubadours who sang of courtly love and women. Her grandfather, William IX, is credited as being one of the first Troubadours who brought lyric poetry to life, and her own father continued the tradition (Dahmus 180). Eleanor, having been blessed with good looks, is attributed with being the subject of many of these verses and of inspiring men to sing to women of high station (Consort). These happy times however, were short lived when at the age of five, Eleanoràs father died (Troubadour). On his deathbed, her father requested that she be given to Louis VI in order to wed one of his sons (Dahmus 181). This was done, and Eleanor and Louis VII were wed in the summer of 1137. Although this seemed to be... ...to wield power while obeying her husbandàs commands. Few men or women in history were able to better utilize their many talents in order to accomplish their goals. Works Cited "Consort of Love and Letters." 1 Apr. 1998. <http://spectrum.net/dede/eleanor.htm> (A word of caution to the readers: Lyn Reeseàs Women in World History suggested this web-site. It was written by a high school student and could contain errors) Dahmus, Joseph. Seven Medieval Queens. New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc, 1972. Duby, Georges. Women of the Twelfth Century. Great Britain: The University of Chicago Press, 1997. "Eleanor of Aquitaine." Women in World History Curriculum. Ed. Lyn Reese. 1999. 16 Apr. 2000. <http://www.womeninhistory.com/EofAreturns.html> "The Troubadouràs Daughter." Suite 101. <http://www.geocities.com/Athens/7545/Eleanor.html>
Monday, August 19, 2019
Futility :: essays research papers
While mining over abundant quotes, sonnets in a seemingly different language, and soliloquies with enough meter and meaning to write a doctorate, the main thing Iââ¬â¢m left wondering is: What exactly was Shakespeareââ¬â¢s intent in writing Hamlet? He too, like the readers of today, was a mortal being. He too felt feelings of revenge and purposelessness, and questioned being and capability. As any other human has strived to comprehend at some point in their humble lives, I believe that this is one of Shakespeareââ¬â¢s attempts to justify the life given to man, or more fittingly, to comprehend manââ¬â¢s purpose in life. Hamlet is a pessimistic view of life that deems any manââ¬â¢s attempt at change, futile. à à à à à Several times within the play, Hamlet talks of manââ¬â¢s unused ââ¬Å"capability and god-like reasonâ⬠(259). He is distressed by ââ¬Å"what a piece of work is a man! how noble in reason! how infinite in faculties!â⬠(217). Man has a seemingly infinite range of action and it distresses the hero of this play that he, as well as mankind, does not utilize it. I imparts a guilt within him and he asks, ââ¬Å"why yet I live to say ââ¬ËThis thingââ¬â¢s to do,ââ¬â¢/ Sith I have cause, and will, and strength, and means to doââ¬â¢t.â⬠(260). I believe this worry rings true more now than ever. Todayââ¬â¢s society is driven by time-management and efficiency. If you can do something, well we are taught we must do it. High school students are reared to be exceptional scholars, recruited athletes, multi-talented, upstanding citizens, and somehow volunteer, too. Free time is a waste of time is the message Iââ¬â¢ve been getting, and Hamlet is battling this issue as well. à à à à à Besides being torn over the discrepancy between his capability and actions of avenging his fatherââ¬â¢s death, Hamlet is also concerned that thinking over the matter too much yield no action and therefore makes him ââ¬Å"a cowardâ⬠(225). He states that by turning something over and over in oneââ¬â¢s mind and not coming to an immediate action ââ¬Å"conscience does make cowards of us allâ⬠(228) and that ââ¬Å"a thought which, quarterââ¬â¢d, hath but one part wisdom and ever three parts cowardâ⬠(260). Does he mean to have action without thought? Is acting, or the act of being, the essence of man? By Hamletââ¬â¢s saying ââ¬Å"the readiness is allâ⬠(289) I feel that he is saying that by having fulfilled oneââ¬â¢s potential to act, it can be done without thinking.
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Essay --
Being born and brought up in Afghanistan doesnââ¬â¢t go particularly smoothly, especially when compared to the contemporary standards of the UK. Aside from on-going war, many outbreaks of diseases have occurred, which I have first-hand experience of. At the age of 10 I contracted the water borne disease of cholera, due to our villageââ¬â¢s water supply being heavily contaminated. I fully recovered, however the experience left me with a spark of inquisitiveness into the importance of maintaining a clean water supply and not allowing it be polluted. Today, chemical engineers are at the vanguard of maintaining clean water supplies to where they are abundant and establishing clean water supplies to where they are scarce, alongside their many other contributions to modern day scientific breakthroughs. Having studied Physics, Maths and Chemistry, I understand the obligation chemical engineers feel to contribute to the ever expanding global society. I had already thoroughly enjoyed these subjects at GCSE level and it only seemed right to me to pursue them at a higher level; when deciding my A-Level...
