Thursday, October 10, 2019
Homosexuality in a Sri Lankan Context Essay
ââ¬Å"We struggled against apartheid because we were being blamed and made to suffer for something we could do nothing about. It is the same with homosexuality. The orientation is a given, not a matter of choice. It would be crazy for someone to choose to be gay, given the homophobia that is present.â⬠(Bishop Desmond Tutu). The above quote on homosexuality exemplifies on how homosexuality is a given and not a choice. It also exposes oneââ¬â¢s understanding to the detrimental state of social homophobia and imposes a moral social obligation upon the society in whole In approaching our research topic it is important to bear in mind that Sri Lankan society is a diversified social grounding. This society includes people deriving from a multiplicity of backgrounds may it be religious, ethnic or cultural. And it should be established that homosexuals have since a long time come out as a community into this wide social arena of Sri Lanka. The noteworthy aspect of homosexuals in the Sri Lankan social context is that their sexual orientation appears problematic to the local social order; as it challenges the long established norms and perceptions of gender roles. This situation is what leads to the mass societyââ¬â¢s understanding of homosexuality as a problem or in other words a threat to the Sri Lankan social order. It is these perceptions and attitudes of people in society that leads to a process of discrimination and labeling, which may adversely affect the minority of homosexuals in society. This phenomenon would be explored initially in this study, to establish the existing social patterns of discrimination on homosexuals. Thereafter as an applied sociological research; this study would focus on the existing socio-legal mechanisms governing homosexuality, in keeping with the problems that continue to occur in general society. The study would ideally attempt to propose the socially demanded changes under the existing socio-legal framework of our country, in order to accept and recognize the minority homosexual communities into the mainstream social order. In terms of analyzing the patterns of social discrimination the research would focus on various social establishments starting from schools, workplaces and local authorities; in order to understand and objectively prove the existence of discriminatory patterns on homosexuals within the social context. The study would also allocate space to look into the impact of discrimination on the homosexual community of our society. This aspect of the study would be dealt through the topic of homophobia, where the psychological implications of these patters would be highlighted. Once the problems concerning the homosexual community of society is dealt with, the research would proceed to study the existing legal framework on homosexuality. The nature and scope of section 365, 365 A of the penal code would be elaborated, in keeping with its effects on the homosexual community. The study would further continue to analyze the status of homosexual laws of other countries of the world and compare and contrast the situation of homosexuality with that of Sri Lankaââ¬â¢s. As with regard to the conclusion of this research, an attempt would be made to propose changes to the existing socio-legal framework of our country concerning homosexuality, in keeping with a view to promote the rights and standards of the homosexual community in Sri Lankan society. Chapter 01: Research Background 1.1 Research Problem In this study there would be two research problems which would be analyzed. The first being the existing patterns of social discrimination on homosexuals within the Sri Lankan social context. The second problem under study would be the incompetence of the existing legal framework to guarantee the equal rights of homosexuals in the society. The very nature of these research questions bases our study on a number of hypotheses. The first hypothesis being that the existing social system orchestrates the patterns of social discrimination on homosexuals. And the second hypothesis based on the idea that the present legal framework is responsible to the deteriorating standards of homosexuals, and that it demands significant alterations. In outlining the first research problem, the research study would focus on the patterns of social discrimination that takes place concerning the homosexual minority of the society. In exploring this topic high emphasis would be given to understand the existing gender expectations of our society and culture. The expected role of a man or the expected role of a female, which is imposed upon individuals by the social order, would be focused in this regard. Upon understanding these social expectations of gender; the status of homosexuals which trespasses these gender norms in the society would be looked into. The research would make an attempt identify the instruments of homosexual discrimination in society; may it be religion, culture, or discriminatory laws. The institutions of homosexual discrimination would be considered in this study starting from the early school environment up to the working organizations of Sri Lankan society. In terms of the second research problem, the centric focus would be on the Sri Lankan legal framework concerning homosexuality. The prime statute of Sri Lanka concerning homosexuality, section 365 of the Penal code would be elaborated from different points of views, in order to prove itââ¬â¢s incompetence to cater the constitutional principle of equality. The research would also concentrate on other laws of the country such as ââ¬Ëadoption lawsââ¬â¢ that appear to be problematic and incomplete to meet the natural needs of the homosexual communities. The argument of decriminalizing homosexuality would be presented in this study; comparing the processes of decriminalizing anti homosexual laws in countries such as India, America and European countries. The focus of the study would aim at providing proposals for legal changes that would safeguard the rights of equality, privacy and liberty of the homosexual communities in Sri Lanka. 