Hr Functions of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

HR Functions of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Lucinda West HSA320 November 12, 2012 Professor Dorothy Moore Strayer University Introduction The organization chosen is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (SJCRH). St. Jude is the first institution established for the sole purpose of conducting basic and clinical research and treatment into catastrophic childhood diseases, mainly cancer. SJCRH opened on February 4, 1962 and was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.St. Jude was the first institution to develop a cure for sickle cell disease with a bone marrow transplant and has one of the largest pediatric sickle cell programs in the country. St. Jude has developed protocols that have helped push overall survival rates for childhood cancers from less than 20 percent when the hospital opened in 1962 to 80 percent today. St. Jude researchers and doctors are treating children with pediatric AIDS, as well as using new drugs and therapies to fight infections. No family ever pays St. Jude for anything (Hospital).Challenges Based on the data I have collected, some of the possible challenges SJCRH can face as a result of Harassment, Increase in pay, and Labor Unions are the following. There is a credibility gap between Human Resources, Executive Management, and the other organizational departments. There are people in HR with a variety of background education and skill sets that are not necessarily specialized towards the field they currently hold. Individuals come into HR management with their past experiences as a psychologist or clerical supervisor to name a few.The previous experience they bring to the table normally sets the tone for their current outlook in HR. As a result of the changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities can expect to work in safe surroundings without being discriminated against on the basis of age, gender, race, religion national origin, or personal preference. Specialists in compensation monitor an organization’s wage structure to ensure that pay equity exists throughout an organization.They recommend changes in the wage structure that are consistent with pay changes in the local community, industry, and individual occupations as necessary (Fallon & McConnell, 2007). Line managers believe that HR hinders progress by frequently obstructing what a department manager wants or needs to do. HR utilizes the policy and regulations to further pad their case as to why certain things requested by the line staff cannot occur (Fallon & McConnell, 2007). An executive level of management has a say in the payroll system. This arrangement is uncommon since this practice is commonly a part of finance or the HR department.Naturally there is going to be some form of conflict. Additional challenges in managing the relationship between HR and Labor Unions are, labor relations becomes a part of HR when there is an issue that has to be resolved. Labor unions do not see HR as a cohesive unit that should even play a part in their bargaining process. They see HR as the enemy. In HR’s defense they hold and know the policies, regulations, & bylaws that everyone (Labor Unions & HR) has to abide by in order for it to a fair and just decision regarding the employee(s). Impact of Rules/LawsTherefore invoking The Civil Rights Act (Title VII) (1964) has led to greater regulation of the employer-employee relationship by the government. The Act prohibits setting limits, segregating or classifying employees or applicants for employment in any way that deprives them of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affects their status as employees because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Ethics are important in any situation involving management. HR involves people and their means of earning a living, the importance of ethics in creases.Ethical behavior is taught to students throughout their schooling. Reminders of the importance of conducting lives in an ethical manner are important. Ethics is an underlying priority to all involved in the implementation of electronic medical records. Health professionals are in favor of electronic medical and strongly believe ethics is an integral part in healthcare and technology. Health organizations must remain committed to quality, privacy, and ethics. Continuous education of employees on these issues, ethics will remain a consistent principle in healthcare and technology.Another law and regulation that is going to affect SJCRH is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996). HIPPA consists of five sections or titles. Titles I, III, IV, and V address the issue of continuity and the ability to renew health insurance coverage for employees who change employers or otherwise lose their jobs, promote the use of medical savings accounts, and establish stand ards for long term care coverage. HIPAA eliminated the possibility of individuals being denied coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions. It further requires insurance companies to provide coverage for small employer groups or to ndividual employees who lose their group coverage. The significant section of HIPAA has been title 2, â€Å"Preventing Health Care Fraud and Abuse, Administrative Simplification, and Medical Liability Reform. † The Privacy Rule has affected nearly all health care plans and all health care providers. Physicians’ offices, hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, dentists, medical equipment dealers, billing services and others providing administrative services have all been required to implement systems designed to protect patient information in all forms.All subcontractors and suppliers coming into contact with patient information must comply with the Privacy Rule. Developmental Tools Healthcare employees expect their employers to provide: Infrastructure, HR practices and support which are linked to improved performance especially in relation to patient care and service innovations. Public service values may be a strong determinant of performance as it relates to patients, moderating potential short-term adverse effects of unmet expectations of the employer. Training is imperative.There has to be a shift in the orientation of the healthcare personnel. Extensive direction is required through in-service and basic training. The perception of their role as simply delivering government health programs needs to be changed to being agents of health development. They need to be sensitive to the local needs. In addition to technical skills, they will need social skills to negotiate with other sectors, and communication skills for organization and empowerment of communities. Initial collaboration between the employee and the employer are vital.Meeting with the employer to gain an understanding of what is expected from the empl oyee from the onslaught of the relationship is a vital key to forming and maintaining conformity and cohesiveness amongst them. Establishing weekly or bi-weekly meetings would foster a positive and uniform working relationship that would ultimately benefit the organization in the long run. Best Practices What is most important in position description is the job analysis. This would include a detailed breakdown of a particular position description.It is vital that all of the most current duties of a particular position be included in this description because at some point the HR Manager will have to refer back to the details of the position. If all of the details are not included the organization is left vulnerable to accusations of discrimination (Fallon & McConnell, 2007). A recruiting best practice would be to advertise internally then externally and having local job fairs at conferences, colleges and universities. There are four (4) suggestions for recruitment and retention.One ( 1) attract a new generation of workers. Attracting younger generations to the healthcare workforce is essential to maintaining staffing levels and bringing fresh ideas to the organization. Younger generations are drawn to high-tech fields and seek work-life balance. Keep in mind the recruitment of younger workers may require a shift in traditional recruiting techniques to include such social media outlets as Twitter. Second, focus on hiring the right people. Behavior-based interviewing versus skill-based interviewing can build effective, long-term teams.Peer interviewing provides additional insight into whether a candidate may be the right person for the job. Third, seek feedback. Conduct 30- and 90-day interviews to gauge the perception of new hires. This will enable timely action if expectations are not being met. Fourth, provide a competitive benefits package. Appropriate compensation is a must, but clearly goes a long way. Organizations can enhance benefit packages by offering o n-site child care, concierge services, flex scheduling and housing allowance, among other things (Jarousse, 2012).Conclusion SJCRH is the first of its kind to benefit not only the parents because their child is being treated by the best at no cost to them, but also to the child because they are the number one priority of the hospital; not the amount the hospital can milk the family for. Some of the challenges they will face are as a result of harassment, pay increase, and Labor unions. Human Resources, the executive level of management, and the other departments are not as cohesive as they should be because they should all have the same goal in mind.The laws and regulations enacted have all been designed to protect the patient and their personal information. References Fallon, L. F. , Jr. and C. R. McConnell, 2007. Human Resources Management in Health Care: Principles and Practice. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett, (October 2012). Hospital, St. Jude Children's Hospital Research. Quick Fa cts about St. Jude. Memphis, October 2012. Jarousse, (2012). â€Å"Best Practices for Recruitment and Retention. † American Hospital Association Health Forum: 2

Catching Fire Essay

Catching Fire Suzanne Collins is a mutually celebrated writer of many books, including The Hunger Games trilogy. Catching Fire is just one of these astounding books. Catching Fire, written by Suzanne Collins, belongs in the science fiction genre because of the advancements and invention of different technologies. For example, mockingjays, a common animal in the story, are the product of female mockingbirds and male jabberjays. These jabberjays were genetically engineered by the Capitol, a ruthless gathering of officials that oversee the various districts of Panem, and can eavesdrop on conversions remembering every word that was uttered. Mockingjays on the other hand can only remember short verbalizations, such as a song. Also, during the Hunger Games, the Capitol has the ability to materialize objects directly into the arena in which the tributes fight, for example the â€Å"beasts† that enter the arena in the first book of the trilogy. There have also been many advancements in the field of medicine. Most notably, there is a cream for almost anything, whether it be a third-degree burn or a stab wound. This episode of the best-selling trilogy is written in first-person point of view. We are only allowed to know the thoughts and feelings of the main character, Katniss, causing us to wonder what other characters are thinking and feeling as well. This also causes us to create a deeper connection with Katniss. For instance, in the first book of the trilogy Katniss has a flashback in the arena about the explosion in the mines that killed her father. She relives this memory often and often reminisces of the times before her father died. Overall, the point of view of the story ultimately helps the reader identify with the main character. The point of view in this story causes it to be more relatable. Collins wrote the Hunger Games trilogy in present tense. This causes the reader to take the persona of another character or a diary that Katniss tells everything to. This style seems to be very easy to read, as the plot follows an extremely chronological event base. Contrary to her easy to read style, she uses rather impressive diction. This styles gives her a very competitive edge over other writers of today. This novel is enticing. It leaves no stone unturned. By the end of the novel you know that almost every conflict has been elucidated and resolved. The only conflict that was not resolved is between the Districts and the Capitol. This leaves a major opening for the third book in the series, Mockingjay. Works Cited Collins, Suzanne. Catching Fire. Hunger Games Trilogy. New York: Scholastic Press, 2009.

