Example Film Studies Essay - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1468 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Cinematographic Art Essay Type Argumentative essay Level High school Did you like this example? European film movements are most clearly understood as part of the cinema of periphery in relation to popular Hollywood productions. In consideration of examples from one European country, to what extent is this an accurate view? This essay will focus on some of the key movements in British cinema, looking at how they relate to the world of Hollywood. Firstly,I shall look at how British films have found their way into the American and world markets via the London-based company Working Title Films, and to what extent these films are integrated into the Hollywood scene. Secondly, There will be an assessment of the tradition of social realism in British cinema,including the New Wave and Brit Grit movements, and their place in international cinema. Next, I shall look at the documentary movement in British cinema, and its impact on the wider world. One of the most noticeable movements in British cinema in recent years has been the proliferation of the Working Title Films Company. Founded in London by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, Working Title has enhanced the profile of British cinema to an unprecedented extent. The screening of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994 proved a turning point in the history of British film, proving vastly popular with American audiences,and subsequent productions from Working Title have helped to cement the place of the British Blockbuster in Hollywood. In this way, British cinema has been able to produce films with international mass appeal, and it is probably fair to say that there are more mainstream British films on at the cinema now than there were fifteen years ago. However, it is important to consider that,although there has been an increase in the commercial success of British film,it is still arguably seen as a satellite of Hollywood. For instance, even successful British films are often labelled as art cinema. In an article on Shekhar Kapurs Elizabeth, Julian Hill argues that, Although it does offer entertainment through a fascinating narrative, the film as a whole is presented in a creative way, owing to the amateurish vision of Kapur. (Hill, 2000) Indeed, its relationship to Hollywood is entirely coloured by its status as an art film, and by implication, its partly British origins. Bordwell and Thompson argue that any British film of this type would be viewed as art cinema in Hollywood, as art cinema is a term, used by the US film industry to describe imported films of interest the upper-middle class, educated audiences. (Bordwell and Thompson, 1990) In this respect, British film is still marginalized in relation to Hollywood. Commercial success has been forthcoming, but the very fact that a film is British in origin leads it to be viewed in different terms to those in which a Hollywood movie is viewed. Even the big blockbusters of the Four Weddings ilk are viewed at least partly as foreign curiosities, and crucially they often try to appeal directly to an American audience, for example, containing a token American character. One area in which British cinema has perhaps demonstrated greater independence from Hollywood is in the field of so-called social realism films. There have been many move ments over the different eras which fall into this category, from the New Wave cinema of the 1950s and 60s, such as Room at the Top (1958), to the what have been called Brit Grit films, like Nil by Mouth (1997), and this recurring idea of kitchen sink realism forms an important part of the British cinema tradition. Indeed,it has been suggested that all of these movements are a tradition in themselves(Thorpe, 1999, cited in Lay, 2002) It is in this area that, for many critics,the real essence of British cinema is found. It has been argued that the aesthetics of British realism are defined in terms of opposition to Hollywood spectacle. Visual and acting styles were to be restrained, the emphasis was to be on ordinary people in ordinary settings. (Cook, 1996) In this respect, British cinemais not always a mere satellite of Hollywood, as it also tries to be deliberately antagonistic towards Hollywood ideals. Unlike many of the Working Title films, with their quasi-American lean ings and their use of a highly stylised Britishness, some social realism has sought to challenge this position. For example, in Trainspotting the audience is introduced to a much darker vision of Britain, and one less obviously palatable to Hollywood audiences, than that which is seen in Four Weddings and a Funeral. At first glance, one could argue that much British realism is so idiosyncratic as to be marginalized in the wider world, but films like Trainspotting and The Full Monty show that it is possible to make a film depicting ordinary British life that has mass appeal. However, although this form of cinema apparently demonstrates an indifference to Hollywood conventions, as cook notes above, it is actually not indifference but a form of rebellion. In this sense, British social realism as a part of international cinema can be seen as still subservient to Hollywood, albeit in a more subtle way than some of the other blockbusters. In order for it to be deliberately antago nistic toward the ideals of Hollywood, it is necessary that those ideals must exist,and in that sense, social realist films are peripheral to Hollywood as they fulfil the role of a counter-movement. Alongside realist fiction, a major area of British cinema is the documentary. Arguably Britains major contribution to world cinema, its heyday was in the 1930s. The documentary movement was headed by John Grierson, and funded by the film units of the Empire Marketing Board and the General Post Office. Through landmark productions such as Housing Problems (1935), the movement used its state backing, and freedom from commerce, to highlight many of the social problems of its day, and has been identified as the first movement to have a lasting influence on the art of film (Rotha, 1972). Like the fictional forms of social realism, it demonstrated a freedom from, and to some extent an aversion to, the ideals of Hollywood. However, unlike other forms of social realism, it is often cri ticized for its lack of aesthetics. There was no consistent artistic theory underlying the movement; the film art was to be used as a means to apolitical end. (Guynn, 1975) In this sense, then, not only is there the consideration of the documentary movement being antagonistic to Hollywood, but also the fact that it lacks artistic drive means that it can only form part of a balanced view of cinema. The art of film making is certainly able to deliver important views and to comment on the state of the world, but it is ultimately an art, and in this aspect the documentary movement, as we have seen, was lacking. Therefore, it must necessarily be peripheral since it does not engage the full potential of its genre, rather in the way that apolitical pamphlet usually shows less artistic development than a poem or a novel. In the light of this consideration, one could view the documentary movement and its legacy as a marginal aspect of cinema an important marginal aspect, even a n ecessary one, but nevertheless something that exists as a useful sub-genre and therefore is secondary to Hollywood. In conclusion, it does seem that British cinema is to some extent peripheral to Hollywood. Working Title films have in recent years brought British films into the Hollywood mainstream, but many of the films have contained an Americanised element, or have been seen as art cinema. In this way, even hugely popular British films are in a sense marginal. Social realism has provided an avenue in which British cinema has been able to shrug off Hollywood ideals in favour of showing ordinary peoples lives, and many films of this type have been successful overseas. However, in rebelling against Hollywood in this way, such films can be viewed as peripheral to it in an antagonistic sense. Similarly, the documentary movement rebelled against Hollywood to some extent, and the movements international importance is undoubted, being described as Britains major contribution to world cinema. However, its lack of an artistic aesthetic makes it necessarily marginal in the world of cinema. Film is, at bottom, an art form, and any movement that neglects the artistic element in favour of a political message can only ever be a marginal if important part of the whole. British cinema then, when viewed in an international context, is always peripheral to Hollywood. It is doubtless an important part of world cinema, and has made invaluable contributions to both the art of film and to the tradition of reportage through film, but the dominance of Hollywood in the international scene means that any movement that is outside it is, as a matter of course, a comparatively minor player in world cinema. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Example Film Studies Essay" essay for you Create order

Symbolic Interactionism In The Shawshank Redemption

As we have studied other perspectives concerning the relation between the Self and Society and their definitions of these terms according to them, we will focus and use Symbolic Interactionism to analyze the movie The Shawshank Redemption (1994). After introducing the the perspective’s paradigm, and explaining it’s three main authors George Meade, Charles H. Cooley and Erving Goffman, we focus on their application to the movie’s principal character, Andy Dusfrene. First by interesting ourselves on prison culture, then on Andy’s sense of Self and finally by comparing it to two of his fellow inmates, Red and Brooks. Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective focused on the meaning people associate to objects, events and†¦show more content†¦This explains why things have different meanings according to the situations. Finally, as meaning emerges trough interactions, it is also maintained trough them. As we acquire ways to feel, behave and think through our interactions culture is socially constructed. This explains why for symbolic interactionists, there is no Society, no greater body that controls and determines social norms, we are the ones who trough our interactions, create them. Since our responses to symbols, signs, events and situation are public, we are free to redefine to a certain extent meanings and as new things and objects emerge, we come up with new meanings. It is when we do not use a meaning associated with a symbol, for abstract ideas such as beliefs of values, that they disappear or are modified. This is how symbolic interactionists explain the change in â €˜â€™societies’’ mentalities over time. All of these choices and these interactions implicate a Self, a reflexive process that enables us to formulate, monitor, control and react to our own behaviour, which formation we’ll explain through Meade, Cooley and Goffman. Meade explain the Self-Formation trough role-taking, the process of assuming other’s perspectives, putting ourselves in their positions. He explains this process through three stages. The first one is the play stage, which is acquired through early childhood. Children learn significant symbols, the symbols that have a shared meaning, that will call for the same response for

