Wednesday, July 31, 2019

How Would You Like to Be Remembered?

As human beings, we should always act in a manner that people will remember us for the good things we do and the legacy we live leave behind. When we die, our deeds live after us whether they are good or bad. Therefore, we should have it at the back of our mind that we are making history by what we are doing presently.Consequently, I live my life, bearing it in mind that what I am doing someday will be used as a measure for judging me. Therefore, if asked how I would like to be remembered, what I will say is enumerated below.First of all I would like to be remembered as an individual with sound ethical values and principles and does not compromise them no matter what the circumstance may be. Also, fairness is a characteristic that I would love to be recognized for.Personally, I have always strove to be fair with others and to recognize my mistakes while learning from them. In addition to this, I would like to be remembered as a person who respects others as much as respects himself. As a child, I have developed some values from my family to treat everybody with respect whether I agree with them or not.Furthermore, in my profession, I would love to be remembered to be a hardworking professional who always strives and ensures that she maximises his potentials in order to bring the best outcomes in his work.I believe that a leader should be a visionary and so I would like to be remembered as a leader with a vision and passion for his personal and professional life. Apart from these, I would like to be remembered as a team player and as someone with good organizational skills and critical thinking. This is because I consider these to be very important qualities that I would like to stigmatize my name.Summarily, I would love to be like to be remembered as person who is always keen and open to correction, always ready and eager to learn. I want to be remembered for the good that I have lived to do and to be remembered for the good and reputable name which I have buil t.Why is the Cambridge MBA right for you?From my consideration, I submit that in any profession, people need to seek out additional knowledge in their field of study and broaden their horizon with the wealth of information available to diligent learners. Lifelong learning for me is a prerequisite of becoming a successful professional.In my quest for my professional development, I discovered my interest and attraction to the field of business and finance, having come from a professional and academic Engineering background. At this stage in my life, I have decided to augment my knowledge in the field of business and finance.I strongly believe that this is the most appropriate time for me to devote myself to making the next step in my professional development. This has made me consider many universities and programmes and later deciding to apply to the Cambridge MBA. I highlight the reasons that informed my decision below.As an institution of learning, Cambridge MBA is one of the best so I will acquire a sound knowledge for the purpose achieving the best results for my future career goals. Apart from this, I made the decision because I want to enter dynamically into the financial and investment field.Also, I want to be part of success considering the fact that Judge Business School has built a respectable name in the world of commerce and I consider this to be a great success for the institution. I see this to be a great opportunity for my future career as a student of this programme to be a prospective recruit for top-tier companies.Cambridge MBA provides me with the opportunity to specialize in the real estate through the Electives and Consulting Projects. So far, I have learned that to attain greatness in one’s personal and/or professional life, one must work hard. Needless to say, challenges are opportunities created to develop one personally and professionally.Experience has taught me the importance of making concise decisions and at the same time, be ing able to view issues from different perspectives in order to achieve the best result. I believe the Cambridge MBA can reinforce such qualities.In conclusion, I believe the competition and intensity of the programme will serve as a great opportunity in improving my managerial and leadership skills, which are necessary for an advanced career. I consider that such knowledge, as the one that I will gain from this programme, is vital in pursuing my goals.

Advantages of buying a casket now

Death is perhaps the most feared topics of all that people can talk about. Its not that by avoiding it we will thus not die, but most people are superstitious about it and think that by avoiding discussing it then they are driving themselves away from it as possible.The issue goes beyond discussing death and includes preparing for it. Human culture in most societies has it that death is an issue best left to some supreme unknown powers and forces, and any behavior or actions that contravenes this acts in inviting death.Rimpoche (2001) states that the best way to prepare for death in our lifetime is by living life and practicing the vices of life such as patience, love and compassion. It is therefore indispensable to ignore death and considering preparation for its occurrence is as important as living life.Considering preparing for death as building a solid foundation for your death, planning for death today is one of the most important investments one can accord himself. One of the m ajor steps towards this preparation is buying a casket today.Buying a casket today has a lot of advantages that can be foregone if this simple decision is left for another day. Buying a casket involves making choices that depend most on one’s tastes and preferences on such factors as the casket’s color, design and other personal factors. One of the advantages of buying a casket now is to avoid the last minute purchase which is usually influenced by grieving.Most decisions about funeral purchases are made by people when grieving. This affects their choice and in the end what is picked up may not be the ideal casket one would want to be buried in. Further more, purchasing a casket during the grieving period is hindered by time constraints and inadequate variety to choose from.Another factor to consider is that funeral service providers make things expensive just when they know you need them the most and you have very little in terms of choice and options.This can be avoi ded if the purchase is done well before that time comes and that time is now. This is an issue of saving money and is therefore an advantage worth considering. Saving money on the casket can also be achieved by making the choice to purchase the casket now.This is because the purchase will be able to be done from a store of your choice and discounting be discussed. It will also be a big relief to family members or friends who would have to take up the task of finding a casket for you. Every person knows their choice and preference and being able to exercise this is usually given high respect.Having somebody else pick out your casket may be a big task to him, not knowing whether you will be truly happy with the casket or not. Buying the casket yourself today will help in avoiding this situation and at the same time allow one to pick a casket of their choice.The choice for one’s casket is can be done today and the advantages of doing so today are much more than those of postponi ng the task. Prices for most commodities never go down but keep on going up instead. Buying a casket of your choice today can help avoid future expectations in price increases of caskets. It is also an advisable consideration when one wants to make all the preparations concerning their after life.People always make preparations for all events in their lives and so preparing for their death is not a different matter. It is just a phase of life, just like wedding is, and the advantages one derives from buying their wedding gowns way before the wedding day comes are more or less similar to the advantages one would reap from buying their casket today, way before their burial day arrives.People need to realize these benefits and change their casket purchasing habits and plans to save on a lot of costs that would be unavoidable if done otherwise.The place one will lie after their death is as important as the bed they lie today, and just as much as a person loves a certain bed, that it the same way one should love the casket they will lie in. Loving the casket begins with buying it now, for that will ensure you will use a casket of your choice, not an imposed one.Reference.Rimpoche, G., (2001). Good life, good death. New York, U.S.A; Riverhead Books. Â  

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Technological scholarship

The article reports on the increasing ubiquity of cell phones or mobile phones, which have begun to supplant the function of telephones, and how the unique qualities of cell phones – particularly their symbiotic relationship with other forms of telecommunications – present unique cultural ramifications for society at large. The author notes that cultural studies have generally neglected scrutinizing the telephone – essentially the fixed counterpart of the cell phone – despite the respective work done in the area of communications and technological scholarship.However, there does exist a modest amount of literature on the technology for the author to conduct a brief review of literature relevant to such an interest, but he observes that these have emerged largely in the wake of the cell phone, reasoning that studies about the increasing complexity of telecommunications technologies and the proliferation of social and cultural functions of cell phones made i t difficult to ignore the invisibility of the telephone as a social object and cultural technology.The author notes that works centered upon the cultural and social dimensions of cell phones tend towards comparative study and cross-cultural analysis simply because the rapid proliferation of cell phone use across the world beg the question of how use is related to varied national and social contexts. (Goggin, pg. 4) However, the author’s contention is that such studies do not sufficiently account for the cultural aspects of cell phones themselves.He maintains that because cell phones are not just a communication technology, but a cultural medium which borrows liberally from the cultural components of other mediums. The author notes that as a mobile cultural technology, cell phone culture finds its closest precedent in the Sony Walkman – associated with a specific set of social practices, a particular demographic of users and represented within the language of culture it self. (Goggin, pg. 7-8)However, the author also points out that the Sony Walkman and the cell phone parallel as a fusion of multiple technologies developed by a wide configuration of businesses, industries and services and in that sense are devices which emerged due to the cultural convergence of various interests. This is an important point to note, as it presages the author’s succeeding point, which is that technology and society shape each other in tandem, as posited by the actor-network theory of human-technology relationships.Essentially it: â€Å"refuses †¦ formulaic oppositions between technology and society [and] declines the lures of technological determinism [and] the countervailing reaction that society determines technology. † (Goggins, pg. 11) Furthermore, he maintains that the ‘success’ of technologies is viewed under the actor-network theory as determined by relationships rather than as a consequence of the stable and linear progression of historical conditions. Simply put, â€Å"a technology needs to be loved, nurtured and, above all, materially fashioned and supported.As such, the ‘state’ of a technology is determined by the interaction between it and society. Before concluding with an outline of the remainder of the books contents, the author finishes his introduction by noting that the future of cell phone studies and examinations of the interactions between culture and cell phone technology may draw rich inspiration from Internet studies. Like the cell phone, the Internet is a technology that has been the subject of many works of techno-cultural scholarship.Initial studies became obsolete due to directions of evolution that went unpredicted, but present important lessons in techno-cultural scholarship in revealing the extent to which such a highly personal technology resists the very determinism that actor-network theory refutes. As such, cell phone studies must recognize the intimate relationsh ip between a technology and the uses it acquires through its interaction with culture. (Goggins, pg. 13)REFERENCES Goggin, G. (2006) Cell phone culture: mobile technology in everyday life. London/New York, Routledge.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Anomaly Detection Using Probability Distribution Method with Focus on Research Proposal

Anomaly Detection Using Probability Distribution Method with Focus on Network Intrusion Detection Systems - Research Proposal Example 107). These correction techniques need to be initiated through diverse ways of detection and existing digital computation methods. Alongside these mechanisms, the following paper analyzes deviation from original forms of information that can secure any computer network (Singh and Kaur, 2007, p. 109). Anomaly Detection Using Probability Distribution Method Network intrusion detection systems are computerized systems able to reveal infringements in computer network systems (Nakkeeran, Aruldoss and Ezumalai, 2010, p. 52). Irregularity detecting systems are grounded on infringement of networks. When the networks face anomalies, the detection system creates a standard traffic paradigm. This system is used as an approach of determining deviation from original formats of data to altered ones. Under the anomaly detection, the Fuzzy Gaussian mixture and modeling strategy is employed to detect abnormalities in computer network systems. The Probability Distribution technique stood for network i nformation in multidimensional aspect gaps. The limits of this mixture are approximated to deploying fuzzy c-means of abnormalities within digitized techniques. Even though this approach is accurately tested by researchers, results have proven the mechanism more effective than other quantization techniques (Nakkeeran, Aruldoss and Ezumalai, 2010, p. 55). ... Among infringement detection methods that are automated, vector quantization in anomaly recognition might prove to be inexpensive from a capital’s perspective (Azer, El-Kassas and El-Soudani, 2006, p. 2). Therefore, vector quantization is considered most appropriate for resource limited and improvised computer network systems. Anomaly Detection systems can also employ a game approach means to perceive deviation of changed data streaming through various computer networks. Computerized detection is mainly employed to conclude future anomalies within a precise network. Game approaches focus on the prediction of any upcoming abnormalities in computer’s network systems (Azer, El-Kassas and El-Soudani, 2006, p. 6). Traffic patterns have been affiliated with the conditional possibility distribution of the nature of the anomalies in a computer network (Sobh, 2007, p. 119). Given the nature of data processing from the past, anomaly detection systems use similar distribution stat es that currently exist. This way, system updates will reinforce the protection of data and communication systems. Infringement in computer networks requires recognition of any deviation in the transformation of data from one form to another while streaming through the network. When a monitored traffic experiences anomalies, it becomes marked or labeled should there arise a possibility of extremely low levels of security encountering high levels of threat. Cases that are more preventive include technical methods that engage specification-based anomaly mechanisms (Sobh, 2007, p. 119). Legitimate system behavior faced chronic demerits that certain networks encounter and obtained from similar entry-grounded systems, whilst significantly elevated digitized assistance is needed (Portnoy,

