Management Information System Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

The executives Information System - Research Paper Example Web is the interconnection of systems over the world which associates PCs to servers henceforth connecting the billions of individuals around the globe. The web which started during the 1970s has kept on encountering colossal development in innovation and demographic base. Web is given by the web access suppliers which offer association with assigned web spaces. Sending of data however the web is a perplexing procedure that a great many people who are not PC technocrats can't comprehend. In any case, the straightforward clarification is that every PC has an Internet Protocol Address which is novel to that PC. When data is sent through the web, it must be deteriorated sending data to the assigned location and afterward reassembled when it arrives at the assignment and the procedure is rehashed over with data looked for. This procedure happens so quick that individuals don't see (Laudon and Laudon, 2014). Web clients associate with the web through the three distinctive area name framework: top-level, second-level and third-level areas. With every area level, the data is limited to the points of interest of the data looked. The top-level space incorporates government level, authoritative level, and instruction among other which are condensed with .com or .organization among others. It is at the third level that data is refined to the fundamental hunt words. A portion of the normal internet providers incorporate messages, moving records, having news gatherings and utilizing the World Wide Web to send or recover data, for example, illustrations and writings. The most widely recognized web utilization is the visiting and sending of texts usually the online networking (Abbate, 2000). The web with all its brilliance and various points of interest likewise has its own disservices. Individuals have the opportunity to stack in any data on the web which would then be able to be gotten to by others

Roman Empire and Nero

Clarify the job and commitment of Seneca to the rule of Nero Seneca was the individual guide of Nero during his rule. He was an emotionless logician who assumed an imperative job in the running of the realm. Seneca contributed in numerous parts of Nero’s rule by presenting changes, bringing emotionlessness into training and assuming a key job in the senate. Seneca helped in significant dynamic. He drove Nero down a suitable way, especially when Nero turned out to be very whimsical. He served Nero well and made a phenomenal commitment during his reign.Seneca comprehended the issues of Rome so he had the option to present changes, which profited the individuals. He made conditions for slaves progressively empathetic, presented financial change and presented an increasingly illuminated organization in Britain. This emphatically added to the domain as he had the joy of the individuals to his greatest advantage. By presenting changes that satisfied the individuals he picked up ubiq uity for both himself and Nero. This was useful for Nero as the individuals of the domain could think back on Nero’s rule years after the fact and consider the great choices and amazing changes that had occurred during the period.Tacitus says â€Å"Nothing in human issues is more flimsy and shaky than power unsupported by its own quality. † This statement by Tacitus shows us exactly how incredible the effect of Seneca was. It is disclosing to us that without Seneca, Nero may have had the force, however had no help to counsel him to settle on the right choices. Seneca was the solidarity to Nero’s power. Seneca made Nero’s first discourse to the senate. This discourse offered extra capacity to the senate and shows that Seneca was adding to the rule of Nero directly from the very start.The discourse additionally vowed to come back to what life had been similar to under Augustus. Obviously, the realm was viewed as a Republic during the Augustan time frame and the individuals esteemed this time. Seneca and Nero were viewed well when they vowed to come back to a period of satisfaction. In this way Seneca urged an incredible beginning to the rule of Nero. Apathy impacted the composition of Seneca for Nero as he composed â€Å"on clemency† which urged Nero to administer indulgently. Aloofness is especially appeared as he composes â€Å"†¦worthy to do the ork of the divine beings upon the earth† It is realized that the Roman’s were extremely strict, so to accomplish crafted by the divine beings would be viewed as morally and ethically right to Seneca. These qualities are one of the convictions of Stoicism, mirroring his impact. This added to Nero’s rule as it implied that Nero appeared to be a self-controlled, ethically right apathetic man who might run the realm tolerantly and fulfill the individuals of Rome. Fulfilled Romans implied that they would keep on giving their help to Nero during his rule. Seneca w orked proficiently with the senate permitting Nero to stay mainstream inside the senate.A key job that Seneca played was to guarantee that the Neronian government had great relations with the senate. He did this adequately. This was an amazing commitment to his rule as it permitted Nero to stay mainstream inside the senate, just as with the individuals. Staying mainstream among Rome implied that he had the help of its kin and could keep on administering adequately with Seneca close by. Seneca’s impact was especially appeared as he composed the discourse Nero gave where he proclaimed his organization for the senate and his craving that they continue their old function.Seneca’s fruitful addresses added to the sound connection among Nero and the senate as he mentioned to them what they needed to hear. He additionally gives coins, which were a further pointer of the great relations among Nero and the senate. Credit for this fruitful relationship must go to Seneca who put t he words into Nero’s mouth and had the option to fulfill the senate by giving them what they needed. A participating senate implied that the domain had the option to run much better during Nero’s reign.Further on in Nero’s rule, Seneca started to see a change. He developed progressively flighty and extraordinary. From here it turned into the job of Seneca to check his excitement. Tacitus portrays this activity as â€Å"To direct his deviations from excellence into authorized channels of extravagance. † The shows that Seneca satisfied his activity by maintaining a strategic distance from exercises that would bring about outrage. Nero’s disappointment became out of a significant number of his liberal thoughts fizzling and it was the job of Seneca to caution Nero about his arrangements in the event that they were insufficient or terrible policy.Although Seneca couldn't change the character of Nero and his conduct, he had the option to add to the resul t of his activities. Seneca profited the realm by dodging choices, which would outcome in uncovering Nero’s horrendous flighty side. This profited the domain in that Nero was as yet ready to be supported as the Romans didn't see the most exceedingly terrible of his inconsistent and extraordinary character, just as preventing Nero from settling on impulsive choices that would not assist his with ruling by illuminating him when strategies or thoughts were not recommended.Seneca’s commitment was helpful for all parts of Nero’s rule. He had the option to prompt Nero on significant dynamic and had the option to end Nero presenting arrangements and thoughts that would not profit his rule. Seneca gave a voice to Nero and had the option to advise the Roman individuals needed to hear and thusly earned their help. Seneca’s presentation of new approaches and making of aloofness contributed further to expanding the achievement of the domain, just as the accomplishmen t of Nero.Seneca gave the solidarity to Nero’s power and without his commitment the rule of Nero would not have been as superb. Seneca had the option to make individuals long for a â€Å"Republic† which further constrained their help onto Nero. He additionally assumed a job in making and keeping up a sound connection with the senate so that through Nero’s reign they had the option to run the realm in coordinated effort. The job and commitment of Seneca was imperative to the accomplishment of Nero, he went about as a brilliant counsel to the sovereign, especially through giving an aloof voice to Nero.

Cognitive Restructuring and Social Anxiety

Cognitive Restructuring and Social Anxiety Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment and Therapy Print Understanding Cognitive Restructuring Core Part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy By Arlin Cuncic Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder and 7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety. Learn about our editorial policy Arlin Cuncic Updated on November 16, 2018 Pixelfit/Getty Images More in Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment and Therapy Social Skills Symptoms Diagnosis Coping Work and School Related Conditions Cognitive restructuring is an essential part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT, an intensive form of therapy that requires significant effort on the part of the patient with assistance from a therapist, is considered to be one of the most effective treatment options for mental disorders like social anxiety disorder (SAD). What Is Cognitive Restructuring? Cognitive restructuring is a CBT technique that involves identifying and disputing irrational thoughts and negative automatic thoughts. It draws on several different methods such as thought recording, disputation, and guided questioning. The goal of cognitive restructuring is to replace anxiety-inducing thoughts with more rational and positive ones to reduce anxiety. The theory behind cognitive restructuring is that negative thoughts can be reformulated through practice. This process involves  testing ideas for their accuracy and questioning if they are reality or just your own mistaken perception. Does Cognitive Restructuring Help Social Anxiety Disorder? The results of a 2016 study suggested that cognitive restructuring may positively impact social anxiety in the short-term, not because of changes in the perceived accuracy of negative thoughts, but rather simply due to exposure to a feared situation. This suggests that its not so much replacing negative thoughts that is important, but rather going into situations and gradually having anxiety lessen. However, a 2014 study showed that post-event processing (PEP) was reduced after cognitive restructuring. PEP refers to the ruminative thoughts that you have after a social situation, such as I screwed it all up or Everyone saw how nervous I was. This seems to indicate that changes in thinking are important for anxiety reduction. While we dont know the precise reason cognitive restructuring has an effect, it is likely a combination of these factors: thinking more rationally, facing situations that scare you, and engaging in less ruminative afterthoughts. Each of these aspects will strengthen each other in a positive cycle. How to Practice Cognitive Restructuring On Your Own Cognitive restructuring is an intensive process. It is usually recommended that you work with a therapist who specializes in both social anxiety and cognitive behavioral therapy. However, while its true that you should generally practice cognitive restructuring under the guidance of a trained therapist, you can also get started with some self-help techniques. Below are some tips on how to start practicing cognitive restructuring in your everyday life. There are several steps to cognitive restructuring: Record: Record your thoughts in a journal, including all negative thoughts you have about yourself or self-limiting ideas. Also, note the situation at hand:  was it a large party with people you didnt know? Or, was it a public presentation in front of coworkers? Write down the implications of how you felt. If you were convinced you were going to fail, did that make you more nervous or did you refuse to attend the event?Analyze: With the help of your therapist, review the notes you have written to determine if certain patterns exist. You may find that you are okay in  work settings, but get anxious at parties where you dont know anyone. It might be that public speaking scares you, but not mingling with strangers. Analyzing these triggers can help you and your therapist create a strategy to combat your unique form of social anxiety.Dispute: Review the thoughts about yourself and critique them for accuracy. If you wrote down I always fail at everything, think about times when you did su cceed in your social or professional life. Identify a few examples, and  disprove the thought that you wrote down.Replace: Replace those disproven negative thoughts with accurate and positive affirmations. Instead of I always screw up, replace that thought with Im a very strong researcher or Im a great listener. Tips for Using Cognitive Restructuring Below are some additional tips to make the most of cognitive restructuring. Its best to be in a calm state of mind when doing this process. If you are still anxious from a situation, take some time to calm yourself by using techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. Use a self-help book specifically designed to help you implement CBT techniques. Most of these books will include a worksheet to help you practice cognitive restructuring. Monitor yourself for negative automatic thoughts in the future and replace them with the positive affirmations that you created. Practicing mindfulness meditation can be helpful to learn how to detach yourself from your thoughts or to let them go without fighting against them. It can be used alongside cognitive restructuring as a helpful tool. A Word From Verywell Cognitive restructuring is not an easy skill to learn, even with the help of a healthcare provider. Particularly if you have social anxiety, you likely have spent years thinking negatively about yourself, worsening your anxiety and nervousness. However, cognitive restructuring does get easier with practice. Continue working on it for your different fears with the help of your therapist or doctor. Over time, cognitive restructuring and cognitive behavioral therapy can have a significant impact on your social anxiety. Underlying your negative thoughts is a core belief about yourself and your ability to function in social and performance situations. Once your thoughts and actions are significantly changed, your core beliefs will also eventually shift.

