MICRO PORTFOLIO TASK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

MICRO PORTFOLIO TASK - Essay Example The six large producers have equal share of market demand and they have successfully threatened the entry of other firms in the industry. According to the viewpoint of the researcher, the firms in the above market are in an Oligopolistic market structure. In this type of a market structure, there are two to ten sellers in the industry. The price and output decisions undertaken by each firm is on the basis of strategic behaviour. In this type of a market structure, each of the above six firms have the power to influence the market demand. This means that each firm undertakes the decision about the prices and the quantity of output to be produced on the basis of the assumption of the business decisions undertaken by the other potential rivals in the market. However, it would be interesting to note that degree competition in the above mentioned Oligopolistic market is zero. The six large firms in the above case are enjoying equal market share and hence, equal profit. This means that the firms have undertaken the decision of Cartel in the Oligopolistic market structure. ... However, on the whole, the market demand curve is downward (Manne, 2012). Figure 1: Profit of Each Firm (Source: McEachern, 2012) The above graph shows the equal profit shared by each of the firm. Cartel in the Oligopolistic market structure which occurs when the nature of the product sold by each of the firm is less differentiated. In the above case, all the firms are engaged in the production of less differentiated cereals. The Herfindahl index is the index that measures the size of each of the firms in a particular industry and comments on the level of existing competition in there. It is calculated by the sum of the squares of the market shares by each of the firm in the industry. An increase in the value of the index indicates a fall in the level of competition on the industry and a rise in the level of market power. The value of Herfindahl index for the above concerned case: Where, N= number of firms on total. So, i = 1 to 16 (6 large and 10 small). S =market share of each firm . H= (0.152+0.152+0.152+0.152+0.152+0.152) + (0.012+0.012+0.012+0.012+0.012+0.012+0.012+0.012+0.012+0.012) = 0.136 (13.6%) The value of the Herfindahl index for the above market (13.6) indicates a high degree of market concentration among the six large firms. Under such a situation if the market shares of any of the six large firms decrease or increase then the value of the index would be increasing substantially. This is the reason for which the firms in the industry have adopted the decision of Cartel in the market (Riley, 2012). (c) It has been analyzed that the level of concentration among the firms in the above industry is high. Only six firms in the industry have occupied about 90% of the aggregate market share. On

Literature Review on Lime Essay Example for Free

Literature Review on Lime Essay LIME Grenada Ltd is a well established company that has been in operation since 1989 on the island of Grenada. Currently, LIME Grenada serves a customer base of over 109,000 residents, excluding the large number of visitors to its shores. This company has a significant role to play in bringing the telecommunication services to the nationals of Grenada. They are referred to as the market leader in fixed-line services and broadband services in the state of Grenada. As a result, this company has the competitive advantage of offering the widest range of broadband and fixed-line services. With one competitor namely DIGICEL, LIME Grenada operates as one of the leading providers of mobile technology and as such, facilitates an important aspect on the path towards globalisation. â€Å"Mobile communications have fundamentally changed the way in which we are able to live our lives. The way we work, the way we play, the very way in which we communicate have all changed since the advent of the mobile phone† (Cable Wireless Communications Plc. 010). This company, competing strongly with its market challenger DIGICEL, offers a wide choice of quality, leading-edge mobile devices including the latest blackberry, Samsung galaxy and much more of the latest gadgets used in data and voice services to ensure that nationals of Grenada is on the same level with the rest of world. In terms of fixed-line services, LIME Grenada stands strong since they are the sole provider of this service which facilitates the quick and easy communication amongst nationals themselves and the rest of the world. With the provision of broadband services via fibre-optic submarine cable and satellite system, LIME Grenada proves be very valuable in the transformation of various means of conducting activities. In the education sector, LIME Grenada facilitates E-learning through the provision of internet or broadband services. Students are no longer confined to the walls of a classroom since LIME Grenada makes it possible for persons to pursue education through distant learning via the internet. Individuals are now able to access, interact and share information without the physical classroom. Importantly, this company allows easy access to a wide choice of sources of information for educational purposes to enhance learning and teaching. Added to this, is the implementation of videoconference connectivity to link campuses on the island and thus, allow access to a wider range of programmes to all individuals. This was not possible many years ago, however, with the assistance of LIME Grenada this has become a reality. The education sector is therefore transforming in this rapidly evolving digital society as Grenadians are now privileged to capture and utilize various educational opportunities. In Grenada’s domestic business sector, there is an increasing use of the internet, a key factor propelling ICT use, for conducting business transactions. In the banking sector, LIME Grenada makes available the opportunity for banking institutions to provide 24-hour online services to their customers. Persons can visit the various websites and access their accounts to conduct and view transactions. Among the many companies are Grenada Cooperative Bank, Republic Bank Grenada Ltd and First Caribbean International Bank. Furthermore, individuals and businesses can also conduct electronic commerce (e-commerce) via the internet. One such example of this is Carriasoap. com where numerous electronic, household, office and even party supplies are sold over the internet. Besides the aforementioned, LIME Grenada also provides employment opportunities in the business sector as the company endeavour to meet the needs of its market. In the not too distant future, there is high anticipation for the potential use of the broadband services provided by LIME Grenada to include E-taxation services through the Electronic Governance Regional Infrastructure Project (E-GRIP) within the country. This would comprise persons registering online and obtaining a tax identification number, taxpayers filing their monthly and annual returns online and taxpayers paying their taxes online thereby avoiding long lines. With the introduction of this system, the Inland Revenue Division will provide 24 hour online services to all taxpayers (Mitchell, Keith C. 2013). There is also the potential for development of an ICT knowledge park, the provision of WI-FI service in public buildings such as Government offices, schools, hospitals and police stations, which has already begun as stipulated by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell in his budget presentation in March of this year. With this, the importance of the telecommunication sector in Grenada is certainly visible. With proper measures in place the telecommunications sector is bound to encourage technology transfer across the globe which results in improved productivity in all sectors and increased standard of living. On the contrary, there are many hurdles that may be faced by LIME Grenada Ltd in the telecommunication sector. With globalisation, competition among mobile operators is inevitable. In Grenada, this is evident with the establishment of DIGICEL, a company offering mobile services to nationals of the country. This has ended LIME Grenada’s monopoly in that aspect and increased the potential for the penetration of other mobile service providers. Although competition amongst companies results in low costs and continuity in bridging the digital divide, LIME Grenada has to critically improve services in order to effectively compete with its rivals. This company has to look critically at the services they can offer and at the pricing strategies they can use so as to counteract the hindrances or threats that new competitors present. They have to effectively monitor their competitor’s strategies and develop many ways to counteract their plans and tactics to gain customers. Another hurdle that LIME Grenada may be faced with is the ability to speedily obtain updated technological and communication infrastructure and to modify operations. As with many other developing countries in the Caribbean region, lack of resources, particularly financial and qualified human resources, may also significantly hamper their development process. The telecommunication sector in Grenada is not alone in facing challenges on the path towards rapid growth and expansion via the globalisation process. According to Hylton, Shallon (2012), in Jamaica the challenges encountered with the provisions of telecommunication services vary in nature. Despite the many employment opportunities, there still remains a shortage of trained and highly qualified workers in the field. There is also the problem of cybercrime ranging from software conspiracy, the spreading of software viruses, software hacking and phishing. In Barbados, the high cost of the underlying transport network is creating a drag on the economy. Service firms are keen on liberalization of telecommunications services. Hotels, tour operators and travel services recognize the need for a state-of-the-art network infrastructure for local and international clients. Banks, insurance firms and retailers are heavy data users that require economically priced telecommunications services to be competitive.. Service companies are already at a disadvantage in the lending market due to regional loan practices that fail to recognize intellectual property and soft assets as a basis for working capital. Barbadian service firms advocate telecommunications reform to lower the cost of communications (Schmid, Linda. 2013). Overall, in previous years, people could not communicate across the world or interact without barriers, delays or difficulty (Hylton, Shallon. 012. p. 3). Currently, the new digital and mobile technologies along with the internet services offered by LIME Grenada allow persons to operate as if the world has no boundaries. Grenada in undertaking the liberalisation of its telecommunication market enhances its competitive position and economic growth and improvements in many sectors. Though there are challenges, the benefits outweigh them signif icantly. The literature exploring the significance and impact of telecommunication in this globalising world is quite extensive. Jeniffer Mohammed in Caribbean Studies– An Interdisciplinary Approach (2007) provides a critical insight into information on globalisation and information and communication technologies (ICT’s) which has guided this research thus far. Mohammed stated, â€Å"What a truly globalized world is about is one where there is a ‘level playing field’, where, for instance, everybody can benefit from the trade in technology. This has been happening with cell phones. From the nomadic people of the Sahara to Caribbean people in shanty towns to fishermen going about their trade, almost everyone uses cell phones to communicate. This is an example of something that has been truly globalized and gives us a good understanding about what globalization as a process is really about. It is not that those groups of people are necessarily communicating globally, but the use of the cell phones is a global phenomenon touching all income groups†. (p. 270). â€Å"Digital technologies, the internet and cell phones truly operate as if the world has no border†¦This is the logical meaning of – globalisation – whether applied to trade, finance flows or communication- for some commodity to be equally available to all, anywhere, as if the nation- state did not exist†(p. 70). Moretti, Marco (n. d), in his writing in Globalisation of Mobile and Wireless Communication: Today and in 2020 (2010) stated â€Å"what is happening to the mobile communication market is a good example of positive globalization: in few years mobile phones have spread all around the world becoming a low-cost tool capable of providing wireless connectivity almost everywhere†(p. 19). â€Å"Mobile communications, thanks to the effect of a globalized process of development, are probably one of the most effective means to close the digital divide†. p. 23). The World Bank in their June 2012 publication stated â€Å"Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have great promise to reduce poverty, increase productivity, boost economic growth, and improve accountability and governance. That promise only grew when ICTs underwent a revolution in the 2000s. Nearly 5 billion people in developing countries now use mobile phones, up from 200 million at the last decade‘s st art, and the number of Internet users has risen 10-fold. People across the globe do much more than chat and play games. They learn where best to fish and what market to sell their produce in. They trace cattle from pastures to supermarkets. They report illegal logging and misuses of local budget. They pay bills, send money back home, and receive cash transfers. They do business on mobile phones. They use ICTs to prevent violence against women—and community radio to empower them. They get state-of-the-art schooling online. Governments can use ICTs to transform public service delivery across sectors—health, education, social protection, justice, agriculture, water, energy, and transport—both central and local. ICTs offer an opportunity to revolutionize public service management by capturing information efficiently in shared databases accessible to all government agencies (such as a national database of electronic identification of citizens). ICTs help governments to simplify administrative procedures and share services (such as citizen authentication and payment systems). And governments can pool resources, reduce costs, adopt common standards for information exchanges, and perform government functions more efficiently (with faster response time and fewer errors)† (The World Bank. 2012).