An Analysis of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds

An Analysis of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds Strengths Among the strengths is that KFC has adequate financial resources. KFC is the second best global fast food brand in terms of value. Besides, KFC enjoys global presence just like McDonalds with almost seventeen thousand (17,000) outlets across 105 countries. Additionally, KFC’s estimated value is US$6 billion. Therefore, as a fast food outlet, KFC has a better financial muscle to facilitate its expansion. Further, KFC enjoys perfect marketing tools. KFC commands the market with a lot of competitors featuring chicken as their main merchandise. It has placed itself plainly with a great trade name among the fast food chains. To illustrate, the company enjoys a strong market standing in the market, China. Besides, KFC gets half of its total revenue from the Chinese market, a market where it has close to 4,000 restaurants (Yang 2014). Weaknesses Despite all its strengths, KFC still receives negative publicity and criticism from PETA. The criticisms result mainly due to the nature of the food they are selling. For instance, the company has received negative criticisms for selling chicken wing with a kidney. Furthermore, they have received negative publicity due to their unhealthy food menu. Some of the firms customers claim that KFC menu contains high-calorie foods. The other weakness that threatens to pull down the brand is high employee turnover. Among the things causing high rates of turnover is, low wage rates. Besides, the company invests so much in training their low skilled workers, which increases the overall cost of operation (Mylonakis Evripiotis 2016). Question 2-LO3b Political Factors Individual state policies enforced by the government, influences the operations of any business and especially, McDonalds. For example, there are people in Europe and America that have been protesting to their states regarding the health effects of taking junk food. The groups allege that obesity and cholesterol are attributable to taking junk foods. Besides, there are other factors like tax laws, employment provisions, and related trade limitations. Undoubtedly, tax rates influence the growth of a business greatly. On the other hand, employment laws like working hours regulations will necessitate a business to hire more staff. If a state amends such laws, then the cost of doing business will go up (Greenspan 2015). Economic Factors Further, Greenspan (2015) points out that changes in inflation and exchange rates affect businesses like McDonalds, which enjoy of a global presence. The chains have no otherwise other than to adapt to the changes and implications of the economic environments. For example, when the rate of inflation goes up, the cost of raw materials increases. It is correct to argue that economic factors affect demand and supply relationship. Besides, cost of living and wage rate can affect the operations of business in a state. Socio-Cultural Factors McDonalds global strategies seem to act on a number of fields to ensure worthwhile profits for the firm. For example, the business thrives by creating a positive attitude from their regulars. McDonalds have comprehended its regulars based on their various aspects. Based recent research, most customers frequenting McDonald’s outlets are below the age of 35 (Greenspan 2015). Technological Factors Additionally, McDonalds main marketing tool is using television advertisements. In addition, the advancement in technology allows the business to conduct elements like inventory system and supply chain management through advanced payment systems. Their integration with advanced systems adds value to their products. Adoption of technology, therefore, allows the company to operate efficiently in a global context (Greenspan 2015). Environment Nonetheless, the operations of McDonalds in a particular region influence its social responsibility, for instance, accusations of environmental damage. To illustrate, if McDonald chooses to employ non-biodegradable substances for the glasses and Styrofoam coffers, they will face such claims and allegations (Greenspan 2015). Question-3LO3c According to Air New Zealand (2013), the company focuses on the contentment of both the staff and clientele and promotion. Being a number one airline in the world is not easy. It requires a joint effort from both the management and staff. Their skilled workforce enables the company to serve its clients satisfactorily. The airline has dedicated staff, and that is why the company won the ATW award in 2010and 2012. Further, promotion and high rate of sales contribute to its excellent performance. Marque (2012) points out that the airlines working methods has enabled them to earn high revenues of up to NZ$4,486 million (in 2012). Among the external environmental factors, influencing the companys ability to achieve goals is the strategic alliance. For example, the company entered into a partnership with, Quantas. An alliance with Quantas presents one of the primary and most fundamental pillars of the airline. The company could not go alone on international routes. The best they could do was to form an alliance to solve its strategic dilemmas (Air New Zealand, 2012). Diebelius (2015) in his arguement asserts that the innovative nature of the company provides its clients with the best long-haul flights to various destinations. SkyCouch and Spaceseat are two extraordinary innovations that the company has achieved. Furthermore, a consistently high standard of customer services has enabled the company to compete favorably. The airline constantly reinvents and refines its products. After developing the SkyCouch and the Spaceseat, other airlines would have taken time out. By the time the other airlines are on that pl atform, Air New Zealand is on its next innovation giving it a competitive advantage over other airlines. Question 4-Lob4 From a classical perspective, the purpose of business to exist is for distributing goods and services to the society. Thereafter, the business will create economic value, which consequently generates income for the companys shareholders (Kitzmueller Shimshack 2012). The management runs an organization in the best interest of the owners. In the case of Fonterra, the company should focus a lot on the interest its shareholders rather than the society. According to the socio-economic view of social responsibility, maximizing income comes as a second priority. What comes first is, protecting the society in which the business operates in by improving the general welfare of the people (Kitzmueller Shimshack 2012). In this case, Fonterra should focus so much on the society rather than the interests of the owners.

Applying the conceot of Positive Deviance Article

Applying the conceot of Positive Deviance - Article Example The patient developed septic shock after contracting an HAI called MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Tragic demise of my friend’s relative was an event which was preventable, but it happened because more attention was laid on treatment and less on prevention. Lack of awareness regarding HIAs is also a big problem. The need of the time is to use a different approach to handle the growing problem of HIAs as current approaches have had poor success in terms of outcomes. We need to bring in the method of PD to identify those individuals or positive deviants who are present in every community and who use unconventional practices or behaviors to successfully solve even the most intractable problems (Bradley et al., 2009). Such individuals offer better solutions than their peers who remain unsuccessful even while having access to same kind of resources. This is why PD is popularized as â€Å"a refreshing theory for social change† (Pascale et al., cited in Sellnow & Seeger, 2013). In order to prevent HIAs and address this grave healthcare issue, strategic initiatives should be taken based on introducing and promoting new behaviors till they transform into permanent habits and creating sustainable change. Research claims that one of the biggest hurdles in the way of PD is to get large numbers of people to quickly embrace a desired behavioral change (Seidman & McCauley, 2009, p. 27). Any behavioral change should be slowly â€Å"communicated over time among members of a social system† (Rogers, cited in Dingfelder & Mandell, 2011). This is called the process of diffusion. In case of HIAs, we should especially remember the famous awareness iceberg according to which crisis in the form of untimely death occurs because there is lack of awareness regarding the intensity of the issue in hospitals. Only 4% problems are visible or known to top managers. Remaining problems remain hidden under the water (Gardam, 2009). Research identifies an established