Essay on How Stigma and Discrimination Effect Mental Illness

Mental illness is a term which is used when a persons mind is affected in some way by a group of illnesses (Ministry of Health [MOH], 2012). People with mental health issues have been viewed and treated in a variety of ways within western society throughout time. Historically if an individual displayed behaviours which disrupted their function in society and defied social norms they were viewed as lunatics, insane or even cursed (Cowan, 2008; Elder Evans Nizette, 2009). It is from these past issues that many people still have unreasonable thoughts about mental illness; their misconceptions have created unreasonable fears and negative attitudes toward those who experience it. This negativity brings for many the barriers of not only†¦show more content†¦The effects of self-stigma can lead to a lack of self esteem, lack of confidence, isolation and the increased likelihood of avoiding professional help for their illness. This then has an over all affect on quality of life and where one sees themselves fitting within society (Barney, Griffiths, Jorm Christensen, 2005; Griffiths Christensen, 2004; Newell Gournay , 2000). Legislation in New Zealand such as The Human Rights Act 1993, section 21 and the Employment Rights Act 1997 are in place to prohibit the discrimination on the grounds of mental illness in areas such as housing, training, education and employment. The incidence of stigma and discrimination in these areas is however still continuing to be an issue for those with a mental illness. It has become apparent through large amounts of research that most incidences of stigma and discrimination are usually reported through research studies and surveys (Peterson Barnes Duncan 2008; Newell Gournay, 2000). El-Badri Mellsop (2007) suggest that most research on stigma tends to center on attitudes and beliefs of the public and how they view those with a mental illness. Much less emphasis on research has involved the personal experience, self-stigma and quality of life of the person with the illness and how they fit within the community. Badri Mellsops (2007) study Stigma and quality of life as ex perienced byShow MoreRelatedMental Health Stigma, Discrimination, and Prejudice1712 Words   |  7 PagesMental Health Stigma, Discrimination and Prejudice Karen Bleicher Spring, 2009 Professor Mark Harris Social Problems 2023 To Fight Stigmas, Start with Treatment Last fall, British television broadcast a reality program called â€Å"How Mad Are You?† The plot was simple: 10 volunteers lived together for a week in a house in the countryside and took part in a series of challenges. The amazing thing was that there were no prizes at the end of the challenges. There was a very interestingRead MoreThe Stigma Of Mental Illness1602 Words   |  7 Pagescenturies have seeked to improve care and reduce stigma around those with mental illness. This began in 1942, when Harry Truman signed the National Mental Health Act, which requested the formation of a National Institute of Mental Health. Shortly after this, in 1949, the National Institute of Mental Health was established (â€Å"National Institute of Mental Health†). During the company’s 60 year lifespan they have focused on research about mental illness, educating the public, and improving the lives ofRead MoreMental Health Service Delivery Models1146 Words   |  5 Pages Mental health illness is related to a group of illness, anxiety and stress are the most common health problems. Mental illness affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves, and interacts with other people (Department of Health, 2007). Mental health service delivery models in Australia has significantly changed from institutional care to the community care setting (Frost et al., 2017). This easy will discuss about he changes in services before and post institutional, how recovery model introduced inRead MoreThe Stigma Of Children With Mental Illness1608 Words   |  7 Pagesassociation with mental illness. This stigma creates a negative feedback loop in how society views people with psychiatric disabilities. Media portrays people with mental illness as scary, bad, dangerous, unpredictable, and un-educated. These views cause people to shy away and fear the mentally ill. This stigma also affects a person’s willingness to seek help when they are experiencing a mental illness. Some cultures, such as Hispanic Catholics, may not recognize mental illness as a health problemRead MoreThe Ways Oppressions Are Carried Out1481 Words   |  6 Pagesparticular, the discrimination against the mentally ill becomes an interesting and unique history that has evolved due to Western medicine, and now effects the whole world. In many instances, it has become apparent that the symptoms and stigma surrounding the mentally ill stems from Western ideals as well. This paper explores this stigma, the ways oppressions are carried out, and how they are being dealt with. When society is confronted with those who suffer from a mental illness, people are oftenRead MoreThe Stigma Of Mental Health Care Essay1711 Words   |  7 PagesMental health issues have been an ongoing hot topic in this country for over a century. Though many strides have been made to increase awareness and lessen the stigma, there continues to be a barrier to mental health care, especially for our nations’ youth and young adults. I will be discussing the history behind mental health care, current policies regarding it, how the presence of stigma reduces the likelihood that youth and young adults are receiving the adequate mental health care they requireRead MoreThe Importance Of Mental Disorders In The Prison System1288 Words   |  6 PagesIn addition, persons with mental disorders are clearly overrepresented in the prison system, when compared to rates of persons in the community with mental disorders, studies found â€Å"that prevalence estimates were three to 12 time s higher than in community samples, reaching as high as 64%,† (Prins, S. J., 2014, p. 862) with â€Å"prevalence† being defined as the commonness or occurrence of a mental disorder. The reasoning behind this skewed representation has continually puzzled researchers and led toRead MoreIntroduction.... â€Å"If Mental Illness Could Be Seen On A1255 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction... â€Å"If mental illness could be seen on a sufferer maybe society wouldn’t say ‘just get over it’ .† Mental illness unlike other diseases or disorders are, for the most part invisible. They are not easily recognised. These instances of being told to â€Å"just get over it† or â€Å"just calm down† or â€Å"It’s all in your head† are direct evidence of the stigma of having mental illness present in some cultures. A mental illness is in fact in your head, but your head is connected to body, they areRead MoreInadequacy Of The United States Mental Health Care System1104 Words   |  5 PagesStates Mental Health Care System: Barriers to Care According to the World Health Organization, mental illness will affect approximately 25% of people at some point in their life (â€Å"WHO Qualityrights†, n.d.). Despite that, the current mental health care system in the United States is inadequate. Many aspects of the system need improving, especially the barriers to service. In fact, approximately 20% of individuals are left without necessary treatment for their mental health disorder (â€Å"Mental Health†Read MoreThe Stigma Associated With Schizophrenia1554 Words   |  7 PagesThe Stigma Associated with Schizophrenia. Jason Branch Fayetteville Tech Community College Author Note This paper was prepared for English 112.02, taught by Mr. Charles King on April 2, 2015 Abstract Mental illness is an area that many people are uncomfortable with. There is something suspicious about people who tend to appear mentally ill. This creates nervousness, fear, while presenting the unknown; therefore, Stigma. Now Stigma is defined as disgrace or public disapproval, which can lead

A Nursing Shortage 2019

All over the U.S., the health care industry has reported a shortage in qualified nurses. Several online colleges and universities, such as The University of Phoenix, are trying to help by offering several health care and nursing degrees. The American Association of College of Nursing said that the in the U.S. alone, there could be a shortage of 340,000 quailified nurses before the year 2020. That is roughly 3 times the current rate. There are multiple reasons for the trend. Many veteran nurses are retiring as the baby boomer generation reach retirement. Compounding the issue is the fact that people live longer now than ever before, all of which creates a greated need for health care. There is also a problem in finding teachers to train new nursing and health care canidates. 150,000 applicants were turned down for nursing programs because of shortages in qualified nursing educators. Part of this was due to keeping qualified faculty. A recent survey of nursing faculty members reported many work close to 60 hour work weeks, due to the shortage. .u973147cb992422e267f728e9ce0b16f1 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); -moz-box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); -o-box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); -webkit-box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.17); text-decoration:none; } .u973147cb992422e267f728e9ce0b16f1:active, .u973147cb992422e267f728e9ce0b16f1:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u973147cb992422e267f728e9ce0b16f1 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u973147cb992422e267f728e9ce0b16f1 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:inherit; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u973147cb992422e267f728e9ce0b16f1 .post Title { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u973147cb992422e267f728e9ce0b16f1:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } READ A Master's Degree in Health Care ManagementBoth four-year bachelors degrees and two year associates degrees in the nursing and health care fields provide a future for strong job outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that nurses will create the second largest number of new jobs among all occupations in the future. In addition to the new jobs, many existing positions are expected to open as existing health care providers retire. Related ArticlesHealth Care Employment OpportunitiesAcquiring a Health Care Degree on the InternetAttaining a Health Care Management Masters DegreeEarly Childhood Education Teaching CertificationA Masters Degree in Health Care ManagementGetting Your Health Care Management Education

Domestic International Market Free Essays

Types of resources and capabilities underlie BMW Approach to Innovations. Founded In 1916, Bayberries Motormen Worker GAG, well known as BMW, Is a German automobile company, mall headquarter In Munich, Germany. Well, BMW also known as one of the leading manufacturing of luxury cars. We will write a custom essay sample on Domestic International Market or any similar topic only for you Order Now Nowadays when we are walling form Apple Inc. To launch their new generation innovative cell phone, the same image BMW has in today’s world market regarding their new innovative features luxury cars. BMW has gained the status of innovative luxury cars by utilizing its best resources and provide best qualities to its customer. There are many automobile companies UT there but only few firms in this industry are earned a title of innovations, and BMW comes first in that list. The main reason behind BMW success is their own Research and development center around the world, BMW group spend billions of dollar behind this R to provide best quality and innovative product to its customers. BMW comes In top 25 companies of best brand value in the world, today Its brand value exceeded to 25 Billion dollar because of Its R and Innovative Ideas of luxury cars. There are more than 8500 employees are working at Research and Development center of BMW around the globe. When I look over to the BMW group site, I found many facts about BMW regarding their innovative strategies. When I review their website I found out that currently BMW R teams are working for 2020 product of BMW. The assembly line of BMW is also ranked 1st in the auto industry by their innovative process of manufacturing luxury cars. BMW are more focused on their efficient innovation process by its innovative culture. The structure of company’s culture are more emphasis on differentiate and innovative ideas, and there is no doubt that BMW is holding one of the best talented pools of employees and cosmologies to approach the innovation. As per my opinion BMW will maintain Its title of Innovation because of their advance technologies such as using own optimizing engine, lower emission advance technologies, habitation, electrification and newly developed connected drive technologies. Bum’s Sustainable Production. Bum’s sustainable production has focused on many important factors as it mentioned below. Advanced technology by reducing emission of CO to 50%. BMW is leader in using renewable energy for production and value. Electro mobility. Always ready for future challenge by advanced technology. Continuous improvement in employee motivation for innovation. Less consumption on natural resources in production. Mobility patterns. Raising workforce awareness by providing essential training to the employees. Product Safety. Sustainable construction and process. More focusing on Opportunities Strong Brand Value. As per the current BMW strategic action regarding the future production as well as with advanced innovative technology, BMW is the only firm I found who can survived even after we will out of the fuel energy, BMW had already started working on hydroelectric advanced vehicle production, environment friendly and safety icicles, advanced production process which helps BMW to maintain its title of innovative firm. How do the resources, capabilities, and activities of BMW contribute to its differentiation strategy and unique position in the industry it has achieved? By using advanced technology and innovative ideas for production and best quality product, BMW had earned the best brand value in auto industry. BMW is also recognize as leader of innovation in auto industry, I still remember that when I bought Phone AS which had feature of Sir, but I also found out that BMW had developed this feature long back in 2006 in their BMW 7 series Models. None of the firm in auto industry had achieved in advanced technology yet and BMW group is the only company who looks to the future and gears its actions towards the long term. Well, BMW is not only one who is spending large amount on RD, there are many other automobile industry does same, but the uniqueness of BMW is the process and strategy they are using, the different culture of innovation spread in BMW, the status of innovation and advanced technology, the status brand and many other factor are consider to be the uniqueness of BMW. BMW had keep this innovative title form last two decades cause of their uniqueness and differentiate strategy where other automobile companies find hard to adopt it, the main reason behind this uniqueness is the firm’s organization culture of innovation where all employees are allowed to think different and something new that world had never seen. How to cite Domestic International Market, Papers

