Aseptic Technique Essay

Aseptic technique is employed to maximize and maintain asepsis, the absence of pathogenic organisms, in the clinical setting. The goals of aseptic technique are to protect the patient from infection and to prevent the spread of pathogens. Often, practices that clean (remove dirt and other impurities), sanitize (reduce the number of microorganisms to safe levels), or disinfect (remove most microorganisms but not highly resistant ones) are not sufficient to prevent infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 27 million surgical procedures are performed in the United States each year. Surgical site infections are the third most common nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection and are responsible for longer hospital stays and increased costs to the patient and hospital. Aseptic technique is vital in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical infections. Description Aseptic technique can be applied in any clinical setting. Pathogens may introduce infection to the patient through contact with the environment, personnel, or equipment. All patients are potentially vulnerable to infection, although certain situations further increase vulnerability, such as extensive burns or immune disorders that disturb the body’s natural defenses. Typical situations that call for aseptic measures include surgery and the insertion of intravenous lines, urinary catheters, and drains. Asepsis in the operating room Aseptic technique is most strictly applied in the operating room because of the direct and often extensive disruption of skin and underlying tissue. Aseptic technique helps to prevent or minimize postoperative infection. The most common source of pathogens that cause surgical site infections is the patient. While microorganisms normally colonize parts in or on the human body without causing disease, infection may result when this endogenous flora is introduced to tissues exposed during surgical procedures. In order to reduce this risk, the patient is prepared or prepped by shaving hair from the surgical site; cleansing with a disinfectant containing such chemicals as iodine, alcohol, or chlorhexidine gluconate; and applying sterile drapes around the surgical site. In all clinical settings, handwashing is an important step in asepsis. The â€Å"2002 Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines† of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) states that proper handwashing can be â€Å"the single most important measure to reduce the spread of microorganisms.† In general settings, hands are to be washed when visibly soiled, before and after contact with the patient, after contact with other potential sources of microorganisms, before invasive procedures, and after removal of gloves. Proper handwashing for most clinical settings involves removal of jewelry, avoidance of clothing contact with the sink, and a minimum of 10–15 seconds of hand scrubbing with soap, warm water, and vigorous friction. A surgical scrub is performed by members of the surgical team who will come into contact with the sterile field or sterile instruments and equipment. This procedure requires use of a long-acting, powerful, antimicrobial soap on the hands and forearms for a longer period of time than used for typical handwashing. Institutional policy usually designates an acceptable minimum length of time required; the CDC recommends at least two to five minutes of scrubbing. Thorough drying is essential, as moist surfaces invite the presence of pathogens. Contact with the faucet or other potential contaminants should be avoided. The faucet can be turned off with a dry paper towel, or, in many cases, through use of a foot pedal. An important principle of aseptic technique is that fluid (a potential mode of pathogen transmission) flows in the direction of gravity. With this in mind, hands are held below elbows during the surgical scrub and above elbows following the surgical scrub. Despite this careful scrub, bare hands are always considered potential sources of infection. Sterile surgical clothing or protective devices such as gloves, face masks, goggles, and transparent eye/face shields serve as barriers against microorganisms and are donned to maintain asepsis in the operating room. This practice includes covering facial hair, tucking hair out of sight, and removing jewelry or other dangling objects that may harbor unwanted organisms. This garb must be put on with deliberate care to avoid touching external, sterile surfaces with nonsterile objects including the skin. This ensures that potentially contaminated items such as hands and clothing remain behind protective barriers, thus prohibiting inadvertent entry of microorganisms into sterile areas. Personnel assist the surgeon to don gloves and garb and arrange equipment to minimize the risk of contamination. Donning sterile gloves requires specific technique so that the outer glove is not touched by the hand. A large cuff exposing the inner glove is created so that the glove may be grasped during donning. It is essential to avoid touching nonsterile items once sterile gloves are applied; the hands may be kept interlaced to avoid inadvertent contamination. Any break in the glove or touching the glove to a nonsterile surface requires immediate removal and application of new gloves. Asepsis in the operating room or for other invasive procedures is also maintained by creating sterile surgical fields with drapes. Sterile drapes are sterilized linens placed on the patient or around the field to delineate sterile areas. Drapes or wrapped kits of equipment are opened in such a way that the contents do not touch non-sterile items or surfaces. Aspects of this method include opening the furthest areas of a package first, avoiding leaning over the contents, and preventing opened flaps from falling back onto contents. Equipment and supplies also need careful attention. Medical equipment such as surgical instruments can be sterilized by chemical treatment, radiation, gas, or heat. Personnel can take steps to ensure sterility by assessing that sterile packages are dry and intact and checking sterility indicators such as dates or colored tape that changes color when sterile. In the operating room, staff have assignments so that those who have undergone surgical scrub and donning of sterile garb are positioned closer to the patient. Only scrubbed personnel are allowed into the sterile field. Arms of scrubbed staff are to remain within the field at all times, and reaching below the level of the patient or turning away from the sterile field are considered breaches in asepsis. Other â€Å"unscrubbed† staff members are assigned to the perimeter and remain on hand to obtain supplies, acquire assistance, and facilitate communication with outside personnel. Unscrubbed personnel may relay equipment to scrubbed personnel only in a way that preserves the sterile field. For example, an unscrubbed nurse may open a package of forceps in a sterile fashion so that he or she never touches the sterilized inside portion, the scrubbed staff, or the sterile field. The uncontaminated item may either be picked up by a scrubbed staff member or carefully placed on to the sterile field. The environment contains potential hazards that may spread pathogens through movement, touch, or proximity. Interventions such as restricting traffic in the operating room, maintaining positive-pressure airflow (to prevent air from contaminated areas from entering the operating room), or using low-particle generating garb help to minimize environmental hazards.

Contrast Between Night by Elie Weisel and Sarah’s Key

Night by Elie Wiesel: Part 3 By: Susan Aguilar My book Night by Elie Wiesel is about a boy name Elie whose family and community is taken to a concentration camp by German soldiers. The story goes on about how Elie lives in those camp, how he suffers and sees many people die right in front of him. His own father dying right before his eyes and he not being to do anything because he just couldn’t. In the book he tells his story about what horrible things and how horrible it was to live in a concentration trap. He talks about how his faith went up and down and how much pain he had to suffer.He except of losing a leg and almost dying. He tells that there no one would help each other it was every man for himself. He never sees his mother or little sister ever again. His horrible, tragic, sad story about Elie touches me very much and reminds me of a movie I once watched called Sarah’s Key. The film starts out about this girl name Sarah who is startled by French policeman nock ing at her door on July 16, 1942. Sarah knows who it is and tried to save her little 4 year old brother. Sarah locks him in a closet and based on what saw, the closet was the family’s secret hiding place.Julia Jarmond is an American married to a French man living in Paris 2002. She is a journalist who is given the opportunity to write about the Vel’ d’ Hiv’ for the 60 year remembrance of this tragic event. The story then continues about how Sarah and her family got sent to be in a camp and then was separated from her dad. Later then the movies shows how Sarah goes through so much trouble trying to escape so she can return to her little brother and save him. She then unlike Night by Elie Wiesel finds a friend who helps her escape and goes back to her home. Sadly thought her friend dies after they escape and she goes through all this trouble