Sunday, July 28, 2019

How Healthcare Strategies differ from other business Strategies Research Paper

How Healthcare Strategies differ from other business Strategies - Research Paper Example lthcare strategies aim at ensuring excellent treatment services to the patients while business strategies aim at maximizing profits and minimizing losses. The main purpose of this research paper is to outline how health care strategies differ from other business strategies (Moseley 23). In health care, which is different from other business strategies, the business days as usual have ended. Around the globe, almost every healthcare facility is putting efforts to cope with the rising cost and irregular treatment quality in spite of the well-intentioned and trained clinicians’ hard work. Health care facility managers and policy makers have attempted numerous incremental fixes, reducing errors, attacking fraud, trying to make patients better â€Å"customers†, establishing electronic medical data records, and enforcing medical practice guidelines but none of these measures have had much effect (Moseley 24). The scope of this paper is the management and planning of strategy in certain industries, those that associates with the financing and delivery of health care services in the United States. The term health care in its broad sense includes managed care organization, small group practices, large group practices, academic physician academic, health maintenance organizations, and independent and solo physician practices among others (Moseley 25). Heath care also involves Health plans, Health insurance companies, Community hospitals, Specialty hospitals, Teaching hospitals, Community Health centers, and Multi-specialty group practices. The companies associated with Health care strategy are pharmaceutical companies, DME manufacturers, regulatory public health agencies, biomedical and biotechnological companies, public health financing agencies (CMS), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and state public health departments. Heath care takes into account all these industries for disburseme nts approaching a fifth of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the United

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Delinguent Youth Subcultures Gangs Research Paper

Delinguent Youth Subcultures Gangs - Research Paper Example Historical Overview Unlawful and criminal subcultures have a long history in industrialized populations. Some experts purports that the dawning of adolescent subcultures, including the delinquent varieties, occurred in the sixteenth century when humongous social changes took place. While others believe that the advent of Capitalism and the Industrial Revolution in Western Europe, which left countless people unemployed and impoverished and disturbed families and communities, gave rise to the criminal tendencies of people, especially of the youth. These ‘dangerous sectors’ of society roamed the countryside and victimized travelers in order to survive, and eventually settled in metropolitan areas -- still subsisting on whatever means available, including theft, robbery and extortion (Cressey, 1983). In the United States, however, there is no certainty as to the exact time when youth gangs appeared. The earliest record confirming their existence traces back to 1783, when the American Revolution ended. Allegedly, these delinquent youths surfaced in a time when the urban conditions of the country overwhelmed them. Meanwhile, other investigators deemed that youth gangs originally came forth after the Mexican Revolution in 1813, when massive Mexican migrations to the Southwest happened. The young members of these new settlers, as hypothesized, might have experienced many difficulties in adjusting to the American way of life, notwithstanding their extreme poverty (Klein, 1995). The Baby Boom, following the Second World War, and the heightened affluence of young people during the Post-World War II economic prosperity of the US combined to fashion a great youth market with economic power who started to create its own identity and groups. At the same period, the young were spending more time in school and their mothers who joined the labor force were away from home, hence parenting and child discipline were somehow neglected. These circumstances of social chan ge, including the strong influence of media, brought about the subculture of young delinquents (Schwartz, 1987). Youth gangs in the United States during the early 19th century were primarily composed of Irish, Italian and Jewish ethnic groups, alongside the Hispanics (Sante, 1991). But in the 1950s, Chinese youth gangs proliferated exponentially. Chin (1996) traced its development to ancient secret society and Triad traditions back to China. As political castaways who were disfavored and alienated in the Asian nation, these US immigrants formed clandestine assemblies and activities such as gambling, prostitution and drug-trafficking. Rivalry among this disintegrated secret society led to violence, while inherent competition and discrimination against its American-born and other ethnic counterparts more often than not resulted in riots, if not heinous crimes (Chin, 1996). Theoretical Underpinnings Although there is no absolute and universally-accepted definition of youth gangs, it is the general consensus of scholars that they are groups whose members meet regularly and whose membership is group-selected based on certain group-defined criteria (Short & Hughes, 2006). Furthermore, they are mostly consisting of a sectoral group who share common identity, values and tradition. Youth who belong to gangs range from ages 12 to 24 (Franzese,

Friday, July 26, 2019

Nursing and Human Resource Sector of the Health Care Industry Assignment

Nursing and Human Resource Sector of the Health Care Industry - Assignment Example The present research has identified that there is a rising cost of providing healthcare to over 230,000 individuals, a task that is making hard for the health care system to retain and attract employers who are discouraged by the premium costs. The employers are facing the effect of having to reduce or absolutely not offering any health care benefits to the employees. The Mercy Health plans are also finding it very difficult to get a local health plan for the employers. There is also the issue of competitors who offer national health plans and worse, they have a large share of the market. As such, the mercy health plan has to strategize themselves so as to face the existing competition in the market. Among the solutions considered by the Mercy Health Plans in the face of the problem of attracting employers into their health plans, they have decided to attract employers through offering them more attractive health plans that apply to the long-term relationship they have with their emp loyee. They encourage the senior management teams of the employers to take up their health plans in order to solve this problem. This is in opposition to the selection of short-term health care plans by the senior management. This is because the short-term health plans tend to be a source of cost shifting solution to the employer and mostly offered by consumer-directed programs for health benefits. Further, the mercy health plan realizes that they have to design a health program that would cover the overall health of the entire population. This includes the consumers that do not have a high risk of healthcare complications and their probabilities of getting sick is also low. As such, it is possible that the Mercy Health plan can reduce the cost of health and attract more employers.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Importance of Professional development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Importance of Professional development - Essay Example Striving for professional development in field of Beverages: Field of beverages production and manufacturing is solely dependent on the supply chain effective; through effective supply chain can the professional development be achieved. It further demands a thorough insight into the various sectors of the beverages industry where improvements and margins are possible. Considering the modern day challenges and changes that have taken place in the management field with regard to the professional development, a total revamping of the beverages industry is sought which scrutinizes the personnel , the tools and techniques, used along with the processes conducted based on those tools. Highlighting of areas that have direct impact on the improvement and deterioration of the supply chain and the beverage industry is the first step towards obtaining professional development. In modern times, the supply chain operations are conducted through state of the art technology and various other tools that have made things very fast, easy yet demanding. Like any other organization and industry, the beverages industry supply chain requires input from every individual involved. With the operational staff in the front line of actions and delivery performance, the top management have equal responsibility for ensuring the smooth operations and providing of relief and benefits to the middle management and lower staff who perform these supply chain operations. Fragility of Supply Chain: The supply chain department is the most fragile component of any organization that is associated with outside world. Achieving professional development would seek mastering this segment of the organization since it involves both the internal sources, and the external sources. The... The researcher states that in the modern management world, the rules and metrics for achieving excellence have become tough, with more number of players in the market and the supply chains entailing the international players, it is a double difficult job today achieving professional development. However, it is only through the professional approach that the modern day challenges can be faced and mitigated in the discipline of supply chain operations. While organizational behavior has is an effective body that influences human resources, strategic decision management is valued too. It is equally applicable to the field of supply chain. The aim of this essay is to find the management tips and procedures which would guide to the professional development in the field of Supply Chain. Having defined rest of the important factors which contribute towards the professional development, the study, that is presented in this essay would be incomplete without the mention of strategy. It is the p rocess of putting plans into action with consideration of variables attached. Presence of effective strategy is mantioned too, as the back bone towards touching the professional development. The researcher concluds that without it the entire project and its crew would operate in tangents. An important distinction must be made between the goal definition and strategy, goal definition gives an insight into the end product, while the strategy is a step wise process which provides step by step overview to be conducted for the goals achievement.

This is an Assignment where you have to analyze an Annual Report, do Essay - 1

This is an Assignment where you have to analyze an Annual Report, do some calculations and write a report about your findings (Accounting) - Essay Example e financial year of 2004, the company presents an acceptable profitability performance, acceptable solvability ratios, good efficiency performance and a rather unpreferable liquidity performance. We believe that management is able to maintain stability of the business. Shareholder should give good evaluation points to the management and their performance, but nevertheless, should also be aware of the nature of the industry which present the possibility of only providing the corporation with no more than 3% profit (out of sales). There are several important emphasizes relating to the significance of financial reporting. We already know that the main purpose of providing sound and viable financial report is to satisfy current shareholders and investors, and attract future ones. But what are the significant points that drive shareholders and investors to finalize their financial investment decisions? According to Financial Management (2005), investors seldom read trough business plans or financial statements thoroughly. They already know what they want. According to the article, most investors want to see business that will grow rapidly and someday will provide a handsome profit. Investors generally does not invest on products, instead, they invest on business. Thus, long term investors generally want to see good profitability ratios and prospects, more than other indicators within financial reports. Joseph Stiglitz (2002), on the other hand, stated that only 10% of today’s new capitals has been raised via equity markets. This condition rises because shareholders do not generally have enough access to corporations to ensure themselves that their investments are safe and growing. For major shareholders (present and future ones), the most influential factor in terms of investment is risk. Future shareholders are generally reluctant to finance businesses that present considerably significant or uncertain risks. They have also been wanting to have more ‘control’