Pupils Errors and Misconceptions free essay sample

Errors and misconceptions are common place in the classroom especially in mathematics. â€Å"It is important to establish a distinction between an error and a misconception† (Spooner, 2002, p3). An error can be due to a number of different factors, such as lack of concentration, carelessness and misreading a question. On the other hand, a misconception is generally when a student misinterprets the correct procedure or method. â€Å"Students often misunderstand or develop their own rules for deciding how something should be done. This is part of normal development. † (Overall et al. 2003. 127). Whilst many of these invented rules are correct, they may only work under certain circumstances. It is important, when teaching, that error patterns and misconceptions are eradicated and corrected when pupils are learning and that they use procedures and algorithms correctly to obtain the right answer. In this report I am going to focus on the basic errors and misconceptions made by pupils studying algebra, specifically within key stage 3. We will write a custom essay sample on Pupils Errors and Misconceptions or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Algebra is the generalisation of arithmetic, containing a wealth of symbolic notation, in which students have not previously met. It is not surprising that students find the basic concepts hard to grasp, resulting in many errors and misconceptions. I am going to cover ‘what does the equal sign mean? ’ and students’ understanding of algebraic letters. These are the two fundamental concepts in which pupils need to be fully competent in, in order to be successful in working with algebra. Pupils Understanding of Letters in Algebraic Expressions In order for students to be confident in working with algebra they first need to be able to understand algebraic expressions and variables. In a study by Kuchemann (1981), he found less than half the children, in his study, seemed able to use a letter as a numerical entity in its own right, instead the letter was ‘evaluated’ or regarded as an ‘object’. Children can interpret letters in a number of different ways. The first is that the student may refer to the letter as an object. Letters in algebraic expressions are frequently thought of as representing an object. For example when measuring a length a pupil may refer to the side they are measuring as x, rather than the measurement. The idea of seeing letters as labels (truncated words) rather than as a variable might stem from the use of the letters l and b in relation for the area enclosed by a rectangle. l is seen as truncated â€Å"length† and b as the truncated â€Å"breadth†, but l and b are representing the measurements i. e. number of length units and NOT the object (the sides). (Kesianye, 2001, p16). The ‘fruit salad’ approach to teaching algebra can often lead pupils to believe that a letter stands for an object, reinforcing these misconceptions. When explaining what 3a + 2b means, teachers will often say three apples and two bananas. This is especially common when collecting terms; 5c + 2c means 5 cow plus 2 cows which results in 7 cows. However, the ‘fruit salad’ approach is flawed when questions such as: If a = 2 and 6a = 4b find b, arise. If taught the ‘fruit salad’ method, pupils’ immediate thoughts would be â€Å"6 apples don’t equal 4 bananas†. They take 6a to mean 6 things, or objects, rather than 6 multiplied by a value. Issues like this can also be seen in questions such as; if x = 2 what does 3x equal? Students may answer this question with 32 rather than the correct answer, 6. A remedy for this approach would be to consider the letter as the cost of the object, thus the question could be phrased differently; the cost of 6 apples is equal to the cost of 4 bananas. When teaching algebra it is extremely important to emphasise that the letters represent numbers and not objects. Another misconception can be found when students are asked to evaluate a letter. When asked to solve for x in 4x + 25 = 73, a student literally inserted x=8 into the equation, resulting in 48 + 25 = 73. This student has understood the property of the equivalence as he pasted the correct number to make the equivalence work, although he did not follow the normal equation solving procedures†. (Egodawatte, 2011, p95). This misconception can be stemmed back to the ‘fruit salad’ approach where pupils do not recognise that 4 is multiplied by the x. Many children will try and avoid having to solve pr oblems with a specific unknown. Instead they will give the unknown a value. Kuchemann (1981) presented a group of children with the question â€Å"what can you say about a if a+5=8? 92 percent of the group answered the question correctly however he found that most of them relied on their knowledge of a â€Å"familiar number-bond or counting from 5 until they reach 8†. In classes I have observed I have also found that this is the case. When a class was presented with the question 50m=100, they automatically knew that 50 x 2 = 100. They did not think about the algebraic process in order to determine the correct answer. The procedures pupils learn may be correct or they may be full of misconceptions. It is important or teachers to ensure pupils understand the correct mathematical procedures and algorithms for solving such equations. What Does the Equals Sign Mean? Another misconception I have come across, whilst observing in the classroom, was the misconceptions students make a bout the meaning of the equals sign. Does it mean ‘equivalent to’ or ‘the answer is’? Students interpret equals as an instruction to do something to determine a result rather than as a symbol that indicates the equivalence of two expressions. This arises in a natural way through the use of equals in numerical calculations. It is also encouraged by the presence of a key labelled with an equals sign on many calculators (French 2002, pp 13-14). â€Å"When two algebraic expressions are combined together with an equals sign, it is called an equation† (Egodawatte, 2011). In an equation the equals sign is used to express the equivalence between two sides of an equation whereas in arithmetic, normally students are given an operation to act upon on the left side of the equals sign and they are to write their answer on the right hand side of the equals sign. When presented with a question such as simplify x + x + 3 students may be able to collect the x terms together resulting in 2x+3 however they become baffled as to what to do next. Many students will over simplify this and write x + x + 3 = 2x + 3 = 5x as they will recognise the equals sign as a symbol asking them to compute something instead of a relationship. This is because in arithmetic the equals sign is the symbol to announce a result containing no operational signs. â€Å"The presence of the operator symbol, +, makes the ‘answer’ appear unfinished† (Lovell, n. . p13) therefore students are reluctant to accept 2x + 3 as their final answer because the expression seems incomplete. This can be very confusing for students who have learned that the equals sign means ‘the answer is’. The idea of a balanced scale can be introduced to students to help them understand the meaning of the equals sign when it is used in equations. â€Å"Students can connect representations of a balanced scale with operations that preserve equalities in an equation. The equals sign is synonymous with the centre of the scale† (Foster 2007, p166). If a weight is added to one side of the balanced scales, then it must be added to the other to maintain the balance. Foster illustrates the question â€Å"solve 3x + 5 = 11 for x† through the use of a diagram, shown below. On the left side of the scales are three boxes each representing the unknown value x and 5 marbles. On the right hand side of the scales are eleven marbles. To get the unknown value by itself 5 marbles may be removed from the left side of the scales. To keep the scale balanced, 5 marbles must be removed from the right side. This illustrates the process of subtracting equal quantities from each side of an equation. Now we are left with the three unknown values, which are equal to each other, on the left side of the scales and 6 marbles remain on the right side of the scales. We may separate the blocks so we can see the 3 separate values. We can also share the 6 marbles into three groups. This can be shown in the illustration below. It is easy to see from the diagram that one block is equal to 2 marbles. Thus x = 2. Depicting a set of scales is only a useful tool for students if they understand that an equation works in the same way as a set of balanced scales, where both sides are equal to each other, i. . have the same value. Students must understand the correspondence between the arithmetic operations and their scale counterparts of adding objects, removing objects, or partitioning objects. With these understandings, students can solidify meanings of solving equation. (Foster, 2007. p166). The scales demonstrate that if you add or subtract the same value from both sides of an equation then eq uality is conserved. This representation allows students to understand that the equals sign means ‘equivalent to’ as well as ‘the answer is’. Conclusion My research has identified a number of different meanings that can be given to the letters in algebra and to the equals sign. This can often be very confusing and cause misunderstanding when pupils are problem solving in algebra. It is therefore extremely important for teachers to explain these varied definitions to prevent misconceptions from developing. It is necessary for students to grasp these different meanings as algebra appears in different parts of the key stage 3 and 4 curriculums; in mathematics and science. Further review is needed to cultivate a clear assessment of what factors help students to fully grasp all aspects of algebra. We already know that even very basic mathematical concepts such as addition of whole numbers involve complicated cognitive processes. Since teachers are already familiar with those basic concepts, this leads them to ignore or underestimate the complexity by taking a naive approach to teaching those concepts (Schoenfeld, 1985; Edgodawatte, 2011. p22). Regardless of the previous knowledge students have from studying general processes in arithmetic; they will still find it bewildering when coming across symbols for the first time. If students are unfamiliar with algebraic expressions, notation and symbols then the students understanding and method may not be what the teacher intends. Research on student errors and misconceptions can provide support for both teachers and students. Whilst it is not always possible to teach in a way that eradicates all errors and misconceptions, it will allow teachers to come up with methods of overcoming these problems. Teachers must be able to apprehend pupils thought processes and their understandings in order to provide lessons which reduce pupils’ errors and misconceptions and support them in their learning.