Communication Satellite Corporation Essay

The following judgment on the appropriate economic regulations of the Communications Satellite Corporation (Comsat) has been arrived at after considering the due deliberations presented before the Commissioners by the two parties; namely Comsat and FCC. Central to this judgment is the premise that â€Å"the return to the equity owner should be commensurate with returns on investments in other enterprises having corresponding risks.† Also, the fair rate of return should be actually that required (or expected) by a firm’s investors. The Commissioners are also of the view that the interests of the ratepayers should be safeguarded. The ratepayers should not be penalized for any change in circumstances (e.g. excess liquid cash due to change of technological needs) resulting in inefficiency at Comsat. Such risk should be borne by the Shareholders alone. The judgment covers the fair rate of return awarded to Comsat (commensurate to its risks), the rate base and the price structure to be followed by Comsat. At the onset, we concur with Comsat’s argument that their risk profile cannot be compared to that of AT&T due to the following: 1. Even though AT&T is in the same business of providing communication channels, yet the equipment used is vastly different i.e. satellites versus data cables. 2. AT&T is a well-established utility while Comsat is a new venture. Their risk profiles are not similar. 3. Considering the testimony of Dr. Myers, the beta found for AT&T and Comsat are different thus implying that the investors view the inherent risk of the companies differently. Next, we look into the various risk factors discussed before us in order to reasonably estimate the risk inherent in Comsat. Operating Risks 1. Technological Risk: The trial staff established low technological risk by considering in hindsight the fact that Comsat’s evolution was relatively trouble-free. In our opinion, this is unjustifiable as when the company was started there was no way of knowing this and the technological risks were immense. 2. Business Risk: There was no government guarantee for Comsat. Also, considering the fact that disclosing information in a prospectus in no way changes the risk associated with the business. 3. Demand Risk: The arguments put forward by the trial staff in this case are sound but do not present a case for comparison with AT&T. 4. Competitive Risk: We think that competitive risk is medium, thus deviating from both the trial staff and Comsat’s stand. This is because although high risk was created due to Comsat’s competitors being its customers, it was also mitigated to some extent by FCC’s support. 5. Regulatory Uncertainty: Again this uncertainty of prospective regulation is reduced by expected support from FCC. 6. Political/International Risk: We agree here with the trial staff’s response. The risk faced by Comsat is probably just a little greater than that faced by other international organizations operating in those countries during that time. From the above discussion, we conclude that the company faces more operational risk than that touted by the trial staff albeit it is not as high as Comsat claims. Financial Risk The trial staff wants to impute the implications of a 45% debt structure to calculate the cost of capital. This is incorrect since firstly, there were no assets that could be used as security till 1972 and secondly, this is a hypothetical situation of which there can be many. However, we are of the opinion that the debt should be imputed at a rate of 45% post-1972 as a miscalculation on part of the management should not result in unjustified price structure for the ratepayers. Rate Base The appropriate rate base should now be calculated based on the above decision to impute debt post-1972. Pre-1972, the rate base will be the entire capital of the company. Evaluation of Cost of Capital We disagree with the first two witnesses, namely Dr Brigham and Dr Carleton and their estimation of Comsat’s cost of capital. Dr Brigham’s method takes into account 602 industrial firms and 56 utilities. These two categories of companies are not comparable for the purposes of this analysis. Also, the Andersen study using four utilities and its results is not worth considering since these utilities had a different capital structure and consequently, a completely different risk profile from that of Comsat. Dr Carleton has arrived at a risk premium of 2-4% but has provided no reasonable justification or methodology followed for calculating this. Also, we have no indication whatsoever about the nature of this premium, whether it is the risk premium for Comsat or the utilities sector or the market or the country as a whole. We concur with Dr Myers’ methodology of using the CAPM for calculating the risk premium. This study further simplifies matters as the cost of equity and the cost of capital is the same for this firm pre-1972 and incorporate the cost of debt post-1972. Also that the beta in this case would be calculated on the basis of market data. Assuming the markets to be efficient  implies that the appropriate risks have been implicitly factored into the prices and the beta. Based upon these estimates we will state the cost of capital to be 14%, which is the mid point found for the various risk estimates over time, taking into account a beta range from 1.4 – 1.7 as recommended by Dr. Myers. Pricing Structure The commissioners are of the view that Comsat was injudicious in charging the maximum rates the markets could bear. Instead, Comsat should have charged rate of return that is sufficient for it to maintain: a) to cover cost of capital already committed to the enterprise over and above the operating expenses incurred; and b) to attract additional capital as needed in competitive money markets at reasonable costs. We instruct FCC and Comsat to calculate the appropriate revenues for Comsat in line with the preceding judgment. Comsat should be penalized 50% of the excess revenue, if any, and FCC should use this money to further infrastructure development in Communication systems.

Utilization of the law and its processes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Utilization of the law and its processes - Essay Example There are of course many different areas of the law in the UK and these various areas cover situations that might be civil or criminal in nature. These are the main two categories of the law in the UK which many smaller laws branch off from. As was stated the main purpose is to try and keep as much of a sense of normalcy to life as possible, which in order to do that there is a strong need for law which acts as a mediator in society of many sorts (Scottish Executive Justice 2006). The law is a set of legal principles that mandate human behaviors and interactions in society. The various sets of rules or (social norms) depict what behavior is acceptable and what isn't. Also, they ensure equality when it seems to be lacking and in criminal areas the law guarantees punishment to those who break the established laws in a society (Blackstone 1997). Logically the aim of the law in the UK is to keep civil disputes minimized and for civil problems that do arise the aim is to provide fair and proper representation so that equal justice can be served. In criminal law the aim is to guarantee to those in society that a criminal offender will be punished based on the judgment passed down by the judicial system for their maladaptive behaviors and the harm that they intend to promote in society. 1.4 Classification of the Law As has been said there are different categories and classifications of the law but the two main bodies are Civil and Criminal. The other branches of the law stem from these main forms of the legal process. For instance property issues would fall under civil law while crimes of robbery and rape would fall under criminal jurisdiction. 1.5 Civil Law The civil laws in the UK function somewhat differently than the criminal laws do as they are basically controlled by the judges and the judicial system itself. Civil law is guided by civil codes and principles which are slightly variant as well basically due to the fact that civil law has an extremely wide berth. The following bulleted outline details and defines the majority of areas that are dictated by civil law in society, however there are quite a few more. Areas under Guidance of Civil Law Adults with Incapacity: Representation is given for those who do not have the mental capacity to represent themselves Bankruptcy: takes place due to fault of debtor not repaying their incurred debt Civil Courts and Tribunals: The court of session and the Sheriff's court deal with matters relative to compensation claims, debt and family issues, employment, social security, and administration Civil Partnership: A new law put into effect to provide a means of legal protection for couples not following the traditional forms of marriage, such as couples of the same sex (basically for cohabitation) Debt and Enforcement: enforces civil obligations such as debt European Justice: Involves EU legal structure Family Law: this is of course a large berth area which covers marriage, divorce, parental rights, and other family related issues Gender Recognition: mean for transsexuals to be able to apply for legal identity from their sex

Globalisation of Logistics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Globalisation of Logistics - Assignment Example By accessing such resources, businesses operating across nations find it easier to price their products and services at favorable prices enabling them to attract and sustain their market share. Additionally, this enables them open up their businesses to broad markers where people have disposable income to spend on various kinds of goods and services. In the wake of globalization, another important feature evident in business activities is increased communications technology, which has spread across different parts on the face of the earth. This has in fact allowed campaigns in international marketing to be effectively coordinated from domestic databases. The mobile phone technology and internet revolution has played an important role in opening new international industries to an endless potential for opportunity (Venkateswaran 2012, p. 78). It is important to realize that globalization has greatly influenced the manner in which people shop. Customers now have a wide potential of goods and services to choose from, having the ability to shop from any place on the globe, something that has produced huge dynamism in tastes and preferences. Following this development, multinational companies have been looking doe better global strategies they can use in creating and sustaining their market share. This paper examines the concept of creation of effective global strategies that these companies can use in the process of creating competitive advantages in the highly globalised business environment. In the wake of globalization, multinational enterprises are faced with the need to formulate and implement an effective global strategy they can rely on in doing business effectively across many countries on the globe (Frear, Metcalf & Alguire 1992, p. 9). These businesses have realized the advantage that comes with a strategy, which effectively correspond to the changing business

Schubert Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Schubert - Research Paper Example After that he taught in his father’s school for few years but he never forgot his first love –that is music. During the time he was involved in teaching, he also composed several songs and two symphonies. He also gave music to his first written song â€Å"Gretchen am Spinnrade†, which later on became a masterpiece (Anderson, 2003). Wong (2011), in his writing analyzes the work of Schubert that enrich the world music. In his study, he pointed out his composition Trauerwalzer (or Sehnsuchtswalzer). Out of Schubert’s 36 waltzes compositions in Op. 9, this composition was the only one with a name assigned to it. This tune was common for all in Vienna and around since 1820. The original date of composition of this song was unknown but according to him the tentative year was 1816, when Schubert was 19 years old and not even famous.by, 1820 the composition got enough attention and very soon several renowned composers started to make a different version of this. A ccording to Wong, in the 19th century, a different name was associated with waltz†Beethoven†. In 1826, Trauerwalzer was mixed with another waltz composition and published as â€Å"Le Desir† and it was attributed to Beethoven. In his review, he described Schubert’s Op. 9 sets of composition as â€Å"little genii† , those† weave a web of fragrant airy threads†. ... (1999) in his study related to Schubert’s work, discussed the depth in his music.According to his analysis, the length of the music composed by Schubert did not sound boring as the compositions were translated into a sense of expectation and space . This space was there in his every creation from every angle. According to him the spaces in his music were subjective and imaginary, that makes his work more interesting. In his composition, sudden and minute changes in key, gave the impression like instant transformation into another realm. The intensity and the rapidness , which were associated with those changes make his work even more relaxed mood. According to Burnham,the themes of Schubert’s compositions were apparitions of truth. In his opinion, the power of any artist to capture their own image along with the feeling, when any composting like the same was already existing was a hard thing to do, but Schubert’s composition was able to do that easily. He did not make any changes to the composition which were already there, but adding something new to it like harmonic shock light up the composition every repeated time. The original value of his composition was not only confined to its growth or development, but it is the material itself which makes it so special (Burnham, 1999, p.2). According to Song (2012), the compositions of Schubert’s , mainly the piano compositions, were too long, with less formal coherence, and unpianistic. According to him, due to the above mentioned points his work was ineffective for any public gathering. In his writing, he mentioned Schubert’s work as potpourri and consist of random arrangement of some beautiful themes without being interconnected. In his writing he quoted â€Å"The survival of the theme as the theme is guaranteed by