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

The Executive Branch of the Russian Federation Essay

The Executive Branch of the Russian Federation - Essay Example Furthermore this assignment leads to know that how the presidential power that have been increased since last decade or more is affecting the whole Russian Federation. It is an attempt to discuss the critical and dramatic relationship of the two main characters of the Russian politics that have been swapping and grasping the most important position of the executive branch since last few years. In the way to make it more authentic references of books, internet and journals has been presented. The Russian Chief of the State/President According to the Russian federation constitution 1993 the president of Russian Federation is the head of the state and as well as the chief of the state. According to The Constitution of the Russian Federation 1993, â€Å"The President of the Russian Federation is the head of state, Supreme Commander-in-chief and holder of the highest office within the Russian Federation. Name of the Presidents and their ruling periods Boris Yeltsin After the cancelation of USSR in December 1991 Boris Yeltsin came to power on June 1991 with a leading victory of 57% votes and elected as the first President of Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. ... Dmitry Medvedev: After the presidential rule of Vladimir Dmitry Medvedev became the new president of RSFSR and served his nation as a president from May 2008 till May 2012. Vladimir Putin was elected as a prime minister of ESFSR by The president Medvedev. Vladimir Putin: In 2012 Putin again won the presidential election and got back his presidency from Dmitry Medvedev and has been serving as a president since May 2012. 2. Brief Definition of the Executive Branch According to the (Pascal Elizabeth 3) Executive Branch is the Branch of Government responsible to carry out the Law. Executive Branch of Russia President: Prime minister is the head of the executive branch of the Russian Federation and according to the Constitution of Russian Federation the President is the head of the State of RSFSR. The president gets elected by the election that held after a gap of six years and was the amended form of elections duration occurred 4 years before 2008. Concurring to the law a candidate had t o win more than 50% of the total votes cast in the Election. If no one of the candidates gets 50% then the top two candidates had to compete in 2nd round of Election called run-off election. A president was allowed by the law to compete for the 2nd time for the president but not allowed to compete in the third time (Thomas Grove and Gabriela Baczynska, â€Å"Anti-Putin protesters show their strength in Russia†). Prime Minister: The Executive Power of Russian federation mainly shares between president and prime minister but President includes more power due to the authorities to appoint a Prime minister with the assistance or approval of the Duma. Prime minister is also the Head of the

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Case Study of Nursing tool Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Case Study of Nursing tool - Essay Example According to his next of kin (his daughter) he is usually fit and well, and leads a reasonably healthy lifestyle. Mr A is profoundly deaf, and uses sign language and lip reading to communicate. Due to his prolonged immobility Mr A is susceptible to tissue damage. Because of his condition an adapted Waterlow (1985) risk assessment is carried out regularly to manage the risk to his skin integrity. There three scales used to measure the risk of developing pressure ulcer; Braden, Norton and Waterlow, however, none of these three tools satisfactorily measure ulcer development for a hospital patient (The Royal College for Nursing, 2005, p. 34). One reason for this is lack of prognosis in the developing these tests. When all methods have similar lack of precision then Waterlow is used for its ease of use. Philip Woodrow is not very supportive of using Waterlow (1995) as it is â€Å"now rather dated† (p. 110). Another study for pressure ulcers prevention and treatment by Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) at the University of York, concluded that there is no â€Å"best buy† equipment that can be recommended (Cullum, Ciliska, Haynes & Marks, 2013). Sussman and Jensen (2007) suggest that all three scales; Braden, Norton and Waterlow, are effective; they are â€Å"validated risk assessment instruments† (Sussman & Jensen, 2007, p. 346). A word of caution go es with this justification; The NICE (2005) guideline consider risk assessment tools like Waterlow (1988, 2005) and Braden (1987) as â€Å"aide memoire†; nurses must not solely rely on these tools (Iggulden et al., 2009, p. 192). These tools do not replace clinical judgement (Ousey & McIntosh, 2008, p. 171). Despite the fact that the card is outdated, it is still very useful today. The literature review suggests using both formal and informal methods to assess the risk of PU. It is also useful in the sense that it allows the card score to compare with

Monday, July 22, 2019

Der Rattenfanger Essay Example for Free

Der Rattenfanger Essay Page fifteen opens with ‘pipe music’, this gives the audience a sense of what the story of Der Rattenfanger is about even if they fail to understand the German title. Pipe music is usually associated with the story of the Pied Piper, which is what we later discover Der Rattenfanger expresses. As Faith reads the title of Der Rattenfanger Eva asks her ‘Mutti’ the question of what an abyss is, this is significant in regards to describing the character of The Ratcatcher, an abyss is usually associated with separation and loss, both of which The Ratcatcher personifies. That he is mentioned with association to an abyss foreshadows what is to happen with Eva and the relationship that she currently shares with her ‘Mutti’. Page sixteen is the Ratcatcher’s first appearance in the play, he materialises from Faith and the audiences imagination and his first lines are rhetorical questions â€Å"Who is not counting? †, â€Å"Who has forgotten their blessings? † . The rhetorical questions are intended to influence the audiences’ opinion rather than requiring an answer to the questions posed. The cross-dialogue between Helga and The Ratcatcher ensures that all of The Ratcatcher’s lines are declaratives â€Å"I will find you†, â€Å"I will search you out whoever wherever you are†. This enforces the idea of The Ratcatcher being a dominant character, The simile â€Å"eyes as sharp as razors† creates the impression that The Ratcacther is a being who inspires fear and gives the idea of an entity that haunts one’s nightmares. The dynamic verbs that are used when describing The Ratcatcher’s speech are all associated with antagonists, â€Å"It hissed†, â€Å"It spat†, referring to The Ratcatcher as an ‘It’ rather than a he dehumanises the character and adds to the antagonist or even entity feel. â€Å"A train whistle blows. Sounds of busy railway station† the whistle of the train can be interpreted as symbolic of the Der Ratenfanger, the pied piper of Hamlen lured the children away from the town of Hamlen with his music when they refused to pay him for using the same method to rid them of their rat infestation, like the Ratcatcher the Kindertransport is taking the children away from their families and what they know into the unknown, it could also be a metaphor for Hitler, it was a direct result of his actions that led to the children being forced from their home country, rats is an nti-Semitic term for being Jewish, Goebbels wrote: â€Å"It is true that the Jew is a human being, but so is a Rat a living being – one that is none too pleasant . . . our duty towards both ourselves and our Conscience is to render it harmless. It is the same with the Jews†. The rats in the pied piper story could be interpreted as a metaphor for the children that would become victims of Nazi persecution. I will take the heart of your happiness away† I interpret the heart of you happiness as being a metaphor for the loss of the children in the town of Hamelyn. The Ratcatcher is omnipresent throughout the play, he embodies all of the male antagonists, the guard, the Nazi, the border guard, and the station guard, the organiser and the postman are all derived from him, each character appears and creates tension for the audience, they all inspire fear in Eva and are the embodiment of loss and separation for both Eva and Evelyn, e. . , the loss of Eva’s money to the officer who searches her on the kindertransport, in contrast to this the postman actually delivers a parcel to Eva, which we discover is a letter from her mother along with a Jewish prayer book and her story book Der Rattenfanger. It seems that even when Eva attempts to run from her past der rattenfanger is always there on the edge of her mind and steadily creeping closer. The Ratcatcher is the origin for provoking the characters and the audience into thinking about family and identity, he also forces the characters to contemplate how the present is affected by the past, and learning how to come to terms with our insecurities and fears, for instance at the end of Act one, Scene two where the â€Å"pipe music† and â€Å"shadow of the ratcatcher looms†, The Ratcatcher, who has already been established as an antagonist and representing fear and punishment foreshadows what is to come. By the end of this scene we begin to realize the depth that Eva’s insecurities and fear of The Ratcatcher run, the cross-dialogue of Eva speaking with her future self-Evelyn gives the audience the impression that Eva/Evelyn may suffer from a duel personality or in the very least a severe mental condition, Eva being the naive and frightened voice here whilst Evelyn is the mature and dependable voice. Evelyn’s closing line for this scene â€Å"He won’t take you anywhere ever again†. The he she refers to being the Ratcatcher, further enforces the idea that The Ratcatcher is the embodiment of loss and separation for Eva/Evelyn, the fact that Evelyn confronts the personification of her fear in this scene gives the audience the impression that Evelyn is beginning to come to terms with her past, although The Ratcatcher is still presented as a dark and brooding presence that Evelyn attempts to suppress and bury in the recess of her mind.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Colorectal Cancer Screening Importance and Strategies