1.2 Research Objectives As this research study would be carried out under applied sociological method, it would not be purely concerned on the problems of homosexual lifestyles or the reasons behind their different sexual orientation. Instead this study would be focused on providing suitable socio-legal framework in order to accept and recognize the minority homosexual community in the mainstream society. And in terms of proposing such a framework the researcher would give due consideration to the existing social order and laws; and emphasize on the need of safeguarding the rights and dignities of the homosexual community in such a proposed framework. The objectives of this research could basically be listed out under the following points; * An attempt to understand the deteriorating standards of homosexuals in the Sri Lankan society. * Looking into the existing socio-legal framework of Sri Lanka with regard to Homosexuality; and how it affects the lives of homosexual individuals. * Making recommendations to the existing social order of Sri Lanka; in order to accept and recognize the homosexual community in the mainstream society, thus safeguarding their rights, dignity and liberties. 1.3 Research Methodology and Data Collection As mentioned earlier this would be an applied sociological research in terms of research methodology. An Applied research is concerned with search for ways of using scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. It focuses on analyzing and solving social and real life problems. The findings become basis of framing programs and policies, based on the principles of pure research (Ahuja, 2009) . Thereby as this research would be conducted on an applied research basis, the study would be aiming at finding solutions to the problem of deteriorating homosexual rights in Sri Lankan society. As part of the framework of applied researches an attempt would be made in this study to highlight the problems faced by homosexuals in Sri Lankan society; as consequence to the trends of social discrimination. And upon further examining the current socio- legal realities rooted in our social system; this research would attempt to promote recommendations on improving the standards of homosexuality. These final recommendations would be a basis for framing programs and policies for the promotion of welfare and rights of Sri Lankan homosexuals. In terms of Data Collection methods of this research, the researcher would depend on basically two sampling methods to collect data as; * Purposive/Judgmental Sampling * Snowball Sampling Under the purposive sampling method the researcher purposely chooses persons, who in his judgment about some appropriate characteristics required of the sampling members are thought to be relevant to the research topic and easily available to him (Ahuja, 2009). In terms of this research the researcher would reach out to those who in his opinion are best suited to obtain information pertaining to the contents of this research. Based on this sampling method the researcher would include the sample members representing the LGBT community (referring to homosexuals) and also the sample members representing the general society. Another sample used for the purpose of collecting data would be the ââ¬ËSnowball Sampling methodââ¬â¢. In this technique, the researcher begins the research with the few respondents who are known and available to him. Subsequently these respondents give other names who meet the criteria of the research who in turn give more new names. This process continues until an adequate number of respondents are discovered (Ahuja, 2009). Based on this sampling technique the researcher would approach available contacts that suit the criteria of the research; and thereafter proceed for others based on the recommendations from the original respondents. This process would be followed in terms of gathering respondents from both the LGBT community as well as the respondents from the general society. The research frame would be based on respondents available to the researcher within the city limits of the Colombo district. The researcher in terms of finding the sample respondents representing the LGBT community approached leading organizations committed to the development of gay rights in Sri Lanka. The researcher in this regard has approached two of such groups; one being the ââ¬ËEQUAL GROUND organizationââ¬â¢ (names of organizations published with the consent of its representatives) and the other being a peer based support group committed for representing gay rights known as ââ¬ËSakhi Collaborationsââ¬â¢ (names published with consent). The research also includes a couple of individuals representing the LGBT community whom were reached separately by the researcher. The researcher also interviewed a leading legal practitioner in order to obtain views and arguments on the present legal framework pertaining to homosexuality. In looking at the tools of data collection of this research, the researcher uses a multiplicity of techniques to collect data in order to fill the content of this research. Accordingly the ââ¬ËKey Informant methodââ¬â¢ was used to collect information from leading figures representing the two key organizations used in this research. The importance of a key informant method is to gain information on the general status of