Top Marks For The Best Employee Awards Management Essay

Top Marks For The Best Employee Awards Management Essay Nowadays an increasing number of organizations employ Best Employee Awards as a means to motivate their employees, and managers believe that best employee awards could encourage employees to reach their goals or accomplish their tasks in an efficient manner. In fact, as the saying every coin has two sides goes, top marks for the best employee awards has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore it is crucial for managers to make full use of the benefits of this kind of motivation while avoiding its negatives. This essay is separated into three parts. The first part shows the structure of the essay while the second part focuses on analyzing the benefits and problems of top marks for the best employee awards. At the same time, views from relevant literature and the examples from the case are used to support the points of the essay. The conclusion of this essay can be found in the last part where several useful suggestions are given for operation of organizations. 2. Analyses and Discussion 2. 1 The scheme of Top Marks for the best employee awards and the motivations of using it The Top Marks for the Best Employee Awards is a method of staff motivation and an annual performance evaluation method. It gives managers a chance to recognize the employees who produce the best-qualify work during month or year of evaluation. Usually organizations will evaluate the best employees according to their performances and then award them with bonus, trips, promotion and so on (Murray, 1982). The purpose is to encourage desirable behaviors by spotlighting role models, so that every employee could set a goal to be the best employee. Consequently, organizations could obtain augmentation in productivity and profitability by rewarding and keeping their top performances. 2.2 Advantages of using Best Employee Awards as staff motivators Different organizations set up different awards; however, these various methods will lead to different effects and results of staff motivation. Hence it is really important for organizations to make right use of staff motivators such as best employee awards. According to the literature reviewed and the case, the advantages of using this scheme are summarized as follows: First of all, best employee awards can generate fierce competition between individuals or teams of employees within an organization. While only a few employees could receive awards based on their individual performance, all the other employees usually would regard those awards owners as role models to inspire themselves and to work harder. (Lloyd, 2009). Needless to say, it is a strong staff motivator. As the case mentioned, Mr. Devine takes the best employee awards as a part of an overall strategy to identify who top performers are so that all the employees try their best to improve their performances. Without the competition, the organization will decrease its productivity and profitability. Secondly, intelligently designed incentives can be a boon to companies that seek to retain excellent employees for the long term. Lucrative awards, whether these are in the form of stock or bonuses, make it worthwhile for employees to stay at their firm, even if a salary offer from a competitor is more attractive (Grote, 2005). Incentives can also make employees feel as if their hard work is appreciated and recognized, thus reflecting well on their managers and the company as a whole. Those persons receiving the awards in the organization will become more loyal and respect the value of the organization. As a result, they will put all their energy into work to contribute the organization. Thirdly, by using positive reinforcement to motivate employees, a manager may build a good relationship with his employee, which fosters a sense of trust (Lindner, 1998). In a good manager-subordinate relationship, employees may feel respected and comfortable in their working environment. Providing rewards, both tangible and in the form of praise, can make employees happier. Happier employees often perform better at work. Just as the example of the case mentioned, Stephen Carella was a team leader at Kwik-Fit Financial Services and he set the best employee awards as a goal at the start of the year. He said the best employee awards was a great incentive and motivated him to do his best at work. According to him, when he was rewarded the great cash prize, it was the best moment of his life. Such rewards could make employees more royal to their organizations and they may regard the organizations as their homes, which, in turn, will benefit the organizations. 2.3 Disadvantages of using Best Employee Awards as staff motivators Although there are so many advantages of Best Employee Awards, we should see the other side of it, the disadvantages of it can be concluded as follows: First of all, employee resentment will be a serious problem in the organization. Because best employee awards can only be awarded to few persons, then some employees who think they work harder than award winners will feel unfair (Kerslake, 2002). In other words, in a perfect scenario, where the employees who work the hardest always reap the most rewards, incentives pose little problem. But no companies operate in an ideal world and thus incentives can breed resentment and discord among teams and employees. So like the example in the case mentioned: its very important that staff believe you have chosen the right person; its vital for the credibility of the scheme. It would be a disaster if the prize is awarded to the wrong people. At the same time, Best Employee Awards will lead to poor teamwork because individual incentive schemes by definition encourage individual rather than team effort (Clemmer, (2004). Some employee will focuses on their personal performance but pay less attentio n to the cooperation of team as well as the whole companys interest. Moreover, while its easy to quantify a salesmans performance, it is harder to quantify a staff writers contribution to the department, even if the writer is adding just as much value to the company. That can cause those under an incentive scheme to feel unappreciated as well as lead to the case of the recipients of unfair treatment. Therefore, using negative enforcement as a form of motivation could cause employees to become dissatisfied with their jobs. Unhappy workers typically produce less quality work, become sluggish or fail entirely to meet deadlines (Podmoroff, 2005). So how to make appropriate rewards troubles all the managers. Good rewards could encourage employees but inappropriate rewards may not. In the case, the salesman was awarded Best Employee but felt embarrassment because of the poor prize. As a result, the most excellent employee left the company. Thirdly, even though the organization executes the ideal scheme of rewards, for the best employee, applying too much motivation or offering too many rewards can also have a negative effect. Employees can become over-confident and they may feel that they are the bosses favorite workers, even if they start to slack off on their projects or test the limits of their working relationship with their supervisors (Messmer, 2001). Best Employee Awards may create reluctance to exert  the  expected level  of  effort: workers may believe that management will progressively increase  the  performance targets required to trigger  the  same bonus payment (Smith, 2004). They may therefore be reluctant to carry on at  the  incentives level  of  performance they have achieved, on  the  grounds that this will only result in higher targets that will make  the  bonus more difficult to obtain. 2.4 Recommendations The analysis of Best Employee Awards will help us to make full use of the staff motivation. As to how to deliver powerful praise and rewards in the organization rightly, there are three primary factors that determine  the  effectiveness of Best Employee Awards. The first one is right time.  Managers should deliver praise and awards at the right time, letting employees feel proud about the awards rather than feel ashamed. If award winners feel ashamed, then such awards would go the opposite way just as the two examples in the case. The second recommendation is right person. Managers are supposed to choose the most excellent employees to award (Bruce, 1998). Then, the right persons will be role models of the organization. If not, other employers will be unsatisfied with the awards so that the staff motivation would fail. The organization should give the prize which is what the employees really want. That way the employees will feel that they are valued by the company and will get motivated. The third one is right praise.  We all know that how you say something is as important as what you say.  The  same principle applies in staff motivation. Praising with energy and enthusiasm is more powerful than being stoical about it. In other words, managers should use high praise to reinforce staff motivation. For example, the general praise such as Good job! contributes very little to its effectiveness. The  more enthusiastically supervisors deliver their praise,  the  more impact it has. Regardless of the level of enthusiasm, it is critical that supervisors deliver  the  feedback sincerely. Managers should never leave their  employees  with the  possible notion that the praise is not sincere. 3. Conclusion This essay discusses the positives and negatives of Best Employee Awards, which is a popular method employed by managers to motivate their staff. It first outlines the basic scheme of Top Marks for the best employee awards and then look at the advantages of using Best Employee Awards as staff motivators in three ways. What Follows is the coins of such means of motivation. Finally three practical recommendations are given to avoid those possible drawbacks of using Best Employee Awards.

Beetroot Experiment :: Beetroots Anthocyanin Pigment Essays

Beetroot Experiment We are trying to find how the temperature affects the rate at which the anthocyanin pigment leaves the cells, and at what point does the call wall melt. Beetroot Experiment =================== Task ---- We are trying to find how the temperature affects the rate at which the anthocyanin pigment leaves the cells, and at what point does the call wall melt. Please note the two results highlighted found in "test 4" have not been included into my results, as they are obviously anomalous. I did the test more that once to the margin of error smaller. For the first few times I performed the test I could have made a mistake, so to give my results a better chance of being accurate I did the experiment four times and took the average of the tests. A graph of to clearly show the variation my results can be found overleaf. As the temperature increases the transmission reading on the colorimeter decreases. From information that I had already gathered I knew it would be around the 60Â °C mark to 65Â °C, hence which I decided to add a test at 63Â °C. This would help me make a more accurate estimate at what exact temperature the cell wall melts. My graph shows a decrease of transparency in the water between the points of 60Â °C and 70Â °C. From this I can make the prediction that between these two points the wall melts. Analysis The transparency of the water suddenly decreases between the points of 60Â °C and 70Â °C because this is when the cell wall melts. The cause of the sudden loss of transparency is caused when the wall melts and it allows a sudden release of the Anthocyanin pigment. So when the wall melts the pigment is released and the transparency drops - so to find the temperature at which the cell wall melts we just have to look for when there is a sudden loss of transparency in the water. My experiment shows there is a sudden loss of transparency of the water between 6OÂ °C and 70Â °C so I know that the cell wall must have melted between these two points. Before 60Â °C and after 70Â °C the depreciation is not as drastic as between the two points. This is because before 60Â °C there is no, or a very little amount of the pigment allowed to exit the cell, which is not enough to alter the transparency in a big way - this is because up to this point the cell wall is still intact, and after 70Â °C because most of the pigment has already left the cell because the cell wall has melted.

