The Power of Visualization GraphDB Now Enables Custom Graph Views

The Power of Visualization: GraphDB Now Enables Custom Graph Views Ontotext has recently released the latest 8.3 version of its signature semantic graph database GraphDB.One of the key new features we’ve developed for this release is a wizard-like interface that guides users into creating various visualizations of RDF data with different starting points. You can configure the default graph visualization with the full expressivity of the SPARQL language to control what graph data you want to be displayed.GraphDB now enables you to solve a lot of the complicated problems coming from dealing with real-world data. You have the power to control the starting point of the visualization as well as to create more than one visualizations over the same data. With this cool custom graph views, data exploration, data analytics and knowledge discovery become easier and faster. So you can use GraphDB’s power to infer relationships that are not explicitly stated in order to get the full picture of your data and obtain additional knowledge about the li nks in your datasets. What is GraphDB?GraphDB is an RDF database, compliant with the RDF4J interfaces. One of its key features is that it is ready-to-use and that it lets you load tons of data from many different datasets. It also allows you to grow applications from the free version to the standard edition and to the enterprise edition, which supports robust cluster and scaling.Developing our semantic graph database is an ongoing process of refinement and we are always excited about the new features we are planning to add in the near future. We also offer excellent support to our community and commercial clients as well as a full suite of migration services to help you get started.Why is GraphDB Easy to Use?If you choose GraphDB as your semantic graph database, you can rely on a smooth experience throughout the whole cycle of working with data. GraphDB has the ability to take any structured data and generate an RDF out of it. Obviously, sometimes you would need to clean and transform the data first, whic h is covered by our OntoRefine interface, integrated into the workbench. Finally, you can expose your data as linked data.So we have made the whole process easy for you from starting with some data, doing data modeling and getting big data as a result.At a later stage, you can also load any dataset from the Linked Open Data cloud or any other RDF datasets. Â  How to Visualize Data and Create Custom Graphs with GraphDBGraphDB 8.3 helps you configure the way you expand your visual graph. Based on our work with various customers, we have developed the most efficient way for you to control the visualizations. The powerful SPARQL language helps you model almost everything in your graph visualizations. With the custom graph view configuration, you can choose to start with a search box, a fixed node or a SPARQL graph query result. Beginning with a search box means that you have one graph configuration, but each time you search for a different node to be your start node. Alternatively, beginning with a graph query result means that you can visualize everything that you can model with SPARQL as the initial state of your graph. This gives you a richer experience in exploring your data and finding hidden links.There are also four different queries that allow you to configure the behavior and presentation of your graphs. The first query specifies how new nodes and links are added to the visual graph when the user expands an existing node. The second one determines the node appearance the text, color, size based on label, type and rank function. Next, you can control what data to appear for every node as metadata in the side panel. Finally, you can also choose how the predicates are labeled in these graphs. How to Develop Interactive Graph Exploration?With these four types of queries, you can work in many real-world data scenarios.For example, sometimes you may want to integrate custom ontology schema that doesn’t follow the RDFS label or the SKOS schema. Here, GraphDB makes it easy by allowing you to choose which label to be displayed as the preferred label.Alternatively, if you have provenance or metadata, you may want to remove it from your visualization. Or you may need to combine multiple links to generate new meaningful ones.Finally, sometimes you want to filter some instances based on filters developed with SPARQL. Or, when not everything is properly modeled with the existing data, you can generate RDF resources on the fly.What Else is Exciting in GraphDB 8.3?The latest GraphDB release doesn’t only let you control the way you want to visualize your graph. Its new features also enable you to build more than one visualization on top of the same data and show you diffe rent types of nodes and relationships over it.It’s also important to note that a visual graph configuration is more than a saved graph. A saved graph is just a snapshot of a graph. It is not functional as, without a graph configuration, you won’t be able to expand it.Another cool thing is that GraphDB’s graph visualization has no limitations on the size of the data, as long as the database engine can query the information with SPARQL and there are no constraints in your web browser.However, GraphDB’s visual graph has a maximum number of links to show because, even if your web browser allows it, it’s not sensible to have an infinite number of links. So, the more specific you make your queries, the more efficiently you can explore your data, based on what you are really interested in, rather than try and visualize as many links as possible.GraphDB also allows you to visualize remote data. There are two ways to do that. The first one is to use the rem ote locations. You run a GraphDB server hosted somewhere else, and you can configure remote locations and connect with them. The other option is to use SPARQL that allows you not only to query remote data but also to do remote joins. Just keep in mind that, if you try to do remote joins, the performance of the SPARQL queries may be affected.Now you see how GraphDB 8.3 and its new exciting visual graph creation capabilities puts you in control of what data you want to be queried, labeled and visualized. The power to create your own visual graphs enables you to explore all your datasets and most importantly, the links between your individual data nodes. GraphDB, coupled with SPARQL, gives you an all-round view of your information. And, as you know, the power of inference and custom visualization turns your information into knowledge and insights.Want to create custom graph views over your RDF data?