Auditing and Control Within Organisations

Questions: Assume you are an auditor and are facing the following separate circumstances .All the following items are material .You can assume that management have refused to make any changes necessary to make the financial report true and fair so that the circumstances mentioned still exist. 1. The value of the write off for the Allowance for Doubtful Debts is inadequate .Management are unwilling to adjust it although the amount leads to a material misstatement of Accounts Receivable. The amount of the misstatement is limited to the Receivables and is able to be calculated. 2.A retailer provides a valuation for inventory at sales price less an allowance for sales margin. 3.The Block company has just been advised that its main customer who purchases 45% of its stock has just gone into liquidation.Due to the specific nature of its products Block company is unlikely to find another customer of this size.Block has been starting to have difficulties in making sufficient sales to continue operati ng. 4.The Croucher company has been valuing its buildings using the fair value method .Its buildings are currently shown in the balance sheet at their current market value of 18.5 million. The buildings had originally cost 12 million. 5.The Kaycee company values its inventory at LIFO and is unwilling to change it to FIFO as required by the Australian accounting standards.The amount of the misstatement is known and is limited to its effect on the inventory. Answers: Situation 1 Allowance for doubtful debts is a balance sheet account. It is the reduced from the total receivables of the company. This is regarded as contra assets account. It depicts the best estimate from the management side relating to the unpaid amount. It is the managements estimate that such amount will not be repaid by the customers. It directly affects the working capital of the company if this is understated or overstated. It is the responsibility of the management to record the allowance for doubtful debts properly in the books of account(Auasb.gov.au, 2016). Therefore instead of giving unqualified opinion auditor will give qualified opinion relating to this transaction of the company. A qualified opinion will be given because the amount is restricted to the receivables amount. There is material misstatement in the account which cannot be overlooked(Archive.treasury.gov.au, 2006). Therefore, it is the duty of the management to modify it according to the instructions of the auditor(Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, 2009). If management denies to the changes in the financial statements and auditor has not submitted the report to the board. Then auditor can modify its opinion and state it as adverse opinion. Auditor can take this decision on the basis that management has denied to take the corrective measures according to the relevant standards of the company(AUASB, 2010). Situation 2 Valuation of inventory is done at cost or net realizable value whichever is lower. This treatment is according to the relevant standard. This is the uniform standard on the basis of inventory is to be recorded in the books of accounts. But actually retailer has recorded its inventory at sales price less an allowance for sales margin which is not correct. Inventory is regarded as the largest current asset for any organization. Inventory valuation excludes the cost relating to the selling and administration. It affects the company's current ratio, working capital and current ratio of the company(CPA Australia , 2014). In this case the auditor will issue qualified opinion on the financial statement because inventory is not calculated on the true and fair view. Auditor will give qualified opinion because it is affecting the liquidity position of the company. Thus qualified opinion relating to this transaction is appropriate(CPA Australia, 2014). Situation 3 Third situation is relating to the company in which major customer who purchases the greatest proportion of the company material i.e. 45% of the stock of the company. These major customers went into liquation due to which company has to bear the loss of sales. Moreover right now company is not having any substitute for this customer. Therefore company is having ample of difficulties to continue the sales of the company(CPA Australia, 2016). This condition is hampering the going concern of the entity, which is a big thing for any company. Company has neither the intention nor the necessity to materially curtail its operations in the business. Therefore, auditor should state the mitigating factors due to which effect of the present condition can be minimized(charteredaccountants.com, 2016). When the going concern of the entity is not stable then auditor will give modified opinion. However primary responsibility of the auditor is to state true and fair opinion on the financial statements of the company(charteredaccountants.com, 2016). An auditor while reporting will include an explanatory paragraph also, in which it will describe the event which results into the non stability of the going concern(Standards.org.au, 2016). Moreover, auditor will consider the consideration of the management before stating his opinion over the matter. Thus block company auditor should consider the above stated points while giving his opinion on the financial statements of the company(APESB, 2011). Situation 4 In the given case Croucher company is valuing its building at the fair value method. The building is shown at the current market value in the books of accounts i.e. 18.5 million. However, the original cost of the building was 12 million. According to the standard of fixed assets building is recognized at the original cost. Therefore, it can be said that company has done upward revaluation(Standards.org.au, 2016). This shows that company has not represented its assets on a true and fair basis. In this case auditor will issue qualified opinion(Australian Accounting Standards Board, 2009). Situation 5 The Kaycee Company is measuring its inventory at LIFO basis instead of recognizing them at FIFO basis. According to the Australian accounting standard inventory should be measured at FIFO basis. This states that recognition criteria adopted by the management are not correct. First of all it is the duty of the auditor to inform the management of the company relating to this transaction(Australian Accounting Standards Board, 2009). Auditor will send written representation to the auditor relating to this transaction. Management after considering the written representation of the auditor; modifies the books of accounts accordingly then auditor will give qualified report(Standards Australia Limited , 2015). On the other hand if the management of the company does not consider the auditor's representation then auditor shall give an adverse opinion(Standards Australia Limited , 2015). Overall adequacies of the accounts are hampered if the accounting policy is changed by the management unnecessary(The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, 1998). FIFO method records the inventory in sequence. It is regarded as the most common method and popular method of management accounting. FIFO method is more practical as compared to LIFO. Moreover it is the duty of the company to comply with the accounting standard. Situation 6 The Genome Company while preparing his financial statements does not disclose the related party because of the privacy issues. Related party relationship is regarded as normal feature of business and commerce. It has direct effect on the profit and loss of the company. Financial position of the company can be changed through the related party transactions. Thus it can be said that related party transaction plays a crucial role in determining the business course of action. Related party has an opportunity to enter into the transactions which are not permitted to the unrelated party(Laker, 2016). Thus it makes it materials to disclose the same in the financial statement of the company(Standards.org.au, 2016). Primary responsibility of preparing the accounts as per the relevant standards is the duty of the management. An auditor has secondary responsibility to express an opinion over true and fair view of the financial statements of the company(Australian Accounting Standards Board, 200 9). Audit of financial statements does not relieve management from its primary responsibility i.e. preparation of accounts according to the relevant standards(Archive.treasury.gov.au, 2006). Related party transactions are not independent in nature therefore it increases the responsibility of the auditor. Many transactions relating to the business are within the course of the business but this is not true for every transaction. Related part has the power to operate extensively therefore it is necessary to have true and fair disclosure. Thus auditor should inform management to make the relevant disclosure relating to the transaction. If management agrees and makes amendments according to the auditor then auditor should issue unqualified report(Tomasic, 2016). If manager do not agree with the recommendation and do not make any relevant amendments in the books of accounts; in that situation auditor shall issue qualified report to the Genome Company(Standards Australia Limited , 2015). Through this auditor draws attention of the stakeholders towards the relevant related party transactions of the company. It shows that transactions of the company are affected because of the [presence of the presence of the related party. It is the duty of the auditor to give written representation to the management. If the written representations are considered by the management then auditor can modify its report accordingly. Auditor will identify and assess the various risks relating to the related party transactions(Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, 2016). The auditor will respond towards the assessed risk according to the materiality of the transaction. Thus, it can be said that auditor will present modified opinion in this case(Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, 2016). References APESB, 2011. APES 210 Conformity with Auditing and Assurance Standards. Archive.treasury.gov.au, 2006. Australian Auditor Independence Requirements. Auasb.gov.au, 2016. Australian Auditing Standards. AUASB, 2010. Overview of the revised and redrafted Australian Auditing Standards. AUASB. Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, 2009. Auditing Standard ASA 200 Overall Objectives of the Independent Auditor and the Conduct of an Audit in Accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. ASA. Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, 2016. Auditing Standard ASA 720 The Auditor's Responsibilities Relating to. Australian Accounting Standards Board, 2009. Related Party Disclosures. AASB. charteredaccountants.com, 2016. Auditing Standards FAQs. CPA Australia , 2014. A Guide To Understanding Auditing And Assurance. CPA.

Sop Dental Assisting free essay sample

The Visa Officer Canadian High Commission Chandigarh Respected Visa Officer, I am Supneet Sandhu, resident of, Punjab, India. My academic record throughout has been outstanding. I have done my Matriculation with 87. 2% followed by my Senior Secondary with 81% after that I have did my Graduation followed by Bachelor of Dental Surgery with 62% in 2011. Recently I have secured 7. 5 bands in IELTS. I am writing this letter to express my interest in Dental Assisting Program offered at the St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario. I have chosen St. Clair College because it is a well known educational institution with wide variety of programs. Further Goals: I want to learn to grow in the challenging field of Dentistry because Dentistry, a lucrative profession, is concerned with all health problems afflicting the mouth, teeth, gums and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. It is accepted as a professional field which includes dental care and correction. We will write a custom essay sample on Sop Dental Assisting or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Dentists help people maintain their health and appearance. Dentists are assuming very important roles in the whole healthcare system. With an increasing awareness of the importance of oral health and the introduction of new fields like periodontics (care of gums and the diseases that might afflict them), oral pathology (diagnosis for diseases that affect the mouth ) and orthodontics (straightening and aligning teeth and jaws) have all enhanced the scope of this field. Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, this program will prepare me to assume a position as a dental assistant/ intra-oral health care provider, capable of working with health professionals in a variety of settings. The role of a Level II dental assistant involves precise and detailed work in a confined environment, including intra-oral skills such as selective coronal polishing, oral hygiene instruction, application of pit and fissure sealants, fluoride application, and teeth whitening processes. Moreover, the graduate of this program will perform a variety of roles including clinical, education, health promotion, and business administration and laboratory duties consistent with national standards and be eligible for certification by the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODDA) and the Canadian Dental Assistants Association (CDAA). After completion of this course in India there will be lot of opportunities for me include public health departments, hospitals, armed forces, college/university dental clinics. Why Canada: Canadians place great importance on learning, and have developed a first-rate education system [-gt;0]with high standards. The country spends more on education (as a percentage of GDP) compared to the OECD average, and is the second highest among G-8 countries. Canadian teenagers consistently rank among the best in the world on international tests of reading, science and math a testament to the outstanding quality of Canadian schools. A Canadian degree, diploma or certificate is well-regarded in business, government and academic circles around the globe. Canada has traditionally been a country of immigrants and has a policy of encouraging multicultural diversity. In this vibrant setting, different perspectives are respected and learning together is encouraged. Canada is considered to be a relatively peaceful, safe and orderly country. Its violent crime rate decreased for ten consecutive years from 1993 to 2003. Unlike its US neighbors to the south, firearms are strictly controlled and generally are not permitted. International students who come to Canada should follow the same common sense safety precautions as they would anywhere in the world. Students can contact any Canadian Education Centre to learn more about personal safety, or attend a safety orientation session at their school upon their arrival in Canada. Responsibility of Financial Aid: My Brother is an Agriculturist would fund my education in Canada. I would also take advantage of Education loan from Punjab Sind Bank for my Study at Canada. I am confident that I have fulfilled all the pre-requisite of student visa application. Sir/Madam, I humbly request you to please consider my application.