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Ah Q in Modern China
Chinese national character has long been tied up with the issue of ââ¬Å"face,â⬠and how best to ââ¬Å"saveâ⬠it.à The idea that what is important in any situation is not so much the actual outcome, but the way the situation looks to outsiders.This concept has been an enduring one from the feudalist imperial system that ruled China for two thousand years throughout its turbulent 20th century history of civil war and communism.It is a contributing factor to most of the major political and historical events that have taken place there, such as the Cultural Revolution, the annexations of Tibet and Xinjiang, the attitude towards Taiwan, the Tianââ¬â¢anmen Square Protests, and even the economy that grows at an average of 10% per year for over fifteen years.It is also well represented in Chinaââ¬â¢s literature and cultural life.à Many authors from the late Qing Dynasty onward have tried to define a Chinese national character through their works.à One of the most successful of these was Lu Xun.Born in Zhejiang province and educated in Japan, Lu Xun dedicated his works, both fiction and non-fiction, to the goal of defining Chinese qualities and healing the spiritual and moral needs of the Chinese people.à His most famous story was The True Story of Ah Q, published in a newspaper beginning in late 1921.It features a village loser who does nothing notable and is looked down upon by all who encounter him.à This story, however, has become ingrained in the Chinese culture and scholars such as Lee Ou-fan maintain that it holds influence even today.One of the major ways the story portrays saving face is in the way Ah Q relates to his defeats.à When he does something wrong, such as insulting someone for no good reason by not holding his tongue, he gets beaten up, but he then justifies it by claiming it to be an outrage that people like his ââ¬Å"sonsâ⬠could beat him up.His psychological victory is enough for him to justify anything, n o matter how pathetic it seems to the other villagers.à When he loses his gambling money in a mob, he justifies it by slapping himself so that heââ¬â¢ll have something to feel victorious over (Lu).This relates to Chinese mentality in general, from government actions to individuals.à The way China deals with any situation is to put a good face on it or to cover it up.à Passing an anti-secession law, such as the one the Party Congress enacted in 2005 for the show effect it would have on Taiwan, is only one in a long line of examples.Refusing to re-evaluate their currency in relation to the dollar, the lack of acknowledgement about SARS and AIDS, the blocking or censoring of websites such as google, wikipedia, and the BBC, the banning and rehabilitation of filmmakers such as Zhang Yimou and now Jia Zhangke-each contributes to the argument that Chinese character has not changed since Ah Qââ¬â¢s time.Another enduring aspect of Chinese mentality skillfully depicted here is that of the mob.à We see mobs in everyday village life, such as the gambling mob that steals Ah Qââ¬â¢s money, and also when he teases the nun.à While most people are at least respectful of religious individuals, no one in the crowd does anything but laugh as Ah Q disgraces the nun in order to get attention.He touches her bare skin and insinuates that she sleeps with a monk, both of which are extremely insulting, but no one does anything but laugh (Lu).à This kind of onlooker crowds can be found anywhere in China when there is a fight or traffic accident.à They reached the peak of their violence during the Cultural Revolution, in which many people were denounced before just such mobs of jeering onlookers.Mobs also come into the story near its end, when the sweep of history enters the quiet village in the form of the Xinhai Revolution of 1911.à Here the mobs try and loot the homes of anyone who is not ââ¬Å"revolutionary,â⬠meaning those of the wealthy.In the end, Ah Q is caught and executed as a scapegoat for the looting.à The end of this character is as unspectacular as the rest of his life had been.Through telling the story of this kind of small man, Lu is expressing his concern that the ââ¬Å"averageâ⬠Chinese person is becoming too much like Ah Q, and will be too afraid to participate when the real revolution comes around.That real revolution is still around the corner, and it remains to be seen if the growing Chinese middle class will ever be so discontent as to make a real change to their totalitarian government.The people today still need to take Luââ¬â¢s message to heart and realize that the actions of their government are viewed by the outside world the way a reader views Ah Q, as idiotic praising of past and hoping for future while neglecting the present by worrying more about ââ¬Å"saving faceâ⬠than any concrete action.Beijing can move all the Han people it wants into Tibet and Xinjiang, but it will never e radicate or assimilate these two different ethnicities completely, and will only require more ââ¬Å"saving faceâ⬠in the future when the never-ending sectarian violence escalates.Lu was very observant in pointing out these weaknesses in Chinese character, and the PRC would do good to take on his message as well, instead of just celebrating his image because Mao had him declared a communist hero.His true ideas were much more individualistic than what he is reduced to, and maybe someday China will truly see the significance of this great writer and thinker.Works CitedLu, Xun.à ââ¬Å"The True Story of Ah Q.â⬠à Trans. Yang Hsien-yi and Gladys Yang.à Foreign Languages Press, Peking, 1960, 1972.à Ah Q! Performance Project.à 16 Apr. 2007à .
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