An Introduction to Debt Policy and Value Essay

What remains to be seen however, is whether shareholders are better or worse off with more leverage. Problem 2 does not tell us, because there we computed total value of equity, and shareholders care about value per share. Ordinarily, total value will be a good proxy for what is happening to the price per share, but in the case of a relevering firm, that may not be true. Implicitly we assumed that, as our firm in problems 1-3 levered up, it was repurchasing stock on the open market (you will note that EBIT did not change, so management was clearly not investing the proceeds from the loans in cash-generating assets). We held EBIT constant so that we could see clearly the effect of financial changes without getting them mixed up in the effects of investments. The point is that, as the firm borrows and repurchases shares, the total value of equity may decline, but the price per share may rise. Now, solving for the price per share may seem impossible, because we are dealing with two unknowns—share price and change in the number of shares: Share price=Total market value of equity

Social Theories essays

Social Theories essays Sociology has been defined s the scientific study of human interaction and, as such, is accepted as a scientific activity (Leming 1997). Social science aims at discovering and explaining observed events of and in nature by means of a framework that can be tested. The goal of sociology is, therefore, to produce a body of knowledge that will provide a body of knowledge that will provide not only an understanding of the causal processes influencing human behavior but also enable sociologists to predict social behaviors (Leming). As a science, it pursues observable and provable regularities and explains these regularities by means of a set of observable and provable propositions or statements of relationship (Leming). The very effectiveness or success of sociology lies precisely in the explanatory and predictive power of this body of knowledge derived from The basic components or elements of a theory are a conceptual scheme, a set of propositions that states the relationships between variables, and a context for verification (Leming). The conceptual scheme consists of ideas that possess abstract properties not yet immediately verifiable by direct sensory observation. It also has a system of interrelated statements of relationships between variables, which seam the parts of the concept together. The conceptual scheme and the statements of relationships are joined together and organized under a paradigm (Leming). A paradigm is the basic image of a particular subject matter within a science and serves as context for the verification (Leming 1997). It defines what should be studied and asked, how the questions should be posed and the rules to observe in interpreting the answers that will be obtained. It is the broadest unit of consensus within a science, which subsumes, defines and inter-relates the examples and/or variables, theories, methods, and instruments within it (Leming)...

Definition and Examples of English Imperative Sentences

Definition and Examples of English Imperative Sentences In English grammar, an imperative  sentence  gives advice or instructions; it can also express a request or command. These kinds of sentences are also known as directives because they provide direction to whoever is being addressed. Types of Imperative Sentences Directives can take one of several forms in everyday speech and writing. A few of the most common uses include: A request: Pack enough clothing for the cruise.An invitation: Come by at 8, please.A command: Raise your hands and turn around.An instruction: Turn left at the intersection. Imperative sentences can be confused with other kinds of sentences. The trick is to look at how the sentence is constructed. (You) Are the Subject Imperative sentences may seem to have no subject, but the implied subject is you, or, as it is properly called, you understood. The proper way to write the subject is (you) in parenthesis, especially when diagramming an imperative sentence. Even when a proper name is mentioned in an imperative sentence, the subject still is you understood. Example: Jim, close the door before the cat gets out! - The subject is (you), not Jim. Imperative vs. Declarative Sentences Unlike a declarative sentence, where the subject and verb are clearly articulated, imperative sentences do not have a readily identifiable subject when written out. The subject is implied or  elliptical, meaning that the verb refers directly back to the subject. In other words, the speaker or the author assumes they have (or will have) their subjects attention. Declarative sentence: John does his chores.Imperative sentence: Do your chores! Imperative vs. Interrogative Sentences An imperative sentence typically begins with the  base form of a verb  and ends with a  period  or an  exclamation point. However, it can also end with a question mark in some instances. The difference between a question (also called an interrogative statement) and an imperative sentence is the subject and whether its implied. Interrogative sentence: Would you please open the door for me, John?Imperative sentence: Please open the door, would you? Modifying an Imperative Sentence At their most basic, imperative sentences are binary, which is to say they must be either positive or negative. Positive imperatives use affirmative verbs in addressing the subject; negatives do the opposite.   Positive: Keep both hands on the steering wheel while youre driving.Negative: Dont operate the lawnmower without wearing safety goggles. Adding the words do or just to the beginning of the sentence, or the word please to the conclusion- called softening  the imperative  - makes imperative sentences more polite or conversational. Softened  imperatives: Do your chores, please. Just sit here, wont you? As with other forms of grammar, imperative sentences can be modified to address a particular subject, follow a proprietary written style, or simply add variety and emphasis to your writing. Adding Emphasis Imperative sentences also can be modified to single out a particular person or to address a group. This can be accomplished in one of two ways: by following the interrogative with a tag question or by closing with an exclamation point. Tag question: Shut the door, would you, please?Exclamative: Someone, call a doctor! Doing so in both instances adds emphasis and drama to speech and writing.

Edgar Degas essays

Edgar Degas essays Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas was born on July 19, 1834, at 8 rue Saint-George's in Paris. His father, Auguste, a banker, was French, and his mother, Clestine, an American from New Orleans. The family name "Degas" had been changed to "De Gas" by some family members in Naples and France in order to sound more aristocratic; the preposition indicated a name derived from land holdings. Degas went back to using the original spelling sometime after 1870, and that is how we spell his name today. He was destined for a law career, but instead entered the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, where he studies with Louis Lamothe. There he became a painter and sculptor. Degas was associated with the Impressionists, taking an active part in there firsts exhibitions, but his individual choice of subject matter, handling of composition, and emphasis of drawing distinguished his works from theirs. He worked with a number of media: oil, pastel, lithography, engraving, and sculpture. From the mid-1850s through the mid-1870s Degas explored many types of subject matter. He copied works by earlier artists and executed his own history paintings, portraits, and scenes of daily life. Degas eventually ended his efforts at history painting and devoted more attention to portraiture, turning images of relatives and friends into complex psychological studies. His oils and pastels depict the inhabitants of the world of sports, business, ballet, and the cafes in their self-conscious posturing and characteristic gestures. He has numerous paintings of jockeys, dancers, laundresses and prostitutes. Another favorite subject was a model at her bath. Degas' observation of movement resulted in the radical compositions that preserved the character of his subjects. As Degas' subject matter became more contemporary, so did his artistic style. Early on, Degas presents people as individuals, whereas works from the mid-1870s on categorize women in particular ...

Macro-Economic Policies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Macro-Economic Policies - Essay Example At the heart of this conflict is not only the politics of Royal and Sarkozky, or the pitting of ideals of the Socialists against the Rightists, but also the more crucial macroeconomic issues the country face, the extent of the government's efforts to provide solutions to these quandaries and the future political and economic stability of the country. It is therefore, crucial to understand the major macroeconomic issues which plague France as a nation and evaluate the actions and the success the government has taken in order to achieve economic stability. One of the key issues, which challenge the nation in recent decades, is the high rate of unemployment. The French government in the past has taken diverse approach and initiatives to spur growth and employment. However, the approach was not feasible to provide solutions to the problem of rising unemployment rate (OECD, 2007). The OECD has encouraged the French government to bring forward measures that could advance structural changes in the economy. The organisation has identified three main problems the government need to recognise: a) guarantee medium-term financial viability and develop the tax system structure to augment benefits and minimize expenditure, b) raise employment rate among low-skilled workers and focus on particular groups through the restructuring of the labour market institution, c) improve the possibility of growth and jobs creation through further economic reforms which in turn encourage competition (OECD 2007). In addition, the current French policy and procedu res for the firing of workers especially permanent labourers are more intricate compared to the dismissal of temporary workers. If a firm wants to dismiss a permanent worker, it has to provide legal justifications which are too rigorous to follow. Thus, redundant workers become a burden and liability of the company as the firms themselves are obliged to help dismissed workers find employment (OECD 2007). This hinders the majority of companies in France to provide permanent contracts to their employees, adversely affecting the job prospects of the youth and the unskilled. In the recent years, the government has come up with a solution by introducing a special contract called the "Contrats Nouvelles Embauches" which gives companies - those which do not have more than 20 workers - the flexibility to terminate the contract in the span of two years. However, the contract requires firms to disburse high severance payments (OECD 2007). Another economic dilemma France struggle to hurdle is the public sector deficit. Although the government has been successful in curbing deficit in the past couple of years, France is not ready for the long-term effects of indiscreet expenditures on health and pension resulting from the ageing of the population. Hence, despite the significant reforms the government has already achieved, OECD recommends that the ratio of public debt to GDP be reduced. GDP or Gross Domestic Products refers to the value of all the goods and services produced within a state or a country in a particular period of time. This is also the sum of consumption, investments as well as other various elements such as government's expenditure and export/output. France's GDP gap widened over the year as compared to government expenditure but GDP growth has becoming stronger over the years moving from 1 percent a year from the year 2000 to about 2 percent

