Midwest s Commitment For The La Crosse Community - 845 Words

July 29th, 2014 Midwest TV and Appliance 3600 Highway 157 La Crosse, WI 54601 Dear General Manager, It’s been amazing to see Midwest’s commitment to the La Crosse community. Your passion and desire to provide a great service and products to your customers always shines through; however, your commitment to the La Crosse communities well being is even more impressive! In the School District of La Crosse we are working hard to provide an amazing education to our students and to create unique learning opportunities. As part of our district’s mission, â€Å"†¦to design innovative educational opportunities for all students, to give students choice, to educate the whole student, and to foster communication and collaboration with our community†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , we have been blessed with the task of opening a new charter high school. This school year we will open the doors to 7 Rivers Community High School. 7 Rivers Community High School will open this school year! We will offer students individualized, self-directed learning with a strong emphasis on community connections. The school will serve approximately 40 9th and 10th graders during its first year and expand to 11th and 12th grade over the next two years. The new school will be housed within the Hogan Administration Building. We are a different look than a traditional high school. Our approach is the blending of three different ways of learning: student-centered projects, optional self-paced online courses, and a variety of elective classesShow MoreRelatedCrossing the Chasm76808 Words   |  308 Pagesthe 1980s with new ones from the 1990s. Surprisingly, in the majority of cases this swap works very well. But in other cases, there’s been a little forcefitting, and I want to beg your indulgence up front. The world has changed. The high-tech community is now crossing the chasm intentionally rather than unintentionally, and there are now competitors who have read the same book and create plans to block chasm-crossing. The basic forces don’t change, but the tactics have become more complicatedRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 Pagesbuilt-in pretests and posttests, focus on what you need to learn and to review in order to succeed. Visit www.mymanagementlab.com to learn more. DEVELOPING MANAGEMENT SKILLS EIGHTH EDITION David A. Whetten BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY Kim S. Cameron UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Prentice Hall Boston Columbus Indianapolis New York San Francisco Upper Saddle River Amsterdam Cape Town Dubai London Madrid Milan Munich Paris Montreal Toronto Delhi Mexico City Sao Paulo Sydney Hong Kong Seoul SingaporeRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pagesand permission should be obtained from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or likewise. To obtain permission(s) to use material from this work, please submit a written request to Pearson Education, Inc., Permissions Department, One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458, or you may fax your request to 201-236-3290. Many of the designations by manufacturersRead More_x000C_Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis355457 Words   |  1422 PagesIowa, concentrated on statistics, computer programming, psychometrics, and test development. Currently, he divides his duties between teaching and evaluation; in addition to teaching, he is the assessment facilitator for the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Community Schools. In his spare time he enjoys reading and hiking. He and his wife have a daughter, Anna, who is a graduate student in Civil Engineering at Cal Tech. JAY DEVORE earned his undergraduate degree in Engineering Science from the University of California

Obesity Involves Excessive Body Fat That Increases The...

Obesity involves excessive body fat that increases the risk of other health related problems (MedlinePlus, 2014). The health related problems includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, sleep disorders, musculoskeletal disorders and associat-ed limitations in physical activities (MedlinePlus, 2014). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), (2015) 17% of children aged 2-19 are obese. One in five children in the United States is overweight or obese (CDC, 2015). Obesity is not the same as overweight, which means weighing too much (MedlinePlus, 2014). What those two terms have in common is that the child’s weight is greater than what is considered healthy for their height (MedlinePlus, 2014). Children who are overweight have a higher risk for becoming obese (MedlinePlus, 2014). Classification for obesity and overweight are by age and gender specific body mass index (BMI) (Nichols, 2016). The BMI is not a diag-nostic tool (Nichols, 2016). However, it is used to track weight status and serves as a screening tool for potential weight problems (Nichols, 2016). The BMI measure the body fat based on weight and height of an individual. Interpretations for children are relative to age and sex (Nich-ols, 2016). Factors associated to obesity include an interplay between genetic, behavioral, and envi-ronmental factors (Rogers, 2010). In fact, the combination of genetic and environmental factors increases theShow MoreRelatedObesity Among City Dwellers Is Becoming One Of The Major National Health Concerns1216 Words   |  5 PagesObesity among city dwellers is becoming one of the major national health concerns. In fact, it became a crisis. Nationally, â€Å"$147 billion is spent yearly for obesity-related care, including 77% greater spending on medications for the obese than for non-obese individuals† (Marchiondo 2014, P. 156). 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Epidemiology Of Acne Vulgaris Health And Social Care Essay Free Essays