Dystopian Literature and Film †The Matrix and V for Vendetta

Dystopian Literature and Film – The Matrix and V for Vendetta Free Online Research Papers How does The Matrix blend most of the other works of dystopian fiction we have discussed in class? Which familiar dystopian elements do the filmmakers take up and how do they play with them/ change them? It is a little bit more challenging to compare The Matrix to other dystopian works because you have to be clear if you speak about the whole world including the matrix or just the world inside the matrix. But if we are speaking about dystopian elements we can find some in both of them. Even in the matrix we can make out hints of a system that is in control. Namely the law enforcement, that works like in the United States of today. It is safe to say that such a system does not have to be too suspicious, because it reflects our current world which is not widely considered a dystopian nightmare. Even from the protagonist’s perspective, who knows that he is a criminal, everything is explainable till the agents use a robotic bug to keep track of him. Now we can start to speak of technological control, which becomes more obvious when we learn more about the outside world and how humans are controlled by the artificial intelligence. The protagonists struggle to escape the current system is also considered as a dystopian element. Other elements are the ones revolving surveillance and control. It starts with the wire tapping in the matrix and ends with the ultimate form of control. The matrix, which is applied to all humans from infancy to death, controls everything from information over freedom of speech to time. In a way, for the masses, the matrix also seems to be kind of an utopia. Like in the book of Genesis in the Bible, Agent Smith says that the first matrix was too perfect and therefore implies that this â€Å"twentieth century city life† is, what seems best for most humans. An interesting question is, if The Matrix really is a dystopian work. There is no question that the matrix is the ultimate dystopia, but the work definitely lacks the typical â€Å"warning message†. Novels like 1984 or Brave New World try to warn us how future could change the Society and focus more on individual values like freedom or tolerance. At least the reality (outside world) in The Matrix ignores these questions. It is more comparable to stories like Terminator which brings it nearer to works of science fiction. The Questions that arise in The Matrix are not the ones of other dystopian works. The whole concept of a dystopia is so overdone with the creation of the matrix, that you do not have to worry about certain elements like propaganda or surveillance. In theory, humans can have everything they want inside this artificial world and do not even have a realistic chance to revolt against from inside. Where The Matrix really shines, is its play with reality. Life inside the matrix is that much superior to the reality in the outside world, that, even after the humans have won, they do not seem to abolish the matrix. This makes becoming aware of reality even less desirable than in any other dystopia before. And because there is no relief when you have defeated the system the remaining questions are more like â€Å"is life really better when you know everything about it† or â€Å"what is human†. Another uncommon way is the role of the â€Å"hero†. No one wants to be Winston Smith in 1984 but Neo’s character is far more attractive. If the same â€Å"no rules† would apply to everyone, maybe life in the matrix would not be so bad. Is the movie comparable to the novels of ideas we discussed (Brave New World or Nineteen Eighty-Four) or do you also find formulaic elements that links the film to works such as The Island and Northern Lights? As hinted at before, The Matrix is more a progression of the ideas in these books. If we see the loss of human identity in a more and more mechanized world as the key message of Brave New World, The Matrix goes one step further in two ways. The first is the total control the machines have achieved over the human life cycle. The second, and more interesting, is the question, if a virtual human identity counts. Inside the matrix, humans are relatively free to live their life. Restrictions are just a means to an end and not to suppress their identity. But to decide, if life inside the matrix means more or less than in our so called reality, is not an easy task. Even today more and more people start to spend more time online than in â€Å"real life†. In respect to 1984 which revolves much about topics like surveillance or control of thoughts, Big Brother would have found the ultimate tool in the matrix. It solves all his problems at once and works far more efficiently than his apparatus of ministries. So for me it is less comparable to 1984 because it does not give you, as an individual, much to think about except do not loose the war against the machines or do not nuke our planet. It is especially one aspect that resembles Brave New World. When Aldous Huxley, with his work, wanted to express his fear of what the industrial revolution might bring to mankind, The Matrix might do the same for the internet or virtual realities. The striking resemblance to The Island is the perverted way human bodies are used. They are only raised to serve a certain purpose (human spare parts or batteries) and are killed when they are no good any more. Although it does not matter for the protagonist’s decision to explore the â€Å"outside world† in The Matrix and here actually is true, the idea of a deserted uninhabitable world is also used in The Island to keep people from fleeing. In Northern Lights, apart from the less important use of robotic bugs, it is more the role of the â€Å"hero†. Both are irreplaceable and born to â€Å"save the world†. They have mystic powers which they have to master during the story. Also terms like oracle or prophecy strengthen the mystic notion. Assignment 16.6 What filmic devices are used to render the graphic novel V for Vendetta? How do the filmmakers show that their movie is based on a comic? Interesting, from the side of the filmic means, is first and foremost how the movie renders the relationship between V and Evey. In this movie it is a exceptionally difficult situation because the main character wears a mask and therefore is not able to show any emotions. The Wachowski Brothers try to solve the dilemma by trying to give life to the man behind the mask. They just take close ups and two shot as are commonly used in other movies to emphasise on emotions and focus to give more life to the mask. This is achieved by continuous fluid movements in close ups and lots of dramatic gestures ore movements like body language in wider shots. Then there is the contrast in the use of colours and lighting. In peoples homes more friendly colours are used, but when it comes to the outside world, namely under government influence, the atmosphere more and more becomes one of anxiety and alienation which is supported by extreme close ups. Slow motion scenes are also used either to stress a moment like when Evey steps out in the rain after her fake imprisonment or to demonstrate V ´s fighting skills â€Å"the matrix way†. Also worth mentioning is the use of the flashback scenes. They do not only carry much important information like when they hint at the origins for the suppression of homosexuals, but also change during the course of the movie. They become more real the nearer they come to the current time of the plot. Even though V is no typical comic superhero there are still some points that remind the viewer of the films origin. The most eye catching ones are for sure the overdone action sequences. V is fighting like a bulletproof superhero that simply can not lose. Not only using karate or blades against guns, but also dramatizing every moment. This impression is also underlined by the Wachowski Brothers, when they chose to use matrix style slowdowns or blades that leave echoes in the air as effects during the fighting scenes. Other examples are the overdrawn stylistic demolitions when V even uses fireworks to manage more impressive explosions. Also noteworthy is the overly clear definition of the â€Å"bad† side. Even when his role (terrorist or political activist) is not that much defined, the bad ones definitely are. A dictator, the evil secret police, a paedophile bishop, a tv moderator greedy for power and several high ranked characters involved in suppression of undesirables leave no room for further prejudices. How does the movie tie in with the other dystopian works we have discussed so far? Which elements does it take up? Are there any new themes or angles the movie introduces? V for Vendetta the film plays in a typical dystopian world. The easiest way to proof this, is to compare certain elements with George Orwells 1984 because there several references to this work. In a not too distant future, England is ruled by a totalitarian government. It uses various measures to suppress the freedom of the people. There is only one tv-station that is controlled by the government and used to influence people from large screens or in their homes. Unwanted people are persecuted and imprisoned in mysterious â€Å"prisons†. There is also a secret police that â€Å"misuses† its powers and finally the guilt for all this is laid on the public, for knowing something is wrong with this country and sitting on the couch doing nothing. This is all very close to 1984. A definitely wanted impression because of the open use of similar ideas like the party slogans or the â€Å"big brother likeâ€Å" tv performances of chancellor sutler. Even the end is typical. Its open endedness still leaves some hope that a revolution can save the world. In spite of the obvious similarities there are also some differences. The hints at actual events of political interest are more direct. For example the use of black bags over prisoners heads as were seen on photos of US prisoners in Guantnamo Bay. This is also a good connection to the question of terrorism. Vs actions are also defined from his quest for revenge and the movie does not clearly mark them as good or bad. There are definitely on the fine line between terrorism and political activism. Also interesting is the comparison between the two main protagonist from V and 1984. Especially the question if one man can do something is handled differently. V also needs the support of the masses to achieve his revolution, but it seems as if he wins all important battles more or less alone. He has become â€Å"the idea himself†. In contrast to this 1984 only shows the way to go, when Winston says â€Å"the hope lies in the proles† ,but never comes close to face a change. Comment on intertextuality and intermediality in V for Vendetta. First there is the obvious influences from George Orwells 1984 that underline the dystopian setting. When we subsume intertextuality and intermediality under medial relations or influences, we find connections to wide range of works. The party slogan â€Å"Strength through Unity. Unity through Faith† is very similar to the slogans like â€Å"War is peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strengthâ€Å" from 1984. Also the tv performance of chancellor sutler and the network itself are reminiscent of Big Brother from the same work. Then there are several references to Alexandre Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo. The count also suffered from an unjust imprisonment and prepared himself for the day of revenge with maximum effort. The movie version is even watched by Evey and V in the actual film. Also somewhat related to revenge but also a guideline for the relationship between Evey and V was Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera. Notably here are for example the use of roses or the protagonists lair under the city. Finally stays the relation to current events. The before mentioned black bags in Guantnamo Bay or the governments influence on the media are a too obvious hint at current US policies to be ignored. Research Papers on Dystopian Literature and Film - The Matrix and V for VendettaIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalMind TravelBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfOpen Architechture a white paperNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceCapital PunishmentTrailblazing by Eric AndersonGenetic EngineeringAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementEffects of Television Violence on Children