3 Amazing Freelancing Opportunities for Introverts

3 Amazing Freelancing Opportunities for Introverts Marilyn Monroe once said, I restore myself when Im alone, which is classic introversion. However, with modern workplace trends of open-space offices and shared co-working spaces, finding the time and place to do your work alone is more difficult than it would seem.The good news is there are three great jobs for introverts- or for those inclined toward introversion- and with the right skills, you can find freelance opportunities in all three. But before we get into these freelance opportunities, lets look at freelancing in general and some recent statistics that support its upward trend.FreelancingIn a 2017 study conducted by independent research firm Edelman Intelligence, researchers found that 57.3 million Americans are freelancing (36 percent of the U.S. workforce), contributing approximately $1.4 trillion annually to the economy. This is an increase of nearly 30% since last year.That study also concluded that:54 percent of the U.S. workforce (freelancers and non-freelancers) said theyre not very confident that the work they do will exist in 20 years.By 2027, the majority of the U.S. workforce will freelance.63 percent of freelancers think that having a diversified portfolio of clients is more secure than one employer and have an average of 4.5 clients per month.This trend toward freelancing is great news for introverts, who prefer to work independently in their own chosen setting. Such personalities tend to find office chatter and activity to be distracting- and at times, even distressing.So, if you happen to be an introvert, or if you are interested in freelancing as an editor, content writer, or graphic designer, lets take a look at the skills youll need for each.EditorThe role of an editor will vary based on the editing services needed. An editor can offer developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, proofreading, or manuscript critiquing services, and each of these are different in their approach and the point at which they are needed for a manuscri pt.The most commonly needed editorial service is copyediting, which involves focusing on the technical issues of the copy and requires an excellent command of rules related to grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, citation formats and capitalization. A copyeditor will also need to make notes on any false or questionable information such as incorrect quotes, dates, or claims. This skill is especially useful in the publishing world, where false information could mean defamation lawsuits or a tarnished reputation.Skills youll needEditors, whether copyediting or proofreading, should demonstrate the following skills:Expert knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, capitalization, citation style, spelling and syntax rules.The ability to be meticulous and careful in your work, paying close attention to details.An ability to determine macro-level problems of the copy, including consistency.Research skills related to checking facts, dates, spelling of names, and quotes. This skill doesnt always apply to editing projects, but is particularly important if you are editing for a publication that could be sued for defamation, plagiarism, or reporting false information.A genuine desire to help writers polish their work and ensure it is error-free for publication.The ability to manage multiple projects at once, with different timelines and expectations.Content writer or copywriterThe role of a content writer will vary depending on the client and project. In most cases, a content writer (or copywriter) is responsible for creating content to be published- either online, in print, or both. This content could range from social media posts and blog articles, to press releases, email marketing campaigns and YouTube scripts.In addition to having great command of the English language, a freelance content writer needs to understand the basics of Internet marketing and writing for certain audiences. While there are copywriting jobs that dont pertain to Internet marketing and publish ing, a majority do, and having the skills required to write for online audiences is crucial to selling your services.Content is king, as Bill Gates once famously wrote. Its even more important now than it was in 1996 when Gates wrote that. Youll find that businesses ranging from laundromats and distribution companies to plastic surgery centers and wellness retreats (and everything in between) need great content writers to advertise their services and increase their brand reputation.Skills youll needTo succeed as a freelance content writer/copywriter, youll need the following:Impeccable grammar, syntax, and English language skills.Knowledge of how to conduct research on various topics, and how to find valid, trustworthy sources.The ability to read about new topics, and then synthesize and summarize those topics.An engaging voice that appeals to the reader and makes them want to read more.An accommodating, professional attitude when clients ask for rewrites or changes in the draft (wh ich is an inevitable part of the job).The ability to manage multiple projects at once, with different timelines and expectations.A basic understanding of how content helps businesses grow (here is a great article showing some of the recent statistics and trends related to content marketing).Graphic designerContent isnt just words. In fact, graphic design plays an equal part in building a solid online reputation for any company or individual- whether its designing images for social media posts or creating the overall look of a website.In the world of freelance graphic design, projects run the gamut from logo creation and web design to digital art and 3D illustrations. While a degree is not necessary, having the expertise and software necessary to compete with other freelancers (who might have degrees) is crucial. As is building a stunning design portfolio.Since graphic design is so visual, a design portfolio will be your most important asset to market your freelance services. Many de signers have both a print and digital design portfolio- which you choose will depend on how you go about finding clients and the focus of your design expertise. For more tips on how to build and freshen your portfolio, this is a great resource.Skills youll needTo succeed as a freelance graphic designer, youll need the following:Excellent communication skills to articulate ideas through text and image.Excellent listening skills to understand what a client is going for in their graphic design project and what they hope the final draft will look like.The ability to think creatively and convey messages in ways that are unique and engaging. This includes ways to solve problems creatively or think outside the box in terms of messaging and meaning.Expert knowledge of the technology and software needed to design. This might include (but is certainly not limited to) Quark, InDesign, PhotoShop, and Adobe.Fluency in programming languages like HTML and CSS, as well as working knowledge of conte nt management systems (CMS) like WordPress.The ability to manage multiple projects at once, with different timelines and expectations.An understanding of, and eye for, developing legible type through a familiarity with fonts and a knowledge of line-height and tracking.A thorough understanding of color theory, knowing how colors complement and contrast with each other.Skills every freelancer needsRegardless of the line of work you do as a freelancer, there are skills you will need to be successful. Since freelancing requires marketing your own services, much of your time will be put into finding clients who need a professional, skilled graphic designer. This ability to market yourself and bid on jobs is vital if you want to find steady work.Youll find that if you do great work, many clients will return to you for additional jobs after the initial one. In fact, repeat clients will be the staple of your business, so its important to make sure that every job you do- you do it well. This will ensure that clients return to you when they need more work done.Youll also need to research pricing structures to have an understanding of what each task should cost the client. Obviously, freelancers charge a range of prices, and setting your price will likely be one of the hardest parts of the job. Set it too low and it will be hard to make a sustainable living from your freelance work. Set it too high, and you run the risk of clients seeking out another freelancer. The thing to keep in mind here is you should charge your client what you believe your work is worth. Dont under-bid other freelancers in bidding wars, as this could backfire, and you could be stuck with a task that underpays for the amount of work thats involved.Above all, freelancing offers flexibility and the opportunity to work in a comfortable setting, on your own time, and on your own- just as introverts like it.

American Flag Protocol on Memorial Day

American Flag Protocol on Memorial Day The American flag is flown at half-staff  anytime the nation is mourning. The proper protocol for flying the American Flag on Memorial Day slightly differs from other occasions when flags are flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day, flags are quickly raised to full-staff position and then slowly lowered to half-staff, where they remain from sunrise until noon to honor the dead servicemen and women of this country. At noon, the flags are raised quickly to full-staff in recognition of living military veterans who served the country. The flags remain at full staff until sunset. Whenever the flag is flown at half-staff, other flags (including state flags) should be removed or flown at half-staff as well. Protocol for Flags Mounted on Homes For flags that cannot be lowered, such as those mounted on homes, an acceptable alternative is to attach a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag pole, directly beneath the ornament at the end of the pole. The ribbon or streamer should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag. If the flag is wall-mounted, attach three black bows along the top edge of the flag- one at each corner and one in the center. Other Occasions When Flags Fly at Half-Staff There are many other occasions when flags are flown at half-staff. No  one other than the president and state governors can order the flag to be flown at half-staff. Occasions include the following: Flags are flown at half-staff  at all U.S. federal buildings, grounds, territories, and Navy ships for 30 days when the current or a former president dies.They are flown at half-staff for 10 days following the death of the vice president, speaker of the House of Representatives, the chief justice or retired chief justice of the Supreme Court.Flags fly at half-staff until the burial of a former vice president, governor of a state, associate justice of the Supreme Court, or the Secretary of a military department.In the Washington, D.C. area, flags are flown at half-staff on the day of and the day following the death of a U.S. senator or representative.The president may order the flag to be flown at half-staff to recognize the death of a great American or non-American. Flags flew at half-staff in 2016 after the death of former first lady Nancy Reagan, in 2013 at the death of Nelson Mandela, in 2005 in recognition of the passing of Pope John Paul II, for King Hussein of Jordan in 1999, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin  in 1995, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1965, among many others. The president may order the flag to be flown at half-staff when a tragic event occurs in the U.S. or elsewhere, including for the victims of the July 2016 attack on police officers in Baton Rouge and for the victims of the August 2016 attack in Nice, France.  In addition to Memorial Day, the flag flies at half-staff on Patriot Day (September 11), Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7), and National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service (Oct 9).

Ted Talk Reflection Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ted Talk Reflection Report - Essay Example I must say that the research process turned out to be quiet easy for me in the sense that I had to write about my father’s professional success and how he used the social media, which was in a very nascent stage in his times, to promote and expand his business. Yet, I was required to maintain a measure of detachment while culling out the traits that highlighted my father’s professional success, and to seek a theory of success that imbibed those characteristics and traits. I used a colorful and simple visual selection to make my paper more interesting, thought provoking and self explanatory. The objective of my essay is to bring to fore the essential human qualities, which when combined with the technical possibilities, give way to success and fulfillment. The management gurus and motivational speakers do not happen to be the only custodians of timeless qualities and abilities that promote human happiness. Families and communities also have been the traditional sources of ethics and excellence, which if approached and analyzed in a theoretical framework, can work wonders for the world. The Action Plan from the Doc Spec made the things for me less unwieldy, structured and organized. I must say that I don’t have much experience with essay writing in English. So the Doc Spec facilitated a manageable framework within which I was able to research and brainstorm the topic selected by me. To put it simply, it considerably curtailed the wastage of time, efforts and resources. It allowed me to construct and then build on the topic in a systematic and methodical manner Going through the papers drafted by others allowed me a clear and concise perspective as to what I was expected to do and how I should go about doing it. I more than often focused on the format and style of others to shape and organize my work. It also extended to me a fair idea as to what sources I need to research and how to access those sources. Besides it

Dispute Between Workers Union And Employer Case Study - 17

Dispute Between Workers Union And Employer - Case Study Example The Union has appealed to the NLRB to set aside the election results. If I were on NLRB, I would set aside the elections because of the provisions of Taft-Hartley labor act. While the act allows employers the right to interact with employees with the aim of influencing union activities and actions, expressions into the interactions must not pose threats of reprisal. The case, however, identifies potential threats of reprisal, from the management, which could have intimidated union members and led to restraint from participation in the elections. From the supervisor’s repeated appearance in the vicinity, the union members had all the reasons to fear intimidation and harsh treatment from the management if the union won in the elections. It was also normal for the union members to believe that the supervisor was acting in his normal capacity as an agent of the management because that is his regular position. These arguments identify implied the threat of reprisal and mean that the employer, through its supervisor, breached provisions of the Taft-Ha rtley Act.