LOreal Consultancy Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

LOreal Consultancy Report - Essay Example Following in part four the report will identify organizations and alliances, what impact they may have on the industry and on the competitive position of L'Oreal. Finally, I determine what strategic options are the most appreciate to this organization to ensure its success in the next five years. The sales of cosmetics and toiletries is on the rise after it slowed down globally in 2004, the world market was valued at $253 billion in 2005. With a positive growth after sentimental recovery from SARS scares and the war in Iraq (GCI, 2006), with strong cosmetic sales in Latin America and Eastern Europe, peaking in Western Europe the largest market. According to indications there was a 4% growth in 2004, an according to the Global Cosmetic Industry Magazine the Euromonitor International forecast of a possible 20% can be obtained if current key trends are followed. Dividing the world cosmetic market in two sections, the mature and the developing markets, it is possible to show where sales are peaking, and where there are still opportunity for expansion. The mature markets can this be seen as Western Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and Latin America as this are where the lion share of the market currently lies. Many of the consumers in this mature market demand more sophisticated products and due the amount of competition product prices needs to be reduced if a company wants to stay competitive. The one market in this section that shows promise are China and most of the high profile players are entering this new market, such as Este Lauder and P&G, with retailers including Sephora and Sa Sa, and direct sellers Avon, Alticor, Mary Kay and New Skin (GCI, 2006). Developing markets can be seen as Venezuela, Vietnam, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Russia. In 2003 Vietnam showed a 19% growth in cosmetic sales even though demand are still concentrated in the urban areas, offering ample opportunity to expand. The South African market showed a healthy growth as consumers started to buy high margin multi-functional products. With more black South Africans entering the middle income group with the governments aggressive affirmative action policy,

Theory Essay on Marx Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Theory on Marx - Essay Example (A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens)   As Salerno sums it:   â€Å"During the nineteenth century, many European cities experienced an array of physical and social problems brought on by the industrial revolution and the decline of feudalism.   Cities were filled up with peasants forced from rural areas by real estate speculators and landlords.† (Salerno, 43) Narrow urban streets with sewers became a frequent site for disease and devastating poverty.  Ã‚      The movement to think scientifically without prejudice to any religious or moral doctrine that started with the fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453 and corresponding beginning of the renaissance movement in Europe led to many scientific inventions in its stride.   (The History Guide)   The invention of steam engine by James Watt (1736-1819) has had the greatest and immediate impact in leading to the industrial revolution in Europe in the eighteenth century.   By the end of eighteenth century, European cities like Venice, Paris, and London already had highly-efficient educational system in terms of universities, libraries, and an environment that promoted learning.   (The History Guide)   This was an ideal setting for philosophers like Hegel, Comte, Darwin, and Spencer to make their observations and influence the relatively-affluent learned people in these educational sites, searching for enlightenment through knowledge. By the time Marx was to make his own contribution in the field of social and political science, evolutionary theories led by Darwin and Spencer ruled the day.   Together with challenging their implied philosophy, Marx was to use economics as his weapon for social change: confronting popular economists like Smith and Ricardo on many grounds.   (Salerno, 47)   Darwin’s vision of world was one of ceaseless interactions leading to evolution and

CS346-1501A-01 User Interface Design Phase 2 Individual Project Coursework

CS346-1501A-01 User Interface Design Phase 2 Individual Project - Coursework Example All these attraction sites are located miles away from each other, hence the need for a tour agent to help travelers move around the city with ease. Given that the tourists are usually new to this environment, there is a need to develop a tour guide agent to help them move around the city with ease. The many categories of areas that each person visiting this attraction site need to access are also distance away and in various locations. Some of the area that the user should consider visiting area: Entertainment area, tourist attraction sites, sand beach zones, hotels and direction, boarding rooms and direction, refiling station locations (Todd Simcock). A tourist mostly will be new to his or her environment. In such cases it is possible to get confused and visit sites that he/she never intended to visit. To avoid this, this application provides functionality that assists users make decisions before visiting some of these tourist zones. To achieve this, the application will be required to provide the different capabilities of a tourist guide. The user interface of this application in multimedia in nature. Users will have to interact with graphics, text, voice, and touch screen. This environment can be availed through computer screen not less than 480x600. The screen is optimized to accept these form of inputs. The kiosk should also provide keyboard, microphone and text display capabilities. This will help users maximize their interaction with the system. The system shall provide good graphics within the user interface that can be used by any person in his/her daily work. Maps and guided displayed will be of high quality, making sure correct delivery of services to the clients. The application is to be used both for kiosk units and mobile devices. The application shall be able to support screen not devices with small to high resolution (780x1024). The screen

Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Literature - Essay Example Unfortunately this artificially created wall appeared in the result of perverted ideals of the 20th century, when women were subjected to men and lower classes were oppressed by upper classes. The wall can be eliminated only in case of a great desire and common efforts directed on its abolishment. Racial differences â€Å"The Garden Party† is focused on class differences and racial concerns very much. Mansfield uses a broad metaphor, and readers can see the way a world of pianos, uniformed bands and luxury turns into a little space for lower class. When we read an episode about Laura’s walk to a husband of a dad man, we can see that this young woman has strange ideas†¦She thinks about her appearance and weather, but a tragic event of funeral is not too emotional for her. Laura’s are also showed as hypocrites. Laura’s father expresses his regrets concerning death of a man and her mother tries to look sympathetic too (Burgan 21). An outer impression is much important for them than their inner feelings. Thus, Mansfield emphasized the significance of patriarchate that prescribes that a woman should subject to a man. A mother should always depend on her husband. Laura’s brother uses this template of behavior as well and there are different episodes, when men asking women to take care of their appearance. These are the principles of the upper class representatives. People of that class have nothing to do but create their artificial values and principles of behavior. Men play the role of money earners and women should take care about the house, get everything in order and beautiful (Burgan 24). The narrator talks about lower class from a negative perspective, while Laura remains patient and sympathetic. Her ideals are not perverted and she shows a positive attitude to people from the lower class. Laura wonders: why is it impossible to â€Å"have workmen for her friends† (Mansfield 2425). Her mother claims that â€Å"Peop le like that don’t expect sacrifices from us† though Laura does not agree with such a statement (Mansfield 2430). Poor people are treated negatively by her mother for sure and little houses, where poor people live spoil architectural ensemble of their neighborhood and thus they do not have a right to survive, as her mother thinks (Mansfield 2429). A vivid symbolism of the story reflects a variety of attitudes concerning class and racial issues. It is not Laura who criticized lower class, but the author (Daly 34). That is her benefit and a great advantage. It means that this girl managed to preserve her individuality in a cruel world of upper class. Moreover, a writer intentionally moves readers from light to darkness thus showing a parallel nature of two worlds. Cottages of poor people are in a â€Å"deep shade† (Mansfield 2431). There are many barriers and poor people cannot cross them. Class distinction can be found when the author describes representatives of lower and upper classes by comparing them with animals. For example, a uniformed band looks like â€Å"frogs† (Mansfield 2430), a cook â€Å"clucked†¦like an agitated hen† (Mansfield 2428) and the widow deserves nothing more than a selfless comparison with a â€Å"poor creature† (Mansfield 2431). There is an interesting comparison even in relation to the difference of smoke coming from poor and rich houses. Thus, Laura’s chimney releases â€Å"great silvery plumes†

Dubai Hotel Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6500 words - 1

Dubai Hotel Industry - Essay Example Jumeirah Group tries to stay ahead by offering unique and innovative services through its STAY DIFFERENTTM theme while Rotana’s GET IT RIGHT dictates that every investment must be managed strategically to ensure success before moving to new projectsTatweer has no particular rallying cry but it is responsible for implementing large-scale projects. Industry issues range from an oversupply of hotels, reliance on government support, one-year entertainer visa extension to three-star hotels and terrorist threats. However, all these threats and its effects are mitigated by the initiatives employed by the government which ensures that there will be three times more visitors coming to Dubai by 2010. Analysis indicates that Jumeirah, Rotana and Tatweer will still be largely successful in the future. The degree to which they may differ in success is largely subject to speculation. Nonetheless, all of them will still be enjoying remarkable profits. Dubai, also known as Dubayy, is a city on the northeastern coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the capital of the emirate of Dubai. The city is divided in half by Dubai Creek, which is actually an inlet of the Persian Gulf. The eastern side of the creek, the traditional city centre, is called Deira (or Dayrah), and the western side is referred to simply as Dubai. Dubai is the chief port and commercial centre of the UAE, and the principal shipping, trading, and communications hub of the Persian Gulf region. Port Rashid, a large artificial port, lies within Dubai on the western side of the creek, and Jebel Ali, the largest artificial port in the world, is located 37 km (23 mi) down the coast to the southwest. Sometimes referred to as â€Å"the Venice of the Gulf,† Dubai is a bustling, cosmopolitan city and a popular tourist destination with a wide selection of upscale shops. In the famous Gold Souk, in Deira, more than 200 shops sell gold jewellery and bullion. Extravagantly designed luxury hotels, some built on artificial islets, line the city’s shore. Dubai hosts an annual high-stakes horse race and major tennis and golf tournaments.     