Dystopian Literature and Film †The Matrix and V for Vendetta

Dystopian Literature and Film – The Matrix and V for Vendetta Free Online Research Papers How does The Matrix blend most of the other works of dystopian fiction we have discussed in class? Which familiar dystopian elements do the filmmakers take up and how do they play with them/ change them? It is a little bit more challenging to compare The Matrix to other dystopian works because you have to be clear if you speak about the whole world including the matrix or just the world inside the matrix. But if we are speaking about dystopian elements we can find some in both of them. Even in the matrix we can make out hints of a system that is in control. Namely the law enforcement, that works like in the United States of today. It is safe to say that such a system does not have to be too suspicious, because it reflects our current world which is not widely considered a dystopian nightmare. Even from the protagonist’s perspective, who knows that he is a criminal, everything is explainable till the agents use a robotic bug to keep track of him. Now we can start to speak of technological control, which becomes more obvious when we learn more about the outside world and how humans are controlled by the artificial intelligence. The protagonists struggle to escape the current system is also considered as a dystopian element. Other elements are the ones revolving surveillance and control. It starts with the wire tapping in the matrix and ends with the ultimate form of control. The matrix, which is applied to all humans from infancy to death, controls everything from information over freedom of speech to time. In a way, for the masses, the matrix also seems to be kind of an utopia. Like in the book of Genesis in the Bible, Agent Smith says that the first matrix was too perfect and therefore implies that this â€Å"twentieth century city life† is, what seems best for most humans. An interesting question is, if The Matrix really is a dystopian work. There is no question that the matrix is the ultimate dystopia, but the work definitely lacks the typical â€Å"warning message†. Novels like 1984 or Brave New World try to warn us how future could change the Society and focus more on individual values like freedom or tolerance. At least the reality (outside world) in The Matrix ignores these questions. It is more comparable to stories like Terminator which brings it nearer to works of science fiction. The Questions that arise in The Matrix are not the ones of other dystopian works. The whole concept of a dystopia is so overdone with the creation of the matrix, that you do not have to worry about certain elements like propaganda or surveillance. In theory, humans can have everything they want inside this artificial world and do not even have a realistic chance to revolt against from inside. Where The Matrix really shines, is its play with reality. Life inside the matrix is that much superior to the reality in the outside world, that, even after the humans have won, they do not seem to abolish the matrix. This makes becoming aware of reality even less desirable than in any other dystopia before. And because there is no relief when you have defeated the system the remaining questions are more like â€Å"is life really better when you know everything about it† or â€Å"what is human†. Another uncommon way is the role of the â€Å"hero†. No one wants to be Winston Smith in 1984 but Neo’s character is far more attractive. If the same â€Å"no rules† would apply to everyone, maybe life in the matrix would not be so bad. Is the movie comparable to the novels of ideas we discussed (Brave New World or Nineteen Eighty-Four) or do you also find formulaic elements that links the film to works such as The Island and Northern Lights? As hinted at before, The Matrix is more a progression of the ideas in these books. If we see the loss of human identity in a more and more mechanized world as the key message of Brave New World, The Matrix goes one step further in two ways. The first is the total control the machines have achieved over the human life cycle. The second, and more interesting, is the question, if a virtual human identity counts. Inside the matrix, humans are relatively free to live their life. Restrictions are just a means to an end and not to suppress their identity. But to decide, if life inside the matrix means more or less than in our so called reality, is not an easy task. Even today more and more people start to spend more time online than in â€Å"real life†. In respect to 1984 which revolves much about topics like surveillance or control of thoughts, Big Brother would have found the ultimate tool in the matrix. It solves all his problems at once and works far more efficiently than his apparatus of ministries. So for me it is less comparable to 1984 because it does not give you, as an individual, much to think about except do not loose the war against the machines or do not nuke our planet. It is especially one aspect that resembles Brave New World. When Aldous Huxley, with his work, wanted to express his fear of what the industrial revolution might bring to mankind, The Matrix might do the same for the internet or virtual realities. The striking resemblance to The Island is the perverted way human bodies are used. They are only raised to serve a certain purpose (human spare parts or batteries) and are killed when they are no good any more. Although it does not matter for the protagonist’s decision to explore the â€Å"outside world† in The Matrix and here actually is true, the idea of a deserted uninhabitable world is also used in The Island to keep people from fleeing. In Northern Lights, apart from the less important use of robotic bugs, it is more the role of the â€Å"hero†. Both are irreplaceable and born to â€Å"save the world†. They have mystic powers which they have to master during the story. Also terms like oracle or prophecy strengthen the mystic notion. Assignment 16.6 What filmic devices are used to render the graphic novel V for Vendetta? How do the filmmakers show that their movie is based on a comic? Interesting, from the side of the filmic means, is first and foremost how the movie renders the relationship between V and Evey. In this movie it is a exceptionally difficult situation because the main character wears a mask and therefore is not able to show any emotions. The Wachowski Brothers try to solve the dilemma by trying to give life to the man behind the mask. They just take close ups and two shot as are commonly used in other movies to emphasise on emotions and focus to give more life to the mask. This is achieved by continuous fluid movements in close ups and lots of dramatic gestures ore movements like body language in wider shots. Then there is the contrast in the use of colours and lighting. In peoples homes more friendly colours are used, but when it comes to the outside world, namely under government influence, the atmosphere more and more becomes one of anxiety and alienation which is supported by extreme close ups. Slow motion scenes are also used either to stress a moment like when Evey steps out in the rain after her fake imprisonment or to demonstrate V ´s fighting skills â€Å"the matrix way†. Also worth mentioning is the use of the flashback scenes. They do not only carry much important information like when they hint at the origins for the suppression of homosexuals, but also change during the course of the movie. They become more real the nearer they come to the current time of the plot. Even though V is no typical comic superhero there are still some points that remind the viewer of the films origin. The most eye catching ones are for sure the overdone action sequences. V is fighting like a bulletproof superhero that simply can not lose. Not only using karate or blades against guns, but also dramatizing every moment. This impression is also underlined by the Wachowski Brothers, when they chose to use matrix style slowdowns or blades that leave echoes in the air as effects during the fighting scenes. Other examples are the overdrawn stylistic demolitions when V even uses fireworks to manage more impressive explosions. Also noteworthy is the overly clear definition of the â€Å"bad† side. Even when his role (terrorist or political activist) is not that much defined, the bad ones definitely are. A dictator, the evil secret police, a paedophile bishop, a tv moderator greedy for power and several high ranked characters involved in suppression of undesirables leave no room for further prejudices. How does the movie tie in with the other dystopian works we have discussed so far? Which elements does it take up? Are there any new themes or angles the movie introduces? V for Vendetta the film plays in a typical dystopian world. The easiest way to proof this, is to compare certain elements with George Orwells 1984 because there several references to this work. In a not too distant future, England is ruled by a totalitarian government. It uses various measures to suppress the freedom of the people. There is only one tv-station that is controlled by the government and used to influence people from large screens or in their homes. Unwanted people are persecuted and imprisoned in mysterious â€Å"prisons†. There is also a secret police that â€Å"misuses† its powers and finally the guilt for all this is laid on the public, for knowing something is wrong with this country and sitting on the couch doing nothing. This is all very close to 1984. A definitely wanted impression because of the open use of similar ideas like the party slogans or the â€Å"big brother likeâ€Å" tv performances of chancellor sutler. Even the end is typical. Its open endedness still leaves some hope that a revolution can save the world. In spite of the obvious similarities there are also some differences. The hints at actual events of political interest are more direct. For example the use of black bags over prisoners heads as were seen on photos of US prisoners in Guantnamo Bay. This is also a good connection to the question of terrorism. Vs actions are also defined from his quest for revenge and the movie does not clearly mark them as good or bad. There are definitely on the fine line between terrorism and political activism. Also interesting is the comparison between the two main protagonist from V and 1984. Especially the question if one man can do something is handled differently. V also needs the support of the masses to achieve his revolution, but it seems as if he wins all important battles more or less alone. He has become â€Å"the idea himself†. In contrast to this 1984 only shows the way to go, when Winston says â€Å"the hope lies in the proles† ,but never comes close to face a change. Comment on intertextuality and intermediality in V for Vendetta. First there is the obvious influences from George Orwells 1984 that underline the dystopian setting. When we subsume intertextuality and intermediality under medial relations or influences, we find connections to wide range of works. The party slogan â€Å"Strength through Unity. Unity through Faith† is very similar to the slogans like â€Å"War is peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strengthâ€Å" from 1984. Also the tv performance of chancellor sutler and the network itself are reminiscent of Big Brother from the same work. Then there are several references to Alexandre Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo. The count also suffered from an unjust imprisonment and prepared himself for the day of revenge with maximum effort. The movie version is even watched by Evey and V in the actual film. Also somewhat related to revenge but also a guideline for the relationship between Evey and V was Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera. Notably here are for example the use of roses or the protagonists lair under the city. Finally stays the relation to current events. The before mentioned black bags in Guantnamo Bay or the governments influence on the media are a too obvious hint at current US policies to be ignored. Research Papers on Dystopian Literature and Film - The Matrix and V for VendettaIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalMind TravelBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfOpen Architechture a white paperNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceCapital PunishmentTrailblazing by Eric AndersonGenetic EngineeringAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementEffects of Television Violence on Children

Dystopian Literature and Film †The Matrix and V for Vendetta

Dystopian Literature and Film – The Matrix and V for Vendetta Free Online Research Papers How does The Matrix blend most of the other works of dystopian fiction we have discussed in class? Which familiar dystopian elements do the filmmakers take up and how do they play with them/ change them? It is a little bit more challenging to compare The Matrix to other dystopian works because you have to be clear if you speak about the whole world including the matrix or just the world inside the matrix. But if we are speaking about dystopian elements we can find some in both of them. Even in the matrix we can make out hints of a system that is in control. Namely the law enforcement, that works like in the United States of today. It is safe to say that such a system does not have to be too suspicious, because it reflects our current world which is not widely considered a dystopian nightmare. Even from the protagonist’s perspective, who knows that he is a criminal, everything is explainable till the agents use a robotic bug to keep track of him. Now we can start to speak of technological control, which becomes more obvious when we learn more about the outside world and how humans are controlled by the artificial intelligence. The protagonists struggle to escape the current system is also considered as a dystopian element. Other elements are the ones revolving surveillance and control. It starts with the wire tapping in the matrix and ends with the ultimate form of control. The matrix, which is applied to all humans from infancy to death, controls everything from information over freedom of speech to time. In a way, for the masses, the matrix also seems to be kind of an utopia. Like in the book of Genesis in the Bible, Agent Smith says that the first matrix was too perfect and therefore implies that this â€Å"twentieth century city life† is, what seems best for most humans. An interesting question is, if The Matrix really is a dystopian work. There is no question that the matrix is the ultimate dystopia, but the work definitely lacks the typical â€Å"warning message†. Novels like 1984 or Brave New World try to warn us how future could change the Society and focus more on individual values like freedom or tolerance. At least the reality (outside world) in The Matrix ignores these questions. It is more comparable to stories like Terminator which brings it nearer to works of science fiction. The Questions that arise in The Matrix are not the ones of other dystopian works. The whole concept of a dystopia is so overdone with the creation of the matrix, that you do not have to worry about certain elements like propaganda or surveillance. In theory, humans can have everything they want inside this artificial world and do not even have a realistic chance to revolt against from inside. Where The Matrix really shines, is its play with reality. Life inside the matrix is that much superior to the reality in the outside world, that, even after the humans have won, they do not seem to abolish the matrix. This makes becoming aware of reality even less desirable than in any other dystopia before. And because there is no relief when you have defeated the system the remaining questions are more like â€Å"is life really better when you know everything about it† or â€Å"what is human†. Another uncommon way is the role of the â€Å"hero†. No one wants to be Winston Smith in 1984 but Neo’s character is far more attractive. If the same â€Å"no rules† would apply to everyone, maybe life in the matrix would not be so bad. Is the movie comparable to the novels of ideas we discussed (Brave New World or Nineteen Eighty-Four) or do you also find formulaic elements that links the film to works such as The Island and Northern Lights? As hinted at before, The Matrix is more a progression of the ideas in these books. If we see the loss of human identity in a more and more mechanized world as the key message of Brave New World, The Matrix goes one step further in two ways. The first is the total control the machines have achieved over the human life cycle. The second, and more interesting, is the question, if a virtual human identity counts. Inside the matrix, humans are relatively free to live their life. Restrictions are just a means to an end and not to suppress their identity. But to decide, if life inside the matrix means more or less than in our so called reality, is not an easy task. Even today more and more people start to spend more time online than in â€Å"real life†. In respect to 1984 which revolves much about topics like surveillance or control of thoughts, Big Brother would have found the ultimate tool in the matrix. It solves all his problems at once and works far more efficiently than his apparatus of ministries. So for me it is less comparable to 1984 because it does not give you, as an individual, much to think about except do not loose the war against the machines or do not nuke our planet. It is especially one aspect that resembles Brave New World. When Aldous Huxley, with his work, wanted to express his fear of what the industrial revolution might bring to mankind, The Matrix might do the same for the internet or virtual realities. The striking resemblance to The Island is the perverted way human bodies are used. They are only raised to serve a certain purpose (human spare parts or batteries) and are killed when they are no good any more. Although it does not matter for the protagonist’s decision to explore the â€Å"outside world† in The Matrix and here actually is true, the idea of a deserted uninhabitable world is also used in The Island to keep people from fleeing. In Northern Lights, apart from the less important use of robotic bugs, it is more the role of the â€Å"hero†. Both are irreplaceable and born to â€Å"save the world†. They have mystic powers which they have to master during the story. Also terms like oracle or prophecy strengthen the mystic notion. Assignment 16.6 What filmic devices are used to render the graphic novel V for Vendetta? How do the filmmakers show that their movie is based on a comic? Interesting, from the side of the filmic means, is first and foremost how the movie renders the relationship between V and Evey. In this movie it is a exceptionally difficult situation because the main character wears a mask and therefore is not able to show any emotions. The Wachowski Brothers try to solve the dilemma by trying to give life to the man behind the mask. They just take close ups and two shot as are commonly used in other movies to emphasise on emotions and focus to give more life to the mask. This is achieved by continuous fluid movements in close ups and lots of dramatic gestures ore movements like body language in wider shots. Then there is the contrast in the use of colours and lighting. In peoples homes more friendly colours are used, but when it comes to the outside world, namely under government influence, the atmosphere more and more becomes one of anxiety and alienation which is supported by extreme close ups. Slow motion scenes are also used either to stress a moment like when Evey steps out in the rain after her fake imprisonment or to demonstrate V ´s fighting skills â€Å"the matrix way†. Also worth mentioning is the use of the flashback scenes. They do not only carry much important information like when they hint at the origins for the suppression of homosexuals, but also change during the course of the movie. They become more real the nearer they come to the current time of the plot. Even though V is no typical comic superhero there are still some points that remind the viewer of the films origin. The most eye catching ones are for sure the overdone action sequences. V is fighting like a bulletproof superhero that simply can not lose. Not only using karate or blades against guns, but also dramatizing every moment. This impression is also underlined by the Wachowski Brothers, when they chose to use matrix style slowdowns or blades that leave echoes in the air as effects during the fighting scenes. Other examples are the overdrawn stylistic demolitions when V even uses fireworks to manage more impressive explosions. Also noteworthy is the overly clear definition of the â€Å"bad† side. Even when his role (terrorist or political activist) is not that much defined, the bad ones definitely are. A dictator, the evil secret police, a paedophile bishop, a tv moderator greedy for power and several high ranked characters involved in suppression of undesirables leave no room for further prejudices. How does the movie tie in with the other dystopian works we have discussed so far? Which elements does it take up? Are there any new themes or angles the movie introduces? V for Vendetta the film plays in a typical dystopian world. The easiest way to proof this, is to compare certain elements with George Orwells 1984 because there several references to this work. In a not too distant future, England is ruled by a totalitarian government. It uses various measures to suppress the freedom of the people. There is only one tv-station that is controlled by the government and used to influence people from large screens or in their homes. Unwanted people are persecuted and imprisoned in mysterious â€Å"prisons†. There is also a secret police that â€Å"misuses† its powers and finally the guilt for all this is laid on the public, for knowing something is wrong with this country and sitting on the couch doing nothing. This is all very close to 1984. A definitely wanted impression because of the open use of similar ideas like the party slogans or the â€Å"big brother likeâ€Å" tv performances of chancellor sutler. Even the end is typical. Its open endedness still leaves some hope that a revolution can save the world. In spite of the obvious similarities there are also some differences. The hints at actual events of political interest are more direct. For example the use of black bags over prisoners heads as were seen on photos of US prisoners in Guantnamo Bay. This is also a good connection to the question of terrorism. Vs actions are also defined from his quest for revenge and the movie does not clearly mark them as good or bad. There are definitely on the fine line between terrorism and political activism. Also interesting is the comparison between the two main protagonist from V and 1984. Especially the question if one man can do something is handled differently. V also needs the support of the masses to achieve his revolution, but it seems as if he wins all important battles more or less alone. He has become â€Å"the idea himself†. In contrast to this 1984 only shows the way to go, when Winston says â€Å"the hope lies in the proles† ,but never comes close to face a change. Comment on intertextuality and intermediality in V for Vendetta. First there is the obvious influences from George Orwells 1984 that underline the dystopian setting. When we subsume intertextuality and intermediality under medial relations or influences, we find connections to wide range of works. The party slogan â€Å"Strength through Unity. Unity through Faith† is very similar to the slogans like â€Å"War is peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strengthâ€Å" from 1984. Also the tv performance of chancellor sutler and the network itself are reminiscent of Big Brother from the same work. Then there are several references to Alexandre Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo. The count also suffered from an unjust imprisonment and prepared himself for the day of revenge with maximum effort. The movie version is even watched by Evey and V in the actual film. Also somewhat related to revenge but also a guideline for the relationship between Evey and V was Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera. Notably here are for example the use of roses or the protagonists lair under the city. Finally stays the relation to current events. The before mentioned black bags in Guantnamo Bay or the governments influence on the media are a too obvious hint at current US policies to be ignored. Research Papers on Dystopian Literature and Film - The Matrix and V for VendettaIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalMind TravelBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfOpen Architechture a white paperNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceCapital PunishmentTrailblazing by Eric AndersonGenetic EngineeringAnalysis Of A Cosmetics AdvertisementEffects of Television Violence on Children