Economics of Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Economics of Development - Essay Example If figures are presented, their source should be included and again, a good essay will identify their value to the argument. Having a healthy, prosperous and peaceful phase of a country stands to distinguish itself as a developed country. Economic development is the development of economic wealth of countries or regions for the well-being of their inhabitants. From a policy perspective, economic development can be defined as efforts that seek to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for a community by creating and retaining jobs and supporting or growing incomes and the tax base. The term "economic growth" refers to the growth of a specific measure such as real national income, gross domestic product, or per capita income. National income or product is commonly expressed in terms of a measure of the aggregate value-added output of the domestic economy called gross domestic product (GDP). When the GDP of a nation rises, economists refer to it as economic growth. This economic development effect the individual in the mass leading to a phase either strong or weak hold of purchase power. The ter m "economic development," on the other hand, implies much more. It typically refers to improvements in a variety of indicators such as literacy rates, life expectancy, and poverty rates. GDP is a specific measure of economic welfare that does not take into account important aspects such as leisure time, environmental quality, freedom, or social justice. As we understand in the economic periphery of lives, country's infrastructure and the scope to grow depends primarily on the strategy of the state. If a country does not grow despite their constant strife in fact is due to the inadequate chartering of their visions in the planning. Political unrest, conservative idealism and lack of human spirit are the factors to leave the countries behind the global race. One of the chief reasons of failures in the achievement of economic development in spite the honest motive of a state is social values. Marxist theory of equality and social justice may prevent rapid economic growth like the Capit alist' economy where private authorities contribute more massively to the national growth. DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS FOR BETTER LIVING: AN ANALYSIS Development economics emerged as a branch of economics because economists after World War II became concerned about the low standard of living in so many countries of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The first approaches to development economics assumed that the economies of the less developed countries were so different from the developed countries that basic economics could not explain the behavior of less developed country economies. Such approaches produced some interesting and even elegant economic models, but these models failed to explain the patterns of no growth, slow growth, or growth and retrogression found in the less developed countries. Slowly the field swung back towards more acceptances that opportunity cost, supply and demand, and so on applies in this regard. This cleared the ground for better approaches. Traditional economics, however, still could not reconcile the weak and failed growth patterns. What was required to explain poor growth were macro and institutiona l factors beyond micro

Organozational behavior Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Organozational behavior - Assignment Example The line managers are usually promoted within the organization and usually do not possess any formal education. The immediate responsibilities of front line include day to day management of employees, managing the operational responsibilities, providing technical expertise, monitoring the organizational process, checking the quality of the work (CIPD, 2013). Some of the major responsibilities of the line managers include planning the objectives, prioritizing the work and communicating these work responsibilities to the employees, scheduling the work of the employees and detailing the work of the employees on monthly or weekly basis, managing the financial resources by monitoring the budget (ACAS, 2009). The line managers manage the employees by treating the employees equally and by creating a congenial work atmosphere (ACAS, 2009). They also set well defined performance standards; ensure that the employees meet the objectives and the performance standards and conduct review meetings which help in facilitating communication. The way line managers present themselves has a significant impact on the performance of the employees. Every organization goes through transformational changes which can have positive or negative impacts on the performance of the employees. To survive and be successful an organization needs to embrace the technological, cultural, behavioural changes with open arms. Creative innovation ensures the long term growth and survival of the organization (Rahimi, Damirchi and Seyyedi, 2011). The line managers play a pivotal role in the creation and facilitation of the innovative, cultural and technological environment of the organization (Rahimi, Damirchi and Seyyedi, 2011). Organizational Culture & Line Management Organizational culture is defined as shared values and understandings that guide the actions of those in organizations (Patti, Fok and Hartman, 1999, p.218). Effective organizational culture provides a work environment which helps the empl oyees to align their personal interest with the organizational objectives (ACAS, 2009). Organizational culture is modified by certain management practices through employee selection, rewards, recognition, strategic direction and innovation (Rahimi, Damirchi and Seyyedi, 2011). Although there are various organizational and environmental factors which affect the organizational performance but the management behaviour and organizational culture plays a key role in the in the employee performance. The organizational environment helps in shaping the management behaviour. However, line managers need to behave and apply leadership oriented style of management to help increase employee performance, innovation and behaviour (Rahimi, Damirchi and Seyyedi, 2011). Firstly, line managers and the top level managers need to identify the leadership style required to increase the organizational effectiveness. Secondly, the leadership style adopted by the line managers currently should be modified as per the organizational culture and employee behaviour. The line manager has to keep one thing in mind that employee behaviour, expectation and performance may vary with different national cultures. The difference in the national culture reflects the difference in the organizational structure and management (Lok and Crawford, 2004). For example

Identification of factors associated with the reversion of diagnosed Essay

Identification of factors associated with the reversion of diagnosed case of DDH back to normal - Essay Example Moreover, as it has been evidenced that most of the diagnosed cases revert back to normal condition also proposes a question why should these patients treated when the situation may turn to normal To explore the association, between diagnosed cases of DDH who reverted back to normal and the characters possessed by these cases, a case control study is proposed to be carried out in Yorkhill, Royal Hospital for Sick Children. This study will explore the association between various characteristics and the cases of DDH reverted back. The findings will be helpful in formulating a framework of analysis based on which the candidates with DDH will need treatment. This association will be seen through the analysis at multivariate level using SPSS software version 14.0. the association will be assessed by the risk ratios along with the confidence interval around the estimates. Over the last two decades much knowledge has been added to Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) previously known as the congenital hip dislocation (CHD). DDH affects the ball and socket type of hip joint when there is problem in fitting the head of the femur in the socket of the acetabulum. This fitting may be of different degree ranging from subluxatable, dislocateable or currently dislocated when examined (Developmental dysplasia of hip,Orth surg) (Fuloria 2002). The incidence rate of DDH is fairly high in the Europe and neighbouring areas. A study carried out in Dublin revealed an incidence of 3.2 per 1000 when screening was done by the ultrasonography (Lowry 2006). While in Turkey, it was found that 4 out of 1000 not-at-risk boys presented with DDH; the rate was even higher for not-at-risk girls, 19 per 1000 girls (Akgun 2006). These studies were carried out for newborn babies. There are chances that these newborn may miss the diagnosis at birth and present late, after 6 mon ths, frequency of late presentation is also not low; in Ireland 1.14 per 1000 children born during 1983-87 were presented late (Maxwell 2002). This condition poses a problem during walking if a newborn with DDH is missed the diagnosis. The newborn walks by limping, toe walking or waddling (duck like gait). This causes severe physical disability as well as poses stigma to the growing child (Developmental dislocation hip, Amer Acade) (Developmental dysplasia hip Orth surg) (Bouchar). The associated risk factors are first born child, female sex, and breech presentation. It has been evidenced that female are more prone to this problem as compared to males and the ratio is 5-9 females for 1 male who are affected by this pathology. DDH has been seen to present with left hip joint involvement than right hip joint. The reasons have not been explored as yet for the preponderance of the diseases in these situations (Developmental dislocation hip, Amer Acade) (Developmental dysplasia hip Orth surg). To fix the problem at an early stage a newborn is thoroughly examined by the paediatrician for DDH, along with routine examination, when she/he has got some risk factors involved or some findings are present at the time of first new born examination. The further screening is performed with a consultation of an orthopaedic surgeon and if required a radiologist is also involved for