Vitamin C concentration (Bio lab report) essays

Vitamin C concentration (Bio lab report) essays What is the concentration level of vitamin C in freshly squeezed orange juice, Fanta, Nikoline and Rigtig Juice. How does the soda compare to real juices? Will the freshly squeezed orange juice contain more vitamin C than the sodas? Basically I want to prove that freshly squeezed orange juice contains more vitamin C than other juices, including sodas, and prove that sodas arent as healthy as companies, such as the ones who manufacture Nikoline and Fanta, claim they are to be. I believe that the freshly squeezed orange juice will contain a lot more than all the other juices. Rigtig Juice will score the second highest, Nikoline the third and Fanta the fourth. The reason for this is that all the juices Ive mentioned have been processed and mixed with water to save costs, as well as additions such as flavour enhancements and other substances added. With all the extra ingredients added, the vitamin C level will be low. Independent Type of Juice Amount of juice added Dependent Concentration of Vitamin C 20 test tubes (4 solutions * 5 trials) Step one: To properly collect the data it would be best to make a table with the solution of the left side and the number of trials on the top. Be sure that each trial has enough space to note down the drops of Iodine needed to show the concentration (Ill explain this in further detail later) and the vitamin C concentration of mg/L. We chose to have 5 different trials and average them all to ensure a better accuracy. Step two: Put 1 ml of each substance into 4 test tubes. Remember to mark each tube so you know what is what. Now that you have the solutions, youre now ready to start the experiment. F ...

Learn About the Tarantulas Family Theraphosidae

Learn About the Tarantulas Family Theraphosidae Tarantulas look big and scary, but theyre actually rather docile and virtually harmless to people. Members of the family Theraphosidae exhibit some interesting behaviors and share certain traits. Description Chances are, you would recognize a tarantula if you came across one, without knowing much at all about the traits that define it as a member of the family Theraphosidae. People recognize tarantulas by their enormous size, relative to other spiders, and by their conspicuously hairy bodies and legs. But theres more to a tarantula than hair and heft. Tarantulas are mygalomorphs, along with their close cousins the trapdoor spiders, the purse-web spiders, and the folding-door spiders. Mygalomorphic ​spiders have two pairs of book lungs, and large chelicerae bearing parallel fangs that move up and down (rather than sideways, as they do in araneomorphic spiders). Tarantulas also have two claws on each foot. See this diagram of the parts of a tarantula for more information about the tarantula body. Most tarantulas live in burrows, with some species modifying existing crevices or burrows to their liking, and others constructing their homes from scratch. Some arboreal species climb off the ground, living in trees or even on cliffsides. Classification Kingdom – Animalia Phylum – Arthropoda Class – Arachnida Order – Araneae Infraorder - Mygalomorphae Family - Theraphosidae Diet Tarantulas are generalist predators. Most hunt passively, by simply lying in wait near their burrows until something wanders within reach. Tarantulas will eat anything small enough to catch and consume: arthropods, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and even small mammals. In fact, theyll even eat other tarantulas given the opportunity. Theres an old joke that tarantula keepers tell to illustrate this point: Q: What do you get when you put two small tarantulas in a terrarium?A: One big tarantula. Life Cycle Tarantulas engage in sexual reproduction, although the male transfers his sperm indirectly. When hes ready to mate, the male tarantula constructs a silken sperm web and deposits his sperm there. He then sucks the sperm back up with his pedipalps, filling special sperm storage organs. Only then is he ready to find a mate. A male tarantula will travel at night in search of a receptive female. In many tarantula species, the male and female engage in courtship rituals before mating. They may dance or drum or quiver to prove their worth to one another. When the female appears willing, the male approaches and inserts his pedipalps into her genital opening, and releases his sperm. He then quickly retreats to avoid being eaten. Female tarantulas usually wrap her eggs in silk, creating a protective egg sac which she may suspend in her burrow or move as environmental conditions change. In most tarantula species, the young emerge from the egg sac as bald, immobile postembryo, which require a few more weeks to darken and molt into their first instar stage. Tarantulas are long-lived, and typically take years to reach sexual maturity. Female tarantulas can live 20 years or more, while the males  life expectancy is closer to 7 years. Special Behaviors and Defenses Although people often fear tarantulas, these big, hairy spiders are actually quite harmless. They arent likely to bite unless mishandled, and their venom isnt all that potent if they do. Tarantulas do, however, defend themselves if threatened. If they sense danger, many tarantulas will rear up on their hind legs, and extend their front legs and palpi in a kind of put up your dukes posture. Although they dont possess the means to inflict much damage on their attacker, this threatening posture is often enough to spook a potential predator. New World tarantulas employ a surprising defensive behavior – they fling urticating hairs plucked from their abdomens at the offenders face. These fine fibers can irritate the eyes and respiratory passages of predators, stopping them in their tracks. Even tarantula keepers need to be cautious when handling pet tarantulas. One tarantula owner in the UK was surprised when his eye doctor told him he had dozens of tiny hairs lodged in his eyeballs, and they were the cause of his discomfort and light sensitivity. Range and Distribution Tarantulas live in terrestrial habitats throughout the world, on every continent except Antarctica. Worldwide, about 900 species of tarantulas occur. Just 57 tarantula species inhabit the southwestern U.S. (according to Borror and DeLongs Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th edition). Sources Bugs Rule! An Introduction to the World of Insects, by Whitney Cranshaw and Richard RedakBorror and Delongs Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th edition, by Charles A. Triplehorn and Norman F. JohnsonTarantulas and Other Arachnids: Everything About Selection, Care, Nutrition, Health, Breeding, Behavior (Complete Pet Owners Manual), by Samuel D. MarshallThe Natural History of Tarantula Spiders,  by Richard C. Gallon. British Tarantula Society website, accessed online December 26, 2013.