Ultrasound is simply sound Essay Example for Free

Ultrasound is simply sound Essay Ultrasound is simply sound pitched above human hearing. Ultrasound is the part of the sonic spectrum which ranges from about 20 kHz to 10 MHz and can be roughly subdivided in three main regions: (A) low frequency, high power ultrasound (20-100 kHz), (B) high frequency, medium power ultrasound (100 kHz-1 MHz), (C) and high frequency, low power ultrasound (1-10 MHz). The frequency level is inversely proportional to the power output. High power, low frequency ultrasound does alter the state of the medium and is the type of ultrasound typically used for sonochmical applications. Table A shows the application of ultrasound (1). 2. 3. 2 Theory Two theories exist to explain the chemical effects due to cavitation: hot-spot theory (2) and the electrical theory (3 4). Hot spot theory has been experimentally shown that the cavitational collapse creates drastic conditions inside the medium for an extremely short time: temperatures of 2000-5000 K and pressures up to 1800 atm inside the collapsing cavity. A remarkable event during the cavitation collapse is the emission light under certain conditions (sonoluminescence). Furthermore, the collapse causes a couple of strong physical effects outside the bubble: shear forces, jets and shock waves. The electrical theory postulates that an electrical charge is created on the surface of a cavitation bubble, forming enormous electrical field gradients across the bubble which are capable of bond breakage upon collapse. 2. 3. 3 Sonochemistry in Aqueous Solution The reactive species formed during the sonolysis of water are similar to those observed radiolysis (Table B). Among the most extensively studies species are OH radical and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), produced by the thermolysis of water molecules in the gas phase of the bubble, and recombination of the resulting free radicals H2O2 is formed in the cooler interfacial area of the cavitation bubble (5). 2. 3. 3. 1 Kinetic Analysis The chemical transformation which occur during sonolysis may occur in several different regions of the cavitation bubble (Fig C). Three regions of sonochemical activity in sonicated systems (6). Attack by oxidizing species such as hydroxyl radical (OH) or oxygen atom or thermolysis of chemical bonds within the substrate can occur in either the gas phase or interfacial region. OH is most concentrated in the gas phase of the cavitation bubble. It is presumed that aromatic substrates are attacked by addition of OH whereas non-aromatic molecules are attach by hydrogen atom abstraction (7) due to much stronger C-H bond in aromatic system. 2. 3. 4 Acoustic cavitation Bubble collapse in liquids results in an enormous concentration of energy from the conversion of the kinetic energy of liquid motion into heating of the contents of the bubble. The high local temperatures and pressures, combined with extraordinarily rapid cooling, provide a unique means for driving chemical reactions under extreme conditions. The origin of sonochemical effects in liquids is the phenomenon of acoustic cavitation. Ultrasonic waves traveling through a solution impose upon the liquid a sinusoidal pressure variation, alternately compressing the liquid molecules or pulling them apart by overcoming the intermolecular forces. As an ultrasonic frequency of 20 kHz, the liquid will be compressed and rarefied each second. Therefore, the distance among the molecules vary as the molecules oscillate around their mean position. If the intensity of ultrasound in a liquid is increased, a point is reached at which the intramolecular forces are not able to hold the molecular structure intact. Consequently, it breaks down and a cavity is formed. This cavity is called cavitation bubble as this process is called cavitation and the point where it starts cavitation threshold. A bubble responds to the sound field in the liquid by expanding and contracting, i. e. it is excited by a time-varying pressure (1 4). Two forms of cavitation are known: stable and transient. Stable cavities oscillate for several acoustic cycles before collapsing, or never collapse at all. Transient cavities, conversely, exist for only a few acoustic cycles (10). 2. 3. 5 Sonoluminescence (SL) During the acoustic cavitations, the emission of light was referred by the SL. During the underwater exposure of photographic plates, it was first observed, when these plates were irradiated with ultrasound in the solutions (11). Generally, the Hot Spot theory explains the origin of the sono-luminescence and sono-chemistry, which is widely accepted by the scholars. It simplifies the expansion of potential energy of a bubble, when it is concerntrated into the core of a heated gas, and which makes the implosion of that bubble. Sono-luminescence has been divided into two forms; single-bubble SL (12 13) and the multi-bubble SL (14), through which the information is gathered regarding the conditions during the implosion of the cavitation bubbles. Commonly, shock waves are the usually proposed mechanisms that are used in the SL during the implosion of the bubbles. Through this, the bubbles are converged at the center by these mechanisms (15). Hydroxyl radical is another mentioned that is being used in the SL, which produces the emission from the chemical species during their excited state (16). However, small changes in bulk parameters can bring significant influences in the nature of the emissions. The moment, at which the air bubbles glow in the water was observed by the first researchers and was then, known as the multiple-bubble sono-luminescence (MBSL). However, it is advised to observe this glowing condition in a darkened room due to the fainting characteristic of these bubbles. In 1990, two researchers; Crum and Gaitan observed the SBSL in its perfect conditions (17). Placing of a single bubble of gas was done in the liquid, in order to create SBSL. In this regard, an air bubble was injected in the liquid, which created the SBSL. Normally, the bubble was arisen after in the center of the cylindrical flask after its injection. However, the sound waves were bombarded that kept it in its place. Nowadays, elaborate setups are available and practiced by the researchers in their labs. Sono-luminescence requires around 100 decibels of sound waves, which can cause deafness in a normal person. Another factor that is imperative for the SL is the frequency of sound, which a human hearing cannot reach in its range. During the acoustic cavitations, the SL referred the release of light waves. Sono-luminescence is divided into two forms; single-bubble SL (12 13) and the multi-bubble SL (14), through which the information is gathered about the conditions during the implosion of the air bubbles. Commonly, shock waves are the regularly proposed methods that are used in the SL during this process. Through this, the bubbles meet at the center by these methods (15). The moment, at which the air bubbles glow in the water was observed by the first researchers and was then, known as the multiple-bubble sono-luminescence (MBSL). In 1990, two researchers; Crum and Gaitan observed the SBSL in its perfect conditions (17). A single bubble of gas was placed in the liquid to create SBSL. In this regard, an air bubble was inserted in the liquid, which created the SBSL. Sono-luminescence requires around 100 decibels of sound waves, which can also cause deafness in a normal person. 2. 3. 6 Heterogeneous systems: liquid liquid interface Ultrasound forms very fine emulsions in systems with two immiscible liquids, which is very beneficial when working with biphasic systems or phase transfer catalyzed. When very fine emulsions are formed, the surface area available for reaction between the two phases is significantly increased, enhance the mass transfer in the interfacial region, thus increasing the rate of the reaction. Ultrasound cavitation creates reactive intermediates that shorten the reaction time (18). 2. 3. 7 Ultrasonic System Types Generally 3 types: Ultrasonic bath, Probe system and Planar Transducers. 2. 3. 7. 1 Ultrasonic Bath Ultrasonic bath: originally manufactured for cleaning purposes (1). Fig Y shows the bath that has transducers attached to the bottom. The reaction vessel is typically immersed in the coupling fluid contained in the bath. When indirect sonication is used, the ultrasonic power which reaches the reaction vessel is relatively low as compare to other ultrasonic systems, such as a probe. In addition, obtaining reproducible results may be difficult because the amount of power reaching the reaction mixture is highly dependent upon the placement of the sample in the bath. 2. 3. 7. 2 Probe System Probe systems are being more frequently used for sonochemical research in the laboratory. This may be because manufactures are aware that this type of research is increasing and are providing equipment to meet the demand (19). Probe sytems are capable of delivering large amounts of power directly to the reaction mixture which can be regulated b varying the amplitude delivered to the transducer. Disadvantages in using a probe system include erosion and pitting of the probe tip, which may contaminate the reaction solution. Figure Z shows the probe type sonoreactor. 2. 9. 7. 3 Planar transducers This type of setup is typically made in the laboratory and consists of a planar transducer connected to a vessel which contains either the reaction mixture (direct sonication) or a coupling fluid (indirect sonication) into which the reaction vessel is immersed. Planar transducers capable of delivering higher powers than ultrasonic bath systems (1). However, they are difficult to scale-up.

Where there is no William Shakespeare :: Biography Biographies Essays

Where there is no Shakespeare "You can be a genius and still be an ordinary man," remarks literary critique and historian A.L. Rowse, debating on the true originator of Shakespeare's work. It has been questioned whether Shakespeare- undoubtedly one of the most remarkable and acclaimed playwrights that the world has ever known, was the actual originator of his work. Although much is not confirmed about Shakespeare's work and life, there are many assumptions that lead scholars to question Shakespeare's identity due to his limited background, lack of original manuscripts, and his undocumented birth and death. Historians assume that Shakespeare was educated at Stratford Grammar School where he learned Latin and possibly Greek. Shakespeare was uneducated; he never attended any college, and in fact, there is no real evidence that he attended the Stratford Grammar School. The plays, however, were obviously written by a well-educated man, with an excellent knowledge of classical literature and mythology. Shakespeare did not attend a university- this questions how Shakespeare learned the French, Italian, Latin and Greek that provided the material for the plays. If he had attended the village school, he would have learned only small Latin and possibly Greek. Never having attended university, it draws many doubts on how the man from Stratford gain the knowledge the plays reveal of the law and medicine. Never having been at sea, it is unclear how Shakespeare gained the knowledge the plays reveal of navigation. It has been questioned how Shakespeare- a hick, uses the language of kin gs and countrymen. The plays show that their author was well acquainted with the activities and attitudes of the aristocrats, was sympathetic to those attitudes, and was well acquainted with court life and scheming. This strongly suggests that the author was himself an aristocrat. However, Shakespeare was a commoner, and had no direct knowledge of court life. Another fact that questions Shakespeare's work is that there is no document showing that the man from Stratford did write these works. There should be a record: his manuscripts, his letters, the letters sent to him, the letters about him between others, and printed stories and pamphlets about him. The only works related to Shakespeare's works are reviews and comments on the plays and poems.