Colorectal Cancer Screening Importance and Strategies The transformation of the United States healthcare system aims to advance and enhance the quality of healthcare delivery and patients health (Krist). Preventive care is a significant aspect of the transformation of healthcare. Cancer remains a top source of the number of deaths in the United States, although colorectal cancer (CRC) is a preventable disease. The prevention requires consistent utilization of screening methods as recommended (Spruce). Vast amount of research has continued to prove that CRC screening greatly reduces the occurrence of and death from CRC. There are a number of interventions for healthcare providers to use that help raise the rates that patients will adhere to screening, but ultimately health-promoting and preventive actions are a shared responsibility between both patient and healthcare provider. In order for the intended goal of raising CRC screening rates to occur, providers must not forget that patients need to be satisfied with their care, and that car ing for and about the patient needs to be forefront (Spruce). This paper will discuss utilization of colorectal cancer screening and strategies to increase screening adherence with a theoretical basis from the metaparadigm of nursing, Watsons Theory of Human Caring, and Reigels Theory of Self-Care, and discuss aspects of colorectal cancer screening in relation complexity science. Phenomenon of Interest CRC screening interventions have targeted different subjects in attempts to raise screening rates including patients, healthcare systems, and healthcare providers (Garcia). Primary care providers should be targeted for implementation of interventions because they are in a unique position at the forefront to impact CRC screening rates. A majority of adult patients have primary care providers that they receive care from regularly, and primary care providers can use these many opportunities to recommend screening to all appropriate patients (Spruce). A recommendation of CRC screening from a healthcare provider is significantly influential in determining if a patient will comply with cancer screening. The process of CRC screening is extensive and involves developing a connection and rapport with the patient, educating the patient and opening discussions about the multiple screening options available to them, and supporting the patients decision (Spruce). Several patient-identified barrie rs to CRC screening exist such as anxiety, embarrassment, fear, and perception of pain, danger, or discomfort. The patient-provider relationship can help to dispel most barriers to screening with proper communication and education (Garcia). Ensuring that patients have options to choose from and encouraging participation in their own health care decisions has proven to raise CRC screening rates (Spruce). Metaparadigm of Nursing Fawcett (1984) identified the metaparadigm of nursing as the most global perspective of nursing that involves four central concepts of nursing as person, environment, health, and nursing. Person is defined as the one who receives nursing care, which often refers to the patient, but can refer to more than one person, including sociocultural factors such as family, friends, and community (Fawcett, 1984, 1996). The next part of the metaparadigm of nurse theory construction is health. Fawcett (1984) defines this as the patients degree of wellness or illness. Patients health refers to a large variety of aspects of the persons wellbeing such as genetic factors, and also includes less obvious factors such as the patients intellectual, emotional, and spiritual wellness (Lusk). In regards to CRC screening, this aspect of the paradigm involves the use of preventive care to maintain a healthy state. Unfortunately, the underuse of preventive care is an issue leading to patients that are most in need of preventive care only going to a provider for sick visits, not for prevention (Krist, 2011). Patients that are seen in these visits perceive themselves to be possible in an ill state, reporting signs and symptoms of gastroenterology issues, often leading to providers to initiate CRC screening based off of symptoms (Garcia). Patients reporting to a provider at a healthcare facility is an example of the patient interacting with their environment, which is another aspect of the metaparadigm. The environment aspect of the metaparadigm refers to all internal and external surroundings, circumstances, and influences affecting the person, including the setting in which nursing occurs (Fawcett, 1984, 1996). Nursing is the fourth concept of the metaparadigm and is defined as nursing interventions done on behalf of or with the patient and the results by which positive changes in health status are affected. Nurse practitioners are in a critical position to reshape primary care to where i t is focused on becoming patient-centered. Reformatting concepts of healthcare practice and introducing more patient-centered models of primary care delivery will allow for patients to receive the screening tests they need based on provider recommendation and individual patient choice (Spruce). Providing patient-centered care allows healthcare providers to respect and care about patient differences, morals, preferences, and needs while advocating disease prevention and promoting wellness (Lusk). Grand Nursing Theory: Watsons Theory of Human Caring Nurse practitioners care for patients from numerous upbringings, cultures, and healthcare challenges. Primary prevention of disease and health promotion are great concepts for health practice, but nurse practitioners have been encouraged to keep nursing theory and research as a basis for their practice. The integration of Watsons Theory of Human Caring into advanced practice provides an all-inclusive, humanistic view of the person which allows the practitioner to look at all aspects of the patient in need of care (Hagedorn). Watson (1990) states that caring is recognized as the central base to the nursing profession. According to Watson (1988), caring consists of ten Caritas factors of care that all create a structure for nursing science. The ten Caritas factors are: humanistic-altruistic system of values, faith-hope, sensitivity to ones self and to others, helping-trust relationship, expressing positive and negative feelings, creative problem solving, caring process, transpersonal teaching-learning, supportive, protective, and (or) corrective mental, physical, societal, and spiritual environment, human needs assistance and existential phenomenological-spiritual forces (Watson, 1988). The first three factors shape the foundation for the science of caring, and the remaining factors stem from that foundation. Caritas Caring is defined as relationships with open communication that create a caring-healing environment (Watson Foster, 2003). These relationships should be integrated with the guiding values o f nursing that include upholding humanity, dignity, and fullness of self. The integration of and advancement of human caring as an initiative in nursing practice is a significant subject (Watson Foster, 2003). Watsons Theory of Human Caring has several aspects that can be used for implications of practice with CRC screening. Colorectal cancer mortality and morbidity is a significant issue. Interventions as large as community-wide educational CRC screening programs embraces the Caritas through the transpersonal teaching and learning carative factor (Garcia). Interventions that are not as grand, such as individual provider and patient relationships to discuss CRC screening are just as powerful, if not more. Watson (1988) stresses the significance of having an equal partnership between nurse and patient rather than a relationship of imbalanced power. Shared decision making is applied and functional in the patient-provider relationship in the discussion of CRC screening strategies, in which the provider implements a caring attitude and respects the patients ultimate goals (Underhill). By sharing knowledge with the patient, the patient is able to assist in the decisions regarding their own care , and is the leader of their own plan (Lusk). Patients gain autonomy with shared decision making, and this leads to patients à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ nding sense and purpose in their own existence. This leads to an increase in their ability to have inner control and to problem-solve (Watson, 1988). The mistake that providers made in the past is presenting a single CRC screening option as the patients only choice as this is not the essence of truly caring for the patient (Spruce). Using Watsons Theory of Caring, the focus should not be to only complete the task of getting the patient to adhere to a screening method, but on all aspects of the patient. This can include offering culturally sensitive interventions to increase knowledge of CRC to help improve screening uptake (Underhill). Providers should present appropriate evidence-based knowledge to the patient that is in their best interest. Most often, the evidence is in favor of a particular screening intervention. The patient should be allowed to make a decision, and this decision will be based on evaluation of the evidence presented but will also involve considering their principals and belief system. The helping-trust relationship between the nurse and the patient supports the patients decision, even if the decision is not in line with the providers suggestion and evidence (Lusk). The patient as a whole should be taken into consideration with CRC interventions to better ensure that the foundation of caring is forefront, and studies show that strategies that are patient-centered improve CRC screening behaviors (Underhill). Middle Range Theory: Reigels Theory of Self-Care and Chronic Illness Reigel, Jaarsma and Stromberg (2013) deà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ne self-care as a process of preserving a healthy state with practices that promote health and handle illness. Self-care can be implemented in a state of health and an ill state. Reigel et al. (2013) explains that when a person is sick but stable, they can still maintain health without necessarily having to transition into a different type of care that focuses on the illness. This is seen in cases when patients report to the healthcare provider with signs and symptoms that may be related to colon cancer, the perceived state of illness, and want to take actions such as CRC screening to try and regain the state of wellness or manage their state. Intended outcomes of selfcare include sustaining a healthy state, stabilization of illness, well-being, and quality of life (Reigel, Jaarsma Stromberg, 2013). The three key concepts that help define self-care explained by Reigel et al. (2013) are self-maintenance, self-monitoring, self-managem ent. Self-care maintenance is defined as actions done to improve well-being, maintain health, or to keep the stability of physical and emotional aspects of the patient. Self-care maintenance tends to be behaviors that reflect the recommendations of providers (Reigel et al, 2013). The behaviors of self-maintenance may be performed by patients after strong encouragement by others such as health care professionals or family members or the patient may choose to perform behaviors on their own to meet personal goals. Recommendations of CRC screening are sometimes initiated by a patients providers and family. Provider recommendation of CRC screening is critical to predicting the use of screening methods (OFarrell). Nurses at all levels of practice regularly provide recommendations for preventive care to patients, and they are in optimal positions to do so because of increased contact with patients. This allows for enhanced CRC screening counseling, providing information that will increase knowledge regarding CRC screening guidelines (Bardach). Self-care maintenance is strongly enhanced when a patient reà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ects on the usefulness of the self-care behavior, is observant in performance of the behavior, and continues to evaluate the beneà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ts and the effectiveness of the activities (Reigel). The purpose of education of CRC screening is for the patient to have knowledge of the benefits of screening and for the patient to continue with this avenue of self-care by adhering to continued screening as recommended by national guidelines (Bardach). Adherence is a critical part of self-care maintenance. Health care providers collaborate with patients to discuss integrating into their daily life as many of the evidence based health-promotion behaviors as the patient can accept (Reigel). Adherence to CRC screening has been shown to be increased when providers utilized patient-centered care. These findings demonstrate the vitality of communication and a quality p atient-provider in regard to screening behavior and have strong implications for clinical practice (Underhill). The second aspect of self-care as stated by Reigel et al. (2013) is self-care monitoring. Self-care monitoring is defined as a process of routine surveillance and observation of ones body. Consistent and orderly monitoring creates the best outcomes (Reigel). Reigel et al. (2013) explains that monitoring ones self, understanding the importance of it, and reporting abnormalities can allow for appropriate healthcare interventions to take place before a situation becomes detrimental. This facilitates the providers ability to give the best care (Reigel). This concept is critical to one aspect of the purpose of routine CRC screening. Signs and symptoms that could be indicative of colon cancer signify a need for CRC screening, and this communication with the provider can facilitate the proper screening method to be implemented to potentially catch a situation before the devastating illness has developed (Bardach). The third concept of self-care is self-care management. This is defined as involving an assessment of any changes in signs and symptoms physical or emotional to decide if an intervention is needed (Reigel). Reigel (2013) explains that decision making is one of the underlying concepts of self-care. Reigel () states that confusion, mistaken beliefs, and insufficient knowledge can all come into play and distort decision making, leading to inadequate self-care. This further indicates the importance of the relationship between patients and the providers (Reigel). Interventions that aim to educate and reduce barriers such as confusion are the most effective interventions targeting the patient for increasing participation rates in CRC screening (Garcia). Reigel () suggests that self-care is not always done by the patient alone. Most patients acknowledge the value of contributions from their environment or community and make use of the welcomed input-a process Reigel et al. (2013) describe s as shared care. Reigel et al. (2013) states that motivation is one of the outcomes of self-car. Patients can be motivated to perform self-care, and describes motivation as the power that influences people to achieve their objectives. The motivation can be intrinsic driven by an internal desire or extrinsic, referring to changing a behavior because it leads to a specific result that is anticipated (Reigel). Many patients have the extrinsic motivation to proceed with colorectal cancer screening with the hope that the outcome will be either remaining free from CRC or catching a potentially deadly disease early enough for the best prognosis (Atassi). Complexity Science Complexity science views systems as complex, having many parts that interact and are unpredictable, but can be adaptable. A complex adaptive system is a significant model of complexity science. Complex systems must be able to adapt, or else it will not survive (Florczak). Most systems involve layers of varied subsystems microsystems that intermingle with each other (Florczak). A complex system can adapt its behavior overtime, and its parts respond to their environment by using adopted rule sets that motivate its behaviors (Plesk). This theory is used to explain an organizations office systems improvements to implement clinical guidelines of CRC screening. Evidence has shown that CRC screening is on the rise due to adjustments and improvements in screening strategies (Atassi). Because the screening rates are still not where national guidelines are targeting, further adaptations and improvements are implemented to increase adherence to screening, such as including patients in the dec ision making, and using information technology for more accurate screening rate surveillance (Triantaà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ llidis). This model is delivered by monitoring performance reports from EMR data, using special alerts embedded in the EMR that remind providers to initiate CRC screening as well as patient reminders, ensuring providers are culturally competent and implementing the concept of patient autonomy in decision making (Triantafillidis). According to the complexity science theory, providers in healthcare facilities that have a goal of increasing colon cancer screening will act accordingly with efforts to recommend CRC screening to patients. Healthcare systems are moving toward adopting practices that focus of preventive care. Colorectal cancer is a disease that is preventable disease that remains a source of the most number of deaths in the United States. The prevention of colorectal cancer, as well as any preventable cancer, requires consistent use of recommended screening methods. Using simple strategies and adapting primary care practice to more patient-centered care will make a difference in the incidence and mortality from CRC. A holistic view of patients should be taken into consideration with CRC interventions to help ensure that caring remains a staple in healthcare. Nurse practitioners have a unique position that would allow for transforming primary care to where it is focused on becoming patient-centered. References Watson, J. (1988). Nursing, human science and human care. New York: National League for Nursing.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods And Procurement

Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods And Procurement The term of procurement method is frequently complex network of relationships which are formed between clients, consultants and construction companies, to enable a building project to be realized. Quantity Surveyors know how to provide a full Procurement solution at the inspection stage. There are essential clients requirements at inspection stage such as; Advice on procurement method, Contractual advice, Contractor selection, Preparation of tender and contract documentation, Forms of contract, etc. Particularly on the construction project it is vitally important to arrangement of the right method of procuring the construction works. There are different types of procurement arrangements and options exist in the construction industry Such as; Traditional (Design-bid-build), Design and Build, Management Contracting, Construction Management, Design and Manage, etc. ADR typically refers to processes and techniques of resolving disputes that fall outside of the judicial process (HG.org Worldwide Legal Directories) ADR is takes few variety forms as Negotiation, Mini-trial, Mediation, Conciliation, Mutual fact-finding, Expert Determination, Private judging, Dispute resolution boards, etc. INTRODUCTION This report emphasize for identifying critical phases of the Construction procurement and Alternative dispute resolution methods Therefore, especially highlight concerning significant phases of procurement and disputes. And also critically discuss key role of Quantity Surveyor for Disputes resolution and opinions to improve the procurement methods. MAIN BODY DISCUSSION Explain the quantity surveyors role in the various needs of client for selection of procurement at inception stage of the construction project. What is the Procurement method of Construction Project? The term of procurement method is frequently complex network of relationships which are formed between clients, consultants and construction companies, to enable a building project to be realized. It is important to discriminate the contractual relationships from managerial links, and in complex modern procurement systems. (Which Contract? 4th edition by Sarah Lupton, Stanley Cox and Hugh Clamp) Clients Requirements at the Inspection Stage Quantity Surveyors know how to provide a full Procurement solution at the inspection stage of project for all clients, such as Main Contractors, Private Public Clients. Whatever level of construction procurement is required; Quantity Surveyors have the knowledge and experience to guide clients toward a successful construction project. Hence as identified essential clients requirements at inspection stage those can be specify as follows; Advice on the most appropriate procurement method for the project, Contractual advice, Contractor selection advice, Preparation of tender and contract documentation (bills of quantities schedules of rates), Forms of contract, Reviewing tender documents (drawings and specifications). Quantity Surveyor Role based on Client requirements at for select the Procurement methods Quantity surveyors have an important role to perform in building procurement selection at the inspection stage based on client requirements because choosing the right procurement method is vital to the success of a building project. Some experience clients who may have their own professional team and an effective procurement policy and inexperience client have little or no knowledge of procurement methods; hence they require extensive professional advice at the inspection stage. Below mentioned are the vital important roles as identified. Advice on the most appropriate procurement method: as a specialty of construction Contracts, Quantity Surveyor has to advice for select a suitable procurement methods based on client requirement. Since some clients need different type of procurement methods according to their project scope. Contractual advice: as an important part of contract at the initial stage of project, required preparing an agreement to obtain clear understand and less disputes until finish the project. Hence Quantity Surveyor involves selecting and advising proper suitable contract agreement for the project as per client requirements. Advice for Contractor selection: selection of suitable contractor is complex process within role of Quantity Surveyor, because project success is depend on which selected contract organization. Hence Quantity Surveyor involves at the project inspection stage considering client needs for select a reputed contractor according to the standards procedures. Preparation of tender and contract documentation: Quantity Surveyor involves directly for preparation of calling tenders and documentations, such as, Company guarantee, Sectional Completion, Limitation of Contractors Liability, Price Adjustment for Inflation , Bonus for early Completion, Delay Damages , Changes in Law, Condition of contract, Additional Conditions, Bills of quantities schedules of rates, etc. Forms of contract: Quantity Surveyor involves selecting suitable form of contract expelling having advantage to the project when select most suitable form of contract according to the considering client requirement. One of those as JCT forms FIDIC form, NEC form, ICTAD form of contract in Sri Lanka. Reviewing tender documents: Quantity Surveyor involve to review drawings and specifications for tenders process, also tender evaluation based on predetermined estimate and preparing final report for tender award. Analyze the different type of procurement arrangement (process of conducting with advantages and disadvantages). Particularly on the construction project it is vitally important to arrangement of the right method of procuring the construction works. Not only is it important to choose the right contractor but it is vital that the contract documentation and form of contract is appropriate to the project. In basic terms Procurement is the process used to obtain construction projects. It involves the selection of a contractual framework that clearly identifies the structure of responsibilities and authorities for participants within the building process. There are different types of procurement arrangements and options exist in the construction industry as follows; Traditional (Design-bid-build) Design and Build Management Contracting Construction Management Design and Manage Traditional (Design-bid-build) Generally Traditional methods can be described under few forms procuring process as follows; Cost Reimbursed Contract Cost plus percentage Cost plus Fixed fee Cost plus Targets Lump Sum Contract Measure and pay contracts Engineers Main Contractor CLIENT Cost Consultant / Quantity Surveyor Nominated Sub-Contractor Domestic Sub-Contractor Consultant The client who is appoints an Architect as initial appointment to the project under this method, subsequently the architect appoint his design team and other consultants as requires to the project. And also the design team provides advice to the client until completion of project execution. Furthermore understand of Contractual relationship shows by below given chart. (Refer to diagram 01) Diagram 01- Contractual relationship Cost Reimbursed Contract Introduction This method is not constructive for any client due to absence of tender sum or final predicted final cost. Hence cost reimbursed contract also often provide some incentive to contractors to control costs. This method generally used only for following situations; Emergency projects, when the correct scope is unavailable where payments will be paying day work basis etc. Cost plus percentage: The contractor paid for cost of labour, material, plant and subcontractors overheads profit. And Profit directly subsists with contractors expenditures. Hence this is not constructive for clients. Cost plus Fixed fee: Profits of Contractors are pre-determined and agree with both client and contractor under this method before the start of work. Also contractor will try to control the project cost by reducing his management costs etc. Lump Sum Contract This method generally both contractor and client agree for a fix amount before the commencement of the project. The contractor is responsible to carrying out works according to the contract documents referring to the agreed cost. Further lump sum contract obtain two forms as with Quantities and without Quantities. Measure and pay contracts Particularly the Contractor is paid for actual work done according to the contract documents. There are several types of methods under this process, based on provide Drawing and Specification, Performance specifications, Schedule of rates, Bill of quantities, Bill of Approximate quantities, etc. Advantages of Traditional Method The total cost of the project Client is familiar with early, Tender price is little, High tender quality and superlative tender competition, Allow to design changes, Assist the cost management process. Disadvantages of Traditional Method Acquire additional time to start work execution from inception, Risk of design mistake occur to project delay, Lack of participation of contractor with design process. Design and Build Employ of a contractor is directly by Client instead of appointing an architect to a project under this method. Hence the Contractor is responsible for both designing and execution of the project. Also appoint a design team for develop the design using tender process by Clint. The contractor is invited by the client to develop and build the design which is done by the clients consultant under this form. (Refer to diagram 02) Design and build Contractor Client Nominated Sub-Contractor Domestic Sub-Contractor Cost Consultant / Quantity Surveyor Architect Consultants Licensees Diagram 02- Contractual relationship Advantages Contractor cant make any charge on client for design errors, High level of price certainty exists, Reduced project duration and enhanced degree of buildability, Not necessary to appoint employees other than the Contractor. Disadvantages Difficult Cost management and comparison of tenders, The building may aesthetically less acceptable if the constructors organization is smaller or less experienced team, Less knowledge about the value for money client has. Management Contracting Architect Engineering Consultants CLIENT Quantity Surveyor Trade Contractor Management Contractor Trade Contractor Trade Contractor In this method, Contractor employs by the client for mange the whole project by considering past experiences. The management contractor not doing any construction works himself. Generally distributes work packages to sub-contractors and manages them. Also paid by the client for management fee and also any other additional costs for services if has to provide before or during the construction period. (Refer to diagram 03) Diagram 03- Contractual relationship Advantages Contractor work under clients team, therefore it influence to identify clients requirements. Design team can use Contractors knowledge and management experiences for design requirements. Work is able to start early once the design of each work package is completed and also reduce project duration. Disadvantages Final cost of the project available only after the completion of the last work package only. The client would have risk on cost which can increase due to design errors. Construction Management This is similar to the management contracting but deferent is each trade contractor has direct contract with the client. The client is appointing a construction manager either consultant or contractor for organize and plan construction work. Also there is responsibility of appointing a design team as client needs. Advantages Every trade contractor have direct contract with the client therefore it is easy to redress delays. Easy to avoid or minimize practical troubles due to close relationship between construction manager and design team. Work is able to start early once the design of each work package is completed. Construction works and Project management integrated directly. Disadvantages Financial commitment difficult to identify to the client until the final work package is signed. The client has to deal with another consultant and contractors instead of main contractor more. Design and manage Designer Work Sub-Contractor Scope designer CLIENT Design Manage Contractor This method also similar to the management contracting and however the major difference is additional design responsibility to the management contractor. The form of procurement of this type of contract shows similarities to the design and build contracts but extend of the single point design responsibility. (Refer to diagram 04) Diagram 04- Contractual relationship Advantages Design team can use project managers knowledge and management experiences. Work is able to start early once the design of each work package is completed. Practical problems possible to minimize or avoid and also reduce the project duration. Explain your view on the construction procurement and suggestion to improve the effectiveness. Suggestions to improvement of Traditional method Need to be avoiding design errors and project delays by involvement of a knowledgeable independent professional body at the inception of the project. Carryout the tendering process separately for each trade package once it is completed and start execution accordingly for reduce the time duration. Suggestions to improvement of Design and Build method Client can check contractors recourses to make sure the capability of the firm to execute his project It is possible to develop the design by a 3rd party to makes sure better value for money. Briefly explain each ADR methods with advantages and disadvantages in contract. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Introduction ADR typically refers to processes and techniques of resolving disputes that fall outside of the judicial process (HG.org Worldwide Legal Directories) Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is originated in the USA, was adopted in Britain in the 1980s and is now practiced worldwideà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Page123, Quantity Surveying Construction Management, 2012) Goodwill between both parties is very important to achieve good results from ADR applications without wasting time and recourses with Arbitration or litigation. General advantages of ADR applications can review as Private, Quick, Economic, etc. ADR is takes few variety forms as follows. (Page123, Quantity Surveying Construction Management, 2012) Negotiation Mini-trial Mediation Conciliation Mutual fact-finding Expert Determination Private judging Dispute resolution boards Negotiation In negotiation participation is voluntary and there is no third party who facilitates the resolution process or imposes a resolution. There are no limits for arguments. Advantages:- All Parties can find their own judgments and Time and money saving. Fully confidential if third person not involving with the process. Disadvantages:- This might effect to the relationship of the both parties due to unnecessary arguments. Mini-trial Mini-Trial involves the top decision makers of the corporations having a dispute by engaging them in the presentation of their respective cases and the subsequent negotiating process. A mini-trial is generally not a binding method unless the parties agree otherwise. Advantages:- Independent advisor and facilitator is available. Time and money saving is exist. Unfriendliness is reduced. This method is not a trial at all and maintained confidentiality. The business relationship of the both parties is maintained Disadvantages:- Resolution if fail, parties can go to the court. Process will not succeed if the parties have any doubt on his impartiality and independence. Any party at any point of time, there is a possible to withdraw. Not much cost effective all the time. Mediation Mediation a forum in which a neutral third party facilitates communication between parties to promote settlement. A mediator may not impose his or her own judgment on the issues for that of the parties. Advantages:- Avoid unfriendliness and Less cost than go to the courts. Mediators knowledge helps to the parties guide clear future disputes. Disadvantages:- When parties week and strong, Possible to make agreement it may be lopsided to favor of the more prominent side. Conciliation One party invites to other party to resolve disputes trough Conciliation and the process will commence once the invitation is accepted. This process newer commence if other party rejects the invitation. If both party fail the process they has to go to the arbitration to resolve disputes. Advantages:- Both parties attempt to become for negotiation as of the great respect of the neutral person and also it is faster than negotiation. Disadvantages:- Less confidential due to involvement of conciliator. Expenses are higher. No any binding between both parties. Mutual fact-finding All the parties strongly engage and make a report with or without assistance of a mutual expert. The parties can solve their disputes trough the report and also this report is possible to use as a trial, as well as can give as evidence to the court or arbitration. Dispute resolution boards In the background of construction contracts, a DRB include a board of one or three persons, independent of the contracting parties, engaged to carry out an overview role of the execution of the project. Its primary function is to assist the parties to avoid disputes if possible or if not, to assist them to a quick, cost-effective and avoid the need for arbitration or litigation. (Dr Donald Charrett, Barrister, Arbitrator and Mediator Owen Dixon Chambers East, Melbourne) Advantages The panel acts realistically as third person. The Panel members are industrial experts. Early responses save time and money. Disadvantages:- Select and appoint of members are complicate process. Not retain confidentiality. Expert determination This is a private alternative to court litigation for the resolution of disputes. It is one of a number of ADR  methods available including arbitration,  mediation and adjudication. (Daniel Djanogly Forensic Accountants Chartered Arbitrators) Advantages Cheaper than running a case to trial. Allow both parties a greater knowledge of how the factual evidence is likely to be decided if the case goes to trial. Disadvantages The expert has no power to force his findings on the parties. One party is probable to have to sure the other to implement determination of the expert. Private judging Private Judging is a special type of decisional process, based on arbitration.    A retired judge is appointed by parties in dispute to preside over a private trial. Advantages It offers convenience and flexible to all parties. The flexibility of this method ownership and control of the litigation to the dispute. It is speedy process confidentially Disadvantages This is some considerably costly method in ADR The parties are unable to evaluate the quality of the judgment which given under this method. The parties entered into the contract they may face to various disputes. Discuss the role of the quantity surveyors input, from the inception to completion of the project. Role of the quantity surveyors for Disputes Resolution To be identified and scheduled might be occurred disputes at the early stage. Involving and discuss with line managers regarding the identified disputes. Advice to the client for selecting an accurate method of dispute resolution. As an initial action try to be settle by negotiation action to avoid wasting time and money. If negotiation is unsuccessful, to be advised to the senior management for go to the ADR methods by avoiding go to the Arbitration or Litigation. Perform to evaluate and advise to select the correct method from available in ADR process. Collects and prepares all necessary supporting documents required to the ADR process. Attending for relevant meetings and review the issues of meeting CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION Basically Construction project disputes are occurred due to selection of inappropriate procurement applications for the project. Hence selection of suitable procurement methods at project inspection stage is a very important responsibility within role of Quantity Surveyor. I recommend every Quantity Surveyor should develop their knowledge in-field of Construction procurement application and disputes resolution methods in practically.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