string(39) " is Chinese and male parent is Indian\." My name is Nazar Hussain Malik. I am, presently working as a G.P with a medical group of a Dermatologist and household doctors in Toronto, Canada. We will write a custom essay sample on Epidemiology Of Acne Vulgaris Health And Social Care Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now Medical installation opens fives yearss a hebdomad from Monday to friday. There are about 1500 dermatology patients go toing per twelvemonth, on either assignment or referral footing. Most of go toing patients have diseases like eczema, acne, skin infections, hair and nails infections, and psoriasis and tegument malignant neoplastic disease. I am go toing dermatology patient ‘s direction. My selected patient name is Nancy ( name changed ) who is a 17 old ages old miss who is populating with her parents. Her female parent is Chinese and male parent is Indian. You read "Epidemiology Of Acne Vulgaris Health And Social Care Essay" in category "Essay examples" She was born and raised in Toronto. Her male parent and female parent work together in a departmental shop with an mean income. Nancy has been go toing an art college in the metropolis. Background Epidemiology is defines as the distribution of diseases and associated wellness and unwellness factors that influence the happening of disease at epidemic and endemic level.It is related with environmental and personal factors by topographic point, clip and and polpulation.Epidemiology helps to inform evidence-based medical specialty for placing hazard factors for disease in finding intervention attack. Acne vulgaris is most common disease in Uk and other universe.It is found in over 80 % of adolescence population of different ages. Acne is more common in males than in females. In maturity, acne vulgaris is more common in adult females than in work forces Prevalence of acne in a community sample of 14- to 16-year-olds in the UK has been recorded as 50 % . Acne affects 40 to 50 1000000s peoples in United provinces and 3 to 5 1000000s in Australia. Acne was the showing ailment in 3.1 % of people aged 13 to 25 old ages go toing primary attention in a UK population. Overall incidence is similar in both work forces and adult females, and extremums at 17 old ages of age. The figure of grownups with acne, including people over 25 old ages, is increasing. All races are affected by acne. Cystic acne is prevailing in the Mediterranean part from Spain to Iran. Acne vulgaris is a common chronic pilosebaceous inflammatory disease of face, back and chest. Most of the Patients with acne vulgaris see a important psychological morbidity and mortality. Depression, anxiousness and self-destructive ideation are the most common of psychological jobs. ICD-10- INTERNATIONAL STATISTICAL CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES CODES L70. Acne L70.0 – Acne Vulgaris F32.2 – depressive episode In my hunt schemes, I used following web sites, Links and databases, to happen out articles, researches, abstracts, surveies, systematic reappraisals, RCT and Meta-analysis, I used following learning resources, University of Hertfordshire Database by Study Net, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, National institute for wellness and clinical Excellence. ( NICE, CKS, NHS ) , BMJ group grounds Centre, EADV. European academy of dermatology and venereology, Science Direct and Scopus, DermetNZ ( World Wide Web, dermnetnz, org ) , Google bookman through StudyNet. , WHO, DSM-IV Criteria and ICD-10-CA ( International statistical categorization of diseases and related wellness jobs 1oth alteration, Canada ) and CCI ( Canadian categorization of wellness intercessions ) . I used following hunt footings and hunt sets. Acne, acne vulgaris, epidemiology, aetiology, genetic sciences, pathophysiology, depression, anxiousness, To Identify cardinal beginnings of information, I used MeSH schemes, Boo lean operators to contract and broaden my hunt scheme. I applied Limits of English linguistic communication, human surveies, confirmed diagnosing, full text articles, grounds based record, life scientific disciplines, wellness and societal scientific disciplines. My inclusion standards was grownups and kids, confirmed diagnosing. My exclusion standards was babies, critically sick patients Evidences of strong association found between Acne and depression. Following surveies prove a relationship between Acne and Depression, Anxiety. Pouran Layegh, Hamid Reza Arshadi et al.Aug-2010, a comparative survey on the prevalence of Depression and self-destructive ideation in dermatology patients enduring from psoriasis, Acne, alopecia areata and vitilgo. , Persian Journal of Dermatology, Vol 13, No 4,2010. , ( Iran J Dermatol 2010 ; 13: 106-11 ) . , In this comparative survey of Depression, entire figure of qualified topics was 300 between the ages of 11 to 64 old ages. To look into the prevalence of Depression, BDI ( Beck Depression Inventory ) graduated table was used. 78 ( 26 % ) were enduring from Acnes, 62 ( 20.7 % ) from Psoriasis. 73 ( 24.3 % ) fro alopecia areata and 87 ( 29 % ) from vitilgo. This survey has provided conclusive grounds that childs with even mild grade of acne are more prone to Depression. K.Yazici, K.Baz-2004, Disease specific quality of life in patients with anxiousness and Depression with Acne. , JEADV.2004.18.435.439. , This survey includes 61 patients with acne vulgaris and 38 healthy voluntaries. Acne badness was assessed utilizing Global Acne Grading System ( GAGS ) .All participants completed followerss. Acne quality of life graduated table ( AQOL ) , Dermatology life quality index ( DLQI ) and Hospital anxiousness and depression graduated table ( HAD ) .The rate of topics at hazard of anxiousness was significantly higher In the patients group ( 26.2 % ) than in control group ( 0 % ) ( p=0.001 ) . MY SCOPE OF REVIEWS. cardinal issues, Epidemiology of Acne Acne and quality of life of my patient Cuases of Acne Incidende and prevalence of acne. Psychosocial effects on my patient. Critical Analysis and Analysis of current Literature. HISTORY EXAMINATION AND DIAGNOSIS 17 twelvemonth old Nancy has been sing our Practice installation since last 7 old ages.She visited in company of her parent. She told that she was merely 12 old ages old when acne start looking on her face by the clip she started her menses. Acne occupied beyond face toward cervix, shoulder, back and chest. After a twelvemonth she has legion acne, with a combination of white and black caput blackheads, musca volitanss, cysts, little ruddy bumps that feel stamp to touch, papules, pustules, and nodules. These acnes were sore, itchy and seeping out on rubing. She has experienced repeated episodes of acnes several clip. For intervention of acne, she used several over the counter readyings. Her female parent is Chinese and male parent is Indian. They gave her many Chinese and Indian redresss as good. When I asked Nancy about how acne started, she start shouting. Here is the narrative as she told. I was merely 12 old ages old when I saw a hickey over my face on right side of my olfactory organ. Following hebdomad I saw another pimple.I was in Grade 6 and did non notice.But following twenty-four hours a category chap pointed at my face and get down laughing.I asked why are you express joying. She told you look like a wild African adult female with points on face. In following few months I saw a large harvest of hickeies until the I saw a large cystic hickey around my nose and above my lip. It was really painfull. I got some on my brow between my superciliums. I thought it was for a clip being and will travel off shortly. Pimple were mending up rapidly and a new hickey was coming up. My tegument was still baby smooth. My acne truly flared when I was in grade 10. I avoided mirror and had to cover up my face most of the clip, walked around with a skining face from all the rough medical specialties. It was a muss. I had everything that you could call with any words. Painful cysts o n my cheek, comedos on my olfactory organ on both sides, my superciliums, random one on my mentum and brow. My female parent helped me a batch in doing me mentally prepared to confront all sort of state of affairs and making intervention. I started art college with the emphasis. I had about 10 deep ruddy hickeies bunch around my cheek Sides, I have been left with cicatrixs from these. My tegument will ne’er look just like before. I have marking on my cheeks, big pores on my cheeks and olfactory organ from the stupid comedos, and I have noticed more and more broken blood vass on my cheeks. For her acne job, Nancy visited two other GP offices, but acne were non relieved. She noticed that acne were more troublesome during monthly periods, eating fatty repasts, nuts and eggs. She realized that other pupils were looking at her face and express joying with remarks. It was aching her each clip. Even instructors did non like her face. She was barely maintaining her attending at the art college. She came to dermatology office 4 old ages ago for the intervention of her acne. Along with acne, she has been enduring from symptoms of anxiousness and depression due to failure in intervention and facial disfiguring. Her troubles were aggravated, when a miss started express joying while looking at her face full of acne. She wishes she could conceal her face. She feels helter-skelter, agitated and covetous when she sees any beautiful adult female. On her first visit she said she can non digest agonising antsy acne on her face and organic structure. In Family, her female parent has been enduring from Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus.Her female parent has history of acne in adolescent age. Her male parent is basking a good wellness. Her expansive male parent died of long standing Diabetes Mellitus several old ages ago. In medicine history she has used several over antagonistic medicines, like clearasil attention, Rezamid Lotion, Sulphur unction, salicylic acid, Glycolic acid. The she tried topical Benzyole peroxide lotion, topical azaleic acid, unwritten Erythrocin and Achromycin. To command her anxiousness she used some tranquiller on occasion. She besides attend a decorative clinic to better her face before go toing any meeting. Acnes are classified in to, Type 1. comedonal, trim no scarring. Type 11. comedonal, popular, moderate scarring. Type 111. comedonal, popular and pustular with scarring. Type 1V. Nodulocystic acnes, terrible scarring. The Leeds Scoring System. we evaluate the badness by numbering figure of lesion by technique on a graduated table from 0 to 10 by utilizing ba exposure as a mention standard.. A mark of 10 is terrible. Here is photograph with acnes, By numbering the figure of acne lesions Leeds mark is calculated. TABLE- 1 The Cardiff Acne Disability Index NO Questions Mark 1 As a consequence of holding acne, during the last month have you been aggressive, frustrated or embarrassed? ( a ) Very much so ( B ) A batch ( degree Celsius ) A small ( vitamin D ) Not at all 2 2 Do you believe that holding acne during the last month interfered with your day-to-day societal life, societal events or relationships with members of the opposite sex? ( a ) Badly, impacting all activities ( B ) Reasonably, in most activities ( degree Celsius ) Occasionally or in merely some activities ( vitamin D ) Not at all 2 3 During the last month have you avoided public altering installations or have oning swimming costumes because of your acne? ( a ) All of the clip ( B ) Most of the clip ( degree Celsius ) Occasionally ( vitamin D ) Not at all 3 4 How would you depict your feelings about the visual aspect of your tegument over the last month? ( a ) Very down and suffering ( B ) Normally concerned ( degree Celsius ) Occasionally concerned ( vitamin D ) Not bothered 3 5 Please bespeak how bad you think your acne is now: ( a ) The worst it could perchance be ( B ) A major job ( degree Celsius ) A minor job ( vitamin D ) Not a job 3 Instruction manuals for hiting The marking of each reply is as follows: ( a ) 3 ( B ) 2 ( degree Celsius ) 1 ( vitamin D ) 0 The CADI mark is calculated by summing the mark of each inquiry ensuing in a possible upper limit of 15 and a lower limit of 0. The higher the mark, the more the quality of life is impaired. Entire Mark 13 TABLE-2. DLQI INDEX DLQI- DERMATOLOGY LIFE QUALITY INDEX Calculation The purpose of this questionnaire is to mensurate how much your tegument job has affected your life over the last hebdomad. Please tick one box for each inquiry. No Questions Tonss 1 How antsy your tegument 2 2 How abashed or self witting Because of tegument Mark 2 3 How much has your tegument interfered with you traveling shopping or looking after your place or garden 1 4 How much has your tegument influenced your apparels 1 5 How much has your tegument affected any societal activities 2 6 How much has your tegument made it hard for athletics 0 7 Has your tegument prevented you from working or analyzing. 1 8 How much has your tegument created jobs with your spouse, or any of your close friends or relations 2 9 How much has your tegument caused any sexual troubles 0 10 How much of a job has the intervention for your tegument been, for illustration by doing your place messy or by taking up clip 2 Entire Tonss 13 TABLE-3. COOK GRADING SCALE FOR OVERALL for Severity of Acne. Badness of Acnes Grade description 0 Need non be perfect ; 3 little blackheads and/or papules are permitted, if they are scattered 2 Very few pustules, up to 3 twelve papules and/or blackheads ; no large or outstanding lesions ; lesions are barely seeable from 2.5m off 4 Between grades 2 and 6. Red lesions and redness are present to a important grade. Worthy of intervention 6 Numerous blackheads, but no redness or inflammatory lesions, legion pustules, lesions easy recognised at 2.5m, some pustules may be rather big ( 1-2 centimeter ) 8 Conglobata, fistula or cystic type acne or Highly inflammatory acne covering most of the face ; xanthous pustules extend to make out and chin. . Diagnosis of Acne vulgaris was made on the footing of clinical symptoms. Presence and location of acne with itchiness, Following lesions were found on face cervix, shoulder and back with a combination of Whitehead and comedo blackheads, musca volitanss, cysts, little ruddy bumps, papules, pustules, pigmentations, cicatrixs and nodules. These acnes were sore, itchy and seeping out on rubing. She has experienced repeated episodes of acnes several clip. psychosocial factors present were depression with anxiousness and societal isolation. Hazard factors included were the age of 17, familial sensitivity, oily tegument, dietetic contents, pubescence anxiousness and tenseness. Following probes were done to guarantee that there was no other organic cause which may do dermatological and psychiatric symptoms or may interfere with the intervention. Full blood count, nephritic map trials, Liver map trial, a fasting lipid profile. Thyroid map trials, , B12, Folates, serum drug screen and tegument biopsy, EPIDEMIOLOGY. Causes. Exact cause of Acne is unknown. Most common myths about the causing of Acne vulgaris are increased sebum secernment, hapless hygiene, familial sensitivity, a high glycemic diet, oily nutrients, cocoa, spicy repasts, emphasis degree, puberty endocrines, infections with a bacteria p. acnes, Acnes are abnormalcy of greasy secretory organs attached to the hair follicles, found in cuticle. Greasy secretory organs usually produce an greasy substance called sebum. Due to multiple grounds these greasy secretory organs over secrete sebum, which mixes with dead tegument cells formation of ceratin and sebum stopper in the follicle. Proliferation of bacteria propionibacterium acnes releases free fatty acids and neutrophills, which destroys pilocebaceous secretory organs bring forthing enzyme liposes. Blackheads are produced by choke offing of greasy secretory organs with sebum, dead tegument cells and commensal bacteria, propionibacterium acnes. The sulting redness give rise to papules, septic pustules, nodules, cicatrixs and pigmentation in the corium Familial Factors. Nancy told that her female parent had a strong history of acne vulgaris in the same age†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Incidence. Prevalence CRITICAL EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS CONCLUSION AND REFLECTION CONSENT FORM Patient was in abroad. Presently, it non possible to recover the signed consent signifier. How to cite Epidemiology Of Acne Vulgaris Health And Social Care Essay, Essay examples