Hum/130 Final

Buddhism HUM/130 January 13, 2013 Buddhism In this paper we will put to an end to the ongoing question if the Buddhists are bowing down to Idols or Gods and why they do what they do. This paper will go into detail about the temple that I went to and the different tours that I was able to go on and the interview I was able to hold. I will also go into great detail about what you experience during one of the services in the Main Shrine. The Hsi Lai Temple sits on 15 acres of land and has a floor area of 102,432 sq. ft. nd is located at 3456 Glenmark Drive, Hacienda Heights CA 91745. The architecture when you first drive up is mind blowing and beautiful. The architecture stays true to the traditional styles of buildings, gardens, and statuary of the ancient Chinese monasteries. They started the planning and building of the temple in 1978 and finished the building ten years later in 1988. Hsi Lai means â€Å"coming west† and signifies the dedication of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist O rder to spreading the teachings of the Buddha. Fo Guang Shan is the largest monastery and covers over 370 acres.When you walk up the first set of steps you come to what they call the gate. On the top part of the sign it says Hsi Lai Temple which again means â€Å"coming west† and then on the four pillars it says the four universal vows, which are â€Å"to save all sentient beings, to eradicate all worries, to study the boundless Dharma, and to attain supreme Buddhahood. † After you walk up the steps from the lower parking lot where the gate is you walk up more steps to the upper parking lot and then from their you walk up more steps to what they call the Bodhisattva Hall.Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings that made a vow to selflessly serve others with loving-kindness and compassion and are committed to liberating all beings from suffering. It is said that each one of the bodhisattvas represents a virtuous quality essential to all Buddhists. When talking about the bod hisattvas they made a point to make sure that we understood that when we saw that people were bowing to them that they were not bowing to an idol, but rather a sign of showing respect and seeking their guidance to develop the virtuous qualities they represent. Bowing also shows our own humility and the curbing of our ego.There are five bodhisattvas are: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva which is symbolic of great practice, and helping us achieve more discipline in our daily life, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva which was known for his great vow to help all beings in hell and would not stop till hell was emptied of all beings, Maitreya Bodhisattva is the future Buddha and is the symbol of great benevolence and is often referred to as Happy Buddah, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva which symbolizes the perfection and loving-kindness, and Manjusri Bodhisattva which is known for great wisdom which empowers one to distinguish universal morality from wrongdoing.Underneath the five bodhisattva are engraved Chine se characters from the Diamond Sutra. Next to the Heart Sutra the Diamond Sutra is the most widely read of the Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra, and is highly valued among sects in Chan Buddhism.While I was at the His Lai Temple I found that they have an information where you can go on two different types of tours of their temple: the first being a self-guided audio tour where they give you a cd player and it gives you valuable information about the temple and all its rooms and buildings as well as the gardens and information on the statues that are found throughout the temple, The second type of tour they offer is with a docent who is more than willing to answer any questions that may come up during the tour, while they inform you about everything within the temple.The two gardens I was able to see within the temple was: the first being the Arhat Garden where the eighteen arhats are seated. The Arhats have realized the truth of no-self and that all is a composite of the five aggregates dep endant on other phenomena originally empty and subject to impermanence. It is said that the eighteen Arharts were able to overcome the difilements of greed, anger, and ignorance.The eighteen Arhats are: Cudapanthaka which is the door watching arhat, Jivaka which is the heart exposing arhat, Vajraputra which is the persuading arhat, Subinda which is the pagoda holding arhat, Panthaka which is the arhat with stretched arms, Kalika which is the dust cleaning arhat, Bhadra which is the arhat that crossed the river, Pindola which is the arhat with long eyebrows, Nakula which is the silently seated arhat, Ajita which is the arhat riding the deer, Maitreya which is the tiger taming arhat, Angaja which is the arhat with a sack, Vananasim which is the arhat under the banana tree, Rahula which is the arhat in deep conversation, Manakassapa which the dragon subduing arhat, Kanakabharadavaja which is the arhat holding the alms bowl, Nagasena which is the ear cleaning arhat, and Kanakavatsa whic h is the jolly arhat. The second garden is the Avalokitesvara Garden. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is seated on a giant rock with both her attendants, Shanci and Longnu who are standing beside her.Surrounding the pond are the four Deva Kings: Virudhaka of the Southern Kingdom which is holding the sword, Virupaksa of the Western Kingdom which is holding the dragon, Dhanada of the Northern Kingdom which is holding the umbrella, and the Dhrtarastra of the Eastern Kingdom which is holding a sitar. The four Deva Kings are revered as guardians who protect devout sentient beings from being harmed by unwholesome elements. Standing around the four Deva Kings are the four Dragon Kings of the Four Seas. The flowing water in the garden is symbolic of the Dharma water flowing everywhere to purify people’s minds. Although the Buddhist love informing people of their religion and teaching you about their beliefs. They are really not very forth coming when it comes to helping someone who is the re for a school assignment.I was asked by the individual to leave his name out and was further informed that they do not normally do this kind of interview. When asked about the holidays and traditions he said the most important holiday is Wesak Day which comes in May on the day of the full moon. As for traditions he said that it all depends on the form of Buddhism tradition that you followed. When asked how has his life has been shaped by the Buddhism religion he said that it has made him a more understanding person to what he called the true nature of life. When asked what the biggest challenge is to the Buddhist religion he said that with all beliefs the biggest challenge is changing you.He has been practicing Buddhism since he was born and was taught by monks and other teachers about the Buddhist religion. When asked if there were any dietary restrictions, he did not come out and say that you had to be vegan but stated that it was more wholesome to be vegan. During our interview I found that it was real simple to become a Buddhist and that all you really have to do is follow the teachings. After that question he seemed to be in a real hurry to end the interview but I thanked him for his time and let him know that what I was able to get answered was very helpful. When it came to compairing this religion to another I chose Christianity, not because it was the easier to compare because I found them to have very obvious differences.In Christianity when you become a Christian you accept God into your heart as Lord and Savior and then are baptized as a symbol of the washing of your sins. When you become a Buddhist you just start following the teachings of the Buddha. The other difference that stood out to me was that Christians believe in a heaven and hell and Buddhist believe that hell is only in the mind. Christians believe that when you die you go to heaven to be with your Lord and Savior, Buddhist believe that when you are done with this life you are reincar nated in the next life. I found this religion to be incredibly interesting as well as beautiful. This religion is all about selflessness, which I found in this day and age to be comforting.In order to become a Buddhists you, you are told to give up all your worldly possessions. Today, everything is about worldly possessions from the cell phone that they have the designer clothes they own, to the car that they drive. When the subject of material possessions is brought up it starts making you think about what is really important in your life and how much thought you actually put into material possessions. I have found that people say that their family and friends are important, but if someone were to ask them to give up these possessions what do you think they would say? These people would tell you that you were out of your mind and then proceed to give you every excuse under the sun on why they could not do this.I believe that it takes an amazing person to be able to put someone else ’s life before their own and to truly be devoted unconditionally. As I watched the monks interact with people throughout the times I was there it seemed like they were truly at peace and seemed like they had it all figured out when it came to life. When I first started the assignment I thought that it was going to be stuffy and that I would have to deal with someone who did not want to truly be in the place of having to help someone with a school paper. I found that to be completely false and actually found that not only the monks were willing to answer questions, but all the staff members were happy to answer whatever questions that anybody came up with.At the end of this assignment I found that Buddhism not only left you with such a serine feeling not only while you were in the temple but when you left it made you feel like you could accomplish anything if you just believed. They believe that the only way to truly achieve happiness is by giving up yourself and start paying more attention to others. References: An Introduction to Buddhism. (2000). Retrieved from http://webspace. ship. edu/cgboer/buddhaintro. html Religious Tolerance. (2011). Retrieved from http://www. religioustolerance. org/buddhism. htm buddhanet. (2013). Retrieved from https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/secure/aapd/cwe/citation_generator/web_01_01. asp

Diapedesis

The article describes that diapedesis is the movement of white blood cells called leukocytes from circulating blood stream into areas of the body tissue where there is ongoing inflammatory reaction in response to cellular injury. The article evaluates the present facts on diapedesis and itemized several unresolved issues yet to be studied for perfect understanding of the biology of diapedesis. Though the author notes that compressive definition is poorly defined in scientific study, he however noted that diapedesis is technically accepted as transmigration of leukocyte between â€Å"endothelial cell-cell junctions† (Dejana, 106).Other upcoming research also has it that it can migrate through the endothelial cell. The articles points out literature reviews by several other authors to justify the possibility of transcellular and paracellular movements of leukocyte through the endothelial cells. The clarity from these two propositions is necessary to assist scientists in understa nding the arrangement and nature of proteins found along the pathway.This will help modulate the process and achieve desired aim(s) in clinical practice. The findings thus hold that leukocytes cross by biochemical interaction with molecular adhesive proteins at that line the endothelial junctions (Dejana 106). Some of the notable molecules are ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Considering the intracellular movement, the article discussed that leukocyte can evade killing by the lysosome unlike some pathogen, to cross over into the tissue undergoing inflammation.Subsequent to the attachment of leukocyte to the ICAM-1 or VCAM-1, there is reshaping of the cytoskeleton of the cell to form transmissible cup like structure. The article raises several questions like what factors initiate the cup like formation, and which proteins play role in cytoskeletal conformational change. Answers to several questions the author raises are fundamental to scientific breakthrough in maneuvering process of inflammation to less harmful and more beneficial process in diseases e. g. cancer and organ infectious and toxic exposure. Reference Dejana Elisabetha. The Transcellular Railway: insights into leukocyte. Natural Cell Biology (2008) , Retrieved: April 24,2009. 105 – 107. Site Available at:

Biography of Dom Pedro I, First Emperor of Brazil

Biography of Dom Pedro I, First Emperor of Brazil Dom Pedro I (October 12, 1798–September 24, 1834) was the first Emperor of Brazil and was also Dom Pedro IV, King of Portugal. He is best remembered as the man who declared Brazil independent from Portugal in 1822. He set himself up as Emperor of Brazil but returned to Portugal to claim the crown after his father died, abdicating Brazil in favor of his young son Pedro II. He died young in 1834 at the age of 35. Fast Facts: Dom Pedro I Known For: Declaring Brazils independence and serving as emperorAlso Known As: Pedro de Alcà ¢ntara Francisco Antà ³nio Joo Carlos Xavier de Paula Miguel Rafael Joaquim Josà © Gonzaga Pascoal Cipriano Serafim, The Liberator, The Soldier KingBorn: October 12, 1798 in the  Queluz Royal Palace  near  Lisbon,  PortugalParents: Prince Dom Joo (later King Dom  Joo  VI), Doà ±a  Carlota JoaquinaDied: September 24, 1834  at Queluz Palace, Lisbon, PortugalAwards and Honors:  Multiple Brazilian and Portuguese titles and honorsSpouse(s): Maria Leopoldina, Amà ©lie of LeuchtenbergChildren: Maria (later Queen Dona  Maria  II of Portugal),  Miguel,  Joo,  Januria,  Paula,  Francisca, PedroNotable Quote: It grieves me to see my fellow humans giving a man tributes appropriate for the divinity, I know that my blood is the same color as that of the Negroes. Early Life Dom Pedro I was born with the lengthy name of Pedro de Alcà ¢ntara Francisco Antà ³nio Joo Carlos Xavier de Paula Miguel Rafael Joaquim Josà © Gonzaga Pascoal Cipriano Serafim on October 12, 1798, in the Queluz Royal Palace outside of Lisbon. He was descended from royal lineage on both sides: on his fathers side, he was of the House of Braganà §a, the royal house of Portugal, and his mother was Carlota of Spain, daughter of King Carlos IV. At the time of his birth, Portugal was ruled by Pedros grandmother Queen Maria I, whose sanity was quickly deteriorating. Pedros father Joo VI essentially ruled in his mothers name. Pedro became heir to the throne in 1801 when his older brother died. As a young prince, Pedro had the best schooling and tutoring available. Flight to Brazil In 1807, Napoleon’s troops conquered the Iberian Peninsula. Wishing to avoid the fate of the ruling family of Spain, who were â€Å"guests† of Napoleon, the Portuguese royal family and court fled to Brazil. Queen Maria, Prince Joo, young Pedro, and thousands of other nobles set sail in November of 1807 just ahead of Napoleon’s approaching troops. They were escorted by British warships, and Britain and Brazil would enjoy a special relationship for decades to follow. The royal convoy arrived in Brazil in January of 1808: Prince Joo set up a court-in-exile in Rio de Janeiro. Young Pedro rarely saw his parents; his father was very busy governing and left Pedro to his tutors and his mother was an unhappy woman who was estranged from her husband, had little desire to see her children, and lived in a different palace. Pedro was a bright young man who was good in his studies when he applied himself, but he lacked discipline. Pedro, Prince of Brazil As a young man, Pedro was handsome and energetic and fond of physical activities like horseback riding, at which he excelled. He had little patience for things that bored him, such as his studies or statecraft, although he did develop into a very skilled woodworker and musician. He was also fond of women and began a string of affairs at a young age. He was betrothed to Archduchess Maria Leopoldina, an Austrian Princess. Married by proxy, he was already her husband when he greeted her at the port of Rio de Janeiro six months later. Together they would have seven children. Leopoldina was much better at statecraft than Pedro and the people of Brazil loved her, although Pedro found her plain and continued to have regular affairs, much to Leopoldinas dismay. Pedro Becomes Emperor of Brazil In 1815, Napoleon was defeated and the Braganà §a family was once again rulers of Portugal. Queen Maria, by then long descended into madness, died in 1816, making Joo king of Portugal. Joo was reluctant to move the court back to Portugal, however, and ruled from Brazil via a proxy council. There was some talk of sending Pedro to Portugal to rule in his fathers place, but in the end Joo decided he had to go to Portugal himself in order to make sure that Portuguese liberals did not entirely do away with the position of the king and royal family. In April 1821, Joo departed, leaving Pedro in charge. He told Pedro that if Brazil started moving toward independence, he should not fight it and instead make sure he was crowned emperor. Independence of Brazil The people of Brazil, who had enjoyed the privilege of being the seat of royal authority, did not take well to returning to colony status. Pedro took his fathers advice, and also that of his wife, who wrote to him: The apple is ripe: pick it now, or it will rot. Pedro dramatically declared independence on September 7, 1822, in the city of So Paulo. He was crowned emperor of Brazil on December 1, 1822. Independence was achieved with very little bloodshed: some Portuguese loyalists fought in isolated locations, but by 1824 all of Brazil was unified with relatively little violence. In this, Scottish Admiral Lord Thomas Cochrane was invaluable: with a very small Brazilian fleet, he drove the Portuguese out of Brazilian waters with a combination of muscle and bluff. Pedro proved himself skillful in dealing with rebels and dissidents. By 1824, Brazil had its own Constitution and its independence was recognized by the United States and Great Britain. On August 25, 1825, Portugal formally recognized Brazils independence; it helped that Joo was the king of Portugal at the time. A Troubled Ruler After independence, Pedro’s lack of attention to his studies came back to haunt him. A series of crises made life difficult for the young ruler. Cisplatina, one of Brazil’s southern provinces, split off with encouragement from Argentina: it would eventually become Uruguay. He had a well-publicized falling-out with Josà © Bonifcio de Andrada, his chief minister and mentor. In 1826 his wife Leopoldina died, apparently of an infection brought on after a miscarriage. The people of Brazil loved her and lost respect for Pedro due to his well-known dalliances; some even said that she had died because he hit her. Back in Portugal, his father died in 1826 and pressure mounted on Pedro to go to Portugal to claim the throne there. Pedro’s plan was to marry his daughter Maria to his brother Miguel, which would make Maria queen and Miguel regent. The plan failed when Miguel seized power in 1828. Abdication of Pedro I of Brazil Pedro began looking to remarry, but word of his poor treatment of the respected Leopoldina preceded him and most European princesses wanted nothing to do with him. He eventually settled on Amà ©lie of Leuchtenberg. He treated Amà ©lie well, even banishing his longtime mistress, Domitila de Castro. Although he was quite liberal for his time- he favored the abolition of slavery and supported the Constitution- he continually fought with the Brazilian Liberal party. In March of 1831, Brazilian liberals and Portuguese royalists fought in the streets. He responded by firing his liberal cabinet, leading to outrage and calls for him to abdicate. He did so on April 7, abdicating in favor of his son Pedro, then 5 years old. Brazil would be ruled by regents until Pedro II came of age. Return to Europe Pedro I had great troubles in Portugal. His brother Miguel had usurped the throne and had a firm hold on power. Pedro spent time in France and Great Britain; both nations were supportive but unwilling to get involved in a Portuguese civil war. He entered the city of Porto in July of 1832 with an army consisting of liberals, Brazilians, and foreign volunteers. Things went poorly at first because King Manuels army was much larger and laid siege to Pedro in Porto for over a year. Pedro then sent some of his forces to attack the south of Portugal, a surprise move that worked. Lisbon fell in July 1833. Just as it looked like the war was over, Portugal got drawn into the First Carlist War in neighboring Spain; Pedros assistance kept Queen Isabella II of Spain in power. Death Pedro was at his best in times of crises, as the years of warring had actually brought out the best in him. He was a natural wartime leader who had a real connection to the soldiers and people who suffered in the conflict. He even fought in the battles. In 1834 he won the war: Miguel was exiled from Portugal forever and Pedros daughter Maria II was placed upon the throne. She would rule until 1853. The warring, however, took its toll on Pedros health. By September 1834, he was suffering from advanced tuberculosis. He died on September 24 at the age of 35. Legacy During his reign, Pedro I was unpopular with the people of Brazil, who resented his impulsiveness, lack of statecraft, and mistreatment of the beloved Leopoldina. Although he was quite liberal and favored a strong Constitution and the abolition of slavery, Brazilian liberals constantly criticized him. Today, however, Brazilians and Portuguese alike respect his memory. His stance on the abolition of slavery was ahead of its time. In 1972, his remains were returned to Brazil with great fanfare. In Portugal, he is respected for overthrowing his brother Miguel, who had put an end to modernizing reforms in favor of a strong monarchy. During Pedros day, Brazil was far from the united nation it is today. Most of the towns and cities were located along the coast and contact with the mostly unexplored interior was irregular. Even the coastal towns were fairly isolated from one another and correspondence often went first through Portugal. Powerful regional interests, such as coffee growers, miners, and sugarcane plantations were growing, threatening to split the country apart. Brazil could very easily have gone the way of the Republic of Central America or Gran Colombia and been split up, but Pedro I and his son Pedro II were firm in their determination to keep Brazil whole. Many modern Brazilians credit Pedro I with the unity they enjoy today. Sources Adams, Jerome R. Latin American Heroes: Liberators and Patriots from 1500 to the Present. New York: Ballantine Books, 1991.Herring, Hubert. A History of Latin America From the Beginnings to the Present.  New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1962Levine, Robert M. The History of Brazil. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003.

Specific Gravity - Definition of Specific Gravity

Specific Gravity - Definition of Specific Gravity The specific gravity of a substance is the ratio of its density to a specified reference substance. This ratio is a pure number, containing no units. If the specific gravity ratio for a given substance is less than 1, that means the material will float in the reference substance. When the specific gravity ratio for a given material is greater than 1, that means the material will sink in the reference substance. This is related to the concept of buoyancy. The iceberg floats in the ocean (as in the picture) because its specific gravity in reference to the water is less than 1. This rising vs. sinking phenomenon is the reason that the term specific gravity is applied, although gravity itself plays no significant role in this process. Even in a substantially different gravitational field, the density relationships would be unchanged. For this reason, it would be far better to apply the term relative density between two substances, but for historical reasons, the term specific gravity has stuck around. Specific Gravity for Fluids For fluids, the reference substance is usually the water, with a density of  1.00 x 103 kg/m3  at 4 degrees Celsius (waters densest temperature), used to determine whether or not the fluid will sink or float in water. In homework, this is usually assumed to be the reference substance when working with liquids. Specific Gravity for Gases For gases, the reference substance is usually normal air at room temperature, which has a density of approximately 1.20 kg/m3. In homework, if the reference substance is not specified for a specific gravity problem, it is usually safe to assume that you are using this as your reference substance. Equations for Specific Gravity The specific gravity (SG) is a ratio of the density of the substance of interest (Ï i) to the density of the reference substance (Ï r). (Note: The Greek symbol rho, Ï , is commonly used to represent density.) That can be determined using the following formula: SG Ï i à · Ï r Ï i / Ï r Now, considering that the density is calculated from mass and volume through the equation Ï  m/V, this means that if you took two substances of the same volume, the SG could be rewritten as a ratio of their individual masses: SG Ï i / Ï rSG mi/V / mr/VSG mi / mr And, since the weight W mg, that leads to a formula written as a ratio of weights: SG mi / mrSG mig / mrgSG Wi / Wr It is important to remember that this equation only works with our earlier assumption that the volume of the two substances is equal, so when we talk about the weights of the two substances in this last equation, it is the weight of equal volumes of the two substances. So if we wanted to find out the specific gravity of ethanol to water, and we know the weight of one gallon of water, then we would need to know the weight of one gallon of ethanol to complete the calculation. Or, alternately, if we knew the specific gravity of ethanol to water, and knew the weight of one gallon of water, we could use this last formula to find the weight of one gallon of ethanol. (And, knowing that, we could use it to find the weight of another volume of ethanol by converting. These are the sorts of tricks that you may well find among homework problems that incorporate these concepts.) Applications of Specific Gravity Specific gravity is a concept that shows up in a variety of industrial applications, particularly as it relates to fluid dynamics. For example, if youve ever taken your car in for service and the mechanic showed you how small plastic balls floated in your transmission fluid, youve seen specific gravity in action. Depending on the specific application in question, those industries may use the concept with a different reference substance than water or air. The earlier assumptions applied only to homework. When you are working on a real project, you should know for sure what your specific gravity is in reference to, and shouldnt have to make assumptions about it.

