Wednesday, August 26, 2020

The Chechen Wars Essay -- Islam in the North Caucasus 2014

From Western crowds, Chechnyaâ€whether as a self-ruling oblast, a sovereign state, or a war zoneâ€has never got a lot of thought. Only one of many ethnic gatherings inside Russia who have pronounced since the finish of the Soviet Union their entitlement to self-rule and self-assurance, the Chechens’ battle for freedom was overwhelmed in the clamor of calls for autonomy during the 1990s. Be that as it may, in a world so enormously influenced by the occasions of September 11, 2001 and given the job of Chechen dissenter bunches in bombings of Russian high rises in 1999 (which slaughtered more than 300) and the prisoner taking of a Russian auditorium in 2002 (which brought about the passings of 130 Russians and 30 dissidents), the talk of Islamic fundamentalism and the wording of fear mongering has carried the Chechen individuals to the cutting edge of global concern (Trenin and Malashenko, 2004, p. 45). However the underlying foundations of the contention in Chechnya, which have rejected two wars with the Russian Federation in the course of recent decades, are characterized neither by fear monger exercises or the Islamists who have as of late come to embody the most harmful of the nonconformist renegades; rather, the cause is in the hundreds of years long manufacturing of a gathering that has confronted regular mistreatment from the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and the Russian Federation. Ethnicity exacerbated with another accentuation on fundamentalist strict belief system has significantly convoluted a battle that has profited the monetary and political interests of gatherings as different as chose authorities, wrongdoing supervisors, business pioneers, and universal governments (Politkovskaya, 2003). War has created the financial and social breakdown of Chechnya and all the while humiliated a Russia monster whose parti... ...thcaucasus.pdf Jaimoukha, A. (2005) The Chechens: A Handbook. New York: Routledge. Meier, A. (2005). Chechnya: To the Heart of a Conflict. New York: W. E. Norton and Organization. Nikolaev. Y. V., Ed. (2013). The Chechen Tragedy: Who is to Blame? Cormack, New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. (Walk 19, 2013) Oliker, O. (2001). Russia’s Chechen Wars: 1994-2000. Washington: RAND. Politkovskaya, A. (2003). A Small Corner of Hell: Dispatches from Chechnya. College of Chicago Press Tishkov, V. (2004). Chechnya: Life in a War Torn society. Berkeley, California: The University of California Press. Trenin, D. V. and Malashenko, A. V. (2004). Russia’s Restless Frontier: The Chechnya Factor in Post-Soviet Russia. Washington: Carnegie Endowment for Peace. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/j.1538-165X.2005.tb01379.x/unique

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Minor setback for a major comeback

The entirety of my relatives and companions are relying on me that I will make It that far, all the supporters that eave gived a shout out to me since I could recall. Making my family pleased has consistently been an objective of mines and to satisfy them Is my objective. Taking a full breath, I attempt to unwind as I start with testing. It felt Like the absolute longest hours of my life, and over reasoning truly influenced me hard. Being cautious on each question I ended up going before long, and shockingly finished quicker than I thought.I exited with overwhelming certainty that I would pass. Weeks passed by and I at long last got my grades. I got a 1270 and wasn't so cheerful, yet I was happy that I improved by 50 since the last time maturing the test. I didn't consider anything it until during the start of summer my mom disclosed to me that I would need to take a mid year course for additionally not excelling on my position test. Now I am understanding pushed and thinking about w hether will in any case even have the option to go to college.My head was loaded up with considerations that I would be taking some extreme courses and battle with Juggling school and volleyball. I simply needed to prevail with regards to everything that I did. The classes were long and horrible, and keeping in mind the desire of having a great time filled summer without any concerns by any means, there I was taking a math class as well as an English class too. â€Å"What have I gotten myself into† are the words that replayed in my mind every day. My certainty was sad. I had in any event two classes every week, surging from volleyball each time.I could spend time with family or companions yet not for long, this genuinely sucked. Unmistakably I didn't have a place in there in light of the fact that I did well overall. In spite of the fact that, in my math class, we stepped through an examination at long last that decided whether we were to be put in either a Math 98 or Math 99 course, and once more, I didn't breeze through one more significant assessment. Feeling significantly progressively dressed I inevitably found the positive in all things. I disclosed to myself that I could just proceed onward from that point and improve things, that If I needed to prevail as awful as I needed to then I would invest the energy Into doing so.After the entirety of the confusion and hardships It was a great opportunity to move Into my quarters! The energy of school was noticeable all around, going out to be all alone gave me a feeling of Independence and opportunity. My flat mates are my colleagues which I was amped up for on the grounds that we could bond and become nearer. Meeting such a large number of individuals from everywhere throughout the world made me significantly progressively on edge for what the year has In tore for me. Twofold days kicked our butts, getting up at 6 AM to prepare and be to rehearse thirty minutes ahead of schedule to set up and get our ri gging on was harsh at first.Practicing from 7-10, having lunch at 1 :30, returning to the rec center for the last meeting 1-4 followed before sun-down at 5. It was difficult to change in accordance with before all else however it gradually made me on edge for our up and coming season. I needed to work my butt off and show everybody that I could deal with everything. Volleyball has been my obsession since the time I was 8 years of age and I have been hanging tight for this open door about an incredible entirety. To play at he university level and contend with groups from all finished and at last show what I am made of.I can't get enough of this game! Something that has given me a harder drive is the way that I am the first in my family to go to school straight out of secondary school as a competitor. This achievement has the entirety of my family supporting and relying upon me to do the correct things and traverse these next four years effectively. As I am sitting in my apartment I g et a call, and when I look down its my Mom. She begins with asking me how I'm doing and starts to get into news that changes everything.I fall into my seat when she clarifies how this year I probably won't be taking part on the court, and that a circumstance has made me potentially redstart. Tears tumble down my eyes and I am promptly stunned and don't have a clue how to respond. My SAT score was excessively shy of focuses in my math segment and the scholarly guides are presently acknowledging it. How dumb I thought, how hard is it to check if everything is good with my scholastics, to ensure that I am qualified. I consider how much harder I could've contemplated, the long evenings where my folks would request that I get my work done.The school days where we had SAT prep and the occasions where I truly centered around passing the SAT. I start to consider my uncle and how he brought me up into the game. My family, companions and supporters all were on edge to watch me take an interes t this year and for me to need to believe that I need to red shirt presently started to cause a ton of pressure. This circumstance has gave me that nothing is ever ensured, and the SAT has become my greatest destruction as an understudy. It has influenced me and over the long haul I am being considered responsible for it. I have no one else yet to fault however myself.On a costive note, I am still permitted to rehearse with the group yet not permitted to travel. I will be uninvolved rooting for my colleagues and have confidence that they will do incredible things this year. My scholastics are presently a primary goal however volleyball is still in the image. This a surprisingly beneficial turn of events since now I have a chance to chip away at myself and be much increasingly arranged for one year from now. My grant is as yet going and I am as yet getting free training which I am past grateful for. One year from now I will be at my best and I will be prepared to overwhelm at the uni versity level.

Monday, August 17, 2020

Central Ohio Summer Send-Off Event

Central Ohio Summer Send-Off Event The first MIT sign appears on the corner of the gracefully named Emerald Parkway 20 walking minutes from the destination. Whoever made the track this far through the August sun must’ve cared greatly for his guests. The marker points to the location of the  MIT Club of Central Ohio Summer Send-Off Event, a highlight of my August. The welcome from organizers and guests here is unsurpassed in warmth and joy. Last year, I came as a fearful though pumped pre-frosh. I could not even fantasize the reality of college life. Would my sister Skype with me often? How could I stick all my essentials into 2 allowed suitcases? Could I pass an MIT class? Was MIT going to be as awesome as planned? What would happen next? Next, I met MIT friends in Central Ohio. Calm upperclassmen who taught me how to pronounce Maseeh (rhymes with “classy”). A senior who could tell all about the MIT life. And packing. I was terrified of packing then. I met a graduate of 1984 who would’ve been the next door neighbor at my temporary room assignment. So would his wife. Another Central Ohio pre-frosh got a temporary room on that same floor. I saw 2 fellow pre-frosh for the 3rd time at a Central Ohio get-together. We’d celebrated Christmas as uncertain applicants. Rejoiced in the decided spring. Next, ready to blast off into our dreams. This time with 2 peers who traveled p hours from Indiana to celebrate the end of dependent life A year of MIT passed after my 1st Send-Off. The 3 Central Ohio pre-frosh from that picnic converged in 1  East Campus building. I heard of and from them at random. They took awesomely different paths from our common Ohio ground. At my 2nd Summer Send-Off Event, I looked at the world through a new lens. I had changed. I no longer worried about packing and sibling communication and college independence. I talked to a recent graduate, and we welcomed the 3 Central Ohio pre-frosh of the year. What wonders did they have in store! REX, Orientation, first day of class, Career Fair… So much, so soon. So awesome! An alumnus told the tale of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, and how it created the legendary new unit of measurement, the smoot  (now incorporated by Google Calculator). Our local narrator knew Oliver R. Smoot personally and partook in the essential task of refreshing the smoot markings on the Harvard Bridge. Not the average late-night fraternity tale. Also present under the roof were MIT students and alumni of 46 years between the classes of 1973 and 2019. All had something in common. A sense of connection. Years after leaving, and the alums might as well be us, secretly transferred from the future. A severe case of IHTFP. The local MIT Club is a campus away from campus, 714,927.761 smoots away. One that outlasts the college days. An Infinite Connection, as the alumni network calls it. In 10 years, I predict another picnic in the playground shelter house in Emerald Fields. More generations will munch chocolate chip cookies and laugh at MIT jokes. The one about the Smoot mark “halfway to hell.” The Bexley shenanigans. The hacks. The 18.01, 8.01, and 18.03. The living groups. And always MIT friends. A gigantic THANK YOU to all who make these Central Ohio experiences possible and awesome! P.S. to the Class of 2019: make sure to check if there is a Summer Send-Off Event in your area HERE  and share your experiences in the comments below!