Pricing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Pricing - Essay Example Center of discussion in this paper is pricing that can be approached at three distinct levels such as industry level, market level, and transaction level. Industry level pricing process considers overall economics of the industry including changes in customer needs and supplier prices. Zuponcic states that Market level pricing takes into account market trends and competitors’ strategies; whereas, transaction level pricing specifically focuses on the discounts management. Modern marketers practice a range of pricing strategies mainly including cost plus pricing, skimming pricing, market oriented pricing, penetration pricing, premium pricing, price leadership, target pricing, absorption pricing, and value based pricing. A set of economic factors is to be considered before recommending a pricing strategy for a particular product since pricing is the most effective profit lever. As Sloman points out, it is necessary to evaluate market demand and price elasticity of the product. Fo r instance, if there is high market demand for a product, the marketer can fix a relatively higher price whereas he will be forced to lower product prices when market demand declines. Some products including jewelleries and automobiles are very sensitive to price; and hence, even a small increase in price will lead to a noticeable decline in their market demand. As Clausen indicates, economic theories do not encourage the setting of higher prices for such price sensitive products. In addition, production costs and expected profit margin have to be analyzed while choosing a pricing strategy.... In addition, production costs and expected profit margin have to be analyzed while choosing a pricing strategy (ibid). When a product’s cost of production is high, firms generally charge higher prices in order to ensure adequate return on the huge investments. In the view of Senior (1852, p. 102), organizations need to consider huge profit margins if the cost production is high and fix a low profit margin if production costs incurred are near to the ground. Shaw (2001, pp.58-59) points out that market structure also plays a crucial role in ensuring successful pricing since market demand is the key driver behind product movement. To illustrate, a skimming pricing policy would probably fail to attract customers in a market where competition is intense, because a set of other product choices are available to customers. Therefore, it is better to adopt a cost plus pricing policy or penetration pricing policy while operating in a highly competitive market environment. Similarly, pr ice discrimination strategy would be advisable in a market which contains diverse population. This strategy seems to be potential for mobile phone industry, particularly to Aslan. According to George, Joll, and Lynk (1992, pp.181-185), in an oligopolistic market environment, a small number of sellers dominate the market; and hence economic theories advise firms to compete in such market segments with relatively low prices and high production. If a marketer increases his product prices in an oligopolistic market environment, customers will certainly switch their demand to other sellers who market their products more affordably. Marketers must give specific focus on the pricing of simple configurable products. Economic approaches direct that price

Marshall McLuhans Theory Essay Example for Free

Marshall McLuhans Theory Essay How might Marshall McLuhans theory of hot and cold media be used to explain the surge of interest in mobile technology, especially text and picture messaging? Any invention or technology is an extension or self-amputation of our physical bodies, and such extension also demands new ratios or new equilibriums among the other organs and extensions of the body, Marshall McLuhan in Understanding Media (1964, p43). A comment which has possibly never been truer than when understood with regard to a mobile phone. McLuhans theories have recently been given new life with the onset of the Internet; however, they can also be usefully applied to the massive explosion of mobile technology. Given it is a medium which some may consider to be cool; its impact on society has been immeasurable. In todays society it is difficult to meet a person between the ages of fifteen and fifty who do not own a mobile phone. Like televisions, it is the electronic accessory of the moment and it is advancing fast. Only five years ago text messaging was in its infancy and not all phones offered it; picture messaging was unheard of. Nowadays picture messaging is very much here and already the technology has moved towards video messaging. Some mobile phones would be more accurately described as hand held computers as the telephony is only a fraction of its capabilities and often not even its main function. As with most mobile phones the main function consumers use is text messaging. According to McLuhan in Understanding Media (1964) the advent of a hot explosive medium can cause drastic changes to politics and society. This can be seen in the effects that such technology has had on not only the telephone but the way people communicate in day to day life. However, when contrasted with a hot medium such as television or cinema, text and picture messaging are comparatively cool. They provide far less information and demand more participation from the receiver to fill in the gaps. Pictures received in messages are only small and very symbolic rather than detailed. There is also only limited space for text and language is often limited to abbreviations and annotation. Of course when compared to the standard telephone, mobile technology is considerably hotter, however, in order to stay within McLuhans theory, and for the medium to cause such a change in society, one would assume that the medium itself would need to be hotter. Such a change could be better explained and explored by the theories of Roland Barthes, particularly his writings on myths and semiotics. In a collection of articles entitled Mythologies (1973) Barthes explores practical objects and their cultural meanings. Examining such objects as cars and haircuts he scrutinizes the signifiers and signs that they contain. Barthes begins by making explicit the meanings of apparently neutral objects and then moves on to consider the social and historical conditions they obscure (McNeill 1996). He examined cars, comparing them to Gothic cathedrals, due to their uses over and above their basic functions. Cars carry status and tell a lot about the person who owns them (Barthes 1973). Such meanings can also easily be drawn from mobile phones. Far more useful than assessing whether or not they are hot or cold, deeper more analytical conclusions can be derived from Barthes methods. By examining the semiotics of the medium its position in society and cultu re and its effects could be estimated. In Mythologies (1973) he argued that myth was a mode of signification. He argued that in myth, the link between the signifier and the signified was motivatedso that a culturally constructed sign becomes a signifier, thus allowing what is signified to become naturalised (Hartley 2002). Hartley goes on to apply this theory to brand named sports wear and their attached meanings. Such an application could be used with mobile technology as not only are there many different mobile phones with different functions but many different brands. Nokia, in particular, as the apparently leading brand, has different model phones which contain different signifiers. Some appear fun and contain lots of features and gadgets; others appear sophisticated and look sleek and small. Others exist for practical purposes for uses who are less taken by mobile phone culture. Given the huge range of choice on offer, not just by Nokia but all brands, the decision of which phone to purchase is an active one which takes serious contemplation. More can be said for a person who uses pictu re messaging. Society has not quite reached a stage where its considered a necessity like text messaging so those who do use it are those who are particularly interested in the culture. More so as these phones and messages cost more it signifies how much money a person has or at least how they prioritise their spending. More meanings could be drawn from how often a person uses their phone and how many different people they know who can accept picture messages. Barthes also wrote about Text itself and its semiotics, arguing that words are strong and can be used as political weapons, as they have been in post World War II politics. He charts the beginning of the moment of the text as 1968 (Hartley 2002). This seems to have affected the whole of society as people now talk to each other less, preferring to e-mail or send text or picture messages. McLuhan has commented on discourse and text. According to a website called Marshall McLuhan: spinning the web of the future, accessed 13/12/03 specifically, McLuhan feels that the best way to convey information between two people is to maximize the use of the senses[therefore] ancient oral civilizations appeared to have the greatest and most clear form of communication. That is not the written word, but the spoken. This has, however, been criticised by Miller (1971) who disagrees with this assumption because he feels that humanity has evolved with technology and that this is not necessarily a bad thin g. The reality is that further technological advances have given humanity the ability to communicate using mediums that are essentially extensions of the spoken word. McLuhan expressed concern over the effects of technology and its result in the loss of human identity, although he did not see it as a bad thing, it was something to be maintained and supervised. His concerns could be justified, however, in that nowadays people talk to each other less, preferring to communicate by the written, or typed, word. Concern should probably not to be so extreme as to fear the breakdown of society but it has seriously affected how we communicate and what we now spend our money on. According to McLuhan in Understanding Media (1964) intense, hot media needs to be cooled off by our senses before it can be assimilated. Possibly then the appeal of the text and picture message is that they are easier to take in on a sensory level. They are quick, take only seconds to read and write and enough time is given to process the information between each message and response. Radio and cinema act as an assault on the senses demanding that attention be paid in order to take it all in, although fewer gaps need to be filled. In two-way communication, however, it allows the user time to consider their response and therefore reduces the risk of saying something which one may regret later. If we put together the two theories of McLuhan and Barthes it is possible to achieve composite critique of the phenomenon of mobile technology. Although much of what was written by, particularly McLuhan, has been excessively criticised, some disregard it all together, he makes some points which are useful when examining this area of contemporary media and technology. Using McLuhan to explore the more technical aspects of text and picture messaging, suggesting why it may be so popular. Due to its being hotter than a normal telephone it is likely to be the next step in technology and its convenience makes it so popular. Also fact that it is cooler than other direct forms of media and allows more time and less information for the brain to process ensures it is easier on our senses. Its very presence has caused an upheaval in our society and we have taken the next cultural and technological step in our ever progressing development. Barthes, on the other hand, we can look to for inspiration in analysing the cultural aspects of such communication technology and what it means. Using his methodology of examining mobile phones for signs and signifiers many conclusions can be drawn. As phones differ widely in style and in what features they contain each person can be judged on the phone they own, or the phone they wished they owned. Someone who has a phone that looks good, rather than containing many features is clearly saying something about the way in which they want to present themselves. Furthermore, a person who cares less about how the phone looks and more about what it does suggests something else. Most phones which contain more features, particularly a camera are usually larger and look less neat than those with fewer features. Phones that can be used to record short pieces of film or watch videos on are bigger still yet there are already people who own them. Such people may be looking for a phone with more f unctional value, as well as their having an interest in gadgets. That said, however, we can assume they gain intrinsic pleasure from showing a person what their, apparently less attractive, phone can do. We could also assume that such people wish to be ahead of technology and enjoy being one of the first to own such items. Near enough all young people own mobile phones and few would deny that they gain pleasure and enjoyment from them. Texting has become a common, everyday form of communication; one that did not exist during the lifetimes of Marshall McLuhan or Roland Barthes and it can be assumed that neither would have anticipated this surge in technology. Both would express concern at its immense popularity as it risks people becoming less sociable and having less actual conversation. Another side to that argument, however, could be that it increases human interaction, it just takes place in a different way. People can now contact their family, friends and acquaintances much easier and faster. To send a text message to say hello is far quicker and easier than making a phone call which could result in lengthy conversation. Whereas once a person may have decided against the phone call for that reason they will now send a text message. It is probably safe to say that, given that human beings are an inn ately social species, and indulge in conversation for pleasurable as well as functional purposes that if what they desire is a conversation then that will be sought above a text message. It is hard to predict where society and culture will go with this ever increasing technological development. In the next year or so we can assume that videophone will become much more popular and that mobile phones will continue to develop into small computers than phones. Living in a century where convenience is emphasised and encouraged and our lives are busier it is likely that less face to face interaction will take place however with the help of the mobile phone we can avoid losing contact altogether.

