Anheuser-Busch Inbev Analysis

Contents 1. Introduction2 2. Advantages of investing in China2 2. 1 Abundant human and energy resources2 2. 2 Development in relevant infrastructure and openness to international trade3 3. Disadvantages of investing in China3 3. 1 Low income of people3 3. 2 technology and unequal investment3 4. Benefits for FDI in China4 4. 1 Economy is affected in many ways4 4. 2 trade expansion4 5. Evidence of the negative effect for FDI in China4 5. 1 FDI threaten local enterprises and capital transfer4 5. 2 Unbalanced investing5 5. 3 Environmental problems5 6. Suggestion5 7. Conclusion6 8.Bibliography7 The impact of foreign direct investment in China Introduction Foreign direct investment (hereafter referred to as FDI) has created significant impacts in China after the Opening-Reform in the late 1970s, China has been successful in attracting FDI, which has been played an crucial role in the economic development of China. China has now become the second largest foreign direct investment (FDI) bene ficiary country in the world following the US. Annual FDI inflow was below $US100 in 1979, but exceeded $US580 billion in 2006, with an annual growth rate of close to 30%. Fung et al. 2004). This trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future, especially given the country’s entry into the WTO. Many advantages can be identified in FDI, including boost employment rate, calculate capitals and increase domestic competitive. On the other hand, there are also some drawbacks of FDI in China. This essay will start with a display of the advantages and disadvantages of investing in China, then describe benefits and drawbacks brought by FDI and finally provide several correspondence suggestions.Advantages of investing in China 2. 1 Abundant human and energy resources China has a large population of approximately 1. 3 billion indicating a huge consumption power and market. The purchasing power of Chinese people is increasing dramatically in the last decade, which means China cou ld attract more and more FDI in the future. (Tarun, 2012). Furthermore, China has resource availability and low cost of labor force, which means investors can easily employ enough workers with a relatively low cost. The country is also rich in energy resources.Foreign corporations could obtain a variety of resources when investing in China. China is the largest producer of coal in the world is an appropriate example for this. (Zhang, 2002 see in Tarun, 2012). Therefore, China is an excellent destination for investment. (Callaghan & Cassidy, 2003 see in Tarun, 2012). 2. 2 Development in relevant infrastructure and openness to international trade China has been striving to improve related infrastructure, which contributes to attract FDI. For example, highways, railways and interior transport waterways have adjusted according to the host province.It is always true that the availability of physical infrastructure significantly influences the decision of investment particularly in a fore ign land. Moreover, China has implemented economic reforms and Open Door policies. Meanwhile, China has put efforts in promoting trade by adopting several bilateral and unilateral trade arrangements and actions such as reducing tariff barriers. (Tarun, 2012). Disadvantages of investing in China 3. 1 Low income of people There are some disadvantages for investing in China. Firstly, the income of people is relatively low in China.The production capacity is growing but the low per capital income may lead to periodically saturation, which makes it difficult for foreign companies to develop. (Tarun, 2012). . 3. 2 technology and unequal investment In terms of technology disparity and lack of labor qualification in some certain areas may also need to improve. Furthermore, unequal investments in different sectors are another key disadvantage in China. For example, there is saturation in traditional sectors but not many investments in chemical and automobile sectors.There are still some barr iers in the areas of administrative enforcement and non-tariff measures. Even some changes are taking place, many tasks needed to be accomplished to construct the legal system which benefits market economy. The existing legal basis, legislation procedure and operating mechanism are not fully suitable with the requirements of market economy (Rongala, 2007 see in Tarun, 2012). Benefits for FDI in China 4. 1 Economy is affected in many ways The benefits brought by FDI to China are apparent. Economy is influenced by FDI in a number of ways.FDI involves transfer knowledge in the host country, which will create an increase on the existing stock of knowledge through labor training, the transfer of skills, and the transferring of new managerial and organizational experience. Also, it can help local corporations to access to advanced technology by capital accumulation in host countries (Mello, 1999 and Mello, 1997). Furthermore, FDI may allow China to develop in technology and knowledge whic h are not readily available locally, as a consequent increase productivity growth through the economy (Jose, 2003). . 2 trade expansion China’s expansion in trade is accompanied by the increase of FDI and growing trade by foreign invested enterprises. (Fung, 2002) Contribution of FDI has increased dramatically since the early 1980s, especially in the 1990s. During 1980 and 1985, trade by FDI constituted less than 0. 6% of total export and 2. 1% of total import. The shares went up to 7. 3% and 12. 8% respectively in the second half of 1980s. In the 1990s, trade by FDI accelerated and their share in China’s total trade increased to 44% and 53% for the years 1996 and 2000.The rise in FDI share in total trade indicates the growing contribution of FDI in the growth of China’s trade. (Fung, 2002). Evidence of the negative effect for FDI in China 5. 1 FDI threaten local enterprises and capital transfer The local firms may lose markets due to low productivity or less ad vanced technology because the real significant assessment of FDI may be organized on a high indispensable status for the long term national satisfaction, which involves multinational corporations (MNCs). As a result, massive amounts of people will be unemployed, which may lead to social instability. Sarumi and Adewumi 2006) Also if proper regulation does not exist in the host country, FDI can serve as a source of capital flight from the developing countries to the developed ones. For instance, due to some specific risks in the host country (economic and political risks), there could be large flow of capital transfer from the host country to the home country if there is no legislation against such practice. This may create an adverse effect on the host economy especially if such capital is sourced for within the host country. 5. 2 Unbalanced investingThe disparity of the poor and the wealth is increasing result from FDI tend to invest in coastal areas, which causes an unbalanced deve lop in economy between western areas and coastal regions. 5. 3 Environmental problems Result from MNCs’ higher production capacity, FDI could lead to a number of environmental problems which sometimes is not well taken care of or neglected especially in the mining sector by local government (Bora 2002 see in Sarumi and Adewumi 2006). Suggestion Given the negative side of FDI in China, government should take actions to address the problems.Firstly, local enterprises could be protected by a heavy tax on purchasing products of foreign companies. Moreover, government should assist local firms through funding. Secondly, it is advisable to implement the strategy of encouraging FDI through the development of regional central cities in the west. Also, Special and preferential policies for the specific projects should be provided by the government in the west that conforms with the industrial development in the area. Some particular regions should possess the flexibility of making pol icies in accordance with the local situation.It is important to notice that narrowing the economy gap can attract more FDI as well. Finally, appropriate law and regulations should be made or strengthened to constrain the capital transfer from host country to home nation and protect the environment. Conclusion China has made a great improvement in its reforms to open up its market for foreign direct investment. This assay describes the advantages and disadvantages of FDI in China, then analysis several benefits and negative impacts brought by FDI. Some suggestions also are provided.Foreign direct investment is still concentrated in the southeast and the coastal areas, which should be addressed by making policies and loosing regulations in western countries. However, there are some limitations in the project, for example, the increasing number of FDI cause the productivity and technology spillover is not covered, which will be researched in the future. Bibliography FUNG, K. C. , HITOM I, I. , and SARAH, T. , ed. , 2002. conference on ? China’? s Economy in the 21st Century? to be held on June 24-25, 2002, Hong Kong: Foreign Direct Investment in China: Policy, Trend and Impact.GALINA, H. , and CHERYL, L. , 2011. Are there productivity spillovers from Foreign direct investment? Pacific Economic Review, 16(2), 135-153 HAIYING, W. , 2004. economic research center discussion paper: A Comprehensive Evaluation of and Policy Recommendation to Foreign Direct Investment Environments in Western China. Nagoya University. KELLY, L. , 2011. Foreign Direct Investment in China Manufacturing Industry –Transformation from a Low Tech to High Tech Manufacturing. International Journal of Business and Management, 6(7), 15-27. SARUMI, A. , 2006.The Impact of FDI on Growth in Developing Countries: An African Experience. Master thesis, J. NK. PING University. SIZHONG, S. , (2011). Foreign Direct Investment and Technology Spillovers in China’s Manufacturing Sector. Th e Chinese Economy, 44(2), 25-42. TARUN, K. B. , (2012) Advantages and Disadvantages of FDI in China and India, international Business Research, 5(5), 164-174. USMAN, M. , MIR, H. , and AAMIR, M. , 2011. Does Market Size Affect Foreign Direct Investment? A Case of China. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, 3(7), 1026-1033.

