Communication journal Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Communication journal - Article Example After understanding the values and expectation of the audience, it is a little bit easier to settle on a topic to address. Despite of these tips, I was still confused and nervous since the reception of the audients was still unpredictable. This situation can only be salvaged by visionary leadership skills that turn the weakness or challenges them into strength. Moreover, I was visualizing how I could contain them and what if they make feel and look useless before them. These are some of the conflicts that might emerge during the presentation. The sure way to resolve this situation is to sway the audience to coincide with my points of view particularly through reverse psychology technique. Working in a group often needs a guideline; otherwise, a group will do a lot of nothing. The first thing a group of new members should do is to know each other. This provides an avenue for effective and free communication among members. Secondly, the group should select their leader who will help th em manage the group. The group’s leader will run or direct the fairs of the group. He or she will guide the members through formulation of group’s goals and objectives. Through this process, members will be encouraged to express their opinions and ask the question. After the formulation of these rules, all the group members shall be advised to adhere to the set rules. The Effective Area Social presentations are not quite stressful, unlike business and other official presentations. The social presentation often aims addressing or making a presentation to one’s close acquaintances and friends. Therefore, for my last social presentation I was more relaxed and comfortable with the audience and the topic of discuss. Notably, at some points in the presentation, I freely interacted with the audient has I developed my speech. However, prior to the presentation I was quite uneasy and tensed. Notably, I was afraid of the audience; nonetheless, along the way everything whe n imposing and I build confidence and even enjoyed the presentation. The audience expectation seemed high on my presentation, and I was afraid that the stake was too high to achieve. However, their response to the some funny comments and questions built my confidence and I was convinced me that I achieved or met the expectation of my audience  and they enjoyed my presentation. From the video tape review, it is certain that the beginning of the presentation seemed difficult despite that fact that I was addressing my social friends. In fact, from the video it is apparent that I was unable to look straight into my audience and my eyes were only glued onto my prepared speech. Additionally, there were no body movement and the environment looked tensed. However, middle way everything changed and I got used to the being center stage of my audience the environment became friendly, and I could use gesture and body language to stress some of my points. The videotape presentation review chan ged my perception about presentation completely. From the replays, I learnt that presentations might just be treated as talking to individuals but on geared tunes. Presentation is just another way of sharing once fears and concerns about issues that affect people in the presenter knows them best. Furthermore, the video presentation has only left me practicing on how I will make my other presentations better and as interactive as I

American Indian culture studies research paper Essay

American Indian culture studies research paper - Essay Example The Native Americans way of life and culture is very much adored by most people around the world. Everyone is eager to understand the culture and the nature of people who initially occupied the most powerful country in the world. The Indians greatly influenced the shape and environment of the current America in several ways because they lived and carried out their human activities on the land particularly their habit of shifting seasonal subsistence that was conforming to the changing seasons. Everyone particularly is concerned about the decline of the culture of the American natives. These people clearly shows the evidence of North American life such as the discovery of a hunting lookout in Northern Alaska and the various finely crafted spear points found near Clovis, New Mexico. All these discoveries show the culture and the lifestyle of the first Americans who also believed to be more hospitable and had strong belief in sharing (Teicher 2006, 14). It is unfortunate that some of these traits have been overridden by the contemporary culture. The decline of the Native Americans culture has largely been contributed by assimilation, exploitation and the change of purpose as well as the rich number of alternatives that are assumed to be modern by the contemporary society. Luckily, there are various institutions that have strongly come out to protect and enhance the Native cultures such as the introduction of culturally based education that involve introduction and re-establishment of native language as well as culture. Introduction of cultural based education has been very vital in pres4rvation of the native culture and most tribes with almost over 500 distinct cultures have strived to survive by trying to regain practices that defined them as people. Preservation