Alcohol as an Ergogenic Aid Essay Example for Free

Alcohol as an Ergogenic Aid Essay Alcohol, more specifically ethyl alcohol or ethanol, is a depressant that provides 7 kCal of energy per gram, and is the most abused drug for athletes and non-athletes in the United States. Prior to my research on alcohol, I assumed that alcohol abuse was not prevalent among college athletes, outside of the occasional partying that normal college students partake in as well. But according to Lifestyles and Health Risks of Collegiate Athletes, college athletes generally drink more heavily and are more likely to engage in binge drinking than non-athletes1, and contrary to my belief, in the psychologic realm, some have argued that alcohol before competition reduces tension and anxiety, enhances self-confidence, and promotes aggressiveness. Alcohol use exaggerates the dehydrating effect of exercise and places an athlete at greater risk for heat injury during exercise. Many athletes consume alcohol-containing beverages after exercising or sports competition and the bottom line is that alcohol-containing beverages impede rehydration. 2 Alcohol is a drug that is absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach and small intestine. In the fasting state, the majority of alcohol will be absorbed within 15 minutes and a maximum blood level will occur in approximately 20 minutes, with 80-90% complete absorption achieved within 30-60 minutes. The rate of absorption of alcohol and subsequent appearance of alcohol in the blood is dependent on the rate of consumption, volume consumed, the proof of the alcohol, the presence of carbonation (which speeds up absorption), the presence or absence of food in the stomach, and if the user is taking any medication. It is broken down by the liver and then eliminated from the body, and while some alcohol metabolizes in the cells lining the stomach, most breaks down in the liver. Until the liver can break down all of the alcohol, the drug will circulate in the bloodstream, affecting all of the bodys organs, including the brain. There are limits to how fast the liver can breakdown alcohol and nothing can speed up this process, and when alcohol reaches the brain, the user will begin to feel drunk. Alcohol depresses the brain and reduces the ability to control your body and mind. This is what makes alcohol so dangerous and if you drink too much alcohol, your breathing or heart rate can reach dangerously low levels or even stop. Alcohol has been described as an athletic performance impairing drug. Exercise is a complex activity utilizing many of the bodys organ systems and alcohol exerts an effect on most of these systems, including the central nervous system, muscle energy storages and the cardiovascular system. Heavy alcohol intake over a long period of time can decrease exercise performance by slowing down the hearts response to exercise, muscle damage, weakness, inefficient heart performance, and decreased capacity to gain muscle. 9 Drinking the day or night of a competition hinders athletic performance and exercising with a hangover can decrease aerobic performance by as much as 11 %! 9 Alcohol has even been linked with asthma. Athletes who regularly consume alcohol are more prone to injury. The smartest choice for a collegiate athlete would be to avoid the consumption of alcohol, especially in high volumes. Some of the risks of drinking alcohol are vomiting, blacking out and not remembering what you did while you were drunk, passing out in an unfamiliar place or a place where your safety could be at risk, decreased inhibitions resulting in embarrassing and dangerous behavior, a hangover which includes: nausea, fatigue, upset stomach, headache, sore muscles, cotton mouth, lack of motivation, alcohol-related injuries resulting from loss of inhibitions and coordination and death by nervous system failure, injury and choking on your own vomit. The two most fatal risks of alcohol are drunken driving deaths, and alcoholism related deaths. There are over 100,000 alcohol related deaths a year and alcohol-related traffic collisions kill more young people between the ages of 16 and 24 than any other single cause. Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is a disease that includes strong cravings for alcohol and continuing to drink, despite repeated alcohol-related problems. Although alcoholism can be developed due to excessive consumption, a user is at higher risk when the disease runs in the family. The four main symptoms of alcoholism are craving, impaired control, tolerance, and physical dependence. 3,4 For most adults, moderate alcohol use is up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people. Obivously, the safest way to avoid alcoholism is to not drink at all. But if one must intake alcohol they should try to stay around the moderate alcohol intake. Are there any benefits of alcohol intake? Prior to my research I would have answered no. But moderate daily alcohol intake actually does have some benefits. 2 oz or 30 mL of 90 proof alcohol, or slightly less than three 12 oz beers reduce a healthy person’s risk of heart attack and stroke, independent of physical activity level. 5,6,7 In fact, alcohol affects HDL levels just about as strongly as any other lifestyle factor, and may cause a rise in LDL levels thus stopping a critical step in plaque formation in the arteries. 8 Alcohol is the most abused drug in the United States by athletes and non-athletes. After my research I was shocked to learn the seriousness of its effects in the short and long term. The Health effects of alcohol have been observed in nearly every organ of the body, and its consumption has been linked to more than 60 diseases. The effects of alcohol on health can be disease, accidents, and injuries. The effects can be just as immediate and apparent when they show up in athletes. Alcohol impedes hydration, and being dehydrated can cause many problems for an athlete ranging from injury to poor performance. Although those effects are only immediate and short term, athletes are not immune from contracting long term effects such as asthma, liver disease/failure, and heart disease. After learning about how alcohol is metabolized, I realized how long the process takes and all of the organs of your body it affects. Overall, alcohol does not have any ergogenic aid, and the smartest choice for an athlete would be to avoid the drug as a whole.