Behavioral Sciences

Economic status such as severe economic stress and unemployment is important to explore when a child protective service (CPS) worker tries to validate an abuse. The complexity of this area and its association with other factors makes it a significant field in the process of verification of the presence of child abuse. The economic constraints or poverty per se is not the direct cause of child abuse but rather the effects of it such as stress, substance abuse, domestic violence and depression(Index).An increase in the number of child abuses due to stress caused by poverty, unemployment, and economic decline is reported(Health24). Poverty and unemployment are considered as important risk dynamics in maltreatment of children(Congress of the United States 1988). Studies concluded that in families with low annual income the occurrence of severe or fatal injuries because of physical abuse and neglect is high(Neil Guterman, 2005). Unemployment can bring stress to the family resulting to chi ld abuse. The root of the stress in unemployment is money problem.When a parent loses a job the family will experience economic constraints and when interlinked with other factors this leads to child abuse. In child maltreatment, unemployment is considered as the most important forecaster of cases. Various studies done on the relation of unemployment and child abuse indicates that the incidence of child abuse increases proportionally with raises of unemployment cases(Congress of the United States 1988). Employed fathers are less likely to commit physical abuse to their children when compared to unemployed ones.Another study also resulted into the conclusion that the number of cases of maltreatment increases with the number of unemployed fathers. Hypothesis of researches indicates that fathers who lost there job tries to reinstate their provider persona through abuse in their children and any family member. Behavioral changes such as irritability, increased temper, and being tense ar e observed in fathers that has financial problems. These uncontrollable economic burdens tend to provoke the breakdown of a parent’s ability to regain control over the situation(Neil Guterman, 2005).It doesn’t mean though that child abuse only happens in poor households or communities. It has no social or economic boundaries but only with higher incidence in economically challenged families. There are also cases of child abuse that involves people with monetary capacity but those cases are in association with other factors like history of abuse, depression, and stress due to other factors. If I am a CPS worker I will explore the area first by getting the necessary historical information. Answers to questions such as who, what, when, where, how and why must be obtained(Justice, 2001 ).Interviews with the victim, the offender, and people in their environment will help in answering the aforementioned question(NY). Research should be done on the financial status of the fam ily including the employment status of the parents, the amount of annual income, the capacity to sustain the family’s needs through the income of parents, any family need that are not sustain due to income constraints, and any debts that will affect the economic standing of the family. After data gathering, the analysis of the obtained information is done. Association between the financial profile and child abuse is analyzed.Evidences of the abuse should be searched in order to be able to substantiate the claim of child abuse. Information can be acquired by interview with the alleged offenders, the child, and individuals that can give information about the case like neighbors, and family friends(NY). Interview with the parent(s) of the alleged victim is conducted. Then interview with the alleged victim is done in a private setting with the permission of the parents of course. A medical examination of the victim is done especially in cases of sever injuries and sexual abuse.Th e supposed place where the incident happened is examined and documented. Then the alleged victim is visited unannounced to identify the condition in the home. Individuals that can contribute substantial information about the case are also interviewed privately(Services, 2006). In investigation of child abuse cases credibility of evidence is defined as the likelihood that the information gathered is accurate. There are two types of evidence used in investigating the finding; and, these are the direct and indirect evidence.Statements of witnesses are classified as direct evidences, while the indirect evidences rely on the presence of existence or nonexistence of circumstantial facts(Network, 2007). The investigator in order to determine if the information that will be used as evidence, he needs to assess the value and relevance of the information. The following are factors that affect the credibility of evidence gathered from all sources: corroborating evidence, source of information, and direct interest. Corroborating evidence are those that enables the pinpointing of facts and evidences that sustain prior statements.Evidences classified as corroborating evidence gain more weight of credibility than those without verification or with sources that are independent. An example of corroborating physical evidence is a loop mark that is can be seen in the back of a child that gave a prior statement that he was hit by an extension cord. A corroborating witness is a person that verifies the prior statement of a certain person -the accused, accuser, or other witness. Source of information is more credible when it is more direct source of information that provides the foundation for a source’s opinion.Example is that when a medical doctor gives his opinion using the medical records, it serves as a more credible source than that of a caseworker’s opinion of the injury. Direct interest offers greater accuracy when the person who stated the information has not hing to lose or to gain in doing so. The worker verifying the information must seek out independent verifications of the information given by suspects(Network, 2007). Professional sources credibility also has some factors that affect it. It does not necessarily apply that because the source of the information is a professional it’s already considered as accurate.Professionals have no equal credibility in giving information thus evaluation of information given needs to be done according to the following factors: training, experience, and specialization. The more training a professional has attended the more his credibility increases when compared to a professional with no training at all. Experience in the field of scope is necessary to increase the weight of credibility of the professional. Thus, a professional with more experience in the field of interest is more credible.Increase in relevance to the subject of interest of a professional specialization also increases the pro fessional’s credibility(Network, 2007). Evidence gathered from non-professional sources needs to be verified and the factors that affect the credibility of these sources are: consistency, and plausibility. Especially if the non-professional source is the person being investigated, appropriate measures of caution should be employed. It necessitates independent verification of the evidence provided by this source or gathering of more sources.Consistent information is more credible and a plausible statement is the statement that seems true when the facts and circumstances are considered(Network, 2007). Credibility children sources are affected by the following factors: age and development of the child, plausibility, and evidence that an account of the facts has been influenced by others. The information given by an older child is greater in credibility than that of a younger child. But a younger child without exposure to sexual acts that is able to describe in detail the events that happen is more credible.In evaluating plausibility of the information from a child source the development of the child’s communication skills and abilities have to be considered. The credibility of a child’s statement is increased if other people are not present during the giving of the statement or no one is pressuring the child(Network, 2007). Credibility of the information depends on the credibility of the sources. Independent verifications of sources should be done to test the accuracy of the information. In doing interviews with a child (18 years old below) either a victim or accused their welfare should be considered first.They should not be subjected to situations that will make them more uncomfortable and will add to the burden of child abuse. 2. I will answer case vignette number 3. The indicator of abuse in case vignette number 3 is of a behavioral type in which the young woman became preoccupied and unable to study. Change in behavior is indicated in th e symptoms of child sexual abuse(MedlinePlus, 2007). The young woman was preoccupied because there was this flashback of the sexual abuse that occurred. Basically the abuse done to the woman can still be classified under the child sexual abuse category because she was abused when she was only 15 years old.The types of abuse involved are: sexual abuse by the father and neglect on the part of the mother because she even accused her daughter of seducing her own father. What will I do with the information? I will search for the name of the woman and address then maybe I could go to her and encourage her to report the abuse that was done to her. If ever that the woman can not afford to report the case to the authorities because she loves her family, I will suggest that the entire family should undergo an emotional and psychiatric treatment. The treatment is especially important to the woman victim for her to be able to move on.Maybe I can also talk to the mother so that someone can advic e her of the pain she is causing her child. Then maybe I might be able to convince her to be by the side of her daughter because in times like this a daughter can be helped much by a loving mother. The given information is not enough for me to report the case to a Child Protective Service so I need to gather more information. Other information needed in reporting cases of child abuse are: name and residence of the child/parents; age, sex, and gender of the child; name of suspect of the child abuse, and composition or profile of the family(Botash, 2007).The course of action that I will take is to report the case to the proper authorities which is the Child Protective Service because the incidence of child abuse continues to increase due to the lack of vigilance in reporting the cases. If each and every citizen will do his/her part in the reporting of these child abuse I think that it might help in decreasing the numbers of the incidence because the abusers will be afraid of the vigil ance of the people and the punishments of their crime.I also think that the case needs to be reported so that the woman can have the proper treatments, psychiatric and emotional related. What would make me decide not to take action is if the woman herself already reported the abuse. I will make my stand in the vigilance of reporting so that the repetition of the abuse by her father can be prevented and the woman will be protected against her parents that abused and neglected her. Thus no matter what happens I will report the case for the safety of the woman, and for her father to be punished if proven guilty.Works Cited Botash, A. â€Å"Child Abuse Evaluation and Treatment for Medical Providers†. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from http://www. childabusemd. com/reporting/how-report. shtml. 2007. Congress of the United States, O. o. T. A. â€Å"Healthy children: investing in the future†. DIANE Publishing. 1988. Health24. â€Å"What causes child abuse? † Retrieved Oc tober 28, 2007, from http://www. health24. com/child/Abuse/833-859,12694. asp Index, L. † Causes and Effects of Child Abuse – Some Contributing Factors to Child Abuse†. Retrieved October 28, 2007, from http://www.libraryindex. com/pages/1388/Causes-Effects-Child-Abuse-SOME-CONTRIBUTING-FACTORS-CHILD-ABUSE. html Justice, U. S. D. o. â€Å"Law Enforcement Response to Child Abuse: Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse†. NCJ. 2001. MedlinePlus. â€Å"Child Abuse†. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from http://www. nlm. nih. gov/medlineplus/childabuse. html#cat5. 2007. Neil Guterman, Y. L. † The Role of Fathers in Risk for Physical Child Abuse and Neglect: Possible Pathways and Unanswered Questions†. Child Maltreat, 10, 136. 2005. Network, P. C.â€Å"Intake / Investigation†. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from http://www. prairienet. org/dcfs-project/investigation/investigation-07. html. 2007. NY, P. C. A. â€Å"A Parents' Guide to the N ew York State Child Protective System†. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from http://www. preventchildabuseny. org/cpsandcourts. shtml#cps Services, O. D. o. H. â€Å"340:75-3-8. 2. Protocol for investigating reports of abuse in child care centers or homes†. Retrieved October 30, 2007, from http://www. okdhs. org/library/policy/oac340/075/03/0008002. htm. 2006.

Direct Digial Control (Building Automation)

The Importance and Understanding of having a Building Automation System Herbert Cuthbertson UAE210 — DIRECT DIGITAL CONTROLS In the past, there was little worry about energy consumption and costs associated with keeping Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), lighting and mechanical machines running at all hours of the day and night possibly. But due to the energy crises of the 1970’s and the last decade of rising costs of oil, the costs of energy not has forced not only families to conserve energy but companies, schools and businesses as well. In comes Direct Digital Controls (DDC) and/or Building Automation System (BAS) Basically a BAS/DDC system is a system that uses microprocessors, digital controls, to control not only hvac, but security, lighting, paging, and telecommunications if necessary. I recently spoke with a neighbor of mine who in the 1970’s worked for facilities management company representing various building in Cincinnati, Ohio. He explained to me that in the past, he and others, at the end of the day/night would have to go to every floor of these buildings and physically switch off the lights and hvac systems to try to conserve energy. With a BAS system, a lot of that time could be eliminated. A BAS system can now turn on a particular set of lights based time, occupancy indicators, or an outside light sensor. It can turn on and off a hvac system in a certain area of the building based on occupancy, provide additional heating or cooling based on a afterhours switch on a thermostat, send out alarms to a facility technician, security, police and fire personnel, and allow trained personnel to remotely access the system and change certain parameters instead of making a possible trip to the building. Preventive Maintenance (PM) on hvac equipment can also be integrated in the BAS. Instead of predicting the amount of run time hours, the BAS can show the correct amount of run time hours and notify personnel when equipment is due for its preventive maintenance. This ensures the equipment is routinely serviced according to the equipment manufacturers schedule. If a building does not have any BAS installed and management personnel is ready to invest in its installation, then this will take a well thought out plan. This plan will need to be constructed by trained personnel who will do the job correctly. This will enable both the building owners and the occupants of the building to enjoy the benefits of future financial gains and a more comfortable building.