Personal Learning and Capacity Essay Example for Free

Personal Learning and Capacity Essay Reading through the following pages you are able to see my weekly entries of the text I read. My interpretations and questions that occurred towards reading, my initial reactions or developments after reading and some conclusions about text and literacy. As a person I never really enjoy literature. I am not the kind of person who enjoy reading big books or long articles because is difficult for me just to know that I had to read a very long article and remember it. When I saw a big one-coloured cover book I connecting it with small letters, no space between the lines that is hard to read it and remembers me an encyclopaedia. I was always prefer reading numbers due to that I like very much maths and science. There is no long theory to remember. So as you can see on the following journal, my reading collection is very limited on books and long text except whenever is needed. Regarding the way, where and how I read, depends on what I am reading. (see Appendix 4, p.17). When the reading had to do with study I have to be very concentrate and I prefer to sit straight on a chair and open all the books and papers on a big desk. This helping me to underline or write down useful key words. On the other hand reading as a hobby, I prefer to read when is dark, lying in my bed and holding my book. In addition I find it excellent trick to listen to the music when I am reading in both ways. I like to put smooth, chill out music, because it eliminates all the rest noises and distractions and help me to get clear mind from other things I might thinking. According to first’s week directed task I had to write everything that I read for a week. The following are reflections of the most important kinds of texts I read, and those that made me reconsidered the way I looked them before. A list of other kinds of texts I gathered and a short reflection, are available in Appendix 1, p.14. As well, on the following pages you can find, my reflections towards next weeks directed activities. Entry: Even though that cooking instructions are in written form are also available to read in the form of small representing pictures. Doing this activity I notice that when I am looking for the cooking instructions my eyes always focus on that tiny pictures and can’t see the written form of the instructions. Is the first think I looked for and I realized that my eyes used to focus there first. Then I had to explore those pictures in my mind to understand the preparation for cooking the product. â€Å" Image can be used to reinforce the meaning of what is said, what is written and so on† (Jewitt, 2005 p.316). In addition I notice that after seen the pictures I look for the written form too, to make sure that I read and understand the pictures right. Entry: It just came into my mind a funny situation I had with cooking instructions, when I first came to England. Now I am not really sure if it is good idea to put it in the log but is shows the difference of reading a text, expectations, and differences between cultures, ideologies and perspectives. You can see the above funny incident by reading Appendix 2 p.15. Entry: Text messages and e-mails, that I send to my friends back to Cyprus contained a lot of information in just few sentences. I have so many to say and is a bit expensive to send messages. Due to that I limited my words by putting symbols, write only the first letter or just the half word. (instead â€Å"and† I use the symbol +). After I read again those messages I send, I realized that if someone else was reading them couldn’t be able to understand them. This is because of the â€Å"code† of the written form and the long background and ideologies that are connecting me and my friends. For example in my first message I wrote â€Å"how is c.† , but only she is able to understand the name of the person I asked about. I also recognized that in just five sentences -that represent a whole message- I wrote so many things, that if I was writing them to a paper and to someone else it would take me probably 10 sentence to write them all. Though I prefer e-mails more than the messages, because is free, and I can  write as many sentence I want in just one e-mail and send it when I feel like. â€Å"With e-mail you just write your message and send it.. Even during the early hours of the morning† (Lyle, 2005).E-mail offers fast receipt and enables the recipient to reply immediately. In addition I can write it more easier and quicker using the keyboard and looking through a bigger and more clear screen. Furthermore I can add emotions in the style of J and use from a large list of font style and size and even colour. Even though I use more Msn to communicate with my friends due to the fact that it has the same advantages as e-mailing and in addition I can send those things I write and take reply back at the same time. Is like speaking by the phone but in written form. Also I can send and take files and connect a web camera to see each other. Entry: Considering second week’s directed activity on session 2, I choose â€Å"Vampires Breath† (Greek Version) of â€Å"Goosebumps† collection to cope with the activity for identifying the ideological assumptions within its text. (see Appendix 3 p.16 for a short summary) â€Å"Vampires breath† put me in the action part from the first pages and all the action happened in only one day (in the story). Stine is very illustrative within the story because is putting many descriptions to the story’s persons and places that it seems like you can imagine them as real, as you can see them now, in reality. The motivation theory proposed by Glenberg and Langston (1992) also suggest that â€Å"illustrations may make a book more appealing and engage the reader better† (Cited in Andrews, Scharff and Moses, 2002). There is a lot of conversation and I had the feeling that I was taking part in the story and this make me curious to read more and see what happens after to the main characters. Also the double identity of the â€Å"bad† characters, who could transformed their appearance from human into buds and the tricks they were doing to trapped the 2 heroes, just made me to want to finish it. The main characters are small children that get trapped from their curiosity and naivety of searching places and things that not supposed to do. The â€Å"happy ending† though is show up at the very last pages and I like it because it gives hope that things are going to be happy again  but also leaves a hind that things are going to repeat again from the same mistake. A weird and peculiar ending that allocates a twist in the tail. Even that it was a kind of low level to me, reading the book it make me wondered, what can be happened again to those two kids. Children that the book refers to (9-12) by reading it can find themselves into the heroes situations and bad positions that might have. Reading this book I remembered mine childhood phobias and related with those in the story, and this what makes the story more interesting. Children can encountered within the story’s heroes and happenings because they can feel the same in their life as the heroes and have the simila r phobias. Moreover I notice that the good and nice language and vocabulary is approaching with the children’s age ability to read and also can reflect positive to improve their language and reading skills. With the use of big letters and large space between the lines it helps me to read it more easily and quick. For children will be very appealing and smooth to read. The soft cover, full of bright colours, is the first thing I notice to choose to read the certain book, its cover’s appearance is something that make you wonder what is the story about. Genette (1997) comes to agree by saying that â€Å"a book’s cover is a threshold that a reader is invited to interpret and step across if induced to read on† (Cited in Harris and McKenzie, 2005 p.32) Additionally I enjoyed read this book because I like scary horror books like this collection, and also I can get very afraid sometimes and at the same time so excited. Entry: In view of directed activities of session 3 you can refer to Appendix 4, p.17-24 which include detailed answers, information and reflections regarding both online texts and my personal appreciations on ways of reading, my fears, and my imagination journey. The following are short reflections from the activities as whole, based on the following two main questions: What are the essential differences between reading on line and the more traditional way How these books (texts) tell us about the nature of childhood The Secret Garden as well as The Journey to the Centre of the Earth were easy to cope with by reading online. The vocabulary and language were easy to read and comprehend, apart from 3-4 words I didn’t know (and I had to look for their meaning in a dictionary). I find harder to understand The Secret Garden because of the conversation that was held between the interact persons of the story. It was very complicated to understand them due to there were missing some letters. I had to read all the dialogues again and again for 5-6 times until I understand what actually was written on the lines. I realize then that this was the dialect of the story’s heroes. Although reading onscreen those text was much easier for me because I am a big fun of technology and especially of computers. I find it more relax and quick due to the fact that just by pressing one button you can transfer from the top of the page and through the lines until the bottom of the page and also to turn on to the next page. Letters and generally the whole view was more clear to read and easily could copy and paste the unknown words in my pc’s dictionary. Even if technology is developing more each day to help us, I can outline some disadvantages towards the traditional way of reading a text, ex from books. Through my online reading there were missing colourful covers of the books, and as I mentioned in a previous entry book’s covers are very important as a first impression of the text. And this is because covers are the first thing you see and considered when you are going to buy or read a book. The illustrations of pictures which help you to empathize better the story’s happening didn’t included on screen. Although Jewitt (2005, p329) argues about online book’s illustrations by saying that â€Å"The multimode character of the screen does not indicate a single entry point, beginning or end. This offers the reader new potentials for reading a text. Reading a written text on pages is usually a linear event in which the author and illustrator guide the eye in particular direction connected to the reading of the text† Another thing is that the lines are too long and sometimes, people that don’t used to it can get bored and tired only by looking them. In addition another disadvantage is that you can’t save this texts to your library collection except if you keep your pc’s library with books and text from internet. Although is much nicer to collect the original  books in your house library and have them for a life. The Secret Garden and The Journey to the Centre of the Earth are showing the writers’ thoughts and appreciations about the world and the aspect of child, considering the matter of friendship and cultural perspectives on children behaviours. In my opinion, the matter of friendship appeared more clear in the Secret Garden, than in the Journey in the Centre of the Earth. In the first text, the Heroine is a young children that was neglected during her life. Although Mary finds someone to socialised with, in Dickon’s personality, even if he is from lower social class. The matter of friendship also reflect on me and make me bring in mind my own appreciations of friendship. Is showing that it doesn’t matter how rich you are in money or goods, but how rich you are in sole. Also that children supposed to be free from ideologies and believes of their environment and social background. As a children, Mary is more free and innocent than adults to do things and she is not afraid to be friend with â€Å"a common moor boy†. (See Appendix 4, p.19-20). I find secret garden revealing my perceptions because I believe that friends are very important, especially in childhood but in adolescence too. Making friends we have someone to socialize talk, laugh and do things together. Furthermore is showing the author’s perspective towards the child, to be free, good innocent, and free from taboos and in one word to be perfect as Dickon. Although Dickon’s description make me feel that he is not a real person maybe because no one can be perfect in everything. Mary in the other hand appears to be more natural person in contrast with the â€Å"magical† description of Dickon. Mary feels free inside the garden which becomes her new home. The secret garden is a place of adventure and everything inside it is perfect and this is one of the reason that Mary shares her secret with the magic, and good child, Dickon. All this also showing what readers expect to see about the child. How readers interpret and expect childhood years to be and that children supposed to be good and innocent . Although reading the second text make me engage with it more because as a children I had almost the same feelings and phobias as Alex (See Appendix 4, p.22-23).