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Sustainability of Marina Barrage a Critical Analysis

[pic] SUSTAINABILITY OF MARINA BARRAGE: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS DipHTM intake: DipHTM 10 Module: 3-month Project Lecture: Aji Divakar Student name: Li Zi Rong Student Number: DipHTM1022 Submission Deadline: 2nd November 2009 |I declare that all materials included in this essay / report / project / dissertation is the end result of my own work and | |that due acknowledgement have been given in the bibliography and references to ALL sources be they printed, electronic or | |personal. | Abstract Sustainable tourism acknowledges the fundamental link between long-term planning, concerning the environment,†¦show more content†¦(All business, 2009) The Marina Barrage is not only an attraction, but also make big progress in environmental, economical and social project. However, there appears to be some problems in environmental control segment to make the Marina Barrage become a sustainable tourism. The aims and objectives of this report are to improve the environment quality of Marina Barrage and to make it become a sustainable tourism so that it can attract more and more tourists from all over the world to visit the Marina Barrage. 2.0 Background of Marina Barrage The Marina Barrage is built across the mouth of the Marina Channel, and it creates Singapore’s 15th reservoir, and the first in the heart of the city. With a catchment area of 10,000 hectares, or one-sixth the size of Singapore, the Marina catchment is the island’s largest and most urbanised catchment. Together with two other new reservoirs, the Marina Reservoir will boost Singapore’s water catchment from half to two-third’s of the country’s land area. The Marina Barrage is the result of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s vision nearly two decades ago when he envisaged damming the mouth of the Marina Channel to create a freshwater reservoir. (PUB, 2009) The Marina Barrage is a dam in Singapore built across the Marina Channel between the reclaimed lands of Marina East and Marina south. It was officially opened on 1 November 2008. The S$226 million project turns Marina Bay and Kallang Basin into a newShow MoreRelatedOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pages E SSAYS ON TWENTIETH-C ENTURY H ISTORY In the series Critical Perspectives on the Past, edited by Susan Porter Benson, Stephen Brier, and Roy Rosenzweig Also in this series: Paula Hamilton and Linda Shopes, eds., Oral History and Public Memories Tiffany Ruby Patterson, Zora Neale Hurston and a History of Southern Life Lisa M. Fine, The Story of Reo Joe: Work, Kin, and Community in Autotown, U.S.A. Van Gosse and Richard Moser, eds., The World the Sixties Made: Politics and Culture

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

The State Of Utah State Law On Child Abuse Essay - 742 Words

In the state of Utah the state law on child abuse states: â€Å"Everyone in Utah, whether a public official or a private citizen, is required to report child abuse. According to Utah law, When any person...has reason to believe that a child has been subjected to incest, molestation, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect, or who observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect, he shall immediately notify the nearest peace office, law enforcement agency or office of the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). (Utah Code Annotated 62A-4a-403)† (Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse). What that means for teachers is that they have an obligation to uphold the law and report what they suspect. According to the book Home, School Community Relations by Gestwicki, C. â€Å"teachers must understand the dynamics of abusive or violent families and the indicators that suggest a problem may exist† (Gestwicki, C.). Teachers should know the legal obligations and possibilities for helping a child and their family. The law has found that abuse is a major problem. Their have been several acts that have been our in place to protect children who are often victims of horrible abuse and neglect. One of those laws is The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act which was amended and reauthorized under a different name; Keeping Children and Families Safe Act ofShow MoreRelatedForensic Psychology : A More Than One Career Option933 Words   |  4 Pagesprobation officer, or as a counselor to criminal offenders, a counselor to victims of crime, or a counselor to people who abuse drugs and alcohol. 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Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy Health And Social Care Essay Free Essays