Easy To Make Glitter Slime

Easy To Make Glitter Slime Why make ordinary slime, when you can make sparkly glitter slime!  Try this easy recipe to make the slime in any color of the rainbow. Glitter Slime Materials glitter glueboraxwater The recipe works with either clear or white school glue, but white glue makes opaque slime. For clear or translucent colored slime that glitters, choose a clear or translucent glue. If you cant find glitter glue, add glitter as an ingredient. Borax is sold as a detergent booster with laundry supplies, or you can purchase it online. Let's Make Glitter Slime! Slime is a polymer that forms when you mix two solutions: glue and dissolved borax. The first step is to make these solutions. Dissolve 1 teaspoon borax in 1/2 cup warm water. Its okay if the borax doesnt completely dissolve. You only need the liquid part, not any solid that stays at the bottom of the cup.In a separate container, mix 1/2 cup glue (4-oz bottle of glue) and 1 cup of water. If you dont like the color of the slime, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture.When you are ready to make glitter slime, dump the two mixtures into a bowl. Use your hands to mix the slime (thats part of the fun). If you have any leftover liquid after the slime polymerizes, you can discard it. When you are finished playing with the glitter slime, you can store it in a sealed plastic bag. The borax is a natural disinfectant, but the slime will keep fresh even longer if you refrigerate it. Clean-up is easy using warm water. Other Ways To Make Glitter Slime If you dont have the materials for this glitter slime recipe, you can add glitter to any  other slime recipes, or you can add glitter to slime from the store.

Describe both the general and specific social conditions that existed Essay

Describe both the general and specific social conditions that existed for Nat Turner in Southampton County, Virginia, in the 1830s - Essay Example It is also important to consider whether or not the actions of Nat Turner were warranted or not. The aforementioned issues are what would be succinctly discussed in this paper. It was actually the horrors of the American slavery during the nineteenth century that triggered the rebellion of Nat Turner and his cohorts. It was the anguish that was caused by the alarming increase in the death of African Americans and the annihilation of slave families that triggered the actions of Nat Turner and his followers into conducting what could be described as a rather violent revolt. However, Nat Turner was regarded as a religious fanatic and this could also have precipitated his violent actions in the revolt against the white slave owners. It was due to Nat Turner’s religious zealousness that he was not apologetic in his confession when he was tried in a court in Southampton County (Oates 176-178). killing of his master and his family was unwarranted in any way. The manner at which Nat Turner conducted his rebellion gives one the impression that he was violent in nature. Nat Turner and his accomplices slaughtered defenseless women, children and babies during the revolt (Oates 101-104). It was due to Nat Turner’s rather careless approach to the issue of slavery that thwarted the abolishment of slavery in the South and made the movement to abolish slavery to lose its grounds in the South. It was after Nat Turner’s revolt that white legislatures from the South imposed austere laws on slaves in the South. It was due to the violent nature of Nat Turner’s led rebellion that it is described as one of the most bloody revolt in the history of the United States of America, a situation that led to the death of about seventy whites and over two hundred blacks. One would be forced to ask, what did Nat Turner gain from this rebellion? If the blacks he sought to free wer e actually massacred more than the white oppressors as the case may be (Oates). Thus, the legacy of Nat

Business History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business History - Essay Example Businesses would increase their sales if there is easy transportation access to its current and prospective clients. One very successful strategy to outwit competitors is for the companies to shift to high volume and low cost productions management styles Plus, the industrialization of businesses in Britain is characterized by the popularity of the small and medium scale firms. These types of businesses were normally managed by the owners and their relatives. These small scale markets were transformed into regional markets. The established marketers would implement the business laws and political laws of the land in order to have a peaceful and harmoniously fair competitor relationship. Further, many companies decided to focus the scarce resources on the production of specialty products that satisfies the needs of a niche market. Many companies were also forced to vertically integrate like the small and medium scale industries. A few businesses were segregated by the government into districts from 1750 to 1850. Some of the businesses had to research to develop new products and processes in order to keep abreast with their wily competitors. Many of the small firms and the Zaibatsu were family owned businesses. These small and micro industries are often single proprietorships and partnerships. The family as a whole may acquire wide range of expertise in terms of diversification into other businesses. Normally these types of industries generate slow sales activities resulting to low volume sales which in turn generates correspondingly low profits. Some f the Japanese industries were characterized by merchants enveloped in the industrial world called Ukiyo or floating worlds(Whitley,66). Many of the Zaibatsu companies are bigger than the small firms. Also, many Japanese companies had to close shop because they were not able to adapt to the