The Global Money System Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Global Money System - Research Paper Example According to the recent report on the basis of global money system, the group of twenty also known as G20 finger pointed the world currency tensions detailing that the government of America blamed China government which decided to refuse the currency known as Yuan to rise faster. China on other hand suggested that the opinion detailed posed a distortion of global economy hence affecting Yuan currency exchange and was due to loosened monetary policy that was reinforced by the Federal Reserve in regards to government bonds. From the point of view, a problem has been emerged on the global money system issue due to the laid down rules, norms and institutions that governs currencies facet and the flow of the capital that prevails and trigger market pricing system globally. A global money system involves creations of reserves that fosters and hold vast foreign exchange activities on emerging economies. A dollar has been a dominance currency in this reserves managed by the United States of America for foreign exchange and transactions both within the states and internationally. Global Money System has generated investment globally that involves lending and hence facilitating financial and volatility of capital flows. Global money system plays a bigger role on the countries economy. When laid down policies are not in power, an aspect of inflation on capital flaws may arise and this comes when a given nation decides to print more money. However, some countries like the United States of America and Japan prefers to import inflation aspect rather than boosting exports that eludes weaker currency; some of the activities that are done through their national central banks. This usually affects international monetary system hence developing instability on economic system. Global money system policies are therefore monitored by especially national central banks and at large the World Bank. Some of the European countries through their European banks have eased

The Science of Muddling Through , Decision Making Essay - 1

The Science of Muddling Through , Decision Making - Essay Example Root methodology in decision making involves administrators who are mandated to define objectives from the aspects which are viewed as most important to the least important. In rational decision making approach, the desired outcomes are prioritized by the administrator so that the most desirable alternatives of reaching the outcomes are implemented. In root decision making it is the role of the administrator to decide on what is considered to be the best alternative or approach of solving a problem (Stillman 224). Incrementalism or branch decision making on the other hand has a specific objective which is subject to amendment depending on the situation at hand. In branch decision making methodology, the administrator makes use of a wide range of alternatives which would possibly help in providing a solution but he or she does not astray from procedures which have been proved through experience or history as most appropriate (Sutcliffe and Gerry 485). Root decision making approach is advantageous because it focuses on the desired results or outcomes which a specific alternative in decision making would attain (Stillman 220). However, this approach to decision making has been criticized because it consumes a lot of time. Moreover, the possibility of failure is high because the administrator may choose the least appropriate alternative of reaching a solution. This is because of the limited number of alternatives in root methodology of decision making as compared to incrementalism. Moreover, root decision making has a disadvantage of making an assumptions that there are value in the approach which both sides agree on even though these approaches would have failed before. Moreover the root decision making approach does not allow for amendment of the objectives so that the most appropriate approach of solving a problem would be used (Sutcliffe and Gerry 490). Branch decision making

An Analysis of Gish Jen's use of the American Dream in her novel Essay

An Analysis of Gish Jen's use of the American Dream in her novel Typical American - Essay Example The latter abstract phenomenon reveals the secret of American success: immolation of morals in the name of prosperity. Gish Jen's characters, Chinese immigrants, are between two cultures as between the devil and the deep sea, between familial dreams and their own thirst for self-definition, between the Old World traditions and shiny, new dreams of the New World. Chang family are perpetual outsiders, connoisseurs of the strange, sometimes mysterious aspects of the world around them and the odd, surprising ways in which race and discrimination and family history can confuse their sense of individuality. Chang family seems to be stumbling on the edge of American phenomenon, the identity crisis (Kakutani). As newcomers to America, they take this country's chance seriously, a prospect that would cause both liberating freedom and discord. Ralph is the main character, whose ideals were being changed in the process of the novel. He left for America to earn an engineering degree, but he wanted to preserve all the seeds of Chinese way of life. In his mind Ralph surely discarded all tempts available for 'typical Americans' (food, women, entertainments etc) and he thought that he would never be involved into this vicious circle. Chang family mocks at American typicality of living; they make fun of Americans, who have more freedom and liberation, and 'typicality' becomes a kind of 'plague' for them. Nevertheless in the course of time, Ralph gets married, earns his doctorate in engineering, buys his first home, has two daughtersand becomes 'typical American'. Thus it's no wonder that his ambitions need release and Ralph becomes seduced in order to reach an American Dream. Ralph thinks that in America if "you have money, you can do anything. You have no money, you are nobody. You are Chinaman!" (Gish, 66). Suddenly Ralph gets 'a shot I the arm', finds an American-born con-man Grover Ding, who disrupts the harmony of Chang family lives and unties their relationships and provokes them to become "typical Americans". This man instills Chang's gluttonous materialism, marital betrayal, and personal fraudulence. Ralph is highly motivated by Ding's ideas and launches a fast-food restaurant, called Chicken Palace, which eventually fails. Fortunately, Chang family becomes united at the end of the novel and able to restore their initial morals, principles and traditions. A struggle between values In the characters of Ralph, Theresa, and Helen, Jen shows lives of immigrants as a struggle between old-world and new-world values; between good and evil. At first the main characters sacrificed their self-identities, got lost in the New World. In the U.S. immigrants run into changes of their Old World circumscribed roles. They have a subconscious responsibility to preserve at least some

Offense Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Offense Issues - Essay Example In order to avoid influencing the homicide and burglary crime investigating process, it is important to eliminate the problems of personal beliefs and investigation bias. This can be achieved when the investigator conducts a proper research that helps in getting some careful evidence which isolates and identifies the targeted criminal. This helps in avoiding investigation errors such as false accusation and jail sentence to wrong people. Besides, keep away the people who are not part of the crime investigation process so that crucial information is not leaked to the criminals. This facilitates a quick apprehension of the criminals. In fact, witnesses must be questioned properly to gather adequate information about the homicide and burglary crimes committed. Importantly, the investigator should not lead the suspects to his/her own ideas and the prosecution evidence not damaged or tampered with. Besides, it is important to tell the defendant his/her legal rights, and be allowed to hire a legal counsel to represent him/her in the criminal case (Territo, Swanson & Taylor, 2011). Indeed, if the prosecutor was unethical, a number of prosecution problems are likely to occur when the case is presented for trial. In fact, eagerness can make a prosecutor to commit some legal errors during the litigation and cross examination stages of the crime. The prosecutor can get evidence that suits his/her own personal interest. For instance, evidences on a person who has either committed homicide or burglary can be altered in the favor of the suspect, even before he/she is declared innocent (Walker & Rolando, 2007). The evidence tampered with affect the court proceedings of the case greatly since this leads to wrong delivery of judgment. There are even cases whereby the evidences of one person are used on another suspect so that a lighter

Aid in dying or physician assisted suicide Research Paper

Aid in dying or physician assisted suicide - Research Paper Example Those who have opted to take a neutral stand believe that while physician assisted suicide may be unethical in some cases; there are certain cases that may warrant the doctor to take the necessary action to end the life of his or her patient. This is especially in cases where the patient himself demands that a doctor ends his life because it has become unbearable because of the pain they are enduring in their terminal illness. The legal and moral debate is currently going on and it seems that the stands that have been taken on the opposite sides of the debate are going to be reconciled any time soon. A brief discussion of the issues involved in physician assisted suicide needs to be discussed in order to come up with a suitable stand concerning the matter. Background There have developed strong arguments concerning the loosening of the legal constraints that prevent doctors from administering physician-assisted suicide to their patients. Surveys that have been conducted recently have shown that many people of the United States are in favor of the legalization of this practice.1 Those opposed to it are the conservative elements of the society such as religious people as well as moral conservatives who tend to equate the practice to murder. It should however be realized that some form of legalization of the practice is eventually going to be made because many people will most likely leave behind instructions concerning their being assisted to die in case something serious happens to them. It will no longer matter what the government and conservatives elements in society will have to say because the wishes of individuals will most likely be put first. There has, recently been a high prevalence in the number of people who have made requests to their doctors to have assistance with suicide. The doctors have to consider this difficult request because of the legal and ethical repercussions of the practice.2 It can safely be said that there is a high likelihood that ma ny doctors accede to the demand of their patients, although secretly, and assist them in ending their lives. Despite it being illegal, especially in the United States, the possibilities of physician-assisted suicides taking place in the country are quite high. Such acts are most likely going to force the legalization of assisted suicides so that the government can have some measure of control over it. Analysis Among the arguments that have been made concerning the banning of physician, assisted suicide is that it is wrong in the eyes of God. The greatest opposition to the legalization of this practice has come from the religious establishment and religious texts and opinions have been used to justify its stand. It has been stated that only God has the ultimate power to take away life, and that doctors who assist their patients in dying are committing a sin.3 This argument has been strongly countered by advocates of physician-assisted suicide, who have stated that God is not so aloof that he allows people to suffer immense pain. Instead, they have argued that God has given human beings the knowledge and the ability to get rid of pain, and that among the means that God has provided is that of physicians assisting their patients to receive a