Interventions associated with amiodarone therapy in Aterial Essay

Interventions associated with amiodarone therapy in Aterial fibrilation in a cardiac paitent - Essay Example In addition, the patient has ectopics. Importantly, an ECG done on the patient indicates arterial fibrillation. A day after his surgery, Mr. Patel’s blood pressure is found to be unstable. The other features identified with the patient one day after the operation are Good CO, Good CI, is normal ABG, 4.3 potassium, on inotropic support, sedated, ventilated , PICCO inserted . The 4.3 potassium was replaced with 20mmol of KCL. Lab results indicated magnesium levels of 0.98, which was replaced with 10mmol of magnesium. After carrying out TOE, it was revealed that the patient had heart muscle edematous. Hence, Cardioversion was forgone. Consequently, a 300mg loading dose of Amiodarone was started on the patient, followed by a 900mg maintenance dosage. The patient was back to SR the following day. This case study highlights the importance and effectiveness of using Amiodarone as medication against Mr. Patel’s arterial fibrillation, outlining and emphasizing the NICE guideline s observed during Mr. Patel’s treatment and management. In addition, the use of the NICE-recommended nursing observation, strategies and intervention practices on Mr. Patel are outlined. In the United Kingdom, it is reported that atrial fibrillation (AF), one of the most common class of arrhythmia managed in clinical practice, affects about 5% of the population aged 65 years and above. The condition is found in both genders with men reporting higher prevalence. As in the case of Mr. Patel, the disease is characterised by lack of synchronisation of rhythm between the ventricles and atria, thus disturbing his regular rhythm of the heart. AF is general regarded as an electrical energy disruption that causes the upper chambers of the heart to vibrate at an approximate rate of between 300 and 600 times a minute (NCC-CC, 2006). Although the overall mortality rate for atrial fibrillation has recently risen to the hitherto unseen levels of up to 90%, many doctors and nurses continue to disregard the potential of modifying the cardiovascular risk factors associated with this disease to reverse the situation (NCC-CC, 2006). As a matter of fact, it has been established that nurses have a great potential to positively contribute to the detection, prevention and management of this progressively common condition (Flegel, 1995). It has also been noted that people aged above 65 years old such as Mr. Patel, are the most affected by this condition. Interestingly, this age group account for huge portion of people under nursing care (NCC-CC, 2005). The role of nurses in Mr. Patel’s case is quite clear since his condition, and the fact that he is aged require that he is placed under intensive treatment and nursing care. For instance, that Mr. Patel just has just undergone surgical procedures and has his cardiac and metabolic systems’’ stability impaired makes his case rather care-intensive. Since most of AF’s signs and symptoms are asymptotic, it is recommended that nurses suspect the disease in patients with irregular pulses (Flegel, 1995). It is not enough to merely suspect the disease in such patients; nurses should do more by informing physicians and recommending referral to an electrocardiogram. The objectives of nursing observations and activities on Mr. Patel, after his surgery includes the following: to alleviate the signs and symptoms of AF and to prevent other related complications he might contract. Among the procedures that are likely to be applied should be suffer these complications

Reading response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reading response - Essay Example Having been circumcised herself, and by every means an informed person, Fuambai cites research examples that found no fault with the practice. This paper will analyze the reading and why female circumcision is not bad after all, but rather, a positive and highly held custom by those who practice it, in a different land than the pressure groups against it. Fuambai starts her interview by saying she shared a video of the celebrations during her initiation, in which people spoke highly of it. Although some may view it as a submission to male dominance, the participating women were clearly in it because they drew some significance from it. I believe that simply because not all cultures share the same values, some should not be viewed as primitive. The African cultures especially those of the Mande people, believe in the symbolic transitioning of girls into responsible women. To them, the cut signifies the preparedness of girls to become leaders, wives and mothers. Physically, just like t he foreskin covering the penis is removed in male circumcision, the same is done in female circumcision, symbolizing feminization of the girls. ... Although complications are reported, she points out that they do not result from the act of circumcision, but rather the stigma that goes hand in hand with it. Pregnant, circumcised women are reluctant to seek pre natal care because of fear of the way they will be handled by the healthcare providers once they find out they are circumcised. The healthcare providers also lack proper knowledge of the circumcised women’s bodies. I agree with the research carried out in Gambia that concluded that infertility is not rampant among circumcised women. In fact, the rate stood at 10 percent for both circumcised and uncircumcised women. In my opinion, it stands out wrong when such statistics are not made known to the people in the same manner as those that portray the practice in bad light. In a bid to balance the candidates and conductors of the numerous researches carried out, the reading cites one done in Sweden by a Swedish obstetrician. It concluded that no connection was found betwe en prolonged or obstructed labor and circumcision, or genital surgery. On the contrary, the research established that circumcised women bore less risks of complicated birth in comparison with Swedish women who were not circumcised. In this light, I think the pressure groups against female circumcision ought to give more credible reasons and evidence of prolonged or obstructed labor. Arguments against female circumcision have branded it as a means to deny women sexual feelings, desires and enjoyment. Many have likened it to chopping off a man’s penis. I do not believe that this argument presents a strong case because, as stated in the reading, researches