of the native culture Preservation of the native culture has involved tireless practices such as creation of dictionaries for many tribes, connecting present and the past as well as introduction of tribal colleges and public schools that restore the rich knowledge of different native cultures. Outstanding teaching force has been introduced to the Native Americans and the students have been culturally empowered by making their schools more culturally relevant for them. However, it is still very clear that the Indian continuity and survival is not part of the cultural preservation and continuation (Shaull & Gramann 1998, 49-55). Modern society has greatly influenced the current youth thus leaving them in dilemma. The current young people are not sure of what is best for them because they cannot choose between their native cultures and the current cultures. For instance, in the modern society, a young man may put emphasis on exercising of individual freedom and rights even if it is against the people’s will unlike in the native culture where an individual would look to the extended family and elders for guidance and direction. The group decisions are more important and an individual is required to avoid conflict and be very loyal to the group unlike in the contemporary society where an individual’s independence is more important than the group (Shaull &

Database Technology Essay Example for Free

Database Technology Essay Objectives of the course: †¢ This course aims to provide continuum to where the first course of databases left off. Design aspects of relational databases are covered. †¢ Complex data models like OO OR parallel and distributed are introduced. †¢ The course provides students a good overview of the ideas and the techniques, which are behind recent developments in the fields of data warehousing and Online Analytical Processing (OLAP). 1. Overview Review of relational database systems, ER diagram, SQL. 2. Integrity and Security Domain constraints; referential integrity, assertions; triggers; triggers and Assertions in SQL. Security and Authorization; Authorization in SQL. 3. Relational Database Design First Normal form; pitfalls in relational database design, functional dependencies; decomposition. Desirable properties of decomposition. Boyce – Code normal form; 3rd and 4th normal form. Mention of other normal forms. 4. The ER Model Revisited Motivation for complex data types, User Defined Abstract Data Types And Structured Types, Subclasses, Super classes, Inheritance, Specialization and Generalization, Relationship Types of Degree Higher Than Two. 5. Object-Oriented Object relational databases Object Identity, Object Structure, and Type Constructors, Encapsulation of Operations, Methods, and Persistence, Type Hierarchies and Inheritance, Type extents and Queries, Database Design For An ORDBMS Nested Relations and Collections; Storage And Access methods, Overview of SQL3. 6. Parallel and Distributed Databases Parallel Query Evaluation; Parallelizing Individual Operations, Sorting, Joins; Distributed Database Concepts, Data Fragmentation, Replication, and Allocation techniques for Distributed Database Design; Query Processing in Distributed Databases; Concurrency Contr ol and Recovery in Distributed Databases. 7. Enhanced Data Models for Advanced Applications. (Overview and Design issues) Temporal Databases; Spatial Databases Geographic Information Systems, Mobile Databases. 8. Data Warehousing and OLAP. a) Data Warehouse Basics: Data Warehouse (DW) Introduction Overview; Data Marts, DW components; Data warehouse architecture; ETL Data Transformation – Extracting, Conditioning, cleansing, Scrubbing, Merging, etc., b) OLAP: Multi-dimensional modeling Fact table, dimensions, measures, examples; Schema Design – Star and Snowflake; OLAP OLAP Vs OLTP, ROLAP, MOLAP, HOLAP; tools. OLAP Operations – Rollup, Drill-down, Dice slice, pivot. Text Books: 1. Elmasri and Navathe, â€Å"Fundamentals of Database Systems†, Pearson Education 2. Raghu Ramakrishnan, Johannes Gerhke, â€Å"Database Management Systems† McGraw Hill 3. Kimball, Ralph; Reeves, Laura et al Data warehouse Lifecycle Toolkit: expert methods for designing, developing, and deploying data warehouses Wiley publications. References: 1. Korth, Silberchatz, Sudarshan, â€Å"Database System Concepts† McGraw Hill 2. C.J.Date, Longman, â€Å"Introduction to Database Systems†, Pearson Education 3. Paulraj Ponnian, â€Å"Data Warehousing Fundamentals†, John Wiley. Term Work Term work shall consist of at least 10 assignments/programming assignments and one written test. Marks 1. Attendance (Theory and Practical) 05 Marks 2. Laboratory work (Experiments and Journal) 10 Marks 3. Test (at least one) 10 Marks The final certification and acceptance of TW ensures the satisfactory performance of laboratory Work and Minimum Passing in the term work. Suggested Experiment List 1. At least one or two review SQL assignments covering triggers, assertions and authorizations. 2. Object Oriented Queries 3. Case study assignments for OO and OR database. 4. Two mini projects in distributed and parallel databases. 5. Hands on any one good warehousing tool (Oracle/SQL server Analysis tool etc.) 6. A full fledged mini project in which a student will design and implement a data warehouse. The data warehouse must be populated and OLAP queries and operations to be demonstrated for the warehouse.