An Analysis of Gish Jen's use of the American Dream in her novel Essay

An Analysis of Gish Jen's use of the American Dream in her novel Typical American - Essay Example The latter abstract phenomenon reveals the secret of American success: immolation of morals in the name of prosperity. Gish Jen's characters, Chinese immigrants, are between two cultures as between the devil and the deep sea, between familial dreams and their own thirst for self-definition, between the Old World traditions and shiny, new dreams of the New World. Chang family are perpetual outsiders, connoisseurs of the strange, sometimes mysterious aspects of the world around them and the odd, surprising ways in which race and discrimination and family history can confuse their sense of individuality. Chang family seems to be stumbling on the edge of American phenomenon, the identity crisis (Kakutani). As newcomers to America, they take this country's chance seriously, a prospect that would cause both liberating freedom and discord. Ralph is the main character, whose ideals were being changed in the process of the novel. He left for America to earn an engineering degree, but he wanted to preserve all the seeds of Chinese way of life. In his mind Ralph surely discarded all tempts available for 'typical Americans' (food, women, entertainments etc) and he thought that he would never be involved into this vicious circle. Chang family mocks at American typicality of living; they make fun of Americans, who have more freedom and liberation, and 'typicality' becomes a kind of 'plague' for them. Nevertheless in the course of time, Ralph gets married, earns his doctorate in engineering, buys his first home, has two daughtersand becomes 'typical American'. Thus it's no wonder that his ambitions need release and Ralph becomes seduced in order to reach an American Dream. Ralph thinks that in America if "you have money, you can do anything. You have no money, you are nobody. You are Chinaman!" (Gish, 66). Suddenly Ralph gets 'a shot I the arm', finds an American-born con-man Grover Ding, who disrupts the harmony of Chang family lives and unties their relationships and provokes them to become "typical Americans". This man instills Chang's gluttonous materialism, marital betrayal, and personal fraudulence. Ralph is highly motivated by Ding's ideas and launches a fast-food restaurant, called Chicken Palace, which eventually fails. Fortunately, Chang family becomes united at the end of the novel and able to restore their initial morals, principles and traditions. A struggle between values In the characters of Ralph, Theresa, and Helen, Jen shows lives of immigrants as a struggle between old-world and new-world values; between good and evil. At first the main characters sacrificed their self-identities, got lost in the New World. In the U.S. immigrants run into changes of their Old World circumscribed roles. They have a subconscious responsibility to preserve at least some

Aid in dying or physician assisted suicide Research Paper

Aid in dying or physician assisted suicide - Research Paper Example Those who have opted to take a neutral stand believe that while physician assisted suicide may be unethical in some cases; there are certain cases that may warrant the doctor to take the necessary action to end the life of his or her patient. This is especially in cases where the patient himself demands that a doctor ends his life because it has become unbearable because of the pain they are enduring in their terminal illness. The legal and moral debate is currently going on and it seems that the stands that have been taken on the opposite sides of the debate are going to be reconciled any time soon. A brief discussion of the issues involved in physician assisted suicide needs to be discussed in order to come up with a suitable stand concerning the matter. Background There have developed strong arguments concerning the loosening of the legal constraints that prevent doctors from administering physician-assisted suicide to their patients. Surveys that have been conducted recently have shown that many people of the United States are in favor of the legalization of this practice.1 Those opposed to it are the conservative elements of the society such as religious people as well as moral conservatives who tend to equate the practice to murder. It should however be realized that some form of legalization of the practice is eventually going to be made because many people will most likely leave behind instructions concerning their being assisted to die in case something serious happens to them. It will no longer matter what the government and conservatives elements in society will have to say because the wishes of individuals will most likely be put first. There has, recently been a high prevalence in the number of people who have made requests to their doctors to have assistance with suicide. The doctors have to consider this difficult request because of the legal and ethical repercussions of the practice.2 It can safely be said that there is a high likelihood that ma ny doctors accede to the demand of their patients, although secretly, and assist them in ending their lives. Despite it being illegal, especially in the United States, the possibilities of physician-assisted suicides taking place in the country are quite high. Such acts are most likely going to force the legalization of assisted suicides so that the government can have some measure of control over it. Analysis Among the arguments that have been made concerning the banning of physician, assisted suicide is that it is wrong in the eyes of God. The greatest opposition to the legalization of this practice has come from the religious establishment and religious texts and opinions have been used to justify its stand. It has been stated that only God has the ultimate power to take away life, and that doctors who assist their patients in dying are committing a sin.3 This argument has been strongly countered by advocates of physician-assisted suicide, who have stated that God is not so aloof that he allows people to suffer immense pain. Instead, they have argued that God has given human beings the knowledge and the ability to get rid of pain, and that among the means that God has provided is that of physicians assisting their patients to receive a

How Effective Are Various Methods in Reducing Recidivism Essay Example for Free

How Effective Are Various Methods in Reducing Recidivism Essay Prison, non-custodial sentences and rehabilitation seem all failed in reducing recidivism; however, there is little and limited evidence to support non-custodial sentences, as well as some people think if rehabilitation could be implemented effectively, it would work. Although the advantage of prison is keeping our society from dangerous people, when it comes to reducing recidivism rate, the effect of prison is disappointing. The public usually think that imprisonment is safer for communities; however, it appears powerless to deter inmates from committing crime again. In the article, â€Å"Study shows building prisons did not prevent repeat crimes†, Fox Butterfield (2002) cites a large-scale study of recidivism from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, which investigated up to 272,111 former prisoners in 15 states during the first three years after being released. It found that 67% of inmates broke the law again in three years right after their release in 1994. It is surprised that it does not make any difference to recidivism rate which was studied in 1960’s, and it is even 5% higher than the study done in 1983. In addition, it indicated that the more rearrest records a criminal has, the higher recidivism rate he has. The inmates who have more than 15 prior arrests have 82. 1% of recidivism rate. Nevertheless, according to Emily Kingham’s article (2006), she believes that prison forces offenders to regret and reflect on their behaviour; as for the reason that criminals cannot reject the temptation of committing new crime is because of inadequate provided support. In spite of this, some experts have admitted that prison does not work in terms of reducing recidivism rate (Considering the alternatives 1978; Finckenauer 1988). Some limited evidence has shown that non-custodial sentences may decrease recidivism; regardless of some experts being sceptical about their desired achievements. On the one hand, alternative sentences can help government save money and alleviate over-cramped number of criminals in prison (Considering the alternatives 1978). On the other hand, Kingham(2006) points out that alternative sentences do nothing but return prisoners to their original circumstances, which result in unawareness of their crimes and the onsequences. One study indicated that through one of alternative sentences, intensive probation, recidivism rate is less than 20%; however, the evidence maybe weak as the study has not been completely put into practice (Considering the alternatives 1978). Furthermore, in the Minnesota, alternative sentences have been successfully adopted to keep criminal rate not increasing, but it may not be convinced because of the source not being confirmed (Considering the alternatives 1978) . While some people argue rehabilitation is also failed in reducing recidivism rate, some authors counter that if government could support rehabilitation, recidivism rate would decrease. According to the article, â€Å"Prison†, James O. Finckenauer (1988) cites some studies, which shows that even though the government has already provided with good rehabilitation programmes, they cannot achieve reformatory of inmates. On the other hand, this position is contested by Joan Petersilis (cited in Butterfield 2002), a professor of criminology at the University of California at Irvine and an expert on parole, who says that state governments spent such little money on rehabilitation programs that inmates do not receive sufficient help with drug addition, work skill and preparation for a new life, which may lead increasing recidivism rate. Butterfield (2002) further cites the statement by Mr. Travis, who also argues that criminals return to crime.