homosexual rights in many spheres of society, from the point of view of an organization which is involved in activism of promoting homosexual rights in society. The experiences, information of different cases reported, provision of various services to cater the needs of homosexuals are some of the important contributions that can be obtained through this key informant method interview. The researcher also conducted two focus group interviews consisting of respondents representing the LGBT community, with the assistance of organizations representing LGBT rights in Sri Lanka. One focus group interview was held in Thimbirigasyaya Colombo which was organized by Sakhi collaborations; and another focus group interview was held in Kirulapana Colombo organized by EQUAL GROUND. Both these interviews had around 6-8 respondents each representing the LGBT community. The focus group interviews are used to collect data from a group of members belonging to the same category, where the collection of data through an interview is done simultaneously for all members of that group. The focus group interview was carried out as an informal discussion where the respondents were freely allowed to express their views pertaining to the topics provided for them by the researcher. A questionnaire was also distributed amongst the LGBT community in order to further obtain their views on different areas of this research content. In obtaining data from respondents representing the general society the researcher has used a sample which was limited for students receiving higher education within the age group of 18-25. The purpose of restricting the scope of this sample as above was to reflect the views of the future generation with regard to homosexuality. The research also used a number of print material provided by organizations to the researcher, which were of use in terms of understanding various important socio legal dimensions pertaining to homosexuality. The researcher also had access to publications of some organizations, which reports of case studies on homosexuality and other documents containing rights and policy frameworks concerning homosexuality which were used throughout this study. 1.5Research Ethics As the research deals with a sensitive and controversial topic there will be many ethical safeguards adopted throughout this study in order to uphold the principle of Non Harm to the participants of the research as well as the general public. Some of the ethical considerations which would be adopted in this research are pointed out as follows; I. Informed Consent- The researcher would explain the nature, content and scope of the research to the participants and would obtain their Consent before making them a part of the research II. Anonymity safeguarded- The researcher would protect the identity of the participants as per their request and may use pseudonyms in this regard. Furthermore the researcher would not disclose information that may reveal the identity of the respondent based on the sensitivity of such information. However the names of organizations committed for homosexual rights, used as a sample in this research would be used with the prior approval of representatives of such organizations and groups. III. Confidentiality protected- The confidentiality of information provided would be protected at all times. And as per the request of the participant certain information would not be reported in the research. IV. The principle of Non Harm- The entire research would be based on the principle of Non Harm, and thereby would not disclose any such information that would be of detriment either to participants or any particular section of community. V. Providing access of research report before completion- The research report before being completed would be provided to the respondents in order to get their feed back as well as to allow them to see if any sensitive information affecting their interests has been published. Chapter 02:Definition of Concepts In order to proceed with the research report it is important to understand the concepts at use in this study. As this research deals with the topic of homosexuality there are various concepts that need to be pre understood, as homosexuality could be perceived from many perspectives in society. The social perceptions on homosexuality would also be extensively dealt with in this research, thereby the negative social reaction towards homosexuality would be considered in the form of Social Discrimination which too encompasses different dimensions. There would also be a legal analysis in this study which would be elaborated in depth; thereby a number of legal concepts need to be properly defined in order to better understand the direction of this research. 2.1 Sexual Orientation In understanding ââ¬ËSexual Orientationââ¬â¢ it should be borne in mind that this concept has been heavily nurtured by social perceptions and attitudes, thereby it is a concept subjected to much abuse by society. For example in a society, attitudes on a personââ¬â¢s sexual orientation are very subjective, where a simple gesture could be interpreted as overly feminine or masculine and thereby form perceptions on the character of such person. Therefore for the purpose of this study it is important to objectively understand this concept. In order to serve the above purpose, ââ¬ËSexual Orientationââ¬â¢ could be defined in two aspects as; * Emotional- Sexual Attraction of Persons * Emotional- Sexual Conduct of Persons Under the first aspect we look on how a subject person may share emotional or sexual intimacy with others of their opposite sex (heterosexual), others of both sexes (Bi Sexual) or others of oneââ¬â¢s own sex (homosexual). However under this aspect it is only the