American history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

American history - Essay Example It is very evident from different periods that different historical period has left its marks on American economy. All those periods have laid strong base for modern world’s economic super power. Colonial American economy was mainly driven by agriculture. The country tilted towards industrialization from the time of independence. All the industrialization was expanded in 18th century. It started long back in 1776. In that period economy of time 13 original colonies were very strong and stable. At this point of time the country faces great economic expansion as number of population increased and lots of foreign people in fluxed in to the country. People of America became very self sufficient which gave huge boast to their economy. Due to its strategic geographical location, abundant of natural resources has attracted lots of foreigners in to the country. Massachusetts was a great shipping hub. Virginia was an attractive place for business ventures. Fur industry and fishing industry has boosted the local economy very much. Increasing population and foreign trade has developed the American economy at that stage. It was the starting time of global power shifting. At that point o f time white free Americans were accustomed with higher life styles (French 149). In that colonial period people of America earned their livelihood on the basis of small farms. As the colonies grew small local industries like gristmills and sawmills came up. Entrepreneurs started their business endeavours. People started farming rice, grew tobacco and indigo. Building ships and sailing them also was very common for creating wealth. It was a very important phase for economic development in America. It is the time when American people started to unleash their entrepreneurial skills. Americans were fighting for their rights with British people. Britain refused American demand of equality. Americans decided

SWOT ANALYSIS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

SWOT ANALYSIS - Essay Example As matter of fact, via SWOT analysis, many process limitations are numerated, but the most useful information aren’t highlighted. Therefore, the management ought to carry extra analysis to determine the best factor to use during evaluation. Competitive advantage ca n be defined as standing a better a better chance to lure customers in non-monopolistic market structure. According to porter (2012), competitive advantage can only be gained by either cost reduction or product differentiation, but not both. Therefore, a strategic value chain analysis can easily identify stages in production either impact positively on differentiation or reduce costs. Customer satisfaction goes hand in hand with profit maximization goal. Perception that a product is of high value by customers not only reduces their bargaining power but also increases their willingness to purchase. Only satisfied customers can be retained. Therefore, success in value chain analysis depends on how well customer needs are addressed. Ovidijus Jurevicius | 25.04.2013. (2013, April 25). Value Chain Analysis | Strategic Management Insight. Retrieved  February  14, 2015, from

A critical response to the Marketing Myopia Assignment

A critical response to the Marketing Myopia - Assignment Example Additionally, the article presents marketing strategies that can help business management overcome competition and other external forces, which threaten a business. Therefore, this discussion seeks to critically analyze the strengths and weakness of this article, with a focus to understanding the plausibility of the ideas it present. The strength of this article is identifiable in addressing the causative factors for business success or failure. The article clarifies on the misconception held by many people that external forces are the major causes of a business failure. However, according to the article, the reason behind the success or failure of any business is not due to environmental factors such as market saturation, threatened growth or competition. The success or failure of any business or organization is solely determined by the management (Levitt, 2004). The reason the failure of any business has to be attributed to the management because; when the business of an industry d eclines, it is not because the industry was not best suited to serve the people. The industry declines because the management is not able to protect its business from their competitors, who eventually take their customers away from them (Levitt, 2004). If the management can apply strategies for protecting their customer base, their business in any industry will continue thriving. This is one of the strengths of this article, since it emphasizes on the role of prudent management in ensuring the success of a business. Secondly, the article presents another credible argument that serves as another of its strength. Broader focus is the key to success of any business or industry (Levitt, 2004). The article observes that businesses fail because they perceive their investment narrowly, considering competitors to be only those offering similar products and services. This makes the management of the business forget to focus on the whole industry and how it can affect their business. For exam ple, people operating in the railway business will only focus their competitors as those other companies or individuals who own trains, forgetting that they are not in the narrow railroad business, but operating in the transport industry (Levitt, 2004). Therefore, the elaboration given by the article is credible because, in focusing narrowly at the business, the owners of a business are only concerned about the product or service they offer, at the expense of focusing on the customer (Levitt, 2004). Thus, for the success of any business, a wider focus on customer needs is important than focusing on the suitability of the products and services which a business offers. Businesses will succeed more if they focus on understanding and meeting customer needs. Therefore, a business should focus on the overall needs of the customer in the industry it is operating, rather than focusing narrowly on direct competitors. This is because, customer needs can be met by the indirect competitors, who take away the customers served by a business, and meet their needs in a different manner (Levitt, 2004). According to this article, the strength and success of any business lies in its internal innovation. If a business can tailor its innovativeness towards meeting customer needs at the expense of improving the efficiency of its products, the business is sure to succeed (Levitt, 2004). For example, a business operating in the petroleum industry should focus on the needs of the customers in the whole of the energy industry. This would mean that the business works towards meeting the needs of the

Conversation with globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Conversation with globalization - Essay Example At first glance, it actually seems that globalization can become one powerful tool to gain better understanding and appreciation of different cultures, and break historically-rooted cultural stereotypes, given that globalization has enabled different peoples around the world to know more about the culture and way of life that other people from other corners of the globe possess. The sad thing is, despite the opportunities that globalization has offered for people to understand and appreciate more other cultures and other ways of life, it has even fostered adverse reactions among other people, wherein certain cultural groups now even identify themselves in a way that they are able to perceive themselves as opposed to others; in other words, despite globalization, other cultural groups reacted in a way that they would like to differentiate themselves from other cultures (in a negative way), and make this differentiation the defining aspect of their own culture. This attitude only breed s suspicion and misunderstanding between different cultures. Take for instance the division between â€Å"pro-soccer† and â€Å"anti-soccer† Americans as described in the work of Franklin Foer (Foer 235-248). According to Foer, globalization has actually failed some of its expectations, both economically and culturally, given that majority of the world’s nations remain poor, and that some cultures actually fear that â€Å"globalized culture† will eventually erode their own unique cultural identities (Foer 4). In order to illustrate the failures of globalization, particularly in its failure to promote the homogenization of culture (and even attracted the reversion to old cultural identities and hostility to other cultures), Foer actually used the ever famous worldwide sport of soccer (Foer 235). Looking at the feud between pro-soccer and anti-soccer Americans, Foer actually found out that Americans who hate soccer even stated that â€Å"that hating soccer is more American than apple pie, driving a pickup, or spending Saturday afternoons channel surfing with the remote control†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Foer 240), and that â€Å"people with actual power believe that soccer represents a genuine threat to the American way of life† (Foer 240-241). In fact, as Foer wrote, â€Å"The former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jack Kemp, one of the most influential conservatives of the 1980s, a man once mentioned in the same breath as the presidency holds this view. In 1986, he took to the floor of the United States Congress to orate against a resolution in support of an American bid to host the World Cup. Kemp intoned, â€Å"I think it is important for all those young out there, who someday hope to play real football, where you throw it and kick it and run with it and put it in your hands, a distinction should be made that football is democratic, capitalism, whereas soccer is a European socialist [sport].’’ (Foer 241) In this case, it can be seen that despite the windows that globalization has opened, particularly in letting other people see the dynamics of other cultures, or even other pastimes for this matter, some cultural groups actually resist

Demonic Possession and demons Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Demonic Possession and demons - Research Paper Example Definition and Characteristics of Demons and Demonic Possessions The term â€Å"demonic possession† belongs only to one of the two supposed major types of possession states, the other one being those â€Å"occurring within the context of religious experiences† (Ferracuti et al. 525-526). In fact, a possession trance is defined as â€Å"the presence of a single or episodic altered state of consciousness, in which a person’s customary identity is replaced by a new identity attributed to the influence of a spirit or deity† (525). This means that possession is just as simple as a spirit taking over the physical body and directing it. Nevertheless, there may be two major types of possession depending on nature – the pathologic type, which are known as demonic possessions and the ones often depicted in movies as the devil inhabiting bodies of people; and the religious type, which are particularly found in â€Å"ritual ceremonies† (526) and are norm ally characterized as having â€Å"a valid individual and social function† (526). Demonic possessions, due to the fact that they are necessarily pathologic, and physically and mentally damaging, are therefore a more urgent subject for discussion compared to the religious type. These possessions usually last from five minutes to two hours. (527) The possessing agent, or the evil spirit, that is believed to inhabit the physical body of the possessed victim would usually have a number of characteristics. First, they are usually identified as male and are therefore relatively more sexual, aggressive, intense and agitated (527), thus causing these manifestations of behavior in the victim. The agent is also of a different moral character from the possessed (527). In most cases, the possessing agent is believed to cause the victim to vomit, cough and spit and at the same time roar, growl and bark (527). This is perhaps one of the most remarkable characteristics of one possessed by a n evil spirit. The victim also displays â€Å"facial expressions of anger and hate† (527) and would angrily or sarcastically curse God (527). Moreover, the agent is also lucid and clear about its identity and intention as it often states its identity, curses God and expresses â€Å"disgust for the body it had possessed† (527). Lastly, there is usually a rolling of the eyes and a deepening of the voice in the victim (527). Nevertheless, most demonic possessions would usually begin with â€Å"unexplainable nausea and vomiting† and â€Å"constant difficulty in praying† (527). Nevertheless, demonic possession does not happen to everyone but to a chosen select few. What qualities then characterize these people who end up being possessed? One of these qualities is a previous diagnosis and treatment of a psychological disorder or schizophrenia (529). These people are also very much engrossed in paranormal experiences, have complex personalities, and have an impa ired sense of reality (525). Nevertheless, most of these people are believed to have two distinct characteristics from those not possessed: they have â€Å"recurrent depression episodes† and they â€Å"used to belong to ritualistic satanic groups† (528). As these people are possessed, it then follows that the best and most immediate solution is to seek a solution. The solution is usually exorcism or casting out of the demon, as described in the Catholic document Ritual

Thomas Coram in the Enlightenment period Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Thomas Coram in the Enlightenment period - Essay Example Key to the drivers of enlightenment were the ability to use and celebrate the ability to reason, and the power by which human beings could understand the universe and improve the conditions under which they lived. They worked towards the achievement of rational humanity goals which they considered to freedom, knowledge, and freedom. To achieve this, different people played different roles the best way they knew how. Philosophers were at their best speaking out their philosophical ideas, artists trying their best to pass different messages through their works of art, and other great thinkers as well. One Thomas Coram was a philanthropic captain, and he played a big role in shaping the young children who were suffering from abject poverty and their parents could not maintain them. He started a charitable foundation whose storyline is inspirational as to how big his heart was, and a how big a dream he had.During the eighteenth century, London was full of dualism. It comprised of a hedon istic and gullible crowd that always collided with men who were keen on doing good and constructive work. At that time, one of the greatest social problems ailing was the mind-boggling number of children that had been abandoned by their parents for good, and those who had been left at the mercies of the parish.It had always happened that illegitimate children would be taken to the parish to take care of them. These included children whose parents were too poor to support them or others who had become negligent enough not to care for them.