The estimated incidence of OBPP in the UK and the Republic of Ireland is 0.42 [ 1 ] , in the US 1.5 [ 23 ] and in other western states 1-3 per 1000 unrecorded births [ 3,5,9,22,24-30 ] . We will write a custom essay sample on Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy Health And Social Care Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now Variations in the estimated incidence may be explained by differences in populations and in the antenatal and intrapartum direction [ 31,32 ] . A population-based survey from western Sweden estimated that between 1999-2001 the incidence of OBPP was 2.9 per 1000 unrecorded births, and of prevailing OBPP was 0.46 per 1000 births ( REF Lagerkvist ) . . In another survey from Sweden Bager [ 13 ] had antecedently found an addition in the incidence of brachial rete paralysis ( BPP ) from 1.3 per 1000 vaginal bringings in 1980 to 2.2 per 1000 vaginal bringings in 1994. Chauhan et Al. [ 3 ] compared two clip periods ( 1980-1991 1991-2002 ) and found that the incidence of OBPP has non changed significantly ( 0.9 per 1000 and 1.0 per 1000 severally ) . Gurewitsch et Al. [ 10 ] estimated an incidence of 5.8 per 1000 between the old ages 1993 and 2004 and noted that this remained changeless during the period of their survey. Many writers have admitted that an addition in the cesarean subdivision rates over the past few decennaries may hold been counteracted by an increased birthweight. Furthermore, despite the debut of systematic preparation in the direction of shoulder dystocia with usage of standard manoeuvres, manikins and simulators no important decrease of the incidence of OBPP has been noted. Hazard Factors The hazard factors for OBPP are foetal, maternal, and obstetric, [ 37 ] the most important being foetal macrosomia [ 3,18,20,22,26-28 ] which is a hazard factor for shoulder dystocia [ 27,38-42 ] . Nesbitt et al conducted a big population based survey and reported the undermentioned rates of shoulder dystocia for single-handed births of nondiabetic female parents: 5.2 % for birthweight 4000-4250g, 9.1 % for 4250-4500g, 14.3 % for 4500-4750g, and 21.1 % for 4750-5000g ( Nesbitt et al. 1998 ) . OBPP after rear of barrel bringings can besides happen, normally in low birthweight foetuss [ 43,44 ] . The upper roots are often affected in these instances and the hurts tend to be more terrible [ 45 ] . Diabetess mellitus [ 22 ] , fleshiness [ 46,47 ] or inordinate weight addition [ 47 ] , maternal age ( gt ; 35years ) [ 48 ] , maternal pelvic anatomy ( platypelloid, level pelvic girdle ) [ 3,22,27,39,40,49 ] and primiparity [ 50 ] are common maternal hazard factors. Diabetess mellitus is a important hazard factor for OBPP, as it frequently causes foetal macrosomia [ 51 ] . Nesbitt et Al found that the hazard of shoulder dystocia for single-handed births to diabetic adult females was 8.4 % , 12.3 % , 19.9 % , and 23.5 % when the birth weight was 4000-4250g, 4250-4500g, 4500-4750g, or gt ; 4750g, severally. ( Nesbitt et al. 1998 ) . Mild glucose intolerance in adult females without diabetes is besides associated with hazards of OBPP, proposing that there is a continuum of glucose-insulin impact on foetal growing that is correlated to the hazard of OBPP [ 52 ] . Shoulder dystocia is a major hazard factor for OBPP [ 9,22,24,40,54-57 ] . The reported incidence of OBPP in bringings complicated by shoulder dystocia varies widely from 4 % to 40 % [ 14,57,58 ] and the incidence of lasting brachial rete hurt after shoulder dystocia is 1.6 % [ 59 ] . Although foetal macrosomia is the most important hazard factor for shoulder dystocia and is associated with most of the other hazard factors ( maternal diabetes, multiparity, old macrosomic baby, drawn-out gestation, maternal fleshiness or inordinate weight addition ) , about half of the instances of shoulder dystocia occur in babies lt ; 4000g ( Acker et al. 1985 ) . The hazard of OBPP is increased by labour abnormalcies. OBPP occurs more often in induced labours [ 52 ] . Cephalopelvic or fetopelvic disproportion ( the size or place of the foetal caput or the foetus precludes transition into the maternal pelvic recess ) is a hazard factor for shoulder dystocia and OBPP. A relentless occipito- posterior place [ 65 ] has been associated with an increased incidence of OBPP. Lurie et al [ 60 ] found no difference in rates of distension or continuance of the 2nd phase in instances with shoulder dystocia and concluded that protracted labour was non a hazard factor for it. Gross et al [ 66 ] showed that a drawn-out 2nd phase increased the hazard of OBPP, but concluded that shoulder dystocia can non be predicted from labour abnormalcies. Weizsaecker et al support the association of drawn-out 2nd phase in labour with OBPP independent of macrosomia, diabetes, and other factors [ 52 ] . Several other surveies considered a drawn-out 2nd phase as a hazard fac tor for shoulder dystocia [ 46,62,67-69 ] and for OBPP [ 27,66 ] . In contrast, a high incidence of hasty 2nd phase of labour among babies with OBPP has besides been demonstrated [ 70 ] . However, Poggi et al suggest that although hasty 2nd phase is the most prevailing labour abnormalcy associated with shoulder dystocia, no feature of second-stage of labour predicts lasting brachial rete hurt [ 37 ] . Operative vaginal bringing is another hazard factor for shoulder dystocia and OBPP [ 3,21,22,26,27,68,71,72 ] . In Nesbitt ‘s survey the hazard of shoulder dystocia for operative vaginal bringings to diabetic female parents was 12.2 % for babies 4000-4250g, 16.7 % for those 4250-4500g, 27.3 % for those 4500-4750g, and 34.8 % for those 4750-5000g ( Nesbitt et al. 1998 ) . Cesarean subdivision decreases the hazard, but OBPP may still happen accounting for merely 1-4 % of all instances [ 22 ] [ 73 ] . When looking at combinations of hazard factors including manner of bringing, maternal diabetes and foetal macrosomia [ 22 ] , the incidence of OBPP appears similar in aided vaginal bringings of nondiabetic adult females and self-generated vaginal bringings in diabetic adult females. The combination of maternal diabetes, foetal macrosomia ( gt ; 4500g ) and assisted vaginal bringing has the highest OBPP rate ( 7.8 % ) . Gilbert et Als have besides shown stronger associations between shoulder dystocia and brachial rete hurt with increasing birth weights. Twenty two per cent of neonates weighing 2.5-3.5kg with OBPP besides had shoulder dystocia, which increases to 74 % in newborns weighing more than 4.5kg. Overall, 53 % of brachial plexus hurt instances were associated with shoulder dystocia. The frequence of diagnosing of other malpresentation was increased ( OR 73.6, 95 % CI 66, 83 ) in this survey. This determination, harmonizing to the writers, suggests that â€Å" brachial rete h urt has other causes in add-on to shoulder dystocia and might ensue from an abnormalcy during the antepartum or intrapartum period † [ 22 ] . A old gestation complicated with OBPP is another hazard factor [ 74 ] . Al-Qattan and al-Kharfy [ 74 ] reported a high return rate in adult females with history of old childbearing with lasting OBPP and advocated elected cesarean bringing in these instances particularly if there is besides foetal macrosomia. However it is non known whether these consequences would use to instances of old impermanent OBPP. Gordon et al [ 6 ] besides found that 14 % of their 59 topics with OBPP were born to female parents who had given birth to babes with OBPP in old gestations. Pathogenesis OBPP has been considered as a effect of inordinate grip and sidelong extension exerted on the foetal cervix during bringing, which consequences in stretching, rupturing or avulsing the cervical nervus roots from the spinal cord [ 75 ] . However, OBPP may happen in the absence of any grip or any identifiable hazard factors. During labour, the brachial rete is exposed to two potentially harmful forces: the endogenous ( intrauterine ) forces and exogenic ( grip ) forces applied by the clinician. Mathematical theoretical accounts, manikins and computing machine simulations have been used to quantify the forces applied on the brachial rete and the threshold for doing hurt. Although these surveies attempted to objectively quantify the grade of both endogenous and exogenic forces, their consequences should be interpreted with cautiousness due to their experimental nature. Exogenous ( grip ) forces If the foetal shoulders remain in a relentless anteroposterior place at the pelvic recess, as observed in instances of foetal macrosomia with an increased bisacromial diameter ( e.g. , with maternal diabetes mellitus ) [ 76,77 ] or precipitate 2nd phase of labour [ 54,70 ] the anterior shoulder may go wedged behind the symphysis pubic bone and farther descent of the foetal caput consequences in stretching of the anterior brachial rete. In shoulder dystocia the applied force and the clip to present the foetal shoulders is frequently significantly increased. Forceful downward grip of the caput when the shoulder is impacted under the symphysis pubic bone can potentially ensue in farther impaction and cause overstretching and hurt of the brachial rete. Downward grip of the foetal caput appears strongly associated with OBPP ( OR: 15.2, 95 % C.I. : 8.4-27.7 ) and the hazard is significantly increased with the grip force applied. Rotation of the shoulders into oblique pelvic diameter is bes ides associated with hazard of OBPP ( OR: 5.5, C.I. :1.6-18.9 ) [ 30 ] . Gonik et al [ 88 ] , showed that downward sidelong flexure of the foetal caput was associated with a 30 % addition in brachial rete stretch ( 18.2 % ) compared with axial placement of the caput ( 14 % ) . Furthermore, the foetal caput is in an unnaturally distorted place in relation to the shoulders, as the shoulders remain in the AP diameter at the recess while the caput has rotated in the AP diameter at the mercantile establishment { Sandmire, 2009 # 6162 } . The badness of the hurt may depend on the grade of grip, writhing and extension of the foetal caput { Sandmire, 2008 # 6057 } . The usage of force feeling devices has shown that the applied extremum grip forces are about 47 N for everyday bringings, 69 N for hard bringings, and 100 N for bringings complicated by shoulder dystocia, proposing that, as the badness of dystocia additions, stronger grip is normally observed [ 86 ] . Even in bringings non complicated by shoulder dystocia the forces applied during downward grip can be frequently underestimated as significant forces were found to hold been used in many OBPP instances [ 30 ] . Direct compaction of the symphysis pubic bone against the brachial rete may besides be a conducive factor to injury [ 13 ] . OBPP may happen regardless of the figure and type of manoeuvres used in instances of shoulder dystocia [ 12,14,69 ] , but the trouble to accomplish bringing of the shoulders and the demand for extra manoeuvres is correlated to the hazard of OBPP. Experimental surveies utilizing pelvic and foetal theoretical accounts, tactile feeling baseball mitts and computerised informations acquisition systems have besides shown that as the trouble of the bringing increases with increasing grip forces, there is a concentration of force on the brachial rete from exogenously applied sidelong flexure [ 87 ] . In these experiments it was demonstrated that the wider the foetal shoulder girth, the greater the force demands and the higher the incidence of hurt. In contrast, the McRoberts manoeuvre appeared to cut down the grade of brachial rete stretching. Slightly more than 10 % of the shoulder dystocia instances that resolve with the McRoberts ‘ manoeuvre entirely have brachial plexus hurt [ 78 ] . After an unsuccessful McRoberts ‘ manoeuvre, brachial plexus hurt rates range from 15.7 % if bringing is achieved by the Woods ‘ manoeuvre to 31.8 % if bringing of the posterior arm is undertaken [ 14 ] . Intrauterine causes As several instances of OBPP occur in the absence of grip or any known hazard factors, hurts to the brachial rete may be caused by the normal forces of labour and bringing. In one of the first surveies proposing that OBPPs are non needfully caused by clinician-applied grip, it was estimated that 26 out of the 51 OBPP instances were non associated with a bringing complicated by shoulder dystocia. { Gordon, 1973 # 615 } . Since so, several other surveies have shown that about half of all OBPPs are non associated with shoulder dystocia [ 5,12,13,18,19 ] and many instances have non been preceded by a hard bringing or grip on the anterior shoulder [ 20,79,80 ] . Harmonizing to different series, up to 20 % of lasting OBPPs are non associated with shoulder dystocia { Chauhan, 2005 # 48 } { Sandmire, 2009 # 6162 } . Jennett et al [ 18 ] concluded that brachial plexus hurt might be the consequence of intrauterine maladaptation and should non be needfully considered as leading facie grounds of birth procedure hurt. In the absence of shoulder dystocia, OBPP occurs by a different mechanism [ 81 ] . The bulk of OBPPs in the absence of shoulder dystocia ( 67.7 % ) appear to impact the posterior arm [ 59,84 ] . OBPPs of the posterior arm ( 39 % of all OBPPs { Gherman, 1998 # 114 } ) or after cesarean bringing suggest an intrauterine cause [ 3,4,18,19,27,38,82,83 ] . Brachial plexus stretching may be caused by an wedged posterior shoulder on the sacral headland while the propulsive forces of labour cause farther descent of the foetus { Sandmire, 2002 # 79 } . OBPPs may besides be secondary to compaction of the brachial rete on the sacral headland. Sandmire and DeMott { Sandmire, 2009 # 6162 } back up the impression that after the caput is delivered, the posterior shoulder can non be obstructed as the distance from the headland to the vaginal mercantile establishment ( 12-13 centimeter ) is excessively long to allow obstructor of the posterior shoulder and the foetal cervix can non be stretched that f ar { Sandmire, 2002 # 79 } , It is hence of paramount importance to document the place of the caput and shoulders in a instance of shoulder dystocia, as this type of hurt caused by impaction of the posterior shoulder on the sacral headland is unrelated to any action of the clinician and should non be considered negligent. Mathematical theoretical accounts have been used to gauge the exogenic and endogenous forces on the brachial rete during shoulder dystocia [ 89 ] . The endogenous forces were estimated to be 4 to 9 times higher than the clinician-applied forces ( 91.1 to 202.5 kPa vs 22.9 kPa ) proposing that self-generated endogenous forces may lend well to OBPP. However the writers of this survey acknowledged that their theoretical account did non account for a figure of confusing factors including soft tissue opposition, the dissipation of force throughout the womb or the compound consequence of grip and compaction forces. Further unfavorable judgment on this theoretical account focused on the gross premises made for the impaction site, the parametric quantities specifying the endogenous force distribution and the broad scope of contact force per unit areas between the foetal cervix and the symphysis pubic bone, which includes values that in existent life would transcend the fatal bounds [ 90 ] . Harmonizing to a little series, all of the 6 OBPPs following atraumatic cesarean subdivision had relentless hurt after a twelvemonth [ 85 ] . Brachial rete hurts have occured even when cesarean bringing was performed in early labour [ 82,85 ] . Uterine anomalousnesss, such as a lower uterine section fibroid or an intrauterine septum, may ensue in unnatural intrauterine force per unit areas and hurt to the brachial rete [ 85 ] . OBPP and phrenic nervus paralysis associated with a bicornuate womb have besides been reported [ 80 ] . Allen et Al, utilizing delivering simulators found that greatest stretch occurred in the posterior brachial rete during descent in non-shoulder dystocia bringings, whereas anterior brachial rete stretch, rotary motion, and extension were similar among non-shoulder dystocia, one-sided and bilateral shoulder dystocia bringings. The writers concluded that shoulder dystocia per Se does non present extra hazard of brachial rete stretch over everyday bringings [ 91 ] . However, they admitted that they did non command for loss of musculus tone secondary to hypoxia, the simulations were undertaken merely in occiput anterior place and the continuance of the 2nd phase in their experiment was less than 2 proceedingss. Although these experiments have improved our cognition on the mechanisms of hurt, clinical verification of their consequences is virtually impossible due to the emergent nature of shoulder dystocia and methodological and ethical issues around clinical research on the foetus during labour. Prediction and Prevention Our ability to foretell OBPP is rather limited as the bulk of the affected babies have no identifiable hazard factors [ 67 ] . In a series of 63 OBPPS most of the patients were nondiabetic ( 89 % ) , nonobese ( 76 % ) , had normal labour ( 91 % ) , and did non hold an assisted bringing ( 79 % ) . No hazard factors were identified in about 30 % of OBPP instances in another survey by Peleg et al [ 27 ] . Multiple logistic arrested development analysis utilizing prenatal, intrapartum, and neonatal factors predicted merely 19 % of the brachial rete hurts in the series of Perlow et Al [ 54 ] . Donnelly et Als have besides concluded that OBPP is non predictable by hazard factor hiting or analysis of the partogram [ 63 ] . Shoulder dystocia, a major hazard factor for OBPP is mostly unpredictable. Statistical theoretical accounts have been developed to gauge this hazard utilizing combinations of birth weight, maternal tallness and weight, gestational age and para [ 92,93 ] . The presence of multiple hazard factors appears to be a forecaster for shoulder dystocia [ 94 ] . Designation of hazard factors and an prenatal direction with tight control of glucose degrees in pregnant adult females with diabetes may cut down the incidence of foetal macrosomia and shoulder dystocia. A program for bringing in high hazard instances should include a multidisciplinary squad attack with a senior accoucheuse or an experient obstetrician available at the 2nd phase. Initiation of labour Initiation of labour has been antecedently recommended in instances of suspected macrosomia, in order to cut down the hazard of shoulder dystocia and birth hurt, nevertheless, a Cochrane reappraisal showed that initiation of labour for nondiabetic adult females with suspected foetal macrosomia does non look to cut down the hazards of maternal or neonatal morbidity [ 95 ] . Cesarean Section The hazard of brachial plexus hurt is lower in cesarean bringings [ 3,96 ] . If identifiable hazard factors are present, an elected cesarean delivery bringing might forestall OBPP. Yeo et al suggested that bringings by elected cesarean subdivision for birthweights in surplus of 4kg would forestall 44 % of shoulder dystocias and halve the perinatal mortality among births with shoulder dystocia with a 2 % subsequent addition of the cesarean subdivision rate [ 97 ] . On the other manus, Gilbert et Al found that 92 % of the high hazard patients ( diabetic adult females delivered by operative vaginal bringing with babies of gt ; 4.5kg birthweight ) did non hold OBPP and cesarean bringing would hold been unneeded [ 22 ] . Although macrosomia is normally associated with OBPP, Rouse et Al [ 32 ] found no benefit to elected cesarean bringing in adult females with estimated foetal weights of gt ; 4.5 kilogram, unless they were besides diabetic. These writers estimated that when elected cesar ean bringing was performed for estimated foetal weights of a†°?4.5kg, 3695 cesarean delivery bringings would be required for the bar of one permanent OBPP, whereas a policy of elected cesarean delivery bringings for birthweights of a†°?4kg was associated with 2345 several cesarean bringings. For diabetic adult females, more favorable ratios for cesarian bringings were estimated: 443 bringings with the 4.5kg policy, and 489 bringings with the 4kg policy. Ecker et al [ 38 ] besides suggested that at most birth weights, the figure of cesarean bringings necessary to forestall a individual hurt is high. In this survey, it was estimated that in nondiabetic adult females, between 19 and 162 cesarean subdivisions would hold been necessary to forestall a individual brachial rete hurt and among diabetic adult females between 5 and 48 extra cesarean delivery subdivisions would hold been required. The writers could hence non recommend the everyday usage of cesarean bringing in instanc es of macrosomia. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that elected cesarean subdivision can be considered in diabetic adult females when the estimated foetal weight is gt ; 4.5kg and in nondiabetic adult females when the estimated foetal weight is gt ; 5kg [ 98 ] . Nonetheless, some writers advocate a policy of offering elected cesarean bringing to adult females with kids with lasting OBPP [ 22 ] . Maneuvers at bringing For the bar of shoulder dystocia, contraceptive manoeuvres at bringing ( McRobert ‘s manoeuvre and suprapubic force per unit area ) have been evaluated, but there is deficiency of clear grounds to back up their modus operandi usage [ 99 ] . Management of shoulder dystocia The purpose of direction should be bar of foetal asphyxia, while avoiding foetal and maternal hurt. The go toing accoucheuse or obstetrician should be able to acknowledge a shoulder dystocia instantly and continue through a bit-by-bit sequence of manoeuvres to hasten bringing. Knowledge of the constructs that underlie manoeuvres and the practical inside informations of their executing appears much more effectual than cognition of the precise definitions or eponyms of each manoeuvre ( Crofts et al. 2008 ) . First line manoeuvres Mc Roberts manoeuvre involves acute flexure of the hips while the adult female is on supine place. This place straightens the lumbosacral angle, leting descent of the posterior shoulder. The maternal pelvic girdle is perpendicular to the way of the maternal expulsive forces. Gonik et al [ 88 ] , utilizing computing machine silent person theoretical accounts showed that with lithotomy placement, both endogenous and exogenic bringing forces were associated with brachial rete stretching during shoulder dystocia ( the per centum of brachial rete nervus stretch was 15.7 % vs 14.0 % , severally ) . McRoberts positioning resulted in 53 % less brachial rete stretch ( 6.6 % ) . Directed suprapubic force per unit area can be uninterrupted or ‘rocking ‘ force per unit area on the posterior facet of the anterior shoulder which may ease adduction of the shoulders, a decrease of the bisacromial diameter and rotary motion to an oblique place. Second line manoeuvres Delivery of the posterior arm is undertaken by infixing the manus in the vagina posteriorly and using soft force per unit area at the antecubital pit to flex the foetal forearm, which is so grasped and swept across the foetal thorax. If bringing of the posterior arm is achieved, the anterior arm rotates posteriorly or descends behind the symphysis pubic bone as Kung et Al showed that the shoulder dimensions are reduced by 2.5cms with this manoeuvre particularly in larger foetuss ( Kung et al. 2006 ) . Rubin ‘s manoeuvre: rotary motion of the shoulders is attempted by insertiong two fingers in the vagina behind the anterior shoulder. The shoulder is pushed frontward and the bisacromial diameter rotates into an oblique place. If unsuccessful, this can so be combined with the Woods ‘ prison guard manoeuvre. Forests ‘ prison guard: force per unit area is applied with two fingers on the anterior facet of the posterior shoulder and use force per unit area taking to revolve the foetus towards the same way as the Rubin manoeuvre. Reverse Woods ‘ prison guard: with two fingers behind the posterior shoulder rotary motion is attempted in the opposite way to the original Woods ‘ prison guard. All these manoeuvres aim to revolve the shoulders and enable bringing by conveying the anterior shoulder posteriorly. Interpolation of the whole manus in the vagina may enable better push on the shoulder and facilitate rotary motion ( Crofts et al. 2008 ) . All-fours: the adult female is on her custodies and articulatio genuss and soft grip is applied taking to present the buttocks shoulder which may fall due to gravitation and to a possible addition of the anteroposterior diameter of the maternal pelvic girdle. Clavicular break: although the bisacromial diameter is reduced with this manoeuvre, there is an increased hazard of iatrogenic brachial rete hurt, vascular and soft tissue foetal injury. Third line manoeuvres Zavanelli manoeuvre involves flexure of the foetal caput, reversal of damages, rotary motion of the caput back to the occipito-anterior place, and replacing into the womb. Tocolytics and general anesthetic agents are used for uterine relaxation. The foetus is so delivered by cesarean subdivision. Although this manoeuvre has success rates of up to 92 % , it is associated with terrible fetal and maternal morbidity including foetal hurts and deceases, uterine and vaginal rupture. Symphysiotomy requires surgical expertness and is associated with important hazards of lower urinary tract hurt. The patient is on a supine place and the thighs are abducted no more than 45IS from the midplane. A urethral catheter is inserted and the urethra is displaced laterally. Following local infiltration with lignocaine, a perpendicular pang scratch is made on the symphysis with a scalpel. The symphysis is normally partly separated by cutting through the fibers by rotational motion of the blade. This allows the anterior foetal shoulder to be disimpacted. In instances of shoulder dystocia, the hazards of OBPP may be reduced if manoeuvres are conducted suitably and forceful downward grip of the caput is avoided ( figure 1 ) . Gonik et al [ 88 ] , showed that downward sidelong flexure of the foetal caput was associated with a 30 % addition in brachial rete stretch ( 18.2 % ) compared with axial placement of the caput ( 14 % ) . Fundal force per unit area should be avoided as it can decline shoulder dystocia and grip combined with fundal force per unit area can be associated with neurological complications [ 57 ] . Consequences may be better and hazards of OBPP lower if there is no terror, force per unit area on the fundus, sidelong grip or pivoting of the caput at the cervix and when tortuosity or rotational motion of the caput to revolve the shoulders is avoided { Doumouchtsis, 2009 # 6174 } . Decision OBPP is a potentially annihilating complication of childbearing. Shoulder dystocia is merely one of a battalion of hazard factors for OBPP, most of which may be hard to foretell. Future research should be directed in prospective rating of the mechanisms of hurt, in order to enable accoucheurs, accoucheuses and other wellness attention professionals identify modifiable hazard factors, develop preventative schemes and better perinatal results. How to cite Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy Health And Social Care Essay, Essay examples