Comparison of Database and File Storage

Comparison of Database and File Storage Author: Noronjon Qalandarov CONTENTS (Jump to) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SUMMARY 1. INTRODUCTION 2. AIMS AND METHODOLOGIES 3. LITERATURE REVIEW 3.1 Technologies and definitions 3.1.1 RDBMS 3.1.2 Native XML DB 3.2 DATABASE PRODUCTS 3.2.1 MySQL database 3.2.2 eXist and Sedna databases 4. DATABASE BENCHMARKING 4.1. Storing XML in file systems 4.2. Document size 4.3. Updates 4.4. Description of soil sampling and sample preparation 4.5. Determination of pendimethalin in methanol extract 5. ANALYSIS 6. DISCUSIONS 7. CONCLUSIONS 8. REFERENCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First of all thanks to my supervisor Ing.Alexandr Vasilenko for advices and assistance during the work on this diploma thesis and all his support during whole practical work. Special thanks to all members and coordinators of Europian Commission Erasmus Mundus program, especially to coordinator of CASIA project Ewa Wietsma and PhDr. Vlastimil ÄŒernà ½, CSc. for granted me and gave me opportunity to study at Czech University of Life Sciences. I also would like to thanks to Department of Information Technologies, represented by Ing.MiloÃ… ¡ Ulman, Ph.D. for his professional skills, for kindness and support. Thanks to all academic staff of university for their contribution to obtaining high-quality skills and knowledge. SUMMARY Database systems are well-known for consistent storage, retrieval, and manipulation of data. At the same time, the Extensible Markup Language (XML) is generally accepted as data description language for both web-based information systems. XML is self-desibing. It can provide flexible information identification, and can be extensively used in many application domains such as chemistry, biology, and e-business, etc. With the development of the web applications and the large amounts of XML documents that are being generated, it is therefore necessary to work out how to manage them efficiently. Databases are the prime storage engines for many different types of data. Traditional DBMS are designed for regular data. However, XML data often includes some irregular data such as pictures, audio and video files etc, which means that the storage of XML data is a challenge to traditional relational database DBMSs. Keywords: XML, RDBMS, database, relational databases, storage, data and file, analysis, solutions, software, web application 1. INTRODUCTION As the use of XML has grown, it is now generally accepted that XML is not only useful for describing new document formats for the Web but is also suitable for describing structured data. Examples of structured data include information that is typically contained in spreadsheets, program configuration files, and network protocols. XML is preferable to previous data formats because XML can easily represent both tabular data (such as relational data from a database or spreadsheets) and semistructured data (such as a Web page or business document) (Obasanjo, 2003). Popular pre-existing formats such as comma separated value (CSV) files either work well for tabular data and handle semi-structured data poorly, or like RTF are too specialized for semi-structured text documents. This has led to the widespread adoption of XML as the lingua franca of information interchange. As more and more organisations and systems employ XML within their information management and exchange strategies, classical data management issues pertaining to XML’s efficient and effective storage, retrieval, querying, indexing and manipulation arise. From this environment we have seen the emergence of native XML databases. These are designed for seamless storage, retrieval, and manipulation of XML data and integration with related technologies (Noordij, 2002). However, a number of questions arise regarding Native XML Database (NXD) technology. Does it represent a paradigm shift? More importantly, is the performance of NXD technology sufficient to provide an alternative to standard database technology, or will existence be the status quo? 2. AIMS AND METHODOLOGIES The diploma thesis investigates the advantages and disadvantages of storing data and files in native XML databases and relational databases. Main goal of this diploma thesis is to compare the approaches of a number of varying solutions. Partial goals are: To explain the main differences between the database models; To compare different solutions of storing data in different platforms; To analyze performance of XML and RDBS models (size, speed, access, etc); The several methodology parts are defined to accomplish the thesis. The methodology of the diploma thesis is based on research and analysis of relevant information resources. In the first part collected the necessary information about the database models. The further step was to define requirements of the database systems in order to exactly characterize the system processes. Within this requirements the definitions, the tables and the graphs are also fulfilled due to properly do the practical section of the thesis. Practical process and analysis will draw on results which will be given by the research study. Finally, comparison of analysis of the storing data models and file storage made in a different development platform will be made. Based on the synthesis of the theoretical and the practical knowledge, final conclusions will be formulated. 3. LITERATURE REVIEW 3.1 Technologies and definitions In this chapter we define all terms and technologies needed to understand rest of this paper. We start by basic definitions (e.g. what is an XML document), continue by characteristics of XML documents (e.g. what is a depth of an XML document) and their schemes and finish by benchmark related definitions (e.g. what is an XMLMS). Definitions also contain examples when it is appropriate. Relational data storage unit implemented in the framework of powerful databases such as MS SQL Server, Oracle, MySql, etc. actually able to meet all requirements for the server machines. At these facilities are built and successfully operate the systems from a variety of online stores to systems of automation of bank activity. High performance, reliability, and advanced administration tools allow for functionality and scalability within a large range of tasks. But the relational concept of data presentation within storage demands reduction them to relational structure, that means allocation from stored these same objects and placing them in line by one or a group of tables, that is the fixed and unchangeable structure. As a result, the limit of applicability of such systems lies in the field of tasks over strictly structured data. There are solutions of unification of relational object for storage of poorly structured data. But they, as a rule, lead to sharp losses of productivity an d to increase in labor input of development and support of all system on the basis of such decision as complicate storage structure, lead to partial refusal of control devices of integrity given by the server and to strong complication of inquiries. Applying as a data presentation basis within storage the xml-notation, it is possible to lift limits on rigid structurization of data and to receive the device of storage of diverse data. Such approach is used in servers Tamino, MarkLogic Server, Sedna, Timber, etc. Besides, xml became de facto the data presentation standard in information systems. However, the effective use xml to develop application systems currently constrained in particular multi-user access restrictions, and low-speed transactional mechanisms work with large data files. XML has several advantages over other languages à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹/ formats of the description of data at exchanging data between applications: Platform independence. The XML language allows exchanging data to the systems which are based on different platforms. The XML document can be created and sorted as the text file by means of outdated or built-in programming languages whose composition does not include a special library for working with XML. Support by producers. Libraries for work with XML are created for all leading programming languages and popular DBMS. Use of these libraries allows significantly reduce the amount of code when developing gateways between applications. Self-documenting. The XML document is readable for the person. Besides, existence of the date description in it allows creating automatic processing programs, for example universal modules of loading of the data arriving from different systems into a one repository. Hierarchy. A key feature of the language. In difference, for example, from the CSV format (the text file with a divider ;), XML allows to describe easily difficult structures of the objects given with an unlimited enclosure. Objectivity. The data structure of XML is perfectly combined with object-oriented programming model. Each tag of the XML document can be mapped to a class or class property of the processing program. On the other hand, there is an opportunity to describe in a XML format each applied object of subject domain as a separate tag. Expansibility. In use of XML format, you can add new tags. It wont lead to fatal change of data structure, simply reading and writing programs will need to be added with classes or the functions that recognize these tags. Safe and efficient management of large volumes of data is a challenging task, which is traditionally solved by database management systems. When storing XML data, it is necessary to provide reliability, the transaction nature, recoverability, high availability, security, effective search device and scalability and modification. All these requirements define the necessary tools and functionality of the XML data storage systems and limit the applicability of existing technologies and resouces. RDBMS Relational databases are widely used. They encapsulate the storage and data processing mechanisms, offering effective methods for structured data storage for faster query execution. On the other hand, XML is a data format used for exchange of non-structured data between incompatible systems or applications. Application of relational database is limited, but the obvious advantages of XML representation in the allocated task areas are relevant in todays systems. Let’s consider the key differences between relational and XML-data. Neither XML nor relational format is definitely the best solution for any problem. There are various data management needs for which relational data model is insufficient and the use of XML allows improving the solution characteristics, reducing the complexity and sometimes recognizing task feasible. In a relational database, data is stored in tables consisting of rows and columns. The data of a certain type is stored in column for all of the table records. Each table record is presented in the row. Order of the rows in the table is not associated with any ordering of data, unlike XML, where internally present document order affects, for example, the data returned by such function XPath, as position (). Only the simplest relational data can be stored in the same table, a typical relational database has many tables with complex logical relationships between them. Data in different tables are linked by keys. For example, in the table Customers can be a field (or column) CustomerID. Identification of orders for a particular user is made easy by the corresponding value in the column CustomerID of the table Orders. The data relationships can be one-to-one (for example, one son can have only one father, one-to-many or one son, two parents, one user has several orders), or many-to-many (one item can be in many orders, and each order can be different goods). Each of these relationships can be represented by storing data in two or more related tables. Native XML DB Generally distinguish databases XML-enabled and native XML database opportunities. The database is called XML-enabled, if it is a model of data storage kernel and data processing is not XML data model. In many cases, its core is relational model that requires a mapping between XML data model and the relational model. All relational database systems can be considered as XML-enabled database, because they support such a mapping for XML data management. The term native XML database is used in different ways by different groups. Native XML database has the following three characteristics: It defines the logical model for XML-document. The data is stored and selected according with this model. The model must include elements, attributes, PCDATA, and document order. XML-document is the basic unit of logical storage. No specific physical model of storage is required. It means that it can be based on relational, hierarchical or an object-oriented database. In particular, this definition allows transformation from the XML data model to another model of data storage and processing. This is what we have defined for XML-enabled databases. Thus, it is required to native XML database also has the following two properties: XML data model (XML Infoset) fundamental logical data model, which is used in the database and is available to database users if data type is an XML. XML data model is the basic unit of a physical storage of XML-data without displaying them in a different data model. This brief definition means that XML is not just extended data type, this is how the data is processed, both logically and physically. The data presented in XML, schema correspond to the physical scheme of storage on disk. This model is best for efficient search of XML-data. DATABASE PRODUCTS MySQL database eXist and Sedna databases DATABASE BENCHMARKING Storing XML in file systems We should not forget that the most of XML-documents are stored in file systems. The idea XML-document means storing on disk, just as you keep any of other documents on your desktop. Many applications do not ever go further this first step, and always keep XML-documents in file system. Storing XML documents in file system simple and natural, not only because the term â€Å"XML document† means it, but also that the hierarchical organization of file system is very similar to the hierarchical organization of the document. There is a clear parallel between the syntax of the URL or file path and simple XPath expressions, so it looks quite natural appeal to the node â€Å"/bat/baz† in the â€Å"/foo/bar.xml†. Before moving on to the â€Å"real† XML databases, consider, what are the limitations of XML documents storing in file systems. XML data internally ordered, as in this simple example: Value=123.45 Currency=US Dollars /> Value=4500.12 Currency=US Dollars /> Value=8000.00 Currency=US Dollars /> Document size It makes sense to store XML documents on disk when you need to work with static small sized documents in WWW. File systems can now effectively support gigabyte files; so, knowing a path to any XML document, you can effectively get access to information which was stored in it. Important factor is granularity of information to which access is required. If you always need the complete document, this system works quite well. However, if you need to retrieve only a small part of a large document using DOM or XPath, then you have huge overhead due to having to read all document before you will be able to extract from it part you are interested in. Also, you must do not forget to analyze these documents whenever you access them through the DOM or XPath. Of course, this consideration applies only to this type of work with documents. If all you need is to work with documents without their modification or transformation on WWW, it is better to prepare them to work in XML. Updates Another important question arising during the storage of XML documents on disk are updates. If you manually run a small set of well-formed XML documents on the desktop or the web server, the updates do not cause difficulties. But once you need to enable the updates by many users, or even worse, if you develop a transactional application, you need to take some additional steps to perform updates. One of ways of solution this problem is the storage of documents in the repository WebDAV, which resolves issues of blocking and the parallel addressing instead of you. If you are interested in this approach, you can try to use a version control system such as Subversion (http://subversion.tigris.org/). Subversion can work as a WebDAV repository and provides all the features of version control system, including the fixing of any modifications history of your documents. For many applications it is very important opportunity, and this opportunity is one of those which directly are not supported by the databases considered in this thesis. Description of soil sampling and sample preparation Determination of pendimethalin in methanol extract ANALYSIS 6. DISCUSIONS CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES Carlos Coronel,Steven A. Morris,Peter Rob. Database Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management. Cengage Learning, 2011. 692p. ISBN 9780538469685 AKMAL B EDITOR CHAUDHRI,AWAIS EDITOR RASHID,Roberto Zicari. Xml Data Management: Native Xml and Xml-Enabled Database Systems. Addison-Wesley Professional, 2003. 641p. ISBN 9780201844528 EMC Education Services. Information Storage and Management: Storing, Managing, and Protecting Digital Information in Classic, Virtualized, and Cloud Environments. John Wiley Sons, 2012. 528p. ISBN 9781118236963 Vrana,I. Projecting of information systems with UML, CULS Prague, 2009, 150p. ISBN 9788021319769 http://kavayii.blogspot.cz/2010/01/xml.html Comparison of relational and XML data storage methods Noronjon Qalandarov CULS, Prague 2014Page 1