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) Essay

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) - Essay Example This is precisely the reason why we have witnessed a shift from bureaucratic approach from the beginning of 19th century, to humanistic approach. While performing literature reviews and discussion with HR/ HC executives to understand strategic human resource management, I have found that SHRM gives a quantifiable value to contributions made by HR teams and helps them develop HR architecture and workface that aliens well to organizational objectives, giving rise to a competitive advantage. Careful analysis of strategic HRM reveals that human capital management is mandatory for today’s rapidly changing environment. In my view, the pace shown by today’s organizations and enterprises demand a fast-responding HR management teams that can alter the orientation of human capital with reference to organizational goals. This analysis of today’s human resource management practices had made me develop an understanding of this basic concept of strategic HRM. Through literatur e review and practical observations, I have observed that SHRM gives a new direction to traditional administrative role of HRM. It is about alienating the role and behavior of the workforce in a manner that corresponds to organizational objectives, mission and vision (Vosburgh, 2007). This is precisely the point where the concept of HR business partnership emerges. Going through present theories and thorough discussion with some of HR acquaintances has helped me develop an understanding that HR business partnership needs capital investment which is a sole decision made by organizational leadership. Without knowing the return on investment, it is difficult for management to provide funds for future developments. Here, SHRM emerges as the crutches that today’s weak Human capital managers need. This concept helps HR managers to analyze the value that they can bring to the business like other strategic functions of the organization (Scott-Jackson, 2009). Further discussions with HR executives helped me gain more insight of SHRM theory. In my view, SHRM defines a road map for HR executives via whom they can devise tools for acquiring and retaining suitable human capital that is well-versed with organizational practices and owns suitable skills set inventory. In addition to that, it is also important to ensure that this human capital is provided with necessary extrinsic and intrinsic benefits in order to keep them motivated. Where HRM has core responsibility of above mentioned functions, SHRM moves one step forward by devising frameworks through which HR systems and practices can actually assist organizational leaders in enhancing organizational performance and development. Hence, in my view, SHRM is a tool for gaining a competitive advantage that allows organizational management to achieve its business targets in an effective manner (Becker & Huselid, 2006). This understanding of SHRM function made me perform further analysis of the techniques used or sugges ted by today’s executives for achieving the objectives of this new regime. In order to gain this understanding, I performed a thorough analysis of various organizational models and live case studies. Through this research, I came to know that the foundation of SHRM is an understanding of the organizational objectives and goals in financial terms (Becker & Huselid, 2006). Once these concrete figures are available, HR executives are required to present HRM

The TJX company Essay Example for Free

The TJX company Essay The company used Wired Equivalent Privacy encryption system to handle their client’s credit and debit card information. This system was very easy for any hacker to gain access to people’s information. It was completely out of date and did not encrypt anything within the company, which made it more vulnerable. They did not install firewall security correctly. TJX had purchased many other security programs that were not properly installed. They kept customer’s information in their system longer than what is required by law. TJX could have switched to WiFi Protected Access (WPA) to encrypt their client’s personal data information, but failed to do so. This system is much more sophisticated that the previous system and it encrypted everyone’s information, because it was more complex. Firewalls should have been installed correctly because it could have been prevented and would have saved the company the embarrassment of knowing that their system was not safe. This data should have been protected when transferring information over a wireless connection. The business effect of TJX’s data loss will cost them significantly. Because of their incompetence of not installing the proper software needed to ensure customer’s information, this will cost them $202 million to deal with the theft and the lawsuits brought on. They agreed to strengthen their system security and agreed to have third-party auditors to check their security features every 2 years, for the next 20 years. There was research conducted by a company called Forrester Research, which estimated that their business would cost them $1 billion for the next five years. This finding was based on the cost of additional marketing, security upgrades, consultants, and attorney fees. The moral dimension that may be applied is the fact that they need to ensure that the customer’s information is secure and encrypted. The next thing for the company is to take full responsibility for the data loss when they could have taken the simple measures of doing so.