Quantitative Determination of Sulphate

Quantitative Determination of Sulphate Quantitative Determination of Sulphate by Gravimetric Analysis Yeo Yi Joshua Gravimetric analysis is a quantitative method to determine the amount of a substance, sulphate, by selective precipitation of the substance from an aqueous solution. In this experiment, the amount of sulphate is determined quantitatively as barium sulphate, BaSO4 by gravimetric analysis. This experiment will allow one to determine the amount of sulphate SO42- by the gravimetric method. This determination is done by slowly adding a dilute solution of barium chloride, BaCl2 to a hot unknown sulphate slightly acidified with concentrated HCl. The reaction is as followed, Ba2+ + SO42- → BaSO4 (white precipitate). The white precipitate is then filtered off, washed with water, dried in the oven, and weighed as barium sulphate. The percentage of sulphate is then calculated from the weight of barium sulphate. According to the results, the concentration of SO42- we obtained was 0.0345M and 3.31 g/L, which was close to the theoretical value of 3.38 g/L, at only a deviation of 2.11%. The experiment was successful and the results obtained were desirable. The objective of the experiment is to determine the amount of sulphate by the gravimetric method. In this experiment, the precipitation gravimetric method is used. The unknown sulfate solution is converted into an insoluble white compound, BaSO4. It is then filtered by suction filtration, washed, dried and weighed to determine the amount of sulphate. The following diagram shows the outline of the experiment. 3.1 Gravimetric Analysis Gravimetric analysis is defined as the quantitative analysis of the chemical composition of substances of materials based on the separation of each component of interest and weighting either the purified compound or a derivative of it. Gravimetric analysis include precipitation, volatilisation and electro-analytical methods. The precipitation method involves converting the analyte to a sparingly soluble precipitate which is then filtered, washed free of impurities and converted to a compound of known composition by suitable heat treatment which can be weighed. The volatilisation method involves volatilising the analyte of its decomposition products at suitable temperature. The product is then collected and weighed or alternatively determined indirectly from the loss in mass of the sample. The electro-analytical method involves the depositing electrically the element to be estimated on a suitable electrode, avoiding filtration and decomposition, by controlling the experimental conditions. This is based on Faraday’s Second Law, i.e. when a given current is passed in series through the solution containing various ions, the amount of substances that is deposited will be in the ratio of their chemical equivalent. In this experiment, the quantitative determination of sulfate, as barium sulfate BaSO4, is done by the precipitation method of gravimetric analysis. This involves precipitation by slowly adding a dilute solution of barium chloride, BaCl2, to a hot unknown sulfate solution slightly acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid, HCl. The white precipitate is filtered off, washed with water, dried in the oven, and weighed as barium sulfate. The percentage of sulfate is then calculated from the weight of barium sulfate, this include the molarity and concentration of sulfate, SO42-, in g/L. 3.2 Reaction In the experiment, dilute barium chloride is added to an unknown sulfate solution slightly acidified with concentration HCl. Reaction: Ba2+ + SO42- → BaSO4 (precipitate) The mole ratio of SO42- : BaSO4 is 1:1. Thus, for every 1 mole of SO42-, there will be 1 mole of BaSO4. Since Moles of Solute (mol) = Molarity (M) x Volume (L) and Moles of Solute (mol) = Weight (g) à · Molar Mass (g/mol), the molarity of SO42- can be easily obtained with the volume of SO42- weight of BaSO4 and molar mass of BaSO4. 3.3 Precipitation 3.3.1 Conditions of Precipitation Precipitating agent should be mixed slowly and with constant agitation. This keeps the degree of supersaturation small and will help in the formation of crystalline precipitate. Precipitation should be carried out in dilute solution. Precipitation should be carried out in hot solution, provided the precipitate is stable at higher temperature. Crystalline precipitate should be digested for a longer time. Precipitates should be preferable washed with dilution solution of appropriate electrolyte. Washing with water is avoided as it leads to peptisation. Precipitates that are contaminated by co-precipitation or others are dissolved in a suitable solvent and then reprecipitated from the solution. 3.3.2 Properties of Precipitates Precipitate should be of sufficiently low solubility such that no sufficient loss of the solid occurs during filtration and washing Physical nature of the precipitate should be such that it can be readily separated by filtration and be washed free of soluble impurities i.e. particles should be size such that they cannot pass through the filtering media and particle size is unaffected by washing Precipitate should be stable and unreactive to atmospheric conditions Precipitate must be convertible to a pure compound of definite and known chemical composition. This may be possible by either ignition or by simple operation such as evaporation. 3.3.3 Particle Size of Precipitates The particle size of a precipitate is influenced by precipitate solubility, temperature, reactant concentrations, and the rate at which reactants are mixed. The net effect of these variables can be qualitatively accounted for by assuming that the particle size is related to a single property of the system called relative supersaturation. Q is the concentration of the solute at any instance and S is the equilibrium solubility. This equation is known at the Von Weimarn equation in recognition of the scientist who proposed it in 1925. The particle size of a precipitate varies inversely with the average relative supersaturation during the time when the reagent is being introduced. Thus, when the relative supersaturation is large, the precipitate tends to be colloidal, and when the relative supersaturation is small, a crystalline solid is more likely. A colloid consists of solid particles with diameters that are less than 10-4 cm. 3.3.4 Mechanism of Precipitation A supersaturated solution is an unstable solution that contains a higher solute concentration than a precipitated solution. As excess solution precipitates with time, supersaturation decrease to zero. Precipitates form by nucleation and by particle growth. Nucleation is a process in which a minimum number of atoms, ions, or molecules join together to give a stable solid. These nuclei form on the surface of the suspended solid contaminants, such as dust particles. Further precipitation then is governed by the competition between additional nucleation and growth of existing nuclei (particle growth). Adsorption is a process in which a substance (gas, liquid or solid is held on the surface of a solid. In contrast, absorption is retention of a substance within the pores of a solid. The charge on a colloidal particle formed in a gravimetric analysis is determined by the charge of the lattice ion that is in excess when the precipitation is complete. Digestion is a process in which a precipitate is heated in the solution which is was formed (the mother liquor) and allowed to stand in contact with the solution. Mother liquor is the solution from which a precipitate was formed. Digestion improves the purity and filterability of both colloidal and crystalline precipitates. 4.1 Outline 4.1 Precipitation of BaSO4 4.2 Washing and Filtering BaSO4 Precipitate 4.3 Drying and Weighing BaSO4 Precipitate 5.1 Weights Weight of crucible with the precipitate = 17.7473g Weight of crucible (with a piece of filter paper) = 17.5462g à ¯Ã‚ Ã…“ Weight of BaSO4 precipitate = Weight of crucible with the precipitate Weight of crucible (with a piece of filter paper) = 17.7473g 17.5462g = 0.2011 g 5.2 Molarity and Concentration Ba2+ + SO42- → BaSO4 (precipitate) (Mol Weight BaSO4 = 233.33 g/mol) à ¯Ã‚ Ã…“ Molarity of SO42- = 0.0344747 M = 0.0345 M à ¯Ã‚ Ã…“ Concentration of SO42- in g/L = Molarity of SO42- x Mol wt of SO42- = 3.313026 g/L = 3.31 g/L 6.1 Theoretical Values [SO42-] = 0.0352 M = 0.0334 – 0.0376 M (5% deviation) = 3.38 g/L = 3.21 – 3.55 g/L (5% deviation) 6.2 Comparison of Results The concentration of SO42- we obtained was 0.0345M and 3.31 g/L, which was within the 5% deviation range of 3.21 – 3.55 g/L. It was relatively close to the theoretical value of 3.38 g/L, at only a deviation of 2.11%. The results above show that the experiment was successful as the actual value was close to the theoretical value. 6.3 Precautions Taken To obtain the best results, BaSO4 crystals should be as large as possible. This facilitates filtration and washing of the crystals and the decreased surface area minimizes the amount of impurities adsorbed onto the crystals. Generally, larger crystals are obtained when the rate of precipitation is lower. The rate of precipitation can be decreased by slightly increasing the solubility of BaSO4. To minimise the rate of precipitation, the following were done: Adding 5 drops of concentrated HCl. Adding HCl increases the solubility by lowering the pH. The solubility of BaSO4 at room temperature is around 0.3-0.4 mg per 100 g of water and increases when excessive amount of mineral acid is present. Additionally, precipitation should be done in an acidic medium as when done in neutral and basic mediums, Ba2+ ions precipitate with PO43-, CO32- or OH ions which are present in the solution. Addition of excess acid is avoided. Heating to boiling. Adding BaCl2 dropwise with vigorous stirring. At the end of the precipitation, a few drops of BaCl2 was added to the clear supernatant liquid to test for complete precipitation. After precipitation, suction filtration was performed. Suction filtration allows a higher rate of filtration by using a pressure gradient created by the aspirator. The precipitate was washed with deionised water and dried in the oven. It was then placed in a desiccator. The function of a desiccator is to remove moisture from a substance or to protect a substance from moisture, thus preventing water from the humidity in the environment to react with the substance. 6.4 Sources of Error 6.4.1 Coprecipitation Coprecipitation is a process in which normally soluble compounds are carried out of solution by a precipitate. There are four types of Coprecipitation: surface adsorption, mixed-crystal formation, occlusion and mechanical entrapment. Surface adsorption and mixed-crystal formation are equilibrium processes, and occlusion and mechanical entrapment arise from the kinetics of crystal growth. Coprecipitation impurities may cause either negative or positive errors in an analysis. If the contaminant is not a compound of the ion being determined, a positive error will always result. In contrast, when the contaminant does contain the ion being determined, either positive or negative errors may occur. 6.4.2 Surface Adsorption Adsorption is often the major source of contamination in coagulated colloids (large specific surface areas) but of no significance in crystalline precipitates. Although adsorption does occur in crystalline solids, its effect on purity are usually undetectable because of the relatively small specific surface area. Coagulation of a colloid does not significantly decrease the amount of adsorption because the coagulated solid still contains large internal surface areas that remain exposed to the solvent. The coprecipitated contaminant on the coagulated colloid consists of the lattice ion originally absorbed on the surface before coagulation plus the counter-ion of opposite charge held in the film of solution immediately adjacent to the particle. The net effect of surface adsorption is the carrying down of an otherwise soluble compound as a surface contaminant. 6.4.3 Mixed-Crystal Formation In mixed-crystal formation, which is also known as inclusion, one of the ions in the crystal lattice of a solid is replaced by an ion of another element. For this to occur, the two ions must have the same charge and their sizes must differ by no more than 5%. Furthermore, the two salts must belong to the same crystal class. The extent of mixed-crystal contamination is governed by the law of mass action and increases as the ratio of contaminant to analyte concentration increases. Little can be done about it when certain combinations of ions are present in a sample matrix. This problem occurs with both colloidal suspensions and crystalline precipitates. When this occurs, the interfering ion may have to be separated before the final precipitation step. Alternatively, a different precipitating reagent that does not give mixed crystals with the ions in question may be used. 6.4.4 Occlusion and Mechanical Entrapment When a crystal is growing rapidly during precipitate formation, foreign ions in the counter-ion layer may become trapped, or occluded, within the growing crystal. Because supersaturation and thus growth rate decreases as precipitation progresses, the amount of occluded material is greatest in that part of a crystal that forms first. Mechanical entrapment occurs when crystals lie close together during growth. Several crystals grow together and in so doing trap a portion of the solution in a tiny pocket. Both occlusion and mechanical entrapment are at a minimum when the rate of precipitation formation is low, under conditions of low supersaturation. In addition, digestion often reduces the effects of these types of coprecipitation. The rapid dissolving and reprecipitation that occur at the elevated temperature of digestion open up the pockets and allow the impurities to escape into the solution. 6.4.5 Peptisation Peptisation is the process by which a coagulated colloid reverts to its original dispersed state. When a coagulated colloid is washed, some of the electrolyte responsible for its coagulation is leached from the internal liquid in contact with the solid particles. Removal of this electrolyte has the effect of increasing the volume of the counter-ion layer. The repulsive forces responsible for the original colloidal state are then re-established, and particles detach themselves from the coagulated mass. The washings become cloudy as the freshly dispersed particles pass through the filter. Washing is needed to minimised contamination but there is a risk of losses resulting from peptisation if pure water is used. This is usually solved by washing the precipitate with a solution containing an electrolyte that volatilises when the precipitate is dried or ignited. 6.4.6. Postprecipitation Post precipitation occurs when the top of the precipitate, which is in contact with the mother liquor is contaminated by precipitation of impurities. This may be due to the primary adsorption of the common ion in excess, whereby the supersaturated solution of the second material is formed on the surface of the particle which offers nucleation sites to break supersaturation and causes a secondary precipitate to form. 6.5 Improvements 6.5.1 Minimising Adsorbed Impurities on Colloids The purity of many coagulated colloids is improved by digestion. Digestion is a process in which a precipitate is heated in the solution which is was formed (the mother liquor) and allowed to stand in contact with the solution. During digestion, water is expelled from the solid to give a denser mass that has a smaller specific surface area for adsorption. Washing a coagulated colloid with a solution containing a volatile electrolyte is also helpful because any non-volatile electrolyte added earlier to cause coagulation is displaced by the volatile species. Washing generally does not remove much of the primarily adsorbed ions because the attraction between these ions and the surface of the solid is too strong. Exchange occurs, however, between existing counter-ions and ions in the wash liquid. 6.5.2 Reprecipitation An effective way to minimise the effects of adsorption is reprecipitation. Reprecipitation adds substantially to the time required for an analysis. In this process, the filtered solid is redissolved and reprecipitated. The first precipitate carries down a fraction of the contaminant present in the original solvent. Thus, the solution containing the redissolved precipitate has a significantly lower contaminant concentration than the original, and even less adsorption occurs during the second precipitation. 6.5.3 Precipitation from Homogenous Solution Precipitation from homogenous solution is a technique in which a precipitating agent is generated in a solution of the analyte by a slow chemical reaction. Local reagent excesses do not occur because the precipitating agent appears gradually and homogenously throughout the solution and reacts immediately with the analyte. Thus, relative supersaturation is kept low during the entire precipitation and homogenously formed precipitates are better suited for analysis. This results in marked increase in crystal size as well as improvements in purity. In a nutshell, the experiment was a success and the results obtained were desirable. According to the results, the concentration of SO42- we obtained was 0.0345M and 3.31 g/L, which was close to the theoretical value of 3.38 g/L, at only a deviation of 2.11%. Although there may have been various possible sources of error, we have minimised them by lowering the rate of precipitation. The amount of sulfate was successfully determined by gravimetric analysis. A. V. Kasture , H. N. More, K. R. Mahadik , S. G. Wadodkar. 2008. Pharmaceutical Analysis Vol. – I. Pragati Books Pvt. Ltd. Braun, R.D. 1982, Introduction to chemical analysis, McGraw-Hill, New York. Cammack, R. 2006, Oxford dictionary of biochemistry and molecular biology, Oxford University Press Oxford, Oxford Erdey, L., Belcher, R. Gordon, L. 2013, Gravimetric Analysis : International Series of Monographs in Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 7, Pergamon, Burlington. Skoog, D.A. 2014, Fundamentals of analytical chemistry, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning, Australia. Davidson College Chemistry Resources. Gravimetric Analysis [online]. Available from: http://www.chm.davidson.edu/ronutt/che115/ VIII_gravi.pdf [Accessed 20 December 2014] Middle East Technical University. Gravimetric Determination of Sulfate in a Soluble Sample [online]. Available from: http://www.metu.edu.tr/~chem223/sulfate.pdf [Accessed 20 December 2014] Santa Monica College. Gravimetric Analysis [online]. Available from: http://www.smc.edu/projects/28/Chemistry_11_Experiments/Gravimetric_Analysis_Procedure.pdf [Accessed 20 December 2014] Texas AM University. Gravimetric Analysis [online]. Available from: https://www.chem.tamu.edu/class/majors/tutorialnotefiles/gravimetric.htm [Accessed 20 December 2014]