Taoism and Yang Essay Example for Free

Taoism and Yang Essay The later dates of the Eastern Zhou time period marked a great change in the social and political statuses in ancient China. Literacy rates were increasing, upper class individuals and family members were powering over others, and schooling gave people a leading advantage. Both intellectual and moral thoughts were taking over and with this new idea, came a new philosophy. There existed many spiritual thinkers dating way back, however, to this day, the date that Taoism formed is still unknown, a similar case with many other ancient religions. â€Å"Tao† is a term in Chinese, meaning â€Å"way† or â€Å"path† and referring to the way to live one’s life (Hardy,2002). Originally, the main concern was guiding individuals with an appropriate behavior for leading and governing others, as well as the balance of harmony between nature and humanity. Although no main authoritative figure represents this religion, the headquarter is situated in the White Cloud Temple, in Beijing, where priests can learn and train (Hardy, 2002). Taoism, also currently known as Daoism, is the Chinese traditional religion and philosophy that believes in the balance of yin and yang. Ying and Yang are opposites, and the Ying Yang philosophy explains that nothing is purely one way. There is always good for every evil and evil for every good, yet even though they are so contrasting, one cannot thrive without the other, there needs to be a balance between both. This balance, a union of opposites, represents harmony and peace on earth. Ying and Yang goes by the definition â€Å"the nature of change, balanced as two halves of a whole†, a â€Å"duality forming a whole† (Littlejohn, 2009). This symbol hold a lot of meaning to Taoist as it signifies the unity of opposites, the unity of Tao. The black and white color in the Yin and Yang symbol represents the Yin-gi and Yang-gi, the female and male energies that work together to balance and manifest the world (Wang, 2012). The smaller circles in the symbol represents the change and the black and white opposite in the world, reminding the worshippers of how opposites must balance one another in order to achieve balance between the two. Yin and Yang also represent the unity of the 5 elements; fire (greater Yang), wood (lesser Yang), water (greater Yin), metal (lesser Yin) and earth (central) which together form the elements that comprise everything in our world (Wang, 2012). Completely polar opposites can be seen in everyday: night and day, male and female, beautiful and ugly, high and low; everything has its opposite, and without it, there would be an imbalance in the world. Nevertheless, there will always be a contrasting opinion as to what is right compared to what is wrong, as one belief cannot be shared universally (Hardy, 2002). Yin nor Yang is absolute, but both together can form a whole. There would be an imbalance in the world if death rates did not equal birth rates. Yin and Yang can also become each other even though they are opposites, as they need to support each other to create balance. Taoists believe that there must be an alignment of harmony between human nature and the rest of nature. They believe that one must experience a long and healthy life through practice and perfection of the practice so that self-cultivation is at its peak and everyone can thrive (Littlejohn, 2009). Taoist believe that everything in the world is in a constant cycle. If humans do not follow the natural path, â€Å"tao†, then unhealthy misfortune and destruction will cloud them and their families (Hardy, 2002). A strong opposition to punishment is believed, as it does not allow for the natural method of spontaneous behavior and rather a force of good behavior upon an individual. Ruling and governing others is a principal theme in Taoism as it encourages followers to model the appropriate behavior. Taoism focuses on ones flow with nature through activities such as meditation with themes such as detachment from desires, naturalness , and stress free activities such as tai chi. Taoism emphasizes the practice on living in harmony through daily life and ritual activities. Taoist is a polytheistic religion and their gods are not personified. They believe that no god can help solve problems in life but that peace can only be solved by personal meditation and observation (Littlejohn, 2009). People have to work in harmony and help each other to keep balance in the world and to increase the well being of humankind. Unlike other religions, there is no figure to look upon and worship but to solely rely on one another. Taoist people do not have a particular ritualized way to worship in their everyday life, but the main goal of the laypeople is to achieve harmony with the Tao in their day-to-day lives. They believe in doing this through physical practices, which are made to transform a person mentally and physically into a more harmonious state, a balance between Yin and Yang. One way the Taoist attempt to reach harmony is through alchemy (BBC, 2009). Merriam-Webster describes alchemy as, â€Å"a power or process of transforming something common into something special†. The Taoists sought to do this in two separate ways; the first is through Wai-Dan, external alchemy, which was used in an older period. At this time, the alchemists were looking for an elixir to turn cheap metal into gold. They then looked for a way to turn humans into immortals. This creation involved various combinations of ingredients by heating, grinding, and mixing together along with other rituals. This is called external alchemy because they add an external force to the body with the hopes of purification (BBC, 2009). The second type of alchemy is Nei-Dun, interior alchemy. This is a work of the self without the use of chemicals to transform the elements of the body into purer forms, promoting the energy of life. This is done through meditation and martial arts (BBC, 2009). Taoists attempted to use both of these