Analysis of Existing Products Essay Example for Free

Analysis of Existing Products Essay In the design brief I had stated that I will create some kind of thing which will enable me to keep my books cleanly organized and safe. In the past days I have searched on the Internet and in my surrounding community for existing products, which keep books organized and safe. All the sizes are rounded. All the sizes are in inches. The different types of objects/things I have found are: * Open Bookshelf * Closed Bookshelf * Filing Cabinet * Portable Bookshelf * Multi Purpose Bookshelf Below I have described about the products I found for each specific objects. Design/Theme: Open Bookshelf Materials: Open Bookshelf can be made out of basically anything. Wood, Metal (Steel), Marble, Plastic, Glass are all the materials used for making a bookshelf. But the most common material used is Wood and Metal. These is because they are the strongest materials among listed and also are available in great quantities. Functions/Purpose: The function and purpose of a open bookshelf is to keep books. When books are kept without good care, they usually get in bad quality. Another reason the bookshelf does is that it allow the user to easily find his book, rather than going through piles of books. Durability: Since open bookshelves are made from different materials, it depends on what they are made from. If they are made from wood, the durability is high. Wood is a material, which lasts long unless it is put in a condition where nature can access it. But as my open bookshelf would be kept inside the room, or house, it will be safe and last a long time. Whereas Metal has the highest durability compared to all the other materials. They do not get rotted or fungus like wood and are not breakable like glass. They are very strong and attractive looking. Marble is another durable material too. Plastics are durable also, but depending on what conditions they are under. Plastic can react quite quickly with heat and damaged easily. But as my bookshelf would be inside the house, it would not be greatly affected by the sunlights rays. So as it can be seen most of the materials used to make a bookshelf are greatly durable and therefore the product will also be durable. Examples: Open Bookshelf are available in different sizes and different materials. I would like my open bookshelf to be of a medium size. Below are some examples of Open Bookshelf. Environmental Impact? Social Significance? Personal Comments: I think that an open bookshelf is a great product. This is because it fulfills my design brief almost. It allow books to be kept easily stored. The Materials used in the product are good except plastic and wood. Plastic is a material which is not recyclable and that means it is harmful to the environment. Also while in the manufacturing process of plastic lots of harmful gases are left into the air. Wood is a good material to use, as it is durable but cutting trees are producing it, which is not good for our environment. Therefore these materials are harmful to the environment. Bookshelves shown above also have a good color as it matches with my house. But the only thing bad about some of the bookshelves are their prices. Like the ones shown above, some of them are over $500. Even though the materials are very good, I think this price is too expensive. Most of the products have a good size as they are medium. But some of them are too huge. I feel the bookshelves on the most top right are the best as their price, weight, size are all under limits. And as it is made from metal, the durability is also high. I feel these products will be very helpful in solving my problem. But if I decide to use these open bookshelves, I am keeping my books organized but not safe. As the bookshelf is open, dust, insects and all other things will be affecting the conditions of my books. Therefore the open bookshelf does not fully fulfill my needs. Sources: * http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/SKU.asp?BCFlag=FalsePageType=1SKU=449571 * http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000068E82/ref=ase_dealtime-das/104-1481322-3590320?v=glances=office-products * http://www.eofficedirect.com/quickship/qs_item.aspx?dept_name=%3cimg+src%3d%22%2fimages%2fsite%2fdash5.gif%22%3e%3cb%3e+Furniture%3c%2fb%3e+%7c+Bookcases+%7c+Woodsku_gp_id=11121selectedSection=%3cimg+src%3d%22%2fimages%2fsite%2fdash5.gif%22%3e%3cb%3e+Furniture%3c%2fb%3e+%7c+Bookcases+%7c+Woodhidden_pf_id=35270 * http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/601-8170461-7335348?asin=B00005OU2X * http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/601-8170461-7335348?asin=B000068XY1 * http://store.yahoo.com/iron-decor/bookcase.html * http://www.bettymills.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?exact_match=yeskeywords=SAF7174BLsearch_office_prods=1 * My own Open Bookshelf at my home (photograph, the last photo) * Brochure from a Furniture Exhibition Design/Theme: Closed Bookshelf Materials: Many materials can be used to manufacture Closed Bookshelf. But the most common materials used are pine and oak for the basic structure. Handles, Glass and Hinges are also used for the doors to work. Functions/Purpose: The function of this closed cupboard is to keep books safely organized with closed doors to protect it. As it has closed doors it will stop dust and other harmful particles from damaging the books. Durability: Since they are made from Wood they will last a long time. Pine and Oak are regarded as one of the best kinds of wood to be found and therefore they are very durable. Examples: Environmental Impact? Social Significance? Personal Comments: I think that closed bookshelf is a better product than an open bookshelf. This is because it gives protection from dust particles and other harmful particles. So therefore it fulfills my design brief fully and solves my problem if I choose to build this further as a product. Just like the last product it allow books to be kept easily stored. The materials, which are used to manufacture this product, is wood. Wood is a very durable material, and if it is used to manufacture closed bookshelf, this means that this product would last a long time. Other than the middle bookshelf all the other bookshelf match my color of my room and therefore would look good if I plan to manufacture something like this. All the products have an average costs which is affordable easily, and I think that these bookshelves are worth the money due to their materials also. This closed bookshelf would easily fit into the environment of Bangkok as they are made out of wood. Wood is a material, which can withstand the heat and therefore wouldnt be damaged by the suns rays. Also the closed bookshelf has adjustable shelves which means that every type of book can fit into the shelf. These closed bookshelves are of a good size, good cost, fit books easily, match my room and are attractive looking. So I think manufacturing a closed bookshelf will be greatly beneficial in solving my problem. Sources: * http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/SKU.asp?BCFlag=FalsePageType=1SKU=491233 * http://www.intrading.com/gujarati-panel-collection.html * http://www.homevisions.com/hvprod/prod_display1.asp?Product=43536partner=11clktru=1 * http://www.furnitureontheweb.com/NoFrame/items_direct/049117nf.html * Brochure from Furniture Exhibition Design/Theme: Filing Cabinet Materials: Filing Cabinets are usually made from metal and sometimes from wood related materials. Other materials needed are handles and other materials to make the drawer work. Function/Purpose: Filing Cabinets are usually used in Offices, Schools, and Hospitals to keep files organized easily. But these filing cabinets can also be used to keep books in themselves. Durability: Since metal is used to make these cabinets, their durability is extensively high. If they are made from wood the durability is slightly less but still will be high. Usually metal cabinets can last up to 6-7 years, if used with normal conditions like in a office. But if they are brought into contact with water, then their durability can decrease. Plus as Thailand has a pleasant warm climate, these filing cabinets will have a higher durability compared to the ones used in places like Sahara desert. Examples: Environmental Impact? Social Significance? Personal Comments: From my opinion a filing cabinet is a good way of storing books safely. But if it is compared to the other products I think it is not worth it. This is because in a filing cabinet, books cannot be organized easily. If I make a filing cabinet for myself then it would take me more time to find my books compared to and open bookshelf or an closed bookshelf. Usually filing cabinets are used for files, and bigger sized books. But the type of books I have are novels. Novels are small and therefore would meet the requirements for a filing cabinet. I think just like the other products, it will be able to keep my books, and that too safely. But the only disadvantage is that it wouldnt be organized. But otherwise it does solve my problem partly and meets all the requirements of my need. But the best part out of all of the products until now is its size. The size of a filing cabinet is usually only until my waist which the size I prefer. But the other bookshelves I have mentioned above are mostly up till my head. This is not what I prefer. Another thing good about this product is its cost. Most of the costs of filing cabinets I found on the Internet are around the range of $200. There are some exceptions, but I think overall the price is reasonable. The colors also available are good specially black, as it stands out. From my opinion the environment in Thailand wouldnt harm this cabinet. But the filing cabinet might have a lower durability due to the conditions it is used under. As the drawer is pulled out always, the drawer might get a lower durability. Another reason I think this filing cabinet might have a lower durability is because of my carelessness. While pulling things I am quite careless and might pull it so fast that it might totally come out and break either my foot or the drawer itself. I think this product is a good idea of solving my problem even though it has some disadvantages. I think maybe I could improvise this idea to further develop a better bookshelf. But this can be decided later on. Sources: * http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PRODUCTPROD_ID=471841cid=19351fp=F# * http://www.comforthouse.com/comfort/unhanandknob.html * http://www.eofficedirect.com/quickship/qs_item.aspx?dept_name=%3cimg+src%3d%22%2fimages%2fsite%2fdash5.gif%22%3e%3cb%3e+Furniture%3c%2fb%3e+%7c+File+Cabinets+%7c+Lateral%2c+Metalsku_gp_id=%20%20%20%20%2014898selectedSection=%3cimg+src%3d%22%2fimages%2fsite%2fdash5.gif%22%3e%3cb%3e+Furniture%3c%2fb%3e+%7c+File+Cabinets+%7c+Lateral%2c+Metalkc=D1hidden_pf_id=1074 * http://www.abigwarehouse.com/abigwarehouse/filecabinet.html Design/Theme: Portable Bookshelf Materials: Portable Bookshelf are made out of wood and metal. Function/Purpose: The function of a portable bookshelf is to keep books organized and safe. But the main aim is to make it portable. By saying portable, it usually has wheels below the bookshelf to make it mobile. Durability: Usually objects made out of wood and metal have a high durability. But these portable bookshelves do not have a high durability. They have a medium durability due to the wheels below them. This is because the wheels have a lot of pressure on them and can easily be spoiled due to the movement. Therefore after the wheels break down then the bookshelf will become like a normal bookshelf at one place. But another thing, which the durability of portable bookshelf is dependent on, is the type of floor it is used on. Usually floors like marble, wood, tiles allow a high durability. But floors that are carpeted can be easily decreasing the durability of this portable bookshelf. Examples: Environmental Impact? Social Significance? Personal Comments: The materials used in a portable bookshelf are mostly metal and wood. Both these materials are in some way harmful to the environment. Wood is cut from tress, and therefore by using wood we are cutting more and more trees. But if these trees are re-grown then the impact on the environment could almost reduce to zero. Then metal is also harmful to the environment. This is because the process used to extract these metals out uses fossil fuels and therefore is damaging the environment. But otherwise these materials do not damage the environment too much. I personally think that a portable bookshelf is not the best way of organizing the books. Even though it has the biggest advantages of being mobile, I think it is useless otherwise. This is because like can be seen above all the mobile cabinets around the world are focused for different purposes rather than books. The portable bookshelf like the one shown on the top left is so heavy that they are unable to move easily. Also while in the moving process of such big bookshelf, the bookshelf can easily topple over and create a mess. But with the disadvantages of the wheels it also has advantages. With the wheels the bookshelf can be shifted around for cleaning and other purposes. Another disadvantages about his design/theme is its costs. Portable Bookshelf are over the price of $300 mostly. This high price is unaffordable for me, as my parents wouldnt allow my to spend all my money on such a small thing. But the size as can be seen from the picture is mostly average and according to my needs. The last disadvantage is its durability. Due to the wheels the durability has decreased and therefore it would be durable for a shorter time. But the top part, which is made out of metal mostly, would last a long time and be beneficial. I am not sure whether I would prefer to make a portable bookshelf like this as it has so many disadvantages. But this can be improvised which will be decided later on. Sources: * http://www.shoplet.com/office/db/SMD06022.html * http://dealtime.catalogcity.com/cc.class/cc?pcd=4488554ccsyn=48 * http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?edc=282379 * http://www.bettymills.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?exact_match=yeskeywords=SAF1872BLsearch_office_prods=1 * Brochure from a Furniture Exhibition Design/Theme: Multi Purpose Bookshelf Materials: Usually Multi Purpose Bookshelf are made from wood with all the other materials required for the specific object. Function/Purpose: The function/purpose of a multi purpose bookshelf is to have several purposes with a bookshelf. Like for example a Multi Purpose Bookshelf could be a Normal Cupboard, in which books, CD-ROM, toys and other materials can be kept. Durability: Multi Purpose Bookshelf has a high durability as they are made out of wood. Examples: Environmental Impact? Social Significance? Personal Comments: I personally think that a multi purpose bookshelf is not the best way of organizing the books. Even though it has the biggest advantages of storing other things it wouldnt suit me. This is because all of the above things are focused on children below the age of 10 years. Now as I am in Year 11 I wouldnt prefer these kind of childish objects. Therefore I do not prefer these kinds of things in my room. But otherwise the advantage is great for the child. If I was to make something like this for my sister, it would greatly benefit her. The ideas used by people are great. I think I could improvise this idea and make a similar idea, but instead not make it childish. Overall the costs, sizes, are fine but these dont matter to me as I dont prefer to have objects like these in my room. Sources: * http://store.yahoo.com/sensoryedge/boshbyki.html * http://store.yahoo.com/sensoryedge/grclboshbyki.html * http://www.roomstogokids.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=ktg.showItemipac_id=1640 * http://store.yahoo.com/sensoryedge/1doboshin.html This was my analysis for my existing products. This analysis of the existing product has given me a broader idea of what I might be making and has given me lots of information which would help me in the further stages of this project.