Biological Causes Of Bipolar Disorder Psychology Essay

Biological Causes Of Bipolar Disorder Psychology Essay Bipolar disorder is likely one of the most difficult diagnoses to receive in terms of living a normal life. As a psychological disorder, or more specifically, a mood disorder, its typical age of onset is in the early twenties, and its prevalence is between one and two percent worldwide. The disorder is characterized by an alternation between mania and depression, as well as poor impulse control, attention deficits, and impairments of verbal memory. Intensity of the manic state in a bipolar patient determines whether they are diagnosed with bipolar I or bipolar II. Those with classic, full-fledged mania have bipolar I, where as those with a less extensive version involving anxiety or irritability, sometimes referred to as hypomania, have bipolar II (Kalat, 2013). Causes of the illness are not always clear, but one or a combination of factors such as neurochemical factors, environmental factors, and genetics usually play a part in the development of bipolar disorder (Bressert, 2007). Genetics are an essential factor, as bipolar disorder is a very biologically based illness. Certain genes have been shown to increase the risk of developing bipolar II disorder, and also some genes associated with a predisposition to major depression predispose to bipolar disorder. However, no definitive relationships exist between these genes and bipolar disorder (Kalat, 2013). Various statistics have been obtained through research as far as chances of developing bipolar disorder based on its prevalence within a family. For example, the risk of the illness is between fifteen and twenty-five percent for those with a parent who has bipolar disorder. Furthermore, the risk for someone whose non-identical twin has the condition is twenty-five percent, which increases eightfold if they are identical twins (Bressert, 2007). Biological Causes Overview Here is an overview of many different factors that are biological in nature and have implications in bipolar disorder, some of which will be explored in further detail later. As a primarily biological illness, the improper functioning of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and likely many others has been identified as a cause (Bressert, 2007). Another interesting biological factor includes the brains increased use of glucose throughout a manic episode and its decreased use of glucose during depressive episodes (Kalat, 2013). Studies analyzing the reelin gene which helps in brain function and development have found that there is a link between the dysfunction of the reelin gene and psychiatric disorders, specifically schizophrenia, and more importantly for this paper, bipolar disorder (Ovadia, 2011). On a side note, there have also been studies which have found a gene that may provide some sort of protection against bipolar disorder. It is called GRIK4, and as a kainate-type ionotropic glutamate receptor is part of the glutamate neurotransmission process (Pickard, 2006). Another interesting indicator of bipolar disorder was found using sensory gating, and involves the P85 gating ratio (Patterson, 2009). Relating to the circadian rhythm aspect of the disorder and how disruption of this due to the disorder can be a cause of the manic and depressive states in bipolar patients, there have been some studies. The results of one study found an association between the NR1D1 and GSK3ÃŽÂ ² variants and differences in functioning of the expression of genes related to the circadian clock system (McCarthy, 2011). An association specific to rapid cycling bipolar disorder involves the gene variation of CRY2, a clock gene (Sjà ¶holm, 2010). A biological marker related to gluten sensitivity has been discovered which showed that those with bipolar disorder have increased levels of IgG antibodies to gliadin (Dickerson, 2011). Finally, a recent study looked into gene expression in  lymphoblastoid cells, which could be a possible biological marker of bipolar disorder (Kato, 2011). Overall, it seems that there are still many questions as far as biological causes of the disorder, though progress tow ards the specifics of those markers is definitely being made. Circadian Rhythm Factors The bodys natural circadian rhythm is affected in those with bipolar disorder. This has been discovered by McCarthy et al. (2011) through research into the effects of a certain treatment, lithium. It has been shown that lithium affects the function of circadian rhythm with the goal of treating the disorder. Further research conveys issues with functioning of the circadian rhythm that lithium seems to treat. According to one study, positive lithium response is predicted by the combination of variants within GSK3ÃŽÂ ² and NR1D1. This shows that in bipolar patients, lithium affects circadian clock genes, specifically NR1D1 and GSK3ÃŽÂ ², in an attempt to alter circadian rhythms. Also, a transcription of NR1D1, called Rev-ErbÃŽÂ ±, functions as a clock signaling molecule which is important as it is degraded by lithiums inhibition of GSK3ÃŽÂ ². Lithium also can lengthen the natural circadian rhythm and regulate the stability and turnover of proteins within the clock mechanism (McCarthy, 2011). Therefore, it is fairly clear that lithium affects the circadian rhythm of bipolar patients. This is interesting from a biological standpoint so that further research can be done into which clock genes dont function properly due to the disorder, or if their dysfunction is what causes the disorder. As Sjà ¶holm et al. (2010) found, rapid cycling in bipolar disorder relates to a specific circadian gene, called Chryptochrome 2 (CRY2), which is a main part of the pathway responsible for the bodys roughly twenty-four hour cycle. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for associations to bipolar I and II and bipolar with rapid cycling led to analysis of haplotypes only for the rapid cycling cases. Rapid cycling patients were focused on since their circadian rhythms were hypothesized to be more vulnerable. Haplotypes of CRY2 that indicated risk and protection were discovered in the study of bipolar patients. AAAC and AGGA were haplotypes found frequently in the rapid cycling bipolar patients, and GGAC was a haplotype found much less frequently in rapid cycling patients. This provided evidence for the conclusions that CRY2 is involved in bipolar disorder, and more specifically, which haplotypes lead to protection from or risk of the disorder (Sjà ¶holm, 2010). Assessment of more clock genes was completed by Yang et al. (2009), in which rhythmic expression patterns were examined and some interesting results were reached. Fibroblasts of bipolar patients and healthy controls were analyzed during the study. The amount of expression for half of the genes being studied, BMAL1, REVERBa and DBP, was less in the bipolar patients than the controls, in addition to the mRNA expression levels in two of the genes, DEC2 and DBP. Next, four kinases were examined for mRNA expression levels, and two of the four, GSK3a and GSK3b, were examined for phosphorylation and protein levels. Results were that in GSK3b, the level of phosphorylation was much less in bipolar patients than in the controls. Overall, while nothing is made absolutely clear by this study, there is substantial evidence that circadian genes in bipolar patients are expressed differently than those in mentally healthy individuals. This difference may contribute to dysregulation of other genes do wn the pathway, which in turn might explain some of the issues that bipolar patients have, relating to their circadian clock (Yang, 2009). Therefore, circadian rhythms are a main component in bipolar disorder, and the more that becomes understood, the better that aspect of the illness can be treated in the future. For now, it seems to be mainstream knowledge that maintaining a constant sleep schedule can help these symptoms of the disorder, but soon there may be better options for those that suffer with this frustrating disorder (Kalat, 2013). Neurological Factors Functional flaws in the neurological systems of bipolar disorder patients are implied in the emotional impairment of those with the illness, according to Phillips et al. (2008). Since regulating emotions is a vital part of being able to function in modern society, bipolar patients are posed with a particularly difficult dysregulation. Neuroscience examining youth development of emotion regulation in their neural systems is key, as advances made in this area could help target predisposed individuals and intervene to possibly prevent the development of bipolar disorder. Structural and functional abnormalities in those with the disorder may be valuable biomarkers with the potential of earlier detection and more successful treatment. This would be a very relevant and applicable result for bipolar disorder specifically, since it is often discovered once it is too late for a successful treatment plan, or misdiagnosed altogether (Phillips, 2008). Areas of the prefrontal cortex that are involved in control processes such as regulation of emotions, and decision making are stated by Phillips et al. (2008) and include the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (MdPFC), anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) (Phillips, 2008). Networks involving the orbitofrontal cortex and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex allow for coordination of sensory integration and visceral control of prominent emotional information and also assist emotional behavior regulation. The amygdala is also connected to the orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate gyrus according to a study by Ghashghaei et al. (2007), with implications involving focus on motivationally relevant stimuli. Studies have also shown less activity in the left side of the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, specifically in automatic emotion regulation involved regions, throughout mania and remis sion in bipolar adults. Also, significantly reduced activity within the left sides of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex throughout automatic attention and emotion regulation in bipolar adults. Overall, the neurodevelopment of bipolar disorder is quite obviously complex, but it is evident that abnormalities in regions of the left side prefrontal cortex as well as the left side hippocampus and parahippocampus, at least in childhood bipolar disorder, are present and should be further examined. (Phillips, 2008). According to Craddock et al. (2010) after analysis of a Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium study, a gene that encodes the GABA receptor ÃŽÂ ²1 subunit, GABRB1 contained a significantly associated polymorphism, based on an analysis of bipolar patients and controls. After further studies they determined that variation within the GABA receptor genes can contribute towards risk of bipolar disorder. Therefore, this is yet another implication of a neurologically related issue in bipolar disorder patients, this time concerning a factor that could be related to alcohol issues and things of that nature in those with bipolar disorder (Craddock, 2010). According to Yuan-Hwa et al. (2010), midbrain binding of serotonin transporter (SERT) has