Monday, May 4, 2020

Which Techniques Are Most Useful When Learning free essay sample

Li Wenlong Michael Group 2 Which techniques are most useful when learning a foreign language? Although learning a foreign language takes commitment and time, there are a number of different approaches to improve the efficiency of studying which does work well. The effect of learning can be really elevated by using Mnemonics to link word when remembering foreign vocabulary. This method utilizes repetition and memorization methods for learning a new language. The leaner can use pronunciation to link a word in his or her native tongue with a word in a foreign language.For instance the word ‘glove’ sounds like the thing with love in Chinese, and a Chinese speaker would possible link the meaning of the word to glove. Since a glove which is a gift from a girlfriend can be regarded as things with love. A related method is the Town Language Mnemonic. In this technique, learners relate vocabulary in the new language to places in a town the learner knows well. We will write a custom essay sample on Which Techniques Are Most Useful When Learning or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page For example, the image coding the foreign word for book could be associated with a book on a shelf in the library.The word for bread could be associated with an image of a loaf in a bakers shop, and words for vegetables could be associated with parts of a display outside a greengrocers. Perhaps there is a farm just outside the town that allows all the animal name associations to be made. Learning with the right tools makes a positive contribution to foreign language studying in grammar, listening, and speaking areas, because the learner can easily benefit from having a good dictionary, audio CDs, grammar books and flashcards. The more time spent on learning the basics of grammar, words and phrasing in dictionary, the easier conversation will become. If learners have audio CDs, they can listen while driving to work or using headphones in situations such as riding public transportation which helps learners utilize as much spare time as they can. Furthermore, Writing down what are learned, is an indispensable technique on language learning. It starts to connect the audio and visual when writing down words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs, which double the efficiency by adding auditory memorization with visual memorization at the same time. In a nutshell, reasonable techniques play an important role in learning a foreign language, but the hardworking is also concerned.