Effect of Microhardness on Chemical Degradation

Effect of Microhardness on Chemical Degradation Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chemical degradation media associated with brushing on surface roughness (Ra) and Knoop microhardness (KHN) analyses of different composites. Material and Methods: Eighty specimens were prepared for each composite: Grandio SO (Voco), Amaris (Voco), Filtek Supreme (3M/ESPE), Filtek LS (3M/ESPE). The specimens were divided into four groups according to the immersion in chemical degradation media for 7 days: artificial saliva (control), heptane, 0.02M citric acid, 70% ethanol. The surface of specimens was submitted to 10950 brushing cycles (200g load) in an automatic tooth-brushing machine with abrasive slurry. Surface roughness and microhardness measurements were obtained at baseline, after immersion in chemical degradation media and after brushing. Data were submitted to three-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey’s test (pResults: The KHN means for composites were: Grandio (153.5 ±35.9)a, Filtek Supreme (87.0 ± 24.9)b, Amaris (64.5 ±24.5)c, LS (69.0 ±15.3)c; for storage media: artificial saliva (97.3 ±46.7)a, ethanol (93.3 ±49.9)a, citric acid (95.8 ±42.1)a, heptane (87.6 ±36.7)b; and after treatments: after chemical degradation (104.8 ±49.7)a, baseline (93.8 ±42.5)b, after brushing (81.9 ±36.5)c. The Ra results for composites were: LS (0.15 ±0.25)a, Grandio SO (0.19 ±0.24)ab, Filtek Supreme (0.20 ±0.22)ab, Amaris (0.23 ±0.37)b; for storage media: artificial saliva (0.18 ±0.31)a, heptane (0.18 ±0.25)a, ethanol (0.20 ±0.26)a, citric acid (0.21 ±0.28)a; and after treatments: brushing (0.11 ±0.14)a, after chemical degradation (0.23 ±0.32)b, baseline (0.24 ±0.32)b. Conclusions: Brushing after chemical degradation reduced surface roughness values. In general, chemical degradation did not affect composites roughness, but microhardness was significantly reduced. Heptane produced the biggest reduction in composites microhardness. Clinical Relevance: The food-simulating solutions and brushing simulating alter the composites properties, and these alterations are material-dependent. Keywords: composites, chemical degradation, brushing, Knoop microhardness, surface roughness. Introduction Improvements on the composition and mechanical properties of resin-based materials along with increased esthetic demands have resulted in the enlarged use of direct composite restorations in anterior and posterior teeth [1,2]. These improvements provided more strength and durability to the composite restorations under the conditions of the oral environment. Most of the available composites contain a polymer matrix of dimethacrylate monomers, such as Bis-GMA, UDMA, and TEGDMA (organic phase), inorganic filler particles (dispersed phase) coated with a methyl methacrylate-functional silane coupling agent to bond the filler to the organic matrix, a photoinitiator system to allow photoactivation by light units and other minor additions including polymerization initiators, stabilizers and coloring pigments [3-5]. However, the critical oral environment conditions (pH changes or humidity) may increase the composite biodegradation over time [6]. Under oral conditions, dental materials may be exposed either intermittently or continuously to chemical agents present in saliva, food and beverages [1]. Previous studies have shown that some dietary foods and beverages can cause surface degradation of restorative materials [7-14]. Their constituents can soften the organic phase and promotes disintegration of the dispersed phase, altering the surface hardness [1,15]. Besides of chemical environment, the toothbrushing is another condition that influences the longevity of composites restorations in vivo. Although toothbrushing plays an important role in oral hygiene, the effects of abrasion constitutes another important issue on dental materials wear processes, which can result in alterations in surface roughness, loss of contour, staining and plaque retention [16]. There are several types of composites nowadays, such as nanohybrid, nanofill and microhybrid, which have the similar polymer matrix composition. However, the inorganic phase (size, type and distribution of filler particles) are different. Therefore, the effects of chemical degradation liquids and toothbrushing on surface roughness and microhardness of these types of composites must be reported. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemical degradation associated with toothbrushing on surface roughness and microhardness of different composites. The null hypothesis tested was that the immersion in chemical degradation media and brushing are not able to modify the surface roughness and microhardness of the tested materials. Material and Methods Specimens preparation Eighty cylindrical specimens of each composite were fabricated (shade A3) using a metallic matrix with 2 mm in height and 3 mm in diameter. A mylar strip was placed over the composite and pressed with a glass plate to provide a flat surface, being removed after curing. The composites were applied in increments of 2 mm and cured on the top surface using LED photocuring unit (Elipar Freelight 2, 3M/ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) at 1200 mW/cm2 power density, activated for 40 s. After curing, they were stored in individual containers with deionized water for 24 h. Then, they were polished using a sequence of 1200, 2400 and 4000 grit aluminum oxide abrasive disks (Extec, Enfield, CT, USA) in a polishing device (DP-10, Panambra, Sà £o Paulo, Brazil). After polishing, all the specimens were immersed in deionized water at 37  ºC for 24 h. Four direct restorative materials were tested, as described in Table 1. Knoop microhardness measurements The microhardness measurement was performed with a microhardness tester (FM-700, Future-Tech, Tokyo, Japan), Knoop tip, under 25 g load for 10 s. Three indentations were performed 100  µm apart from each other, at the surface of the specimens. The means were determined as Knoop Hardness Number (KHN). Surface roughness analysis The mean surface roughness (Ra) was evaluated using a profilometer (MaxSurf XT 20, Mahr, Goettingen, Germany). The diamond stylus moved 2.5 mm long starting the first measurement 0.2 mm from the lower area of specimen. Three profile measurements were performed for each specimen at intervals of 0.25 mm and a final average was used. The mean Ra values were determined with a cut-off value of 0.8 mm, a transverse length of 0.8 mm, and a stylus speed of 0.1 mm/s. Chemical degradation media immersion The specimens of each composite were randomly divided according to the food-simulated substances tested (n=20). The solutions tested are mediums recommended by FDA (1976) to be used as food-simulating liquids [17]. Heptane P.A. (Synth – Labsynth, Diadema, Sà £o Paulo, Brazil) was used to simulate butter, fat meals and vegetable oils. Citric acid 0.02M (Synth) simulated beverages, vegetables, fruits and candies. Ethanol 70% (Zulu Hospitalar 70% Companhia Nacional de à lcool, Piracicaba, Sà £o Paulo, Brazil) simulated alcoholic beverages and mouthrinses. Artificial saliva was used as control and prepared according to Gohring et al. [18] using 22.1 mmol/l hydrogen carbonate, 16.1 mmol/l of potassium, 14.5 mmol/l sodium, 2.6 mmol/l hydrogen phosphate, 0.8 mmol/l boric acid, 0.7 mmol/l calcium, 0.4 mmol/l thiocyanate and 0.2 mmol/l magnesium. The specimens were kept in individual vials with 2 ml of each solution for 7 days at 37  ºC. After this period, the specimens were washed thoroughly, and stored in deionized water at 37  ºC, for 24 h. The microhardness and surface roughness were evaluated. Brushing protocols Subsequently, the experimental units were subjected to brushing abrasion in an automatic toothbrushing (TB) machine (ODEME Biotechnology – Joaà §aba, Santa Catarina, Brazil) which imparted reciprocating motion to 6 soft bristle toothbrush heads (Sanifill Ultraprofissional, Hypermarcas – Sà £o Paulo, Brazil). This apparatus provides linear brushing movements across the specimens at a speed of 120 cycles per min at 37 °C, with a double pass of the brush head over the surface. The top surface of resin composites cylinders were submitted to 10950 brushing stokes under a vertical load of 200 g with abrasive slurry, simulating one year of clinical situation [19]. The abrasive slurry consisted of fluoridated dentifrice (Colgate Tripla Aà §Ãƒ £o, Colgate-Palmolive, Sà £o Paulo, Brazil) and artificial saliva, in a ratio of 1:3, by weight [20]. Toothbrushes were replaced after the completion of each brushing cycles. After brushing, the specimens were kept in deionized water at 37 ºC, for 24 h. At the end of this protocol, the microhardness and surface roughness was obtained. Statistical analysis This experiment followed a factorial scheme of the 4x3x4 type. The experimental variables under study were composites [Grandio, Amaris, Filtek LS, Filtek Supreme], time [baseline, after chemical degradation (CD) and after brushing (TB)] and the food-simulating media [artificial saliva (AS), heptane (H), citric acid (CA) and ethanol (E)]. The variable responses were the mean roughness measurement value obtained in profilometer, and the average of three microhardness readings. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using the computer software Statistica for Windows (Statsoft, Tulsa, OK, USA). The inferential statistics consisted of three-way repeated measures ANOVA (composites, time, and chemical degradation media), in which the variable time was considered as a repeated factor, followed by Tukey’s test. The level of significance was the conventional value of 5%. Results Microhardness evaluation The mean KHN values of the composites after chemical degradation media are shown in Figure 1. The application of RM-ANOVA showed significant differences for the factors composites (p=0.0001), time (p=0.0001) and chemical degradation (p=0.0001). Grandio SO composite presented the highest KHN values for all times tested. Amaris and Filtek LS exhibited values significantly lower than Filtek Supreme and Grandio SO (Table 2). For the chemical degradation media factor, the immersion in heptane produced the lowest microhardness means, compared to the other tested media (Table 3). Regarding the different times, the microhardness (KHN) values significantly increased after immersion in chemical degradation media and decreased after brushing, compared to baseline means (Table 4). Surface roughness analysis The means of roughness surface (Ra) for the composites are shown in Figure 2. The application of RM-ANOVA showed no significant differences for composite (p=0.034) and time (p=0.626) factors. The roughness means obtained for Amaris composite were significantly higher than Filtek LS. Grandio SO and Supreme exhibited intermediate means (Table 2). For the chemical degradation media, no significant differences were obtained for surface roughness (Table 3). The Ra means after brushing were lower than at baseline and after chemical degradation CD (Table 4). Discussion The chemical environment is one aspect of the oral conditions which has an appreciable influence on the in vivo degradation of composites [21]. Some chemicals substances from food and drinks can lead to surface degradation of composite restorations, resulting in unaesthetic appearance and increased surface roughness, accelerating the wear of dental materials [22,23]. This degradation is mainly due to the softness of composite matrices with exposure to organic acids and various food and liquid constituents [24,25,12]. Previously published studies have reported that acidic conditions show a tendency to degrade glass ionomer cements, polyacid modified composite resins, and composite resins [9,26,10,27,11]. The present study was performed to investigate the Knoop microhardness and surface roughness of four composites, before and after simulating oral conditions. Hardness is defined as the resistance to permanent indentation or penetration [28,1]. It is used to predict the wear resistance of a material and its ability to cause abrasion opposing tooth structure [28]. The composites exposed in food-simulating media can suffer chemical softening, reducing their physico-mechanical properties. Changes in the composite hardness usually occur within the first 7 days after exposure to chemical solutions [21]. Therefore, this study conducted the initial readings of the hardness in the specimens after post-cure [1], and another reading after the exposure period of immersion. In the present study, specimens stored in heptane showed significantly reduction in microhardness, as also observed previously [14,28]. Heptane simulates butter, fatty meals and vegetables oil [14,1] and may damage the resin matrix,[12,28] producing cracks in the interface, and consequently, weakening the material.[14] It is questioned if alcohol-containing beverages may compromise the longevity of composites restorations [29], since it presents the potential of damaging polymers [1,12], by fully penetrating the resin matrix and promoting the release of unreacted monomers [13]. The partial dissolving of the resin matrix may result in the degradation of the filler-matrix interface, thereby impairing the flexural strength and hardness [14]. In this study, the concentration of ethanol solution (70%) was used according to previous [28] but it showed no significant effect in the microhardness of composites. The differences in hardness values compared to previous studies could be related to the surface characteristics of the composites, filler distribution and conversion rate [30]. Furthermore, the period of 24 h of storage before immersion in ethanol may lead to complete polymerization of the composites, reducing the presence of unreacted monomers on the surface [1,14]. The effects of intraoral organic acids, as citric acid, besides producing tooth erosion, can cause surface degradation of composites [9], favoring the breaking of bonds in Bis-GMA molecules of composites [24,11]. Despite of others studies that citric acid reduced the hardness of composites [7,9], in this study no differences were observed in the microhardness of the composites when immersed in citric acid for 7 days. Nevertheless, the period of storage may have been insufficient to promote differences in the mechanical properties of the specimens’ surface [7,14]. Differences in microhardness means among the composites exposed to the tested solutions were found and are related to their composition and particle content [14,29]. Grandio SO, Filtek Supreme and Amaris have similar matrix composition (Bis-GMA, UDMA, TEGDMA), however, differ in size and amount of filler particles (Table 1). The higher resistance of Bis-GMA to the degradation effects of immersion media can be explained by the fact that bis-acryl resin composite materials contain bifunctional acrylates, which cross-link to provide increased mechanical strength and resistance to weakening in the presence of solvents [28,31]. Grandio SO and Filtek Supreme present nanoscale particles, which provide better mechanical resistance compared to hybrid resins, superior polishing than microfilled resins, higher strength and reduced polymerization shrinkage [32]. Due to their nanoscale, these materials showed the highest microhardness values in this study. By the other hand, Filtek LS is constituted of silorane, with quartz and yttrium fluoride as inorganic filler, which increased hydrophobicity and reduced water sorption [33]. Differences in microhardness among Filtek LS and others composite could be attributed to the lower filler content (76% w/w), as observed by Yesilyurt et al. [14]. Therefore, the differences in composites compositions could have contributed to the differences in hardness. After simulated toothbrushing, there was a reduction in microhardness values. This fact may be due to changes on the surface of the resin matrix when immersed in the solutions before brushing. According to a previous study [2], the immersion in food-simulating media increased the exposure of filler particles by softening the matrix. Additionally, toothbrushing can change the surface of composites [2,34,35]. In clinical situation, the consumption of food or beverages occurs before brushing habits, making this association clinically relevant. Although an increase of the composite surface roughness and degradation after brushing have been previously reported,[2] significantly lower roughness means were obtained after brushing in this study. Likewise, previous studies showed that most of composites did not present significant changes by the immersion on chemical degradation media in surface roughness over time [2,9,15]. This study found differences on surface roughness of mycrohybid, nanofill and nanohybrid composites, as results of their differences in their compositions. Filtek LS, myycrohybrid composite, had the lowest surface roughness, probably due to low filler content. Filtek Supreme e Grandio SO had an intermediate smoother texture, whereas Amaris showed the roughest surface. Nevertheless, despite of these initial differences, the immersion in chemical solutions did not interfere in the final surface roughness. However, interaction between immersion in food-simulating media and simulated brushing decreased surface roughness, as observed by Turssi et al. [20] This may be attributed to the reaction of the solutions with the polymer matrix. Toothbrushing after the immersion on food-simulating media resulted in the removal of part of the organic matrix around the loosen fillers [2]. Then, the softened matrix have become mixed with the abrasive slurry, decreasing its abrasive potential [20]. Roughness surfaces of composite favors the accumulation of plaque, gingival inflammation, superficial staining and secondary caries. It is noteworthy that the effect of brushing on the composites depends on several factors, such as the type of toothpaste, type and shape of the brush bristles, the proportion of deionized-water solution, as well as speed and weight applied during simulation process. As these parameters were standardized for all groups, it can be suggested that the surface roughness varies with the size, hardness and percentage of composite particles, as reported previously [20,36]. The different treatments tested resulted in alteration of composite properties, and these alterations were material-dependent; thus, the null hypothesis tested was rejected. The present study is important for guiding the improvements of the present composite resins against the challenges they will face during clinical service. It is also relevant to state that esthetics represents only one of the reasons for composite resin restorations failure. Improvements in other areas such as bonding degradation, material deterioration and ability to prevent caries progression/activity should be also considered. Conclusion According to the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that: The microhardness means of the tested composites were influenced by the material; Toothbrushing reduced Ra values of the materials tested, but the solutions used for chemical degradation did not affect the results. Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Syd Barrett :: essays research papers