emotional and sexual attraction that would be considered and it does not look into the actual conduct of such peopleââ¬â¢s relationships (Wintemute, 1995). This would explain a situation where a person who has emotional-sexual attraction to members of his own sex; continues to hide his feelings from society and lives a socially accepted heterosexual lifestyle. However the emotional-sexual conduct of persons goes one more step ahead and covers situations where people who share emotional sexual attraction to others, manifest such attraction by conduct. Once again this refers to all categories of sexual orientation including heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual (Wintemute, 1995). As actual homosexual relationship between two persons that manifest their sexual and emotional attraction to each other through conduct, would be included under this aspect. In understanding sexuality or sexual perceptions in the larger society, it is important to bear in mind these two dimensions of sexual orientation. Upon understanding the concept of sexual orientation, it is important to move on to the main consideration of this research that being ââ¬Ëhomosexualityââ¬â¢. For the purpose of this research the term ââ¬ËHomosexualityââ¬â¢ would be used on four categories of sexual orientations as: LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi Sexual and Transgender). Thereby it is of pivotal importance to define these four types of sexual orientations which would be the subject of this research study. * Lesbian ââ¬â are referred to women who are emotionally, sexually or spiritually attracted to another woman. The attraction to other women based on the other criteria as well as manifestations of such attractions, could both be construed as Lesbianism (Equal Ground, 2010). In terms of tracing the origins of the term Lesbian it dates back to the Greek era, where inhabitants of an island call ââ¬ËLesbosââ¬â¢ led towards the birth of the term Lesbian. The inhabitants of this island were said to be lesbian in their sexual orientation and there are historical records of love poems written by a Greek poet called Sappho, who describes love and romance between women of this island (Wakkumbura). * Gay ââ¬â are used to refer to Males who are emotionally, sexually and spiritually attracted or manifest their attraction by conduct of intimate relationships with other men (Equal Ground, 2010). Homosexuality in general usage was much associated with Gayââ¬â¢s or male to male sexual conduct. Many religious interpretations and cultural discourses have articulated on gay sexuality many a time in history. * Bi Sexual- This is a term used on persons who are sexually, emotionally and spiritually attracted to both Men and women (Equal Ground, 2010). And engage in intimate conduct expressing such attraction with both sexes. * Transgender- This is a broad term used to describe people who express their gender differently from the general expected norm of society (Equal Ground, 2010). Many gender groups such as Transsexuals, Cross dressers, Kothiââ¬â¢s or Nachi communities, would fall under the umbrella of Transgender. Transgender basically would refer to a situation where oneââ¬â¢s biological sexuality conflicts with their psychological sexuality. Thereby paving way for a situation where one would act differently from the expected gender norms; such as by different gender expressions as wearing opposite gender clothes. In another sense transgender could even include persons that actually are emotionally and sexually related to another same sex person. Even though transgender does not fall within the ambit of the definition homosexuality, for the purpose of this research the term homosexuality would also refer to transgender communities. Even in Sri Lankan society we find these transgender communities such as cross dressers and Nachiââ¬â¢s (a transgender group that expresses their gender differently). As transgender people are making gender expressions against the established social gender norms, such as males wearing female clothing and applying lipsticks and use of other female accessories; they become more prone for social discrimination. Therefore the transgender communities are also included to the scope of this research study.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
IBMââ¬â¢s Smarter Planet Essay
1.(a) Using Medtronic as an example, explain how a mission statement gives a strategic direction. (b) Create a mission statement for your own career. Answer: (a) A mission statement gives strategic direction by stating the ââ¬Å"whatâ⬠and ââ¬Å"howâ⬠of a business in a clear, concise, meaningful, inspirational, statement that will continue to be relevant in the long-term. Medtronicââ¬â¢s mission statement identifies its customers, market, products and technology. They stated the business they are in and their specific goals. (b) It is my business to progressively coordinate strategic methods of empowerment and to do so with passion and commitment. 2.What competencies best describe (a) your college or university and (b) your favorite restaurant? Answer: (a) Wayne College to provides high quality, accessible credit and noncredit educational opportunities to the citizens of Wayne, Medina, and Holmes counties and surrounding areas, and partners with and resource for the communities and organizations it serves. (b) House of Hunan, Fairlawn, has quality Chinese, Thai, vegetarian, & sushi choices. Ambiance is reminiscent of old Chinatown and it is often full of patrons. Great chicken dishes, good dumplings, and very good quality beef. Service is good, food is fresh and satisfying, and the price is fair value. 