â€Å"Readers interstitial backgrounds provide resources for engaging with text, even  amongst young children† (Crawford and Hade, 2000, Cited in Harris and McKenzie, 2005, p. 32) Another thing that can be reveal from the texts is adults’ role in children lives even that is more evident in the second text. Adults are the persons who are expected to be responsible and take decisions about children’s future. In the Secret Garden Mary forced to go and live in another house because she didn’t have the power not to. That’s why Mary keeps the garden as a secret place. The author wants to express that when adults are in a situation they like to control and force things and that’s why the magic perfect secret garden is only for innocent, good children. This is more obvious in â€Å"The journey in the Centre of the Earth† when the hero, Alex, who is a young children and nephew of an eccentric scientist feel very terrify and scared about, both him and his uncle lives, during their experimental purposed journey. In front of the exhaustion, thirst and hunger Alex is fainted and his uncle giving him the last drops of water, to bring him back. The Professor do not considered his thirsty because, as an adult had to take care Alex first. After Alex is terrified and express by crying his fears about the uncertain and unknown remained of the journey, his uncle take the control and the responsibility for Alex and decide to send him back to earth with the servant‘s help, to be safe. The professor still insist to stay and continue his journey, because as a scientist was so curious and determined and nothing could stop him not even the fear of death. After all, Alex do not agree with his uncle and choose to travel along with him because he didn’t want to give up or letting down his uncle. This appeared as a conflict with the first text when Mary couldn’t choose the place to move, although Alex took his decision because he might was afraid to leave without his uncle. Here, Alex is having the change to do what he wants but he refused it. and he choose to stay knowing that his uncle will do anything to protect him. Entry: First time listen to the song â€Å"I aint mad at cha† by Tupac Shakur, I have to admit that I didn’t understand a lot of what Tupac was saying apart from the chorus. Although I don’t really listen to rap music I find it very nice and  different from other songs. It sound like a smooth, sweet melody into my ears, considering the background melody of a piano. I couldn’t believe the combination of rap music with piano, although it was something that attract me. Before seeing the video clip of the song I thought that 2puc was talking to a friend that lay him down and Tupac wanted him know that he has no harm feeling for him. First time I watch the song’s video clip I was very amazing. Surprising, the clip was a expressing a very different believes of what I first encountered. The video shows Tupac being punctured with bullets on his way, coming out of a restaurant with a friend. He is dying in the ambulance vehicle and he is attend into heaven who meets some people , probably some famous legends or relatives. The film was something like Tupac knew that he was going to be killed and seeing his life in Heaven. It seems a kind of prefigured his death. Watching the film make me feel sad and miserable about his tragic end. It was very pessimistic film for someone to make and for others to see, especially after his actual death, hence he is appearing laughing, smoking, and be in Heaven in the clip. Also I saw his thoughts about how he considered the life after death and the image of Heaven and make me somehow confident about my thoughts and appreciations of the life after death in Heaven. Somehow my thoughts were revealing in the film illustrations. Despite the brutal language and street words Tupac is expressing, through the song lyrics an optimistic and hopeful massage towards his friends and relatives and then to the rest audience. ABT indicates some of the music video characteristics by claim that: They must gain and hold the viewers attention †¦ help establish, visualize, or maintain the artists image†¦ and perhaps, carry one or several direct or indirect messages . . .† (Cited in Rybacki and Rybacki) Through the lyrics, Tupac conveys that the change of getting out from the ghetto life, is not something bad or to be ashamed of. He has no harm feelings, he is not mad with friends that been a lot of time to talk, friends that change and get out of the streets, friends that get married, find a religion and get matured. Tupac is not mad with them for not doing the â€Å"bad† things and habits they used to do together, because they change.  He has nothing but love for them. Analysing the song I realize that a large amount of life’s values and ethical ideals were encountered in it, by just few words. The matter of religion, friendship, love, the role of the mother, and the value of God. Also the lyrics are expressing the stereotype of rap music containing offensive language between the â€Å"brothers†, a nice contribution of conflict words between the bad and good, the male and female, material world and God. An optimistic ending that he is praying for the good fortune of all. The very last sentence showing that in Tupac’s efforts to display a meaning to his family, friends and enemies that he is not mad with them and don’t want them to be sad for his lost, the song meanings refers also, to those that lost their loved ones! The song script is available in Appendix 6 p.27 Entry: I was watching an episode from The Coffee shop series and it really make me reconsidered it from a whole different aspect during this activity.  The â€Å"Coffee Shop† (or â€Å"Kafeneio†* see Appendix 5, p.25 and p.25-26 for a summary of the film) is one of the most known comic series in Cyprus. All episodes are take place in the Kafeneio and showing in a funny way, some special aspects of Cypriot people’s characters. When I am in Cyprus I never watching it because there are some other new series which catch my interest. Although this day I was very miserable and sad, with nothing to do so I decide to watch Kafeneio through internet from the satellite channel of Cyprus. The episode title was â€Å"The Fiancà ©Ã¢â‚¬ . Andreas who always trying to find cheating ways to earn money decide to married his just few days girlfriend who was a rich old women reaching death. Saying that he is truly in love with her. Although they never rich marriage because the old women dies after the party. At the end Andreas ends up with no money and owns the funeral’s costs. Watching Kafeneio made me crying from laugh because of the story’s reversed happenings and the good ability of the actresses to play with in the hilarious situation. Even though laugh its all you can expect from this type of series, I also felt like home watching it. The traditional coffee, the language, the very strong Cypriot dialect, the place of Kafeneio, and the whole scene make me feel for a moment that I was back in Cyprus. Although Kafeneio is considered only for entertainment for those who  watching it, I realised that many cultural, ethical and moral issues can express from it. Good friends are always there to help you in difficult times and also the traditions of wearing black clothes for grieving death. Another thing is that money you never work hard for, can easily lost as quick as you earned them. You have to earn your money by working hard and not trying to earn them by deceitful and cheating innocent people. Entry†¦ During the module’s assessment of online presentation, as a group we choose to based our research on Cinderella story. And this, because, all group members could related with the text as it was present in our childhoods even though my group was representing 3 different cultures, countries and age groups. Doing the actual online presentation things became very complicate considering the way to present it. We wanted to make it very attractive to the audience and easy to reflect in and understand. At the beginning the presentation was going to held in Power point accompanied with animations, pictures and music. As I said in previous entry, pictures are helping the reader to comprehend better the written part, and show better some key-issues. This was going to help audience to concentrate on the themes we wanted to express more. The animations will make it more attractive to the audience and the music was going to drift and drawn them into the story itself smoothly and easier. Although we realized that doing it in power point it might produced a probability of confusion towards the audience and make a mess during their efforts to follow it. So we change our mind and decided to do it in movie maker as a video. With the movie film we wanted to make it easier to follow by the reader, without being confused or distracted from the importance of the written text, by clicking buttons. We also considered that it was going to be even more easier and relaxed for the reader to enhanced more, accompanied with music. (Much alike as watching a short video or movie, by sitting back and enjoy it.) In addition we thought that if we were using a Cinderella’s song from only one version of the Cinderella story (Disney’s song) it would be so unfair  and narrow-minded because the four versions that we analysed in the presentation are all of the same importance with their own special characteristics. So we choose a chill out instrumental music without speaking words for avoiding the readers’ thoughts to concentrate on music words and do not follow what we expressing throughout the presentation. Although it was hard to find that special song because we wanted one that its effects to go along with the page transactions and pictures and also focused on the most important information we include within the text. Another thing that was with vary importance was the time we supposed to give to our audience to read the written part of the presentation. We wanted to make sure that it was enough time to read them before the next slide show up. So we double-check the time providing for each written text by using a third slow-reader person, whose English is his second language. With this we make sure that the providing time was enough for all of our audience potentials to read. Bibliography Andrews, J., Scharff, L., Moses, L., (2002), â€Å"The influence of illustrations in Children’s Storybooks†, AERA, Reading Psychology, Vol. 23(4), pp. 323-339.[Last viewed December 2005] Burnett, H.F., â€Å"The Secret Garden-Dickon† [www]http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Frances_Hodgson_Burnett/The_Secret_Garden/Dickon_p1.html [Last viewed October 2005] Harris, P. McKenzie, B., (2005), â€Å"Networking around the Waterhole and other tales: the importance of relationships among texts for reading and related instruction†, UKLA, Literacy.[Last viewed December 2005] Jewitt, C., (2005), â€Å"Multimodality ‘Reading’ and ‘Writing’ for the 21st Century†, University of London, UK, Vol26, No. 3, pp. 315-331.[Last viewed December 2005] Lyle D., â€Å"E-mail Versus the telephone†, Last update 2005. Available from: URL: http://writing.colostate.edu/references/documents/email/pop5d.cfm [Last viewed December 2005] Lyrics and songs, â€Å"Tupac- I’ aint mad at cha† (Remix) [www]http://www.lyricsandsongs.com/song/135052.html Rybacki,C. K., and Rybacki, J. D., (1999),â€Å"Cultural approaches to the rhetorical analysis of selected music videos† Northern Michigan UniversityAvailable from:URL:http://www.sibetrans.com/trans/trans4/rybacki.htm[Last viewed November 2005] Stine, R.L., (1996), â€Å"Goosebumps: Vampire Breath†, Parachute Press Inc, New York USA Greek version: copyright by Kerdos 1998 SySat, RIK Chanel, (2005), CoffeShop: The Fiance [www]http://www.tv4all.com/portal.htm?http://www.tv4all.com/television/index.html?http://www.tv4all.com/television/55.htm[Last viewed November 2005] Verne, J., â€Å"Journey to the Centre of the Earth- The wrong road† [www]http://jv.qilead.org.il/vt/c_earth/18.html[Last viewed October 2005]