The American Dream Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The American Dream - Essay Example Far from being dead, the American dream is alive and kicking. For many people, home-ownership has been a large part of the American dream. Owning your own house means controlling your own destiny and having a large asset to borrow against. For many years, the government encouraged this idea and provided tax breaks and other incentives to ensure that people would be able to buy their own homes. While some suggest that these policies helped to create a housing bubble, this does not mean the dream is wrong. The problem begins when a dream is subsidized by the government. Governments are not responsible for giving us our dreams. They should move out of the way and let people be free to pursue their own ideas. Rather than killing the American dream, the governments program of subsidizing home ownership effectively distorted the dream out of recognition. Now it is back again as the economy recovers. Furthermore, the dream is expanding around the world. In Russia, almost 70 per cent of peop le live in apartment buildings and do not own their own homes. The Russian government wants to encourage more home ownership and copy this element of the American dream (Ustinova). There are other elements of the American dream which play an important role in the idea that the dream is alive and kicking. No one can dispute that America has had problems with racial issues in the past. Until the Civil War and emancipation, it can be argued that there was no such thing as the American dream, that it simply did not exist because a large number of Americans were enslaved. Following Reconstruction there was still a lot of racial problems and schools in the South were not desegregated until the 1950s. Perhaps then the dream really came to life as it became at least possible for African-Americans to achieve success in America. But in recent years this dream has come thrillingly to life. With the election of Barack Obama in 2008, America showed that the dream is more alive than ever. Indeed the long-standing American dream of upward mobility and fairness for all was wedded powerfully to Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of racial equality. For the first time a black man was in the White House. Anything was possible. Some people dispute this and suggest that President Obama's father was African and not African-American and therefore did not have to fight the civil rights battles, but could simply walk into an American university unopposed. But this idea overlooks the true power of the American dream. If the American dream were dead, why would so many people wish to live in America. Why would America continue to be a beacon of hope and prosperity to the rest of the world. Americans live some of the most comfortable lives in the world (Ownby). Consumer and luxury goods are plentiful and available for excellent prices everywhere. Life for most Americans is good and getting better. Unemployment issues will soon be resolved. America is on path to make a more perfect union, welc oming new immigrants to share in their prosperity. Recent problems will not last. The dream is alive and well. It is so strong is cannot be knocked off course by a minor financial crisis. The truth is that America is not in decline. Its system is working fine and the current problems are just a blip on the radar. American is a powerful country that believes in freedom. Its home ownership market is improving and the economy is recovering. Minorities have never had as many opportunities as they do today and Barack Obama is President.

VOTING Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

VOTING - Essay Example According Lijphart (1999, p69), Cleisthenes introduced one of the earliest recorded systems of democracy in Greece back in 508 BC. This system of democracy required voters to select the least preferred politician who was then exiled for ten years in a distant country. The minimum number of votes that were required to have a politician exiled was 6000.However, if more than one politician received more than the set threshold votes, the candidate with the higher number of votes was exiled instead( Lijphart, 1999,p72). In the thirteenth century, the Venetian state created one of the most developed electoral systems at the time. The Venetian system nominated forty members in ‘Great Council’ and in the mid 13 century, the number of council members elected was increased to sixty (Grofman, & Merrill, 1999, p53) Though Venetians applied different electoral systems, approval-voting system was the most popular. The approval system required voters to cast a single vote for every can didate vying for a position in the council. Eventually, the candidate who garnered the highest number of votes was declared the winner to represent the state in the council (Grofman, & Merrill, 1999, p38). ... Equally important all candidates should be treated equally, without favoring a particular person over another. By treating the candidates equally, Schofield (2001, p584) notes that the voters are presented with a favorable opportunity of electing a person of their choice without bias and prejudice of any sort. Fair elections should also ensure that the victory goes to the candidate with the highest number of votes. Different governments and organizations apply various methods of ensuring effectiveness of the participants’ votes. According to Lijphart (1999, p102), votes become ineffective in electoral processes that lack fairness and transparency to both voters and the candidates. These malpractices include allowing particular voters to cast more than one vote, discriminating voters based on their gender, social and economic status, tribe, or ethnicity. In such cases, the votes become ineffective because people are not given an opportunity to elect candidates of their choice ( Lijphart, 1999, p105). In United states for instance, debate on whether setting the minimum voting age amounts to discrimination of young voters still persist. Candidates should be given an equal platform for presenting their candidature to the electorate. However, Schofield (2001, p587) notes that many electoral systems in the world contain elements of unfairness that favor a particular candidate over another or others. In such cases, the preferred candidate receives preferential treatment in form of positive media coverage, favorable popularity ratings among other practices at the expense of the other candidates. These practices make the vote to be ineffective because the

Ballistics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ballistics - Research Paper Example o empirical evidence to back up this claim that criminal cases have been affected because the jurors are now more well-versed in Forensic Science through these television series—making it more difficult to get a guilty verdict as jurors require more forensic evidence—a study has been conducted on 1027 jurors that show that â€Å"46 % expected to see some kind of scientific evidence in every criminal case† (Barak, Kim and Shelton, 2006 as cited in Shelton, 2008, p. 5). Now, because gun-related crimes continue to rise since 2002, with 68% of murders in the United States in the year 2006 being committed with the use of a firearm, it can be said that much of the scientific evidence being expected by jurors relate to ballistics, which is a specialized area in the field of Forensics (National Institute of Justice, 2010, para. 2). In fact, the study on â€Å"the CSI Effect† found that â€Å"32 % expected to see ballistic/firearms laboratory evidence in every criminal case† (p. 5). This introduction into Forensic Science and Ballistics does not only highlight their key role in crime-solving, but also emphasizes the role of scientific evidence in serving justice. It can be said, then, that no matter how the television series may have exaggerated some aspects of crime scene investigation, like the time the evidence is processed, it cannot be refuted that the field of Forensics and Ballistics play crucial roles in the criminal justice systemâ €”CSI Effect or not. Having established the importance of Forensic Science and Ballistics, I will now outline what this paper will contain. In the course of my paper I will provide background and history of the field and I will then examine the many changes undergone by ballistics in the 20th century. Case studies will be examined to highlight the points that I will be making. I will then conclude with some thoughts as to where the field may go in the future. Forensic Science, most commonly known by its shortened name of Forensics, is