3.Why does a product often start as a question mark and then move counterclockwise around the BCGââ¬â¢s growth-share matrix shown in Figure 2-4? Answer: When a product is introduced, it is usually a ââ¬Å"question markâ⬠because it is ââ¬Å"newâ⬠and there is uncertainty about consumersââ¬â¢ acceptance of them. After a period of time, depending on the product category, the ââ¬Å"not-so-newâ⬠product could be classified as a ââ¬Å"starâ⬠if its growth rate is sizeable and had a significant share of the product category. If the growth rate in the product category falls substantially and there is great competition from competing brands, the product probably will fall in the ââ¬Å"cash cowâ⬠category. If, however, the product isnââ¬â¢t supported with an effective marketing program, it could become a ââ¬Å"dog.â⬠4.Select one strength, one weakness, one opportunity, and one threat from the SWOT analysis for Ben & Jerryââ¬â¢s shown in Figure 2-7. Suggest an action that a marketing manager there might take to address each factor. Answer: ~Strength: Recognized for its social mission, values and actions. This can be used to reinforce their ââ¬Å"greenâ⬠base consumers by constantly updating the ââ¬Å"naturalnessâ⬠of their ice cream according to current food trends. ~Weakness: B&Jââ¬â¢s social responsibility actions could reduce focus. By focusing on the product, and constantly innovating flavors, more prospective customers (from all walks of life) could be gained. ~Opportunity: Increasing U.S. demand for 100-calorie novelties such as cones and bars. They could look into developing new products in the low-calorie, low-fat, low-carb, low-sugar spectrum of frozen desserts. ~Threat: Competes with General Mills and Nestle brands. Ben and Jerryââ¬â¢s can research which products and flavors are the most popular among the competing brands and use that as inspiration for new flavors in their own line. 5.What is the main result of each of the three phases of the strategic marketing process? (a) planning, (b) implementation, and (c) evaluation. Answer: (a) Planning phase. Results are formal marketing plans that identify specific objectives to be achieved by a particular time and the specific actions to achieve those objectives. (b) Implementation phase. Results are formal measurements of the results achieved, which can be compared with the plans established in the planning phase to determine if any deviations from plans occurred. (c) Evaluation phase. Results are new actions taken to exploit opportunities where deviations from plans are better than expected or corrective actions where deviations from plans are worse than expected. 6.The goal-setting step in the planning phase of the strategic marketing process sets quantified objectives for use in the evaluation phase. What does a manager do if measured results fail to meet objectives? Exceed objectives? Answer: If the marketing manager discovers a planning gap, which is a difference between the projection of the path to reach a new goal and the projection of the path of the results of a plan already in place for the marketing program, he or she can take the following actions: Failed Objectives: Correct a negative deviation by making minor or major changes to the existing marketing program of a product to better reflect future expectations in the marketing environment. Exceeded Objectives: Exploit a positive deviation by strengthening strategic partnerships and engage in a market development, or product development, strategy to maintain or enhance the firmââ¬â¢s position. 1.What is IBMââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Smarter Planetâ⬠business strategy? How does this strategy relate to IBMââ¬â¢s mission and values? Answer: IBMââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Smarter Planetâ⬠strategy is based on the companyââ¬â¢s analysis that recognizes changes in the business environment and aims to create a global enterprise using connectivity. It includes the capability of telephones, computers, and other technology. This relates to IBMââ¬â¢s mission and values because they are a company that seeks out ways to keep their consumers happy and are looking for more ways to innovate by developing more advanced technologies. 2.Conduct a SWOT analysis for IBMââ¬â¢s Smarter Planet initiative. What are the relevant trends to consider for the next three to five years? Answer: ~Strengths: Well-known name, owns many new technologies and patents, market sector is well defined, high quality employees, satisfy customersââ¬â¢ wants and needs, and have a clear, concise mission statement. ~Weaknesses: With a big name like IBM, change may be difficult. Many of the products offered are not customizable. Lack of intercultural experience, narrow range of products offered, and most business products are geared towards large businesses. ~Opportunities: Offer new technologies and services locally and in developing countries. Smarter Planet involves new ways of thinking. ~Threats: potential securities risks. Demand for Smarter Planet solutions will depend on interest in change rather than just reaction to problems. In the next three to five years we are likely to see fewer trade barriers, the growth of developing economies, and increasing access to the internet. Growth markets such as China, India, Brazil, and Africa will be able to use IBM products. Customers will have a need for more custom-made technological solutions and cross-technology connectivity. Businesses will need analytics and optimization, cloud and smarter computing solutions and technology for the globally integrated enterprise. 