Counter Terrorism Strategies in India

Counter Terrorism Strategies in India Freedom at the Helm: Strategic Framework for a Secure India Rebecca Sayres Abstract The three-day attack on Mumbai sought to undermine the liberty of India. Indians now stand more united than ever in protecting our way of life. In an effort to strengthen methods currently used to combat terrorists, a counterterrorism strategy has been implemented. The Strategy calls for additional anti-terrorism methods, organizational changes, as well as partnerships between the central and state governments. Citizens need to be vigilant and willing to work with their local government. India however cannot go this alone. The international community must act as partners to hinder recurring acts of violence by Pakistan-based extremists. Cumulatively, measures outlined in this Strategy make for a stronger India. Implementing a Strategy The objective of implementing a national counterterrorism strategy is to protect India, Indian citizens and Indian interests abroad as well as at home. The Strategy will serve as a blueprint of guiding principles, priorities, and direction for law enforcement, as well as government agencies. Those who were avidly against The Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) should be reassured that measures outlined in the Strategy will not encroach on the fundamental rights of Indian citizens. The government seeks to work with its citizens in promoting awareness of the evolving challenges of modern day terrorism. Together we can work to abolish those radical individuals who seek to harm our way of life. Pakistan-Based Islamic Extremist Groups Pakistan-based extremist groups pose the greatest threat to India’s national security. Specifically, groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) can be linked to numerous recurring acts of violence against India. In a coordinated effort in 2001, the groups launched an attack on the Indian Parliament House in New Delhi. The well-orchestrated Mumbai attacks in 2008 were also LeT linked (Rath, p.63-69). Violent jihadi terrorism strategically aims to damage India economically and stir up religious hatred between Hindus and Muslims. Due to this overwhelming threat, India will base its Strategy around countering the threat of Pakistan-based extremist groups through improved organizational structures within government agencies, and partnerships throughout the international community. Countering Threats Thwarting terroristic activities is complex; it requires diligent information gathering on individuals, objectives, capabilities, and planning. Domestically, counterterrorism encompasses many state and federal agencies. In regards to intelligence gathering, the Indian military, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), as well as the Intelligence Bureau (IB) lead operations and analysis for detecting terrorist related activities under the central government (Gordon, p. 117-118). Police forces operate under the jurisdiction of state and Union territories to enforce laws, conduct criminal investigations, and respond to local threats (Gordon, p. 117-118). As counterterrorism measures enhance, interagency collaboration will be amplified in a sustainable fashion across all jurisdictions. Intelligence agencies have been successful in identifying potential terrorist attacks (Mahadevan, p.98). What we learned from the attack on Mumbai is agencies need to be able to act swiftly in a jointly coordinated effort to deny terrorists the means of carrying out their activities (Staniland, p.1). For that reason, an independent fusion center has been established to analyze and integrate intelligence relevant to national security collected by the military, CBI, RAW, and IB. Pertinent information will then be disseminated to those who need it at local levels. Agencies also have to be operationally sound. Police forces need capabilities to follow up on intelligence warnings. This requires proper manpower, weaponry, training, communications, and transportation facilities. These tools permit police forces to take preemptive measures while shortening response times (Staniland, p.1). In order to accommodate these needs, agencies will be appropriated additional funding to acquire the necessary assets for safeguarding national security. Inclusive of this funding is the Border Security Force (BSF), responsible for guarding India’s land borders (Matthews, 2011). Volatile areas like Jammu and Kashmir require additional security protocols to prevent terrorists from slipping through Indian entry points. Battlefield surveillance radars, long-range reconnaissance and observations systems will be added to the agencies arsenal (Matthews, 2011). Terrorists, smugglers, and pirates regularly threatened Indian coastline and regional waters (Matthews, 2011); therefore more emphasis will be placed on securing this area and reducing vulnerabilities. Protection of our seas is a priority; BSF will be provided additional vessels and surveillance mechanisms required for the coastline. Domestic Policy In the past, Indian officials have faced challenges reaching political consensus in countering terror. For the greater good of India, political leadership will place partisan matters aside in a joint effort to formulate timely policies to counter terrorism. In 2004, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was repealed (Prevention of Terrorism Repeal Act, 2004). To indemnify, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) was amended to further include crimes associated with terrorism (The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Ordinance, 2004). In an effort to improve on legislation that was perceived as infringing on Indian liberties, national security was exposed to vulnerabilities. India now operates under new legislation that is aggressive on susceptibilities while safeguarding against misuse. Under UAPA confessions made before a police officer were not admissible as evidence (Toughing the Law, 2009). Now, committees have been put into place to asses each case individually and the admissibility of the confession in court. This ensures confessions are made within the parameters of Indian law, while allowing the government to utilize key evidence in cases relevant to terrorism. Additionally and similar to POTA (Toughing the Law, 2009), new law has established special courts for terror related cases. Cases involving terrorist activities, including fund raising and recruitment will be fast-tracked. Failing to expedite these cases constitutes a threat to the security and stability of the state. Extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary measures. There is a distinct difference between ordinary crime and terrorism. UAPA does not differentiate standards for bail between the common criminal and terrorists (Singh, p. 402). Therefore, bail provisions specific to activities related to terrorism have been passed into law. Bail is now set in a way which is proportional to the charges. The onus lies with the judge not to grant this privilege unless there is confidence that the accused is not guilty of terrorist related offenses. Toughening these laws ensure terrorists do not walk away free after being caught in the act. They will not however, deter an individual from committing atrocities. Terrorism has to be dealt with in the context of its growing threat to India. This starts with better governance. Elected officials at all levels must share the same objectives on terrorism. Partnerships between the central government, states, as well as Union territories are essential (Athana, p.15-16). Likewise, a partnership between the government and its people is imperative. This requires mutual trust and respect. Citizens cannot hesitate on reporting suspected terrorist activities to appropriate officials or law enforcement. Through these partnerships, we stand united in fighting violent extremist. International Cooperation India has one of the world’s highest levels of terrorist violence. In 2012, the Global Terrorism Index ranked India 4th among countries most affected by terrorism (Global Terror Index, 2012). Numerous attacks can be directly attributed to Pakistan-based extremists. The international community is well aware of the forces surrounding the tumultuous relationship between Pakistan and India. UN resolution 39 established the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) attempting to mediate on-going conflicts (General Assembly, 1948). As the UN has condoned Pakistan to continue to blatantly support and harbor terrorist activities, the resolution has lost relevance. Terrorism is not isolated to India, it is a global quandary. The international community is more interdependent than ever in countering these types of threats. The UN, along with allied nations must place additional pressure on Pakistan to further oblige its commitment on fighting terrorism. Rapprochement is unfeasible without the support of the international community. Pakistan must send the message that it will not export transnational terrorism by refusing to act aggressively against those who seek to commit heinous crimes against India. Furthermore, Pakistan must cooperate with the Indian government in extraditing those associated with crimes carried out on Indian soil. Bilateral peace discussions cannot resume until this occurs. The United States and India have held an amiable relationship. Following the 9/11 attack, India offered the U.S. unlimited support including the use of specific air bases (Fair, p. 76-77). Further, we have collaborated on counterterrorism endeavors. The Federal Bureau of Investigation worked diligently with Indian security services after Mumbai (Staniland, p. 3). India recognizes that the United States is deeply engaged with Pakistan in regards to aid and operations surrounding Afghanistan (Asthana, p.17). This empowers the U.S. to impose unrelenting pressure on Pakistan regarding transnational terrorism (Asthana, p.17). Additionally, the U.S. should continue assistance to Indian security forces. India could greatly benefit from increased anti-terrorism courses for police and domestic intelligence forces. Conclusion The 11/26 attack on Mumbai reaffirmed that transnational violence carried out by Pakistani extremist groups remains a leading threat to India’s national security. In addition, numerous terrorist attacks in recent years have been linked to the on-going conflicts in Jammu and Kashmir (Gordon, p.111). India is not immune from the dangers that both domestic and foreign terrorists pose. It is foreseeable that terrorists will continue to target Indian interests globally. The Strategy outlined will serve as a guide to counter those threats. As a society, we must continue to live our lives without forfeiting the liberties radical extremists seek to demolish. Terrorism cannot intimidate or bend the will of the people. Citations Asthana, Vandana. (2010, June 1). Cross-border terrorism in India: Counterterrorism strategies and challenges. Department of Government and International Affairs East Washington University, 1 June 2010. Retrieved from https://ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/27703/CrossBorderTerrorisminIndiaCounterterrorismStrategiesandChallenges.pdf?sequence=2 Fair,C.C. (2004). The counterterror coalitions: Cooperation with Pakistan and India. Retrieved from Rand website: http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2004/RAND_MG141.pdf General Assembly resolution 39, The rule of law at the national and international levels, S/654 (20 January 1948), Retrived from http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=s/res/39(1948) Global Terrorism Index: Capturing the Impact of Terrorism for the Past decade. (2012). Retrieved from Institute For Economics and Peace website: http://www.visionofhumanity.org/sites/default/files/2012_Global_Terrorism_Index_Report.pdf Gordon, S. (2008). Policing terrorism in India. Crime, Law Social Change, 50(1/2), 111-124. Mahadevan, P. (2012). The politics of counterterrorism in India: Strategic intelligence and national security in South Asia. London: I.B. Tauris. Mathews, N. (2011). Guarding Access. Defense Technology International, 5(1), 32. Parliament of India. (2004). PREVENTION OF TERRORISM (REPEAL) ACT 2004 (14). Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/tldb/showDocument.do?documentUid=6920node=docscmd=addcountry=IND Parliament of India. (2004). The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Ordinance, 2004. Retrieved from http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/document/actandordinances/the_unlawful_activities__amendord2004.htm Rath, S. (2013). South Asia’s future security: The danger of terrorism from Pakistan. Social Research Reports, 2563-89. Singh,U.K. (2007). The state, democracy and anti-terror laws in India. New Delhi: Sage Publications. Toughing the Law. (2009, January 9). India Today Bureau. Retrieved from http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Toughening+the+law/1/24801.html