Artificial Intelligent Financial Evaluation -Myassifgnmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Artificial Intelligent Financial Evaluation? Answer: Introduction The report is based on analyzing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in selected banking organization, The Development Bank of Singapore (DBS). The banking sector is exploring of adoption of the artificial intelligence into the operational processes. By adoption of the artificial intelligence, the banks are automated their operational processes which result into reduction of cost and faster the turnaround time. The Development Bank of Singapore is looking forward to upgrade the operational processes (Moro, Cortez and Rita 2015). DBS is adopting of artificial intelligence in order to blend the digital banking. The bank is focused on development of ledger system such that it can enhance the financial services. Artificial intelligence into DBS bank enhances level of banking which provide the customers capacity to use banking services. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the artificial intelligence and digital innovation into banking sector which enhances the customer value. The report discusses the product and processes roadmap by outlining of the minimal viable product and process. It also develops the cost benefit analysis for the artificial intelligence. It also discusses the short term strategy as well as long term strategy to launch of the MVP (Minimal Viable Product) and then validate the product. Strategies in selected organization- The Development Bank of Singapore The different short-term strategies for launching MVP and validate products are discussed hereafter. It must be reminded that time and money is the key barriers keeping one from testing amazing business ideas. Creating a fake brand: The Development Bank of Singapore or DBS must consider their brand name. During testing phase, their MVP is needed to be provided with a fake name. This must be descriptive enough for resonating with customers (Copeland 2015). Setting up shop: DBS must possess a branded website. The website should come with its distinct template and an effective back-end editor. This must be quickly figured out. The bank must plug in their domain URL and logo to new sire. Then everything like logo and brand name must be set up on different social media sites. Stocking the shelves: DBS must write creative service descriptions for their site. This must help potential customers to witness every appeal of their service. This must also include technical specs (Ahmadi et al. 2014). It is useful to make up few details that must gauge the response of customers to their potential services. Disrupting and differentiating: The different odds to close the sale rise as the target audience has been drawn in through a unique perk. This is presented by value proposition. Completion of a transaction at many times hinges on the way how successful the benefits have been in engaging various clients (Brynjolfsson, Rock and Syverson 2017). Mission, vision, goals, objectives, strategies and tactics The main mission to implement AI at DBS is to develop opportunities regarding faster and more personalized customer experiences. This is intended to retrieve better insights and automation of back-end flows. DBS nurtures a clear vision of different optimistic signs of adoption and interest even under stodgy banking incumbents. Various discussions across media regarding the emergence of AI have been ranging from automation and their efficiency to cut numerous jobs to the startup acquisitions (Kaznacheev, Samoilova and Kjurchiski 2016). Thus DBS expects an intuitive, multichannel and easy-to-use tool are maximizing customer experience and reducing time. One of the goals in the current case is anonymity. Since intelligent algorithms go for data pools automatically, developers never need to personally access data, create patterns manually and analyze that. Further another goal is to communicate proactively with the information needed by customers before they call contact centers (Stobbs, Hunter and Bagaric 2017). Next, an important objective is the administration. DBS provides tags to simplify and help financial handling. Till date, users gas to tag transactions manually. However, AI optimizes this process. For all this, the most effective strategy has been to focus on research towards automated tagging of transactions. Hence, testing various AI options for creating the initial prototypes is important tactics. Hypothesis The different hypothesis includes the following. Lack of efficient AI applications used by employees and customers at DBS. Lack of benefits regarding time, effort and cost reduction. Lack of clear future was doling for AI at DBS. A long-term strategy to launch MVP and validate product MVP might misguide DBS to use their strategy to begin a new project. A strategy regarding quantitative and fast market testing is needed to be narrow and somehow misleading. The first strategy is proper focus (Riedl 2016). It is important in the current scenario avoiding a mainstream audience. Setting customer attention in a proper way and getting to a relevant audience is the first trial. DBS must remember that they are providing a vision of future product and idea of what simple tool that has been playing with currently can turn out to be. Next, DBS must consider minimalism. They must try to supply ideas efficiently cost such that customers are ready to provide payment. They must balance their vision and customer expectations. During dealing with every kind of tasks, DBS must go for the proper platform for a cheap and quick start. Moreover, they should be flexible and closely interact with customers. This would help to utilize time over no-profit ideas (Bench-Capon 2014). Here one can analyze and understand better market needs. Then the testing should be considered. MVP testing is about making sense whether the supply is solving customers challenges along with a readiness to pay for that. Apart from this, testing denotes company resources and market capabilities. Lastly, DBS must understand that during the implementation of a strategy, they must not fail. They must abide by some general approaches to escape different unhappy outcomes. They should use their intuition. Then, they must discuss with domain experts (Bostrom and Yudkowsky 2014). Next, they must begin with different universal risks. Mission, vision, goals, objectives, strategies and tactics The main mission of utilizing machine learning or AI at banking is to fight against fraud. The technology is also intended to improve compliance. It is ideally appropriate for challenges since different algorithms for machine learning combs through large transactional data sets spotting unusual behavior. The primary vision is to develop software robots that must act as virtual workers. They can be trained mostly by business users in a very intuitive way (Castelli, Manzoni and Popovic 2016). DBS wants to free up their valuable and limited skills of IT experts to focus on more and more strategic tasks. Since technology continues to forge significant changes in DBS, is must provide the organization through closing and small, interface to thrive their digital feature. This is their primary goal (Makridakis 2017). Further, the objective underpinning, in this case, is that the technology innovation must shape their industry, workforce and partnerships. The strategy implemented must in such a way that it finds value within disruption and then deepens their role in the lives of customers. The best tactics are that DBS requires scaling back their dependability over legacy core banking systems and then implementing current IT platform. This is to create international standards along with related business processing regulations available. Hypothesis The hypothesis is discussed below. DBS intends to use AI under heavily-manual process regarding cost benefits, speed efficiency and accuracy. There are various external and internal factors helping to elevate the customer experience and then move employee towards more judgment based and high value-added responsibilities. Product roadmap and minimal viable product for artificial intelligence The research provides a roadmap to implement the artificial intelligence into the banking sector. AI is adopted into the bank and it has potential in order to drive revenue, decrease into operational cost along with mitigation of risks. DBS invests in as well as deploys of artificial intelligence as it controls the market (Ogwueleka et al. 2015). The MPV of DBS is those products which satisfy the customers and then providing of feedback towards future development of product. Through the AI products, it consumes as well as processes of larger amounts of data. It speeds the efficiency of the financial services and then becomes more efficient. AI products can detect the frauds by failing of the unusual transactions. It builds up trust and creates a customer value. The customers are attached to the bank which provides of personalized services. The banks are mainly used of AI technology to use of robots as the financial advisors, that provides automated as well as algorithm based financial. The financial products provide better productivity to make the financial operations more effective as well as efficient (Wu, Chen and Olson 2014). The workforces are focused on core banking functionalities and reduction of cost. DBS is a systematic along with data centric banks which is used to quantify along with minimizing of the risks and customer support, blocking of frauds, forecasting and identifying the new customers to market the new financial services (Cavalcante et al. 2016). The banking operations of DBS are highly data intensive as they are involved into opening of bank account, submission of forms and documents. Issues and integrations of artificial intelligence into selected organization Apart from the benefits of artificial intelligence into the banking industry, there are also issues which are faced by DBS. There are potential error rate into AI due to technological infancy. The major concern is data security and lack of trust on the AI regulations. Therefore, data security is the main threat of new technology. Dunis et al. (2016) stated that important concern regarding the adoption of artificial intelligence is ethics as well as moral values. It is not right to install intelligence system into the machine and it works for the benefit of the bank. AI system should prevent the customer privacy, technological complexity along with loss of security control over business strategies. In the banking sector, AI system is focused on providing secured data to the customers so that DBS can gain of customer satisfaction and value (Pereira, Basto, and Ferreira-da-Silva 2014). Proper financial transactions are the main concern of the organization, as loss of data as well as inf ormation will cost a high loss. One of the issues of AI is cost, as its creation is expensive. In the bank, creation of AI needs of huge cost as they are complex intelligence system. Their maintenance as well as repair of the system requires huge amount of money. The software programs are required to be updated to meet with changing environment of the customers (Copeland 2015). The procedures to change the lost codes along with installation of system require long time along with higher cost. The cost issues arias when it is related to implementation time, integration challenges, lack of understanding of AI along with its usability with other platforms (Zhu 2016). As there is higher cost of machines, therefore hardware as well as software requires more time and money to update in order to meet with the financial requirements. Recommendations and Conclusion Recommendations Following are the recommendations of adoption of AI into the business operations of DBS: Robust technology: DBS should use of robust AI technology for future benefit of the business operations in the financial services of the bank. It controls over the transactions, loans and implement of ledger system. Secure the customer data: The stored data into the AI system should require to be kept secured so that no unauthorized person can able to access it without permission of the data owner. Training program: In order to develop and build of AI into the banking industry, the bank should hire as well as provide training to the digital practitioners and experts to handle the financial services. It also enhances the long and short term strategies to launch of MVP into the organization. Conclusion It is concluded that artificial intelligence chosen for the bank, DBS helps to improve the financial operations along with satisfaction level of the customers. It is analyzed that artificial intelligence automated the financial decisions by assisting the users to take it. It monitors the financial events, stocks and bonds the price against the financial goals. The AI applications embedded the end users devices and financial institutions servers for capable to analyze the information and customized financial advices, forecasting in addition to financial calculations. Therefore, it is concluded that artificial intelligence has key significant importance into the banking sector to handle the financial services. References Ahmadi, M.A., Ahmadi, M.R., Hosseini, S.M. and Ebadi, M., 2014. Connectionist model predicts the porosity and permeability of petroleum reservoirs by means of petro-physical logs: Application of artificial intelligence.Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering,123, pp.183-200. Bench-Capon, T.J., 2014.Knowledge representation: an approach to artificial intelligence(Vol. 32). Elsevier. Bostrom, N. and Yudkowsky, E., 2014. The ethics of artificial intelligence.The Cambridge handbook of artificial intelligence, pp.316-334. Brynjolfsson, E., Rock, D. and Syverson, C., 2017.Artificial intelligence and the modern productivity paradox: A clash of expectations and statistics(No. w24001). National Bureau of Economic Research. Castelli, M., Manzoni, L. and Popovi?, A., 2016. An Artificial Intelligence System to Predict Quality of Service in Banking Organizations.Computational intelligence and neuroscience,2016. Cavalcante, R.C., Brasileiro, R.C., Souza, V.L., Nobrega, J.P. and Oliveira, A.L., 2016. Computational intelligence and financial markets: A survey and future directions.Expert Systems with Applications,55, pp.194-211. Copeland, J., 2015.Artificial intelligence: A philosophical introduction. John Wiley Sons. Dunis, C.L., Middleton, P.W., Karathanasopolous, A. and Theofilatos, K. eds., 2016.Artificial Intelligence in Financial Markets: Cutting Edge Applications for Risk Management, Portfolio Optimization and Economics. Springer. Kaznacheev, P.F., Samoilova, R.V. and Kjurchiski, N.V., 2016. Improving Efficiency of the Oil and Gas Sector and Other Extractive Industries by Applying Methods of Artificial Intelligence.Economic Policy,5, pp.188-197. Makridakis, S., 2017. The Forthcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) Revolution: Its Impact on Society and Firms.Futures. Moro, S., Cortez, P. and Rita, P., 2015. Business intelligence in banking: A literature analysis from 2002 to 2013 using text mining and latent Dirichlet allocation.Expert Systems with Applications,42(3), pp.1314-1324. Ogwueleka, F.N., Misra, S., Colomo?Palacios, R. and Fernandez, L., 2015. Neural network and classification approach in identifying customer behavior in the banking sector: A case study of an international bank.Human factors and ergonomics in manufacturing service industries,25(1), pp.28-42. Pereira, J., Basto, M. and Ferreira-da-Silva, A., 2014. Comparative analysis between statistical and artificial intelligence models in business failure prediction.Journal of Management and Sustainability,4(1), p.114. Riedl, M. O. (2016). Computational Narrative Intelligence: A Human-Centered Goal for Artificial Intelligence.arXiv preprint arXiv:1602.06484. Stobbs, N., Hunter, D., Bagaric, M. (2017). Can sentencing be enhanced by the use of artificial intelligence?.Criminal Law Journal,41(5), 261. Wu, D.D., Chen, S.H. and Olson, D.L., 2014. Business intelligence in risk management: Some recent progresses.Information Sciences,256, pp.1-7. Zhu, H., 2016, September. The Application of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Evaluation. InFirst International Conference on Real Time Intelligent Systems(pp. 100-107). Springer, Cham