3.How can IBM communicate its strategy to companies, cities, and governments? How is Watson a part of the communication strategy? Answer: The current CEO of IBM, Sam Palmisano, sent out a letter for their annual report, titled ââ¬Å"Letter from the Chairmanâ⬠. In this letter, he had a powerful statement about the Smarter Planet. According to him, Smarter Planet ââ¬Å"is not a metaphor. It describes the infusion of intelligence into the way the world actually works, the way that almost anything-any person, any object, any process or any service, for any organization, large or small-can now becomeà digitally aware, networked, and intelligent.â⬠Palmisano also met with some Wall Street financial advisors and held six-hour information sessions with investors to answer questions about their business strategy. IBM also used print and TV ads to campaign in more detail what Palmisanoââ¬â¢s message was. These ads focused on the ability to improve the world now, with the help from IBM. The IBM website also supported the campaign with industry reports, video descriptions of the smarter planet concept, and stats a bout the improvements at smarter planet clients. Watson, which is an artificial intelligence program, was also part of the communication strategy. Watson was featured on the game show Jeopardy!, and competed against two different contestants, and won both times. By having Watson on TV, where millions of people could view it, this was one more way to provide a consistent and integrated message. 4.What are the benefits of the Smarter Planet initiative to (a) society and (b) IBM? Answer: (a) IBMââ¬â¢s Smarter Planet strategy benefits society by providing solutions for forward-thinking organizations that share a common outlook: they see change as an opportunity and they act on possibilities, not just react to problems. The retailers, who implemented smart systems to analyze buying behavior, merchandise assortment, and demand were able to cut supply chain costs by 30%, reduce inventory levels by 25%, and increase sales by 10%. The Memphis Police Department reduced crime by 28% by using IBM solutions to analyze its data. Banks are also using smart systems to track loans and manage risk, increasing efficiency and customer service. The solutions also help reduce costs, cut waste, improve efficiency, and increase productivity for companies, industries, and cities. (b) While there may be short-term costs involved in shifting IBM from commodity-based businesses to customizable businesses, IBM believes that the transformation will provide growth for the company and its employees, success for its customers, and improved value for its stockholders. 5.How should IBM measure the results of the Smarter Planet strategy? Answer: Since introducing the Smarter Planet strategy, IBM has collaborated with more than 600 organizations around the globe. In each case, there are different measures of the results of ââ¬Å"smartâ⬠solutions. One of the important elements of Smarter Planet is youââ¬â¢re looking at the impact of investments on a whole system. Youââ¬â¢re looking not just at internal operational improvements but at the effect on the companyââ¬â¢s brand, at strategic advantages it brings and even at the impact on society.
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Case study on the design of a contemporary Civil Engineering project Essay
Case study on the design of a contemporary Civil Engineering project - Essay Example The Strait of Messina Bridge Project The project overview The Strait of Messina bridge project was started in the year 2006 and was designed to end in 2008. Due to problems to do with finance and project budget terminated as suggested by Porter and Prince (2009). However with the election Silvio Berlusconi as the prime minister in 2008, the project was revived the same year. Once Messina bridge project is completed, it will become one of the longest suspension bridges to have been built in the world. The Messina Bridge will be sixty meters wide with twelve traffic lanes and two middle lanes for trains. It will therefore allow about one hundred and forty thousand vehicles and two hundred trains to use the bridge in a day. However there has been a debate of whether the bridge will stand earthquakes and also about its impacts to the environment. The project is still on construction and it has been designed to complete by 2012. The context of the project The historical context of the Str ait of Messina Bridge has been covered with several events. In 1969, different concepts of the bridge construction were offered for competition and among them was the cable-stayed design which later brought the issue of this project. Around 1979, a committee was set up and came up with a study for the crossing bridge as suggested by Lane (2010). Five years later a company by the name Stretto di Messina was established which came up with three ways to construct the bridge. The different ways were, one the suspension bridge, second the floating tunnel and finally the bored tunnel. Evidence was gathered from different experts who dismissed the ideas of the tunnel and advocated for the suspension bridge. The decision on the construction of the bridge raised a lot politically heated debates in Italy. Those supporting the decision argued that it created employment and boosted tourism. Those against it argued that it was unnecessary and the government would first focus on the roads more ef ficient. Some geological concerns were about the history of earthquakes in area would be a challenge to the project. Seismic-tectonic and wind conditions context has also been focused on. The ability of the bridge to overcome seismic effects and wind has been an issue of concern. The bridge once completed will be open fulltime without any traffic interruption due to strong winds. It will use special wind protection barriers capable of maintaining normal traffic movement even in the case of strong wind. The bridge has aerodynamic properties that give it the ability to withstand wind of any speed. In as far as seismic activities are concerned; the bridge has a natural insulation. This natural insulation makes the bridge insensitive to earthquakes. The structure is insulated against physical possibilities such as vibration. According to Simonis (2010), the Messina Bridge is designed to overcome an extreme earthquake which has a magnitude of about 7.1 being focused at about fifteen kilo meters from the site of the bridge. The environmental aspects of the Messina Bridge have caused resentment on the local people and a lot of protest. These aspects include the constructionââ¬â¢s impact on the local wildlife and the traditional and poor structure of the region. Some measures have been taken to reduce the environmental impact of the project activities. These include using the tunnelââ¬â¢