Driving Forces Of Ecommerce In Banking Sector Information Technology Essay

Driving Forces Of Ecommerce In Banking Sector Information Technology Essay Ecommerce is the abbreviated form of the concept of Electronic Commerce. This concept was initially introduced as an alternate for onsite trading. Selling and purchasing of goods was done using electronic systems like internet. E commerce ha spread world wide with the increasingly use of internet technology. Now the ecommerce has also spread in other business environments like tourism, banking, employment, real estate and teaching. Ecommerce has become a more convenient platform for exchanging goods and services. E commerce has also broadened the sense of global market as people can buy and sale goods and services to or from a person sitting overseas. Ecommerce has helped the consumers in many ways. E commerce provides a better insight about the product and services offered by a company. All the major retailers of the world have entered the business system of ecommerce because of the increasing use of it. In the initial stage of the ecommerce the startup companies captured the market share of well established conventional retailers only by using e commerce system for selling there product. Now the ecommerce has improved the service of each sector which has implemented the idea in their system. Due to ecommerce tourism sector has improved because now people do not have to go to the registration counter to get tickets for some place they can book their tickets online using various ecommerce sites. Banking services have drastically improved after the ecommerce system. Customers do not have to stand in queue for hours for some small things like checking balance, fund transfer etc. Ecommerce has also eased the tasks of HR managers of companies as the websites of most companies now have a career section where the aspirants can view the current openings in the company and apply for the suitable job. HR managers can view job application on the website and contact suitable applicant for further conversation. Many ecommerce sites provide facilities related to real estate business where people can get information about the different lands. Many sites like amazon, ebay, rediff have implemented the ecommerce system in the field of teaching. Study materials, books, journals, magazines etc. are available online and people can buy or subscribe them. Knowledge management system is another form of ecommerce which has improved the knowledge sharing system and has been beneficial for the education system. (Concept: Ecommerce) Banking Ecommerce E commerce in the banking sector is also known as internet banking as various tasks of banks is being done on internet. Banks have enabled electronic services to improve customer services and reduce the work load of the employees. All the normal daily bank jobs can now be done using the banks web portal. Following banking service have been transferred to the ecommerce system of the bank: Financial transactions are now being performed by using the banks online banking system or ecommerce system. These transactional services include presentation and payment of bills, fun transfer from one account to other account, investment facilities, and application for loans can be submitted on the ecommerce system of the bank. Customers can generate the periodic financial statements of their bank account by availing the internet banking facility of the bank. Long queues at the cash counter can be avoided by using the fund transfer facility on the ecommerce system of banks. ATM service is also a form of ecommerce system to transact cash without standing in long queues at the cash counter. Other non transactional services like getting bank statements and checking balance in the account are also being performed on the ecommerce system of banks. (Silvain de munck, 2001) Driving forces of Ecommerce in Banking Sector Following are the three major forces that support the use of ecommerce system in the banking sector: Economic forces: This is one the most important benefits of the ecommerce system in the banking sector. Ecommerce system are economic efficient as the cost of communication is reduced, one time investment in the infrastructure establishment will be cheaper than appointing extra staff to attend more customers, electronic transactions will be faster and more economic and better customer services can be provided on comparatively low cost. Ecommerce system of banks will also enable effective communication between all the branches and a centralized database of customers and their information can be maintained by using ecommerce system in banks. Market forces: Internet banking facilities are proved to be an extra advantage for the marketing of banks. Internet banking provides better and enhanced customer services and support. Internet is he best way of marketing in todayà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s global scenario. Technology forces: Advancement in technology is another major force for implementing ecommerce system in the banking sector. In this competitive era every organization has to walk parallel with the latest tools and technologies otherwise they will loose competitive advantage in the market. There has been much advancement in the internet security which has made the ecommerce a more reliable and secures way of banking. (Silvain de munck, 2001) Conclusion Ecommerce is the technical way of selling and purchasing goods or services. Implementation of ecommerce in each sector has improved the performance and efficiency of that sector. The banking sector has taken huge advantage from the ecommerce or internet banking system. Ecommerce has reduced the pressure of employees of banks and increased the level of customer services. The customers of banks are now happier and satisfied as they are also feeling relaxed with the advanced ecommerce system of banks. Many economic, marketing and technological forces have attracted the banking sector towards the ecommerce system. The current advanced technology has made the ecommerce system a more secure, reliable and easy system for day to day banking tasks.

Alternative Methods of Pain Relief :: Biology Essays Research Papers

"Oww! &%$%!" Pathways of Pain and Alternative Methods of Pain Relief Have you ever wondered why when you stub your toe on the chair in the living room, it helps tremendously to yell out an expletive or two and vigorously rub the area? I may not be able to discuss the basis for such language in this paper, but we will explore the analgesic response to rubbing that toe, in addition to the mechanism of pain and alternative treatments such as acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. In the two previous papers for this class I have chosen to focus upon the inherent power of the brain in relation to healing. Studies of the placebo effect and psychoneuroimmunology have helped us gain insight into the nervous system's relationship with the immune system, the endocrine system, and others. Alternative therapies such as hypnosis, relaxation/ meditation, and humor have been discussed in association with this relationship. I feel that my exploration of the brain and alternative healing would not be complete without an investigation of the processing of pain and the role of acupuncture and touch in pain relief. What exactly is pain? According to Webster's dictionary, pain is "physical suffering typically from injury or illness; a distressing sensation in a part of the body; severe mental or emotional distress". Most everyone reading this paper has experienced some form of physical pain at some point during their lives; most everyone has even experienced the common daily pains such as stubbing our toe as we walk through the living room, accidentally biting our tongue as we chew, and having the afternoon headache after a long day of work. No matter the fact that it is unpleasant, pain has a very important role in telling the body that something is not right and leading to behavior that will remove the body from a source of potential injury. Imagine if we could not experience pain. We would not be able to change our behavior in any way when touching the burning hot dish in the oven, resulting in potentially serious burns. We could not recognize that perhaps we twisted an ankle when walking dow n the stairs, thus continued walking on that foot would exacerbate the injury to the point of not being able to walk at all. Indeed, pain is not pleasant, but in many cases it is an important way for our nervous system to learn from and react to the environment.

Neural Networks in Investments Essay -- Computers Technology Investing

Neural Networks in Investments I. ABSTRACT Investment managers often find themselves overwhelmed with the large amount of data obtained from the financial markets. Most of the data available is numeric and noisy in nature, making the decision-making process harder. These decisions usually rely on the integration of statistical measures that attempt to compress much of the data and qualitative depictions such as graphs and bar charts with news events and other pertinent information. Investment decisions usually involve non-linear relationships among the various components of the data. Computers in general, are very adept at dealing with large amounts of numeric information. However, some algorithms are crucial in analyzing and combining disparate information that can impact security prices. Artificial Intelligence based methods uses clever algorithms and rules of thumb (heuristics) in the decision-making process. Neural Network and expert systems applications have been successfully deployed in the domain of Finance, and in the area of investment management. This paper discusses the basics and the theory behind neural networks and provides an introduction to an application area of neural networks in the domain of Finance. The application areas of Neural Networks discussed in the paper are corporate finance, financial institutions, and the professional investor. The purpose of the second paper will be to discuss the specifics of each of these applications. II. INTRODUCTION Neural network computing is an information processing method that was developed from research to make computers that could imitate the way people learned. The field initially grew from 1930s ideas about how biological systems like the human brain works... ...in of finance is essential for further development. V. REFERENCES 1. Deboeck Guido J., Trading on the Edge: Neural, Genetic, and Fuzzy Systems for Chaotic Financial Markets, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1994. 2. Trippi Robert R., Lee Jae K., State-of-the-Art Portfolio Selection Using Knowledge Based Systems to Enhance Investment Performance, Probus Publishing Company, 1992. 3. Refenes Paul, Neural Networks in the Capital Markets, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1995. 4. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Applications on Wall Street, April 19-22 1993, New York City. 5. Neural Network Resources on the World Wide Web, http://www.med-web.com/nnres/ 6. Neural Network Toolbox, http://www.mathworks.com/products/neuralnet/ 7. Neural Network WWW References, http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/sci/neural/www/www-catalogue.html