forces to transform human beings into a more natural state and to rid their body of the bad within, producing only the good and allowing them to reach purification and through that, the Tao. Taoists also believe that sexual energy has the ability to enhance their lives. They have developed certain techniques to increase a person’s sexual energy and to retain it. It is said that the men should refrain from ejaculating during sexual activity, to conserver the energy (BBC, 2009). As for women, there are too different views. The first view suggests that women should also abstain from reaching orgasm to conserve energy, yet the second view states that female orgasm leads to a growth in both male and female sexual energy. This idea suggested that men should have multiple sexual partners in order to gain access to the female release of beneficial sexual energy (BBC, 2009). The Taoist people see sexuality as a form of attaining purification and positive energy, like that of alchemy, they believe it to help them reach a state of harmony between Yin and Yang. Taoist people also practice purity through meditation, breathing, energy flow and martial arts. The texts teach the worshipers the importance of a pure body to ensure spiritual health. To remain pure, the people have a special diet, which they abstain from alcohol, meat, beans, and grains, all of which can be toxic to the body. Taoists also avoid being greedy, lustful, prideful, and dishonest, which also causes conflict within the body (BBC, 2009). To avoid these impurities, Taoists practice meditation. This practice is a major custom for the people because it creates mental stillness and enhances mindfulness. This allows the mental space to focus on directly knowing the Tao (BBC, 2009). Another practice is breathing, which is the easiest professed form of Ch’i. There are many breathing exercises the Taoists use, which are called Qui Gong, as it is the easiest way to relax the body. Taoists also practice energy flow, which is the flow of life energy, Ch’i, in the body. It can be enhanced, harmonized, and regulated by various forms of exercise and meditation, like acupuncture and Tai Chi (BBC, 2009). All of these techniques are used on a daily basis to allow for spiritual growth and a long life. It is through this way of life that the Taoists attempt to develop their bodies to the primordial level of energy, which is the state of the body at the beginning of creation (Kohn, 2009). By creating bodies that mimic that of the bodies at first creation, the Taoist are reaching a raw level of purity, bringing them that much closer to harmony and balance. Taoists also practice recitation of passages from the Tao Te Ching, which is their guide to living a spiritual and ethical life. This is a vital expression of devotion and also a way to attain spiritual growth. They believe that the texts have healing powers along with the ability to banish evil spirits, and bring good luck to those who recite it. To the Celestial Masters Group, it is a source of philosophical wisdom. It is also said to have the ability to prolong life and bring human beings to complete unity with Tao (BBC, 2009). The Taoists use this recitation to create a balance within themselves bringing them closer to that of the natural realm. The Taoists conduct rituals that bring order and harmony to the cosmos – the world of nature, human society, and the inner world of human individuals. The details of rituals are highly complex and technical and they are left to the Taoshi, which are priests. These rituals mostly involve chanting, playing instruments, and dancing (BBC, 2009). Jiao, which means offering of sacrifice, is performed in communities to confirm the relationship between the community and its deity (Andersen, 2008). In this case, every household in the village brings an offering for the local deity, at that point, a Taoshi dedicates the offerings in the name of the families, they perform a ritual to restore order to the universe and then ask the gods to bring peace and prosperity to the village (BBC, 2009). The Taoists also use temple rituals to regulate Chi and balance the flow of Yin and Yang for individuals and also the wider community. In the temple they pray to the Taoists deities for strength, help and anything they think the deity would be able to aid them with. They meditate in the temple because it is a place of peace and there is a greater chance of harmony within the body in a place of balance. They also worship on talismans because they are objects of good luck. Talismans are strips of paper with words of power and religious symbols written on them by Taoshi. They are said to focus kind spiritual energies to purify, heal the sick, and to drive away demons. They also use the temple to recite and chant prayers and texts to also purify their minds and bodies (BBC, 2009). The Taoists use the temple to conduct these rituals, as it is a place of balance and harmony, filled with aspects of the Tao. Taoism is a religion based on healing methods that seek to re-establish the original wholeness of human nature (Girardot, 2009), whether through their rituals or their everyday activities, Taoist people attempt to balance out the Yin and Yang in their lives. They believe that a healthy human life could only be established with accordance to the Tao, by living naturally and peacefully. Their main goals in life are compassion, moderation and humility, which all-lead back to the Tao. To Taoists, the Yin and Yang are most important in everything they do. When both Yin and Yang are present and equally balanced, everything is calm. Because of this, Taoist people attempt to create harmony in their lives creating a closer gap to the Tao. The Taoist religion is a constant battle between balances of those that are opposing each other to produce a state of constant harmony and union between opposites. By achieving this balance the worshippers will begin to live their lives in accordance of the Tao and live in peaceful life.