Monday, March 30, 2020

Dividend Policy at Fpl Group, Inc. Essay Example

Dividend Policy at Fpl Group, Inc. Essay Problem Kate Stark, the electric utilities analyst at First Equity Securities Corporation was faced with a decision involving FPL Group on May 5, 1994. Three weeks earlier, she had valued FPL with a â€Å"hold† recommendation due to the belief that FPL would either keep its dividend payout at $2. 48 or increase it slightly. Today however, she saw a report from Merrill Lynch stating that they were downgrading FPL stock due to management’s concern that the dividend payout was too high given the increasing risks facing the industry. This report caused Stark to reconsider his previous â€Å"hold† rating and she questioned if she would need to issue an updated report. Our problem was to determine if FPL is likely to change their current dividend policy and how such a dividend policy change would affect shareholders. From that analysis, we are to decide how Kate Stark should advise investors with regard to FPL stock. The Electric Utility Industry Evaluation The electric utilities industry consists of three stages: the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. In the past, states had government agencies that regulated the prices and returns of utility companies. Due to several government Acts, the electric utilities industry became one with a large number of undiversified, intrastate companies operating under high federal and state government regulations. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, there began a rise of deregulation in many monopoly service industries, including the electric utility industry. By 1978, regulatory changes had started to break down electric utilities franchises as competition was introduced to the generation and transmission states. We will write a custom essay sample on Dividend Policy at Fpl Group, Inc. specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Dividend Policy at Fpl Group, Inc. specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Dividend Policy at Fpl Group, Inc. specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Deregulation of distribution, the final segment of the industry, was also starting at the onset of 1994. The state of California had proposed the addition of competition to the distribution of electricity when the California Public Utilities commission released a proposal to phase in retail wheeling beginning in 1996. The addition of retail wheeling allows customers to purchase electricity from other utilities than the local monopolies. Over time, all users would be given the option to pick their electricity supplier from a range of competitive bids. The week after this proposal, the three largest utilities in California lost a combined $1. 8 billion of market value, an average 8% loss each. The recent deregulation and reshaping of the entire industry has forced FPL to consider the impact. Although Florida is not considering retail wheeling as of this point, utility commissions in 23 states are considering such proposals and the effect is expected to domino to the rest of the country, including Florida, in the near future. When retail wheeling becomes authorized in Florida, FPL will gain many potential competitors that previously didn’t supply to the South/East Florida area. Florida has 4 major investor-owned utilities, 20 municipal and rural cooperative generating systems, 19 independent power producers, and several large investor-owned utilities of neighboring states that would all be competing for customers in Florida. FPL needs to be concerned of similar implications as those that occurred in California. It is expected that deregulation will decrease market share and therefore reduce profits since FPL will no longer gain the benefit of being a monopoly. FPL needs to make certain that they will be able to handle competition from both in state as well as out of state utilities. As a result, it is possible that FPL may need to retain a larger amount of earnings than past years in order to prepare for the entry of competition into the industry. Cutting dividends would provide FPL with a significantly larger amount of retained earnings with which to adjust to the future industry challenges. Maintaining the high payout ratio may not be in FPL’s best interest if the challenges of reshaping the industry by retail wheeling are enacted in Florida. FPL Company Background FPL Group is the largest electric utility company in Florida and the fourth largest in the country. As the population of Florida grew, FPL began to experience growth as a company as well. FPL continued to experience growth through 1970 when the rising cost of fuel, operating problems, and construction cost overruns began to reduce profitability. In an attempt to increase profitability and growth, FPL diversified itself by four major acquisitions. In an attempt to better improve operating issues, FPL started a quality control program employing 1,700 teams to examine every area of the company for ways to improve operations. Management was successful in mproving the operations of FPL as scheduled downtime decreased by 12% and customer complaints fell by 60%. By 1989, FPL was named as one of the best-managed U. S. corporations and given the Deming Prize for quality. Despite this improvement, FPL still experienced problems with safety concerns, growing demand which could soon exceed capacity, and low employee morale all as a result of focusing too highly on the quality improvement progr am. James Broadhead, who succeeded Marshall McDonald after his retirement in 1989, started restructuring the business and operations of FPL. Broadhead’s long-term strategic plan was open to deregulation and full competition. He conducted an environmental scan that concluded FPL would need to have a commitment to quality and customer service, increase its focus on the utilities industry, expand capacity, and improve cost position. Broadhead scaled back the quality program and sold several of their non-utility businesses, as these areas were taking up too much time and effort of management, so that they could now focus on the core utility business. As a response to the expected increase in demand, FPL budgeted $6. billion dollars over the next 5 years for expansion. This included projects such as building new transmission lines, fixing up the oldest generating plant, improving the efficiency of all plants, and buying out a coal burning plant. By 1994, efficiency of operations and availability of resources had improved drastically. Broadhead also flattened the organization, reduced employees, and updated the budget in order improve profitability by cutting costs from 1. 82? to 1. 61? per kWh. By the beginning of 1994, Broadhead’s restructuring was looking like a success. 993 had been a record year for FPL and 1994 was expected to be even better as a result of decreasing costs (33% over the next five years) and increasing sales of 3. 4% each year, which exceeded the industry average of 2%. Financial Health of FPL When Broadhead took McDonald’s place as CEO of FPL in 1989 he made a lot of changes in FPL’s long-term plan. He sold many of FPL’s unprofitable subsidiaries and increased FPL’s capacity to fulfill the expected growth in demand. The effects of these changes in FPL are obvious in the ratio analysis. We will be comparing FPL’s ratios to the financial ratios of Oklahoma GE (OGE), another electric company. Liquidity Ratios The current ratio was used to observe the changes in FPL’s liquidity from 1989 to 1993 (page A-1). The current ratio started off strong in 1989 and 1990, however it decreased greatly in 1991, the year Broadhead sold some of FPL’s unprofitable subsidiaries. This is due to the fact that while its current assets decreased, FPL’s current liabilities increased by a greater margin due to a 697% increase in current maturities of long-term debt. FPL’s current ratio barely surpassed 1 in 1992 and it faced a major decrease in 1993. FPL’s current ratio is greater than OGE’s current ratio in 1991 and 1992, however OGE’s current ratio increased in 1993 surpassing FPL’s current ratio. Debt Ratios. FPL is financed by a large amount of debt. Its debt-to-equity ratio decreased from 2. 1 in 1989 to 1. 81 in 1993 (page A-1). The debt-to-total-assets ratio is also slowly decreasing from . 67 in 1989 to . 64 in 1993. (page A-2). FPL’s debt ratios are very similar to OGE’s. The largest difference occurs in 1991 with a difference of . 033, and this difference could be due to the extra amount of debt FPL generated that year. A quick analysis of these ratios proves that while FPL is financed by a large amount of debt, its debt is slowly decreasing. It may be, however, that FPL’s debt is decreasing at too slow of a rate to keep its dividends high. Coverage Ratios. A major problem facing FPL is its high interest expense. The interest coverage ratio shows how well FPL is able to pay its interest payments and FPL’s capacity to take on new debt. FPL’s interest coverage ratio from 1989 to 1993 fluctuates from year to year, and the ratio is the highest in 1992 at 1. 77 and the lowest in 1990 at -. 068 (page A-2). This shows that it is very difficult for FPL to make interest payments and that FPL would not be able to take on new debt in the near future. OGE’s interest coverage ratio is greater than FPL’s interest ratio for all three years. This could signify that FPL’s debt, while similar in comparison to OGE, could have higher interest rates. FPL’s financial ratios demonstrate that FPL has some problems that it needs to solve, the major problem being interest expense. Furthermore, while Broadhead’s plans are for the long-term, they are hurting FPL’s financial standing in the short-term. Cash Flow Analysis. FPL provides a statement of cash flows for the years 1989 to 1993 that shows the company’s cash inflows and outflows for each of the past five years (page A-3). The statement of cash flows is divided into three sections: operating, investing and financing activities. FPL has experienced a net decrease in cash flow three of the past five years. This is due largely in part to FPL’s large amount of cash used in investing activities. Regardless of FPL’s net cash flow, its cash balance is always positive at year-end. FPL’s average cash balance at year-end for the past five years has been $127,330,000. This is a large cash balance and could be a sign that FPL is receiving too much of its cash from debt and can therefore decrease its borrowing. This can also be a sign that FPL can use more cash in its investing activities to improve their return on investment. Future Outlook for FPL As the electric utility industry is experiencing reform, FPL’s competitive position and expected growth prospects in the future are important considerations. On the one hand, the industry would face an intense competitive environment as a result of the introduction of retail wheeling in Florida, which would require companies to invest more money into generating renewable and nontraditional energy, building new transmission systems, and building more plants to service customers. The addition of many competitors could be a threat to FPL’s current market share. On the other hand, companies would also face great opportunities to expand their businesses. FPL is the largest electric utility in Florida and the fourth largest in the country. FPLs service covers 27,650 square miles and contains a population of 6. 5 million people. The population in the area is expected to increase substantially in the following years, which will continue to improve FPL’s growth outlook. With the introduction of retail wheeling, FPL could gain the opportunity to provide power to a larger region of Florida and even into other states. These reforms could give successful companies like FPL the opportunity to gain an even larger market share. When James Broadhead became the CEO of FPL, he developed a long-range strategic plan to focus on improving the utilities business. By 1994, operating efficiency had improved dramatically as nuclear plant availability had risen to 83%, compared to the industry average 70%, and fossil fuel plant availability had risen to 89%, compared to industry average 70%. At the same time, Broadhead also reversed FPLs diversification program and reduced costs. Broadhead sold several of FPL’s non-utility businesses and lso focused on reducing administration costs by flatting the organization and reducing headcount by 30%. FPL had a good year in 1993 with a net income of $514, or $2. 75 per share. FPL was expected to have and even better year 1994 due to decreasing capital expenditures and increasing sales. FPL expenditures had totaled $5. 8 billion during the past five years, $800 milli on under budget. FPL was also expected to decline its expenditures by another 33% to $3. 9 billion over the next five years. FPLs sales growth had exceeded the national average over the past five years (3. 4% annual growth versus 2. % industry average) and was expected to exceed the national average over the next five years as well (2. 7% versus 1. 8%). FPL was expected to grow 50% faster than the national average. This high level of expected growth compared to decreasing expenditures will give FPL a great competitive position in an industry about to experience the challenge of increased competition. As a result of the recent changes facing the industry in October of 1993, Standard and Poor’s Rating Group decided to change the way they rate investor-owned electric utilities by including an evaluation of competitive position. They would consider factors such as prospects for customer and sales growth, revenue vulnerabilities and dependencies, rates by consumer class relative to competing utilities, adequacy of baseload and peaking capacity, fuel diversity, regulatory environment, and management’s financial goals. Based on an evaluation by SP of these criteria, it was determined that FPL’s current position was rated well above the industry and was in the top 10% of all investor-owned utilities. This supports our conclusion that FPL has a strong competitive and business position. Current Payout to FPL Shareholders As of late, the dividend payout ratio of FPL Group has been a primary focus of both investors and analysts. Historically, FPL had increased its dividend payout for the past 47 years, making it the longest running utility company and the third longest running publicly traded company to do so. Failure to increase the dividend payout ratio would end this streak. FPL has been increasing their dividends so greatly that they are growing even faster than earnings. The FPL Group’s current payout ratio is 91%, which was high or the industry with the average around 83. 65%. The fact that this payout ratio is at the high end of the industry, an industry already known for having high dividend payout ratios, is perceived as a sign of a healthy company. From a shareholder perspective, a dividend cut will most likely harm the value of FPL initially. It is possible that a number of FPL investors hold the stock because of the expectation of high dividend payo uts. A cut would likely be viewed as a sign of poor financial health and would therefore drop the market price of FPL stock. However, from an FPL perspective, this payout ratio is too high compared to the industry. FPL will need additional funds in order to be prepared for the changes facing the industry. The need to expand business operations and prepare for competition as a result of retail wheeling will make it very difficult to maintain the 91% payout ratio. By paying out a lower percentage, FPL could increase their potential growth opportunities and place the company ahead of the competition, which would ultimately improve the value of FPL for shareholders. Dividend Policy The purpose of dividend payouts is to return wealth back to the company shareholders instead of using it for operations. Dividends provide investors with regular income from their investments and act as an incentive to continue or start investing in the company. The company’s share price will drop in relation to the dividend payout, because a company’s value has not risen, they are just allocating money differently. All dividends must be declared by the board of directors and are taxable as income to the recipients. According to the Fundamentals of Financial Management textbook, a major aspect of a firm’s dividend policy is to determine the appropriate allocation of profits between dividend payments and additions to the firm’s retained earnings. There are arguments for and against paying dividends at all. Paying dividends leaves the company with less money to invest toward future growth and can therefore slow down expansion. Those in favor of not paying dividends say that the policy is irreverent because it does not technically matter how earnings are split between dividends and retained earnings. There is no ultimate affect on the wealth of the shareholders. Another argument against dividends is that investors are able to create â€Å"homemade† dividends by selling some shares of stock to keep a regular income or by buying additional shares using the money received. Arguments for dividend payouts are that certain investors may prefer them to capital gains. Receiving money on a regular basis psychologically lowers the risk of investing to some people. Although capital gains are taxed at a lower percent then dividends, there are exceptions such as retirement and pension funds where no taxes are paid on either. There is also a use for dividends as financial health signals. For example, if FPL Group, Inc has a steady dividend payout that suddenly increases, investors may think that there is a positive change in the expected profitability and will purchase additional shares, leading to an increase in its stock price. The opposite would be true if they cut a steadily paying dividend, resulting in a possible share price tumble due to nervous investors, even if FPL’s financial health remains strong. This information can be used to estimate the effect a cut to dividends would have on FPL shareholders. Considering FLP has had traditionally high payouts for the electric utility industry and have been increasing dividends for forty-seven consecutive years, a dividend cut would be a large change in direction. Cuts were not historically common for utility companies except when financial trouble was stirring. Two examples have been given in the case: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, and Sierra Pacific Resources whose stock dropped by 23% and its shareholders sued. Investors at FPL could quite possibly see a cut as an indication of an increased financial risk, even if that is not the case. If more investors leave or if they leave quicker than the new investors enter, this could lead to a temporarily depressed share price. In conclusion, from a shareholder point of view, continuing to increase dividends would be the best option, followed by holding them steady as next best. Alternatives The alternatives currently facing Kate Stark include: 1. Changing her recommendation to â€Å"sell†. 2. Changing her recommendation to â€Å"buy†. 3. Keeping her current recommendation of â€Å"hold†. Kate Stark may choose to lower her recommendation to sell because the stock price may continue to fall as talk of a dividend cut increases. Investors holding the stock primarily because of the high dividend payouts may want to sell now. Once the decision to cut dividends is announced, the market price per share will drop. Selling now while the price has only started to drop could be the most profitable for investors not wishing to hold the stock if high dividends are not paid out. However, by selling now, shareholders are giving up their share of probable future gains. Investors could also decide to sell their shares now and then buy them again when the stock price is even lower to increase their gains. This option would be very risky for shareholders however as it is unknown when or even if the stock price will fall to its lowest value. Stark may choose to change her recommendation to â€Å"buy†. The stock price has fallen by 6% during the past day already and it is not even a certainty that FPL will cut their dividends. As a result of positive future growth outlooks and a sound competitive position as discussed previously, we believe the stock price will increase again in the future so FPL stock offers many benefits to stockholders in the long run. Buying now will give investors the opportunity to take advantage of probable increases in long-term wealth for a lower price. Stark could also decide to keep her previous recommendation of â€Å"hold†. Although the stock price may drop with news of a dividend cut, it would be unprofitable in the long term to sell because of the good growth prospects. Investors would miss out on possible gains by deciding to sell now. If FPL is able to raise their earnings, they could even maintain the high payout ratio by keeping the current $2. 48 dividend payout. The financial strength and expected growth make this a possible situation despite the industry challenges that may occur. Holding the stock would allow investors to take advantage of these long-term gains. Conclusion and Recommendation Broadhead has greatly improved the efficiency of FPL’s operations, doing his best to cut costs and ensure growth prospects for the future. With competition at the core of his strategy, which is proving itself successful, Broadhead is developing FPL’s strong competitive position so they will be able to make the introduction of retail wheeling an opportunity instead of a threat. Despite the challenges facing the changing industry, we expect FPL will continue to experience economic success and remain a healthy company. If FPL does decide to cut their dividends, we believe it would be to create additional retained earning so that FPL can reduce their debt position, better prepare for competition, and bring their payout ratio more in line with the industry average so it can continue to grow in the future- all of which will positively impact the value of FPL for shareholders. A dividend cut would therefore be in the best interest of the future growth of FPL, not because of financial problems. However, dividend cuts are not common for utilities in sound financial health and shareholders usually respond negatively to a cut in dividends, so we do not think a dividend cut is at all a certainty. As a result of this analysis, we believe FPL could to be a good long-term investment. The problem is that we are unable to tell how much stock value would drop if dividends are cut, no matter what the reason for the cut. We would advise Kate Stark to keep her â€Å"hold† recommendation on FPL stock for these mentioned reasons. FPL shows strong promise that they will continue to be profitable in the future, so investors would miss out on those long-term gains by selling now. Investors owning stock for long-term profitability reasons should hold because FPL will continue to experience growth in the future, especially since they have started preparing for competition now before it is even introduced. If investors are holding the stock because of the high payout ratio however, we would advise a sell recommendation for them because they may no longer receive the high dividends and we expect the stock price to drop even lower on an announcement of a dividend cut. We would also recommend investors not yet owning shares of FPL to wait until FPL announces a dividend cut and then buy. This announcement would decrease FPL stock to its lowest price, which would be the best time to buy and therefore experience the greatest amount of gain. Bibliography Van Horne, James C. , and John M. Wachowicz Jr. Fundamentals of Financial Management. 10th edition. NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1998. OGE Annual Report 1993. OGE . N. p. , 03/29/1994. Web. 27 Nov 2010. .