been shown to be decreased in those in the depressive state of bipolar disorder in previous positron emission tomography studies. In the study completed by Yuan-Hwa et al., the goal was to analyze if the same dysfunction would apply to those in the euthymic state of the disorder. The study was conducted by using two rating systems, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale, with a less than ten score or less than seven score, respectively, over an eight week period classifying a euthymic state. To measure the midbrain binding of serotonin transporter, Yuan-Hwa et al. used single photon emission computed tomography and the radiotracer 123I-ADAM. Representing the availability serotonin transporter binding within the midbrain, the main outcome measured was speci ¬Ã‚ c uptake ratio (SUR) (Yuan-Hwa, 2010). Results included dramatically lower averaged specific uptake ratios for bipolar I patients than for bipolar II patients or healthy individuals according to Yuan-Hwa et al. (2010). There was also a strong correlation of decreased specific uptake ratios in bipolar I patients with illness duration. This means that there is a different biological regulation mechanism in bipolar I patients than in bipolar II patients following stable treatment, which could make a case for dichotomy in bipolar disorder (Yuan-Hwa, 2010). Overall, neurotransmitters and other neurological system factors play a large role in understanding bipolar disorder of various types and could potentially lead to diagnosis and treatment of the illness earlier rather than later, when it has the best chance at being successful. If one thing is clear related to the neurological piece of this bipolar puzzle, it is that abnormalities and decreased levels of functioning are present, and need to be further understood if progress toward better management of this disorder is going to take place. Miscellaneous Factors There are many other various factors that have biological implications in bipolar disorder. In this section, they will be discussed one by one. From protective factors to biomarkers that may increase risk, they will be explored in detail. The first factor concerns a certain kainate-type ionotropic glutamate receptor that is part of the glutamate neurotransmission process, called GRIK4, according to Pickard et al. (2006). Regarding bipolar disorder, a two single nucleotide polymorphism haplotype of the gene proved to be the most significant. Results regarding the haplotype inferred a protective quality towards bipolar disorder. Also, Pickard et al. identified multiple individual haplotypes from markers four to eight, which subsequently associated with a protective quality regarding bipolar disorder, even though that region did not appear within the global analysis (Pickard, 2006). Therefore, it is clear that this gene has properties which protect the individual from developing bipolar disorder. Regarding the reelin gene (RELN), which helps in brain function and development, Ovadia and Shifman (2011) have found that there is a link between the dysfunction of the gene and psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder. The expression of the reelin gene and its various isoforms was studied using brain samples from postmortem patients of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Results indicated that there was a discernible reduction in the short reelin gene isoform proportion, which was lacking the C-terminal region, in bipolar disorder. Hence, the RELN, or more specifically its short isoform, is dysfunctional and that dysfunction can be associated with bipolar disorder (Ovadia and Shifman, 2011). Patterson et al. (2009) found a biological marker of bipolar disorder using sensory gating, and specifically the P85 gating ratio. Their goal was to discover if and how gating of an auditory brain potential at 85 ms (P85), which hadnt been previously tested, di ¬Ã¢â€š ¬erentiated patient groups and control groups. Patterson et al. collected P85 and P50 auditory evoked potentials from schizoa ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ective disorder patients, paranoid schizophrenia patients, and bipolar I disorder patients, and also from healthy control individuals. The results showed that the P85 gating ratio was dramatically greater in the bipolar group compared to any of the other groups; and the P50 gating ratio was dramatically greater in the schizoa ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ective group than it was in the control group, however it didnt di ¬Ã¢â€š ¬er from the ratio for the paranoid schizophrenia group or the bipolar group. Therefore, given the results, the P85 gating ratio might be a unique new biomarker for bipolar diso rder (Patterson, 2009). BD is associated with a number of genetic and possibly epigenetic abnormalities associated with neurotransmitter, hormonal and immunologically mediated neurobiological pathwaysà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦HPA axis and immune system abnormalitiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Duffy, 2012). This study completed by Duffy et al. basically reviews various biological indicators pertaining to susceptibility to bipolar disorder. Certain studies examined differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and also the immune systems of bipolar patients. In addition, there were implications to bipolar disorder found involving signal transduction processes within cells and also disruption within energy metabolism. Individuals at genetic risk provide a context for neurobiological findings and models concerning the onset and the progression of the illness are discussed. Overall, neuronal