Lance Armstrong Essay Sample free essay sample

Do you believe a professional jock should be punished for rip offing in an event that has already taken topographic point? This is the instance with professional cycler Lance Armstrong. He was found guilty of doping. or utilizing an illegal public presentation heightening drug. in the Tour de France. which is the biggest cycling race in all of professional cycling. He was justly stripped of his rubrics and Olympic decorations for the illegal utilizations of drugs such as EPO. Testosterone Enhancement. steroids. and other public presentation heightening drugs that are outlawed in the professional biking scene. When partaking in a competition interrupting any regulation. no affair how large or how little. turns you into a deceiver. When a individual breaks a regulation unknowingly it is apprehensible. but when a individual. such as Lance Armstrong. wittingly breaks one of the biggest regulations in all of cycling. they should be punished and terrible action should be taken. We will write a custom essay sample on Lance Armstrong Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Furthermore when it is a professional athletics the reverberations should be serious because at this phase it is non merely a athletics. but besides a occupation. The International Cycling Union took the right stairss by censoring Lance Armstrong for life every bit good as depriving him of his Tour de France rubrics. The International Olympic Community justly followed suit by depriving Armstrong of his Olympic Medals ( Hoslet ) . When viing in anything at a professional degree. the regulations of the competition should be upheld with the extreme regard. While it is a occupation. at this degree it should besides be a love of the rivals. Lance Armstrong forgot this and cared more for the wins and the celebrity and less for the love of the athletics. Armstrong cheated and what he got was what he deserved. The lone thing worse than a deceiver is a prevaricator. Lance Armstrong lied on many occasions and denied any allegations of doping ( Hoslet ) . When a sport’s icon. every bit good as an American icon. is found guilty of non merely rip offing but besides lying it is heartbreaking. Armstrong was looked up to for his underdog run of triumphs. his personal appeal. his life altering Livestrong malignant neoplastic disease bar organisation. and now will be remembered as the biggest prevaricator in all of cycling. Lance Armstrong had lied since 2003 about alleged doping and has neer been found guilty until his confession in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in January 2013 ( Hodge B1-B3 ) . After he admitted to doping and lying in response to all of the allegations that had been made. the imperativeness blew up and Armstrong immediately became arguably the biggest prevaricator in all of professional athleticss. While it is sad to see an American underdog hold his life destroyed in a a ffair of hebdomads. what has happened needed to be done. Lance Armstrong lied to. non merely the organisations and people claiming he had taken public presentation heightening drugs. but besides all of his American protagonists. Spear Armstrong was non the lone doper in the Bicycling Circuit. he was merely one of the first to acquire caught. The cycling circuit is at times a really soiled and rip offing community. There are many others merely like Lance that pot. The difference is Lance Armstrong was the Tour de France’s icon. their star. their prima biker. and the sport’s biggest Cinderella Story ( Gallagher ) . After combating malignant neoplastic disease. Lance came back and won seven Tour de France rubrics. when no 1 idea he could make it ( Hoslet ) . While he did make it illicitly and broke one of the biggest regulations in the athletics. at the clip he had denied any allegations of doping. Whenever he told his secret to the universe the athletics would lose its lead cycler. Lance was viing against many others who besides used public presentation heightening drugs. but he was the 1 to acquire caught. He was the success narrative of the coevals that would be found guilty and hold his life d estroyed. Spear Armstrong was an American athleticss hero. icon. and function theoretical account. He would contend against the odds and win the biggest rubric in his athletics seven times along with several Olympic decorations. It is heartbreaking for him to be found guilty of doping but in the terminal Lance Armstrong has gotten what he deserves. He is a prevaricator and a deceiver. and has unhappily had his life flipped from this incident. Spear lost the one thing most of import to him by going greedy and caring more for the celebrity and less for the love of the game. Plants Cited Gallagher. Brendan. â€Å"Lance Armstrong Controversy. † The Telegraph. 5 Nov. 2013Web. 21 Feb. 2013Hodge. John. â€Å"Lance Armstrong to be Stripped of Medals. † Johnson City Press. 18 Jan 2013: B1-B3. Print. Hoslet. Oliver. â€Å"The Ultimate Downfall of Lance Armstrong. † The Telegraph. 24 Dec.2013. Web. 13 Feb 2013.