Born on January 6, 1946, Roger Keith Barrett was raised in CambridgeEngland. He was given the nickname "Syd" as a youngster, while attending the city's High School, where his friends included Roger Waters and David Gilmour, and it stuck with him as he grew up. In his late teens, after his father died, he started producing paintings and music. He was an originating member of The Abdabs, The T-Sets, Sigma 6, and other names such as The Meggadeaths, in 1965. He worked with people like Bob Close, Roger Waters, Nick mason, and Richard Wright. When Bob Close left the band, Syd renamed the group The Pink Floyd Sound, named after the cover of an album of two american bluesmen, Pink Anderson, and Floyd Council. Syd wrote almost everything for The Pink Floyd Sound, then The Pink Floyd finally renamed just Pink Floyd), he played guitar, sung, and wrote the music and the lyrics as well. The other Cambridge native forming The Pink Floyd were Roger Waters (bass), Rick Wright (keyboards), and Nick Mason (drums). Within weeks the new line-up had rehearsed at the Thompson Private Record Company, a tiny studio sited in the basement of a house in Hemel, Hampstead. Here they recorded two songs; an original hinged to the Gloria riff entitled Lucy Leave and a version of Slim Harpo's I'm a King Bee already made famous by the Rolling Stones. At first, The Pink Floyd were a much more conventional act that the act into which they would evolve, concentrating on the rock and R&B material that were so common to the repertoires of mid-'60s British bands. Syd's influences were the Stones, Beatles, Byrds and Love," the group's first manager, Pete Jenner, told Nick Kent, adding at Barrett wore out his copy of the last-named group's debut album. "I was trying to tell him about this Arthur Lee song I couldn't remember the title of, so I just hummed the main riff. Syd picked up his guitar, followed what I was humming, and went on to use the chord pattern he worked out for 'Interstellar Overdrive'. Pink Floyd then began to experiment, however, stretching out songs with wild instrumental freak-out passages incorporating feedback, electronic screeches, and unusual, eerie sounds created by loud amplification, reverb, and such tricks as sliding ball bearings up and down guitar strings. In 1966, they began to pick up a following in the London underground; onstage, they began to incorporate light shows to add to the psychedelic effect.

Disability Essay -- essays research papers

In today’s society men have an attraction towards skinny women. The most gorgeous super models are thin and when other girls look at them, they get jealous. Many girls see this, and view themselves as being overweight and have a complex and a desire, which is to be skinny, this disease is called Anorexia. Anorexia is a disease, which affects mostly women and sometimes men. Anorexia is when you think you are fat, and you deprive yourself of food in order to be skinny. They see themselves as being fat and want to strive to be better than the "norm", and by that, being as skinny as possible. The glamorous women are skinny and we see this everywhere in movies, fashion shows, television, magazines etc†¦ Lennard Davis describes normalcy as "Each of us endeavors to be normal or else deliberates tries to avoid that state". (p47 Davis) We humans do everything by comparison, whether it be comparisons between cars, weight, looks, money, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Mostly all us strive to be better than "normal". Anorexia is a disease, which exists when a person has a goal, a goal to look better than anyone else does. Anorexia in itself is a disability because they are unable to function like a normal person should. Their bodies physically deteriorate and they have a complex that is practically incurable. Anorexia physically ruins your skin because you are not consuming any oils and the skin dries out. With prolong Anorexia, females are prone to losing their ability to give birth because of malnutrition. Mentally it kills you because all you think about is how you look, and looks aren’t that important in comparison to your personality. It is called the incurable disease because once someone has this complex they can never really let they eat a fatty food, or ever see them even a pound heavier than they are. When my sister was Anorexic, her doctor asked her, "What would you do if I forced you to eat a Burger Kingâ„ ¢ french fry?" She responded "I’d kill myself". At one point she weighed 97 pounds, and was 5 feet 10 inches tall. My sister fortunately has technically been cured because she eats normally but she still watches what she eats extremely carefully. "Any bell curve will always have at its extremities those characteristics that deviate from the norm. So, with the concept of the norm come... ...are over weight and starve themselves. Society categorizes people in basically two groups, pretty and ugly. Although I do not agree with this, many people are rude to many people who are over weight. If you go to a school where the average girl weighs 160lbs and you weigh 140lbs you may be placed in a category with the "pretty" group. On the other hand if the situation is reversed and the average girl weighs 115lbs, and you weigh 120lbs you may be in the "ugly" group which causes many people to become self conscious and go anorexic. In my sisters case she used to hang out with a group of girls who were very pretty and she had a complex and wanted to look better than the rest of them. Her way was starvation, and once she got to her best looking stage, the "ideal" point, she kept on starving herself leading to detrimental consequences. Many people have many different ideas about anorexia and how it is trying to be more like the "norm" by removing a stigma of being overweight, like in my sisters case except she was never really overweight. Ideology plays a big role in this as well because they never get to their ideal state causing problems.