The Three Elements of the Female Athlete Triad Essay -- Athletics Wome

The Three Elements of the Female Athlete Triad For an increasing number of women in the United States, a concern or preoccupation with body weight and size is a constant pressure. Female athletes, like most women in our society, are also often pressured to conform to certain ideal body sizes and shapes, as dictated by the entertainment and fashion industries. Female athletes, however, face a twofold pressure. They face the burden that our culture places on all women to be thin, but they also face the burden from coaches, parents, and other athletes to succeed in sports and look good doing so by maintaining an unrealistically low weight. When weight gain means removal from a team or elimination from competition, many female athletes turn to dangerous food restriction and excessive exercise. This pressure to achieve or maintain unrealistically low body weight underlies the development of a syndrome recently named the Female Athlete Triad. First identified by the American College of Sports Medicine in 1992, the Female Athlete Triad consists of three medical disorders commonly found in female athletes: disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Alone each disorder is dangerous; in combination the triad disorders are potentially fatal. Eating Disorders in Female Athletes Before evaluating the available studies on the prevalence of disordered eating among female athletes, it is necessary to recognize the many limitations and problems that arise with such studies. First of all, there are a limited number of studies on this segment of females and their eating patterns. Also, many of these studies rely on self-reporting surveys, which inherently may be flawed due to the fact that many athletes may deny disordered eating b... ...74-1475. Smith, A. (1996). The female athlete triad. Physician and Sportsmedicine, 24, 67. Weight gain does not increase bone density in women with eating disorders. (2000) International Journal of Eating Disorders, 27, 29-35. Wiita, B.G., Stombaugh, I.A. (1996). Nutritional knowledge, eating practices, and health of adolescent female runners: a 3-year longitudinal study. International Journal of Sports Nutrition, 6, 414-425. Williams, N.I., Young, J.C., McArthur, J.W., Bullen, B., Skrinar, G.S., Turnbull, B. (1995). Strenuous exercise with caloric restriction: effect on luteinizing hormone secretion. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27, 1390-1398. Yeager, K., Agostini, R., Nattiiv, A., and Drinkwater, B. (1993). The female athlete triad: Disordered eating, amenorrhea, osteoporosis. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 25, 775-777.

Positive Change In World Through Manipulation of Behavior in B.F Skinne

Positive Change In World Through Manipulation of Behavior in B.F Skinner's Waldo Two   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  B.F. Skinner, in his novel Walden Two, presents many arguments about how he foresees a positive change in the world through manipulation of behavior on the personal level. Sigmund Freud, in his works, specifically Civilization and Its Discontents, presents his view of human nature and what is innately problematic about it. Both Freud and Skinner agree that human behavior is the result of outside factors that severely hinder the concept of free will. Skinner believes that humans, in the correct environment, can live happily, while Freud understands that humans are destined to live in "some degree of anguish or discontent."   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Skinner uses the ideal setting of Walden Two to illustrate his ideas of how human behavior should be "formed." Much of Skinner's argument on how to eliminate what he knows as problematic rests on his prescription of dismissing the notion of individual freedom. Skinner does not only say that the concept of individual freedom is a farce. He takes it a step further and states that the search for it is where society has gone wrong. He wants no part in the quest for individual freedom. If we give up this illusion, says Skinner, we can condition everyone to act in acceptable ways.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Skinner has a specific prescription for creating this utopian society. He declares that all that is necessary is to change the conditions which surround man. "G...