Globalization and the homogenization of Canadian culture Essays

Globalization and the homogenization of Canadian culture Essays Globalization and the homogenization of Canadian culture Paper Globalization and the homogenization of Canadian culture Paper The speed of globalization, namely with electronic and technologically based communications, have increased cultural awareness worldwide. 14 Canadian culture specifically, is a target for foreign media and because it is the home to thousands of different ethnic groups, it risks jeopardizing the interests of specific cultures in order to cater to the mainstream. Once media become increasingly international in scope, the tendency for bias and discrimination abounds. Ethic minorities in particular, have a difficult time defining and maintaining their culture due to the fact that they are constantly misrepresented in the media. As stated by both Biagi and McKie, the mainstream media, especially daily newspapers and the television networks, have traditionally represented the interests of mainstream culture. Scores of media studies have documented stereotypical representation, and a lack of representation of ethnic minorities in all areas of culture. 15 The Canadian Oxford Dictionary defines mainstream as pertaining to the dominant trend of opinion or style. The concentration of power with regards to ownership of media is almost entirely in the hands of typically white, middle-aged, well-to-do males. : Consequently, the prevailing opinion in the media will also be bound to that particular gender, class and race. In addition, the majority of media consumed globally is owned and operated by right-wing corporations. 16 Other scholars echo this argument by adding that, political elites become the primary definers of mass media. 17 Further studies also prove that groups with greater political and economic status have found the media to be better suited to their needs than do groups with lesser status. This can also be characterized as excessive media-centrism which fails to take into account objectivity, especially in journalistic works. 18 In short, popular culture is simply the privileged dominant media establishing its social interests over others and, thereby, sacrificing diversity for power. Evaluators of globalization recognize the fact that media related events do not occur within a vacuum, and that many differing forces can effectively influence the media. Subsequently, a comprehensive study of the driving forces behind the media concludes that a good deal of bias and discrimination within modern newspapers, television programming and film is prevalent. The overall consensus is that various minority groups which exist outside of the social, economic and political status quo suffer feelings of degradation as the media blatantly ignores their needs. Many feel as if they are second class citizens because the media does not even bother to exercise fair and accurate reporting when discussing issues concerning them. In his essay, Out of the Mainstream: Sexual Minorities and the Mass Media, Larry Gross examines the portrayal of homosexuals in the media. Gross argues that both gay and lesbian men and women are constantly stereotyped, exploited and labeled in various forms of media. He even goes so far as to assert that for the most part, gay people have been simply invisible in the media. 19 As a result, the above implications suggest that if media were not produced on such a massive scale, or on an international level, minorities of all types would be more accurately portrayed. Visible and well-publicized minorities are not the only groups that are subject to discrimination in the media. Arguments have been made that class distinctions also suffer profound prejudices at the hands of the mass media. Subsequent studies conducted by Bruce Livesy and his colleagues suggest that the homogenization of culture imparts preconceptions against working-class people. Livesy concludes that stories and issues about working people are rarely addressed by the mainstream media. 20 Women in general, can also be underrepresented or exposed in a negative manner through various forms of media. Gail Robertson claims that racism, sexism and homophobic views are prominent and obvious even in Walt Disney films geared toward children. The world can be a wonderfully magical and imaginary place in movies. It can also be a violent, angry place, and one that is filled with negative stereotypes. 21 In light of these circumstances, other various groups are not only underrepresented but completely ignored in the mainstream media. A survey conducted by Michael Karlberg and Robert Hackett identifies numerous blindspots in the media, including ethnic and racial issues, as well as some womens issues. 22 They note in their studies that sources prove the media as having the upper hand in framing events and selectively admitting voices into public discourse. 23 Those who do not fall in line with popular culture simply do not have a voice, or representation through the mass media for that matter. There are definite parallels being drawn between globalization and the disappearance of culture. Analyst, Wayne Ellwood is not alone in his contention that, local cultures are being wiped out due to this trend and that not only are these local cultures faltering, but they are being replaced by a uniform culture that is fostered by globalization. 24 Accordingly, the importance of media remaining on a local scale becomes especially clear when discussing the great fear of globalization leading to a monocultural society. Local culture and media systems are advantageous in various ways. They are actual members of particular societies so they understand and can help to foster culture by acknowledging specific needs. They are unconcerned with international events and speak on behalf of different social groups rather than huge corporations, thereby increasing awareness and accuracy in media reporting. Variance in ownership is important in order to promote diversity and ensure representation of all social groups. Ironically, although local media institutions would certainly aid in counteracting the negative effects of globalization on culture, it is this very globalized media which makes it difficult for them to exist. It is also quite common for small community networks to be purchased by huge media corporations. Often, small media outlets simply cannot compete for readers with larger, more global media institutions that offer up to the minute international news written by acclaimed journalists. Moreover, audiences tend to be drawn to media that are visually pleasing, attention-grabbing and professional-looking. 25 Large media are also relatively cheaper, more abundant and easily accessible. Since larger media institutions are more financially sound, they can afford to package products that are more appealing to audiences. In addition, their vast human resource base allows them to thoroughly research market patterns, conduct surveys and target specific audiences by building upon niche markets. Finally, the loss of patronage that small media outlets experience as a result of being forced into competition can result in their demise. In December of 1995, the World Summit for Social Development held a conference discussing issues involving the threats and opportunities of globalization and citizenship. 26 Participants and representatives considered such issues as: the conceptual underpinnings of globalization and citizenship, the changing political economy of the international system, the impact of globalization on peoples rights, and the enforcement of international standards. 27 Concerns regarding citizenship which take place within national boundaries affect the basic civil, political and socio-economic rights of individuals. The rights of citizens are often sacrificed during times of uncertainty and rapid polarization. In response, citizens seek institutions that are able to provide social protection and establish a sense of community. The convention held that, economic liberalization and restructuring have eroded the economic and social rights of people in many countries, but falling barriers to communication have also expanded international awareness of rights and facilitated the creation of civil society networks on a global scale. 28 The ease at which communication is possible, combined with the rapid spreading of ideas and notions across geographical boundaries creates conditions where individuals are forced to define and protect their social rights. Consequently, government officials argue that the growing emergence of transnational institutions are weakening established citizen-states, and are effectively alienating political establishments in order to strengthen their own commercial interests. 29 Despite arguments contending that globalization leads inevitably to Americanization across the globe; proponents argue that rather than homogenizing culture, globalization actually hybridizes culture. It has been proven that a local cultural media system can exist and possibly prosper even in the era of globalization. Minorities who are underrepresented or ignored in the media at an international level can be more accurately portrayed in a more localized media system. The existence of companies involved in alternative media provide differing views as people would rather see, hear and read about events that affect them personally. Journalist Larry Gross finds that programs and films geared toward homosexual audiences can fare very well, arguing that, the products of the nascent lesbian/gay cinema find a powerful response among their primary audience. 30 Many specialized cultural groups appreciate and encourage media facets that give them a glimpse of themselves. Support in Quebec for domestic programming is also a prime example of a community that enjoys and maintains a local media system that caters to their specific needs. Unfortunately, these media outlets face growing competition from all arenas and many will not survive without support from their communities. Mary Vipond states that, culture is the glue that holds any society together. 31 The trend towards globalization threatens this cultural glue in countless ways. Where a local media is concerned with preservation of culture, such as language and tradition, an international media can be associated with a significant loss of such identities and customs. In a world of rapid globalization, some scholars state that movement toward a world without borders is due to the fact that, in many cases, the capacity to communicate ran ahead of the capacity to produce communications, which inevitably led to the drawing in of media from other countries. 32 Critics assert that this is trivializing a much larger issue especially since the existence age-old cultures are a stake. Local media institutions, which serve to protect and maintain culture, are wiped out as the movement toward globalization continues. Debates between scholars concerning the benefits and repercussions of globalization are subject to deliberation; but one thing is clear, globalization is premised on the notion of a single unified world, and if allowed to do so, cultural diversity as we know it will cease to exist. Bibliography Barker, Chris. Television, Globalization and Cultural Studies.Pennsylvania: Open University Press, 1999. Biagi, Shirley and Craig McKie. Media Impact: An Introduction to Mass Media. Toronto: International Thomson Publishing, 1999. Ellwood, Wayne. The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization. Cornwall: New Internationalist Publications, 1999. Ferguson, Marjorie. Media, Markets and Identities: Reflections on the Global-Local Dialectic: The 1994 Southam Lecture, Canadian Journal of Communication 20, (Autumn, 1995), Vol. 20 No. 4. Fletcher, Frederick. Media and Political Identity: Canada and Quebec in the Ear of Globalization, Canadian Journal of Communication 23, (2001), Vol. 23 No. 3. McGrath, Anne. Media and Politics, in Mediascapes: New Patterns in Canadian Communication. Toronto: Thomson Canada Limited, 2002. Gross, Larry. Out of the Mainstream: Sexual Minorities and the Mass Media, in Durham, M. Kellner, D. (Eds. ), Media and Cultural Studies. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 1989. Institute of East Asian Studies, Look Whos Talking Now: Globalization, Film, Media, the Public Sphere, University of California, Berkley. Retrieved 2003 from the World Wide Web: http://ieas. berkeley. edu/events/z2002. 03. 09. html. Karlberg, Michael and Robert A. Hackett. Cancelling Each Other Out? Interest Group Perceptions of the News Media, Canadian Journal of Communication 21, (1996), Vol. 21 No. 4. Livesy, Bruce. .A Labour Newspaper: Pipe Dream of Possibility? in Bohdan Szuchewycz Jeannette Sloniowski (Eds. ), Canadian Communications. Toronto: Pearson Education Canada, 1999. Lorimer, Rowland and E. ODonnell, R. Globalization and Internationalization in Publishing, Canadian Journal of Communication 17, (Autumn, 1992), Vol. 17 No. 4, 493. Robertson, Gail. Snow Whitey? Stereotyping in the Magical Kingdom, in Bohdan Szuchewycz Jeannette Sloniowske (Eds. ), Canadian Communications. Toronto: Pearson Education Canada, 1998. Schlesinger, P. Rethinking the Society of Journalism: Source Strategies and the Limits of Media-Centrism, in M. Ferguson (Ed. ), Public Communication: the New Imperatives. London: Sage, 1990. Tracey, Michael and Wendy W. Redal. The New Parochialism: The Triumph of the Populist in the Flow of International Television, Canadian Journal of Communication 20, (1995), Vol. 20 No. 3. Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Freedoms, Article 19, adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December, 1948. Retrieved 2003 from the World Wide Web: fourmilab. ch/etexts/www/un/udhr. html. UNRISD: Globalization and Citizenship. Retrieved 2003 from the World Wide Web: unrisd. org/unrisd/website/events. nsf/(httpEvents)/EA794CA143A44B0AC1256C240048AE02? OpenDocument=. Vipond, Mary. The Mass Media in Canada. Toronto: Lorimer Company Ltd, 2000. Wade, Peter. Music, Race, and Nation. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1957. Wakefield, Robert I. and Coleman F. Barney. Communication in the Unfettered Marketplace: Ethical Interrelationships of Business, Government and Stakeholders, Journal of Mass Media Ethics 16, (2001), Vol. 16 No. 2, 213-233. 1 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Freedoms, Article 19, 1948. 2 Rowland Lorimer and E. ODonnell, R. , Globalization and Internationalization in Publishing, Canadian Journal of Communication 17 (Autumn, 1992), Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 493. 3 Marjorie Ferguson, Media, Markets and Identities: Reflections on the Global-Local Dialectic: The 1994 Southam Lecture, Canadian Journal of Communication 20 (Autumn, 1995), Vol. 20 No. 4. 4 Institute of East Asian Studies, Look Whos Talking Now: Globalization, Film, Media, the Public Sphere, University of California, Berkley. Retrieved 2003 from the World Wide Web: http://ieas. berkeley. edu/events/z2002. 03. 09. html. 5 Ferguson, op. cit., par. 3. 6 Robert I. Wakefield and Coleman F. Barney, Communication in the Unfettered Marketplace: Ethical Interrelationships of Business, Government and Stakeholders, Journal of Mass Media Ethics 16 (2001), Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 213. 7 Frederick Fletcher, Media and Political Identity: Canada and Quebec in the Ear of Globalization, Canadian Journal of Communication 23 (2001), Vol. 23 No. 3. 8 Ibid. 9 Wakefield and Barney, op. cit. , pp. 213. 10 Mary Vipond, The Mass Media in Canada (Toronto, 2000), pp. 96. 11 Anne McGrath, Media and Politics, in Mediascapes: New Patterns in Canadian Communication (Toronto, 2002), pp. 384. 12 Ibid, pp. 97. 13 Peter Wade, Music, Race, and Nation (Chicago, 1957), pp. 26. 14 Chris Barker, Television, Globalization and Cultural Studies (Pennsylvania, 1999), pp. 36-37. 15 Shirley Biagi and Craig McKie, Media Impact: An Introduction to Mass Media (Toronto, 1999), pp. 268. 16 Bruce Livesy, A Labour Newspaper: Pipe Dream of Possibility? in Bohdan Szuchewycz Jeannette Sloniowski (Eds. ), Canadian Communications (Toronto, 1999), pp. 181. 17 Michael Karlberg and Robert A. Hackett, Cancelling Each Other Out? Interest Group Perceptions of the News Media, Canadian Journal of Communication 21 (1996), Vol. 21 No. 4, par. 6. 18 P. Schlesinger, Rethinking the Society of Journalism: Source Strategies and the Limits of Media-Centrism, in M. Ferguson (Ed. ), Public Communication: the New Imperatives (London, 1990), pp. 61. 19 Larry Gross, Out of the Mainstream: Sexual Minorities and the Mass Media, in Durham, M. Kellner, D. (Eds. ), Media and Cultural Studies (Oxford, 1989), pp. 410. 20 Livesy, op. cit. , pp. 181. 21 Gail Robertson, Snow Whitey? Stereotyping in the Magical Kingdom, in Bohdan Szuchewycz Jeannette Sloniowske (Eds. ), Canadian Communications (Toronto, 1998), pp. 222. 22 Karlberg and Hackett, op. cit. , para. 18. 23 Ibid, para. 19. 24 Wayne Ellwood, The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization (Cornwall, 1999), pp. 11. 25 Biagi and McKie, op. cit. , pp. 222. 26 UNRISD: Globalization and Citizenship. Retrieved 2003 from the World Wide Web: unrisd. org/unrisd/website/events. nsf/(httpEvents)/EA794CA143A44B0AC1256C240048AE02? OpenDocument=. 27 Ibid. 28 Ibid. 29 Ibid. 30 Gross, op. cit. , pp. 421. 31 Vipond, op. cit. , pp. 89. 32 Michael Tracey and Wendy W. Redal, The New Parochialism: The Triumph of the Populist in the Flow of International Television, Canadian Journal of Communication 20 (1995), Vol. 20 No. 3, par. 8.

Not required Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Not required - Essay Example This cohesion between airline companies results to better perform in relation to customer service as well as the air transport. Although the extent of cohesion varies across alliances, it has been observed that they are more profitable to small airline entities. This essay will look at the three major airline airlines that are recognized on the international platform including Oneworld, Star Alliance and SkyTeam. Additionally, the essay looks into Alaska airline that is a key flyer in the US and other international destinations. Finally, the paper looks into the advantages and disadvantages of global airlines. This is the first airline global alliance that is discussed in the paper. First, it is the smallest alliance that currently has thirteen members; however, this number is expected to rise in the coming years. The alliance was established in 1999 by the airline companies that were competing with Sky Team (Weber and Sparks, 2004). Examples of these members include: Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, American Airlines and British Airways. The alliance has 981 destinations and it operates in 151 countries. The yearly capacity is 475 passengers; it has a fleet of 3,283 aircrafts and 14,244 departures on a daily. The top five members elect airlines that have the highest number of flights include TAM, British Airways, Iberaia, US Airways and American Airlines (The Points Guy, 2014). It can be argued the alliance is undeniably the best in redeeming domestic and global cabin topnotch awards. Six carriers have well-established global first rate cabins including Cathay Pacific, British Airways, American, Cathay Pacific, Malysian Airline, Qantas and JAL. This is the second global alliance in the airline industry. Based on the recent statistics, the alliance has nineteen members. This alliance was formed in 2000. It operates in 178 nations across the globe and has 1024