systems are dysfunctional in some ways in those with bipolar disorder, and because of this, things such as apoptosis concerning t he strain of the disorder and oxidative stress can occur, which obviously are not normal or healthy in any way (Duffy, 2012). Going in a little different direction, Kapczinski et al. (2009) studied recurrence of manic and depressive episodes and how it can contribute to the progression of the disorder. Neurobiological abnormalities may increase as episodes happen over and over, and as the number of episodes an individual has had increases, both treatment by medicine and by psychotherapy become less and less successful. This may be due to worsening dysfunction regarding insight, cognition, and relationships, and various other types of functioning. Also, the degree to which the illness has progressed can be assessed by the continuation of dysfunctioning throughout the fairly normal mood phases that bipolar patients experience (Kapczinski, 2009). Various indicators for bipolar disorder include, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦abnormalities in some biomarkers, such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which may be related to neuronal and glial dysfunction (Kapczinski, 2009). These specifically are relevant to the possible staging of the disorder as increased levels of TNF-alpha and decreased serum levels of BDNF characterize patients in the later stages of the illness when examined in relation to those in the earlier stages. Therefore, if studies are replicated and more evidence supports differences significant enough to classify stages of bipolar disorder with unique treatment options and things of that nature, patients may not need to suffer unnecessarily and more success can be achieved towards the goal of relatively normal lives for these individuals (Kapczinski, 2009). Conclusion To conclude, there is much that has yet to be discovered regarding the causes and various indicators, biological and otherwise, of bipolar disorder. However, progress is most definitely being made, and there are many promising avenues to pursue in terms of achieving a greater understanding of this illness and how it is developed. From genetics and neurotransmitters which clearly play a significant role, to circadian rhythm factors which seem to be quite valid, this disorder has many influences. While it may seem at first to be a disorder triggered by environmental factors and various life events, it really is heavily biologically incorporated into those who suffer from this life altering and sometimes uncontrollable illness. As more studies are completed that test for various abnormalities, dysfunctions, and possibly even new types of differences within individuals who have bipolar disorder and those likely prone to developing it, more factors will be discovered and it is more than likely that a better grasp on the complexities of the illness are not too far away. To put it simply, though patients of this disorder may feel hopeless and beyond frustrated at times, researchers do not, and the day when the illness is entirely understood and treatment options are consistently effective will come sooner than some people might think.

Sir Gawain and Green Knight Essays: Allegory :: Sir Gawain Green Knight Essays

Allegory in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight  Ã‚   Discuss the allegorical significance of the following words of the Green Knight,   You are so fully confessed, your failings made known,/ And bear the plain penance of the point of my blade,/ I hold you polished as a pearl, as pure and as bright/ As you had lived free of fault since first you were born  . These words are uttered by the Green Knight almost immediately after he delivered the third blow on Gawain  s neck (l 2391-2394). They should be understood as referring to events which began with Gawain  s arrival at the Lord  s castle. The words   confessed   and   penance   appearing in the Green Knight  s utterance may lead one to connect them not only with events of the narrative, but also with the Christian idea of sin. According to Christian ideology all human beings are sinners, though- owing to God  s grace and kindness- sins may be forgiven. But before this happens there is need for confession and penance. Absolution is the final stage which may be reached only by those who pass the former ones. When Sir Gawain is looked at closely, the events of the story correspond to the sequence: temptation -sin - confession - penance - absolution. The sin committed by Gawain was not being loyal to the lord by concealing the green girdle. This weakness of character resulted from the love of life - the girdle was to protect anyone who wore it. What happens at the Green Chapel are the later parts of the cycle: confession - penance - absolution. The penance is the fight with the Green Knight during which Gawain receives a cut on the neck and absolution (granted by the Green Knight) is attained through blood, which makes it even more meaningful. On the other hand, a nick on the neck is not an extremely painful experience (although the way in which it was attained was definitely very stressful) and shows that Gawain  s sin was only a minor one. He did not sin against chastity as he did not give in to the lady  s wishes. But still, in this interpretation Gawain  s character turned out to be faulty. There is a different possibility of interpretation - one which broadens the allegory even more. It may be said that Gawain  s primary fault was sinning against courtesy. If courtesy was in reality what he had been tested on, Gawain did not stand a chance of passing this test.