Muhammad Ali: Hero or Villain? Essay

Muhammad Ali will be remembered long after his death. Considered by many to be the greatest boxer ever to step in the squared circle, Ali was blessed with the speed, power and stamina to become the world’s heavyweight champion. Ali was also no stranger to controversy throughout his career as many have praised him for his actions whilst many have criticised and condemned him. Ali, even over twenty years after his retirement from the sport that gave him fame, he is still one of the most recognised figures in the world today. Countless books, articles, documentaries as well as blockbuster films have featured the great boxer. The fact that Ali will be remembered is undisputed. How he is remembered varies greatly. Some view Ali as a great champion not only inside but also outside the ring. Other views see Ali as an arrogant, unpatriotic, outspoken racist. The different views create an historical debate, which is affected greatly by context. In the case of Muhammad Ali, the responder witnesses how traditionally he was mostly viewed from a very negative perspective but in a contemporary society he is now seen, by the majority, in a positive light. These conflicting views can be seen through a number of historical texts and how they interpret events and areas of Muhammad Ali’s life. Through analysing these texts as well as the events in Ali’s life this essay discusses and decides whether Ali truly is a hero or villain. Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. As a young boy Clay was always more interested in boxing than his studies. This passion for boxing began when Ali’s bike was stolen as a young teenager. Clay reported the crime to a policeman who referred him to boxing trainer Fred Stoner. This would be the beginning of Clay’s passion for the sport that brought him to prominence. Clay became a star boxer during his high school days, where Ali won 6 Kentucky championships, 2 national Golden Glove championships and 2 Amateur Union championships. From this Cassius Clay went on to win a gold medal, representing USA, in the 1960 Rome Olympics in the light-heavyweight division. Clay had established himself as an American hero. Clay on return to the United States turned professional and successfully  began to rise through the ranks. Clay soon fought Archie Moore to be #1 contender to Sonny Liston’s world title. Over 16,000 fans paid money â€Å"in hopes of seeing Archie Moore button the brash kid’s lips†. They were disappointed as the young boxer went on to defeat Moore with ease. Ali was on his way to his world title bout with Sonny Liston. Promoter Bill McDonald briefly cancelled the Clay-Liston fight, as concerns grew over Clay’s safety as well as the saleability of the fight. Clay, in reality Cassius X due to his belief that Clay was his ‘slave’ name, had affiliations with  Malcolm X and the anti-white Black Muslims. This was already seeping into the news but the scheduled fight still went ahead despite concerns. On February 25, 1964, Clay took the title from Liston as the public was stunned. The public was even more stunned as Clay announced his conversion to Islam. Cassius was soon renamed Muhammad Ali by the leader of the Nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammad. Whilst the newly named Muhammad Ali seemed convinced of the righteousness of his cause, few at the time accepted the religious message of the Nation of Islam. Its racial rhetoric, preposing radical if not violent solutions to domination by white people, betrayed hatred that in turn provoked widespread hostility against its leaders and followers. This went against American values and extreme measures would be taken to recapture the title from the hands of the Black Muslims. This worried ‘White America’ along with the growing strength of the Civil Rights Movement. History as recorded by the sportswriters of the time would have us believe that, in February of 1964, Islam itself struck a blow against the character and sanctity of America. As a result of Ali’s conversion to Islam the WBA threatened to strip him of his title for what they considered â€Å"conduct detrimental to the spirit of boxing†. In March 1964 the WBA stripped Ali of his title for a brief period of time. The majority of the media and public of the time due to their opinion of Ali being a racist viewed this positively. However the Senator of Georgia, Richard Russell was highly critical of the WBA’s decision. Russell believed the decision and the acceptance of it as evidence of â€Å"the grip of  intolerance on this country†. The fact that Ali was being discussed in the senate was evidence that the heavyweight title was an instrument of symbolic power beyond the sport. Ali’s conversion to Islam and becoming a member of the Black Muslims is one of the events in his life in which there is much conjecture. This event is still debated in today’s society as to whether Ali was a racist. The Black Muslims and Nation of Islam had a poor reputation due to their image of hatred that solidified by Mike Wallace’s documentary â€Å"The Hate That Hate Produced† (1959). This however may have been unfair as they were trying to change their image to a new, economically orientated, more religious Nation of Islam. Their religious and believed potentially violent values, compounded by the social context of the era led to the huge push to rid Ali of his title. Some believed that Malcolm X negatively influenced Ali whilst others believed that Ali had simply hidden his true feelings of racial anxiety from the public. The Michael Mann film, â€Å"Ali† (2001), doesn’t show the supposed violent beliefs of the Black Muslims and Nation of Islam but briefly features Malcolm X’s violent standpoint. Malcolm X was soon out of favour with the Nation of Islam with comments about the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Despite being good friends with Malcolm, Ali supported the party’s view. This pivotal moment in Ali’s life is essential in analysing who Ali really is, villain or hero. The WBA were without the support of various athletic commissions and reinstated Ali with his title. The popular opinion was that the heavyweight champ shouldn’t be preaching what was considered a â€Å"hate religion†. Ali’s popularity nose-dived. The nation was intolerant of Ali’s religious beliefs as many continued to call him Clay and the bid to find a champion with â€Å"American† values continued. Floyd Patterson arrived as a suitable candidate to take the title off the unpopular Ali. Whilst Patterson talked a good fight he was no match for Ali who was in his prime. Patterson liked many others showed a lack of respect for Ali and his religion by refusing to name him by his correct name. As is discussed in the documentary series â€Å"Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story†, many believed Ali had tortured Patterson for twelve rounds, but the documentary comes to the conclusion, as Howard Cosell does  that Ali â€Å"carried† Patterson out of admiration for the former champion. Most people at the time did believe Ali kept Patterson in the ring out of spite, which added to the negative profile that the majority of the public held of him. During Ali’s prime years as a fighter, America was battling communism and was doing so in the Vietnam War. In 1963, at a time when Ali was largely considered charmingly obnoxious, he had been classified 1-Y for draft purposes – mentally incompetent to serve in the armed forces. However, in February 1967, Ali was reclassified by the Selective Service, making him draft eligible for Vietnam with 1-A status. The government sought to have him imitate the role Joe Louis played in World War II supporting and serving in the war. Ali refused entry into the army and this brought angry replies from the highest levels. Representative of Pennsylvania, Frank Clark, came close to branding Ali as a traitor, â€Å"as unthinkable as surrendering to Adolf Hitler†. Clark was not alone in his feelings on Ali’s stance as the majority of the public were outraged by Ali’s refusal to serve. Ali was finally stripped of his title, as boxing asserted its patriotism and view on the war. The New York Athletic Commission stripped him of his title, declaring his conduct â€Å"detrimental to the best interests of boxing†. Other athletic commissions soon followed and refused to recognise him as the heavyweight champion, relinquishing his boxing license and evidently denying him the right to earn a living. On June 20, 1967, the federal court found Ali guilty of draft evasion, sentencing him to five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. It was believed that if Ali had escaped without punishment then many other blacks wanting to be Muslims would follow. As there were a large percentage of blacks fighting in Vietnam this was a real concern for the government. Another Ali critic said â€Å"If any one individual contributed to the contagious disrespect for law and love of country, then it would have to be our disposed [sic] fighting king†. Ali, although heavily outnumbered, did have support from protestors of the war. This is the most fiercely debated topic when accounting for who Ali truly is,  hero or villain. Many people at the time and still today believe Ali was wrong, cowardly and unpatriotic in his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War. Over time though, support has grown for his decision to avoid the draft. Many respect his protest against the war and commitment to his religion. He stood firmly by his decision as he faced imminent incarceration, revocation of his passport, unfavourable press coverage, and hostility from much of the American public. Many also believed, and still do, that he deserved whatever he got. Thousands of others had been conscripted, fought and died for the United States. The same nation that gave Ali opportunity, fame and fortune and Ali was too ungrateful to pay her back. Ali persevered in his pursuit for freedom and his right to earn a living as a boxer. Eventually in 1970, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Ali and he was given that freedom. He also had his boxing license reinstated as he set out to regain his heavyweight championship. In October 1970, Ali successfully made his come back by defeating Jerry Quarry. His next aim was to defeat the new champion Joe Frazier. Ali got his wish but was eventually beaten over fifteen rounds in a close decision by Frazier. Over the next few years Ali continued to challenge and beat other contenders for the title. Ali reasserted himself as a title contender and beat Frazier in a rematch in 1974. Unfortunately this was not for the world title as Frazier had previously lost it in a devastating loss to a young George Foreman. Ali would go on to fight Foreman in what is arguably Ali’s greatest triumph in the ring. Seven years after his title was taken from him he would recapture it against all odds. Ali used his experience to outwit and outsmart the younger and stronger Foreman. â€Å"The Rumble In The Jungle†, as it is affectionately known completed the comeback for Ali. This fight is glorified in â€Å"Ali†, which added to the feeling that this was Ali’s greatest moment inside the ring. Ali went on boxing for another five years, losing and regaining the title to become the first three-time world heavyweight  champion. Ali retired in 1979 but was to come out of retirement twice in the pursuit of another title reign only to be denied. After he retired Ali became politically active, with involvement in Jimmy Carter’s campaign in 1980. Unfortunately he was diagnosed Parkinson’s syndrome in 1982. The once quick-witted and sharp-tongued Ali is now a shadow of his former self with his speech slurred and muffled, his way of walking slow and unsteady. The public’s perspective of Ali had greatly changed since his objection to the Vietnam War now felt pity. Ali became a victim of the sport that many believed he saved. Ali also successfully negotiated the release of fifteen soldiers being held captive during the Gulf War in 1990. Ali also founded WORLD, the World Organisation for Rights, Liberty and Dignity. Ali has also been involved numerous charities adding to his increasing popularity. Muhammad Ali is undoubtedly a hero in the ring. His efforts for over twenty years are evidence for that. What has been disputed is whether Ali is a hero or villain outside the ring. Through the controversies, bad and good times it can be said that Ali should be considered just as much of a hero outside the ring as he was inside it. Though there was much controversy over Ali’s conversion to Islam and the potentially threatening Black Muslims, Ali never displayed any hatred towards others that wasn’t provoked. He was committed to his religion no matter what obstacle he faced, or the ramifications it would bring. His criticism of the white treatment of blacks inspired many people involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Ali was criticised heavily for many of his actions including this. However as time has passed and the social attitudes and tolerance of America have changed the general perspective of Ali also did. A great deal has changed between the social context of the time during Ali’s fighting career and the modern society. This along with Ali’s attempts to â€Å"avoid controversy† and his eventual illness has lead to a vastly different view of Ali today. Ali is now seen as a heroic figure and remembered mostly for his better moments. Ali always stood up for what he believed in and despite what others thought remained committed and stayed true to himself. Despite what the majority of the American public thought of him Ali also had many supporters and his actions earned their loyalty. The scene in â€Å"Ali† where Ali witnesses a mural in Zaire is symbolic of what he truly meant to people. The mural featured Ali fighting tanks and planes and symbolically fighting against war. Ali gave these people hope and inspired them, as he did to many people especially his own. Whilst many, ridiculed Ali for his decision not to go to Vietnam, it was his decision and he stuck with it. The manner, with which he acted, may not have always been appropriate but Ali was always honest and the public always knew where he stood on issues. His manner also entertained and delighted his audiences and was a major factor in his eventual popularity. Ali was not perfect but will deservedly go down in history as not only an incredible boxer, but as a humanitarian, political activist, witty humourist and an inspiration to millions of people from all over the world.