The Industrial Revolution :: European Europe History

The Industrial Revolution Examine in detail the History of the Industrial Revolution. Discuss why Britain led the way in the Industrial Revolution and also explain in detail the effects of industrialization on society. Had it not been for the industrial revolution, I would doubt very much that we would enjoy the technology we have in the year 2000. The reason we have this technology is that between the years 1750 and 1914 a great change in the world's history was made. People started to discover faster methods of producing goods, which increased their economy. These people were mainly British and French, but after a few years the French were distracted by their revolution, and the British continued to industrialize. However you must not think this industrialization had no effects on society because it did. So in this essay I am going to talk about the history of the industrial revolution, discuss why Britain led the way in the industrial revolution and also I am going to explain to you in detail the effects of industrialization on society. In the midevel ages people were living in total darkness, and they did not know what was going on in the world around them. Happily the medieval ages were followed by the renaissance. Then came the year 1750, the year of the agricultural revolution in Britain which led away to a revolution in industry. Charles Townshend for example was one of the people who made the agricultural revolution possible. He suggested rotating the crops every year or two, to help the soil get enriched with vitamins and nutrition's. The America's then introduced potatoes to Great Britain. New farm machines were invented, for example Jethro Tull developed a seed drill which planted seeds in straight rows and farmers began using new iron plows in place of inofitiant wooden plows. In addition to that, the enclosure movement brought wealthy people to farm larger amounts of land, which was very good for the agricultural revolution. This revolution improved peoples diet and health leading to an increased populati on, which demanded healthy food, clothing and employment. Since many farmers were seeking jobs, they found it now in the textile industry, which created a new demand for laborers. You shall notice now that the mechanical inventions were so rapid and each one triggered another new one. A few examples of these inventions are the flying shuttle by John Kay, the spinning jenny by James Hargraves, the water frame by Richard Akriwght, the power loom by Edward Cartwight, Samuel Cromptons spinning mule, and Eli Whitney's cotton gin.

Admissions Essay: The Study of Medicine :: Medicine College Admissions Essays

Admissions Essay: I Intend to Pursue the Study of Medicine "The best prize life offers if the chance to work hard at work worth doing."(1) This is the premise on which my academic and career aspirations are based. The goals that I have chosen are those that will benefit others and enhance my growth by requiring me to face challenges successfully. Most importantly, my goals are all things that I will love doing, and any positive goal that a person has her heart in is work worth doing. My primary academic interest is molecular biology, specifically genetics. I first became interested in this field while reading scientific articles on DNA Fingerprinting and genetic research. I have also probed the ethical debate that recent advancements in genetic engineering have spawned. My reading has inspired me to pursue the study of genetics in college. It is a field that will not only require me to think scientifically, but will also challenge me to harmonize my studies with my ethical values. I know that genetics is a field for which I have strong potential. As an undergraduate, I look forward to researching the causes of aging and learning to develop preventive medicines by studying the maps of the human genome. A strong background in molecular biology will help me to reach my professional goal of being a doctor of medicine. A successful career is based on a strong desire to pursue the career and a clear understanding of what it entail. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to experience the medical profession first-hand when I shadowed an oncologist early in my senior year. My observation day went as I had expected until a patient with swollen eyes and a handful of crumpled tissues came in with an emergency appointment. Terminally ill, she had contemplated suicide the weekend before and needed someone to talk to. From this experience, I learned that being a doctor would require me to do more than heal patients physically. It would require me to put in the extra effort to deal aptly with situations that were incurable with a stethoscope and a prescription. The experience gave me an extra edge by giving me confidence in my career choice and a full understanding of what my goals entailed. In high school, I have selected many activities with my career choice in mind.