Challenges Faced By Medical Laboratories Information Technology Essay

Challenges Faced By Medical Laboratories Information Technology Essay Healthcare is always a top priority within any collection of individuals, whether it is the workforce, schools, churches, communities, states, countries etc. This is because mortality rates are directly affected by the level of healthcare available, and effective productivity is dependent on good health and high mortality rates. Developed nations tend to invest large sums of money into healthcare, in order to prevent most ailments before they become epidemics, however, due to lack of emphasis on the importance of healthcare, African nations suffer from low mortality rates caused by lack of proper laboratory procedures and equipment, to test and accurately diagnose problems ahead of time. Even though we are now in a highly advanced technological era, Nigerian hospitals still conduct tests, data collection, and calculations manually, leaving a huge opening for errors which could lead to wrong diagnosis and in turn, wrong treatment. As we humans become ever increasingly dependent on computer technology in our daily lives, it then would be appropriate to utilize technological solutions to problems conventional methods prove inefficient at. These problems can be solved with the use of a properly configured software system to manage all administrative tasks in the laboratories. The most effective use of technology to solve to these issues would be carried out using open source software popularly known as a Laboratory Information System (L.I.M.S). The model of this work seeks to provide an application which will enable vital functionalities such as proper documentation and storage of patient information, patient specimen/sample tracking, and most important, patient test results. In the light of the above, the proposed system applies the web application development approach in its information architecture and processing, however this system will run on a local machine as opposed to running on a remote server over the internet. Consequently at completion of this work, the end product should be a Laboratory information management system which handles activities in the lab from the entry of a patient to the laboratory to the generating of a test result or Laboratory report. BACKGROUND OF STUDY The study for the development of the laboratory information management system uses a medical laboratory facility: Bakor Medical laboratory as its case study. Investigations indicate that the following steps or procedures are undertaken in the process of getting tested in the medical laboratory. On entry into the laboratory a document known as the Patient Investigation form. This form holds information such as the Patients name, age sex, on filling this form the patient is then billed. The patient Investigation form is then transferred to a second laboratory attendant who then uses the information retrieved from the aforementioned form to fill the laboratory request book. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM In recent times, due to increase in population, there is constant pressure on providers of various services to provide innovative methods of dispensing a sizable amount of services to great amount of people in the shortest possible time. Consequently, organizations are constantly resorting to technological solutions to meet up with the ever increasing demand for quality and speedy service delivery and with virtually everything in our day to day lives being technologically driven, should there not be a scenario where paper documentation is completely annihilated from medical laboratories?, where a system is adopted in which patient records and data are properly stored such as to enable features such as patient/visitor history tracker, where a returning patients history can aid the laboratory in deducing what type of test a visitor would request for, statistical reports generation where useful statistical information is inferred based on test results e.g whether or not there is an incr ease or decrease of new HIV infections, should there not be a software/application where other stakeholders in the health-care delivery processes such as doctors and pharmacists have access to laboratory generated information to aid in their health-care administration?, should the retrieval of patient test records be slow and cumbersome?, why must results be entered directly on the result document, therefore a backup copy is unavailable. Questions such as these will serve as a guide to the development of a robust system than manages various tasks in the medical laboratory. 1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS Based on the statement of the problems above the research question for this study are: How will the development of a laboratory information management System greatly increase the laboratorys efficiency? OBJECTIVE OF STUDY To design a robust Laboratory information System that will efficiently aid in the running of the laboratory facility To hold and provide timely information about each visitor to the laboratory To reduce the need to hire staff through the proper application of technological solutions therefore cutting cost. With a proper functioning and comprehensively designed application, Laboratory tasks such the following can be achieved: SAMPLES MANAGEMENT A LIMS can automate the management of samples. An organization can configure its analytical parameters and calculations into the LIMS before implementing the software in the laboratory. After sample registration, the system can print barcodes which it can scan at the end of the analysis when loading results into the LIMS. The system can check the completed results, automatically validating those which comply with specifications; and reporting (but not validating) out-of-specification results. A LIMS may release or retain lots and batches, according to a laboratorys specifications and calculations. Once results come available for the labs clients or owners, they can extract them in  PDF, XML  or spreadsheet files from the LIMS interface. (Note that moving insufficient data to a spreadsheet may lose the traceability of changes). LABORATORY USERS One may configure a LIMS for use by an unlimited  number of users. Each user owns an interface, protected by security mechanisms such as a login and a password. Users may have customized interfaces. A laboratory manager might have full access to all of a LIMS functions, whereas technicians might have access only to functionality needed for their individual work-tasks. ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS AUTOMATION As of 2009  LIMS implementations can manage laboratory sampling, consumables sampling schedule and financial (invoices). SCOPE OF STUDY Bakor Medical centre has various departments and sections based on the issue at hand to be dealt with; however this study focuses mainly on the lab processes, including data collection and management. This study takes the patient from the moment of entry into the medical centre, filling forms, up till the moment the test is taken, from that point onwards the study will focus on the methods used by the laboratory attendant to collect and store data, through recording of findings and submission of results This study will also concentrate on data backup and retrieval methods and will highlight potential errors and problems that could be encountered if the entire process was carried out manually instead of using a well configured computer application. SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY The Computer based Laboratory information management System is quite desirable as it will benefit the laboratory in the area of repetitive task automation. It will serve as an assistant to the medical laboratory scientist. It will also benefit patients as they will be able to retrieve record from previous visits to the laboratory. LIMITATIONS OF STUDY The limitations of this study include: Inability to obtain actual test result document, as this goes against medical ethics for a third party to view Laboratory specimen or test results. Unavailability of qualified laboratory scientist at the study locations to properly explain terms and laboratory procedures. LITERATURE REVIEW From tasting urine to microscopy to molecular testing, the sophistication of diagnostic techniques has come a long way and continues to develop at breakneck speed. The history of the laboratory is the story of medicines evolution from empirical to experimental techniques and proves that the clinical lab is the true source of medical authority. Three distinct periods in the history of medicine are associated with three different places and therefore different methods of determining diagnosis: From the middle ages to the 18th century, bedside medicine was prevalent; then between 1794 and 1848 came hospital medicine; and from that time forward, laboratory medicine has served as medicines lodestar. The laboratorys contribution to modern medicine has only recently been recognized by historians as something more than the addition of another resource to medical science and is now being appreciated as the seat of medicine, where clinicians account for what they observe in their patients. The first medical diagnoses made by humans were based on what ancient physicians could observe with their eyes and ears, which sometimes also included the examination of human specimens. The ancient Greeks attributed all disease to disorders of bodily fluids called humors, and during the late medieval period, doctors routinely performed uroscopy. Later, the microscope revealed not only the cellular structure of human tissue, but also the organisms that cause disease. More sophisticated diagnostic tools and techniques such as the thermometer for measuring temperature and the stethoscope for measuring heart rate were not in widespread use until the end of the 19th century. The clinical laboratory would not become a standard fixture of medicine until the beginning of the 20th century. Ancient diagnostic methods In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, the earliest physicians made diagnoses and recommended treatments based primarily on observation of clinical symptoms. Palpation and auscultation were also used. Physicians were able to describe dysfunctions of the digestive tract, heart and circulation, the liver and spleen, and menstrual disturbances; unfortunately, this empiric medicine was reserved for royalty and the wealthy. Other less-than-scientific methods of diagnosis used in treating the middle and lower classes included divination through ritual sacrifice to predict the outcome of illness. Usually a sheep would be killed before the statue of a god. Its liver was examined for malformations or peculiarities; the shape of the lobes and the orientation of the common duct were then used to predict the fate of the patient. Ancient physicians also began the practice of examining patient specimens. The oldest known test on body fluids was done on urine in ancient times (before 400 BC). Urine was poured on the ground and observed to see whether it attracted insects. If it did, patients were diagnosed with boils. The ancient Greeks also saw the value in examining body fluids to predict disease. At around 300 BC, Hippocrates promoted the use of the mind and senses as diagnostic tools, a principle that played a large part in his reputation as the Father of Medicine. The central Hippocratic doctrine of humoral pathology attributed all disease to disorders of fluids of the body. To obtain a clear picture of disease, Hippocrates advocated a diagnostic protocol that included tasting the patients urine, listening to the lungs, and observing skin color and other outward appearances. Beyond that, the physician was to understand the patient as an individual. Hippocrates related the appearance of bubbles on the surface of urine specimens to kidney disease and chronic illness. He also related certain urine sediments and blood and pus in urine to disease. The first description of hematuria or the presence of blood in urine, by Rufus of Ephesus surfaced at around AD 50 and was attributed to the failure of kidneys to function properly in filtering the blood. Later (c. AD 180), Galen (AD 131-201), who is recognized as the founder of experimental physiology, created a system of pathology that combined Hippocrates humoral theories with the Pythagorean theory, which held that the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water), corresponded to various combinations of the physiologic qualifies of dry, cold, hot, and moist. These combinations of physiologic characteristics corresponded roughly to the four humors of the human body: hot moist = blood; hot dry = yellow bile; cold moist = phlegm; and cold dry = black bile. Galen was known for explaining everything in light of his theory and for having an explanation for everything. He also described diabetes as diarrhea of urine and noted the normal relationship between fluid intake and urine volume. His unwavering belief in his own infallibility appealed to complacency and reverence for authority. That dogmatism essentially brought innovation and discovery in European medicine to a standstill for nea rly 14 centuries. Anything relating to anatomy, physiology, and disease was simply referred back to Galen as the final authority from whom there could be no appeal. Middle Ages In medieval Europe, early Christians believed that disease was either punishment for sin or the result of witchcraft or possession. Diagnosis was superfluous. The basic therapy was prayer, penitence, and invocation of saints. Lay medicine based diagnosis on symptoms, examination, pulse, palpitation, percussion, and inspection of excreta and sometimes semen. Diagnosis by water casting (uroscopy) was practiced, and the urine flask became the emblem of medieval medicine. By AD 900, Isaac Judaeus, a Jewish physician and philosopher, had devised guidelines for the use of urine as a diagnostic aid; and under the Jerusalem Code of 1090, failure to examine the urine exposed a physician to public beatings. Patients carried their urine to physicians in decorative flasks cradled in wicker baskets, and because urine could be shipped, diagnosis at long distance was common. The first book detailing the color, density, quality, and sediment found in urine was written around this time, as well. By a round AD 1300, uroscopy became so widespread that it was at the point of near universality in European medicine. Consequently, the clinical laboratory became a standard fixture of medicine at the beginning of the 20th century; it is now an integral part of the health-care delivery process and is seen as the basis for medical diagnosis. In recent times a medical laboratory scientist (MLS), formerly known as a medical technologist (MT) or clinical laboratory scientist (CLS), functions as a medical detective, performing laboratory tests that provide physicians with information that assists them in preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases and maintaining patient wellness.   The medical laboratory scientist performs a wide variety of laboratory tests, ranging from simple dipstick urine tests to complex DNA tests that help physicians assess risk of diseases. Using test results, physicians can uncover diabetes, cancer, heart attacks, infections and many other diseases.   Medical laboratory scientists interact with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other members of the healthcare team to provide timely, accurate information so the patient can receive the correct medical treatment.   Medical laboratory scientists use sophisticated biomedical instruments and technology, microscopes, complex electronic equipment, computers, and methods requiring manual dexterity to perform tests on blood, body fluids, and tissue specimens. Clinical laboratory testing sections include clinical chemistry, hematology, Immunohematology (Blood Bank), immunology, microbiology and molecular diagnostics. EFFECTS OF MEDICAL LABORATORIES Medical Laboratories have played a pivotal role over the years. As stated above, in ancient times, physicians relied on various inaccurate means of disease diagnosis such as urine tasting, listening to the lungs etc. However with the advent and subsequent evolution of modern medical laboratory facilities, plus the discovery of the cellular nature of human tissue and the invention of the microscope, medical diagnosis made a tremendous leap from a 50-50 accuracy ratio to an 80% accuracy rating for laboratory based medical diagnosis. Therefore the use of medical laboratories has greatly increased the accuracy of diagnosis; hence the physician can administer the proper kind of treatment. The use of laboratories has also led to various discoveries, such as new strands of Viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. It also acts as a monitor for new strands of drug resistant bacteria. CHALLENGES FACED BY MEDICAL LABORATORIES The main challenges and bottle-necks encountered by medical laboratories over the years include. Inability to preserve patient samples or specimens such as blood, sputum, stool, over a long period of time for reference purposes hence making patient to specimen matching and tracking, Efficient information sharing and retrieval between the laboratory scientist and those administering treatment has been a problem. MEDICAL LABORATORIES: IMPROVEMENTS AND THE FUTURE For the efficient functioning of the diagnosis system, health-care delivery, scientific research into bacteriology and disease causing organisms, technology should be applied to automate administrative tasks, such as the visitor registration and result documentation. By making judicious use of computer software to automate and manage tasks in the laboratory there will be a dramatic increase in its efficiency. Consequently this will greatly reduce the need to recruit and pay personnel to carry out administrative duties therefore such resources can be channeled towards more important needs of the laboratory. TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM/PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE TO BE USED IN STUDY The technologies to be used in the development of this Laboratory Information Management system is an open source programming language known as PHP, together with a MYSQL driven database, a solid browser based application will be developed. PHP: PHP also known as Hypertext Pre-processor, it belongs to a class of languages known as middleware (Needham, 2006). These languages work closely with the web server to interpret the request made from the web, processes these request, interact with other programs on the server to fulfill the request and then indicates to the web server exactly what to serve to the clients browser. It is the leading web programming language for design of web applications. It possesses a language similar to C, Java or Pearl. Its uses include: retrieving user input and saving it in a database, retrieving information from a database and general data manipulation processes. THE CLIENT: Simply refers to end users of an application that connect to a remote server to carry out computational processes THE SERVER: An application known as a web server listens for requests a client makes, responds to those requests and serves out the appropriate response (Greenspan, 2002) MYSQL: Refers to an open source relational database management system with a set of programs that access and manipulate these records. (Descartes, 2003). It is a  relational database management system (RDBMS)  that runs as a server providing multi-user access to a number of databases. APACHE WEB SERVER: Apache is a web server notable for playing an important role in the initial growth of the world-wide web. It is responsible for accepting Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request from web client (web browsers) and serving the HTTP responses along with optional data content which usually are HTML pages. These platforms are used in this research work because: There are open source meaning there are free to use and develop with without having to purchase licenses or fulfill any legal obligation to the owners of the technology. It is easy to deploy on a local machine Its hardware requirements are minimal therefore making its installation and usage less cumbersome. Developer tools and support services for the platform/technology are readily available at absolutely no cost. DATA COLLECTED FOR LABORATORY TEST Lab Investigation Form: This form is used for general patient registration and data collection. Data collected on this form include Patient Name Patient age Hospital Number Specimen Blood Specimen Sputum Stool Urea Various Swap Investigation Record Clinic Details Name of Doctor Lab Request Book: Used to record Patients data for that day. Name Lab Investigation Done Amount Time in Data Collected for lab tests Lab result book (Used for recording patients results) Patients Name Date of birth Gender Test Results Date Hospital registration Number Extra Comments SUMMARY The use of technological solutions greatly reduces costs, increase profits, save human effort and provide better services to customers/clients The use of an LIS (Laboratory information System) in the running of a medical laboratory facility greatly improves the documentation process; makes patients records retrieval a lot easier and faster, records are not lost and are kept safe via regular backup of the available data. With the use of a Laboratory information system, various kinds of data deductions, surveys and reports can be easily generated for statistical purposes such as the average percentage of persons with a certain kind of disease, Genotype or blood type etc. CONCLUSION A properly developed Medical Laboratory information system will greatly increase productivity, increase the quality of services delivered by the facility and greatly reduce the amount of man hours put into the delivering the laboratory services