Engineering design Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Engineering design - Research Paper Example The ease of accommodating the power source can also be increased by carefully selecting a location for installing the source. The largest dimensions are of Honda GX 35 i.e. 7.8† ? 9.8† ? 12.7†. The calculations of the resistive forces are very simple because the only resistive force to the motion of the bicycle is the frictional force (Wormell). The frictional force can be coupled with the gravitational force while the bicycle is travelling on an inclined surface. For an inclined surface we can assume an angle of 4-8 degrees at the tourist resort at roads where the bike can travel. We will do the calculations for 8o inclined plane. Pr =  µs FN + W sin ? Where Pr is the total resistive force  µs is the coefficient of friction taken as 0.005 for bicycle tyres FN is the normal force equal to the weight (mg) of the bicycle and the driver W is the combined weight of the bicycle and the driver = mg (mass ? gravitational acceleration) ? is the angle of inclination of t he road = 8o Assuming the driver mass to be 80 kg and the total mass of the bike to be 20 kg we can calculate the total resistive force: Pr =  µs FN + W sin ? = 0.005 ? 100 ? 9.81 + 100 ? 9.81 ? sin 8o Pr = 141.43 N In order to calculate the torque required by the motor/engine to produce we have to assume the diameter of the tyre of the bicycle. The average diameter ranges from 55cm to 70 cm. Taking d =70 cm Tr= Pr ? 0.35 m Tr= 49.5 N m The power rating required will be Power = Tr ? 2?N/60 (N = 50) Power = 260 W The power rating of motors and engines provide a factor of safety of more than 5 as the power required is 260 W. The power rating of the battery can be computed by employing the following calculations: Average speed of the bike = 15 mph Maximum Distance to be travelled = 50 miles Discharging time of the battery = 3.3 hrs Power rating of battery = 45 A ? 3.3 hr = 150 Ahr 7. Produce a detailed PDS based on quantified data The manufacturing process is based on a detailed PDS (Musharavati). The various relevant elements of PDS for the product are mentioned below: 1. Function and Performance: The function of the product is to provide an environment friendly means of transport for tourists in a countryside resort. The performance is enhanced by proposing solutions which can provide means of transport with minimum exhaust. 2. Environment: The product is environment friendly because there is no exhaust and thus no addition of harmful chemical compounds to the environment. The design will be in accordance with the emission standards like euro 3 and USEPA. 3. Ergonomics: While developing the product ergonomic principles are kept in mind according and the design will be carried out according to the ergonomics principles. The ergonomics are mainly concerned with the position of the seat, foot rest and paddles and the convenience in the operation of control mechanism. The overall weight of the bicycle should not be greater than 30 kg. 4. Safety: The safety is ver y important and the safety and protection guidelines according to the manufacturing standards provided by ASME and ASTM. 5. Materials: The selection of materials should be done according to the ease of use and feasibility of manufacturing according to the local conditions. The proposed materials are aluminium and iron. 6. Competition: The product under consideration i.e. the environment

Bipolar Disorder Assessment and Community Intervention Programs Assignment

Bipolar Disorder Assessment and Community Intervention Programs - Assignment Example In the market, as it is, there are three versions of the Beck Depression Inventory, which are basically improvements on previous versions (Parker & Ketter, 2010). The original version was first introduced for use in 1961 and is generally referred to as the BDI (Parker & Ketter, 2010). This was later in 1978 revised into the BDI-1A, which was also consequently modified into 1996’s BDI-II (Parker & Ketter, 2010). Presently, the BDI-II remains the most widely used version of the Beck Depression Inventory (Parker & Ketter, 2010). The BDI is a 21 question inventory of self-report rating which evaluates the common symptoms and attitudes associated with bipolar disorder (Rosner, 2014). The BDI is available in a number of different convenient forms such as computerized forms and card forms (Clinical Psychology, 2015). The forms require approximately 10 minutes to successfully complete (Beck Depression Inventory-II, 2015). However, the user requires a 5th to the 6th grade level of read ing competency in order that they may properly understand the questions and thus respond appropriately (Parker & Ketter, 2010). The multiple choice questionnaire, which is suited for persons who are 13 years of age and over, delves on items that determine presence/ absence of symptoms of bipolar disorder like irritability, hopelessness, feeling of being punished, guilt, fatigue, lack/ loss of interest in sex, loss of weight, and so on (Clinical Psychology, 2015).The assessment can be self-administered or done verbally by a trained administrator. The user of the instrument has the responsibility of ensuring appropriate use of the test, such as in administration, interpretation, application, and scoring of the results (Clinical Psychology, 2015). Some test instances can be given and rated/ scaled by persons with lower levels of training as long as they remain under the supervision of a qualified user (Parker & Ketter, 2010).  

The effectiveness of a free market system

The effectiveness of a free market system The market system is markets in which governments have very limited roles, it can also be known as the free market. Many may question this type of market system though, in that how can such a system without any major policies or government intervention, solve the basic economic problems of, what to produce? How to produce and for whom to produce? Adam Smith, a famous Scottish philosopher economist, argued that individuals pursuing their self interest would be lead as by an invisible hand in doing things that are in the interest of society as a whole. In this market, if an individual desires to start up a business, once established, would in turn benefit society by creating new jobs and opportunities. This benefit would move the societys production possibility frontier onwards and outwards, and would further result in a productively and allocatively efficient business. The main feature of a free market system is that it enjoys the pricing system which is determined through forces of demand and supply of a product or service without any influences of monopolistic or oligopolistic markets. This is the only time where government intervenes; in ensuring consumers enjoy the benefits of low prices. Competition within the market therefore, allows consumers to have choices and benefit from low prices and in return leads businesses to expansion or creation of new products or services. Free market businesses also have high profit motives therefore ensuring efficiency and effectiveness within the operational functions of the business. Based on information gathered it shows where1 Mexico benefits from a free market economy in the trillion dollar class with regards to investment climate. The country established this state through the mixture of modern and outmoded industry and agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Likewise, Tanzania enjoys more than ninety percent of total foreign investments. Some of the countrys investors include the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany to name a few. The sectors that attracted these top country investors are tourism, agriculture, fisheries, mining and manufacturing all under a free market system2. Altogether, it is appears that the market system is the best mechanism in encouraging a positive investment climate, however, everything that has advantages, must have some sort of negativity affiliated. In this market, with high levels of rivalry, it has been known to adversely affect employment and poverty levels in China and India in division between the rich and the poor. Even highly developed economies such as the United States and Canada are known to encounter these issues consequent of a total free market economy3. Additionally, in an attempt to maximize profit levels, business owners in a free market may be tempted to reduce competing levels and operate as a monopoly, in essence to non government intervention. Income differences are also likely to be substantial since there are no taxes imposed in reducing it. In the real world it is not perfect; it would never really have a market where demand is equal to supply a state of equilibrium. Therefore, in conclusion the free market would never really be a best allocating mechanism for scarce resources. Word Count: 524words PART A QUESTION 2 People disbelieves of a free market economy has highlighted the nature of a command economy. In contrast to a free market system, in command economies the government decides what will be produced? How it will be produced and for whom it would be produced? This further encompasses detailed instructions that are issued to households, firms and workers. There is very little private sector business activity within this economy as oppose to a free market economy. It is a very bureaucratic and time costly task of the government in planning and making decisions of these roles, as such; even though there is maximization in the application of resources, there is no completely planned economy where there is efficiency in the allocation of resources. With government in command, they produce products and services that are only required to be produced, consequently limiting consumers choices. Also, there is no room for competition within this economy, therefore any improvements in product designs is highly unlikely. Employees are also poorly motivated knowing that the business is not trying to make profits; therefore they are not benefited in any way from working harder, or even giving their input in showing the enterprise of how to possibly make its business more successful. On the other hand, with a command economy, there is stability within the economy. Also, this economy plans on a long term basis of perhaps via infrastructure investments, whereas the private sector is only after short term profits. The economy is intended to serve needs collectively rather than individually which allows equal distributions of wealth within its nature making no room for any discrimination. Through the high levels of government control in the economy, it does ensure sufficient supply of industrial products be made available at affordable prices for manufacturers all in the effort of the overall welfare of the economy. All production decisions are based on the governments assessments of peoples needs rather than the consumers spending patterns. 4A planned economy, in theory does not suffer from any business cycles, that is, and is no booms or recessions: it does not experience crisis of overproduction. According to the CIA Factbook, it estimated that for a time the Soviet Union was the worlds second largest economy and was that of a command, the economy eventually collapsed though, resulting in the various republics gaining its independence, for e.g., Kazakhstan transitioning into a free economy. This country now reaps the benefits of a friendly foreign investment climate. The economy has been healthily operating since the transition. China, before 1978 and India before, 1991 were also important command economies. Presently, command economies are relatively rare however it does still exist in certain countries such as in Cuba and Iran. The student believes that there is really no room for investment climates within a command economy, especially since potential investors evaluates and investigates conditions for private sector investment. This is due to all the disadvantages discussed earlier, for e.g., the basic salary wages would in fact reduce the demand for labor which affects an investors decision in thinking of the long run outcome. Word Count: 517 words PART A QUESTION 3 As a free market allows practices of self interest without any significant restrictions, and a command economy allows minute capacity of individual economic freedom since most decisions are centrally taken by the government, the student would now discuss a mixed economy as a result to these market failures. In a mixed economy as in Trinidad and Tobago, the government and the private sector act together in solving the economic issues presented. The government controls a significant allocation of output through taxations, transfer payments and the provision of services such as the defense force and police force. Government also regulates the extent to which an individual may pursue their own self interest. In this market type, the government provides essential services for all in society, no discrimination; the private sector is encouraged to operate successfully in earning profits from enterprise. Competition within the market will result in innovate products produced at reasonable prices to consumers hence an overall satisfaction to consumers in having the benefit of choice of a product. In mixed economies, government rule out all inefficient business behavior, for e.g., dangerous products or polluted factories such as the International Aluminum Smelting Industry, which results in very detrimental health impacts to society. Some disbenefits though are that taxes may be too high to pay for public goods, which can result in a decrease in motivation to work hard or make profits. The public sector may also not be as productive and efficient as oppose to the private sector. Government also needs to be careful when setting controls over business operations, too much control can add to cost and thereby discouraging enterprise. Trinidad and Tobago is known to have an open investment climate meaning that almost all investment barriers since 1992 to be exact have been abolished. Based on data collected, 5due to the nations strategic location, natural resources, excellent infrastructure and pro-investment business climate, Trinidad and Tobago have in the past acquired the highest foreign direct investment (FDI) per capita in Latin America and the Caribbean. Increased levels of export returns have stirred both the public and private sectors outflow and inflow. Some of the sectors in which potential investors may consider in T T is the Tourism industry, Music and Entertainment, Merchant Marine and, Energy and Downstream Industry to name a few. Trinidad and Tobagos recent investment climate has not been progressing lately though, especially with the recent downfall in the economy, it is quite a challenging investment climate presently., 6There is a need to attract major players in the energy sector that is, especially since the entrants of new competitors such as Brazil, Angola, Australia and off-shore West Africa, who all possess the ability to haul together the investment dollars the technical expertise from major multi-national companies. Competition is indeed though in this sector, as a result the energy chamber has decided to center the forthcoming 2011 T T Energy Conference on investment in the energy sector. The conference will be to discuss the various aspects in which investment can be influenced in the region as well as means in enhancing competitiveness. Another major sector in which investment opportunities could use a boost is that of the Defense and Security sector. Presently, Trinidad and Tobago is undergoing significant increased levels of crime. Though a risk factor, relevant investors can however use this as an opportunity to grow and develop their businesses market shares. Trinidad and Tobagos actual investment policies as at 2009 20137, states where these policies are proposed in providing principles and guidelines for national and foreign investments, some of the marketing strategies include: Identification and development of investment projects. Facilitation of joint ventures. Improving access to financing and communication of investment opportunities. Provision of training to entrepreneurs. Hosting of trade fairs and trade, and trade and investment conferences, (as mentioned earlier) Provision of opportunities linked to firms that are already established, for e.g., the oil industry. These policies are expected to improve the investment climate of the country. In so doing, it provides opportunities for people to better themselves; therefore they should take advantage in the overall view of a bullish climate. Word Count: 705 words. FOOTNOTES 1http://www.islandandresort.com 2http://www.aabf.org/tanzania_inv_guide.htm 3 http://www.wiki.answers.com 4http://www.en.wikipedia.org 5http://www.bdc.co.tt/exportdirectory/profiles.php? 6http://www.ttenergyconference.org 7http://www.investtnt.com

Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cells Essays -- Automobile Car Vehicle Energy

The Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cells The present global economy is nearly entirely dependent on petroleum and crude oil imports from the Middle East. Where the current situation stands now, oil prices will continue to skyrocket and the environmental impact will continue becoming greater if no form of alternative energy is implemented to a greater extent within the coming years. However, to this effect, the industrial cost of producing such forms of alternative energy is in itself primarily composed of coal and petroleum. In this light, I will investigate the practicality of hydrogen fuel cells based upon hydrogen consumption and exploitation. Hydrogen holds enormous promise for the future regarding alternative energy sources. To this point, its ability to be used in cars, weapons, and as miniature batteries has been demonstrated by many companies. However, if this is the case, hydrogen should be the leading supplier of power around the world. What prevents it from being so? With alternate energy sources becoming more and more necessary and desirable, not only does the future hold promise for a cleaner environment, but many companies and entrepreneurs have the potential to make billions of dollars should hydrogen, nuclear, or some other alternative source of energy become implemented worldwide. Let it first be understood the underlying principles of hydrogen power production in a fuel cell. There exist many hydrogen fuel cells being developed by multiple companies worldwide; however, the fuel cell showing the most promise as a future source of alternative power is the Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and is widely regarded as a possible replacement for diesel and petroleum cars (http://www.fctec.com/fctec_types_pem... ...n production and subsequently, on the market. Thus, until the industrial cost for hydrogen fuel cells is reduced and its practicality increased, this renewable and abundant source of energy will remain on the smaller scale. Works Cited †¢ University of California, Irvine, "NFCRC Tutorial: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell." NFCRC. 30 Jul 2008 . †¢ Rayment, Chris. "Introduction of Fuel Cell Technology." University of Notre Dame. 2 May 2003. University of Notre Dame. 30 Jul 2008 . †¢ "Hydrogen Fuel Cell." Georgia State University. Georgia State University. 30 Jul 2008 http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/thermo/electrol.html#c2. †¢ "How Fuel Cells Work." HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks.com. 30 Jul 2008 . Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cells Essays -- Automobile Car Vehicle Energy The Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cells The present global economy is nearly entirely dependent on petroleum and crude oil imports from the Middle East. Where the current situation stands now, oil prices will continue to skyrocket and the environmental impact will continue becoming greater if no form of alternative energy is implemented to a greater extent within the coming years. However, to this effect, the industrial cost of producing such forms of alternative energy is in itself primarily composed of coal and petroleum. In this light, I will investigate the practicality of hydrogen fuel cells based upon hydrogen consumption and exploitation. Hydrogen holds enormous promise for the future regarding alternative energy sources. To this point, its ability to be used in cars, weapons, and as miniature batteries has been demonstrated by many companies. However, if this is the case, hydrogen should be the leading supplier of power around the world. What prevents it from being so? With alternate energy sources becoming more and more necessary and desirable, not only does the future hold promise for a cleaner environment, but many companies and entrepreneurs have the potential to make billions of dollars should hydrogen, nuclear, or some other alternative source of energy become implemented worldwide. Let it first be understood the underlying principles of hydrogen power production in a fuel cell. There exist many hydrogen fuel cells being developed by multiple companies worldwide; however, the fuel cell showing the most promise as a future source of alternative power is the Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and is widely regarded as a possible replacement for diesel and petroleum cars (http://www.fctec.com/fctec_types_pem... ...n production and subsequently, on the market. Thus, until the industrial cost for hydrogen fuel cells is reduced and its practicality increased, this renewable and abundant source of energy will remain on the smaller scale. Works Cited †¢ University of California, Irvine, "NFCRC Tutorial: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell." NFCRC. 30 Jul 2008 . †¢ Rayment, Chris. "Introduction of Fuel Cell Technology." University of Notre Dame. 2 May 2003. University of Notre Dame. 30 Jul 2008 . †¢ "Hydrogen Fuel Cell." Georgia State University. Georgia State University. 30 Jul 2008 http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/thermo/electrol.html#c2. †¢ "How Fuel Cells Work." HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks.com. 30 Jul 2008 .