Monday, October 7, 2019
Myth into Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Myth into Film - Essay Example This paper will comprehensively explore the similarities and difference between the two and my deduction of what each author is trying to bring out in their story. Despite Euripides Medea and Dassinââ¬â¢s A Dream of Passionââ¬â¢s different settings, they have some similarities. Both Medea and A Dream of Passion, follow the tales of women who are forced by circumstances to kill their children, born and unborn, to satisfy their interests. The two stories exhibit high emotions of love, passion and vengeance. In Euripidesââ¬â¢ play, Medea, the protagonist Medea is so much in love with her husband Jason. She feels extremely betrayed by her husband when she learns of his unfaithfulness and plans to marry Creons daughter. She cannot bear her husbandââ¬â¢s betrayal and feels a great desire to carry out revenge on him. Creon, on the other hand, anticipates Medea to retaliate. To protect his daughter from Medeaââ¬â¢s wrath; he decides to send Medea into exile. Eventually, Medea succeeds in killing Glauce, Creon and her three children. She inflicts unimaginable pain on her husband not only by the killings, but also by her decision to escap e to Athens with the corpses of her children. Jasonââ¬â¢s betrayal of her love leads her to commit such heinous crimes. Like in Medea, A Dream of Passion presents a similar scenario. Maya goes through the same situation as Medea but in a different context. In A Dream of Passion, The character, Brenda represents the real Medea, and she killed her three children to carry out revenge on her husband. However, Mayaââ¬â¢s similarities to Medea are brought out through her interactions with Brenda. Like Brenda killed her children, Maya carried out an abortion. Thus they are both equal in that they killed despite the motive behind their killings. Brenda killed for vengeance while Maya killed to be a star, to be a celebrity, prosperous and independent.
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Health Effect of Antibacterial Products Coursework
Health Effect of Antibacterial Products - Coursework Example From this discussion it is clear that the utilization of antibacterial and antibiotic products has its advantages. For instance, a prolonged use of antibacterial products can lead to a number of issues. As implied earlier, prolonged use of such products may interfere with the natural body flora. There exist some microorganisms that naturally inhabit our bodies in large numbers. However, prolonged use of antibacterial and antibiotic products tempers with their optimal levels and at times wipe them out. Such a situation leaves the host (human) susceptible to infections due to suppressed immunity system. Worse still, diminished microbiome levels cause the immunity to attack harmless substances. As a result, allergies and autoimmune disorders such as arthritis and asthma set in.This paper discusses that gut flora impacts health in many ways. Studies have shown a correlation between the gut flora and weight. Obese people have relatively less gut flora. Also, when ââ¬Å"goodâ⬠bacter ia feed on some foods such as beef and eggs, they produce a compound that boosts the risk of heart diseases. Such knowledge forms the basis of advising people to reduce high cholesterol food intakes. Furthermore, the interaction between body cells and gut bacteria plays a significant role in the development of a fully functional immune system.à Surely, the utilization of antibacterial products serves the purpose in the short-run.Ã
Saturday, October 5, 2019
New Product on the Market Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
New Product on the Market - Research Paper Example To come up with a new product, a company may consider optimizing the things their customers need and the various other resources they have, which can facilitate production without making losses. To succeed in the different areas of the business, the companies a company need to carry out a proper market research that will lead them to understand the customers to whom they intend to supply the new product. This process of production and presenting new products to a market needs to be planned so that each step can help raise the number of customers who show interest in them and buy them at any time in their lifetime (Wesley and Barczak 23). In producing a new product in the market, a company needs to implement a strategic plan that will put into consideration all the needs of the customers and weigh them against the potential of the company and the goals they have to develop a product that is preferred by customers. Through strategic planning, a company produces the products that fall w ithin the goals it has for the market and which attracts potential buyers, to whom it intend to sell its products. Strategic planning in a company aligns itself with its