Seeking Atonement in Crime and Punishment Essay -- Crime Punishment Es

Seeking Atonement in Crime and Punishment Raskolnikov, the protagonist of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment was a complicated man who committed a crime. Raskolnikov murdered a woman who was a plague to mankind, especially the poor of Russia. In the chilling process however, he also murdered her younger sister, Lisaveta. To be purified, he drives himself through much agony. Not until the closing of the novel did he realize he must confess to be atoned and to find love. Consciously, Raskolnikov was averse to admitting his misdeed. He rationalized himself by asserting that the ends justify the means. Alyona's malignant nature, extremified by her outward appearance, and effect on the base community depending on and surrounding her. Her sole use for the profits were to upkeep continuous prayers in her horrible name. Although Raskolnikov excused himself this way, the true and conscious reason was only to test his power and ideologies about criminal psychology and the "superman". In his theory, to be above the law one cannot be discovered because to be punished would be to...

Profesional Manager Essay

What are the Institution Building Skills of the Top Executives in organisational set up? Explain with examples from various Institution Building Personalities quoting their role relating to various skills which contributed in Institution Building. Briefly describe the organisational history you are referring to. Most of the institution building activities require attending to some very important functions. The chief executive has to maintain his position of a leader of the organisational management. Apart from the efficiency of the organization top executive has to be equally concerned about satisfaction of employees, their welfare, their development which will create an impact on the society and their morale. Managerial skills that help in building an institution or organization the skills of the top executive are broadly categorized as follows: i) Identity Creating Role: You create a special place for your organisation by making it unique in one or more than one respect. You may have good employee welfare measures that make your employees happy. You may also be known for your technological innovations and users of your technology outside your organisation are happy about it. Thus, you are known with your identity with the above two areas which are created and you have also made or established your organisation’s identity that way. Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance, employee satisfaction, goodwill, transparency,. ii) Enabling Role: The chief executive has to develop various kinds of resources such as men, material, facilities for work as well as a good work atmosphere. Employees have to be trained and updated in their skill and materials so that outputs can be multiplied. Also, he has to give employees a very challenging/satisfying atmosphere to work by knowing their ability as well as willingness to work by this means efficiency of the employees can certainly be increased as well as morale. Involvement of employees in decision making. Focused participation, development of resources (men, materials, machinery and money etc.). Breakeven point. iii) Synergising role: Synergy is working together of two or more people, organizations, or things, especially when the result is greater than the sum of their individual effects or capabilities. Collectively resources – men, material, money and machines contribute to the goals of the organisation. Ensuring proper utilisation of the available resources particularly when such resources are scarce is very important role of the top executive. Also, this role of the top executive is very challenging one because he has to uniquely combine available resources with their optimum utilisation in order to achieve the predetermined objectives. iv) Balancing Role: The role of the top executive is to make subordinates conform to rules, expectations, regulations or procedures to achieve the goal of the organisation. Such conformity may not be so much stressed that it destroys the creative potential of the subordinates/employees. Allowing employees to be creative, to be able to move in new directions and respond to the new challenges and pressures from the environment gives them autonomy without causing damage to their potential. Thus, a balance between the conformity and creativity should be maintained. v) Linkage Building Role: As a top executive, realizing the social obligations of the organisation to the benefit of other organisations as well as the community and society at large he link the organisation with other technical or financial organisations or government agencies or policy making bodies which may have similar goals. For example, research and development unit of the industry can have link with a similar unit in educational or research organisations. He has to get support from financial institutions to develop research and development activity in his organisation. Linking the organisation’s activity with the community where he works. A rural development centre’s activity at a technical education institution can be very well linked with community development programmes in rural areas on issues like health, sanitation, education, etc. vi) Futuristic Role: This is role is very vital because the very future of the organisation will be at stake, if let loose. Top executive has to take decisions to expand or diversify or change or reorganise his organisation  for meeting new demands and challenges. He should be prepared for the importance of the role his organisation can play in future. vii) Making impact: This means making an impact of one’s organisation on others. A leading manufacturing organisation of a product can be very influential in several ways to influence the policies in the field in which it operates. Examples of electronic goods such as television, transistors, calculators and computers are not rare, where superior technology in the manufacturing process is ever on the increase. viii) Super ordination to the employees working under a top executive. You can done by giving a sense of fulfilment to the members of your organisation by building in them a sense of pride that they are working in a very important field of work, which is so important for the society. For example, members of a fertiliser or oil or steel organisation would be very highly motivated and satisfied people as their work is of importance to the society. This sense of pride has to be brought out by you as a top manager. xi) Team Building: Building an efficient and strong team of people at the middle management level so that they can really work for him and the organisation. Being chief executive he can always encourage some persons to learn some of his management as well as managerial skills to keep the organisation functioning by their strong and mutually supporting activities. x) Monitoring and Reviewing: Monitor and review the functioning of the organisation at different time intervals to ensure correct way of functioning. You may also make sure that your team of people are open to problems of their own group as well as appreciate problems of similar kind occurring at various levels in other organisations. Many times we are successful in resolving our problems concerning people or their work by borrowing experience of others. xi) Quest for Talent Search: This role of a top executive assumes high importance. This role involves a constant monitoring and search for competent people at all levels and reward them for their competence and  dedication. Search of competent personnel in a significant way to enhance the competence of the organisation. xii) Sharing ideas: To keep in touch with and share ideas with policy makers and planners as well as intellectuals who bring in deep insight to understand and plan for the future. This role of chief executive is very crucial as sharing of ideas and the feedback from them to join meetings and debates of such nature which will make you think about your own skills in this regard. xiii) You may like to develop in yourself a kind of skill to be involved with the organisation yet remain detached about it. In India, this sense of remaining detached, yet knowing what is happening is one of the very important work values existing in our culture and tradition. You may be deeply involved to become a very effective top person in the day-to-day operations of the organisation and its results. Yet you should also be detached from people and situation to observe your own activities and experiences to learn about a different approach to your organisation. Container Corporation of India Limited – a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the administrative control of Ministry of Railways had made its humble beginning in 1988 with its one and only one ICD at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi – with various institution building measures of its various Chief Executives right from Mr. R.D. Sharma to Mr. Anil Kumar Gupta (current CMD) over a period of 25 years now the company enjoys a near monopoly status in multimodal logistics business despite Ministry of Railways granting licences to the private container operators. The tenure of Mr. Ashwini Kumar Kohli and Mr. Rakesh Mehrotra the ex-CMDs has seen a commendable development scenario because of all the above explained roles being played by them despite facing the odds during the period of economic slow down i.e. in 2008. As we are all aware during this period the export import (EXIM) trade as well as the domestic trade was severely hit. But the strategic role played by the top/ chief executive in reducing the freight tariff slightly had given boost to the domestic as well as exim trade while maintaining the upward trend in profitability.