World War I Essay -- Trench Warfare

World War I was a stalemate right from the outbreak of the war as a result of trench warfare. With the introduction of this system, a piece of land stretching from the Belgian coast, through France, and ending in Switzerland, became the venue for majority of the conflict. For almost three years, this line shifted by no more than a few hundred yards. All of this changed when the United States joined the war and prompted Germany to make an all-out drive on the Allies so as to end the war before the American Army reached full strength on the battlefield. The American Expeditionary Force allowed the Allies to take the offensive, thereby ending the static state of war that had settled on the Western Front as a result of trench warfare. The system of trench warfare had men facing each other across opposing lines dug into the ground. The purpose of digging trenches was purely a matter of survival. In a war where technology was the worst enemy, trenches were a must. Following the Battle of Somme in 1916 where casualties exceeded one million, the High Command on both sides of the war learned of the desperate need for trenches. The first trenches, as Albert Marrin describes in The Yanks are Coming, were â€Å"not mere slits in the ground.† Each trench system was composed of line upon line of trenches. Most trench systems were composed of three trenches. In case of an attack, there was usually another trench to provide defense if the forward trench was taken by the enemy. Smaller communication trenches linked each of the major trench lines (Marrin 80). The most memorable feature of any trench line was actually the land in between. This land was known as no-man’s land. No man's land varied extremely in length. There were extremes at both ends... ... of losing at which point the Americans entered the fray. The final act that broke this deadlock was the defeat of the Germans at Belleau Wood by the Americans. In doing this, they brought a sense of newfound desire and energy on the Allied part. For the Germans, the Americans represented a force to be reckoned with. The American Army brought the â€Å"fight† back to the soldiers in the trenches. Captain Lloyd Williams of the Marines was a prime example of this spirit. When asked by the French if he wanted to retreat, he replied: â€Å"Retreat? Hell we just got here.† (qtd. Antill, Dougdale-Pointon, and Rickard). As a German soldier noted, â€Å"The American . . . had nerve; we must give him credit for that; but he also displayed a savage ruthlessness. 'The Americans kill everybody' was a cry of terror. . . which for a long time stuck in the bones of our men. " (qtd. Bonk 91)

Friday, July 19, 2019

Legalization of Medicinal Marijuana Essay -- medical cannabis should be

In the U.S., cannabis sativa, also known as marijuana, is illegal for medicinal purposes only because the federal law places it in Schedule I, a category for drugs that have been deemed unsafe, highly subject to abuse, and possessing no medicinal value. After much scientific research, and investigations of evidence, this has been proven to be quite inaccurate. First of all, Judge Francis L. Young, concluded not only that marijuana’s medical utility had been adequately demonstrated, but also that marijuana had been shown to be â€Å"one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man† (â€Å"Medical Marijuana Briefing..). He also ruled that marijuana has legitimate medical applications and should be available to doctors.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Only eight people today receive marijuana through a federal â€Å"compassionate use† program which stopped admitting new patients in 1992, after the number of applications, mostly from AIDS patients, increased dramatically. Young also ruled that â€Å"†¦the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act permit and require the transfer of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule II† (â€Å"Medical Marijuana Briefing†¦). As a Schedule II drug, marijuana would be allowed to be prescribed to patients by physicians, but only under highly regulated conditions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Marijuana is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known. No one has ever died from an overdose, and it has a wide variety of therapeutic applications s...

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Epidemiological Studies Essay example -- Health, Diseases, S.Saintapau

One of the most useful outcomes of studying epidemiology is learning how to evaluate critically the scientific literature (Aschengrau & Seage, 2008). Critical assessment of this literature is an important skill for public health professionals because the findings of epidemiologic research inform so many activities (Aschengrau & Seage, 2008). Munnoch et al. (2008) done epidemiological studies on S.Saintpaul infection occurred in Australia during October 2006 and found that cantaloupe production and processing practices pose a potential public health threat requiring regulatory and community education interventions. Based on main journal article written upon this subject, this article will analyse how epidemiological research has helped us understand the pattern of study conducted, source population, methods used and the interpretation of the results. STUDY OBJECT AND DESIGN This assignment reviews the evidence in the context of epidemiological research linking the consumption of cantaloupe to S.Saintpaul occurred in Australia affected three jurisdictions, New South Wales, Victoria and Australian Capital Territory and relatively uncommon in remaining states. Munnoch et al. (2008) conducted a multi-jurisdictional case-control study to test the hypothesis that S.Saintpaul infection was associated with the consumption of fresh produce items including cantaloupe. In addition, hypothesis generation method was used on cases according to which 14 newly notified S.Saintapaul cases were interviewed with a standardized retrospective hypothesis generating and trawling questionnaire to identify possible foodborne and environmental risk factors for infection. Food exposures commonly reported by these cases were cantaloupe (n=11), cucumber... ...ars), found that cases aged