Structural Interconversion of Holin Transmembrane Domain I

Structural Interconversion of Holin Transmembrane Domain I Structural Interconversion of Holin Transmembrane Domain I is Dictated by a Single Proline: A FRET-based Analysis and its Functional Importance in Pore Formation. Muralikrishna Lella,†  Soumya Kamilla,†¡ Vikas Jain†¡,* and Radhakrishnan Mahalakshmi† ,* KEYWORDS (Word Style â€Å"BG_Keywords†). If you are submitting your paper to a journal that requires keywords, provide significant keywords to aid the reader in literature retrieval. ABSTRACT: Mycobacterial cell lysis during the lytic D29 bacteriophage infection is timed by perfect orchestration amongst/between components of the holin-endolysin cassette. In Gram-negative bacteria, progressively accumulating holin in the inner membrane, retained in its inactive form by anti-holin, is triggered into active hole formation, resulting in the canonical host cell lysis. However, the molecular mechanism of regulation and physical basis of pore formation in the mycobacterial inner membrane by D29 holin, particularly in the nonexistence of an anti-holin, is poorly understood. In this study, we report, for the first time, the use of fluorescence resonance transfer measurements to demonstrate that the first transmembrane domain (TM1) of D29 holin undergoes a helix ↔ ÃŽ ²-hairpin conformational interconversion. We validate that this structural malleability is mediated by a centrally positioned proline, and is abolished in the conformationally rigid substitution mutants containing Ala, DPro, or Aib. Using electrophysiology measurements coupled with calorimetric vesicle assays, we demonstrate that due to the conformational switch, native TM1 exhibits sluggish self-association in membrana, while its rigid variants show accelerated lipid bilayer disruption. The biological implications of D29 holin structural alteration is presented as a holin self-regulatory mechanism and its implications are discussed in the context of data-driven peptide-based therapeutics. The fatal host cell lysis step during bacteriophage infection is one of the most precisely programmed events, coordinated by the mechanical membrane disruption by a hole-forming membrane protein termed holin and the peptidoglycan-degrading enzyme endolysin.1 In the canonical holin-endolysin cassette, holin accumulates in the bacterial inner membrane and is retained in the inactive form until membrane depolarization drives holin assembly into holes that are large enough for endolysin release.1b,2 It is believed that ion leak through pinholes formed in holin-enriched lipid rafts would result in local membrane depolarization, which would exponentially propagate throughout the bacterial inner membrane and result in the formation of >300 nm diameter holes.2g,3 Historically, genetics of the coliphages T4, ÃŽ », and 21 have been extensively investigated, and therefore our current understanding of holin function and regulation is largely derived from the lysis effector S105 (or S2168) holin and the antiholin S107 (or S2171).2d,2g,4 Based on more recent functional characterization of members from eight holin superfamilies comprising several bacteriophages,5 we now know that the number of transmembrane ÃŽ ±-helical segments (TMSs) can vary from 1-4; of this, the 3-TMS is widely prevalent.1b,6 Despite conceptual and experimental advances in our understanding of holin function, very few studies have translated these findings to the mechanism of holin regulation in mycobacteriophages (Mφ). Currently, >4000 documented Mφ species exist, of which >600 have been sequenced.7 Of particular interest is the lytic Mφ D29, which is the predator for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, among other mycobacteria. Mφ D29 possesses a putative holin sequence coded by the gp11 gene, and is predicted to possess two transmembrane segments, typically observed in class II holins.8 However, an antiholin sequence is conspicuously missing in the Mφ D29 genome, raising concerns on how this phage achieves holin regulation. A previous finding from our laboratory demonstrated that the first transmembrane domain (TM1) of D29 Mφ holin could undergo a conformational switch from a helical form to an extended structure, and a centrally located Pro-Gly segment was important for such interconversion.9 This opened further questions on the biophysical nature of such a conformational conversion, the functional implications during holin assembly and whether such interconversion did indeed possess any regulational role within the mycobacterial cell. In this study, we demonstrate that the D29 Mφ TM1 undergoes a helix ÃŽ ²-hairpin conversion that is abolished in Pro -> Ala/DPro/Aib mutation. We also show that proline internally regulates assembly of TM1 in the membrane, and could potentially function as the ‘missing’ antiholin in D29 Mφ. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ASD ASD METHODS Peptide synthesis and labeling with fluorescent probes. All peptides were synthesized using Fmoc chemistry on a Rink Amide AM resin with a 0.63 mmol/g loading capacity, using DMF as the medium. Deprotection of Fmoc was achieved using 20% piperidine and the progress of the reaction was monitored using Kaiser test and mass spectrometry.9-10 Final peptide was generated using the cleavage cocktail (TFA : water : phenol : ethanedithiol : thioanisole in the ratio 85:5:5:2.5:2.5), followed by cold ether precipitation, and verified by mass spectrometry. On-resin labeling of the fluorophore (Alexa Fluor ® 350 or dansyl chloride) at the N-terminal residue was achieved using HOBt or DIPEA in DMF. All labeling reactions were carried out at least twice and confirmed by mass spectrometry. Labeling efficiency was calculated using labeled peptide absorbance at fluorophore ÃŽ »max ­ and unlabeled : labeled peptide ratios for all reactions were maintained at ~1.0:0.5. Details are in the electronic supplementary information (ESI). Peptide folding and circular dichroism experiments. Desired quantity of peptide in the powder form was dissolved in 100 mM LDAO (lauryldimethylamine oxide) or 100 mM DPC (n-dodeyclphosphocholine) micelles prepared in 50 mM sodium phosphate pH 7.2, and were subjected to repeated cycles of heating and vortexing to promote peptide folding.9 All biophysical experiments were carried out using 0.022-0.024 mM samples, unless otherwise specified. Quantification was achieved using a molar extinction coefficient of 8408 M-1 cm-1 at 280 nm.CD spectra were acquired in various micellar conditions at 25  °C, using a 1 mm path length quartz cuvette at scan speeds of 100 nm/min. Data were integrated over three acquisitions and converted to molar ellipticity values using reported methods.9,11 Thermal denaturation and recovery measurements were carried out between 5-95  °C and 95-5  °C, respectively at a ramp rate of 1  °C/min. Details are provided in the ESI. Fluorescence and anisotropy measurements. Steady state Fà ¶rster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) measurements were carried out using Trp excitation at 280 nm ( ±2 nm slit width) and emission spectra were recorded between 295-550 nm ( ±3 nm slit width). Inter- and intra-molecular FRET was demarcated by titrating unlabeled peptide into labeled peptide samples to achieve stepwise dilutions and final unlabeled: labeled ratios of 1:1, 1:0.8, 1:0.6, 1:0.4, 1:0.2, 1:0. Data were normalized against Trp emission intensities and acceptor intensity at ÃŽ »max ­ were plotted (Alexa Fluor ® 350 ÃŽ »max = 442 nm and dansyl chloride ÃŽ »max = 500 nm). Anisotropy values were acquired using ÃŽ »ex-max = 442 nm and ÃŽ »em = 345 nm for both the labeled and unlabeled peptides. Lifetime measurements were carried out using time correlated single photon counting. Trp excitation was achieved at 292 nm using a pulsed LED and fluorescence decays were monitored at the ÃŽ »em-max for the respective samples (345 nm in LDAO; 347 nm in DPC; 355 nm in buffer). All data were fitted to a triple exponential decay to derive lifetimes (Ï„i) and their respective amplitudes (ÃŽ ±i). The average lifetime was given as = ÃŽ £Ãâ€ži.ÃŽ ±i.12Details are provided in the ESI. Pore formation measurement using planar lipid bilayers. Black lipid membranes were generated using DiPhPC (diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine) on a planar lipid bilayer workstation in which the membrane bilayer was painted across a 150 ÃŽ ¼m aperture generated in the septum of a Delrin cup. A constant 10 mV voltage was applied in both cis and trans sides of the chamber, pre-filled with mM sodium phosphate pH 7.2 containing 0.5 M KCl. 0.022-0.024 mM peptide was added to the cis chamber and electric current was recorded using a 50 Hz filter, sampling frequency of 10 kHz, and digitized. Opening and closing event frequency was calculated throughout the recording and converted to conductance using the formula: [observed current in pA] / 10 mV = conductance in nS. Details are described in the ESI. ASSOCIATED CONTENT (Word Style â€Å"TE_Supporting_Information†). Supporting Information. A brief statement in nonsentence format listing the contents of material supplied as Supporting Information should be included, ending with â€Å"This material is available free of charge via the Internet at http://pubs.acs.org.† For instructions on what should be included in the Supporting Information as well as how to prepare this material for publication, refer to the journal’s Instructions for Authors. ABBREVIATIONS CCR2, CC chemokine receptor 2; CCL2, CC chemokine ligand 2; CCR5, CC chemokine receptor 5; TLC, thin layer chromatography. REFERENCES (Word Style TF_References_Section). References are placed at the end of the manuscript. Authors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all references. Examples of the recommended formats for the various reference types can be found at http://pubs.acs.org/page/4authors/index.html. Detailed information on reference style can be found in The ACS Style Guide, available from Oxford Press. (1) (a) Smith, D. L.; Young, R. J. Bacteriol. 1998, 180, 4199-4211; (b) Young, R. Current Opinion in Microbiology 2013, 16, 790-797; (c) Young, R. Microbiological Reviews 1992, 56, 430-481. (2) (a) Young, R.; Wang, I.; Roof, W. D. Trends Microbiol. 2000, 8, 120-128; (b) Ramanculov, E.; Young, R. Gene 2001, 265, 25-36; (c) Wang, I. N.; Deaton, J.; Young, R. J. Bacteriol. 2003, 185, 779-787; (d) Park, T.; Struck, D. K.; Deaton, J. F.; Young, R. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2006, 103, 19713-19718; (e) Savva, C. G.; Dewey, J. S.; Deaton, J.; White, R. L.; Struck, D. K.; Holzenburg, A.; Young, R. Mol. Microbiol. 2008, 69, 784-793; (f) Pang, T.; Savva, C. G.; Fleming, K. G.; Struck, D. K.; Young, R. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2009, 106, 18966-18971; (g) White, R.; Chiba, S.; Pang, T.; Dewey, J. S.; Savva, C. G.; Holzenburg, A.; Pogliano, K.; Young, R. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2011, 108, 798-803; (h) Young, R. Journal of Microbiology 2014, 52, 243-258. (3) (a) Dewey, J. S.; Savva, C. G.; White, R. L.; Vitha, S.; Holzenburg, A.; Young, R. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2010, 107, 2219-2223; (b) Pang, T.; Fleming, T. C.; Pogliano, K.; Young, R. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2013, 110, E2054-2063; (c) Savva, C. G.; Dewey, J. S.; Moussa, S. H.; To, K. H.; Holzenburg, A.; Young, R. Mol. Microbiol. 2014, 91, 57-65. (4) Blasi, U.; Nam, K.; Hartz, D.; Gold, L.; Young, R. EMBO Journal 1989, 8, 3501-3510. (5) Reddy, B. L.; Saier, M. H., Jr. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 2013, 1828, 2654-2671. (6) Wang, I. N.; Smith, D. L.; Young, R. Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 2000, 54, 799-825. (7) http://phagesdb.org/. (8) (a) Catalao, M. J.; Gil, F.; Moniz-Pereira, J.; Pimentel, M. J. Bacteriol. 2011, 193, 2793-2803; (b) Hatfull, G. F.; Jacobs-Sera, D.; Lawrence, J. G.; Pope, W. H.; Russell, D. A.; Ko, C. C.; Weber, R. J.; Patel, M. C.; Germane, K. L.; Edgar, R. H.; Hoyte, N. N.; Bowman, C. A.; Tantoco, A. T.; Paladin, E. C.; Myers, M. S.; Smith, A. L.; Grace, M. S.; Pham, T. T.; OBrien, M. B.; Vogelsberger, A. M.; Hryckowian, A. J.; Wynalek, J. L.; Donis-Keller, H.; Bogel, M. W.; Peebles, C. L.; Cresawn, S. G.; Hendrix, R. W. J. Mol. Biol. 2010, 397, 119-143; (c) Payne, K.; Sun, Q.; Sacchettini, J.; Hatfull, G. F. Mol. Microbiol. 2009, 73, 367-381. (9) Lella, M.; Mahalakshmi, R. Chem. Commun. 2013, 49, 9594-9596. (10) Makwana, K. M.; Raghothama, S.; Mahalakshmi, R. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2013, 15, 15321-15324. (11) Maurya, S. R.; Chaturvedi, D.; Mahalakshmi, R. Sci. Rep. 2013, 3, 1989. (12) Maurya, S. R.; Mahalakshmi, R. J. Biol. Chem. 2013, 288, 25584-25592.