Analysis of the Guiness Trust LTD Business Plan Essay -- essays resear

For any successful business such as the Guinness Trust one needs to have a business plan, which normally comprises of a 5 year plan detailing their operating plans. The plan details where you are now, where you want to be and your plan for growth. In short this is a blue print of the steps needed to build any business. A business plan is often required to obtain monetary funds, whether from investors or local government. Potential investors will look at the strength of the plan before your business is considered for investment, they will be looking for a plan which indicates a healthy return of profit. With good business plans instilled, investors will want to join any successful business such as the Parchment Housing Group Ltd which joined as part of the Guinness Trust Group. This plan also helps to structure the financial side of any business, but essentially it helps to raise funds if required. The plan is not just for banks and investors but is a guide post for employees. It al so demonstrates to people that you are worth supporting and communicates to staff and other interested parties in what direction you are heading. Guinness Trust Business plan stated how they were able to focus their efforts, set objectives, what its priorities are, stated their vision, what their core values are and set which way the company was heading. It also enabled it to set realistic targets that allow some flexibility without deviating away from their core objectives. The Guinness trust have sound and comprehensive plans which includes the Strategic Plan , the five year action plan, environmental plan ,construction clients charter action plan and the national action plan. With these plans they are able to sustain a viable business which... ... hardly in companies and nobody had ever heard of e-mails, let alone mobile phones, internet or the company intranet. Present Day companies need to be aware of the latest technologies to be able to stay in competition, and possibly improve their products. Lastly legal constraints which all though not part off the PEST analysis but is part of PESTLE and SLEPT analysis I feel its still just as important as the rest of the categories of PEST. Factors such as changes in law and regulations are such issues that companies need to be aware of and to anticipate in which changes may affect the way they perform. Looking at the business plan of the Guinness Trust Ltd they have more than just covered the basic contents of a business plan when you read it, it leaves you in no doubt that they have covered every aspect that might be asked of them from any future investor.

Parties’ Policy Platforms

With the voting date for the 2000 elections approaching, Americans are being bombarded with the policy platforms of the candidates. The two front runners and their lesser known rivals use every medium available to spread their ideas on major issues. It is because of their use of the media that voters are able to compare and contrast policy views of multiple parties. Using two important policy areas (for the purposes of this essay, we will continue to use public education and social security) we will discuss and analyze the views of the two major parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, and a Public education is a headlining topic during elections. The current public education system has allowed the United States to have one of the highest standards of living in the world, but could use some improving. The republicans believe that by providing public school students with private school vouchers, every child will have access to a high quality, indeed, a world-class education. (the Republican National The democrats believe that the republican idea of private school vouchers would offer too few dollars to too few children to escape their failing schools. The feel that vouchers would be pulling bucks out of the schools that need them most. Instead of vouchers, the democrats want to invest more in Americas crumbling schools, even if that means providing less tax cuts for American citizens. (the Democratic Committee The green party also is against vouchers, but believes in Equalize School Funding with Federal Revenue Sharing: Federal financing of all public education (instead of by regressive local property taxes) so that every school has the resources it needs to provide he highest quality education for every child. The Green Party website: Social Security is another publicized issue. While all 3 parties have expressed interest to save social security, the way they will go about doing it varies. The republican party platform says that they will continue to stop the annual raids on the Social Security trust funds by balancing the federal budget without that program†s surplus. (the Republican National Convention website: www. rnc. org) The democratic platform states that to build on the success of Social Security, Al Gore has proposed the creation of Retirement Savings Plus – voluntary, tax-free, personally-controlled, privately-managed savings accounts with a government match that would help couples build a nest egg of up to $400,000. Also, separate from Social Security, Retirement Savings Plus accounts would let Americans save and invest on top of the foundation of Social Security's guaranteed benefit. Under this plan, the federal government would match individual contributions with tax credits, with the hardest-pressed working families getting the most assistance. (the Democratic Committee On the issue of Social security, the green party platform does not go into much detail stating: The actuarial protection of social security is essential to the well-being of our seniors, and the maintenance of the system†s integrity is an essential part of a healthy community. (the Green Party website: www. greenparty. org) While they do not offer their plan for improvement, it is clear that they do not plan on letting the program die out. While the basic, raw ideas of improving education and saving social security are shared by the 3 parties, their plan of execution varies.