Forward the Foundation Chapter 24

8 Like any intellectual, Hari Seldon had made use of the Galactic Library freely. For the most part, it had been done long-distance through computer, but occasionally he had visited it, more to get away from the pressures of the Psychohistory Project than for any other purpose. And, for the past couple of years, since he had first formulated his plan to find others like Wanda, he had kept a private office there, so he could have ready access to any of the Library's vast collection of data. He had even rented a small apartment in an adjacent sector under the dome so that he would be able to walk to the Library when his ever-increasing research there prevented him from returning to the Streeling Sector. Now, however, his plan had taken on new dimensions and he wanted to meet Las Zenow. It was the first time he had ever met him face-to-face. It was not easy to arrange a personal interview with the Chief Librarian of the Galactic Library. His own perception of the nature and value of his office was high and it was frequently said that when the Emperor wished to consult the Chief Librarian, even he had to visit the Library himself and wait his turn. Seldon however, had no trouble. Zenow knew him well, though he had never seen Hari Seldon in person. â€Å"An honor, First Minister,† he said in greeting. Seldon smiled. â€Å"I trust you know that I have not held that post in sixteen years.† â€Å"The honor of the title is still yours. Besides, sir, you were also instrumental in ridding us of the brutal rule of the junta. The junta, on a number of occasions, violated the sacred rule of the neutrality of the Library.† (Ah, thought Seldon that accounts for the readiness with which he saw me.) â€Å"Merely rumor,† he said aloud. â€Å"And now, tell me,† said Zenow, who could not resist a quick look at the time band on his wrist, â€Å"what can I do for you?† â€Å"Chief Librarian,† began Seldon â€Å"I have not come to ask anything easy of you. What I want is more space at the Library. I want permission to bring in a number of my associates. I want permission to undertake a long and elaborate program of the greatest importance.† Las Zenow's face drew into an expression of distress. â€Å"You ask a great deal. Can you explain the importance of all this?† â€Å"Yes. The Empire is in the process of disintegration.† There was a long pause. Then Zenow said, â€Å"I have heard of your research into psychohistory. I have been told that your new science bears the promise of predicting the future. Is it psychohistorical predictions of which you are speaking?† â€Å"No. I have not yet reached the point in psychohistory where I can speak of the future with certainty. But you don't need psychohistory to know that the Empire is disintegrating. You can see the evidence yourself.† Zenow sighed. â€Å"My work here consumes me utterly, Professor Seldon. I am a child when it comes to political and social matters.† â€Å"You may, if you wish, consult the information contained in the Library. Why look around this very office-it is chock-full of every conceivable sort of information from throughout the entire Galactic Empire.† â€Å"I'm the last to keep up with it all, I'm afraid,† Zenow said, smiling sadly. â€Å"You know the old proverb: The shoemaker's child has no shoes. It seems to me, though, that the Empire is restored. We have an Emperor again.† â€Å"In name only, Chief Librarian. In most of the outlying provinces, the Emperor's name is mentioned ritualistically now and then, but he plays no role in what they do. The Outer Worlds control their own programs and, more important, they control the local armed forces, which are outside the grip of the Emperor's authority. If the Emperor were to try to exert his authority anywhere outside the Inner Worlds, he would fail. I doubt that it will take more than twenty years, at the outside, before some of the Outer Worlds declare their independence.† Zenow sighed again. â€Å"If you are right, we live in worse times than the Empire has ever seen. But what has this to do with your desire for more office space and additional staff here in the Library?† â€Å"If the Empire falls apart, the Galactic Library may not escape the general carnage.† â€Å"Oh, but it must,† said Zenow earnestly. â€Å"There have been bad times before and it has always been understood that the Galactic Library on Trantor, as the repository of all human knowledge, must remain inviolate. And so it will be in the future.† â€Å"It may not be. You said yourself that the junta violated its neutrality.† â€Å"Not seriously.† â€Å"It might be more serious next time and we can't allow this repository of all human knowledge to be damaged.† â€Å"How will your increased presence here prevent that?† â€Å"It won't. But the project I am interested in will. I want to create a great Encyclopedia, containing within it all the knowledge humanity will need to rebuild itself in case the worst happens-an Encyclopedia Galactica, if you will. We don't need everything the Library has. Much of it is trivial. The provincial libraries scattered over the Galaxy may themselves be destroyed and, if not, all but the most local data is obtained by computerized connection with the Galactic Library in any case. What I intend, then, is something that is entirely independent and that contains, in as concise a form as possible, the essential information humanity needs.† â€Å"And if it, too, is destroyed?† â€Å"I hope it will not be. It is my intention to find a world far away on the outskirts of the Galaxy, one where I can transfer my Encyclopedists and where they can work in peace. Until such a place is found, however, I want the nucleus of the group to work here and to use the Library facilities to decide what will be needed for the project.† Zenow grimaced. â€Å"I see your point, Professor Seldon, but I'm not sure that it can be done.† â€Å"Why not, Chief Librarian?† â€Å"Because being Chief Librarian does not make me an absolute monarch. I have a rather large Board-a kind of legislature-and please don't think that I can just push your Encyclopedia Project through.† â€Å"I'm astonished.† â€Å"Don't be. I am not a popular Chief Librarian. The Board has been fighting, for some years now, for limited access to the Library. I have resisted. It galls them that I have afforded you your small office space.† â€Å"Limited access?† â€Å"Exactly. The idea is that if anyone needs information, he or she must communicate with a Librarian and the Librarian will get the information for the person. The Board does not wish people to enter the Library freely and deal with the computers themselves. They say that the expense required to keep the computers and other Library equipment in shape is becoming prohibitive.† â€Å"But that's impossible. There's a millennial tradition of an open Galactic Library.† â€Å"So there is, but in recent years, appropriations to the Library have been cut several times and we simply don't have the funds we used to have. It is becoming very difficult to keep our equipment up to the mark.† Seldon rubbed his chin. â€Å"But if your appropriations are going down, I imagine you have to cut salaries and fire people-or, at least, not hire new ones.† â€Å"You are exactly right.† â€Å"In which case, how will you manage to place new labors on a shrinking work force by asking your people to obtain all the information that the public will request?† â€Å"The idea is that we won't find all the information that the public will request but only those pieces of information that we consider important.† â€Å"So that not only will you abandon the open Library but also the complete Library?† â€Å"I'm afraid so.† â€Å"I can't believe that any Librarian would want this.† â€Å"You don't know Gennaro Mummery, Professor Seldon.† At Seldon's blank look, Zenow continued. † ‘Who is he?' you wonder. The leader of that portion of the Board that wishes to close off the Library. More and more of the Board are on his side. If I let you and your colleagues into the Library as an independent force, a number of Board members who may not be on Mummery's side but who are dead set against any control of any part of the Library except by Librarians may decide to vote with him. And in that case, I will be forced to resign as Chief Librarian.† â€Å"See here,† said Seldon with sudden energy. â€Å"All this business of possibly closing down the Library, of making it less accessible, of refusing all information-all this business of declining appropriations-all this is itself a sign of Imperial disintegration. Don't you agree?† â€Å"If you put it that way, you may be right.† â€Å"Then let me talk to the Board. Let me explain what the future may hold and what I wish to do. Perhaps I can persuade them, as I hope I've persuaded you.† Zenow thought for a moment. â€Å"I'm willing to let you try, but you must know in advance that your plan may not work.† â€Å"I've got to take that chance. Please do whatever has to be done and let me know when and where I can meet the Board.† Seldon left Zenow in a mood of unease. Everything he had told the Chief Librarian was true-and trivial. The real reason he needed the use of the Library remained hidden. Partly this was because he didn't yet see that use clearly himself. 9 Hari Seldon sat at Yugo Amaryl's bedside-patiently, sadly. Yugo was utterly spent. He was beyond medical help, even if he would have consented to avail himself of such help, which he refused. He was only fifty-five. Seldon was himself sixty-six and yet he was in fine shape, except for the twinge of sciatica-or whatever it was-that occasionally lamed him. Amaryl's eyes opened. â€Å"You're still here, Hari?† Seldon nodded. â€Å"I won't leave you.† â€Å"Till I die?† â€Å"Yes.† Then, in an outburst of grief, he said, â€Å"Why have you done this, Yugo? If you had lived sensibly, you could have had twenty to thirty more years of life.† Amaryl smiled faintly. â€Å"Live sensibly? You mean, take time off? Go to resorts? Amuse myself with trifles?† â€Å"Yes. Yes.† â€Å"And I would either have longed to return to my work or I would have learned to like wasting my time and, in the additional twenty to thirty years you speak of, I would have accomplished no more. Look at you.† â€Å"What about me?† â€Å"For ten years you were First Minister under Cleon. How much science did you do then?† â€Å"I spent about a quarter of my time on psychohistory,† said Seldon gently. â€Å"You exaggerate. If it hadn't been for me, plugging away, psychohistorical advance would have screeched to a halt.† Seldon nodded. â€Å"You are right, Yugo. For that I am grateful.† â€Å"And before and since, when you spend at least half your time on administrative duties, who does-did-the real work? Eh?† â€Å"You, Yugo.† â€Å"Absolutely.† His eyes closed again. Seldon said, â€Å"Yet you always wanted to take over those administrative duties if you survived me.† â€Å"No! I wanted to head the Project to keep it moving in the direction it had to move in, but I would have delegated all administration.† Amaryl's breathing was growing stertorous, but then he stirred and his eyes opened, staring directly at Hari. He said, â€Å"What will happen to psychohistory when I'm gone? Have you thought of that?† â€Å"Yes, I have. And I want to speak to you about it. It may please you. Yugo, I believe that psychohistory is being revolutionized.† Amaryl frowned slightly. â€Å"In what way? I don't like the sound of that.† â€Å"Listen. It was your idea. Years ago, you told me that two Foundations should be established. Separate-isolated and safe-and arranged so that they would serve as nuclei for an eventual Second Galactic Empire. Do you remember? That was your idea.† â€Å"The psychohistoric equation -â€Å" â€Å"I know. They suggested it. I'm busy working on it now, Yugo. I've managed to wangle an office in the Galactic Library-â€Å" â€Å"The Galactic Library.† Amaryl's frown deepened. â€Å"I don't like them. A bunch of self-satisfied idiots.† â€Å"The Chief Librarian, Las Zenow, is not so bad, Yugo.† â€Å"Did you ever meet a Librarian named Mummery, Gennaro Mummery?† â€Å"No, but I've heard of him.† â€Å"A miserable human being. We had an argument once when he claimed I had misplaced something or other. I had done no such thing and I grew very annoyed, Hari. All of a sudden I was back in Dahl. One thing about the Dahlite culture, Hari, it is a cesspool of invective. I used some of it on him and I told him he was interfering with psychohistory and he would go down in history as a villain. I didn't just say ‘villain,' either.† Amaryl chuckled faintly. â€Å"I left him speechless.† Suddenly Seldon could see where Mummery's animosity toward outsiders and, most probably, psychohistory must come from-at least, in part-but he said nothing. â€Å"The point is, Yugo, you wanted two Foundations, so that if one failed, the other would continue. But we've gone beyond that.† â€Å"In what way?† â€Å"Do you remember that Wanda was able to read your mind two years ago and see that something was wrong with a portion of the equations in the Prime Radiant?† â€Å"Yes, of course.† â€Å"Well, we will find others like Wanda. We will have one Foundation that will consist largely of physical scientists, who will preserve the knowledge of humanity and serve as the nucleus for the Second Empire. And there will be a Second Foundation of psychohistorians only-mentalists, mind-touching psychohistorians-who will be able to work on psychohistory in a multiminded way, advancing it far more quickly than individual thinkers ever could. They will serve as a group who will introduce fine adjustments as time goes on, you see. Ever in the background, watching. They will be the Empire's guardians.