Racism Revealed: Hurricane Katrina Essays -- Personal Essays Natural D

Hurricane Katrina struck the city of New Orleans, Louisiana on August 29th, 2005. The events that followed would leave the whole nation in shock until this day. One of the major topics of discussion after this disaster was whether or not the government's slow reaction time had anything to do with the fact that New Orleans is sixty-seven percent African American. As helicopters circled a wasteland that was once a major tourist attraction, the racism of the Deep South, thought to be extinct, proved it was only dormant. The same racism against African Americans that could be seen on Bourbon Street in the months prior to the hurricane reared its ugly head once more in Gretna, LA and was pointed out on live television by rapper Kanye West. In February of 2005, Georgian Southern University student Levon Jones died of suffocation after being detained on the ground by three white bouncers at a Bourbon Street bar. Black leaders have blamed Jones' death on the widespread racist policies in the French Quarter." Their claims are based on a survey sponsored by the city of New Orleans in which it was revealed that fifteen of twenty-nine Bourbon Street bars "discriminated against Blacks by charging phony cover charges, gouging on drink prices and enforcing unequal dress codes." Almost five months after Jones's death, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held a march to protest the racist policies of business owners in the French Quarter. This proves that racism against African Americans did exist in New Orleans prior to Hurricane Katrina. After Hurricane Katrina was done wreaking havoc on the Gulf Coast, victims of the hurricane from New Orleans sought food and shelter in the neighboring to... ...cuation Route." Nicholas Riccardi. September 18th, 2005 pg. 25 Document URL: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=898116091&SrchMode=1&sid=3&Fmt=3&VIns t=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1128370496&clientId=10762 Proquest Document ID: 898116091 3. Chicago Tribune. "Racism charge in slow flow of relief supplies." September 6th, 2005 pg. 9 Document URL: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=892613891&SrchMode=1&sid=6&Fmt=3&VIns t=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1128370816&clientId=10762 Proquest Document ID: 892613891

Importance of Marketing of a Bank

Executive Summary Bank as the financial services business is prospect full historical sequence. Banks are straight agents to make opportunities for expansion in a country and also make available huge scale of employment opportunities. Banks must compensation publics’ currency when they require, also it makes or not. So, the compensation package of a bank should be analyzed carefully. Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited has its victorious the past, wonderful present, potential prospect and under giving out projects and behavior.Established as the first private sector bank completely owned by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited has been prosperous as the biggest private sector Bank with the way of time after opposite many pressure and damage. The members of the board of directors are innovative entrepreneur and foremost industrialist of the country. To stay overcome with time and in agreement with national and international financial behavior and for representatio n all current services.Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited as a financial organization, computerized all its branches with computer networks in agreement with the aggressive commercial insist of time. Moreover, bearing in mind its forth-coming future, the communications of the Bank has been rearranged. The belief of all category businessmen, entrepreneurs and general community is a great deal additional to Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited.Keeping the target in mind, Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited has taken arrangements to open 15 new branches and 5 SME centers by the year 2010. In this report, I have tried my best to identify â€Å"Determine the Level of Satisfaction of Customers at Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited, Mohakhali Branch†. And lastly, find out the proper solution and for the customer’s dissatisfaction regarding the service has been provided.

Swimming Sport How Import

scholarly person Name Fatma Mohamed H any(prenominal) move Sport Swimming sportsman is one of the best sports which start a lot of advantages and few disadvantages. It is recyclable to any one and healthy, but it take some conditions in order to be able to reduce or fend off its disadvantages. Swimming as a sport is considered healthy which raft be act for a lifetime. It is intelligent for heart, muscle tone, and book healthy joints. Any person can start learning melted at young age and continue engross this sport to the last day in his or her life.Also, it cools you off, especially in summer when the weather is hot and humid. In accompaniment to that swimming is a great lesson without the angle pounding you. It is nice for any one and it calms you. It is good as a recreational activity. It helps in building temperament such as time counseling and discipline. It builds endurance, fitness and muscles strength. It makes your body flexible and comfortable. It puts in truth brusk stress on joints and does learn strong muscle to play it.Therefore, it is good for you mental health because it calms you. It does help you retrogress weight when person swims faster a little bit. One more advantage, it reduces the endangerment of drowning. In the matter of facts I plant that there are no study disadvantages for the swimming sports. If you do mined not having darker skin, it cause tanned body. It does a little to lose weight, because swimming is water ground exercise. If you swim in a chlorinated family be aware that you are captivating a lot of the chemical finished your skin.Public pools are not ever clean. The contaminated water makes your skin dirt. That federal agency you stop burning calories once you result water owning to its cooling effect. Therefore, it is important to turn over other sports such as ladder or bicycling to sustain weight loss. One more disadvantage for umpteen people that is caused damaged hair. Finally, I elect swimming sport because it is safe, easy to me. It is not risky as karate, boxing or horseback riding. I consider swimming the best summer sport of all.

I Love My Country Essay

I love my expanse. I am rarified to be a Canadian. We live in a fair landed estate we construct ample natural resources we hold a long peaceful history we be a really multicultural nation we abide made major contributions to the advancement of society and we be, alone in all, a great people.Canada is the second largest land mass on man and what a pretty-pretty country it is Surrounded by three oceans, it has an unthinkable variety of landscape. From the vast, pure, arctic north, to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, to the prairies, by means of the rocky Canadian Shield, the fertile farmlands of southern Ontario and Qubec, to the fair Maritime Provinces, Canada is amazing. Each region has its own beauty. Our cities be filled with exciting things to do our small towns argon take and profuse with history our farmlands atomic number 18 big and peaceful. In my southern Ontario home, I can have intercourse four beautiful seasons and, within little much than an hour, I can be experiencing the countrys largest city, resting along the shores of the Great Lakes, or hiking through wild trails. I cannot imagine anywhere else on earth with such(prenominal) beauty and diversity.Our amazing landscape overly provides us with many natural resources, which we have whapledgeable to harvest. Hydro power from Niagara Falls, abundant forests and fish stocks, fertile farmland, rich oil fields the list is long. We have more than than enough to help ourselves and, along the way, we have ample opportunities to help the rest of the world. Our wealth gives us so many advantages and, I think, special responsibility in the global village.One of the things about Canada which makes me closely proud is our peaceful history. Certainly, we have been involved in wars and, when indispensable (such as in World War II), Canadian soldiers made a major difference. But the Canadian mentality is oriented towards peace. Our troops are peace-keepers, not aggressors. Our inst incts are to resolve our problems through negotiations, not bloodshed. both(prenominal) in our relationships with other countries and in our internal problems, we track down to avoid violence. Even in our most knotty divisions around the treatment of native peoples and in the Qubec fissiparous questions violence is rare. It does happen there are invariably people who will be extreme. But we have never had any all-out wars, and I disbelieve that we ever will.Our attitude towards peace also contributes to our congress safety. Of course, there are incidents of violence in Canada. The Montral massacre of 11 years ago and late(a) episodes of school violence uprise readily to mind. However, both our laws and our collective sensibility makes us less belike to experience violence. We dont have to worry about being shot when we walk external our doors. In an increasingly violent world, we can nonetheless feel safe and secure in our homes.I am particularly grateful for Canadas div ersity. Canada truly is a multicultural nation. In Canada, people of distinguishable colours, races and religions live together. We dont have neighbourhoods which are defined as white or color. We learn from one another and, in my opinion, our lives are richer for the opportunity to share in such vary experiences.The world is also greatly enriched by the contributions of Canadians. A Canadian team, led by Drs. Banting and Best, detect insulin. Another Canadian, Joe Naismith, created the game of basketball. Canadians invented the mechanical arm which is apply on space shuttle missions. And, perhaps most importantly to all teenagers, one Canadian, Alexander whole wheat flour Bell, revolutionized communication with the invention of the telephoneCanadians have, as well, had a huge presence on the world stage. From diplomats such as Lester Pearson to entertainers such as Celine Dion, the world has come to know and love Canadians. But its not just the famous who make Canada special. Everywhere I go in this country, I meet wonderful, welcoming people. When I read the works of Canadian authors, abide Canadian television, read Canadian magazines, I know just how special our country is.Canada is my home, and I penury it to stay the way that it is. I love this country and, at this difficult time, I am enumerate on those in powers in this country the politicians and the adults who select them to believe that Canada IS worth saving, and to work to save it.