mission statement, which implies all things that company targets to achieve in their delivery of the services to customers. These goals of a company do not focus on their customers but it speaks of what the company is able to accomplish to any person in the society regardless of the choice they make concerning their products (Brooke and Mills 34). In producing some products, a company needs to have a consideration of the different interests that arise from the different social classification of the customers. The social classification characterizes the different things that different people do in the society as well as their behavior of buying different commodities in the market. For this reason, a company will be in a position to determine the different the sizes of the product they intend to produce so that they c an preserve the prestige of the people in specific social class. In this respect, social classes determines the quality, quantity and the variety of a product that should be presented to the market at any time as well as the population of the potential customers (Annacchino 127). This ensures that the company will implement a marketing strategy that will not only help customers to know the product but also the one that will conform to their needs and interests. Marketing can be done through different media so long as they ensure that all the intended people get the information they need to provoke their choices to buy a product a company has produced. In the current market, some of the most popular methods of communication and advertising in the social media network where different people can supply information that can reach many people within a short time. In communicating to different customers, a company aims to provide promotional sales that could be necessary to ensure that ma ny people are able to change their motives concerning what they need to purchase to meet their needs. Marketing offers sales promotion, which are the incentives that manipulate the different beliefs of customers and ensure that they purchase the products. The information that a company supplies to its clients to ensure that they change their perception about the quality of the new product it
Friday, October 4, 2019
Undecided Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Undecided - Essay Example Evidently, strong linkages can be observed between four of the much idolized political documents where the idea of the previous show a certain degree of influence on the current political doctrines being followed. These four documents involve, Barack Obamaââ¬â¢s Second Inaugural, Robert Kaplanââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Was Democracy Just a Moment?â⬠, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and Franklin Delano Rooseveltââ¬â¢s Third Inaugural, commonly referred as ââ¬Å"The Four Freedomsâ⬠. THESIS STATEMENT In this thesis, similarities between the ideas presented in the above mentioned four political documents will be discussed. Similarities in this context will signify the influence of previously executed political ideas on the new thoughts developed, which in turn would imply the above stated notion that historic events, even in the doctrine of politics, tend to be interlinked through their unique ideologies. To be precise, the discussion henceforth will emphasize as sessing the ways one political event influenced the following political ideas and thus, contributed to national well-being in different eras and different situations. DISCUSSION The ââ¬Å"Second Inauguralâ⬠of 44th US President Mr. Barack Obama took place in the year 2013. The political ideology expressed by the President in his Second Inaugural emphasized on his belief and the historic significance of democracy for America. He thus implies that as a President, possessing the power of the Constitution of the US, his main objective is to seek that the people of in America are bind together irrespective of color, religion and names as they have been for years. The thought here ignites a value of equality within the nation, which can be identified as based on the ideas developed over two centuries before stating that men are to be treated equally with equal rights, opportunities, liberty and happiness. Importance of these thoughts can be found exhibited throughout the political h istory of America (White House, ââ¬Å"Inaugural Address by President Barack Obamaâ⬠). For instance, dating back to 1941, when the 32nd US president, Mr. Franklin D. Roosevelt pronounced the four most vital freedoms that every American must receive in the nation, viz., ââ¬Ëfreedom of speechââ¬â¢(signifying the linguistic and cultural equality of the nation, ââ¬Ëfreedom of worshipââ¬â¢ (signifying the religious equality principle in the democracy), ââ¬Ëfreedom from wantââ¬â¢ (implying the principle of the nation to make basic life supporting amenities available to every American) and ââ¬Ëfreedom from fearââ¬â¢ (indicating the right of people to safety). Notably, in the 1941 period, America was undergoing substantial political changes where democracy was taking a much stronger and prominent importance against the tyranny suffered by many of the American communities even in the midst of the early and mid 20th century. Thus, by propounding these political id eas, the then US President aim to ignite a feel of equality within the nation, eradicate communalism differences and eventually, give a new direction to the countryââ¬â¢s development (AmericanRhetoric, ââ¬Å"The Four Freedomsâ⬠). . The President of the US, Barack Obama has also mentioned that with the ideologies of equality and democratic power within the country vowed from centuries. However, with gradual changes
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