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Composite Columns From Roman Architecture

Composite Columns From Roman Architecture In architecture, the Composite column is a Roman-designed column style that combines characteristics of the ancient Greek-era Ionic and the Corinthian columns. Composite columns have highly decorated capitals (tops). Typical of the Corinthian capital, the floral ornamentation of the Composite capital is styled after the acanthus leaf. The leaf decoration elements of the Corinthian style combine with the scroll designs (volute) that characterize the Ionic style. The Composite is considered one of the five orders of classical architecture. Fast Facts: Composite Columns A composite is by definition a combination of elements.Composite columns can describe column design or materials.A Roman Composite column combines the designs of the Greek Ionic and Corinthian columns.The capital top of a Roman Composite column has scrolls (volutes) and leaf decorations.Since the Renaissance, Composite column designs have been used in decorative pilasters.Composite columns were originally made of stone, but today a composite can be a mixture of synthetic materials. Classical architecture, including columns, refers to what builders designed in ancient Greece and Roman. A column consists of a base, a shaft, and a capital at the top of a shaft. In ancient times, the capital and the entablature above it were paired with distinctive characteristics that make up what became known as the classical orders of architecture. Size and proportion of each column type was standardized, although today, most people identify column types solely by their capital design. Documenting the types of ancient columns was advanced by Renaissance-era architects like Palladio and Vignloa. In fact, the word composite meaning a combination or compound of different elements was not generally used until the Renaissance in the 15th century. In American English, pronounce composite with the accent on the second syllable - kum-POS-it. In British English, the first syllable is more often accented. The Arch of Titus (Arco di Tito), c. 81 B.C. Andrea Jemolo Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images (cropped) The Arch of Titus from the 1st century may be the first instance of the Roman composite column. Triumphal arches such as this one celebrated military victories and heroic conquerors - Titus and his Roman army returned to Rome after sacking Jerusalem and destroying the Second Temple in the year 70. World history is filled with military triumphs in one community that are sorrowful defeats in another - while the arch Titus marched beneath still stands in Rome, a more somber remembrance is observed in the Jewish religion on Tisha BAv. The Roman-type of columns can be found in the architecture of any of the regions influenced by the Roman Empire. Egyptian and Perian columns are often composites of Western and Eastern traditions. Composite columns can be found throughout the Middle East, most notably in Petra in Jordan. Bab el Siq Treasury (Al Khazneh), 1st Century, Petra, Jordan. Luca Mozzati Mondadori/Getty Images (cropped) Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius died before he could document the style of what is known as the Composite column - perhaps he would have dismissed this Roman combo column. The European architects of the Renaissance, however, noticed the beauty and practicality of this Roman design and incorporated it in many of their buildings during the 16th century. The well-known architect Andrea Palladio used Composite columns in many of his designs, including in the facade of the island Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy. Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, 1610, Venice, Italy, Architect Andrea Palladio. Nicola De Pasquale/Getty Images (cropped) The influential Italian Renaissance architect Giacomo da Vignola incorporated Composite designs in the pilasters that adorn his work, including the 16th century Palazzo dei Banchi in Bologna, Italy. Composite designs, being a later invention within the Classical Orders, were often more decorative than structural - pilasters and engaged columns (round columns protruding like a pilaster) provide the essence of Classical design without being full columns. French Renaissance architect Pierre Lescot chose Composite pilasters in his designs for the Louvre in Paris and the 1550 Fontaine des Innocents. Lescot and sculptor Jean Goujon brought Renaissance Classicism to France. Fontaine des Innocents, 1550, Paris, France, Architect Pierre Lescot. Frà ©dà ©ric Soltan/Corbis via Getty Images (cropped) Because the combination (or composite) of the two Greek designs makes the Composite column more ornate than other columns, Composite columns are sometimes found in lavish 17th-century Baroque architecture. Pilasters were often used to ornament interiors, a decoration that provided classic, regal decoration to a room - even aboard a ship. A 19th century carved wooden Composite capital was found in the cabin of a Spanish Navy vessel captured by the U.S. Navy during the Spanish-American War. In contemporary architecture, the term composite column can be used to describe any style column molded from a man-made composite material such as fiberglass or a polymer resin, sometimes reinforced with metal. Significance of the Composite Order Its not the first type of column in Greek and Roman architecture, so what is the significance of the Composite Order? The earlier Ionic Order has an inherent design problem - how do you round the design of the rectangular volute capitals to elegantly fit on the top of a round shaft? The flowery asymmetrical Corinthian Order does the job. By combining both orders, the Composite column is visually more appealing while keeping the strength found in the Ionic Order. The significance of the Composite Order is that in its creation ancient architect-designers were modernizing architecture. Even today, architecture is an iterative process, that good ideas are brought together to form better ideas - or at least something new and different. Design is not pure in architecture. Design builds on itself by combination and elimination. It could be said that architecture itself is a composite.

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Globalization and Social Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Globalization and Social Change - Essay Example It is a fact that even in poor countries; immense resources are available which are unused because of lack of technology or infrastructure facilities. Such countries can seek the help of advanced countries to mobilize their resources more effectively. According to Lauder et al (2006), many people tempted to think that globalization is the process of transportation of jobs, ethnic and cultural composition of nations etc from one country to another (Lauder et al, p.32). Many countries have opened up their economies more. For example, it is easy for an American or British company to establish its subsidiaries in India or China and vice versa. Same way it is possible for Indians or Pakistanis to get work permits in America or UK easily. Moreover, the trades between countries were increased a lot because of globalization. In any case it is an accepted fact that globalization has brought many changes in political, cultural and economical circles in the world. This paper briefly analyses the global social changes with respect to economy, happening in at present because of globalization. Holst (2007) has mentioned that economic interpretations of globalization centered around three forms of capital; financial, productive and commercial (Holst). In fact globalization has opened many opportunities in the financial, productive and commercial sectors. It is possible for a Mexican or Indian company to invest in the American share market at present because of globalization. Same way the exchange of manpower between countries resulted in mutual benefits. International trade has been increased a lot after the introduction of globalization. In fact America and UK like capitalist markets were conquered by the cheap Chinese products at present. It is impossible for China like bulk production oriented countries to sell their products internally alone. Mexico is another example to learn more about how well a country can

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Week 4-Happiness Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Week 4-Happiness - Assignment Example At first, I believed on this. However, I came to realize that affluence does not necessarily give someone happiness and being poor also does not automatically make one unhappy (DuBrin, 2011). I am now against my previous notion of judging some careers as substandard and insignificant. Apparently, I fall into adventure category. During life audaciousness made me acquire some values that up-to-date are precious to me. I learnt values like respect and honesty through adventure where I was much curious to understand how members of an organization interrelate harmoniously without the two values. Respect is an important value that leads to the realization of honest in any organization (DuBrin, 2011). Corporations value personnel who uphold honesty and respect, for they comprehend that a good relationship builds trust among employees. Finally, the adventurous spirit enabled me to grow the value of courtesy where I was curious why people could give their seat to pregnant woman or old people and other do not and I come to realize some children will not practice this because they contemplate that they will not receive appreciation. Therefore, my quest prepared me to learn this and endorse that some values we possess are driven by adventures. It is important to know your values for it gives one a tremendous clarity and focus in life. The values that I treasure in my life are; honesty, respect, politeness, happiness, success, peace, fun, security, transparency and adventure (Steve, 2013). Steve has underlined imperative values that are proficient in guiding our compartments at work or in any other areas of our life. Values enable us to act according to our conviction. The value that I desire most is happiness; this is because happiness significantly helps me in attaining life satisfaction (DuBrin, 2011). It assists me overcome stress both at workplace. Happiness also offers me an