† â€Å"Wonderful!† said Amaryl weakly. â€Å"Wonderful! You see how I've chosen the right time to die? There's nothing left for me to do.† â€Å"Don't say that, Yugo.† â€Å"Don't make such a fuss over it, Hari. I'm too tired to do anything. Thank you-thank you-for telling me†-his voice was weakening-â€Å"about the revolution. It makes me-happy-happy-hap-â€Å" And those were Yugo Amaryl's last words. Seldon bent over the bed. Tears stung his eyes and rolled down his cheeks. Another old friend gone. Demerzel, Cleon, Dors, now Yugo†¦ leaving him emptier and lonelier as he grew old. And the revolution that had allowed Amaryl to die happy might never come to pass. Could he manage to make use of the Galactic Library? Could he find more people like Wanda? Most of all, how long would it take? Seldon was sixty-six. If only he could have started this revolution at thirty-two when he first came to Trantor†¦ Now it might be too late. 10 Gennaro Mummery was making him wait. It was a studied discourtesy, even insolence, but Hari Seldon remained calm. After all, Seldon needed Mummery badly and for him to become angry with the Librarian would only hurt himself. Mummery would, in fact, be delighted with an angry Seldon. So Seldon kept his temper and waited and eventually Mummery did walk in. Seldon had seen him before-but only at a distance. This was the first time they would be together alone. Mummery was short and plump, with a round face and a dark little beard. He wore a smile on his face, but Seldon suspected that smile of being a meaningless fixture. It revealed yellowish teeth and Mummery's inevitable hat was of a similar shade of yellow with a brown line snaking around it. Seldon felt a touch of nausea. It seemed to him that he would dislike Mummery, even if he had no reason to do so. Mummery said, without any preliminaries, â€Å"Well, Professor, what can I do for you?† He looked at the time-strip on the wall but made no apology for being late. Seldon said, â€Å"I would like to ask you, sir, to put an end to your opposition to my remaining here at the Library.† Mummery spread his hands. â€Å"You've been here for two years. What opposition are you speaking of?† â€Å"So far, that portion of the Board represented by you and those who believe as you do have been unable to outvote the Chief Librarian, but there will be another meeting next month and Las Zenow tells me he is uncertain of the result.† Mummery shrugged. â€Å"So am I uncertain. Your lease-if we can call it that-may well be renewed.† â€Å"But I need more than that, Librarian Mummery. I wish to bring in some colleagues. The project in which I am engaged-the establishment of what is needed in the way of the eventual preparation of a very special Encyclopedia-is not one I can do alone.† â€Å"Surely your colleagues can work wherever they please. Trantor is a large world.† â€Å"We must work in the Library. I am an old man, sir, and I am in a hurry.† â€Å"Who can stay the advance of time? I don't think the Board will allow you to bring in colleagues. The thin edge of the wedge, Professor?† (Yes, indeed, thought Seldon, but he said nothing.) Mummery said, â€Å"I have not been able to keep you out, Professor. Not so far. But I think I can continue to keep out your colleagues.† Seldon realized that he was getting nowhere. He opened the touch of frankness a notch. He said, â€Å"Librarian Mummery, surely your animosity toward me is not personal. Surely you understand the importance of the work I am doing.† â€Å"You mean, your psychohistory. Come, you have been working on it for over thirty years. What has come of it?† â€Å"That's the point. Something may come of it now.† â€Å"Then let something come of it at Streeling University. Why must it be at the Galactic Library?† â€Å"Librarian Mummery. Listen to me. What you want is to close the Library to the public. You wish to smash a long tradition. Have you the heart to do that?† â€Å"It's not heart we need. It's funding. Surely the Chief Librarian has wept on your shoulder in telling you our woes. Appropriations are down, salaries are cut, needed maintenance is absent. What are we to do? We've got to cut services and we certainly can't afford to support you and your colleagues with offices and equipment.† â€Å"Has this situation been put to the Emperor?† â€Å"Come, Professor, you're dreaming. Isn't it true that your psychohistory tells you that the Empire is deteriorating? I've heard you referred to as Raven Seldon, something that, I believe, refers to a fabled bird of ill omen.† â€Å"It's true that we are entering bad times.† â€Å"And do you believe the Library is immune to those bad times? Professor, the Library is my life and I want it to continue, but it won't continue unless we can find ways of making our dwindling appropriations do. And you come here expecting an open Library, with yourself as beneficiary. It won't do, Professor. It just won't do.† Seldon said desperately, â€Å"What if I find the credits for you?† â€Å"Indeed. How?† â€Å"What if I talk to the Emperor? I was once First Minister. He'll see me and he'll listen to me.† â€Å"And you'll get funding from him?† Mummery laughed. â€Å"If I do, if I increase your appropriations, may I bring in my colleagues?† â€Å"Bring in the credits first,† said Mummery, â€Å"and we'll see. But I don't think you will succeed.† He seemed very sure of himself and Seldon wondered how often and how uselessly the Galactic Library had already appealed to the Emperor. And whether his own appeal would get anywhere at all. 11 The Emperor Agis XIV had no real right to the name. He had adopted it upon succeeding to the throne with the deliberate purpose of connecting himself with the Agises who had ruled two thousand years ago, most of them quite ably-particularly Agis VI, who had ruled for forty-two years and who had kept order in a prosperous Empire with a firm but nontyrannical hand. Agis XIV did not look like any of the old Agises-if the holographic records had any value. But, then again, truth be told, Agis XIV did not look much like the official holograph that was distributed to the public. As a matter of fact, Hari Seldon thought, with a twinge of nostalgia, that Emperor Cleon, for all his flaws and weaknesses, had certainly looked Imperial. Agis XIV did not. Seldon had never seen him at close quarters and the few holographs he had seen were outrageously inaccurate. The Imperial holographer knew his job and did it well, thought Seldon wryly. Agis XIV was short, with an unattractive face and slightly bulging eyes that did not seem alight with intelligence. His only qualification for the throne was that he was a collateral relative of Cleon. To do him credit, however, he did not try to play the role of the mighty Emperor. It was understood that he rather liked to be called the â€Å"Citizen Emperor† and that only Imperial protocol and the outraged outcry of the Imperial Guard prevented him from exiting the dome and wandering the walkways of Trantor. Apparently, the story went, he wished to shake hands with the citizens and hear their complaints in person. (Score one for him, thought Seldon, even if it could never come to pass.) With a murmur and a bow, Seldon said, â€Å"I thank you, Sire, for consenting to see me.† Agis XIV had a clear and rather attractive voice, quite out of keeping with his appearance. He said, â€Å"An ex-First Minister must surely have his privileges, although I must give myself credit for amazing courage in agreeing to see you.† There was humor in his words and Seldon found himself suddenly realizing that a man might not look intelligent and yet might be intelligent just the same. â€Å"Courage, Sire?† â€Å"Why, of course. Don't they call you Raven Seldon?† â€Å"I heard the expression, Sire, the other day for the first time.† â€Å"Apparently the reference is to your psychohistory, which seems to predict the Fall of the Empire.† â€Å"It points out the possibility only, Sire-â€Å" â€Å"So that you are coupled with a mythic bird of ill omen. Except that I think you yourself are the bird of ill omen.† â€Å"I hope not, Sire.† â€Å"Come, come. The record is clear. Eto Demerzel, Cleon's old First Minister, was impressed with your work and look what happened-he was forced out of his position and into exile. The Emperor Cleon himself was impressed with your work and look what happened-he was assassinated. The military junta was impressed with your work and look what happened-they were swept away. Even the Joranumites, it is said, were impressed with your work and, behold, they were destroyed. And now, O Raven Seldon, you come to see me. What may I expect?† â€Å"Why, nothing evil, Sire.† â€Å"I imagine not, because unlike all these others I have mentioned, I am not impressed with your work. Now tell me why you are here.† He listened carefully and without interruption while Seldon explained the importance of setting up a Project designed to prepare an encyclopedia that would preserve human learning if the worst happened. â€Å"Yes yes,† said Agis XIV finally, â€Å"so you are, indeed, convinced the Empire will fall.† â€Å"It is a strong possibility, Sire, and it would not be prudent to refuse to take that possibility into account. In a way, I wish to prevent it if I can-or ameliorate the effects if I can't.† â€Å"Raven Seldon if you continue to poke your nose into matters, I am convinced that the Empire will fall and that nothing can help it.† â€Å"Not so, Sire. I ask only permission to work.† â€Å"Oh, you have that, but I fail to see what it is you wish of me. Why have you told me all this about an encyclopedia?† â€Å"Because I wish to work in the Galactic Library, Sire, or, more accurately, I wish others to work there with me.† â€Å"I assure you that I won't stand in your way.† â€Å"That is not enough, Sire. I want you to help.† â€Å"In what way, ex-First Minister?† â€Å"With funding. The Library must have appropriations or it will close its doors to the public and evict me.† â€Å"Credits!'† A note of astonishment came into the Emperor's voice. â€Å"You came to me for credits?† â€Å"Yes, Sire.† Agis XIV stood up in some agitation. Seldon stood up at once also, but Agis waved him down. â€Å"Sit down. Don't treat me as an Emperor. I'm not an Emperor. I didn't want this job, but they made me take it. I was the nearest thing to the Imperial family and they jabbered at me that the Empire needed an Emperor. So they have me and a lot of good I am to them. â€Å"Credits! You expect me to have credits! You talk about the Empire disintegrating. How do you suppose it disintegrates? Are you thinking of rebellion? Of civil war? Of disorders here and there? â€Å"No. Think of credits. Do you realize that I cannot collect any taxes at all from half the provinces in the Empire? They're still part of the Empire-‘Hail the Imperium!'-‘All honor to the Emperor'-but they don't pay anything and I don't have the necessary force to collect it. And if I can't get the credits out of them, they are not really part of the Empire, are they? â€Å"Credits! The Empire runs a chronic deficit of appalling proportions. There's nothing I can pay for. Do you think there is enough funding to maintain the Imperial Palace grounds? Just barely. I must cut corners. I must let the Palace decay. I must let the number of retainers die down by attrition. â€Å"Professor Seldon. If you want credits, I have nothing. Where will I find appropriations for the Library? They should be grateful I manage to squeeze out something for them each year at all.† As he finished, the Emperor held out his hands, palms up, as if to signify the emptiness of the Imperial coffers. Hari Seldon was stunned. He said, â€Å"Nevertheless, Sire, even if you lack the credits, you still have the Imperial prestige. Can you not order the Library to allow me to keep my office and let my colleagues in to help me with our vital work?† And now Agis XIV sat down again as though, once the subject was not credits, he was no longer in a state of agitation. He said, â€Å"You realize that, by long tradition, the Galactic Library is independent of the Imperium, as far as its self-government is concerned. It sets up its rules and has done so since Agis VI, my namesake†-he smiled-â€Å"attempted to control the news functions of the Library. He failed and, if the great Agis VI failed, do you think I can succeed?† â€Å"I'm not asking you to use force, Sire. Merely expressing a polite wish. Surely, when no vital function of the Library is involved, they will be pleased to honor the Emperor and oblige his wishes.† â€Å"Professor Seldon, how little you know of the Library. I have but to express a wish, however gently and tentatively, to make it certain that they will proceed, in dudgeon, to do the opposite. They are very sensitive to the slightest sign of Imperial control.† Seldon said, â€Å"Then what do I do?† â€Å"Why, I'll tell you what. A thought occurs to me. I am a member of the public and I can visit the Galactic Library if I wish. It is located on the Palace grounds, so I won't be violating protocol if I visit it. Well, you come with me and we shall be ostentatiously friendly. I will not ask them for anything, but if they note us walking arm-in-arm, then perhaps some of the precious Board of theirs may feel more kindly toward you than otherwise. But that's all I can do.† And the deeply disappointed Seldon wondered if that could possibly be enough.