Recruitment and training at Starbucks

Induction training is a process where a business teaches its new employees how the business works. One benefit of this is that it is a good way to provide the new staff with the general information of the business, such as health & safety, security, personnel and the departmental systems. This improves the employees' understanding of the business, which can increase motivation in the business. Another benefit is that the new employees can contribute to the business more quickly, as they would already know how the business works, and what their role is in the business. The level of experience required for a store manager would be greater than it would be for the barista position. The barista position could be a first job for people, so it would be better for them to fill in an application form, as they would have no previous jobs on their application form. It also means that Starbucks gets only the information that they wanted, as they are put on the application form. If the applicant has no major qualifications that would be put on a CV, then they would be able to go on the educational program that Starbucks provides if they get the job. For example, underqualified baristas could go on the ‘learning to lead' program, so that they can potentially reach manager level at Starbucks if they do internal recruitment. The reason that people applying for a barista would have to go to the Starbucks store to get an application form is that each store has its own manager or team that would deal with recruiting new staff. Recruiting a new manager is different because the Head Office would deal with that, as they might assign the applicant to a store, which is why they can apply online. When Starbucks decides to recruit a manager, the job description would have more information than one for a barista. Shortlisting would also be a bigger task when choosing a manager, because if the same number of people applied for baristas as they did for managers, there would most likely be fewer positions for managers. This means that the number of applicants has to be cut down more during shortlisting and the best way to do that would be to make the job specification as detailed as possible. The Internet is better for advertising jobs, as it can be updated faster. When the job description and person specification are completed, they might have to be sent to a newspaper, and they might have to wait until the next day before the advertisement would be put in. There would also been a fee that they would have to pay when they want to put a poster up or if they want to put an advert in a newspaper. The cheapest way to do post vacancies would be to post it on their own website. It would also make it possible for people to apply for the position online. Starbucks could have a questionnaire that can be filled in online which could replace some of the assessments that would be done in person. This could be cheaper, as it would mean less time would have to be spent at an assessment centre. A route that might get more views would be to post the vacancies on an employment website. If many people go to this website, they will see the vacancy along with other companies' vacancies. Alt hough this will cost money, it may only involve paying a small fee every time someone clicks on the link for the job description. For a barista, the training needed for them would be more basic than it would be for the manager position. A new manager would be expected to have some previous experience, if not from Starbucks, then from somewhere else. If this is the first time they have been a manager, then they would have to learn skills that will suit the job. This means that they would use the Management Practice training course in the ‘learning to lead' program, or the ‘business and communication' program run by the Starbucks Support Centre. Both of these would be off-the-job training. New baristas would have more on-the-job training, which would mean that they learn the skills from people that already work at the selected Starbucks. It also gives them a first hand experience of how the business works. Unfortunately, if the trainer has any bad habits in the business or takes any shortcuts, they could be passed onto the new staff he is training. If a barista does not have many qualifications, or does not have many business skills, then they can also go on some of the courses offered by the SSC, such as the computer skills course or the conflict resolution course if they hope to become a manager at some point in the future. If there are people who work in Starbucks who have a major interest in coffee, they might go on the ‘coffee education' course, so that they can find out more about coffee. This would be useful for managers, as it means that they will understand their project better. In addition, if a customer wanted to know more about the coffee they are using, they would be able to ask the staff and get some information from them.

Stalking Laws by State

Stalking Laws by State While most people probably have an image of stalking in their head that includes following a person around and sneaking peeks in windows the actual law and crime is much more complicated. The State of New York defines stalking as A persistent and unwanted pursuit of an individual by another that would cause a reasonable person to fear. It is an intentional and unpredictable course of conduct that can be annoying, intrusive, intimidating, threatening and harmful. But every state has its own definition of the crime of stalking with different issues that should be considered when trying to understand the laws. One of the common threads of what defines an action as stalking is if unwanted contact is made with an individual. In general, if someone has asked a person leave them alone and they attempt to continue any kind of relationship stalking has occurred.   Stalking Is a Serious Crime While some forms of stalking such as excessive phone calls or showing up at the victims place of business may not seem like that big of a deal these kinds of actions should be taken very seriously. Victims of domestic abuse have a high likelihood of being stalked by their former partner. However, perpetrators of stalking dont always have past relationships with their victims as is often the case with celebrities. Victims of stalking experience a great deal of fear and some have even been attacked or murdered by their stalker.  There have been many cases where cases of stalking turned violent. Some victims have even been attacked or murdered by their stalker. This is especially true in cases where the perpetrator is a former partner. If a friend or loved one tells you theyre being stalked you should contact the authorities.   Definitions of Stalking and Related Offenses in All 50 States and the District of Columbia AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming What to Do if Youre Being Stalked If you have reason to believe youre being stalked there are certain steps you should take no matter what state you’re in. If you suspect you are in physical danger always contact the police immediately. Keep records of any contact your stalker makes, this included digital communication such as text messages, emails, and instant messages. If your stalker sends physical mail​,  keep that as well. Make sure your home is secure against break-ins. A home alarm system which can automatically alert police in case of a break-in may be a good investment. The police are ready and willing to help if you are concerned you’re being stalked.  Ã‚   Source: National Center for Victims of Crime