Landscape in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T. S. Eliot

Landscape in â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† by T. S. Eliot Although the full meaning within T. S. Eliot’s dense poem â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† proves difficult to grasp, the deep meaning packed into every word makes the pursuit to understanding this poem a never-ending adventure. Scenery in â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† represents an intensely psychological account which should never, in any instance, by taken literally.The loss of time, the confusion of past, present and future tenses, the static movement, and the eternal metaphor of the question produces this psychological scenery which in turn amplifies the intensity of the poem. Time in â€Å"Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† plays a very important part in creating the landscape of the main character’s narration. The overwhelming sense of being caught in time begins within the first three lines after the epigraph: â€Å"Let us go then, you and I,/ When the evening is spread out against the sky/ Like a patient etherized upon a table;†.Just like a patient anesthetized by ether, the narrator appears trapped in a space of vulnerability at the mercy of others without the existence of time. Also, the association of the sky with an object as non-moving as a stone evokes a space in which the sky or the atmosphere has no movement: the loss of physical time. Time, in the case of the poem, appears endless (â€Å"And indeed there will be time. † pg. 4) as consequence to the narrator’s psychological state of â€Å"stuckness† and the sense of time becomes warped in confusion and solitude.J. Alfred Prufrock’s isolation also represents a loss of time within the poem. The repetition of â€Å"And indeed there will be time†¦There will be time, there will be time†¦And indeed there will be time† alludes, once again, to a landscape without time. Also phrases such as â€Å"In the room the women co me and go/ Talking of Michelangelo† use repetition for the purposes of emphasizing Prufrock’s monotonous existence and solitude without an attempt of improvement. . In addition, J.Hillis Miller explains: Like the women talking of Michelangelo, he exists in an eternal present, a frozen time in which everything that might possibly happen to him is as if it had already happened: â€Å"For I have known them all already, known them all† (CP, 4). In this time of endless repetition Prufrock cannot disturb the universe even if he should presume to try to do so. Everything that might happen is foreknown, and in a world where only one mind exists the foreknown has in effect already happened and no action is possible.Prufrock’s observation but lack of contribution emphasizes his state of solitude, and his consistent lack of contribution throughout the remainder of the poem demonstrates the impaired movement in the poem Similarly, the confusion of tense also demonstra tes a landscape without the existence of time. Confusion of tenses in â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† substantiates the feeling of immaterial space such as when:The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes   1 The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes   Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening   Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,   4 Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from chimneys,   Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap,                                              And seeing that it was a soft October night   Curled once about the house, and fell asleep. 4) 8 The first two lines describe the fog in present tense, but the third in past tense. In the fourth line, Prufrock begins with past tense (Lingered upon the pools) and continues in present tense (that stand in the drains). The fifth line makes the same change in tenses and the remainder of the stanza continue s in past tense. Space, explains J. Hillis Miller, â€Å"must be exterior to the self if movement through it is to be more than the following of a tedious argument in the mind.In the same way only an objective time can be other than the self, so that the flow of time can mean change for that self†, therefore time has only a subjective existence for J. Alfred Prufrock. Subsequently, past, present, and future exist in the immediate moment. Static movement in â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† plays an important role in emphasizing the state of the poem’s landscape. Essentially, J. Alfred Prufrock admits to knowing the lack of movement when â€Å"In a minute there is time/ For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse†.The narrator’s message that no matter what he does, there will never by change emphasizes a desperation to move which the character’s subconscious inhibits by habit and indecision. Monotony due to proclivity whe n â€Å"For I have known them all already, known them all:—/Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, / I have measured my life with coffee spoons;† demonstrates invariability in the narrators mind because all he points out having done exists in the mind: known the everyday routine, and measured every moment of his life in his mind.In addition to the narrator’s self-assessed lack of movement, Prufrock’s narration places him in a less-than-human position when he says, â€Å"I should have been a pair of ragged claws/ Scuttling across the floors of silent seas†. That Prufrock compares his monotonous existence as being equal to that of a crab in the silence and stillness of the ocean floor directly demonstrates his deadlocked existence.The continuance of the â€Å"unanswered question† also demonstrates mental deadlock because although the â€Å"overwhelming question† crops up multiple times throughout the poem, the narrator does not or cannot explain the question, nor does an answer arise. The lack of progress demonstrates an eternal present in â€Å"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock†. In addition to the endless time in â€Å"The Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock† the metaphor of the question symbolizes the barrier between Prufrock’s mind and the outside world. The actual unanswered question throughout the story may demonstrate a lack of movement, but it extends much farther than a question. All that is miscommunication and incommunicable acts as an extension to the significance of the question. Throughout the poem, Prufrock’s struggle to communicate with both the characters in his mind and the reader demonstrates his self-acknowledged impotence.The inability to communicate when Prufrock says, â€Å"In the room the women come and go/ Talking of Michelangelo†(4) demonstrates the barrier between Prufrock and society because Prufrock never approaches the characters of which he spe aks, he only watches from an unknown distance in an unknown location. Although Prufrock does not approach these figures of society, the moments there is communication demonstrates social flaw. J.Hillis Miller explains that â€Å"Prufrock's vision is incommunicable, and whatever he says to the lady will be answered by, ‘That is not what I meant at all. /That is not it, at all’. The lady is also imprisoned in her own sphere, and the two spheres can never, like soap bubbles, become one. Each is impenetrable to the other†. The last five stanzas of the poem show a change in scenery which seems to switch to the seaside and then into the â€Å"chambers of the sea† which restores his original wish to have been a creature of the sea.This scene also demonstrates the consequences of attempted communication between the outside world and the narrator when: â€Å"We have lingered in the chambers of the sea/ By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown/ Till human v oices wake us, and we drown†. This passage, especially the end line, displays the effect of outside vitiation on Prufrock’s mental state. The result of drowning as consequence to the human voices isolates the bubble that is the narrator’s existence from the outside world which, once penetrated, can no longer function. The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† captures the landscape inside the mind of the narrator through many subtle and abstract ways. The intense meaning of the poem captured through the mind of the character uses the loss of time, the confusion of past, present and future tenses, the static movement, and the eternal metaphor of the question in order to produce an intensely psychological landscape. The obvious amount of thought and effort embedded in the language of â€Å"the Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock† demonstrates the great meaning seen within Eliot’s poetry.

Company (McCormick) Essay

â€Å"Since 1889, McCormick has been the Company (McCormick) to turn to for flavor expertise. Today the world relies on their prized consumer brands, trusted ingredients and culinary know-how. McCormick is a global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of spices, seasonings and flavors to the entire food industry. Customers range from retail outlets and food manufacturers to food service businesses.† The McCormick & Company was started in Baltimore, in one room and a cellar by 25-year-old Willoughby M. McCormick. McCormick’s first products were root beer, flavoring extracts, and fruit syrups and juices, sold under â€Å"Bee Brand† and â€Å"Silver Medal† trademarks; â€Å"Iron Glue† (Sticks Everything But the Buyer) and â€Å"Uncle Sam’s Nerve and Bone Liniment† (For Man Or Beast). Products were sold door-to-door and the motto was â€Å"Make the Best – Someone Will Buy It.† In 1896 McCormick bought F. G. E mmett Spice Company of Philadelphia. All machinery was shipped to Baltimore, as the firm prepared to enter the spice field. In the 1900’s its export office opened in New York City, products were shipped to South and Central America, South Africa, East and West Indies, and Europe. The â€Å"Banquet Brand† was established for spices and mustard and they incorporated in Maine, and the firm now enjoyed a wide good standing reputation as manufacturing chemist, drug & spice millers, importers and exporters. The company suffered a great loss of all material assets and records in the Great Baltimore Fire, but within 10 months, a new five-story building was erected on the old site. McCormick added â€Å"Bee Brand† Tea to the product line and became one of the first manufacturers of tea in gauze pouches, thereby introducing â€Å"tea bags.† In the summer of 1912, Charles P. McCormick began working as shipping department clerk and in 1925 he was elected to the Board of Directors. On November 4, 1093 the founder Willoughby McCormick died, thereby leaving 36-year-old C. P. McCormick as elected President and Chairman of the Board. Faced with the serious crisis of the Depression, he quickly implemented a new business philosophy called â€Å"Multiple Management.† A Junior Board of Directors was established. Though out the early 1900’s many business of the like were acquired and the McCormick’s target market was broadened. In 1970 Charles P. McCormick died of a heart attack and Harry K. Wells became Chief Executive Officer on December 1 following John N. Curlett’s retirement from the Company. Mr. Curlett remained Chairman of the Board. Just as in the early portion of the 19th century McCromi 1972 The Company entered a joint venture with Promociones y Commisiones, S.A. of the Republic of Mexico, purchased from the John Kraft Sesame Corporation of Paris, Tex. The venture was renamed Sesame Products, Inc. Industrial Flavor Group is established to encompass activities of Industrial Flavor Division (formerly Industrial Products Division), Botanicus Pte. Ltd., and Sesame Products, Inc. 1974 Acquired Golden West Foods, Inc., of Gilroy, Calif., to manufacture and distribute frozen food products. The Company entered the frozen foods field under the Schilling label with frozen sour dough breads at the retail level and with food service products. 1975 Acquired All Portions, Inc., for $4.5 million, which manufactures portion-control packets of condiments, with plants in San Fernando, Calif., Indianapolis, Ind., and Atlanta, Ga. The two major retail units of the Company the McCormick Division in the east and the Schilling Division in the West, were consolidated to form a new Grocery Products Division, headquartered in Baltimore. The Management Services Division was established to provide improved information services to all units. 1976 Chicago-based TV Time Foods, Inc., producer of popcorn products, was purchased for $3.75 million as a wholly owned subsidiary. 1977 Harry K. Wells elected Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. John N. Curlett named Chairman Emeritus. Astro Foods, Inc., of San Rafael, Calif., producer of specialty frozen food products for airlines and restaurants, was purchased for $325,000 as a wholly owned subsidiary. 1979 $3.5 million plant in Bedford, Va., opened for production of frozen onion rings by Golden West Foods. Gilroy Foods dedicated solar energy project to be used for dehydration of onions and garlic. Han-Dee Pak, Inc., a portion-control manufacturer in Atlanta, Ga., was purchased for $6 million and became a subsidiary. Harry K. Wells was elected Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Hillsman V. Wilson was elected President and Chief Operating Officer. Sandoz, Ltd., a Swiss pharmaceutical firm, announced its intentions to buy the entire company in October 1979. McCormick supplies spices, herbs, extracts, seasoning blends, sauces, marinades and specialty foods to an assortment of retail outlets such as grocery, mass merchandise, warehouse clubs, discount and drug stores. In the U.S. their principal brands include McCormick ®, Lawry’s ®, Zatarain’s ®, Thai Kitchen ®, Simply Asia ® and El Guapo ®. In Canada their brands are Club House ® and Billy Bee ®, in the U.K. it’s Schwartz ® and in France it’s Ducros ® and Vahine ®. In other markets, including Australia and China, the McCormick brand is primarily used. Consumers can find thier products in nearly 100 countries around the world. To drive thier consumer business we are developing innovative products, increasing marketing effectiveness, expanding distribution and acquiring leading brands and niche products. The industrial business supplies products to many of the world’s top food manufacturers and food service businesses from locations primarily in North America, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. Products include seasoning blends, natural spices and herbs, wet flavors, coating systems and compound flavors. While the McCormick name may not be on the package or menu, we add great taste to a wide range of packaged food including snacks, savory side dishes and cereals, as well as restaurant items that include sandwich sauces, chicken coatings and bread toppings. To grow our industrial business we are supporting the global expansion of customers, building current and new strategic partnerships and developing consumer-preferred, value-added products. With a solid balance sheet and strong cash flow, McCormick has paid dividends every year since 1925 and increased its dividend per share in each of the last 24 years. Effective strategies, our Multiple Management philosophy and a great team of employees are key ingredients behind our financial performance and increased shareholder value. Retail outlets, food manufacturers and food service businesses – they all depend on their spices, seasonings and flavorings. McCormick is so prevalent throughout the food industry that it’s very likely you enjoy the taste of McCormick every day. McCormick employees conduct business under the leadership of their Chief Executive Officer who is subject to the oversight and direction of a Board of Directors. We are open and honest in business dealings both inside and outside the Company. We serve our customers, consumers, suppliers and communities in accordance with the highest standards of business ethics.