Discussing the Greatness of Jay Gatsby Essay -- The Great Gatsby F. Sc

The first thing you see when you pick up the novel is the title. Fitzgerald chose the title ‘The Great Gatsby’ for his novel. This could lead us to believe that he personally believed his character to be great. However, this was not his only title for the book. The original title of the novel was: ‘Trimalchio in West Egg.’ Perhaps Fitzgerald changed the title as his story developed as he came to realise Gatsby’s greatness. However, this could be used to argue the other way, perhaps this original title relates more to the party throwing Gatsby and the hedonistic Jazz Age, suggesting that Gatsby isn’t great. Gatsby, as a rich man, has many beautiful possessions. This can be noticed in his ‘gorgeous’ car which had ‘a labyrinth of wind-shields that mirrored a dozen suns’. Nick discovers that at one of Gatsby’s parties a woman named Lucille tore her dress, and within a week she ‘got a package from Croirier’s with a new evening gown in it.’ This portrays Gatsby’s greatness through his generosity, and the impression is given that it is wonderful to be involved in Gatsby’s world. As The Great Gatsby is narrated by Nick, we see everything through Nick’s eyes. Nick tells us towards the beginning that there was something ‘gorgeous’ about Gatsby which set him apart from everyone else. We as the reader feel attracted to Gatsby like Nick is. When Nick receives the invitation to Gatsby’s party, Nick says that the invitation was signed in a ‘majestic hand’, this makes Gatsby sound elegant. The beginning of chapter three, immediately gives the reader the impression of a fantastical atmosphere. Gatsby’s gardens are described as ‘blue’, a somewhat magical colour for gardens to be. Nick tells us that ‘men and girls came like moths among the w... ...proves to cost him his life. Having a dream to that extent is not exactly great. There is evidence for both sides of this argument. Personally I believe that Fitzgerald did not wish to prove that Gatsby was corrupt, instead he wanted to relate Gatsby’s dream to the American Dream, showing that it has been corrupt by people such as Tom and Daisy who pursue money for money’s sake. The original dream has been betrayed. It is no longer the ‘fresh green breast of the new world’, instead it has become corrupt, and no longer true. Only Gatsby holds a true dream, which is what, in my opinion, makes him so great. He cannot be blamed for the failure of his dream, because his dream was true, and gave him a purpose. It failed because of the corruption of Daisy, and her utterly careless nature. I believe that, as the title of the novel suggests, that Gatsby is truly great.

Osama bin Laden

Qaeda terror group. Initially the group denied involvement, but then as time went on they admitted to having been behind the attacks. Some of the reasons the listed for the attacks were: Us support of Israel, because of attacks against Muslims in Russia, Somalia, and the Middle East, and against the US troops in Saudi Arabia, and the US sanctions against Iraq. This led to one of the largest manhunts in the world, for AY-Qaeda leader, Osama Bin Laden.The manhunt lasted for ten years before he was caught and killed. This was an attack that would change the United States forever. It created a reason for the security and anti-terror measures that we have today. It is the reason why planes are so heavily guarded, and why so many counter-terror measures are in effect today. It was the cause of 2996 deaths including the hijackers. The attacks led to FBI operation PENITENT, which is the largest military investigation still to date. It also had an impact far beyond any security or civil ones mentioned.It had a cultural impact the started thousands of hate crimes against Muslims, or perceived Muslims. It started multiple wars, and triggered thousands more deaths. It was a catalytic event. It is and will be remembered in American history. But different people remember this incident with different memories and reactions. I was four at the time. I can remember a big fuss and something happening, but don't remember any actually details of the attack. My dad however, remembers the incident quite clearly. He talked about having no idea that it would be any day different than normal.He was teaching High school at the time at COB. My mother called to tell him to turn on the radio or the TV and see what was happening. They watched for the next few hours until the towers collapsed and all the information was revealed. The attacks on 9-11 were the worst ever in history. All though thousands died and were injured, it also provided something to rally around. It became a cry to come b ack to God and good values and change the nation. It was one of the biggest events even to happen in our age.

Who Are Aware of the Demands of Religious Commitment in Everyday Life.’ in What Ways Does Classroom Re Achieve This

The outcome of religious education is religiously literate young people †¦ who are aware of the demands of religious commitment in everyday life. ’ In what ways does classroom RE achieve this? The quote in this essay title not only states that children who experience religious education become religiously literate young people; but that they also begin to know the importance of religious commitment in everyday life. This however is an easy proposition to state, but to achieve this in classroom Religious Education can be a demanding and challenging realisation.For a child to become religiously literate they need to be able to understand and have knowledge about Religion, but to become aware of the demands they not only need to learn about Religious Education, they need to learn from it. Religious Education in catholic schools is not only learning from classroom RE but from the wider community: from parents and the parish. It is important when learning catholic religion in a catholic school the teacher links the learning in the classroom to the wider community so the children can become aware and possibly adapt the demands of the catholic everyday life.As the Catholic Education Service says ‘If in Catholic schools, we are able to play our part in the moral development of the young people in our charge, we need to agree among ourselves, with parents, what are shared values are and how we plan to put them into practice. A school contributes or fails to contribute, to the moral development of its pupils, by the broad values that are upheld by the school generally. ’ (1995,20) Catholic Education inspires children to be able to make their own decisions, as Catholics believe we were all made in the image and likeness of god.Religious Education should be portrayed to children as a journey, where children can use their free will to choose their own religious path. They should be able to understand that everything we do our talents, gifts and expe riences help us to lead a life in the image of God; this is a huge commitment Catholics make in their everyday lives. Children in Classroom religion should be able to reflect on this and become aware of the demands of religious responsibility. As it states in the Bishops conference, ‘The catholic vision of education promotes the dignity and freedom of every person as created in the image and likeness of God.This vision inspires and encourages the beliefs and values which are lived out in the daily life of the catholic school. ’ (1996,10) When teaching Religious Education in a catholic school the teachers aim should be to develop the children’s knowledge about religion and help them understand it. It should be able to allow children to investigate and have opinion on some of the biggest question asked. However even when teaching in a catholic school not all children may have been exposed to religion and this may be their first look into it.Some children will have come from very catholic backgrounds and when they look into Catholicism deeper it may heighten their faith. However to some children it may make them realise that they don't want to commit to the religious way of life. Whatever the children's beliefs it is important in a catholic school children are able to understand the religion and what it is about, as Grace and O’Keefe suggest ‘For some, classroom religious education will deepen and enhance their personal faith; for many it may well be the first presentation of the Christian beliefs†¦. he freedom of conscience must be respected. ’ (2007, 262) Although Religious Education is not subject to nationally prescribed attainment targets there are two attainment targets for Religious Education they are: Learning about Religions and Learning from religion. Learning about Religions covers skills necessary for pupils to develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of religions. Even in a Catholic school it is im portant children learn about other religions to give them a broader knowledge of the world around us.Learning from religion encourages reflection and allows learning from each other and listening to what the children bring to the class, by them sharing their own thoughts and ideas. Learning from religion allows children to ask questions about life's meaning and purpose and explore and share human experiences. Religious Education encompasses many things and can be linked to many cross curricular subjects. It is important that religion helps develop children morally and spiritually.Religion can be linked to many subjects such as English, History, PSHE, I. C. T, Art, Drama and Mathematics. Linking Religious Education to these subjects helps children grasp topics more easily and makes the lessons more varied. For example when I was on placement in a Catholic school I taught an RE lesson, the learning objective was to learn about the different stories the bible tells us about the birth o f Jesus. We looked at the Annunciation and The Visitation, when we looked at the Visitation we looked at Luke 2:8-20 and Matthew 2:1-12.The children then drew on their tables using a whiteboard pen a Venn diagram to show the differences and similarities between the two versions of the story. This brought maths into the lesson and the children stayed engaged all the way through as they were doing something different. Afterward we then did some freeze frames of the stories, if the children were tapped on the shoulder they would become the character and say how they were feeling at the time.This encompassed drama into the lesson, and the children were able to get up and involved in the lesson, it really helped them understand the story and become part of it for a few moments. Another way to keep the children engaged and bring variety to Religion is by going to visit a place of worship, for example if we were studying Islam the children could be taken to Mosques this will allow reflecti on and add reality to the learning experience. McCreery, Bowen and Berminghem suggest ‘The presence of such places will reflect the religious and cultural make-up of the local community.A place of worship is the source of a first-hand learning experience in which children can begin to recognise that their community is made up of diverse groups of people. ’ (2007,93) One subject to which Religious Education particularity links to is PSHE and they complement each other well; together they can help moralistic development. Children can learn from faith about many contemporary issues, for example forgiveness in the playground, helping others, living life in the image and likeness of Jesus.Much can be learnt from parables in the bible; one parable that in particular gives a clear message across to the children is the parable of the good Samaritan. This shows children that no matter what we are doing or who is in need of help, it is important that we always lend a helping hand to the people around us; just like the Samaritan did. The Samaritan helped the man on the side of the road even though he was a Jew; people would think he would have done the opposite as Samaritans disliked the Jews.Whereas the priest and the Levites just walked past, it is important children understand this is the wrong thing to do and they would follow in the Samaritans footsteps. They can think as if they were walking past the old man what would they do? This is not just teaching the children about the parables but linking it to real life situations, making them aware of the commitment to Catholicism in everyday life. For children to completely understand ‘the demands of religious commitment in everyday life’ it is important that they can link religion to everyday and the world around us.A good way to do this would be to talk about media, for example earlier this year Stephen Lawrence was murdered and his mother after loosing her son was willing to forgive the murde rers however she said in an article â€Å"I don't forgive the boys who killed Stephen. They don't think they have done anything wrong. They took away Stephen's life and there is nothing in their behavior or anything to show they regret what their actions have done and the pain it has caused us as a family. It is important especially in a KS2 RE classroom to talk about the way the mum would be feeling? The fact she’s forgive the murderers if they showed any remorse, is this a Christian way to behave? This allows children to develop their knowledge and understanding of, and their ability to respond to, Christianity in Britain. Although achieving a standard in an RE classroom where children can become ‘religiously literate young people’can be challenging; I believe with the right attitude and variety it is very possible.Using other subjects to keep the children engaged and links to the world around us, children will become aware of the demands of a religious life. However whatever is taught in the classroom must be seen through the life of the catholic school, through charity work, kindness and forgiveness. Religious Education is not part of the national curriculum, however if working in a catholic school I think teaching Religious Eduction is vital and will develop children morally and spiritually, as the learn from and about religion.Catholic Education Service (1995) Spiritual and Moral development across the curriculum. Matthew James Publishing Hoodless, P, Mccreery, E, Bowen, B and Berminghem (2007) Teaching humanities in primary schools. S Learning matters ltd The Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales (1996), Religious Education Curriculum Directory for Catholic Schools, London, Catholic Education Service. Grace,R and O’Keefe, SJ (2007) International Handbook of catholic Education. Springer