Succubus Blues CHAPTER 3

Of course, I should clarify at this point that Jerome doesn't look like a demon, at least not in the traditional red skin and horns sense. Maybe he does on another plane of existence, but like Hugh, me, and all the other immortals walking the earth, Jerome wore a human guise now. One that looked like John Cusack. Seriously. No joke. The archdemon always claimed he didn't even know who the actor was, but none of us bought that. † Ow,† I said irritably. â€Å"Let me go.† Jerome released his grasp, but his dark eyes still glinted dangerously. â€Å"You look good,† he said after a moment, seeming surprised by the admission. I tugged at my sweater, straightening it from where his hand had crumpled it. â€Å"You have a funny way of showing your admiration.† â€Å"Really good,† he continued thoughtfully. â€Å"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you – â€Å" † – shine,† murmured a voice behind the demon. â€Å"You shine, Daughter of Lilith, like a star in the night sky, like a diamond glittering on the bleakness of eternity.† I started in surprise. Jerome cut a sharp glance to the speaker, not liking his monologue interrupted. I also glared, not liking an uninvited angel in my apartment. Carter only smiled at both of us. â€Å"As I was saying,† snapped Jerome, â€Å"you look like you've been with a good mortal.† â€Å"I did a favor for Hugh.† â€Å"So this isn't the start of a new and improved habit?† â€Å"Not on the salary you pay me.† Jerome grunted, but it was all part of a routine between us. He would berate me for not taking my job seriously, I'd give a few witty quips in return, and the status quo would resume. Like I said, I was something of a teacher's pet. Looking at him now, however, I could see no more jokes would follow. The charm that had so enthralled my customers today had no effect on these two. Jerome's face was drawn and serious, as was Carter's, despite the angel's usual sardonic half-smile. Jerome and Carter hung out together regularly, especially when alcohol was involved. This baffled me since they were supposedly locked in some sort of great, cosmic struggle. I'd once asked Jerome if Carter was a fallen angel, which had elicited a good laugh from the demon. When he'd recovered from the hilarity, he'd told me no, Carter hadn't fallen. If he had, he wouldn't technically be an angel anymore. I hadn't really found that answer satisfying and finally decided the two must stay together because there was no one else in this area who could relate to an existence stretching back to the beginning of time and creation. All the rest of us lesser immortals had been human at some point before; greater immortals like Jerome and Carter had not. My centuries were a mere blip on their timeline. Whatever the reasons for his presence now, I didn't like Carter. He wasn't obnoxious like Duane, but he always seemed so smug and supercilious. Maybe it was an angel thing. Carter also had the most bizarre sense of humor I'd ever seen. I could never tell if he was making fun of me or not. â€Å"So what can I do for you boys?† I asked, tossing my purse on the counter. â€Å"I've got places to be tonight.† Jerome fixed me with a narrow-eyed look. â€Å"I want you to tell me about Duane.† â€Å"What? I already did. He's an asshole.† â€Å"Is that why you had him killed?† â€Å"I – what?† I froze where I'd been sifting through cupboard contents and slowly turned around to look back at the duo, half expecting some joke. Both faces were in earnest, watching me. â€Å"Killed? How†¦ how does that work?† â€Å"You tell me, Georgie.† I blinked, suddenly realizing where this was going. â€Å"Are you accusing me of killing Duane? And wait†¦ this is stupid. Duane isn't dead. He can't be.† Jerome began pacing, his voice exaggeratedly civil. â€Å"Oh, I assure you, he is quite dead. We found him this morning, just before sunrise.† â€Å"So what? He died of sun exposure?† That was the only way I'd ever heard a vampire could die. â€Å"No. He died because of the stake wedged into his heart.† † Ew.† â€Å"So are you ready to tell me who you got to do it, Georgie?† â€Å"I didn't get anyone to do it! I can't even – I don't even understand what this is about. Duane can't be dead.† â€Å"You admitted to me last night you two got in a fight.† â€Å"Yes†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"And you threatened him.† â€Å"Yeah, but I was joking†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I think he told me you said something about him never coming near you again?† â€Å"I was angry and upset! He was scaring me. This is crazy. Besides, Duane can't be dead.† That was the only piece of sanity I could cling to in all of this, so I kept repeating it to them and to myself. Immortals were, by definition, immortal. End of story. â€Å"Don't you know anything about vampires?† the arch-demon asked curiously. â€Å"Like that they can't die?† Amusement flickered in Carter's gray eyes; Jerome found me less funny. â€Å"I'm asking you one last time, Georgina. Did you or did you not have Duane killed? Just answer the question. Yes or no.† â€Å"No,† I said firmly. Jerome glanced at Carter. The angel studied me, his lank blond hair falling forward to partially cover his face. I realized then why Carter was along for the ride tonight. Angels can always discern truth from lies. At last, he nodded sharply to Jerome. â€Å"Glad I passed the test,† I muttered. But they weren't paying attention to me anymore. â€Å"Well,† observed Jerome grimly, â€Å"I guess we know what this means.† â€Å"Well, we don't know for sure†¦Ã¢â‚¬  † I do.† Carter gave him a meaningful look, and several seconds of silence passed. I'd always suspected the two were communicating mentally in such moments, something we lesser immortals could not do unassisted. â€Å"So Duane's really dead?† I asked. â€Å"Yes,† said Jerome, remembering I was there. â€Å"Very much so.† â€Å"Who killed him then? Now that we've determined it wasn't me?† The two glanced at each other and shrugged, neither answering. Negligent parents, both of them. Carter pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit up. Lord, I hated it when they got this way. Finally Jerome said, â€Å"A vampire hunter.† I stared. â€Å"Really? Like that girl on TV?† â€Å"Not exactly.† â€Å"So where are you going tonight?† asked Carter pleasantly. â€Å"To Seth Mortensen's signing. And don't change the subject. I want to know about this vampire hunter.† â€Å"Are you going to sleep with him?† â€Å"I – what?† For half a moment, I thought the angel was asking me about the vampire hunter. â€Å"You mean Seth Mortensen?† Carter exhaled smoke. â€Å"Sure. I mean, if I were a succubus obsessed with a mortal author, that's what I'd do. Besides, doesn't your side always want more celebrities?† â€Å"We've already got plenty of celebrities,† Jerome said in an undertone. Sleep with Seth Mortensen? Good grief. It was the most preposterous thing I'd ever heard. It was appalling. If I absorbed his life force, there was no telling how long it'd be until his next book came out. â€Å"No! Of course not.† â€Å"Then what are you going to do to get noticed?† â€Å"Noticed?† â€Å"Sure. I mean, the guy probably sees tons of fans on a regular basis. Don't you want to stand out in some way?† Surprise washed over me. I hadn't even considered that. Should I have? My jaded nature made it difficult to find pleasure in many things nowadays. Seth Mortensen books were one of my few escapes. Should I acknowledge that and attempt to connect with the novels' creator? Earlier today, I'd mocked run-of-the-mill fans. Was I about to become one of them? â€Å"Well†¦ I mean, Paige will probably introduce the staff privately to him. I'll sort of stand out then.† â€Å"Yes, of course.† Carter put out the cigarette in my kitchen sink. â€Å"I'm sure he never gets the opportunity to meet bookstore management.† I opened my mouth to protest, but Jerome cut me off. â€Å"Enough.† He gave Carter another of those meaningful looks. â€Å"We need to go.† â€Å"I – wait a minute!† Carter had succeeded in derailing me off the topic after all. I couldn't believe it. â€Å"I want to know more about this vampire hunter.† â€Å"All you need to know is that you should be careful, Georgie. Extremely careful. I am not joking about this.† I swallowed, hearing the iron in the demon's voice. â€Å"But I'm not a vampire.† â€Å"I don't care. These hunter types sometimes follow vampires around, hoping to find others. You could be implicated by association. Lay low. Avoid being alone. Stay with others – mortal or immortal, it doesn't matter. Maybe you can follow up on your favor for Hugh and score some more souls for our side while you're at it.† I rolled my eyes at that as the two walked to the door. â€Å"I mean it. Be careful. Keep a low profile. Don't get involved with this.† â€Å"And,† added Carter with a wink, â€Å"say hi to Seth Mortensen for me.† With that, the two left, closing the door gently behind them. A formality really, since either of them could have just teleported out. Or blown my door apart. I turned to Aubrey. She had watched the proceedings cautiously from the back of my sofa, tail twitching. â€Å"Well,† I told her, reeling. â€Å"What am I supposed to make of that?† Duane was actually dead? I mean, yeah, he was a bastard, and I had been pretty pissed when I threatened him last night, but I'd never actually wanted him to be really dead. And what about this vampire hunter business? Why was I supposed to be careful when – â€Å"Shit!† I had just glanced at my microwave clock. It coolly informed me I needed to return to the bookstore ASAP. Pushing Duane out of my brain, I dashed to my bedroom and stared at myself in the mirror. Aubrey followed more sluggishly. What to wear? I could just keep my current outfit. The sweater and khakis combination looked both respectable and subdued, though the color scheme blended a bit too well with my light brown hair. It was a librarian sort of outfit. Did I want to look subdued? Maybe. Like I had told Carter, I really didn't want to do anything that might solicit the romantic interest of my favorite author in the whole world. Still†¦ Still, I remembered what the angel had said about getting noticed. I didn't want to be just another face in Seth Mortensen's crowd. This was the final stop on his latest tour. No doubt he'd seen thousands of fans in the last month, fans who blurred together into a sea of bland faces, making their inane comments. I had advised the guy at the counter to be innovative with his questions, and I intended to behave the same way with my appearance. Five minutes later, I stood in front of the mirror once more, this time clad in a silk tank top, deep violet and low-cut, paired with a floral chiffon skirt. The skirt almost covered my thighs and swirled when I spun. It would have made a great dancing outfit. Stepping into strappy brown heels, I glanced over at Aubrey for confirmation. â€Å"What do you think? Too sexy?† She began cleaning her tail. â€Å"It is sexy,† I conceded, â€Å"but it's classy sexy. The hair helps, I think.† I had pulled my long hair up into a romantic sort of bun, leaving wavy locks to frame my face and enhance my eyes. Momentary shape-shifting made them turn greener than usual. Changing my mind, I let them go back to their normal gold-and-green-flecked hazel. When Aubrey still refused to acknowledge how awesome I looked, I grabbed my snakeskin coat and glared at her. â€Å"I don't care what you think. This outfit was a good call.† I left the apartment with my copy of The Glasgow Pact and walked back to work, impervious to the drizzle. Another perk of shape-shifting. Fans milled inside the main retail area, eager to see the man whose latest book still dominated the bestseller lists, even after five weeks. I squeezed past the group, making my way toward the stairs that led to the second floor. â€Å"Young adult books are over there by the wall.† Doug's friendly voice drifted nearby. â€Å"Let me know if you need anything else.† He turned away from the customer he'd been helping, caught sight of me, and promptly dropped the stack of books he'd been holding. Customers stepped back, politely watching him kneel down to retrieve the books. I recognized the covers immediately. They were paperbacks of Seth Mortensen's older titles. â€Å"Sacrilege,† I commented. â€Å"Letting those touch the ground. You'll have to burn them now, like a flag.† Ignoring me, Doug gathered up the books and then ushered me off out of earshot. â€Å"Nice of you to go home and change into something more comfortable. Christ, can you even bend over in that?† â€Å"What, do you think I'll have to tonight?† â€Å"Well, that depends. I mean, Warren's here after all.† â€Å"Harsh, Doug. Very harsh.† â€Å"You bring it on yourself, Kincaid.† He gave me a reluctant, appreciative glance just before we started climbing the stairs. â€Å"You do look pretty good, though.† â€Å"Thanks. I wanted Seth Mortensen to notice me.† â€Å"Believe me, unless he's gay, he'll notice you. Probably even then too.† â€Å"I don't look too slutty, do I?† â€Å"No.† â€Å"Or cheap?† â€Å"No.† â€Å"I was going for classy sexy. What do you think?† â€Å"I think I'm done feeding your ego. You already know how you look.† We crested the top of the stairs. A mass of chairs had been set up, covering most of the cafe's normal seating area and spreading out into part of the gardening and maps section of books. Paige, the store manager and our superior, busily attempted some sort of wiring acrobatics with the microphone and sound system. I didn't know what this building had been used for before Emerald City Books moved in, but it was not an ideal venue for acoustics and large groups. â€Å"I'm going to help her,† Doug told me, kindly chivalrous. Paige was three months pregnant. â€Å"I'd advise you do something that doesn't involve leaning more than twenty degrees in any one direction. Oh, and if somebody tries to get you to touch your elbows together behind your back, don't fall for it.† I gave him a sharp jab in the ribs, nearly making him lose the books again. Bruce, still manning the espresso counter, made me my fourth white chocolate mocha of the day, and I wandered over to the geography books to drink it while I waited for things to pick up. Glancing beside me, I recognized the guy I'd discussed Seth Mortensen with earlier. He still held his copy of The Glasgow Pact. â€Å"Hey,† I said. He jumped at the sound of my voice, having been absorbed in a travel book about Texas. â€Å"Sorry,† I told him. â€Å"Didn't mean to scare you.† â€Å"I – no, you d-didn't,† he stammered. His eyes assessed me from head to toe in one quick glance, lingering ever so briefly on my hips and breasts but longest on my face. â€Å"You changed clothes.† Apparently realizing the myriad implications behind such an admission, he added hastily, â€Å"Not that that's bad. I mean that's good. Er, well, that is – â€Å" His embarrassment growing, he turned from me and tried to awkwardly replace the Texas book back on the shelf, upside down. I hid my smile. This guy was too adorable. I didn't run into many shy guys anymore. Modern-day dating seemed to demand men make as great a spectacle of themselves as possible, and unfortunately, women seemed to really go for it. Okay, even I went for it sometimes. But shy guys deserved a break too, and I decided a little harmless flirting with him would be good for his ego while I waited for the signing to start. He probably had terrible luck with women. â€Å"Let me do that,† I offered, leaning across him. My hands touched his as I took the book from him, replacing it carefully on the shelf, front cover out. â€Å"There.† I stepped back as though to admire my handiwork, making sure I stood very close to him, our shoulders nearly touching. â€Å"It's important to keep up appearances with books,† I explained. â€Å"Image goes a long way in this business.† He dared a look over at me, still nervous but steadily recovering his composure. â€Å"I go more for content.† â€Å"Really?† I repositioned slightly so that we were touching again, the soft flannel of his shirt brushing my bare skin. â€Å"Because I could have sworn a moment ago you were pretty caught up in outside appearance.† His eyes shifted down again, but I could see a smile curving his lips. â€Å"Well. Some things are so striking, they can't help but draw attention to themselves.† â€Å"And doesn't that make you curious about what's inside?† â€Å"Mostly it makes me want to get you some advanced copies.† Advanced copies? What did he – ? â€Å"Seth? Seth, where – ah, there you are.† Paige turned down our aisle, Doug following behind. She brightened when she saw me, and I felt my stomach sink out of me and hit the floor with a thud as I put two and two together. No. No. It couldn't be – â€Å"Ah, Georgina. I see you've already met Seth Mortensen.†