Monday, January 27, 2020

Social Medias Impact On Youth Marketing Media Essay

Social Medias Impact On Youth Marketing Media Essay This Literature review discusses published information that are reveling to our topic and this information obtained from the others work which has already been done by researchers and published in articles, books, journal and websites. SOCIAL MEDIA Recent trend clearly shows a shift of business users and youth from traditional communication advertising such as television, radio, newspaper and magazines are no longer appealing to them. Social media refers to web based service that allows individuals for sharing, collaborating and taking insight to each other without any geographic barriers and with the help of new media tool of internet. Elliot (2012) DIGITAL MARKETING MARKETING: The growing importance of social media websites particularly YouTube, Face book and LinkedIn and their penetration in the country cannot be ignored by corporate managers who for the most part do not have a effective social media team. A host of local as well as multinational companies operating in Pakistan now see social media as an important marketing tool to promote their brands Baloch (2012) In 2010, business professionals took social media seriously, Social media growth immensely increase by personal users and businesses adoptability. In this year Face book has 600 million users and they are heading towards one billion mark. 20 million people become fan of pages per day, 60 million status updates per day, The average time for users spend is more than 55 minutes. Over 2 billion videos are uploaded in YouTube and 46% of internet users are interact with social media on daily basic. Schrum (2011) As our chosen topic depends on exploratory research so these articles encourage us to determine how social media are effective to target youth of Karachi. Social media uniqueness is to target mass audience by individually and looking to meet new potential consumer. In social media Face book, YouTube and LinkedIn have major growth and it reaches mass audience and youth as well. SOCIAL MEDIA, YOUTH AND PAKISTAN: In the last 10 years Pakistan social media sector growth increase unexpectedly. With the population exceeding over 180 million there is 20 million users connected to internet which is 12% of its population which are much bigger then India 5% of internet users in total population. In Face book there is over 5 million Pakistani users which is 15% of Face book total users and more than half of them lies age between 18 to 24. In 2010 Flood strike in Pakistan than with the help of social media youth of Pakistan utilize social media platform by minute to minute updates in stricken area and motivate the whole population to contribute in relief efforts so there is a huge revelation and impact on social media in the youth of Pakistan. Inam (2011) Social medias impact on youth marketing: Now social media plays an important role in youth life style and companies targeting youth by social networking because it becomes culture in youth to use Face book, YouTube and LinkedIn on daily bases. Usage of Smartphone is also very common in youth to reach social networking because in universities and colleges there is a policy to limit social networking within class timing or working hours so youth now have a Smartphone to reach social websites easily by their pocket phones. In Face book and LinkedIn companies develop pages and put advertisement on it and it has options of like and comment which gives them insight of youth liking and disliking and they collaborating each others as a result of that companies create huge brand image even before its product launch. Blogging is also very effective social media tool to target youth in which companies create discussion section in order to get opinions about brands and services and platform become the source of research, marketing stra tegies and development. Misa (2011) RESEARCHERS THOUGHTS Social media websites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn come with unbelievable techniques to communicate with family, colleges, friends and also market your product in that effective manner that the users of that sites can like your product. All the previous researches that have been done on social media as an effective medium to target the youth has come on that conclusions that social media can be a very handful tool for the companies to market their product. Murdough (2009) have positively agreed on the potential of social media but ike any other marketing tool it is difficult to gauge the kind of impact that it lays on the masses. Through many research surveys the results that came out that identifies that many young peoples age group (18-25) are the more users of networking sites (facebook, twitter, linkdin) then any other age group and due to that these social networking sites are experiencing dramatic world wide growth. Moreover, researchers have contented that the perceived benefit of use of social networking sites achieve network externalities in which positive feedback produces more and more users, thereby increasing its social platform (Powell 2009). Most of the researchers have agreed on Facebook as its statistics indicates that its members are swiftly increasing day by day because its provides a new method of communicating employing computers as a collaborative tool to accelerate group formation and escalate group scope and influence allowing users to present themselves, connect to a social network, and develop and maintain relationship with others. Facebook is being widely used all over the world as it stats tells as compare to the other social networking sites so many researches are giving positive comments about Facebook. As the social media marketing is increasing day by day as many researches have identified in their research so the companies are likely to be taking social media component for their product promotion and marketing very seriously because enhanced engagement in social media has features such as increased speed with which information can be gathered and transmitted, greater volume of information that is easily accessible, more flexibility in how and when information is accessed and much great opportunity to interact with others I a range of context using text, audio or video. However in my opinion social media have has altered the media marketing paradigm by defining the new set of relationships between young people and organizations in which marketing and organizations have become pervasive, creating new hybrid forms that blend communications, content and commerce. Common Theories: Well there are most of the things that are common in every previous research that has been done on social media marketing as an effective medium to target the youth. As social media being a very popular medium among the youth so it has an influence on the purchasing decision. In todays digital-focused marketing environment, the internet as a communication and transaction channel adds two more inputs and influencers of buying behavior to the model. The first one is online marketing mix, which basically represents the controllable online experiences provided by the corporate. The second one is the social media experiences which are by and large beyond the marketers control. In my opinion the social media has a very good impact on the purchasing decision of the users because due to various techniques that many companies are using to promote their product on social media can attract users and they like d that product and ultimately buy it. Various researches have established framework s for social issues that have been discussed by most of the researches in their respective research. Social issues like In (health, education, environment, politics, safetyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..e.t.c). Many researchers have described in their social marketing campaigns however, the model of communication for social change describes this interactive process best where by a social change in a community improves the health and welfare of all its members, driven by dialogue and collective action. Current scenario: According to the researchers Pakistan is a developing nation where digital networked technologies and new media platforms are just emerging (Yusuf 2008). Although many concluded that that availability of digital technologies and social media platforms facilitates democratic practices and participatory behavior, whether this is equally true for developing countries like Pakistan, is debatable. Most of the researches agues that the ability to use digital technologies and new media meaningfully, impacts participatory behavior and civic action, which is often overcome through the combined use of different technologies and concludes that new media platforms are increasingly effective as tools for community organizing and information dissemination. According to the different stats Pakistan has quit significant numbers of the users of social media that have an active account on different social networking site so they can be targeted through that medium. Our study is based on the topic social media as an effective medium to target the youth of Karachi as Pakistan has quit significant of users on social networking sites and especially Karachi has been amoung the largest city in Pakistan and majority of users resides in Karachi according to the study more then half of the users lie between the age group of 18-24 can be targeted through social media and most of the companies are now working on that. In many previous researches most of the researchers used Exploratory research approach because this is an develop theory we just have to identified whether it is effective or not we just have to testify that so exploratory approach can be used and in my opinion it us the correct approach that is being used. Qualitative methodology being used commonly in previous researches. This is survey research so the Questionnaire being used as an instrument to collect the data because in this type of study you have to gather the thoughts of different users who use the social media network sites so in my opinion this is the best instrument for collecting the data because on the basis of the users opinions you can improve your promoting techniques to promote your product on social media. Conclusion: Analysis of the previous researches and related articles have indicates that social media is a very important tool for networking among youngsters. As they are using these websites and their numbers are increasing day by day. In Pakistan the users are also increasing day by day and these are the good signs for the company who are working in Pakistan. These websites are helping the users to build their professional contacts and provides the users with various networking applications that make them hooked on to these social media websites. There is also an increasing trend among youngsters to buy products online through these websites so thats makes marketers to realized the importance of social media website as an essential component of integrated marketing communications. So many companies are driving different research methods to target the youth effectively on social media. Promotion on social media can actually encourage constant interaction with the customers, gaining an insight on their like and preferences and problems associated with the products. So through analysis of all the previous evidence it assures that social media marketing is an effective tool to target the youth.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Good Morning, Vietnam

Good Morning, Vietnam follows disc jockey Adrian Cronauer as he is reassigned to the Armed Forces Radio Saigon airwaves in Saigon, Vietnam in 1965. Throughout the film Cronauer experiences the bombing of a G. I. bar, and attempts to start a relationship with a Vietnamese woman. However, he runs into trouble as he finds the Vietnamese culture to be very different from his own. He experiences first hand the civilian attacks as buildings are blown up without warning or reason, and the tactics behind guerilla warfare as he befriends Vietnamese citizens who he doesn’t know are actually Vietcong. His radio shows provide comic relief to all the soldiers, but infuriates his superiors as he wants to report actual news about the war to the soldiers and not just what is approved to be aired (Good Morning, Vietnam). This movie is set during the Vietnam war so, it is crucial to understand the war in order to understand this movie. In 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson took office and had to make a crucial decision on America’s limited military involvement in the Vietnam conflict. This was because of the naval incident in the Gulf of Tonkin. North Vietnamese gunboats supposedly shot at U. S. warships in the Gulf of Tonkin allowing Johnson to persuade Congress that this was an act of aggression. Thus, Johnson received a blank check to take â€Å"all necessary measures† needed to aid the United States in Vietnam (Newman). Communist leader Ho Chi Minh led the Vietcong guerillas in the North. He developed an elaborate 9,940 mile network of roads built from the North to the South to aid North Vietnam troops and the Vietcong. This network of roads was referred to as the Ho Chi Minh Trail and was the target of numerous American air strikes (Ho Chi Minh Trail). However, the creation the Ho Chi Minh trail crossed the demilitarized zone, which had been established at the 17th parallel as a combat-free zone during the Potsdam Conference (DMZ Vietnam). With tensions increasing, especially after a car bomb detonates outside the U. S. embassy in Saigon wounding two-hundred and killing two Americans and twenty Vietnamese (Vietnam War Timeline: 1965). Johnson approved the deployment of an additional 18,000 to 20,000 men and, a few months later, increased the number of U. S. troops in Vietnam to 125,000 men (Vietnam War Timeline: 1965). In protest, Buddhist monks set themselves on fire and the Vietcong used guerilla warfare tactics (Newman). In February 1965, the United States mobilized Operation Rolling Thunder, an air war against North Vietnam in an effort to stop their movement South (Vietnam War 1965-1968). Air strikes were coupled with napalm, sticky fuel-gel fire bombs which severely burn their targets, and plastic explosives, a chemical bomb which produces an explosion that is impossible to outrun (Napalm, C-4 Plastic Explosives). By the end of 1965, U. S. roop levels approached 184,300 men, while South Vietnam soldiers abandoned the cause as the North infiltrated and captured Saigon in February of 1968 in the Tet Offensive (Vietnam War Timeline: 1965). This was a surprise attack on many of the South Vietnamese capitals and American bases. The chaos and destruction seen on television on the home front caused much controversy over the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War (Newman). The United States at this time was not just at war abroad, but also faced conflict on the home front. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as leading demonstrations against racial discrimination, especially at the polls (Newman). Anti-war movements also gained momentum in 1965 and peaked in 1968. The first march to Washington took place in 1967 and 1968 and were the largest anti-war movements of the time. This led to extreme pacifists following the Buddhist monk’s public burnings, as well as the public burning of draft cards, an act punishable by law (Vietnam Protest Movement). President Johnson faced dramatic opposition to the war on the home front, which only increased as the war progressed. Some argued that this was due to the relative freedom of television reporters to broadcast whatever they wanted about the war; thus, not only showing the positives, but also the downfalls in the war (Vietnam Protest Movement). Good Morning, Vietnam is entirely focused on the war as seen by those experiencing it first hand in Saigon. Therefore, the film does not greatly reflect any of these home front issues. It does however, contradict the idea of little censorship of war facts. Although on the home front journalists may have been able to report whatever they felt they wanted to share, this was not true on military airwaves (Newman). The film depicts Cronauer constantly fighting to get the true events of the war out for his listeners to hear; however, heavy censorship by the Armed Forces Radio Saigon prevent this from occurring. This creates a source of great conflict especially after a Vietcong bombing. The movie, therefore, reflects the element of surprise which was employed by the Vietcong through their guerilla warfare tactics (Good Morning, Vietnam). Before viewing this film, I knew that unusual war tactics were utilized and that people had strong opposition to the war. Yet, I felt that it was much like every other war the that the United States was involved in. This film reinforced my views as it showed the true devastation which the guerilla tactics cause through the killings of innocent civilians. When the bomb went off at Jimmy Wah’s G. I. bar, Cronauer was lucky to have been tricked into leaving by his new Vietnamese friend (Good Morning, Vietnam). All the innocent people inside, both American and Vietnamese were just unfortunate bystanders in the wrong place at the wrong time. Not only did it reinforce my view but it also altered my perceptions. This film added to my views just how much was being kept from the soldiers. This was illustrated through the identical twins who had to officially announce and approve all news which came in to the radio station before it could be read on air by Cronauer (Good Morning, Vietnam). Also, just the complete Americanization that was forced upon many of the Vietnamese was shocking to me. Although they may have been taking English classes from the American troops by themselves, just the presence of so many foreigners in their country and potentially clashing with their culture amazed me. There was no better way to feature this than with Cronauer’s love for Trinh, a Vietnamese girl. The first date with her entire family is something that would never happen in America, yet there it was totally normal (Good Morning, Vietnam). Overall, I did enjoy watching this film. It was a refreshing, yet eye opening view of the Vietnam conflict as it used humor to get the events of the war across, but also highlighted the intensity and chaos of war. It was an unusual way to see war portrayed and I found it very enjoyable. It helped me to feel the anxieties and frustration surrounding the war without focusing on just combat alone. Good Morning, Vietnam showcased the more social component to the Vietnam War which provided a fresh angle.