Post war Greece Essay

Benito Mussolini had expansionists policies in his Fascist regime in Italy. By the mid of 1940, Mussolini had started admiring Adolf Hitler’s conquests and wanted to prove his counterpart, Hitler who was an Axis partner, that he too could lead Italy to success in war. Italy took control over Albania in 1939. Italians invaded Greece after the Greek dictator whose name was I. Metaxas refused to honor Italian ultimatum demanding the occupation of Greek territory. The Greek counter attacked and forced the Italians out and even took control of Albania formerly under Italy. In April 1941, Germany started attacking Greece and the Italian army also resumed their attack to Greece. As a result, the Greece army started retreating back from Albania to avoid a possible cut off by the rapidly advancing Germany troops. On April 20th, the Greek army based at Epirus surrendered to their enemies,the Germans and on the 23rd the same month, the same was repeated now to include the Italians and thus bringing the war between Greece and Italy to an end. The Greek victory over the Italian offensive on October 1940 was the first victory of the second world war and this boosted the morale in the occupied Europe Italian soldiers came across the Greek border in the 28th day of October 1940 but Greek defenders who were more determined drove these invaders back in to Albania (McNail, 167). As the death of Metaxas came in January 1941, he had already undergone a transformation from unpopular dictator who was not admirable by the people in to a national leader liked by the people, by his defiance of Mussolini and to the people his death was a great loss. Hitler was forced to reluctantly divert the troops from Germany to go and rescue Mussolini from being defeated and as a result ended up attacking Greece through Bulgaria and Yugoslavia. In response, the Greek sought for assistance from the British, and assistance was given readily although Greeks kept insisting stubbornly to defend Macedonia and Thrace from attacks by the Germany invaders while the Greece’s only hope was to strategically withdraw to a defensive line on a river south of Thessaloniki. Towards the end of May, the German troops had taken control over much of the land in Greece. Both the king and the government escaped to Crete and stayed here until the battle of Crete finally came to an end. From here, they transferred to Egypt where they established a government in exile while an establishment of a Nazi held puppet regime took place in Athens, Greece. Members of this regime were either conservatives or belonging to the nationalists but with fascist leanings. The three people who collaborated with the enemy were T. Georgis, K. Logothetopoulos and R. Ioannis. T. Georgis was the general who signed the armistice earlier with Wehrmacht, while Logothetopoulos had become naughty for having aimed to recruit juvenile volunteers to help in restrengthening the Germany army. On the other hand, R. Ioannis had a very notable achievement in that he saw to the creation of the security battalions for the collaborationists to protect those who supported the enemies. Greece greatly suffered very terrible privations during the second world war when the Germans took control of most of the Greece’s agricultural production and also prevented the fishing fleets of Greece from operating. Following the Axis force occupation on the Greek land, a great famine struck in the year 1941 and 1942 because of the blockade by the British naval and also due to the fact that Germany soldiers had seized the crops. Due to hunger and other associated effects of famine, several thousands of Greeks died. AS a result, several resistance movements came up in the hilly and mountain regions and soon the Germans and those who supported them remained in control of only the major highways and the connected towns. The largest of the up coming group was the National Popular Liberation Army (the ELAS) which was under the control of the communists and a civil war soon broke out between the National popular liberation army and the non- communists uprising groups such as the national republican Greek league (the EDES) in the areas which had been liberated from the German troops. The royalist government set up in exile in Cairo was only intermittently keeping in touch with the resistant movement and this government in Cairo failed to appreciate how the monarchy set up in Greece had lost its popularity. The resistance of the Greeks people against invasion by the Italians had a great influence to the course the second world war took. Adolf Hitler would say that if Italy had not attacked Greece and needed Germany assistance, the world war would have taken a quite different course. What would be anticipated was the cold war in Russia by weeks, Moscow and Reningrad conquered and Stalingrad would not have existed. The need to occupy Greece, suppress partisans and defend Greece from Allied actions led Germany and Italy to drop much of their differences during the second world war. The Greek resistance ultimately necessitated collaboration between Germany and Italy. Due to political considerations, British forces were send to Greece from Middle East, and this was considered to be a major strategic mistake because that was a critical stage to divert military forces from Middle East. The British forces could not stop Germany invasion in Greece. Political disorder and the 1946-49 war in Greece In October 1944, German forces withdrew from Greece and the Greece government in exile came back to Athens. Then the ELAS guerrilla soldiers took control over most of the land in Greece with its leaders having an ultimate aim to control the whole country despite Stallin’s agreement that Greece would remain within the region of influence by the British after the war. Demonstrators from the Communist Athens ended in violence in early December 1944, and then followed a door to door battle with the British forces and the monarchist armies. Before a month had ended, the communists had been defeated and an unstable government of coalition was established. Continued tensions within this government led to a civil war in the year 1946. Greece was backed by Britain and later by the United States in terms of military support and economic aid. Between 1947 and 1948, the communist forces had conquered much of the Greece mainland and were able to move freely within the land. With the extensive material support from America and the reorganization, the Greek navy steadily took control over much of the mainland. Yugoslavia had to close her borders from the insurgent military in 1949 after it broke relationship with the Soviet Union. In 1949, a final offensive was launched by Marshal P. Alexander that forced the insurgents who were left back to flee across the border to the north in to the territories of the Greece neighbors or else they surrender. The civil war left about one hundred people killed and also resulted to major damages to the economy. More than twenty five thousand Greeks and many Macedonian Slavs were evacuated to the eastern bloc countries either by force or voluntarily while over seven hundred thousand people became internally displaced people in Greece and many more emigrated to, among other countries, Australia. This settlement after the war greatly expanded the Greece territory which had already started earlier in 1832. In 1947, a treaty in Paris was signed and it required Italy to surrender the Dodecanese islands to the Greece. These islands had the majority of inhabitants speaking Greece and were part of the last areas to be incorporated to the Greek state, except Cyprus which remained under possession of Britain until its independence later in 1960. Greeks ethnicity became more homogeneous after the war when more than twenty five thousand Albanians were expelled from Epirus. The remaining minorities of no significance were the Muslims in West Thrace and few Slavic speaking in the north. Greeks continued to claim more of the southern Albania where significant Greek population lived. Economic miracle for Greece: 1955-79) The Greek economic miracle implies the factual and impressive rate of social and economic development that occurred in Greece from the early of 1950s to the middle of the 1970s. The average rate of economic growth recorded between the year 1950 to 1973 was about seven percent which was the worlds second best after that of Japan in those times. The 1950s growth rate was the highest sometimes going above ten percent, almost nearing those of a modern tiger economy. This continued up to 1960s. The Greek people did not view it as a miracle because since the period after the war until the middle of the 1970s, it was a time of deep political divisions that resulted to military dictatorship between 1957 to 1964 and the Greeks did not see any positive economic change for this period of twenty years. Further more, growth initially only widened the economic gap between the few rich and the majority poor and this could only intensify political divisions. Between 1941 and 1944, the Axis occupation and the fighting with resistance groups had unexpected effects on the infrastructure and also on the Greece’s economy. Given also that after the end of the first world war, Greece went in to civil war, its economy had drastically fallen by 1950. The Greece per capita income as a measure of its purchasing power fell, just like that of France, from 62 percent to about 40 percent in the year 1949 (Cranidlis, 97). Greece experienced a rapid recovery of its poor economic condition. This was as a result of a number of factors among them the stimulation from the Marshall plan, a fast devaluation of the Drachma, more foreign investments, significant industrial development especially the development of the chemical industry, development of the public services sector and development of tourism industry and a widespread construction activities coming as a result of enormous infrastructural project building and rebuilding in the Greek towns and cities. The construction activities are connected with the fast economic growth on the society and the development of its towns. This led to renewal of the urban through replacing the pleasant urban, consisting mainly of low rising houses and peoples homes, with a continuous set of concrete and block storey and skyscrapers in most key cities and towns. After 1950, economic growth consistently was better than that of many European countries in terms of annual growth. The only time there was economic stagnation was in the 1980s but it was counterbalanced when the Greek black economy evolved at the same time. The good economic performance made Greece advance its economy to enjoy a per capita income almost the same as that of other European Union partners like France and German (Krofas, 123). After end of the civil war, Greece sought to join hands with the western democracies by becoming a member of NATO in the year 1952. From this time to the late 1963, Greece was under conservative parties. In1964, the party called the Center Union led by George Papandreau was elected and remained in rule until July of 1965 before he was dismissed by king Constantine II, thereby resulting to a constitutional crisis. The fall of this government led to a series of coalition governments between the conservatives and rebel liberals. On April 1967, a group of colonels from the right wing seized power in a coup. They suppressed civil liberties , established special military courts and dissolved political parties. Thousands of political party opponents and those suspected to be communists were imprisoned or taken to exile to very remote Greek islands. United States was alleged to have supported junta and this caused the rise of anti- Americanism in the Greece during and immediately after the junta rule. However, the united states had already earned the animosity of communists in Greece long before. In 1974, a referendum resulted in abolishment of a monarchy and a new constitution was made and passed by the parliament on the 19th of June 1975. President T. Constantine was elected by parliament to head the republic. In the 1977 elections to the parliament, the New democracy party won for a second time with a majority seats. In 1980, Karamanlis who was the prime minister was elected to succeed T. Constantine as the president with George Rallis being elected as the prime minister to succeed Tsatsos. Greece joined the European Community, now called the European Union on 1st January 1981. It also elected the country’s first socialist government. In 1989, there were two rounds of parliamentary elections which both produced coalition governments that were weak and had limited mandates. Party leaders held back their support for those governments and elections were once again held in April. The new democracy party led by Constantine Mitsotakis won. In 1992, Samaras formed his own party after being fired from the position of a cabinet minister for Foreign affairs. He called the party the Political Spring. As a result of this division, the New democracy government collapsed and when new elections were held in September 1993, Papandreou returned to power. Papandreou resigned on January 17th of 1996 due to a protracted illness. He was then replaced as the country’s prime minster by the former minister of trade and industry by the name, Costas Simitis who consecutively won the elections in 1996 and also in 2000 before retiring in 2004. His successor was George Papandreou as PASOK leader. In March 2004, elections were held and New Democracy under the leadership of Costas Karamanlis who was a nephew to the former president saw the victory over the PASOK. Instead of waiting for normal elections that should have been held in March the year 2008, the government called for elections in September 2007 and the New Democracy once again won the majority vote in the parliament. Due to this repeated defeat, the PASOK underwent a party election in search of a new leader that saw Mr. Georgis Papandreau re-election as the party leader of the Socialist Party in Greece. Review of Economic Literature It is important to review the economic thoughts from both the Greek and the American writers and compare them in the perspective of the economic reconstruction of Greece. A good approach would be first reviewing the economic thought in the 1930s and 1940s and then that of the American technical experts who were either in Greece based American embassy or in the AMAG. (Lincoln, 64). Reviewing the plans by Batsis, Valvaresos and Zolotas is also of importance to acquire a clear thought about the economic miracle and general development for the Greece from very poor to one of the world’s best economies. A scrutiny of what the exact agenda of the AMAG and other aids to develop the Greece economy was, is of importance in shining light in to this issue. Establishing whether there was any difference between the American economic experts working with the AMAG and Americans working in the American embassy to Greece in Athens in terms of priorities and the paths to reconstruction is felt to be essential. This way, most questions of much concern to economic historians will be answered well and also valuable material towards making reconstructions in the history of economics will be unearthed, especially for the post second world war period in Greece The depression of economy in the whole world led the default in Greece in the year 1932and afterwards to the introduction of a quite successful system. The gross domestic product was 510 million dollars in the year 1931, then dropped to 330 million dollars in the year 1932, remained at the same stable low level in 1934 at 340 million dollars and drastically rose in the subsequent years of 1934 at 490 million dollars, 1935 at 510 million dollars and 1936 at 550 million dollars. Despite the economic success, the poor remained miserable due to the falling prices and the problem of the merchant class which was used to free trade and had problem with coping in the new trade conditions of exchange controls. Most Greek economists concentrated on writing and analyzing the economic success of their country and did very little on questioning the actual role of the American Mission Aid for Greece that it played in uplifting the economic situation of Greece. The economists made numerous economic publications such as books, journals, treatises, periodicals among others. The interventionists were most influential and they had studies in Germany in 1920s to 1930s. These economists espoused a development theory stage to which the Greek government ought to take to speed up the rate of economic development. It was based on the fact that the economy of Greece could not rely on private initiative alone. Most of them remained hostile to abstract thinking and viewed the dirigiste policies world over as evidence of the validity of their thesis. The liberals viewed the historical present hitherto as a parenthesis and had a believe that the whole world including Greece economy ought to have an international economic corporation. The liberals also supported that it was necessary for the state to intervene and as a result they came up with a frame upon which the Greece government should act upon in a liberal economy. The Marxists viewed the crash of 1929 as evidence for capitalism break down. Particularly in Greece, the imperialism of the great powers and the kings rule were to be overthrown by mass action for socialism to be established.