Wine Club Advert Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Wine Club Advert - Research Paper Example I consider the Wine Club advertisement on the New York Times newspaper as an appropriate article for rhetorical analysis. The basic message propagated by the advertisement is the 50% discount entitled for every member of the club for all their purchases on wine. The first approach towards rhetorical analysis is to consider the ethos aspect of the advertisement. In this case, ethos reflects the ethical and moral aspect of the advert (Faigley & Jack 2010). The people behind the advert believe that drinking of wine has health and lifestyles benefits. However, people do not benefit from the health and therapeutic value resulting from drinking of wine due to price factors. Thus reducing price through discount is the first strategy of eliminating cost burden. However, the advertisement considers price reduction strategy as a sufficient factor for encouraging wine drinking among the people. According to the advertisement, joining a wine-drinking club will contribute to the development of wi ne drinking habit among the people. The advertisement is trying to make the audience to reconsider their naivety towards their health. In addition, the advertisement is trying to erase people’s mentality towards wine drinking and the association of wine with immorality. Thus, the advertisement is trying to make people reconsider their attitude towards wine drinking. The advertisement is also trying to explore people’s ignorance that results from generalization. Although the advert is trying to pass credible information to the audience, it fails to set its facts straight. The advertisement illustrate useful information about drinking wine and encouraging people to drink wine by joining wine drinking clubs. However, the advert does not provide accurate information concerning the benefits of drinking wine and the role of wine drinking clubs in influencing people’s behaviors. The only evidence provided by the advertisement concerns the role of wine drinking club mem bership in eliminating consumer’s burden. For instance, the advertisement claims that all members of the wine drinking will obtain their favorite drink at a price 50% below the marked price. However, this price reduction does not imply that wine drinking will increase by 50%. Despite the controversies surrounding the advert concerning inadequate evidence, the advertisement has a high degree of persuasiveness. Firstly, the advertisement contains colorful pictures of different brands of wine. These pictures not only encourage the audience about wine drinking club membership but also the lifestyle that comes with wine drinking. The advertisement has significant claims concerning different lifestyle diseases and the recent discoveries on the benefits of drinking wine. However, the advert does not provide a clear link between its message and a solution to the problem. It is evident that the advertisement provides solution to the problem without setting appropriate strategies for s olving the problem. The advert has evident mythology aspects that relate to its intended message. Firstly, the advert relies on the power of association as a strategy towards elimination of people’s attitude towards drinking of wine. In addition, the advertisement relies on scientific discoveries and people’s observation. Although the advert creates a link between current scientific discovery and modern day medical problem, it is slightly unrealistic (Radway, 2010). This deficiency creates a basis for the cultural myth in the advertisement. In addition, the advertisement illustrates the numerous cultural myths associated with wine drinking. For instance, people associate wine drinking with the rich people. In addition, different brands of wine are associated with ancient European monarchies. For instance, the

LAW LLB - FAMILY LAW Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

LAW LLB - FAMILY LAW - Essay Example KH, 2005). This is the universal and perhaps most comprehensive characterization of marriage. Among the most controversial aspects of this is the element of consent. This is encapsulated in the concept of contract. In a contract consent that is not tainted by force or coercion is essential to its validity. Consequently it is also a major of controversy for marriage. This is compounded by the fact that marriages as a social phenomena are diverse and multi faceted. The forces governing present society in the present have imposed significant challenges upon marriage. These adverse forces have given rise to a wide array of problems. Government today struggle tot to protect and uphold family and marriages by finding means to deal with the various problems that undermine them. This also challenges the state to uphold society’s many concepts of marriage while also containing negative elements attributed to it. Furthermore it has to strike the balance between its power to regulate soc iety, society’s right to culture and the welfare of its citizens. This is not a mundane task given the complexity involved and the magnitude of the harms involved society today. Among the malign realities faced by society today are â€Å"forced marriages.† This kind of marriage â€Å"is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of both parties, where duress is a factor. Duress can range from emotional pressure from family members, to threatening behaviour, abduction or imprisonment, and physical violence† (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, 2008). In Great Britain alone the â€Å"Government’s Forced Marriage Unit, which handles approximately 5,000 enquiries and 300 cases per year concerning young British nationals at risk of being forced into marriage overseas, believes that forced marriage is another issue that remains vastly under-reported† (House of Commons Home Affairs Committee, 2008). This fact only establishes f urther the gravity of this problem. Not only that but this also significant prove that consent is a highly disputed aspect of marriage. Marriage in the Asian and Islamic cultures is heavily influenced by deeply rooted and long standing traditions. Religion and cultural values are integrated to form the notion of marriage. More importantly these form part of the norms of society. This has entrenched them and ensured their survival to the modern times. Among this practise is forced marriage. Given this socio – historical context forced marriages are not an issue for certain communities and have even proliferated (Muslim Arbitrational Tribunal, n.d.). This provides the socio – cultural roots of forced marriage. Forced marriage proliferates under in certain sectors of society whose cultural beliefs and practices provide the basis for it. It is also in these segments of the community that these are commonly practiced. In these conditions the concept of choice and is subserv ient to the values an traditions of a certain culture. â€Å"The motivations for forced marriages are complex and care must be taken to avoid over-generalisations. However, they do seem to fall broadly into three categories and the category that is perhaps the most common is where young men and women are found to be involved in a liaison which their families disapprove of. Irrespective of